bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in activated clotting time and total unfractionated heparin dose during pulmonary vein isolation in patients on different anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Zeljkovic Ivan , Brusich Sandro , Scherr Daniel , Velagić Vedran , Traykov Vassil , Pernat Andrej , Anic Ante , Nissan Janko Szavits , Jan Matevz , Bakotic Zoran , Radeljic Vjekoslav , Bojko Ana , Benko Ivica , Manola Sime , Pavlović Nikola
Published: March 2022

Aims Periprocedural pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) anticoagulation
requires balancing between the risk of bleeding and thromboembolism.
Intraprocedural anticoagulation is monitored by activated clotting time
(ACT) and there are no guidelines which specify an initial
unfractionated heparin (UFH) dose. We aimed to assess differences in ACT
values and UFH dosage during PVI in patients on different oral
anticoagulants. Methods We conducted international, multi-centre,
registry-based study. Consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)
undergoing PVI, on uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy, were analysed.
Before the transseptal puncture, UFH bolus of 100 U/kg was administered
regardless of the anticoagulation drug. Results A total of 873 AF
patients were included (median age 61 years, IQR 53-66; female 30%).
There were 248, 248, 189, 188 patients on warfarin, dabigatran,
rivaroxaban, and apixaban, respectively. Mean initial ACT was 257±50
sec, overall procedural ACT 295±45 sec and total UFH dose 158±60 IU/kg.
Patients who were receiving warfarin and dabigatran compared to patients
receiving rivaroxaban and apixaban had: (i) significantly higher initial
ACT values (262±57 and 270±48 vs. 248±42 and 241±44 sec,
p<0.001), (ii) significantly higher ACT throughout PVI (309±46
and 306±44 vs. 282±37 and 272±42 sec, p<0.001), and (iii)
needed lower UFH dose during PVI (140±39 and 157±71 vs. 171±52 and
172±70 IU/kg). Conclusion There are significant differences in ACT
values and UFH dose during PVI in patients receiving different
anticoagulants. Patients on warfarin and dabigatran had higher initial
and overall ACT values and needed lower UFH dose to achieve adequate
anticoagulation during PVI than patients on rivaroxaban and apixaban.
An agonist concentration biased allosteric modulator potentiates NMDA induced ion influx in neurons
Authors: Costa Blaise , Kwapisz Lina Cortés , Mehrkens Brittney , Bledsoe Douglas , Vacca Bryanna , Johnston Tullia , Wagner Anushri , Razzaq Rehan , Manickam Dhanasekaran , Klein Bradley
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose: Precisely controlled synaptic glutamate
concentration is essential for normal function of the N-methyl
D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors expressed in the brain. Atypical
fluctuations in synaptic glutamate homeostasis lead to aberrant NMDA
receptor activity that results in pathogenesis of neurological and
psychiatric disorders. Therefore, glutamate concentration dependent NMDA
receptor modulators will be clinically useful agents with less on-target
adverse effects. Experimental approach: Two electrode voltage clamp and
patch clamp electrophysiology techniques were used for pharmacological
characterization. Dynamic Ca2+ and Na+ imaging were performed using
cultured rat brain neurons. MTS cell viability assay was used for to
study neurotoxicity. Key results: Identified a compound (coded as CNS4)
that potentiates NMDA receptor currents based on the glutamate
concentration. This compound increases both glycine and glutamate
potency, and exhibits no voltage dependent effect. Electrophysiology
recordings confirmed agonist concentration dependent changes in peak and
steady state currents. Dynamic Ca2+ and Na+ imaging assays using rat
brain cortical, striatal and cerebellar neurons revealed CNS4 mediated
region specific disproportionate influx of Na+ compared to Ca2+ in
native NMDA receptors. Direct exposure of CNS4 unaltered the viability
of cultured cortical or striatal neurons, neither augmented NMDA induced
neuronal death. Conclusion and implications: CNS4 is novel in chemical
structure, mechanism of action and agonist concentration biased
modulatory effect. This compound or its future analogs will be useful
for the treatment of brain disorders associated with hypoglutamatergic
neurotransmission.
A pediatric case of osteosarcoma and tuberous sclerosis complex with a novel germline mutation in the TSC2 gene and a somatic mutation in the TP53 gene
Authors: Kuroda Kaoru , Moriya Kunihiko , Nakano Tomohiro , Saito Ryoko , Sato Daichi , Katayama Saori , Niizuma Hidetaka , Watanuki Munenori , Uematsu Mitsugu , Sasahara Yoji , Kure Shigeo
Published: March 2022

We report on a 12-year-old female who developed osteosarcoma with
tuberous sclerosis. Clinical sequencing of osteosarcoma tissues
identified a somatic mutation in the TP53 gene and a novel germline
mutation in the TSC2 gene. Pathological analysis of osteosarcoma tissue
revealed increased phosphorylation of S6, a downstream target in the
mTOR pathway. This is the first reported detection of a germline TSC2
mutation and somatic TP53 mutation in osteosarcoma with tuberous
sclerosis. This case is unique and suggestive of a TSC2-dependent
genetic pathway through mTOR signaling and a second-hit model for
oncogenesis.
Exponential growth of solutions with L_{p}-norm of a Klein-Gordon wave equation with strong damping, source and delay terms.
Authors: Ouchenane Djamel
Published: March 2022

In this paper we are investigating to figure out the exponential growth
of solutions with L_{p}-norm of a viscoelastic Klein-Gordon wave
equation with strong damping, source and delay terms.
CRISPR-Cas13d for CHO Cell Engineering and Antibody Production
Authors: Lin Mei-Wei , Shen Chih-Che , Lin Yen-Ju , Chou Min-Yuan , Pham Nam Ngoc , Chang Yi-Hao , Chang Chin-Wei , Hwu Jih Ru , Hu Yu-Chen
Published: March 2022

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell is the predominant cell factory to
produce biopharmaceuticals such as immunoglobulin G (IgG), but in CHO
cells lactate accumulation and cell death compromise IgG production
while fucosylation mitigates the antibody-dependent cellular
cytotoxicity (ADCC) of IgG. To tackle these problems, we harnessed a
burgeoning gene silencing system, CRISPR-Cas13d, to effectively suppress
the endogenous genes governing lactate production (LDHA), fucosylation
(GFT) and cell death (DDIT3), hence repressing lactate accumulation and
core fucosylation. We further exploited the Sleeping Beauty system to
integrate the CRISPR-Cas13d module co-targeting these 3 genes and
generated a CHO cell platform for IgG production. The new platform
exhibited simultaneous knockdown of LDHA, GFT and DDIT3, accumulated
less lactate, had prolonged longevity, produced more IgG with less
fucosylation and stronger ADCC efficacy. These data collectively warrant
the potentials of CRISPR-Cas13d for CHO cell engineering and improving
antibody production with regard to quantity and quality.
Study on The Improved Lasso Regression Model for Predicting Medical Expenses
Authors: Li Jingjiao , Gu Jinbo , Yan Aiyun , Jin Shuowei , Wang Aixia
Published: March 2022

With the improvement of medical consumption level, patients have more
and more demand for the prediction of treatment costs. However, the
prediction accuracy of existing research methods is low when the amount
of data is small. In order to solve this problem, a weighted lasso
regression method is proposed to predict the treatment cost based on the
electronic medical record. Firstly, a set of transformation method of
text-based medical record data is established, and the missing values
are supplemented according to the clustering distance to realize the
data representation of medical records. Then, in view of the low
prediction accuracy of the traditional regression model, the lasso
regression model with local weighting is established by introducing the
data feature weight into lasso regression method. Finally, the model is
verified by the medical record data provided by the hospital, and the
results show that the model has higher prediction accuracy.
Quercetin-mediated changes in biochemical pathways to omit stress in plants
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Arif Yamshi , Bajguz Andrzej , Hayat Shamsul
Published: March 2022

Flavonoids are a special category of hydroxylated phenolic compounds
having an aromatic ring structure. Among several subclasses of
flavonoids, the flavonol subclass contains a special compound –
quercetin. Quercetin is a bioactive natural compound built upon the
flavon structure, i.e., C6(ring A)-C3(ring C)-C6(ring B). It facilitates
several plant physiological processes such as seed germination, pollen
growth, antioxidant machinery, and photosynthesis, as well as induces
proper plant growth and development. Quercetin is a powerful
antioxidant, so it potently provides plant tolerance against several
biotic and abiotic stresses. This review highlights the role of
quercetin in increasing several physiological and biochemical processes
in under stress and non-stress environments. Additionally, this review
briefly assesses the role of quercetin in mitigating biotic and abiotic
stresses, e.g., salt, heavy metal, and UV stress. Furthermore, the
biosynthesis of flavonoids along with fresh advances and regulation in
its signaling pathway, as well as the role of quercetin in plant
signaling is also discussed.
Analysis of the left atrial function using two-dimensional strain in patients with recent diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis
Authors: Saad Ariel Karim , Aladio Jose , Yamasato Florencia , Volberg Veronica , Ballerga Esteban Gonzalez , Sordá Juan , Daruich Jorge , Hoz Ricardo Perez de la
Published: March 2022

Background. Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition
associated with a systemic iron overload. Heart failure is an important
cause of mortality. It has been demonstrated early stages of systolic
and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in previous studies. The aim
of the study is to compare the left atrial (LA) function between
asymptomatic HH patients and a control group using 2D speckle tracking.
Methods. Prospective study. LA strain, LA strain rate and LA volumetric
parameters during the reservoir, conduit and contraction phases were
studied. The LA Stiffness Index was calculated by the ratio between E/e
and LA reservoir strain. Results. 30 patients with HH (90% males, 47 ±
18 years old) and 30 healthy controls (85% males, 45 ± 13 years old)
were included. LA volume was similar in both groups. No differences were
observed in LA ejection fraction (EF), LA passive EF and LA active
ejection fraction between both groups. On the contrary, the HH group had
lower LA strain during the reservoir (31.5 ± 6.5% vs 38.3 ± 7.9%;
p=0.002), and conduit phases (-18 ± 7% vs -23.3 ± 6.4%; p=0.01) and
lower LA conduit strain rate (-1.7 ± 0.7 seg-1 vs -2.1 ± 0.5 seg-1;
p=0.02) than controls. The LA stiffness index was significantly higher
in the HH group (0.25 ± 0.9 vs 0.19 ± 0.6; p=0.01). Conclusions. Early
abnormalities in the LA function could be detected by using 2D speckle
tracking study despite no evidence of changes in atrial size or
volumetric parameters.
Increased blood monocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and decreased activated T lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Liró Julia , Palazón-Carrión Natalia , Sojo-Dorado Jesús , Salamanca Elena , Cruz-Merino Luis de la , Pascual Alvaro , Rodriguez-Baño Jesus , SANCHEZ-MARGALET VICTOR
Published: March 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
infection may produce a systemic disease, the coronavirus disease-19
(COVID-19), with high morbidity and mortality. Even though we do not
fully understand the interaction of innate and adaptive immunity in the
control and complications of the viral infection, it is well recognized
that SARS-CoV-2 induces an immunodepression that impairs the elimination
of the virus and favors its rapid dissemination in the organism. Even
less is known the possible participation of inhibitory cells of the
innate immune system, such as the myeloid-derived suppressor cells
(MDSCs), or the adaptive immune system, such as the T regulatory cells
(Tregs). That is why we aimed to study blood levels of MDSCs as well as
lymphocyte subpopulations including Tregs, and activated (OX-40+) and
inhibited (PD-1) T lymphocytes in patients with COVID-19 in comparison
with data obtained from control donors. We have found that 12
hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and no health history of
immnosuppression had a significant increase in the number of peripheral
monocytic MDSCs, but not Tregs, as well as an increase in the number of
inhibited or exhausted T cells, whereas the number of activated T cells
was significantly decreased compared with that from 20 healthy controls.
Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation (- 0.791) between
the number of M-MDSC and the number of activated T cells. Therefore,
SARS-Cov-2 seems to recruit MDSCs, and these inhibitory cells may
contribute to the immunosuppression observed in patients with COVID-19.
The potential anti-obesity, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant effects of Vitamin A in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
Authors: Alhindi Yosra
Published: March 2022

Background Evidence suggests that there is a link between diabetes
mellitus and Vitamin A. Moreover, it has been reported that diabetes
induces oxidative stress. Lately, a wide attention has been developed to
the protective biochemical function of natural antioxidants contained
vitamins, which can reduce the oxidative damage caused by free radical
species. Objective To investigate the anti-obesity, anti-diabetic and
anti-oxidative effects of vitamin A in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced
diabetic mice. Methods Male mice were randomly divided into three
groups: Control- nondiabetic, received a normal diet and water;
Control-diabetic, received STZ 45mg/kg once intraperitoneally; and
Treated-diabetic, received both STZ as before plus Vitamin A (4-IU/day)
orally daily for 16 weeks. Food intake, body weight, fat mass, fasting
blood glucose, serum insulin, and lipid profile were estimated. Also,
superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO), catalase
(CAT), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured. Results Treated diabetic
mice with Vitamin A showed a significant improvement in their body
weight, fat mass, lipid profile as well as SOD, GPO and CAT compared to
Control-diabetic mice. However, Vitamin A caused no significant change
on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Furthermore, plasma level
of MDA was significantly elevated in diabetic mice compared to normal
mice. Diabetic mice treated with vitamin A had a significantly reduced
level of MDA, suggesting that vitamin A might have a vital role in the
protection of tissues from damage by free radicals. Conclusion
Supplementation with vitamin A may be a useful treatment strategy for
diabetic patients to reduce/prevent the pathological complications of
diabetes.
Infinitely many homoclinic solutions for damped vibration systems with locally defined potentials
Authors: Selmi Wafa , Timoumi Mohsen
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of infinitely many
fast homoclinic solutions for the following damped vibration system
$$\ddot{u}(t)+q(t)\dot{u}(t)-L(t)u(t)+\nabla
W(t,u(t))=0,\ \forall
t\in\mathbb{R} $$ where
$q\in
C(\mathbb{R},\mathbb{R})$,
$L\in
C(\mathbb{R},\mathbb{R}^{N^{2}})$
is a symmatric and positive definite matix-valued function and
$W\in
C^{1}(\mathbb{R}\times\mathbb{R}^{N},\mathbb{R})$.
The novelty of this paper is that, assuming that $L$ is bounded from
below unnecessarily coercive at infinity, and $W$ is only locally
defined near the origin with respect to the second variable, we show
that $(1)$ possesses infinitely many homoclinic solutions via a
variant symmetric mountain pass theorem.
Porcine parvovirus-7 (PPV7) has frequent co-infections with porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) in sows with reproductive failure and may promote PCV3 viremia
Authors: Mai Jinhui , Wang Dongliang , Zou Yawen , Zhang Sujiao , Meng Chenguang , Wang Aibng , Wang Naidong
Published: March 2022

Porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) and porcine circoviruses (PCVs) infect pigs
worldwide, with PPV1-7 and PCV2 infections common in pigs. Although PPV7
was only identified in 2016, co-infection of PPV7 and PCV2 is already
common and PPV7 may stimulate PCV2 replication. PCV3, a novel type of
circovirus, is prevalent worldwide and believed to cause reproductive
disorders and dermatitis nephrotic syndrome. In recent studies, pigs
were commonly infected with both PCV3 and PPV7. Our objective was to
investigate co-infections between PPV7 and PCV3 in samples from swine on
farms in Hunan, China, and assess potential impacts of PPV7 on PCV3
viremia. A total of 399 porcine serum samples, negative or positive for
PCV3, were subjected to real-time PCR to detect PPV7; of these samples,
190 were from farms with long-standing histories of reproductive failure
(RF) and were selected to determine whether PPV7 affected PCV3 viremia.
Among 209 serum samples, 23% (48/209) were positive for PPV7 and the
PPV7-positive rate was signiﬁcantly higher in PCV3 positive serum
(31.4%) than negative serum (14.4%). Among 190 serum samples, 45.1%
(28/62) were positive for PPV7 and PCV3 and the PPV7-positive rate was
signiﬁcantly higher in PCV3 positive RF-serum (51.2%) than in non-PCV3
RF-serum (34.8%); furthermore, there was a higher PPV7 prevalence
(55%) in PCV3-positive aborted fetus samples. In addition, the Ct value
of PCV3 in PPV7 positive samples was significantly lower than that in
PPV7 negative serum samples. Based on our findings, we concluded that
PPV7 may stimulate PCV3 replication.
Exploring the nursing regulation against COVID-19 in hematology department
Authors: Zhang Jiasi , Tan Fangfang , Yuan Jia , Jiang Sheng , Liao Jianmei
Published: March 2022

To find out the comprehensive nursing regulation against COVID-19
epidemic in hematology department. Normalized regulation preventing
epidemic was set up by improving management of accompany nursing and
optimizing the process of admitting to hospital, which include special
nursing measures preventing hematology patients with fever during the
epidemic; dual quarantine methods for patients with low leukocyte; blood
catheter nursing; improving nursing for patients with anemia or low
blood platelet. All staff in our department were not infected by
COVID-19, and no patients were confirmed, quality of nursing were
excellent,100% satisfaction were got both in the staff and patients,
the process of admitting and routine work in department were normally
running. Awareness of risk is essentially for nurse who practice
frontline nursing in hematology ward especially facing the outbreak of
epidemic, we should immediately take action against the pandemic to
reduce the infection and alleviate the loss.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among Hong Kong Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ho Ka Yan , Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan , Xia Wei , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Cheung Ankie Tan , Chiu Sau Ying , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung , Li Ho Cheung William
Published: March 2022

Background Sleep disruption is prevalent in childhood cancer survivors.
However, no validated instrument is available to assess this symptom. We
translated and adapted the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for
Hong Kong Chinese cancer survivors and examined its psychometric
properties and factor structure. Procedure A cross-sectional study was
conducted. A convenience sample of 402 Hong Kong Chinese childhood
cancer survivors aged 6–18 years were asked to complete the Chinese
version of the PSQI, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
for Children (CES-DC), Fatigue Scale-Child (FS-C)/Fatigue
Scale-Adolescent (FS-A), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory
(PedsQL). To assess known-group validity, 50 pediatric cancer patients
and 50 healthy counterparts were recruited. A sample of 40 survivors was
invited to respond to the PSQI again 2 weeks later to assess
test–retest reliability. Results The Chinese version of the PSQI had a
Cronbach alpha of 0.71, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of
0.90. Childhood cancer survivors showed significantly lower mean PSQI
scores than children with cancer, and significantly higher mean scores
than healthy counterparts. We observed positive correlations between
PSQI and CES-DC scores and between PSQI and FS-A/FS-C scores, but a
negative correlation between PSQI and PedsQL scores. Confirmatory factor
analysis showed that the translated PSQI data best fit a three-factor
model. The best cutoff score to detect insomnia was 4.5. Conclusions The
Chinese version of the PSQI is a reliable and valid instrument to assess
subjective sleep quality among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer
survivors.
A review of the role of sexual selection in mammals
Authors: Cassini Marcelo
Published: March 2022

Sexual selection theory states that males compete for mate
monopolization and larger males can sire more offspring than smaller
males, thereby resulting in the evolution of sexual size dimorphism.
Female grouping facilitates mate monopolization and increases intensity
of sexual selection. Sexual selection should be particularly intense in
mammals because females have the most parental investment due to
gestation and lactation, making them a limiting resource for which males
compete. Nevertheless, I found evidence suggesting a minor role of
sexual selection in mammals. I found low values of the standardised
variances in male reproductive success, Im, and Nonacs’s B indices.
Phylogenetic confirmatory path analyses indicated that sexual dimorphism
evolved after the evolution of large body size, regardless of the
evolution of polygyny and breeding groups. Results are explained by a
‘gender neutral’ model, in which all individuals in a population are
initially subjected to the same pressures of natural selection.
Different acclimation to temperature of growth and respiration parameters of two mangrove species with different distribution ranges
Authors: Inoue Tomomi , Akaji Yasuaki , Noguchi Ko
Published: March 2022

Mangrove plants are found in tropical and sub-tropical tidal flats, and
their limited distribution may be related to their responses to growth
temperatures. However, the mechanisms underlying these responses have
not been clarified. Typical species of Indo–Pacific mangroves,
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Rhizophora stylosa, differ in their
distribution ranges. Here, we grew these species at different
temperatures and analyzed growth and respiration parameters. Relative
growth rate of both species increased with growth temperature due to
changes in physiological parameters such as net assimilation rate and
respiration rate rather than to changes in structural parameters. At low
growth temperature, root respiration rate and nitrogen uptake rate were
lower in R. stylosa than in B. gymnorrhiza roots, leading to slower
growth and higher sensitivity to low temperature of R. stylosa. Biomass
allocation to leaves and roots was also lower in R. stylosa at any
temperature. These characteristics of R. stylosa would result in lower
relative growth rate of whole plant and to different distribution
patterns of the two species.
Discovery of a novel recombinant avian orthoreovirus in China
Authors: Yan Tian , Jiang Xiaoning , Wang Hongzhi , Yao Zhonghui , Zhu Siming , DIAO YOU XIANG , TANG YI
Published: March 2022

In mid-2020, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we
identified a divergent cluster 2 avian orthoreovirus (ARV) variant named
PHC-2020-0545, isolated from tendons of 33-day-old broilers with leg
swelling in China. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis of
results revealed that the isolate strain was genetically distinct from
all known ARV strains in M1 and M3 genes, and the σC coding gene was
quite different from the identified ARV strains grouped into other
genotyping cluster. The recombination analysis revealed that multiple
segmental recombination, intra-segmental recombination and accumulation
of point mutations might contribute to the emergence of this isolate.
The broilers infected with the PHC-2020-0545 strain showed typical
clinical symptoms of tarsal joint swelling, and the isolate mainly
affected the movement, digestion and metabolism of broilers. Although
the mortality of broilers caused by the isolate was very low, the
results of viral load detection revealed that it had strong replication
ability in vivo. In addition, the infection route of the isolate is
related to its pathogenicity to broilers. Therefore, we determined that
the PHC-2020-0545 field strain is a unique novel recombinant ARV strain,
which might become prevalent in Chinese broiler flocks.
Oral Immunization Response of Common Krait Found in Sindh Province of Pakistan: A Novel Approach for Anti snake venom (ASV) Production
Authors: Ahmed Zameer , Zameer Sambreen , Fasih Fatima , Jafri Aliya
Published: March 2022

Background: Snake biting are a substantially neglected health problem in
rural areas of Pakistan. There is a need for producing larger and better
quality anti-snake venom to decrease mortality associated with snakebite
cases. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a
novel strategy to produce antivenom against the venom of two common
krait species found in Sindh, Pakistan Methods: This was an animal-based
research conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh,
Pakistan. All experimental subjects were categorized equally into two
groups with unique numerals for identification purposes. i.e. Group A
for Bungarus sindanus and Group B for Bungarus caeruleus. Each group
consisted of 6 horses. One horse in each group acted as a control.
Before initiating the immunization process, baseline serums were
collected from the subject’s jugular veins and stored as baseline
controls. Post immunization serums were weekly collected from the horses
and stored. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to
estimate immunoglobulin of the subjects by adding a fixed amount of
venom antigen with coating buffer pH of 9.5 to 10 ng, 100 ng, and 1000
ng. Incubated overnight at 37° C temperature in the incubator. Results:
The results showed that the two species of the krait family did not show
significant neutralizing antibodies against each other. The novel oral
adjuvant formulation of snake venoms is safe and easy to administer
which will be useful for commercial ASV production of potent antibodies
at a significantly reduced cost and without any significant adverse
effects on equine health. Conclusions: The current study presents an
effective novel approach for the production of anti-snake venom for
Bungarus sindanus and Bungarus caeruleus.
Asymmetric sulfoxidation of thioether catalyzed by soybean pod peroxidase to form enantiopure sulfoxide in water-in-oil microemulsions ：kinetic model
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Huiling , Wang Zhiyong , Li Depeng , Gao Xin Xin
Published: March 2022

The asymmetric sulfoxidation catalyzed by soybean pod peroxidase (SPP)
in water-in-oil microemulsions were carried out with the yield of
91.56% and e.e of 96.08% at the activity of SPP of 3200 U ml-1 and 50℃
for 5 h. The mechanism with a two-electron reduction of SPP-I is
accompanied with a single-electron transfer to SPP-I and nonenzymatic
reactions, indicating that three concomitant sub-mechanisms contribute
to the asymmetric oxidation involving five enzymatic and two
nonenzymatic reactions, which can represent the asymmetric sulfoxidation
of organic sulfides to form enantiopure sulfoxides. With 5.44% of the
average relative deviation, a kinetic model fitting experimental data
very well was developed. The enzymatic reactions may follow ping-pong
mechanism with substrate inhibition of H2O2 and product inhibition of
esomeprazole, while nonenzymatic reactions, a power law. Those results
indicate that SPP with a lower cost and higher thermal stability may be
used as an effective substitute for Horseradish Peroxidase.
A Note on Legendrian Dualities
Authors: Liu Haiming , Miao jiajing
Published: March 2022

The motivation of this paper is that we wish to add some new information
on Legendrian dualities for continuous families of pseudo-spheres in
Minkowski space. We construct all contact diffeomorphic mappings between
those contact manifolds and display them in a table which contains all
information about Legendrian dualities, by the way, we extend them to
the case of Legendrian dualities for continuous families of
pseudo-spheres in general semi-Euclidean space.
The combination of alanine aminotransferase and cytokines could predict the hepatitis B s antigen reduction in chronic hepatitis B patients in antiviral therapy
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Huimin , Du Jinjie , Ren Hong , Hu Peng
Published: March 2022

Background & Aims: Hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) is an important
reference for the amount of covalently closed circular DNA. Patients may
benefit from low HBsAg levels. We evaluated changes in HBsAg and
cytokines in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with low HBsAg levels
who underwent oral antiviral therapy. Methods: A total of 197 CHB
patients with HBsAg < 3,000 IU/ml and HBV DNA ≤1,000 IU/ml
after more than a year of antiviral therapy were divided into a
nucleotide analogs (NAs) group and an entecavir (ETV) group. HBsAg
levels were determined every 6 months until 42 months. The serum
chemokine and cytokine levels at baseline and 6, 18, and 30 months among
54 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients were measured.
Results: HBsAg loss (1.72%), HBsAg reduction below 100 IU/ml (13.79%)
and HBsAg reduction ≥0.5 log10 (24.14%) occurred in the NAs group. The
cumulative incidences of HBsAg reduction and the HBsAg change in the NAs
group were better than those in the ETV group (P<0.05). HBsAg
reduction ≥0.5 log10 was associated with NAs therapy, MDC, interleukin
(IL) 4, IL23 and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in baseline and ALT
levels change>60 U/L during antiviral therapy
(P<0.05). ALT change and IL4 level were identified as
independent factors for HBsAg reduction (p=0.006; OR=30.491
[2.626-351.312], and p=0.027; OR=1.847 [1.071-3.186],
respectively). Conclusions: NAs therapy had some advantages in promoting
a reduction in HBsAg. In clinical practice, ALT, MDC, IL4, and IL23 may
be biomarkers for predicting HBsAg reduction.
Male differentiation in the marine copepod Oithona nana reveals the development of a new nervous ganglion linked to Lin12-Notch-Repeat protein-associated proteolysis
Authors: Sugier Kevin , Laso-Jadart Romuald , Vacherie Benoit , Käfer Jos , Bertrand Laurie , Orvain Céline , Martins Nathalie , Labadie Karine , Poulain Julie , Petit Emmanuelle , Wincker Patrick , Jamet Jean-Louis , Alberti Adriana , Madoui Mohammed-Amin
Published: March 2022

Copepods are the most numerous animals and play an essential role in the
marine trophic web and biogeochemical cycles. The genus Oithona is
described as having the highest numerical density, as the most
cosmopolite copepod. The Oithona male paradox obliges it to alternate
immobile and mobile phases for ambushed feeding and mate search
respectively, while the female is less mobile and often feeding. To
characterize the molecular basis of this sexual dimorphism, we combined
immunofluorescence, genomics, transcriptomics and protein-protein
interactions approaches. Tubulin-β3 and α immunofluorescence analysis
revealed two lateral male-specific nervous ganglions in the first
segment of the Oithona nana male’s prosome. In parallel, the
transcriptomic analysis showed male-specific enrichment for nervous
system development related transcripts. Twenty seven Lin12-Notch Repeat
domains-containing proteins coding genes (LDPGs) over the 75 LDPGs found
in the genome were specifically expressed in male. Furthermore, most of
the LDPGs (27%) code for proteins having a predicted proteolytic
activity and non-LDPGs proteolysis associated transcripts showed a male
specific enrichment. Using yeast double–hybrid assays, we constructed a
protein-protein interaction network involving two LDPs with proteases,
extracellular matrix proteins and neurogenesis related proteins. In our
study, the lateral nervous ganglion of O. nana male is described
for the first time and is unique in copepods. We also demonstrated a
role of the LDPGs and its associated proteolysis to participate to the
male-specific physiology and we hypothesize a role of the LDPGs in the
lateral ganglions development through guiding lysis of extracellular
matrix for the neurites and synapse genesis.
CBX4 regulates long-form thymic stromal lymphopoietin-mediated airway inflammation through SUMOylation in HDM-induced asthma mice
Authors: yu changhui , liang shixiu , zhou zicong , zhou zili , Haijin Zhao , liu jieyi , Huang Wufeng , Dong Hangming , Zou Fei , Cai Shaoxi
Published: March 2022

Abstract Background: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is present in
two distinct isoforms, short-form (sfTSLP) and long-form (lfTSLP).
lfTSLP promotes inflammation while sfTSLP inhibits inflammation in
allergic asthma. However, little is known about the regulation of lfTSLP
and sfTSLP during allergic attack in asthma airway epithelium. Methods
and Results: Here, we report that SUMOylation was enhanced in
HDM-induced allergic asthma airway epithelium. Inhibition of SUMOylation
significantly alleviated airway Th2 inflammation and lfTSLP expression.
Mechanistically, CBX4, a SUMOylation E3 ligase, enhanced lfTSLP, but not
sfTSLP, mRNA translation through the RNA binding protein, MEX-3B. MEX-3B
promoted lfTSLP translation through binding of its KH domains to the
lfTSLP mRNA. Furthermore, CBX4 regulated MEX-3B transcription in HBE
through enhancing SUMOylation levels of the transcription factor,
TFII-I. Conclusion: We demonstrate an important mechanism
whereby CBX4 promotes MEX-3B transcription through enhancing TFII-I
SUMOylation, and MEX-3B enhances the expression of lfTSLP through
binding to the lfTSLP mRNA and promoting its translation. Our findings
uncover a novel target of CBX4 for therapeutic agents to lfTSLP-mediated
asthma.
Preparation and developmental protocol for new biofilms process for protection quality, phytochemicals and taste compounds of apple ingredients during storage period through advanced methods as natural resources for future chemical and food industry of green technologies future
Authors: ahmed waseem
Published: March 2022

A study was planned to ensure the post-harvest quality of apple during
storage periods through natural plant resources instead of using
chemicals. Melia azedarach (Dharek) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) is
well known as rich resources of bioactive compounds with antioxidants
potential, used to maintain the quality of apple fruit and to avoid
decay during storage periods. The pure compounds were isolated and used
in films with the concentration of (30mg Ditriterpenoids and
Secomeliacins films) and applied to apples, were purchased from the
local market of Haripur Pakistan. The three main quality enzymes like
superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and proximate (POX,) were
measured in stored fruits. Moreover, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and
TA found retained during the storage period under (30 mg triterpenoids
and Secomeliacins) film treatments. The HPLC-DAD analysis of stored
fruits and fresh apple fruits showed the presence of five bioactive
compounds with a minor variation for 9 days of storage periods. The
phytochemical screening of treated fruits during the storage period
showed the eight important bioactive compounds when compared with fresh
fruits. It was concluded that new active films were helpful to used
(Diterpenoids + Secomeliacins) are effective in maintaining the fruit
quality during storage periods. The protocol and development of film’s
with their engineering trails of thickness, water vapour permeability
measurement in active films are discussed in the relevant section of
this article to maintain the postharvest quality of apple fruits during
storage periods as films are used in future green technologies in
chemicals and food industry.
Trans-species transmission of Brucellae among ruminants hampering brucellosis control efforts in Egypt
Authors: Hegazy Yamen , Abdel-Hamid Nour , Eldehiey Mohammed , Oreiby Atef , Al-Gaabary Magdy , Hamdy Mahmoud , Beleta Eman , Martinez Irene , shahein Momtaz , Garcia Nerea , Eltholth Mahmoud
Published: March 2022

For the aim of genotypic fingerprinting of Brucella melitensis bv3
isolated from different ruminant species in Kafrelsheikh governorate,
Egypt, a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA 16) has
been approached. The MLVA 16 was performed on 41 B. melitensis bv3
isolates identified by bacteriological and molecular techniques.
Thirty-one isolates originated from the preferential host (28 sheep and
three goats), and ten isolates from atypical hosts (nine cattle and one
buffalo). Recovering the same genotype in two different animal species
suggests cross-species adaptation of B. melitensis bv3 to different
atypical ruminant species in Egypt. Furthermore, the isolation of B.
melitensis from aborted cows after the entry of a replacement cow from
an unknown brucellosis status herd in cattle farms that had never reared
small ruminants indicates that cows can be infected and spread the
infection without the presence of the original host. Our results further
showed that different genotypes of B. melitensis could be isolated from
different samples of the same animal. The local geographic distribution
of genotypes showed a very close genetic relatedness with previously
reported genotypes outside the study area. Worldwide, all genotypes and
strains identified in this study were mostly related to the Western
Mediterranean lineage and were less likely to the Americas clonal
lineage. In conclusion, uncontrolled animal movement and the ability of
B. melitensis to spread among atypical hosts in the absence of the
original hosts are potential causes for the failure of brucellosis
control programs in endemic areas. The legal importation and illegal
movement of cattle and sheep are the main factors for maintaining the
infection of B. melitensis within the country. Further investigations
are required to understand the reasons for the presence of more than one
genotype of B. melitensis in the same animal and the efficacy of the
current applied strategy for brucellosis control.
Cognitive enhancer effect of citicoline alone or in combination with Panax Ginseng: A prospective human psychometric study
Authors: Al-kuraishy Hayder , Al-Gareeb Ali , Al-Omairi Naif , Cruz-Martins Natália , Batiha Gaber
Published: March 2022

A prospective study was conducted to address the combined effect of
Panax Ginseng and citicoline on human psychomotor performance and visual
working memory in normal healthy volunteers. Eighty healthy volunteers
were randomly assigned to four groups: Group A (Control group, n=20) was
placebo, Group B (Ginseng group, n=20) received Panax Ginseng, Group C
(Citicoline group, n=20) received citicoline, and Group D (Combined
group, n=20) received Panax Ginseng plus citicoline. Psychomotor
performance, vigilance and visual working memory of normal healthy
volunteers were assessed before and after 1-month therapy. Panax ginseng
led to an improvement in most components of the psychomotor performance
measures, arousal function and visual working memory accuracy
(p<0.05), but did not significantly affected recognition
reaction time (RRT) and 1-back working memory accuracy
(p>0.05). Regarding citicoline treatment, it led to an
improvement in psychomotor performance measures and visual working
memory accuracy (p<0.05), but did not markedly changed arousal
and vigilance (p>0.05). When citicoline and Panax ginseng
were used in combination, a marked improvement in both psychomotor
performances and visual working memory accuracy on healthy volunteers
were stated (p<0.01). Panax ginseng and citicoline act
synergistically on human psychomotor performance and visual working
memory in normal healthy volunteers.
Theoretical investigation of Structural, electronic, mechanical and magnetic properties of the new half-metallic Cr2NbGe1-xSnx alloys: A DFT-based simulation
Authors: ASFOUR ISSAM
Published: March 2022

In this work, using the theory of functional density (DFT), we studied
the electronic structure, elastic and the magnetic properties of
quaternary full-Heusler alloys Cr2NbGe1-xSnx. The calculations of the
structural parameters, electronic structure and partial density of state
(PDOS) are performed using the full-potential linearized augmented plane
wave method with the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) as
functional of exchange and correlation. Our investigations show that
Cu2MnAl-type structures of the Cr2NbGe1-xSnx (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75,
1.00) Heusler compounds are more stable than that of Hg2CuTi-type ones.
The elastic constants results show that these compounds are mechanically
stable. These quaternary Heusler alloys are found to be a complete
half-metal with a total magnetic moment of -3.00 µB, the origin of
magnetic moment is due to the exchange splitting of Nb-d and Cr-d
states. The quasi-harmonic Debye model, as implemented in the Gibbs
code, was used to predict the thermal properties of the Cr2NbGe1-xSnx .
These alloys seem to be a potential candidate of spintronic devices.
Appraisal of Mathematical Modeling of Alkyd Resin Polycondensation Reactor
Authors: Uzoh Chigozie , Onukwuli Okechukwu , Ighalo Joshua
Published: March 2022

Alkyd resin polycondensation process has been subjected to extensive
theoretical, mathematical, experimental and simulation research because
of inadequate kinetic models. The analysis of the alkyd resin
polycondensation process is outstandingly essential for the design and
development of new resins suitable for a broad range of application.
However, experimental methods do not only consume time but burdensome,
clumsy and costly. Researchers have, therefore, introduced mathematical
modeling to control the alkyd reactor polycondensation processes and to
investigate and improve the fundamental understanding of the dynamics of
the polymerization process, to design new alkyd resin in a shorter time
with comparatively lower cost. The latest developments in the
mathematical and simulation technologies that have been reported for the
alkyd reactor polycondensation kinetics were reviewed. The scope of this
review includes the modeling and simulation techniques used for alkyd
resin polycondensation processes and future challenges.
Endoscopic fenestration of huge Cavum veli interpositi cyst: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Masoudi Mohammad Sadegh , Zoghi Sina , Hosseini Amin , Taheri Reza
Published: March 2022

Endoscopic fenestration of the intraventricular cysts remains a safe
option that provides a less invasive profile even if neurosurgeon deals
with a huge Cavum Septi Interpositi cyst. We present our experience with
an eleven month old infant using an endoscopic approach in order to
“kill three birds with one s
“Keep up the good work, Za nas Kej!” citizens’ passive support to the local activist group
Authors: Iguman Sanja , Mijatovic Nevena , Nikolic Sara
Published: March 2022

Deep-rooted political turbulence, along with the present hybrid regime, have resulted in an undesirable social, economic and political milieu in Serbia. Such an atmosphere is a fertile ground for a grey economy, corruption, nepotism and restrictions to media freedoms. These ?unconventional? means of social functioning, have caused a decline in trust towards state institutions and proportionally, increase of citizen participation in non-institutional models of engagement. The aim of this paper is to analyse one such model of non-institutional engagement: the local activist group Za nas Kej, operating in the area Savski blokovi (Sava apartment blocks) in New Belgrade. The authors analysed local residents? perception of the activist group Za nas Kej in comparison to the group?s narratives and actions. By using a grounded theory approach authors explained the role of groups such as Za Nas Kej in the development of participatory and deliberative democracy within the local community. Our data indicates that Za nas kej, despite its local character, does not have a strong foothold in the community, and thus receives only passive support. Citizens perceive Za nas kej as mediator between local institutions and residents of the Sava apartment blocks. Despite the failure to mobilise a wider group of citizens for their cause, this activist group continues to be a relevant (political) actor within the local community.
The revolution that ate its own children: The colourful revolution from consensus to discord
Authors: Markovikj Nenad , Damjanovski Ivan
Published: March 2022

The main goal of this essay is to provide an in-depth analysis of the
trajectory of the Colourful Revolution (CR) in North Macedonia as a social
movement. From a more general perspective, the paper engages with the
growing interest in the literature that explores the correlation between
social movements and democratisation processes, especially in societies that
fall into the category of hybrid regimes. The Colourful Revolution is a good
example of a protest movement that has created effective regime change. It
presented a complex social movement encompassing many fragmented social and
political groups gathered around the idea of a common adversary.
Additionally, the Colourful Revolution has one particularity: it is a social
movement that has undergone a full developmental circle - formation through
utilization of political opportunity frameworks, a period of activity and
success and dissolution. Drawing on literature of the political process,
opportunity frameworks and cycles of social movements, the paper argues that
social movements such as the Colourful Revolution are not just temporary and
unstable structures but are also highly dependent on the existence of a
common target of the social activism in question. The removal from power of
political actors that have been the reason for mobilisation of a complex and
diverse network of social and political activism resulted in an absence of
an adhesive factor holding together all the parts of this complex system.
The absence initiated gradual discord and dissolution of different factions
within the social movement (CR in this case) and reveals its true nature -
temporary, ideologically diverse, conflictual, and even undemocratic in some
respects.
ABORDAGEM, METODOLOGIA, MÉTODO, ESTRATÉGIA, TÉCNICA OU RECURSO DE ENSINO: COMO DEFINIR A APRENDIZAGEM BASEADA EM PROBLEMAS?
Authors: Quadros Marques Glessyan de , Borin da Cunha Marcia
Published: March 2022

Com base nos pressupostos da Didática, apresentamos, neste artigo, uma discussão teórica sobre algumas definições muito utilizadas por pesquisadores na literatura, dentre elas: metodologia, método, abordagem, técnica e recursos de ensino. Descrevemos as diferenças entre esses termos e, a partir disso, realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica em teses e dissertações sobre a Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas (ABP) no ensino de Ciências, com o objetivo de identificar quais termos são utilizados pelos pesquisadores em suas teses e dissertações para designar a ABP nessa área. Identificamos, neste estudo, que os pesquisadores empregam termos muito variados, como: metodologia, método, abordagem, estratégia, ferramenta, entre outros. Observamos, também, a ocorrência de uso desses termos como sinônimos. Essa diversidade de denominações em um mesmo trabalho de pesquisa pode indicar incoerência teórica ou metodológica, descuido ou ainda incompreensão sobre o uso dos termos. Em decorrência disso, discutimos formas mais acertadas de designar a ABP.