bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally Stable, Semi-transparent Superhydrophobic Nanocomposites with Excellent Mechanical Strengths
Authors: Lim Ho Sun , Park Yeon Hee , Kim Hyo Jin , Shin Gyo Jic , Choi Kyung Ho , Yang Hoichang
Published: December 2022

With the development of smart electronic devices, the importance of surface-protective coatings is rapidly increasing. Superhydrophobic nanocomposite materials are promising protective coatings that exhibit potential for anti-wetting, self-cleaning, and antibacterial applications. However, their poor mechanical durability makes their practical application difficult. Additionally, rough surface geometries induce incident light scattering, thereby reducing the transparency and limiting their optical applications. This study describes semi-transparent superhydrophobic nanocomposites coatings with improved mechanical strength and thermal stability obtained through simple spray coating. We mixed reactive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a binder with low surface free energy and high thermal resistance with fluorinated silica nanoparticles. PDMS polymers were functionalized to improve their hydrophobicity and adhesion properties through hydrosilylation with acrylate monomers. As a result, our superhydrophobic coatings had a high-water repellency of above 160° and transparency of approximately 60% at a wavelength of 550 nm. The coated surfaces exhibited an outstanding pencil hardness of 5H and sufficient clarity to identify objects through them. After heat treatment at 400°C, the hardness increased to 6H while maintaining superhydrophobicity. Additionally, various contaminants were easily removed with water spraying. Our semi-transparent superhydrophobic nanocomposite materials can be widely applied in hard coatings for mobile displays, solar cell panels, self-cleaning paint, and outdoor facilities.
Evaluation of the gut microbiota patterns in patients with COVID-19: a protocol for a pilot study
Authors: Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad Ehsan , Fazlollahi Asra , Pirsadeghi Ali , Khalili Ainaz , Rezaei Nima
Published: December 2022

Background
SARS-CoV-2 caused an outbreak in late December 2019. It has been suggested that the gut microbiota dysbiosis influences severity, mortality, and quality of life of patients with COVID-19. So, identifying the gut microbiota pattern could be helpful to determine prognosis of the disease, and maybe determine some potential treatment approaches. Our aim will be to compare gut microbiota patterns between patients with severe or non-severe COVID-19, and healthy controls.
Methods
We will include 40 samples: 20 samples from COVID-19 patients, including 10 severe patients and 10 non-severe patients, and 20 samples from healthy controls. Total bacterial DNA will be extracted from samples and 16S rRNA gene will be amplified through two PCR stages. Fecal samples will be analyzed using a targeted metabolomics technique, and a total of 198 compounds will be measured. The differences in each RNA or DNA expression between patients with severe COVID-19, patients with non-severe COVID-19, and controls will be compared. Also, we will assess the relationships between each DNA or RNA as well as the risk of COVID-19 severity, sort of clinical manifestations, and comorbidities
Discussion
The results of our study could be the backbone for further trials which might lead to development of prognostic factors and treatment options.
Orthostatic Proteinuria without Left Renal Vein Entrapment in an Old Obese Female：A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lin Liling , Zhang Kai , Yang Xiao , Lin Lu , Li Xuemei , Qiu Ling
Published: December 2022

Background
Left renal vein (LRV) entrapment, namely nutcracker syndrome (NCS), is one of the most common causes of orthostatic proteinuria. In stereotype, orthostatic proteinuria is often accompanied by left renal vein obstruction and found in young and underweight individuals. Here, we report a rare case with orthostatic proteinuria in an old obese female caused by a type of rare congenital inferior vena cava (IVC) interruption.
Case presentation
This paper reported a 65-year-old obese woman, who suffered from fluctuated proteinuria, had been misdiagnosed as chronic glomerulitis for 30 years. Instead of having any sign of NCS, she had a unique type of IVC interruption. Most venous blood from infrarenal IVC and right kidney drained into her LRV, and then through the expanded communicating vessel, drained into the left ascending lumbar vein which extended as hemizygous vein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of orthostatic proteinuria attributed to the subsequent hemodynamic irregularity caused by IVC interruption without LRV entrapment.
Conclusion
Adult-onset orthostatic proteinuria is relatively rare, hard to be recognized and could be misdiagnosed as chronic glomerulonephritis. The case provided a novel differential diagnostic condition for those who suffered from fluctuated proteinuria of unknown causes.
Influence of Microstructure on Tribological Behaviors of Al6061 Metal Matrix composite reinforced with Silicon Nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) micro particles
Authors: Arya Ranjeet Kumar , Kumar Rajan , Telang Amit
Published: December 2022

Dual step stir casting method was utilized to develop Al6061 composite reinforced with SiC (micron) and Si3N4 (submicron) particles in varying proportion and weight percentage. A homogeneous and uniform distribution of hybrid reinforcement without significant porosity was observed in the microstructure of the composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results manifest that Si3N4 and SiC particles are thermodynamically stable during the processing and no unwanted phases were detected. Elemental mapping was also performed for phase identification. With reference to the base alloy significant improvement was noticed in physical and tribological properties of hybrid composites. Maximum rise in hardness was 54.64%. Abrasive wear test results from pin on disc reveals that wear resistance get enhanced for all composition and load is found to be most dominating factor affecting wear behavior.
RCAN family member 3 deficiency contributes to noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium
Authors: Hu Ting , Liu Lan , Wang He , Yang Mei , Xu Bocheng , Lin Ziyuan , Jing Xiaolei , Wang Ping , Liu Yanyan , Sun Huaqin , Liu Shanling
Published: December 2022

Noncompaction of the ventricular myocaridium (NVM), as the third most commonly diagnosed cardiomyopathy, is characterized with highly variable clinical manifestations. Due to high heterogeneity, the genetic etiology of 40–60% NVM cases remains unknown. Here, we reported two infants of NVM in a non-consanguineous family with typically clinical presentation of persistent bradycardia since prenatal period. A homozygous missense mutation (R223L) of RCAN family member 3 (RCAN3) was detected in both infants by whole-exome sequencing. In the zebrafish model with rcan3 deficiency (MO-rcan3ATG-injected embryos), a marked lower heart rate without significant cardiac looping defects was detected in MO-rcan3ATG-injected embryos, which was similar to the NVM patients. Developmental dysplasia of both endocardial and myocardial layers were detected in zebrafish embryos with rcan3 deficiency. RCAN3 R223L variant mRNAs were unable to rescue heart defects caused by rcan3 knockdown. In rcan3-knockdown zebrafish model, several genes involved in cardiomyopathies were shown to be significantly regulated through multiple signaling pathways. This is the first report of RCAN3-related NVM in human. We suggest that RCAN3 as a novel susceptibility gene of cardiomyopathies, especially in NVM, while R223L variant was a potential loss-of-function variant.
High quality long-read genomes produced from single MinION flow cells clarify polyploid and demographic histories of critically endangered ash species (Fraxinus: Oleaceae)
Authors: Fleck Steven , Tomlin Crystal , Coelho Flavio da Silva , Richter Michaela , Danielsen Erik , Backenstose Nathan , Krabbenhoft Trevor , Lindqvist Charlotte , Albert Victor
Published: December 2022

With populations of threatened and endangered plants and animals declining worldwide, it is important that high quality genomic records of these species are preserved before they are lost forever. Here, we demonstrate that data from single Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION flow cells can, even in the absence of highly accurate short DNA-read polishing, produce high quality de novoplant genome assemblies that are adequate for downstream analyses, such as synteny and ploidy evaluations, paleodemographic analyses, and phylogenomics. This study focuses on three North American ash tree species in the genus Fraxinus(Oleaceae) that were recently added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Fraxinus americana (white ash), F. nigra (black ash), and F. pennsylvanica (green ash). These three species have become critically endangered primarily due to destructive herbivory by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis), a buprestid beetle pest recently introduced to North America from East Asia. Our draft genomes, which range from 776.3-851.9 megabases, have similar sequence accuracy as a recently published chromosome-level F. pennsylvanica assembly, with annotations that outperform that genome in terms of the number of complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCOs) identified. Our results support a whole genome triplication at the base of the Oleaceae as well as a subsequent whole genome duplication shared by Syringa, Osmanthus, Olea, and Fraxinus. Additionally, our results from ONT long reads alone suggest that our F. nigra accession is more inbred compared with the F. americana and F. pennsylvanica individuals sequenced. In summary, our powerful downstream analyses enabled by single MinION flow cell genome assemblies suggest that Oxford Nanopore technology can provide a relatively fast and inexpensive approach to sequence the 5,232 critically endangered plant species currently on the IUCN Red-List.
Steering Control and Stability Analysis for an Autonomous Bicycle through Reduced Dynamics with Servo-Constraints
Authors: liu caishan , xiong Jiaming , Yu Ruihan
Published: December 2022

Stability of rider-controlled bicycles is related to the appropriate coupling between leaning and steering. Inspired by this driving experience, we propose a linear control law between steer and lean angles to balance motion of an unmanned bicycle. The selection of the control parameters is based on stability analysis for the controlled bicycle dynamics, in which the control law and the constant rear-wheel velocity ω0 serve as servo-constraints imposed to the bicycle system. To facilitate the stability analysis of the controlled motion, we use tools from geometric mechanics to reduce the bicycle's dynamics, leading to a two-dimensional dynamic system. We thereafter study its relative equilibria and related stability. Theoretical results show that there is a critical value of ωc, above which the bicycle can move in a stable uniform straight forward motion, and below which a pair of relative equilibria related to stable uniform circular motion exist. The driving rule of steering toward a fall (STF) and counter-steering (CST) can also be explained theoretically. Finally, we fabricate a powered autonomous bicycle and propose an error correction algorithm to eliminate the drift error of the gyroscope sensor. Our experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. Generally, this paper presents the mathematical basis for designing the more advanced and intelligent autonomous bicycles, and may find potential applications in other vehicle systems.
Outcome of endodontic microsurgery using different calcium silicate-based retrograde filling materials: a cohort retrospective cone-beam computed tomographic analysis
Authors: Eskandar Rawan , Al-Habib Mey , Barayan Mohammed , Edrees Hadeel
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of endodontic microsurgery (EMS) using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA), EndoSequence root repair material (RRM putty; Brasseler, Savannah, GA), and injectable Bioceramic (BC) sealer (Brasseler USA) followed by the application of RRM putty (lid-technique) as root-end filling materials.

Methods

One hundred and ten patients with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, who underwent EMS in the period between 2016 and 2020 at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital, were recruited for clinical and radiographic follow-up. Radiographic assessment was performed using periapical radiographs (PAs) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Volumetric analysis of periapical radiolucencies (PARLs) was performed using Amira software.

Results

Seventy-nine patients (103 teeth) attended the follow-up visit, with an average follow-up period of 24 months (recall rate = 74.5%). All three groups of retrograde filling materials (MTA, RRM putty, and lid-technique) showed high success rates on both PA (85.7%, 85.4%, 94.1%, respectively) and CBCT imaging (67.9%, 75.6%, 88.2%, respectively), without any significant difference. Overall, a slight agreement was noted between the PA and CBCT outcomes, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.029). None of the patient-, tooth-, or treatment-related factors significantly influenced the outcomes of EMS. Adequate density of root canal filling material was significantly associated with a high percentage of completely healed cases on CBCT (P = 0.044). The volume of PARLs was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) during the follow-up period of 1–4 years.

Conclusions

EMS showed high success rates on both PA and CBCT when MTA, RRM putty or lid-technique were used as retrograde filling materials. CBCT imaging is more precise in detecting the healing outcome of EMS compared with PA.
A model to analyze human and organizational factors contributing to pandemic risk assessment in manufacturing industries: FBN-HFACS Modelling
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Amirhossein , Laal Fereydoon , Zarei Esmaeil , Dalakeh Fatemeh , Safarpour Hamid , Madvari Rohollah Fallah
Published: December 2022

This study presents a holistic model based on Fuzzy Bayesian
Network-Human Factor Analysis and System Classification (FBN-HFACS)
to analyze contributing factors in the pandemic, Covid 19, risk
management under uncertainty. The model contains three main phases
include employing a) HFACS to systematically identify influencing
factors based on validation using content validity indicators, b)
Fuzzy Set Theory to obtain the prior probability distribution of
contributing factors in pandemic risk and address the epistemic
uncertainty and subjectivity, and finally, c) Bayesian network to
develop causality model of the risk, probabilistic inferences and
handle parameter and model uncertainties. The Ratio of Variation
(RoV), as BN-driven importance measures, is utilized to conduct
sensitivity analysis and explore the most critical factors that
yield effective safety countermeasures. The model is tested to
investigate four large manufacturing industries in South Khorasan
(Iran). It provided a deep understanding of influencing human and
organizational factors and captured dependencies among those
factors, while quantitative finding paves a way to efficiently make
risk-based decisions to deal with the pandemic risks under
uncertainty.
Spin Aharonov-Bohm Effect
Authors: Chen Jing-Ling , Fan Xing-Yan , Xie Xiang-Ru
Published: December 2022

The Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect is an important discovery in quantum theory and electrodynamics. It serves as a surprising quantum phenomenon in which an electrically charged particle can be affected by an electromagnetic potential, despite being confined to a region in which both the magnetic field and electric field are zero. This fact gives the electromagnetic potentials greater significance in quantum physics than in classical physics. Actually the original AB effect belongs to an ``electromagnetism-type". A certain type of vector potential is crucial for building the corresponding type of AB effect. In this work, we focus on the ``spin-type" AB effect. First, we derive the spin vector potential by considering a particle with a spin operator. Second, based on the spin vector potential we propose the spin AB effect, which is a gedanken double-slit interference experiment and is possible to observed in the lab. Third, we discuss the connections between the spin vector potential and some important spin interactions and predict a new type of spin-orbital interaction. Our result advances the study of the potential theory and opens a new avenue of the spin AB effect.
An unusual case of nickel induced gingival enlargement and literature review: rare or ignored ?
Authors: Fernandes Gabriela , Nagar Saurabh R. , Pandey Nishant L. , Rajpari Kamil N.
Published: December 2022

Background: Gingival enlargement is defined as an abnormal overgrowth of gingival tissues. A case of a 34–year–old female presenting with maxillary chronic inflammatory gingival enlargement associated with a nickel wire allergy is reported here. Replacement of the wire, good oral hygiene therapy and surgical therapy was carried out to provide a good aesthetic outcome. Histopathological evaluation was done of the excised specimen. There is only one similar case reported in literature to the best of our knowledge and ours is the second case.
Result: A Histopathological diagnosis of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia was established. No recurrence was reported at the end of 1 year.
Conclusion: The patient should be made aware of the allergy at the initial visit and oral hygiene instructions should be reinforced at every visit. The significance of patient compliance during and following therapy as an important factor in the success of treatment.
Dexmedetomidine is a safe and useful palliative sedative for refractory dyspnoea in patients with terminal-stage cancer
Authors: Li Na , Wang Yu-Mei , Cui Meng
Published: December 2022

Background: Dyspnoea affects a considerable percentage of patients with terminal-stage cancer, and clinical guidelines recommend palliative sedation for patients with refractory dyspnoea, which cannot be alleviated with current therapies. Midazolam is currently the most commonly used sedative; however, it can cause serious adverse reactions, such as respiratory/circulatory depression. Hence, there is a need to discover an alternative sedative. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has an “awake sedation” effect and is a promising alternative for palliative sedation; however, little is known regarding its use in patients with end-stage dyspnoea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the safety and usefulness of DEX for palliative sedation of patients with refractory dyspnoea, especially focusing on those with terminal-stage cancer.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients with terminal-stage cancer who received DEX for palliative sedation owing to refractory dyspnoea in the hospice ward from January 2018 to October 2022. We analysed their general data, dyspnoea conditions, sedation details, sedative treatment effect, dyspnoea relief, and changes in vital signs before and after sedation, via paired t-tests.
Results: We included 17 patients with terminal-stage cancer who received DEX palliative sedation at a dose of 0.2-0.9 µg/kg·h for refractory dyspnoea, among whom 6 (35%) received a loading dose of 1 µg/kg in 10 min. After 1 h of sedation and at the maximum sedation dose, the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores decreased significantly compared with those before sedation (all P<0.001), as did the respiratory rate (P=0.024 and P=0.008, respectively). The heart rate and blood oxygen saturation did not significantly change after 1 h of sedation or at the maximum sedation dose, whereas the systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 1 h of sedation were significantly lower than those before sedation (both P=0.015); however, these findings were not observed at the maximum sedation dose.
Conclusions: According to these results, DEX is a promising palliative sedative for patients with terminal-stage cancer, as it safely and permanently relieved the symptoms of refractory dyspnoea without inducing serious adverse reactions, such as respiratory depression. Therefore, DEX may greatly enhance the quality of life for patients with terminal-stage cancer.
An accessible deep learning tool for voxel-wise classification of brain malignancies from perfusion MRI
Authors: Garcia-Ruiz Alonso , Pons-Escoda Albert , Grussu Francesco , Naval-Baudin Pablo , Monreal-Aguero Camilo , Hermann Gretchen , Karunamuni Roshan , Ligero Marta , Lopez-Rueda Antonio , Oleaga Laura , Berbis Alvaro , Martin-Noguerol Teodoro , Luna-Alcala Antonio , Seiber Tyler , Majos Carlos , Perez-Lopez Raquel
Published: December 2022

Non-invasive differential diagnosis of brain tumours is currently based on the assessment of tumour vascularity through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC). However, given its limited accuracy, reaching a definitive diagnosis often requires complex neurosurgical interventions that compromise the patients’ quality of life. We applied deep learning on DSC images from histology-confirmed patients with glioblastoma, metastasis or lymphoma, the three most common brain malignancies. The convolutional neural network trained on ~ 50,000 voxels from 40 patients provided intra-tumour probability maps that yielded clinical-grade diagnosis. Performance was tested in 400 additional cases and an external validation cohort (n = 128). The tool reached a three-way accuracy of 0.78, superior to standard diagnosis with cerebral blood volume (0.55) and percentage of signal recovery (0.59) perfusion metrics. Our open-access software, Brain Enhancing Region Radiological analysis (BERRY), demonstrates the potential of voxel-wise probability maps for differential diagnosis of brain tumours using standard-of-care MRI.
RETRACTED: Physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing face masks -Systematic review with meta-analysis and comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Kisielinski Kai , Hirsch Oliver , Wagner Susanne , Wojtasik Barbara , Funken Stefan , Klosterhalfen Bernd , Manna Soumen Kanti , Prescher Andreas , Sukul Pritam , Sönnichsen Andreas
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Arithmeticity of $\mathbb{C}$-Fuchsian subgroups of some non-arithmetic lattices
Authors: Jiang Yueping , Wang Jieyan , Yang Fang
Published: December 2022

We study the arithmeticity of C-Fuchsian subgroups of some non-arithmeticlattices constructed by Deraux, Parker and Paupert. Our results give an answer to thequestion raised by Wells in his doctoral thesis.
Performance optimization of interleaved boost converter with water cycle optimized PO algorithm-based MPPT for the applications of solar powered E-vehicles
Authors: Krishnaram K. , Padmanabhan T. Suresh
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Sharing Price Announcements
Authors: Janssen Maarten , Karamychev Vladimir A.
Published: December 2022

We present a simple model where before competing in prices, firms announce which prices they intend to choose. Deviating from these announcements involves a cost. We show that sharing pricing intentions results in prices being set above their competitive levels. In particular, all equilibria result in prices that are higher than in the absence of announcements. When the deviation cost of not sticking to the price announcement is high the unique equilibrium market outcome is asymmetric as with price leadership. When this cost is low, a symmetric equilibrium exists with even higher prices. Product differentiation is a key ingredient to these results.
JEL Classification: D440, L960
An Intelligent Compaction Analyser: A versatile platform for real-time recording, monitoring and analysing of road material compaction
Authors: Ranasinghe Rajitha , Sounthararajah Arooran , Kodikara Jayantha
Published: December 2022

This study aims to develop an innovative retrofittable platform with cutting-edge hardware and software tools to advance the current state of intelligent compaction technology. We built a prototype of this platform from the ground up, hereafter referred to as the Intelligent Compaction Analyser (ICA) platform. This platform is designed to provide the following novel features: [i] simultaneous visualisation of multiple intelligent compaction measurement values (ICMVs) in real-time during compaction; [ii] versatility to retrofit to an existing conventional roller; [iii] ability to incorporate corrections for different ICMV parameters reflecting variable field conditions; [iv] customization of construction specifications as needed for performance-based compaction; [v] ability to record key roller parameters such as speed, vibration frequency and amplitude for further analysis; and (vi) capability to monitor the raw vibration signal pattern and its frequency spectrum. In this paper, we provide the basic design concepts of this platform, outline its functionalities and capabilities, and provide initial field validation results. The results show that the ICA platform is effective in calculating conventional acceleration amplitude-based ICMVs and stiffness-based parameters, and in displaying the spatial distributions of these parameters in a colour-coded map in real-time during compaction.
DENTAL PARTONOMY IN ARABIC SPOKEN IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors:   Dept. of Dentistry, Govt. Medical College and Hospital Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India., Yunis Saleem Bhat Mohammad , Hussain Wani Neelofar ,   Dept. of English, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Published: December 2022

Semantic relations play an important role in every language and it resolves the ambiguity of a polysemous word. Partonomy relations are important in many domains, but typically receive less attention than subsumption relation. This paper is an attempt to present a completepicture, as much as possible, of dental partonomy in Arabic by adopting the applicable model that best explains its nature. This is the first attempt where dentistry of Arabic brings its relationship with linguistics. Till this date semantic relations have not been used in the base line of dentistry. This paper investigates the role of partonomy in dental terminology spoken in Saudi Arabia and it attempts to analyze the nature of partonomy and its properties in Arabic.
Factors increasing entrepreneurs’ loss concerns and role of startup accelerators in loss protection
Authors: Sundaram Ranjany , Shetty Snehal , Palakkeel Prashobhan
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that increase loss concerns among entrepreneurs and the underlying mechanism for loss protection. An e-mail-based survey among 335 entrepreneurs from India is employed in this paper. Using a quantitative methodology and PLS-SEM approach, the study analyzed the relationship between loss concerns and loss protection behavior and the mediating role of startup accelerator programs. Thus, human capital increases loss concerns. Participating in the startup accelerator program is the underlying mechanism to carry out protection behavior when entrepreneurs deem their venture at risk of losing money. The theoretical model explicates 70% of variances in loss concerns and 42% of variances in protection behavior. Every one-unit increase in human capital and uncertainty increases the loss concern by 28% and 10%, respectively. Participating in the startup accelerator program increases the loss protection behavior of entrepreneurs by 36%. Perceived severity increases loss protection behavior by 17%. The present study extends the protection motivation theory in the entrepreneurship literature and provides evidence that startup accelerators influence entrepreneurs in increasing loss protection mechanisms in an emerging economy.
AcknowledgmentThe authors appreciate the assistance provided by Arun Thottath in reaching out to survey participants.
Non-LGE Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Rempakos Athanasios , Papamichail Adamantia , Loritis Konstantinos , Androulakis Emmanouil , Lama Nikki , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: December 2022

Cardiac involvement is the leading cause of death in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. Early recognition
is crucial as it can significantly change the course of the disease. Until now, the imaging modality of
choice for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis has been cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with late gadolinium
enhancement (LGE). LGE-CMR in patients with cardiac amyloidosis reveals characteristic LGE patterns
that lead to a diagnosis while also correlating well with disease prognosis. However, LGE-CMR has numerous
drawbacks that the newer CMR modality, T1 mapping, aims to improve. T1 mapping can be further
subdivided into native T1 mapping, which does not require the use of contrast, and ECV measurement, which
requires the use of contrast. Numerous T1 mapping techniques have been developed, each one with its own advantages
and disadvantages when it comes to procedure difficulty and image quality. A literature review to identify
relevant published articles was performed by two authors. This review aimed to present the value of T1
mapping in diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis, quantifying the amyloid burden, and evaluating the prognosis of patients
with amyloidosis with cardiac involvement.
Hedychium coronariumJ. Koenig: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Future Aspects
Authors: Arya Sushila , Kumar Ravendra , Prakash Om , Rawat Avneesh , Mahawer Sonu Kumar , Rawat Dharmendra Singh , de Oliveira Mozaniel
Published: December 2022

Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, generally known as butterfly ginger, butterfly lily, cinnamon jasmine, garland flower and ginger lily. It is a medicinal plant grown throughout India, Southeast Asian countries, China, Japan, and Brazil. Traditionally, it is used as a febrifuge, tonic, anti-rheumatic, used to treat asthma, headache, arthritis, bronchitis, blood diseases, eye diseases, gastric diseases, and many other diseases. H. coronarium contains important secondary metabolites such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, oxides, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, labdane diterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Limonene, myrcene, p-cymene, camphene, γ-terpinene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, α-pinene, and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol have been identified as the main constituents of volatile oils of H. coronarium along with the key elements like trans-meta-mentha-2, 8-diene, linalool, α-terpineol, terpin-4-ol, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, and camphene. Phytochemical studies on various solvent extracts of H. coronarium revealed that the plant holds the diterpenes- coronarin-A-I, isocoronarin-D, pacovatin A; sesquiterpene- (+)-nerolidol, hedychiol A, hedychiol B 8,9-diacetate; sterols- daucosterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and flavonoid- 5-hydroxy-3,7,4’-trimethoxyflavon, chrysin. Coronarin D, a bioactive compound, is reported for anti-cancer activities of H. coronarium. Diterpenes isolated from H. coronarium extracts and essential have been reported as antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, antihelmintic, mosquitocidal, larvicidal, antilithiatic, chemopreventive, antiophidian, insecticide, antifungal, allelopathic, and antimicrobial agent. Based on the literature, the essential oils, extracts and isolated active compounds of H. coronarium could be used to develop as flavor and fragrance agents, food preservatives, botanical pesticide, neutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This review paper aims to go over traditional uses, phytochemical analysis, pharmacological activities, scientific techniques for variety development, conservation, and proper utilization and identify future opportunities for H. coronarium.
Recent Progress of Calcium-Based Catalysts in Organic Transformations
Authors: Bariya Dipakkumar , Halpani Chandni , Mishra Satyendra
Published: December 2022

This article aims to draw the attention of the scientific community toward the use of calcium-based reagents in various organic transformations. These complexes are capable of activation and nucleophilic addition of olefins, carbonyls, nitro groups of catalysts, epoxides, methyl aromatics and alcohols. These complexes are capable of activating different functional groups for nucleophilic addition to alkene, carbonyl, nitro, epoxide, methylarene and alcohol groups. Calcium-based catalysts have broad tolerance to substrates, reaction pathways, and appear to be sustainable alternatives to transition metals, rare earth metals, for a variety of organic transformations. The scope of this review is limited to catalytic alterations mediated by calcium complexes. This is the first broad review article that covers all aspects of calcium-mediated reactions up to the year 2022.
Triazole: A New Perspective in Medicinal Chemistry and Material Science
Authors: Bezerra Morais Pedro Alves , Javarini Clara Lirian , Valim Thays Cardoso , Francisco Carla Santana , de Freitas  Ferreira Lara Chaves , Trancoso  Bottocim Ramon Ramires , Neto Álvaro Cunha , Júnior Valdemar Lacerda
Published: December 2022

Triazole, which can exist in two isomeric forms: 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazole, is considered to be a privileged scaffold with recognized biological and pharmaceutical potential. Furthermore, due to their physicochemical properties, the applications of triazoles have been explored in fields ranging from medicinal chemistry to materials science. Triazoles have not only drawn the attention of the scientific community for all the aforementioned properties but also due to their ability to be incorporated into other bioactive and functional molecules. The connection between two pharmacophores makes it possible to potentiate specific biological activities or add different properties. Interest in the compatibility of the triazole nucleus with peptide structures is highlighted in the development of new therapeutic targets. In epigenetics, triazole is linked to various compounds that are used in the creation of new drugs that could potentially inhibit histone-modifying enzymes. Other new and potentially more effective materials that can take advantage of a triazole moiety include light-emitting diodes and solar cells, among others. Hence, we propose a novel approach to the promising applications of triazolic ring, a compound that has been gaining prominence in organic chemistry due to its applicability to many different fields.
Covalent CES2 Inhibitors Protect against Reduced Formation of Intestinal Organoids by the Anticancer Drug Irinotecan
Authors: Eades William , Liu William , Shen Yue , Shi Zhanquan , Yan Bingfang
Published: December 2022

Background:

Irinotecan is widely used to treat various types of solid and metastatic cancer. It is an ester prodrug and its hydrolytic metabolite (SN-38) exerts potent anticancer activity. Irinotecan is hydrolyzed primarily by carboxylesterase-2 (CES2), a hydrolase abundantly present in the intestine such as the duodenum. We have identified several potent and covalent CES2 inhibitors such as remdesivir and sofosbuvir. Remdesivir is the first small molecule drug approved for COVID-19, whereas sofosbuvir is a paradigm-shift medicine for hepatitis C viral infection. Irinotecan is generally well-tolerated but associated with severe/life-threatening diarrhea due to intestinal accumulation of SN-38.

Objective:

This study was to test the hypothesis that remdesivir and sofosbuvir protect against irinotecan-induced epithelial injury associated with gastrointestinal toxicity.

Methods:

To test this hypothesis, formation of organoids derived from mouse duodenal crypts, a robust cellular model for intestinal regeneration, was induced in the presence or absence of irinotecan +/- pretreatment with a CES2 drug inhibitor.

Results:

Irinotecan profoundly inhibited the formation of intestinal organoids and the magnitude of the inhibition was greater with female crypts than their male counterparts. Consistently, crypts from female mice had significantly higher hydrolytic activity toward irinotecan. Critically, remdesivir and sofosbuvir both reduced irinotecan hydrolysis and reversed irinotecan-reduced formation of organoids. Human duodenal samples robustly hydrolyzed irinotecan, stable CES2 transfection induced cytotoxicity and the cytotoxicity was reduced by CES2 drug inhibitor.

Conclusion:

These findings establish a therapeutic rationale to reduce irinotecan-gastrointestinal injury and serve as a cellular foundation to develop oral formulations of irinotecan with high safety.
Intra-articular Treatment with Triamcinolone Hexacetonide Associated with Gold Nanoparticles Reduces Cartilage Degeneration in an Animal Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock , dos Santos Haupenthal Daniela Pacheco , Resmini Marcus Barg , Da Silva Leandro Almeida , Colares Mateus Cardoso , de Roch Casagrande Laura , Milanez Venturini Ligia , de Andrade Thiago Antônio Moretti , do Bomfim Fernando Russo Costa , Thirupathi Anand , Emilio Feuser Paulo , Dal Pizzol Felipe
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

The association between triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) and gold nano-particles (GNPs) represents a promising treatment due to the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of these compounds. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intra-articular treat-ment of TH associated with GNPs in a mechanical model of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

Fifty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Sham; OA; OA+TH; OA+GNPs; OA+TH-GNPs. Both applications were performed 30 and 60 days after the model was induced. Af-ter 30 days of the last application, the animals were euthanized.

Results:

Only the combined treatment with TH and GNPs promoted a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. The OA+TH-GNPs group obtained a significant reduction in the production of oxidants and oxidative damage markers while an increase in antioxidants. Histologically, all treated groups showed results of a significant increase in cartilage thickness and chondrocyte count, the OA+TH-GNPs group had similar behavior to the group without osteoarthritis, with significantly smaller amounts of chondrocytes than the OA group.

Conclusion:

The intra-articular use of TH associated with GNPs may be able to prevent the pro-gression of the pathology and minimize joint degradation.
A Review on Recent Development of Novel Heterocycles as Acetylcholinesterase
Inhibitor for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Patel Ashish , Shah Drashti , Patel Yug , Patel Stuti , Mehta Meshwa , Bambharoliya Tushar
Published: December 2022

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), affecting a large population worldwide, is characterized by the old population's loss of memory and learning ability. Cholinergic deficiency is associated with AD, and various cholinesterase inhibitors have been developed to treat AD, including naturally-derived inhibitors, synthetic analogs, and hybrids. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has obtained a re-newed interest as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to increased neural cells' function by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine. In this review, we reported the recent de-velopment of novel heterocyclic compounds such as coumarin-benzotriazole hybrids, carbazole de-rivatives, tacrine conjugates, N-benzyl-piperidine-aryl-acyl hydrazones hybrid, spiropyrazoline de-rivatives, coumarin-dithiocarbamate hybrids, etc., as AChE inhibitors for the treatment of Alz-heimer disease. All the bioactive compounds show an effect on different cells and interact simulta-neously with the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE with a nar-row range of IC50 values from 0.4 nm to 88.21 μm using Ellman’s in vitro AChE assay method and show high BBB permeability in vitro. In addition, the in vitro fluorescence assay study using Am-plex Red assay kits revealed that all the compounds could inhibit self-induced β-amyloid (Aβ) ag-gregation with the highest inhibition range from 31.4 to 82%. Furthermore, most of the compounds show a low toxicity profile during in vivo studies. The results suggest that all the compounds consti-tute promising leads for the AChE targeted approach for Alzheimer’s disease.
A Review on Herbal Drugs Used in the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Roy Anup Jyoti , Maut Chinmoy , Gogoi Hemanta Kumar , Ahmed Syed Isfaqul , Kashyap Ankita
Published: December 2022

Background:

An ulcer is a condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or erosion in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum. Hence, peptic ulcer is the ulcer of both the stomach and the duodenum. 10% of the world’s population is affected by chronic peptic ulcers. The formation of peptic ulcers depends on gastric juice pH and the decrease in mucosal defenses. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are the two significant factors disrupting mucosal resistance to injury. Indian herbal plants are exceptional for their ethnic, ethnobotanical, and ethno-pharmaceutical use. In this review, attempts have been made to gain information regarding some plants that may be used to treat or prevent peptic ulcers. The ultimate goal of peptic ulcer disease treatment is to reduce pain, cure ulcers, and prevent recurrence.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about several common medicinal plants employed in Ayurveda or contemporary science for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers and some natural and simple approaches to cure ulcers using readily available herbs.

Methods:

The literature search was carried out using search engines, like Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Springer, etc.

Results:

The extensive literature search showed natural herbs to have potential anti-ulcer activity, including cabbage, bananas, liquorice, fenugreek, garlic, Terminalia chebula, Acacia arabica, Aegle marmelos, Aloe vera, Allium sativum, Plantago ispagula, Mimosa pudica, Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica, and Galega purpurea.

Conclusion:

This study concluded several medicinal plants to effectively prevent or cure peptic ulcers caused by a variety of factors, including H. pylori, aspirin, indomethacin, alcohol, and others.
Focal Lipogranuloma Inflammation: A Case Report of the Lung Origin
Authors: Ding Xing , Zhang Jing , Chen Fen , Zhou Changning , Chen Yang , Chen Kuntao
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Limited experience exists regarding the clinical features of focal lipogranuloma
inflammation of the lung, and there are no supporting guidelines for the diagnostic approach.

Case Description:

We present the case of a 20-year-old man who was found to have a pulmonary nodule
with a smooth margin during a health examination. He underwent wedge resection of the left lower
lung to achieve a tissue diagnosis; this showed focal lipogranuloma inflammation of the lung.

Conclusion:

In this report, we combined imaging and pathological findings to reach the diagnosis,
with a view to assisting clinicians in navigating this challenging clinical situation.
Evaluation of Gold Nanoparticles on the Expression of NorA and NorB
Efflux Pumps in Ciprofloxacin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated
from Burn Patients
Authors: Zolfaghari Mohammad Reza , Soleimani Mohammad Hossein , Shakib Pegah , Javadi Ali
Published: December 2022

Background:

In the development of multidrug resistance, efflux pumps effectively pump
drug compounds out of cells, which results in reduced membrane permeability to drug compounds.
This study evaluated the effect of gold nanoparticles on the inhibition of norA and norB efflux pumps
in ciprofloxacin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from burn patients in Qom province, Iran.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, S. aureus strains were isolated from burn patients in Qom hospital,
Iran. After gold nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical reduction and characterized by
spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS),
ciprofloxacin resistance of S. aureus was screened by the disc diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory
Concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin (CCCP), ciprofloxacin + gold nanoparticles (CCCP + gold
nanoparticles), and ciprofloxacin + CCCP was determined. Moreover, norA and norB genes were
evaluated by PCR using special primers. Real-time PCR was then performed for norA and norB genes.

Results:

Of 88 S. aureus strains tested, 50 (56.81%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. From the 50
ciprofloxacin-resistant S. aureus strains, 12 isolates had active pumps. Real-time PCR of 12 ciprofloxacin-
resistant S. aureus and S. aureus ATCC 25923 before and after exposure to ciprofloxacin, gold
nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles with sub-MIC ciprofloxacin revealed significant differences in
expression of norA and norB genes before exposure to the treatments compared to after exposure (p
<0.05).

Conclusion:

Gold nanoparticles with ciprofloxacin could be used to prevent the expression of pump
genes involved in resistance to fluoroquinolone compounds.
Alkaloids Extract from Linum usitatissimum Attenuates 12-OTetradecanoylphorbol- 13-Acetate (TPA)-induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mouse Skin
Authors: Merakeb Mohamed Sofiane , Bribi Noureddine , Ferhat Riad , Aziez Meriem , Yanat Betitera
Published: December 2022

Background:

In traditional medicine, Linum usitatissimum treats inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular diseases.

Objectives:

The present study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds (ALU) on the ear histological integrity and oxidant- antioxidant status in a mice model of a sub-chronic inflammation induced by multiapplication of TPA.

Methods:

Topical TPA treatment induced various inflammatory changes, including edema formation, epidermal thickness, and the excess production of reactive oxygen species. Tissue samples were used for the measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Catalase (CAT) activities.

Results:

Oral administration of ALU (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) produced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Also, ALU significantly reduced ear edema and inflammatory cell infiltration and restored the integrity of the ear.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds presents significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on TPA-induced sub-chronic inflammation model in NMRI mice and can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent for the therapeutic management of inflammatory disorders.