bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of epigenomic and transcriptome analyses of neural tube defects reveals methylation driver lncRNAs and mRNAs
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Min , Li Yingting , Zhang Luting , Liu QiYun , Hu Shun-qin , Hu Yan Xin , Li Jia , Ma Run-mei
Published: April 2022

Background: Abnormal genome-wide methylation during embryogenesis is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) at birth. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be promising biomarkers for nervous system-related diseases. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of lncRNAs with aberrant methylation in the pathogenesis of NTDs.Methods: Pregnant mice were given retinoic acid (dissolved in corn oil, 50 mg/kg) to build the NTDs model by gavage. After collecting brain tissues, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and lncRNAs sequencing were conducted. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEGs) between NTDs and control group were screened, and then integrated with RRBS data to obtain genes with aberrant methylation, followed by functional enrichment analysis. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were constructed. Finally, qRT-PCR was applied to determine the expression levels of identified hub lncRNAs.Results: A total of 8 DElncRNAs as well as 213 DEGs with aberrant methylation between NTD group and normal group were screened. By bioinformatics analysis, several hub lncRNAs including Gm15521, Gm4681, Gm13974 and Gm40638, were identified. Function analysis showed these genes were mainly enriched in axon guidance pathway. The qRT-PCR assay revealed that the expression level of Gm15521, Gm4681 and Gm13974 in the NTDs group was significantly lower than those in the control group.Conclusion: The study screened DElncRNAs with aberrant methylation in the NTDs and the identified genes could be potential biomarkers for prenatal diagnosis of NTDs. These findings will provide a reference for further study on the regulatory mechanism of non-coding RNAs in the NTDs.
Characterization of Chionanthus retusus fruits: contents and composition of oil, fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols
Authors: Jinnan Wang , Muge Niu , maotong Sun , jihong Li , Jing Ren , Cuishuang Liu , Yuan Liu , Lingshan Guan
Published: April 2022

Chionanthus retusus is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Oleaceae with important ornamental and economic value. In this study, fruits were collected from 22 individual C. retusus plants to study their morphological characteristics, oil content, and the contents and composition of fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherol. The average fruit fresh biomass, grain dry biomass, kernel dry biomass, and kernel percentage were 76.432 ± 20.75 g, 24.370 ± 6.52 g, 12.122 ± 3.21 g, and 50.16%, respectively. The average oil content of the kernels was 36.55%, ranging between 28.90% and 47.50%.The average total phytosterols content was 280.33 ± 43.96 mg/100 g. The average total tocopherols content was 578.31 ± 101.29 µg/g. In correlation analyses, the oil content was negatively correlated with the total phytosterols content (r = − 0.653, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with kernel weight (r = 0.762, P < 0.01). In principal component analyses, the first two principal components explained 77.1%,72.2%, and 91.2% of the total variance of fatty acid, phytosterol, and tocopherol composition, respectively. These results allowed us to identify germplasm resources with high oil yield, high oleic acid content, high phytosterol content, and high tocopherol content.
Bibliometric analysis of research relating to gonorrhea reported over the period 1980–2020
Authors: Kaya Erhan
Published: April 2022

Objective and Design: Gonorrhea is an important sexually transmitted disease that threatens public health in the 21st century. Aim of this study was to reveal the current status of literature data about gonorrhea. Methods: A scan of literature was performed on the Web of Science (WoS) database on 17 Aug 2021 to retrieve bibliometric data. The literature search was applied using the search term “gonorrhea” in article titles for the period January 1980–December 2020. Results: After applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1068 articles remained for final evaluation. The number of articles published by year tended first to decrease and then to increase. According to the number of articles, the first three countries were the USA (n=660; 61.80%), England (n=107; 10.02%), and Canada (n=52; 4.87%). The journal with the highest number of articles were the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention organization in the United States produced the largest number of articles on gonorrhea during this specified time period. Conclusions: This holistic data evaluation of analysis of the findings, knowing the trend topics, understanding which topics are cited more, will be of benefit for authors conducting future research.
Development of the horizontal optocollic reflex in juvenile barn owls (Tyto furcata pratincola)
Authors: Wagner Hermann , Pappe Ina , Brill Sandra , Nalbach Hans-Ortwin
Published: April 2022

Adult barn owls and primates possess an almost symmetric monocular rotational horizontal optocollic reflex. In primates the reflex is initially asymmetric and becomes symmetric with time after birth. The situation in the barn owl has not been studied so far. To examine how this reflex develops in this bird, we tested juvenile barn owls from the time before they open their eyes after hatching to the time they reach adult feather length. Wide-field visual patterns presented at different rotational speeds in binocular and monocular settings served as stimuli. Symmetry and asymmetry can be discriminated if the stimulus is presented to one eye only. Asymmetry manifests itself in a weaker response for nasal-to-temporal than for temporal-to-nasal stimulus movement. The binocular horizontal optocollic responses of juvenile barn owls were adult-like at the first day at which the birds responded to the stimulus. The development of the monocular reflex depended on stimulus velocity and stimulus direction. For velocities up to 20 deg/s the monocular reflex was also adult-like at the first day at which the birds responded to the stimulus. An initially higher asymmetry for 30 deg/s compared to adults disappeared within about two weeks. The development at even higher velocities remained unclear.
Crosstalk Between Autophagy and Pyroptosis of Microglia contributes to Retinal Ganglion Cells Damage in Chronic Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Ji Min , Huang Zeyu , Zhang Guowei , Sun Qing , Zhang Haiying , Wei Miao , Xie Juanjuan , Chen Luming , Guan Huaijin
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND. Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Chronic ocular hypertension (COH) as one of the critical risk factors of glaucoma, the mechanisms of COH-induced RGCs damage has not been clarified. In recent years, studies have reported altered levels of autophagy and pyroptosis in glaucomatous microglia. However, it is unclear whether autophagy and pyroptosis of microglia are related and whether this relationship mediates COH-induced RGCs damage.METHODS. A mouse COH experimental glaucomatous model in vivo was established. Besides, we used 2 mmol/L (mM) ATP-treated microglia to simulate COH in vitro. Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy were employed to detect the exact relationship between autophagy and pyroptosis of microglia. Moreover, we utilized co-cultivation, live/dead viability assay, neutralizing antibody treatment and intra-vitreous injection to investigate the role of this relationship of microglia in COH-induced RGCs damage.RESULTS. In COH model in vivo, a transient boost of autophagy and a gradual increase of pyroptosis were observed. And the consistent phenomena were also found in ATP-treated microglia in vitro. We next observed that inhibition of the P2X7R-NLRP3-CASP1-GSDMD pathway and activation of autophagy could attenuate pyroptosis of microglia, thereby counteracting the RGCs damage induced by COH in vivo and ATP in vitro. The intricate molecular mechanism between pyroptosis mediated by the above pathway and autophagy is referred as “crosstalk” in this paper. Furthermore, we revealed the indispensable significance of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in microglia-mediated RGCs damage.CONCLUSIONS. Our findings show that the crosstalk between autophagy and pyroptosis of microglia in COH can be achieved through P2X7R-NLRP3 pathway. Moreover, intervening in the crosstalk effectively counteracts COH-induced RGCs damage. Our results provide new insights into developing therapies for glaucoma based on the concept of neuroinflammation.
PEG2000-DBCO surface coating increases intracellular uptake of liposomes by breast cancer xenografts
Authors: Turkman Nashaat , Liu Daxing , Cohen Jules
Published: April 2022

Given our interest in the utility of liposomes for molecular imaging and theranostics, we investigated how coating the outer layer of the liposome affects internalization by breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in breast tumor tissues in vivo. Indeed, we discovered that a remarkably high liposomal uptake can be achieved by DBCO (dibenzocyclooctyne) soft coating. Our data demonstrates that decorating the terminal lipid with a DBCO moiety at a specific density induces increased tumor uptake in vivo (tumor uptake ~50%) compared to conventional undecorated liposome (tumor uptake~20%). In this study, we report improved visualization of breast cancer cells in vivo using a 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer model and primary breast tumor xenograft models MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436. L-PEG2000-DBCO coated liposomes demonstrate increased accumulation in breast cancer cells independent of tumor size, type, position, receptor expression, as well as the condition of the host mice. We expect these findings to have a major positive impact on the practical utility of liposomes in image-guided applications and precision medicine theranostics.
Conservation of avian diet specialists: lessons from brood provisioning ecology of the endangered vermivore, the Fairy Pitta (Pitta nympha)
Authors: Park Jinseok , Ha Jungmoon , Kim Woojoo , Jablonski Piotr , Lee Sang-im
Published: April 2022

Information on the diet of endangered species is crucial in conservation, especially for diet specialists. The Fairy Pitta, Pitta nympha, is classified as “vulnerable species” by IUCN. In a field-based study on the nestlings’ diet and parental care, combined with the existing literature, we confirm pitta’s dietary specialization as vermivory and report the effect of rain on the proportion and size of earthworms in the nestlings’ diet. We use the quantitative results, along with the literature on earthworm densities, to speculate that the habitat’s surface area required to supply a pair of the Fairy Pitta with earthworms for the whole breeding event approximately matches the territory (home range) size extracted from the published censuses of the Fairy Pitta. This match highlights the importance of earthworms for the population ecology of the Fairy Pitta. Finally, based on the comparison of earthworm densities in natural and anthropogenic habitats, we hypothesize that spatial mosaic of patches of natural and anthropogenic habitats, with patch sizes based on the Fairy Pitta’s territory size, may mitigate the negative effects of the conversion of natural habitats to anthropogenic habitats on pitta’s population.
Enhanced survival prediction using explainable artificial intelligence in heart transplantation
Authors: Lisboa Paulo , Jayabalan Manoj , Ortega-Martorell Sandra , Olier Ivan , Medved Dennis , Nilsson Johan
Published: April 2022

The most limiting factor in heart transplantation is lack of donor organs. With enhanced prediction of outcome, it may be possible to increase the life-years from the organs that become available. Applications of machine learning to tabular data, typical of clinical decision support, pose the practical question of interpretation which has technical and potential ethical implications. In particular, there is an issue of principle about the predictability of complex data and whether this is inherent in the data or strongly dependent on the choice of machine learning model, leading to the so-called accuracy-interpretability trade-off. We model one-year mortality in heart transplantation data with a self-explaining neural network, which is benchmarked against a deep learning model on the same development data, in an external validation study with two data sets: 1) UNOS transplants in 2017-2018 (n= 4,750) for which the self-explaining and deep learning models are comparable in their AUROC 0.628 [0.602,0.654] cf. 0.635 [0.609,0.662] and 2) Scandinavian transplants during 1997-2018 (n= 2,293) showing good calibration with AUROC of 0.626 [0.588,0.665] and 0.634 [0.570, 0.698] respectively with and without missing data (n=982). This shows that for tabular data predictive models can be transparent and capture important non-linearities, retaining full predictive performance.
Arthro-Broström with Endoscopic Retinaculum Augmentation using All-inside Lasso-loop Stitch Techniques
Authors: Yang Yunjian , Han Jing , Wu Helin , Zhi Xiaosong , Lian Junhong , Xu Feng , Cai Xianhua , Wei Shijun
Published: April 2022

Background: There is still controversy about the augmentation of the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) after arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the arthro-Broström procedure with endoscopic retinaculum augmentation using all-inside lasso-loop stitch techniques for chronic lateral ankle instability.
Methods: Thirty-four cases with type-2 or type-3 chronic ATFL lesions who underwent the arthro-Broström procedure with endoscopic retinaculum augmentation using all-inside lasso-loop stitch techniques were assessed retrospectively. A total of 30 cases (30 ankles) were followed up for a mean of 26.67 ± 4.19 months (range, 24 - 36 months). Five cases were excluded due to insufficient medical records or loss of follow-up reports. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores, The Karlsson-Peterson scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before surgery and at the final follow-up time. Also, the results of stress fluoroscopic tests and complications were recorded.
Results: At the final follow-up, the average of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores, The Karlsson-Peterson scores and VAS scores were 86.63 ± 6.69 (range, 77 - 100), 90.17 ± 4.64 (range, 85 - 100) and 0.53 ± 0.63 (range, 0 - 2), respectively. Moreover, the results of stress fluoroscopic tests were improved significantly after surgery. Mild keloid formation and/or knot irritation were observed in four cases. No wound infections, nerve injuries and recurrent instability were recorded. Also, no stiffness or arthritis of the subtalar joint was encountered.
Conclusions: The arthro-Broström procedure combined with endoscopic retinaculum augmentation using all-inside lasso-loop techniques is reliable and safe due to satisfactory clinical results and avoiding nerve injuries.
Evaluation of rockfall hazard based on UAV technology and 3D Rockfall Simulations
Authors: utlu Mustafa , ÖZTÜRK Muhammed Zeynel , Şimşek Mesut
Published: April 2022

In this study, the rockfall hazard in Hacıabdullah village located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey was assessed with three-dimensional (3D) rockfall analyses based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology using RAMMS (Rockfall software). With several rockfall disasters experienced in the village, the final event occurred in 2008, and several houses were evacuated due to rockfall risk after this event. A total of 17 hanging blocks with fall potential were identified and block dimension measurements were performed during field studies. In order to assess the rockfall hazard in the study area, digital surface model (DSM) data were obtained using high-resolution images obtained by UAV. According to dimensional values, the geometric and volumetric features of each rock were assessed close to reality with the RAMMS 3D rockfall modeling program. As a result of 3-D rockfall modelling, the maximum kinetic energy, maximum velocity, and maximum jump height of the falling blocks are reached to 3476 kJ, 23.1 m/s, and 14.57 m, respectively. The shape and volume of the blocks, as well as the slope features, rocks display differences in their runout distances after falls. A rock block with equant geometry has a runout distance of 53.1-126.9 m, whereas a rock block with flat or long geometry has a runout distance of 34-122.9 m. Rocks that do not move very far from the source area are; in other words, where the free-fall process is dominant, may significantly damage the roads. However, rolling blocks, in other words, blocks which can travel long distances from the source area, have a potential to cause great damage at the settlement areas, roads and trees. According to the hazard map, R6, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, and R17 blocks involve high and moderate levels of risk for settlement units. R1, R4, R7, R8, R9, and R10 blocks show that the majority of them involve low risk, while a small portion is a moderate risk.
Calpains in Cyanobacteria and the Origin of Calpains
Authors: Vešelényiová Dominika , Hutárová Lenka , Lukáčová Alexandra , Schneiderová Mária , vesteg matej , Krajčovič Juraj
Published: April 2022

Calpains are cysteine proteases involved in many cellular processes. They are an ancient and large superfamily of enzymes responsible for the cleavage and irreversible modification of a large variety of substrates. They have been intensively studied in humans and other mammals, but information about calpains in bacteria is scarce. Calpains have not been found among Archaea to date. In this study, we have investigated the presence of calpains in selected cyanobacterial species using in silico analyses. We show that calpains defined by possessing CysPC core domain are present in cyanobacterial genera Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Calothrix, Chamaesiphon, Fischerella, Microcystis, Scytonema and Trichormus. Based on in silico protein interaction analysis, we have predicted putative interaction partners for identified cyanobacterial calpains. The phylogenetic analysis including cyanobacterial, other bacterial and eukaryotic calpains divided bacterial and eukaryotic calpains into two separate monophyletic clusters. We propose two possible evolutionary scenarios to explain this tree topology: 1) the eukaryotic ancestor or an archaeal ancestor of eukaryotes obtained calpain gene from an unknown bacterial donor, or alternatively 2) calpain gene had been already present in the last common universal ancestor and subsequently lost by the ancestor of Archaea, but retained by the ancestor of Bacteria and by the ancestor of Eukarya. Both scenarios would require multiple independent losses of calpain genes in various bacteria and eukaryotes.
Mathematical and Statistical Study on COVID19- SIR Model
Authors: Datta Jaydip
Published: April 2022

In this combinatorial study let us try to simulate the four cases starting from viral spreading kinetics, Gaussian distribution of the infectious disease, mortality statistics like infection fatality ratio ( IFR ) with the distribution of age of the patient through sigmoid regression method approach and finally the most important modeling of remdesivir on the basis of Molecular bonding method ( LCAO)as well as vaccination as the traditional method. It is an alternative approach to susceptibility – infectivity – recovery ( SIR ) model .
Multimodal Optimization with the Local Optimum Ranking 2 Algorithm
Authors: Duarte Francisco Daniel Filip
Published: April 2022

In optimization tasks, it is interesting to achieve a set of efficient solutions instead of one single output, in the case the best solution is not suitable. Many niching methods offer a diversified response, yet some important problems are common: (1) The most interesting solutions of each local optimum are not identified. Thus, the output is the overall population of solutions, which increases the work of the designer in verifying which solution is the most interesting. (2) Existing niching algorithms tend to distribute the solutions on the most promising regions, over-populating some local optima and sub-populating others, what can lead to a poor optimization.To solve these challenges, a novel niching method is presented, named local optimum ranking 2. This sorting methodology favors the exploration of a defined number of local optima and ranks each local population by objective value within each local optimum. Thus, is performed a multi-focus exploration, with an equalized number of solutions on each local optimum, while identifying which solutions are the local apices.The algorithm is applied in the design optimization of a metallic cantilever beam, showcasing how it offer both efficiency and diversity for design challenges.
Zwischen Anspruch und Alltäglichkeit: Konzeptuelle und unterrichtspraktische Perspektiven auf eine inklusive Diagnostik
Authors: Kopmann Henrike
Published: April 2022

Die Frage nach der Qualifikation von Lehrkräften in puncto Diagnostik stand in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten wiederholt im Fokus bildungswissenschaftlicher und bildungspolitischer Diskussionen. Aktuell wird schulische Diagnostik insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund einer inklusiven Umgestaltung des Schulwesens verstärkt und durchaus kontrovers diskutiert. Der vorliegende Artikel eruiert Stellenwert und Konzeptualisierungen einer inklusionsorientierten Diagnostik. Unterschiedliche in der Literatur dargestellte Zugangsweisen zu einer Diagnostik in inklusiven Lernkontexten werden beschrieben und mit anderen Formen der Diagnostik in Bezug gesetzt. Die anschließend präsentierten empirischen Befunde eruieren den Stellenwert und das Verständnis diagnostischen Handelns unter 125 praktisch tätigen Lehrer*innen. Anhand von fünf Fallvignetten, die unterschiedliche Lernende in inklusiven Lernkontexten porträtierten, generierten die teilnehmenden Lehrpersonen Förderanregungen. Die zu Tage tretenden Auffassungen von Diagnostik in inklusiven Lernsettings werden diskutiert und mit theoretischen Konzeptualisierungen einer unterrichtsbegleitenden Diagnostik in Bezug gesetzt.
 
Abstract
Teacher qualification with respect to diagnostics has been in the focus of educational science and educational politics since several decades. Recently, there is an increasing interest but as well a growing controversy concerning diagnostics in inclusive education. Therefore, the present article investigates the relevance and heterogeneous conceptions of diagnostics for inclusive school settings. The text describes different approaches to inclusive diagnostics found in scientific literature and compares them to other forms of diagnostics. Subsequently, an empirical study is presented which analyses the perspectives of 125 teachers on diagnostic activities in inclusive classrooms. After reading five case vignettes that portrayed learners with special educational needs, the participants generated ideas to support the individual child. Their ideas about diagnostics in inclusive learning contexts are discussed and compared to theoretical conceptions (e.g. formative assessment).
Biomass of beech (Fagus L.) and ash (Fraxinus L.) depending on tree height, crown width and average January temperature in Eurasia.
Authors: Усольцев В.А. , Цепордей И.С. , Ковязин В.Ф.
Published: April 2022

Дистанционная регистрация таких таксационных показателей деревьев, как ширина кроны и высота дерева, получила широкое распространение при оценке биомассы деревьев. Имеется множество аллометрических моделей биомассы разных древесных пород в разных климатических условиях, но для оценки биомассы дистанционными методами они представлены единичными публикациями. В исследовании использована авторская база экспериментальных данных 249 модельных деревьев Fagus L. и 78 деревьев Fraxinus L. Евразии с замеренными показателями высоты дерева, ширины кроны, а также биомассы ствола, листвы, ветвей и корней. Для всех компонентов надземной биомассы установлена положительная связь с шириной кроны и высотой дерева. Составлены двухвходовые таблицы для таксации биомассы двух древесных родов. Полученные результаты дают представление о том, насколько может различаться структура биомассы равновеликих деревьев таких пород, как бук и ясень, может ли эта структура изменяться в градиенте зимних температур Евразии и каким может быть вклад климатической переменной в объяснение изменчивости биомассы деревьев.

Remote registration of such taxation indicators of trees as crown width and tree height has become widespread in assessing the biomass of trees. There are many allometric models of the biomass of different tree species in different climatic conditions, but for the assessment of biomass by remote methods, they are presented in single publications. The authors used the experimental data base of 249 and 78 model trees of Fagus spp. and Fraxinus spp. correspondingly with measured indicators of tree height, crown width, as well as the biomass of trunk, foliage, branches and roots. For all components of aboveground biomass, a positive relationship was established with the crown width and the tree height. Two-input tables for the taxation of the biomass of two genera are compiled. The results obtained give an idea of how much the biomass structure of equal-sized trees of such species as beech and ash can differ, whether this structure can change in the winter temperature gradient of Eurasia, and what can be the contribution of the climate variable to the explanation of the variability of tree biomass.
METABOLIC PROFILING AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACTS FROM Chamaecrista duckeana (P. BEZERRA & A. FERN.) H. S. IRWIN & BARNEBY (LEGUMINOSAE, CAESALPINIOIDEAE)
Authors: Lima Daniele , Franca Maria Gleiziane , Oliveira Fátima , Pessoa Cláudia , Cavalheiro Alberto , Silva Maria Goretti
Published: April 2022

The genus Chamaecrista comprises more than 330 species, with only a few studies on their chemical composition and biologic activities. In this study, the phytochemical profile of leaf, stems, and fruits extracts of the C. duckeana were examined by UPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis to determine possibly bioactive constituents. The antioxidant activity was carried out through in vitro assay, by the sequestration of the free radical DPPH. To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of the extracts, an MTT assay was used and the IC50 was determined against HL60 and RAJI cell lines. The metabolic profiles of the botanical parts are dominated by flavonoid class, highlighting isoflavonoids such as daidzin and ononin. All these compounds are reported for the first time in C. duckeana. The extracts presented antioxidant potential, and the activity of the stems extract was higher than the standard butylated hydroxytoluene. In the cytotoxic assay, only HL60 line (leukemia) had growth inhibition over 80%. The stems presented more expressive cytotoxicity with IC50 of 137.3 (104.6-180.1) and 106.8 (96.52-118.3) μmol. L-1 for HL60 and RAJI, respectively. In conclusion, the present work provides an in-depth knowledge about the chemical profile of C. duckeana, a species rich in bioactive secondary metabolites with cytotoxic activity
ARTEMISININA E DERIVADOS: DESCOBERTA, ESTRATÉGIAS SINTÉTICAS E OBTENÇÃO INDUSTRIAL
Authors: Oliveira Ramon , Cruz Luiza , Dias Luiz
Published: April 2022

ARTEMISININ AND DERIVATIVES: DISCOVERY, SYNTHETIC STRATEGIES, AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION. Artemisinin, a natural sesquiterpene isolated from the Artemisia annua L. plant, represents a remarkable achievement in the treatment against malaria. Since its discovery in the 1970’s, researchers readily started synthesizing this complex natural product containing an unusual endoperoxide fragment. Despite various total syntheses reported, only in the last decade the production jumped from extraction/bench scale to industrial manufacturing. In this sense, the objective of this contribution is to highlight the discovery, the most representative works towards the synthesis of artemisinin and its main derivatives used worldwide against malaria, and the path to the industrial production of these compounds.
Zeboid cow milk: physicochemical quality indicator
Authors: Beketov Sergey , Kaledin Anatoly , Senator Stepan , Upelniek Vladimir , Kuznetsov Sergey , Stolpovsky Yury
Published: April 2022

Introduction. A herd of zeboid cattle was created by the Snegiri Scientific and Experimental Farm (Moscow region, Russia) as a result of long-term selection and crossbreeding zebu (Bos indicus L.) with cattle (Bos taurus L.). These hybrid cows have good physiological parameters, high resistance to diseases, and a significant adaptive potential. The quality of milk produced by zebu cows at different lactation and milking times has not been studied as well as their milking capacity. Therefore, we aimed to assess the variability of specific physicochemical indicators of milk produced by Snegiri’s zeboid dairy herd.

Study objects and methods. The milk of 193 zeboid cows (6–12% of zebu blood) from the Snegiri Farm was analyzed by standard methods for quality indicators such as fat, nonfat milk solids, density, bound water, freezing point, protein, and lactose. Then, we determined how these indicators changed depending on the lactation number and the time of milking (morning/evening). Statistical analysis was applied to process the data.

Results and discussion. Such indicators as nonfat milk solids, density, bound water, freezing point, protein, and lactose of zeboid cow milk were consistent with the normal indicators for raw cow’s milk. Only its fat content (4.39%) exceeded the norm. We found no correlation between the quality of milk and the number of lactations. However, the evening milk was more concentrated, with a significant increase in nonfat milk solids and density, as well as with a lower freezing point.

Conclusion. Zeboid cows, which can be bred in suboptimal conditions, produce milk suitable for dairy products since it has a high fat content regardless of lactation and milking time.
Pendampingan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Sambal Puruluk Ma’ Erot Dalam Peningkatan Aspek Finansial
Authors:   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Julyanti Julyanti , Kevin Ken ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Deuina E. Uren Michaela ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, M. Avivi Reyhan ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, R. Theno Ryan ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Suteja Valencia ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Juda Ida ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339
Published: April 2022

Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kondisi bisnis Sambal Puruluk Ma’ Erot dan bisnis lainnya yang dimiliki mitra dari segi keuangan. Pada awal kegiatan, keuangan merupakan salah satu masalah utama yang dihadapi oleh mitra jami karena sulitnya mengatur keuangan antar 1 bisnis dengan bisnis lainnya. Dari masalah ini, kelompok menyusun metode strategi peningkatan kondisi keuangan mitra berdasarkan melihat kekurangan dan kelebihan bisnis, memposisikan bisnis dalam matrik BCG, dan juga melihat kondisi keuangan setiap bulannya dari setiap bisnis yang dimiliki oleh mitra kami. Dari hasil yang ada, kelompok data merumuskan strategi perencanaan keuangan yang bisa digunakan oleh mitra sesuai dengan kondisi keuangannya. Harapannya, strategi yang diberikan dapat benar-benar membantu bisnis mitra untuk menjadi semakin baik dan berkembang di kemudian hari.
Flood risk assessment and flow modeling of the Stalos stream area
Authors: Goumas Christos , Trichakis Ioannis , Vozinaki Anthi-Irini , Karatzas George P.
Published: April 2022

The objective of the work performed in this paper was to implement flood risk assessment on the Stalos stream area, west of the city of Chania, Crete, Greece, utilizing two separate methods complementing each other. The first stage was a GIS-based approach, utilizing the ArcGIS software, by determining the crucial factors affecting flood risk, and subsequently scoring and combining the factors into a final raster, with each factor appropriately scored. The second stage involved the flow modeling of a stream located in the study area of Stalos, upon which a meteorological station was installed upstream, in addition to a radar flow meter downstream, at the stream's output to the sea. For the purposes of modeling, the MIKE HYDRO River software pack was utilized, in addition to the ArcGIS software for digitizing cross sections and editing the Digital Elevation Model of the area. From this methodology, the flood risk of the area was determined, and additionally, the low overflow risk of the stream was determined, as there was no point across the stream, where the water level in the stream reached dangerous levels, despite sustained heavy precipitation.
Scenario optimization of water supplement and outflow management in Yilong Lake based on the EFDC model
Authors: Wu Tao , Su Baolin , Wu Huaxin , Wang Shengrui , Wang Guoqiang , Ratnaweera Harsha , Weerakoon S. B. , Zhang Zhibin , Yao Bo
Published: April 2022

To address the problem of poor hydrodynamic conditions in Yilong Lake and to meet the water quality standards, the EFDC model was applied to propose an optimization plan for water supplement and outflow management of Yilong Lake. The model explores the impact of wind forcing, water supplement from external watersheds, outflow management and setting up an enclosure in the lake on the hydrodynamics in Yilong Lake. The results show that (1) the overall velocity of the water body of Yilong Lake is relatively slow, 90% of the area is lower than 0.01 m s−1, the central and eastern areas are faster and the western is slower. During the dry period and the wet periods of the year, improves the flow velocity of the water body in 90% of the area is increased by 80% compared to no wind velocity; (2) the increase in the amount of water supplement is significant for the improvement of the hydrodynamic conditions of water body; the water supplement volume at the two water supplement points of Mafangwan is conducive to improving the hydrodynamic conditions. If the total water supplement volume is increased by 10 million cubic meters per year which corresponds to water supplement volume increases at the Pubu and the Mafangwan by 33 and 35%, respectively, then water area with flow velocity greater than 0.007 m can be increased to 70%; (3) based on the demand for water quality, the water level management curves for different seasons are designed. It should be dominated by the eastern outflow, during the spring, coordinated by the southern and eastern outflows during the summer, and should be dominated by the southern outflow during the autumn and winter period.
Evolution of water resource allocation in the river basin between administrators and managers
Authors: Lu Zuliang , Cai Fei , Liu Jinkui , Yang Jiayuan , Zhang Shuhua , Wu Shuang
Published: April 2022

The reasonable allocation of water resources runs through the main links of regional water resource planning and management, which is a complex decision-making issue, ensures the sustainable development and utilization of water resources, and makes a greater contribution to the sustainable development of social economy. In this paper, evolutionary game theory is applied to the allocation of watershed water resources in a river basin. Also, the analysis of the replication dynamics and evolutionary stability strategies of water resource allocation among water resource manufacturers was done. It was found that the evolutionary game among the water resource manufacturers has only an evolutionary stability strategy. Considering the evolutionary game between water resource managers and water resource manufacturers, the evolutionary stability strategy is analyzed. This study suggests that there are two evolutionary stability strategies ( normal water intake, high level of regulation) and ( excess water intake, low level of regulation) between the water resource manufacturers and the administrative water resource regulators, where the strategy ( normal water intake, high level of regulation) is the expected direction. The evolution factors of the strategy ( normal water intake, high level of regulation) were analyzed. Furthermore, it also suggested that an effective reward and punishment mechanism will help to draw up excessive water, dismantle the conflicts between the water resource manufacturers and the administrative water resource regulators, and increase the benefits of both sides.
Study on discharge characteristics of fermentor and oak barrel washing wastewater from typical wineries in Ningxia, China
Authors: Zheng Lanxiang , Hou Jiaxiang , Pan Cenxuan , Zhao Bochao , Dou Guangyu
Published: April 2022

Wine wastewater management is critical to the sustainable development of the wine industry. In this study, three wineries were selected with growing wine production scales of Ningxia. The number of fermentors and oak barrels washing wastewater were counted during the production period of 2019. The water quality was analyzed and finally the pollutant production was estimated. The results showed that fermentor (barrel) cleaning method greatly influences wastewater amount. The five-step method during fermentor washing stage produced more wastewater than direct high-pressure washing. However, high-temperature fumigation in the oak barrels washing stage can effectively reduce wastewater. The residue of grape juice in fermentors and oak barrels made the main pollutant of washing fermentor (barrel) wastewater COD, and the unit product of washing oak barrels' wastewater produced more COD than washing fermentor wastewater. COD production of washing fermentor wastewater per unit product was ranked as Winery C (412.5 g·kL−1) > Winery B (331.5 g·kL−1) > Winery A (33.6 g·kL−1), in oak barrels washing stage, Winery C (679.2 g·kL−1) > Winery A (507.2 g·kL−1) > Winery B (350 g·kL−1). The results showed that a good linear relationship between annual wastewater production and COD production of the winery (R2 is 0.9777 and 0.9934, respectively). Compared with the first-level standard of cleaner wine production, the production of fermentors and oak barrels washing wastewater in winery accounts for 11–18% of total wine production wastewater, while COD production accounts for 17–43% of total COD.
Cuentos sobre STEAM para programar
Authors: Bustamante Mez Lucía Yesenia , Salcedo Ospino Julieth Del Carmen , Torres Oliveros Silvia Andrea
Published: April 2022

"Cuentos sobre STEAM para programar" es un libro que recopila varios cuentos creados en conjunto con las docentes de educación infantil que cursaron la primera cohorte del diplomado Desarrollo de Habilidades STEAM. Cada cuento es utilizado como una estrategia mediadora que incluye vocabulario STEAM y actividades prácticas para motivar a los niños a programar con ScratchJr. Las actividades están orientadas a desarrollar el pensamiento computacional, comprender el funcionamiento y utilidad de máquinas simples o compuestas, así como la robótica educativa, mediante la literatura, el juego y la interacción. Este texto complementa la obra Infancia y habilidades STEM: herramientas para su desarrollo y es resultado del proyecto de investigación Laboratorio móvil para el desarrollo de habilidades STEM para egresadas y estudiantes de educación infantil de la Universidad del Magdalena, desarrollado entre octubre del 2018 y septiembre del 2019, el cual fue financiado por el programa FRIDA (Fondo Regional para la Innovación Digital en América Latina y el Caribe) y la Universidad del Magdalena.
Exploring the Core Prescription and Underlying Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Children: A Real- World Study Based on an Illustrious Senior Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Authors: He Yu , Gu Xiaohong , Luo Changyong , Wang Yuhan , He Bing , Yan Yurou , Wang Junhong
Published: April 2022

Background:

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) in China, especially in children. However, due to the complicated composition rules and unclear underlying mechanisms, effective herbal prescriptions’ popularization and application are limited.

Purpose:

This study tried to detect the core prescription of herbs in treating AR in children, reveal its mechanism based on the ingredients’ network, and explore the main signaling pathways.

Methods:

We screened medical records of children patients with AR who were treated by TCM in DongZhiMen Hospital from Aug 2009 to Jan 2020 and adopted a descriptive analysis method on herbal characteristics. We used association rules to mine core prescriptions and used network pharmacology to establish the ingredient-target-pathway network through online databases and TCMSP, Genecards, KEGG pathway, Excel, R-Studio, and Cytoscape software.

Results:

The analysis of 1,092 clinical visits highlighted that the principle of formulating prescription was as follows: ‘pungent and warm herbs were used more frequently while cold-natured herbs were paid equal attention as warm-natured herbs.’ The core prescription was formed by FangFeng, BaiZhi, CangErzi, and ChanTui. These herbs covered 130 underlying targets and 141 signaling pathways of AR, which mainly had an effect on signal transduction and immunoregulation.

Conclusion:

The core prescription based on these real-world clinical records includes FangFeng, BaiZhi, CangErzi, and ChanTui. It principally acts on targets of signal transduction pathways and immune pathways.
Gut Microbiota Might Act as a Potential Therapeutic Pathway in COVID-19
Authors: Eslami Solat , Gharajeh Nahid Hosseinzadeh , Pourjafar Hadi , Derakhshanian Hoda , Mohammadi Hamed , Barzegari Abolfazl
Published: April 2022

It has been very recently suggested that individuals with chronic gut inflammation are
highly susceptible to COVID-19. They constitute the serious cases of COVID-19, in which inflammatory
cytokine storm is observed. On the contrary, the healthy gut microbiota is linked with low
chronic gut and systemic inflammation. This raises the idea that maintenance of the healthy gut microbiota
and prevention of gut microbial dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients might avoid the increased
cytokine storm, which in turn might reduce the mortality rate. It has been shown that the modulation
of the gut microbiota is an effective strategy to strengthen immunity and might be a possible treatment
for individuals with viral infections. Currently, there is no clinical data considering the impact
of the modulation of the gut microbiota on the treatment of COVID-19. We hypothesize that targeting
the gut microbiota might be a novel therapeutic approach or at least a supportive therapy. In the
present review article, we described the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and gut microbiota dysbiosis
through two possible mechanisms, including aberrant immune activation and aberrant mammalian
target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. Further, the disruption of the gastrointestinal reninangiotensin
system (GI RAS), dysregulation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, and the
activity of human serine proteases in COVID-19 pathogenesis were addressed. We also provided
possible strategies to restore all the discussed aspects via gut microbiota modulation.
Evodiamine: A Privileged Structure with Broad-ranging Biological Activities
Authors: Liu Wenwu , Zhao Qingchun , Li Deping , Li Yan , Jiang Xiaowen
Published: April 2022

Evodiamine (EVO) is a natural quinolone alkaloid firstly isolated from the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa,
which is one of the most frequently used traditional Chinese herb for treating a variety of ailments,
including headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, amenorrhea difficult menstruation,
postpartum hemorrhage, and other diseases. Latest pharmacological studies showed that EVO possesses a
broad spectrum of pharmacological activities through different mechanisms. However, its moderate activities
and poor physicochemical properties have hampered its clinical application. In this regard, the
modification of EVO aiming at seeking derivatives with more potency and better physicochemical properties
has been extensively emerging. These derivatives exhibit diverse biological activities, including
antitumor, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-pulmonary hypertension, anti-fungi, and thermogenic activities
via a variety of mechanisms. Moreover, they are described to act as single, dual, or multiple inhibitors or
agonists of many proteins, such as topoisomerase I, topoisomerase II, tubulin, histone deacetylase,
sirtuins, butyrylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase 5, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1. However,
hitherto, there is no comprehensive review to systematically summarize the derivatives of EVO. Considering
this perspective, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive description of them by focusing on
their diverse biological activities. For each biological activity, the mechanisms and the main structureactivity
relationships (SARs) will be presented in cases where adequate information is available. Finally,
future directions of this class of compounds will be discussed. This review will be helpful in understanding
and encouraging further exploration of EVO.
Synthesis, Characterization and ADME Prediction Study of Heterocyclic
Moieties-linked Indole Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Kumari Archana
Published: April 2022

Background:

Heterocyclic compounds are vital for research due to their diverse pharmacological
profiles. They are key structural components of many of the potent antimicrobial drugs available on
the market today but still facing the problem of drug resistance by microbes. Indole and its derivatives
display versatile pharmacological activities, such as analgesic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antidiabetic,
anti-convulsant, antihelmintic, and anti-inflammatory.

Objective:

Indole ring was linked to other key heterocyclic moieties, such as morpholine, imidazole, piperidine,
and piperazine at the active 3rd position by Schotten-Baumann reaction, and further evaluated
against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with the hope to develop potent antimicrobial agents.

Method:

Synthesis of derivatives was performed under appropriate conditions and characterized by IR,
NMR (1H and 13C), and CHN elemental analysis. Further, in vitro assays were used to evaluate their antimicrobial
activity by agar diffusion and agar streak dilution method against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC
6633) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). ADME properties were also calculated using the Swiss
ADME online program.

Results:

Compounds 4b, 4f, 4i, 4k showed maximum potency in both in vitro assays calculated as the
zone of inhibition (17±0.5 mm-22±0.25 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC= 6.25-25
μg/ml)) comparable to standard drugs ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. ADME results showed zero violation
of the Lipinski’s rule.

Conclusion:

A great deal of work has been done on the synthesis and evaluation of indole derivatives to
explore their antimicrobial effect. These findings may lead to the design and development of more effective
antimicrobial drug candidates.