bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Senecio Plants by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lu An-Jing , Lu Yan-Liu , Tan Dao-Peng , Qin Lin , Ling Hua , Wang Chang-Hong , He Yu-Qi
Published: November 2021

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are considered as the major constituents that cause hepatoxicity in Senecio plants. PAs can be found in about 3%–5% of the world’s flowering plants. Nowadays, the identification method of PAs by separation and preparation was too slow and lacked effective power. A rapid method to identify PAs in plants must be developed. Based on the fragmentation regularity, the hepatoxic PAs and nonhepatoxic PAs were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The detailed structures of PAs in five Senecio plants were identified based on tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectrum and chemical research information. In the present study, some new fragmentation regularities of PAs have been found, such as product ions at m/z 122, m/z 140 and m/z 124, m/z 142, which have been discovered as the characteristic fragments of lactone and mono-esterase type of saturated PAs, respectively. Moreover, two product ions at m/z 120 and m/z 138 have been reported as the characteristic fragments of unsaturated PAs. Some of them were found in Senecio species for the first time, and some of them may be new nature product or even new compound. Finally, we classified these plants into five categories based on PAs which were identified in the present study; the result corresponded with the classification by morphology. In addition, we have found some constituents that have odd molecular weight number only in Senecio species but not in Ligularia species; the detailed structures of these non-PAs constituents need penetrating study. LC-MS was rapid and sensitive method for detecting and identifying PAs in plants. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids were the toxiferous constituent of Senecio plants. In this study, we found that PAs can be used as the characteristic constituent of Senecio species.
Combined Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Curcumin in Melanoma Cancer
Authors: Yazdani Zahra , Mehrabanjoubani Pooyan , Rafiei Alireza , Biparva Pourya , Kardan Mostafa
Published: November 2021

Curcumin (CUR) has interesting properties to cure cancer. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is also an emerging biomedical technique that has great potential for cancer treatment. Therefore, the combined effect of CAP and CUR on inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis of melanoma cancer cells might be promising. Here, we investigated the combined effects of CAP and CUR on cytotoxicity and apoptosis in B16‐F10 melanoma cancer cells compared to L929 normal cells using MTT method, acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescence microscopic assay, and Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. In addition, the activation of apoptosis pathways was evaluated using BCL2, BAX, and Caspase‐3 (CASP3) gene expression and ratio of BAX to BCL2 (BAX/BCL2). Finally, in silico study was performed to suggest the molecular mechanism of this combination therapy on melanoma cancer. Results showed that although combination therapy with CUR and CAP has cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on cancer cells, it did not improve apoptosis rate in melanoma B16‐F10 cancer cells compared to monotherapy with CAP or CUR. In addition, evaluation of gene expression in cancer cell line confirmed that CUR and CAP concomitant treatment did not enhance the expression of apoptotic genes. In silico analysis of docked model suggested that CUR blocks aquaporin‐ (AQP‐) 1 channel and prevents penetration of CAP‐induced ROS into the cells. In conclusion, combination therapy with CAP and CUR does not improve the anticancer effect of each alone.
Experiment and Mechanism Investigation on Freezing‐Thawing of Sandstone with Different Water Contents
Authors: Song Guilei , Chen Longxiao , Li Kesheng , Zhang Deng , Xu Junhao , Xu Wenshuo , Liu Chuanxiao , Zhang Jinpeng
Published: November 2021

Freezing‐thawing cycles seriously affect the safety of underground engineering in cold regions. At present, most research studies focus on the effect of number and freezing temperature on freezing‐thawing cycles. As another important factor, the mechanism of rock mass water content affecting freezing‐thawing is less studied. This paper studied the influence of the water content on mechanical property, microstructure, and acoustic emission characteristics of sandstone. The results indicated that the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus (E) of sandstone after 20 freezing‐thawing cycles decreased as the water content increased. However, the decreasing rate of UCS gradually decreased, while the decreasing rate of E gradually increased. Furthermore, the empirical formulas of UCS and E about water content were obtained. The porosity and plasticity of sandstone after 20 freezing‐thawing cycles increased as the water content increased. The empirical formulas of UCS and E about water content were obtained. The porosity and plasticity of sandstone after 20 freezing‐thawing cycles increased as the water content increased. The decreasing trend of UCS with porosity was the same as that of UCS with water content. The failure form of sandstone gradually changed from splitting failure to shear failure. The results of the acoustic emission test showed that the stress‐strain curves combined with acoustic emission ring counting could reveal the damage evolution process of sandstone during loading.
Concurrent COVID-19 and Acute HIV: A Case Report and Diagnostic Review
Authors: Johnson Kelly A. , Graglia Sally , Lynch Elizabeth D. , De Mesa Joanna , Antunez Erin , Torres Sandra , Coffey Susa , Cohen Stephanie E.
Published: November 2021

A 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department feeling unwell in February of 2021 with symptoms including diaphoresis, loose stools, and loss of taste sensation. Workup not only confirmed a diagnosis of COVID-19 but also revealed discordant HIV test results, with a reactive fourth-generation antigen/antibody test but a negative HIV-1/2 differentiation immunoassay. Subsequent HIV viral load testing obtained two days later ultimately established a diagnosis of acute HIV (AHI). Screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that providers (1) continue recommended screening for HIV as an essential service; (2) consider acute HIV in the differential when evaluating patients with acute viral syndromes; (3) recognize that AHI can occur concurrently with other infections, including COVID-19; and (4) understand the differential diagnosis for discordant HIV test results and know when HIV viral load testing is needed to resolve such discordant results.
[Retracted] Personalized Marketing Recommendation System of New Media Short Video Based on Deep Neural Network Data Fusion
Authors: Huang Feifeng
Published: November 2021

With the rapid development of mobile Internet, short video has become another darling after traditional webcast in recent years. How to make full use of short video for effective marketing has become a hot issue that academia and industry are paying close attention to. This article is mainly aimed at exploring practical new media through in‐depth research and exploration of the specific implementation methods and strategies of short video marketing in social media, based on the advantages and characteristic models of short video marketing in social media. The strategy of short video marketing in social media, and the use of highly in‐depth neural network analysis technology for the personalized marketing recommendation system of new media short videos, so as to better promote the use of social media short videos by enterprises or individuals. We have to learn from marketing activities. The experimental results of this article show that when the data volume reaches 80%, the performance of the VRBCH algorithm steadily improves, so the performance of the main F of the VRBCH algorithm is still relatively ideal when the data volume changes. Due to the high dilution of the experimental data set, the amount of data in the VRBCH algorithm has increased sharply by 30% to 35%, but the purchase rate of the marketing recommendation system is as high as 98%. Therefore, the system has high feasibility.
Downregulation of the Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 80 and Its Perspective Mechanisms in Ovarian Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Liang Zi-Qian , Gao Li , Chen Jun-Hong , Dai Wen-Bin , Su Ya-Si , Chen Gang
Published: November 2021

Introduction. We aimed to explore the downregulation of the coiled-coil domain containing 80 (CCDC80) and its underlying molecular mechanisms in ovarian carcinoma (OVCA). Materials/Methods. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to confirm the expression status of CCDC80 protein. Combining the data from in-house tissue microarrays and high-throughput datasets, we identified the expression level of CCDC80 in OVCA. We utilized cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to explore the relationship between CCDC80 and the tumor microenvironment (TME) landscape in OVCA. Pathway enrichment, function annotation, and transcription factor (TFs) exploration were conducted to study the latent molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the cell line data in the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was used to discover the relationship between CCDC80 and drug sensitivity. Results. An integrated standard mean difference (SMD) of −0.919 (95% CI: −1.515–0.324,

P
=
0.002

) identified the downregulation of CCDC80 in OVCA based on 1048 samples, and the sROC (

AUC
=
0.76

) showed a moderate discriminatory ability of CCDC80 in OVCA. The fraction of infiltrating naive B cells showed significant differences between the high- and low-CCDC80 expression groups. Also, CCDC80-related genes are enriched in the Ras signaling pathway and metabolic of lipid. Nuclear receptor subfamily three group C member 1 (NR3C1) may be an upstream TF of CCDC80, and CCDC80 may be related to the sensitivity of mitocycin C and nilotinib. Conclusion. CCDC80 was downregulated in OVCA and may play a role as a tumor suppressor in OVCA.
Medical Image Diagnostic Value of Computed Tomography for Bladder Tumors
Authors: Li Lin , Na Risu , Mi Tao , Cheng Hao , Ma Lili , Chen Guojun
Published: November 2021

Objective. To study computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics of bladder tumors, to explore the value of CT in tumor diagnosis, and to identify the relevant factors of CT missed diagnosis so that medical staff can be more accurate in the diagnosis of bladder tumors. Methods. To retrospectively analyze the CT manifestations of 153 bladder tumor cases confirmed by paraffin pathology in our hospital and to study the difference between the benign and CT imaging features. CT indicators mainly include the number, location, morphology, calcification, bladder wall smoothness, CT value, degree of enhancement, and invasion of surrounding tissues and organs. Then, we retrospectively analyze 17 cases of CT missed diagnosis of bladder tumors, analyze related factors, and discuss the role of CT in the diagnosis of bladder tumors. Results. This study has shown that with the help of CT images, the diagnosis rate of bladder tumors has been greatly improved. Of the 153 patients studied, noninvasive urothelial carcinoma accounted for 18.95% of all benign and malignant bladder tumors, invasive urothelial carcinoma accounted for 67.93%, prostatic metastatic carcinoma and inflammatory myofibroblastoma accounted for 8.47%, pheochromocytoma accounted for 1.31%, inverted papilloma accounted for 1.31%, tubular choriocarcinoma accounted for 0.63%, and endocystitis accounted for 1.31%. In addition, the blood supply level, CT index bladder wall smoothness, and CT value are also statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. CT is of high value in the diagnosis of bladder tumors, and benign and malignant bladder tumors have CT and CT imaging features. The size of bladder tumors is related to the missed diagnosis rate of CT. The application of CT examination technology can improve the accuracy of diagnosis of bladder tumors.
Corneal Epithelial Removal with a Newly Designed Epithelial Brush
Authors: Chung Ho Seok , Moon Seung Hwan , Kang Soon-Suk , Kim Minseop , Lee Hun , Tchah Hungwon , Kim Jae Yong
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a newly developed epithelial removal brush with conventional methods in a rabbit model of corneal epithelial defects. The corneal epithelia of thirty-seven rabbits were removed by three different methods including blades (blade group), newly developed epithelial brushes (Ocu group), and conventional rotating brushes (Amo group). The defect area was measured with light microscopy immediately and at 4, 18, 24, and 50 hours after removal. Corneas were obtained immediately and at 24 and 50 hours and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescence staining using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and phosphorylated heat shock protein 27 (pHSP27) antibodies. The residual stromal surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the Ocu group, epithelia were significantly recovered at 18, 24, and 50 hours compared with immediately after removal, and in the blade and Amo groups, epithelia were significantly recovered only at 50 hours after epithelial removal. The expression levels of PCNA and pHSP27 did not differ among three groups. There was significantly more inflammatory cell infiltration in the blade group than in the other groups. SEM showed a more regular and uniform residual stromal surface in the Ocu group than in the other groups. The newly developed epithelial brush showed better polishing ability and led to earlier significant epithelial recovery and a more regular and uniform stromal surface than conventional methods in this rabbit model of epithelial defects. Accumulation of clinical data is expected to expand the scope of application of new brushes for laser surface ablation.
Screening and Analysis of Key Genes in miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network of Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Hou Yawei , Li Yameng , Wang Yichuan , Li Wenpu , Xiao Zhenwei
Published: November 2021

Background. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are confirmed to participate in occurrence, development, and prevention of membranous nephropathy (MN), but their mechanism of action is unclear. Objective. With the GEO database and the use of bioinformatics, miRNA-mRNA regulatory network genes relevant to MN were explored and their potential mechanism of action was explained. Methods. The MN-related miRNA chip data set (GSE51674) and mRNA chip data set (GSE108109) were downloaded from the GEO database. Differential analysis was performed using the GEO2R online tool. TargetScan, miRTarBase, and StarBase databases were used to predict potential downstream target genes regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs, and the intersection with differential genes were taken to obtain candidate target genes. According to the regulatory relationship between miRNA and mRNA, the miRNA-mRNA relationship pair was clarified and Cytoscape was used to construct a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. WebGestalt was used to conduct enrichment analysis of the biological process of differential mRNAs in the regulatory network; FunRich analyzes the differential mRNA pathways in the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. And the STRING database was used to construct a PPI network for candidate target genes, and Cytoscape visually analyzes the PPI network. Results. Experiments were conducted to screen differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. There were 30 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 22 upregulated and 8 downregulated; and 1267 differentially expressed mRNAs, including 536 upregulated and 731 downregulated. Using TargetScan, miRTarBase, and StarBase databases to predict the downstream targets of differentially expressed miRNAs, 2957 downstream target genes coexisting in the 3 databases were predicted to intersect with differentially expressed mRNAs to obtain 175 candidate target genes. Finally, 36 miRNA-mRNA relationship pairs comprising 10 differentially expressed miRNAs and 27 differentially expressed mRNAs were screened out, and the regulatory network was constructed. Further analysis revealed that the miRNA regulatory network genes may be involved in the development of membranous nephropathy by mTOR, PDGFR-β, LKB1, and VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathways. Conclusion. The miRNA regulatory network genes may participate in the regulation of podocyte autophagy, lipid metabolism, and renal fibrosis through mTOR, PDGFR-β, LKB1, and VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathways, thereby affecting the occurrence and development of membranous nephropathy.
Analysis of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Pathological Remission of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiang Bing , Liu Qian , Gai Junda , Guan Jingqian , Li Qingchang
Published: November 2021

With the continuous development of the concept of diagnosis and treatment, the current industry’s treatment model has developed into a multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment. That is, in view of the pathological characteristics and clinical stages of breast cancer, corresponding methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and biological targeted therapy are adopted to provide comprehensive treatment of patients with multiple disciplines. This paper combines experimental research to research and analyze the degree of pathological remission of breast cancer by adjuvant chemotherapy and combines investigation and analysis and group trials to study and explore the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, this paper fully considers the patient’s response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and compares the changes in tumor cell abundance before and after chemotherapy to observe the response of the patient’s primary tumor to chemotherapy at a microscopic level. Therefore, this study has made a relatively objective and accurate evaluation of the chemotherapy efficacy of tumor tissues, which can provide a reference for subsequent related research.
Differentiating Central Lung Tumors from Atelectasis with Contrast‐Enhanced CT‐Based Radiomics Features
Authors: Chai Rui , Wang Qi , Qin Pinle , Zeng Jianchao , Ren Jiwei , Zhang Ruiping , Chu Lin , Zhang Xuting , Guan Yun
Published: November 2021

Objectives. To evaluate the utility of radiomics features in differentiating central lung cancers and atelectasis on contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. This study is retrospective. Materials and Methods. In this study, 36 patients with central pulmonary cancer and atelectasis between July 2013 and June 2018 were identified. A total of 1,653 2D and 2,327 3D radiomics features were extracted from segmented lung cancers and atelectasis on contrast‐enhanced CT. The refined features were investigated for usefulness in classifying lung cancer and atelectasis according to the information gain, and 10 models were trained based on these features. The classification model is trained and tested at the region level and pixel level, respectively. Results. Among all the extracted features, 334 2D features and 1,507 3D features had an information gain (IG) greater than 0.1. The highest accuracy (AC) of the region classifiers was 0.9375. The best Dice score, Hausdorff distance, and voxel AC were 0.2076, 45.28, and 0.8675, respectively. Conclusions. Radiomics features derived from contrast‐enhanced CT images can differentiate lung cancers and atelectasis at the regional and voxel levels.
Physicochemical Evaluation of Diploknema butyracea Seed Extract and Formulation of Ketoconazole Ointment by Using the Fat as a Base
Authors: Pandey Jitendra , Khanal Bimal , Bhandari Jhabilal , Bashyal Rishav , Pandey Asmita , Mikrani Asgar Ali , Aryal Pramod , Bhandari Ravin
Published: November 2021

The fat obtained from the ripened seeds of Diploknema butyracea is widely used as a vegetable oil in rural areas of Nepal. This study was aimed for the physicochemical evaluation (acid value, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, ester value, pH, and liquefaction point) of the Diploknema butyracea seed extract (chyuri fat) and the formulation of 2% w/w ketoconazole ointment by using it as a base. All the physicochemical parameters were determined quantitatively by using the method of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), volume-I. By fusion method, 3 different formulations F-A, F-B, and F-C were prepared, in which different proportions of chyuri fat, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 600), Tween 80, and propylene glycol were used as an ointment base. Various quality parameters such as spreadability, extrudability, viscosity, smoothness, pH, average fill weight, assay, content uniformity, accelerated stability, and drug release profiles were determined. HPLC was used for the determination of ketoconazole content in the ointment formulations. Physicochemical evaluation of the chyuri fat ensured its suitability for industrial purpose. The active ingredient release profile of formulations F-A (87.71%), F-B (88.89%), and F-C (91.09%) after 5 hours were within acceptable range along with other parameters. Assay of the formulations F-A, F-B, and F-C were reported to be 103.01, 107.9, and 102.45%, respectively. Overall, evaluation of the formulation F-A, prepared by using chyrui fat only, gave satisfactory results and most of the parameters were statistically similar (p>0.05) to the F-B and F-C formulated by incorporating a certain proportion of synthetic base. Thus it can be concluded that chyuri fat can be the best alternative to replace the expensive synthetic base.
Study on Vacuum Roasting Pretreatment of Carbonaceous Gold Concentrates Based on Nonoxidation Technology
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Song Yonghui , Yin Ning , Lan Xinzhe , Jin Jianping
Published: November 2021

Carbonaceous gold ores are difficult to treat because of the “preg-robbing” by carbonaceous matters and locking by minerals. Roasting is the most commonly used method that is useful in dealing with carbonaceous gold ores. In this study, flotation gold concentrates containing sulfides and carbonaceous matters were investigated to ascertain the reaction process and the matters’ transformation characteristics in different temperatures by vacuum roasting pretreatment. Calcine and volatile condensates were characterized with several techniques. In the process of vacuum roasting, the main chemical reactions were decomposition reaction and carbothermic reduction reactions of sulfide ores, carbothermic reduction reactions of SiO2, and thermal decomposition reactions of organic carbon. The bad effects of “preg-robbing” by carbonaceous matters were greatly weakened by the thermal decomposition and carbothermal reduction. The gold locking minerals were mainly removed by reduction reactions. The sulfides were removed in ways that did not produce SO2. The removal of sulfur and carbonaceous matters during the vacuum roasting process was 95.83% and 65.38%, respectively. Direct cyanidation of the calcine extracted from 2.13% to 88.37% of the gold content with a vacuum degree of 10 Pa and roasting from 25°C to 1,200°C for 30 min.
Virtual Reality as Pedagogical Tool to Enhance Experiential Learning: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Naz Aisha , Churi Prathamesh , Tahanzadeh Mohammad Mehdi
Published: November 2021

Since half of the century, technology has dominated the modern era. The rapid advancement of technology has reached generating artificial intelligence and artificial realities. So, virtual reality is an emerging technology and is applicable in education as well. Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation, where people can interact within an artificial environment. Moreover, in an educational setting, such an environment provides students with a chance to get experiential learning. This paper has a systematic literature review on emerging technologies, such as virtual reality as a pedagogical tool for enhancing students’ experiential learning. This review aims to explore and understand the effect of virtual reality on students’ experiential learning by reviewing twenty-six selected articles. The selected studies have followed various methodologies and are from different contexts. This review study aims to present a systematic literature review for understanding and exploring the effect of virtual reality as a pedagogical tool for enhancing students’ experiential learning. Nine themes were identified, which are (a) virtual reality as pedagogical tool, (b) virtual reality as emerging educational technology tool, (c) virtual reality as digital transformation, (d) virtual reality as teaching-learning model, (e) virtual reality as architectural pedagogy, (f) virtual reality for communication skills, (g) virtual reality for reading and writing skills, (h) virtual reality for social learning, and (i) virtual reality for experiential learning. Thus, it is found that virtual reality is used as a pedagogical tool for various subject areas for encouraging involvement. It is helpful in medical, engineering, language, and social learning, as it provides a chance to get first-hand experience of the environment. Also, it helps learners to engage in a presented virtual environment and experience the sense of presence in it and enhances students’ experiential learning. Therefore, this review found virtual reality as an essential pedagogical tool for strengthening students’ experiential learning.
Missile IGC Based on Improved Model Predictive Control and Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Ma Li , Shan Jiayuan , Liu Junhui , Ding Yan
Published: November 2021

Considering recurrent optimization process in model predictive control (MPC), the model uncertainties and disturbances terms in the missile’s guidance and control model can degrade recursive feasibility, and there are control mutation problems in common MPC algorithm. This paper presents a disturbance rejection model predictive control algorithm for missile integrated guidance and control (IGC). Firstly, a sliding mode observer (SMDO) is designed to estimate the unknown disturbances caused by target maneuvering. Secondly, the method of optimizing control increment is adopted in MPC to avoid the phenomenon of control mutation in the model calculation. By limiting the control increment in each cycle, it ensures the continuity of the control input. Thirdly, by combining the SMDO and MPC, an IGC algorithm is presented, and the stability of the algorithm is proved by using Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the simulation results with different impact angles verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for intercepting maneuver target.
Factors Influencing the Bacterial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminants in the Soil: Mechanisms and Impacts
Authors: Kebede Gessesse , Tafese Tekle , Abda Ebrahim M. , Kamaraj M. , Assefa Fassil
Published: November 2021

The discharge of hydrocarbons and their derivatives to environments due to human and/or natural activities cause environmental pollution (soil, water, and air) and affect the natural functioning of an ecosystem. To minimize or eradicate environmental pollution by hydrocarbon contaminants, studies showed strategies including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Among those strategies, the use of biological techniques (especially bacterial biodegradation) is critically important to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The current review discusses the insights of major factors that enhance or hinder the bacterial bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants (aliphatic, aromatic, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons) in the soil. The key factors limiting the overall hydrocarbon biodegradation are generally categorized as biotic factors and abiotic factors. Among various environmental factors, temperature range from 30 to 40°C, pH range from 5 to 8, moisture availability range from 30 to 90%, carbon/nitrogen/phosphorous (C/N/P; 100:20:1) ratio, and 10–40% of oxygen for aerobic degradation are the key factors that show positive correlation for greatest hydrocarbon biodegradation rate by altering the activities of the microbial and degradative enzymes in soil. In addition, the formation of biofilm and production of biosurfactants in hydrocarbon-polluted soil environments increase microbial adaptation to low bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds, and genes that encode for hydrocarbon degradative enzymes are critical for the potential of microbes to bioremediate soils contaminated with hydrocarbon pollutants. Therefore, this review works on the identification of factors for effective hydrocarbon biodegradation, understanding, and optimization of those factors that are essential and critical.
Some Important Food Quality Traits of Autochthonous Grape Cultivars
Authors: Kupe Muhammed , Ercisli Sezai , Karatas Neva , Skrovankova Sona , Mlcek Jiri , Ondrasova Monika , Snopek Lukas
Published: November 2021

Grapes (Vitis L.), one of the most important and old fruit crops in the world, are grown in a wide range of environments from Australia to North America and from Japan to Chile. All grape growing countries use both international and local cultivars in production to obtain fresh and dried fruits or wine. In Turkey, each region has their own local grape cultivars. Seven local cultivars and one standard grape cultivar, grown in Coruh valley, were analyzed for morphological traits (bunch size, berry color, and berry shape), biochemical characteristics (sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, and flavonoids content), and % inhibition level (antioxidant capacity). The grape cultivars differed from each other in the morphological and biochemical traits. The grape berries contain predominantly nine main phenolic compounds, five organic acids, and two sugars. Among phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, rutin, and quercetin were found to be dominant for most of the cultivars between 2.365–5.112 mg/L, 0.923–2.147 mg/L, 0.856–1.711 mg/L, and 0.621–1.347 mg/L, respectively. The local cultivar Kirmizi Istanbul had more chlorogenic acid than the other cultivars. The berries with darker skin color, specifically Kara Turfanda and Nanebur, had higher % inhibition level (antioxidant capacity) than the brighter ones, which correspond also to the results of flavonoid contents. Overall, the local genotypes were found promising due to favorable properties and could be recommended for farmers and consumers.
Short NK- and Naïve T-Cell Telomere Length Is Associated with Thyroid Cancer in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Man Tsz-Kwong , Aubert Geraldine , Richard Melissa A. , LeJeune Wanda , Hariri Elmira , Goltsova Tatiana , Gaikwad Amos , Chen Yan , Whitton Jillian , Leisenring Wendy M. , Arnold Michael A. , Neglia Joseph P. , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Bhatia Smita , Gramatges Maria M.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for therapy-related subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN), including thyroid SMN. Telomere length (TL) is associated with cancer risk, but the relationship between TL and SMN risk among survivors is less clear.

Methods:

We conducted a nested, matched case–control study of radiation-exposed 15-year+ adult survivors of childhood cancer with thyroid SMN (cases) and without SMN (controls). Forty-six cases were matched to 46 controls by primary diagnosis, chemotherapy (yes/no), radiation field, and follow-up duration. Lymphocyte TL (LTL) was measured by telomere flow-FISH cytometry using blood samples banked at a mean of 38.9 years (cases), 39.2 years (controls). Genetic variation in telomere genes was assessed by whole genome sequencing. Point estimates for LTL <10th percentile were determined for cases and controls.

Results:

Cases had shorter median LTL than controls in three out of four leukocyte subsets. Cases were more likely to have NK cell LTL <10th percentile (P = 0.01), and 2.8-fold more likely to have naïve T-cell LTL <10th percentile than controls (CI, 1.07–8.78). Five out of 15 cases with a rare indel or missense variant had naïve T-cell LTL <10th percentile, compared with one out of eight controls.

Conclusions:

Long-term survivors have shorter than expected LTL, a finding that is more pronounced among survivors with thyroid SMN.

Impact:

The long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on immune function is poorly understood. Our findings support immune function studies in larger survivor cohorts to assess long-term deficits in adaptive and innate immunity that may underlie SMN risk.
Detecting Liquid Remnants of Solid Tumors: Circulating Tumor DNA Minimal Residual Disease
Authors: Moding Everett J. , Nabet Barzin Y. , Alizadeh Ash A. , Diehn Maximilian
Published: November 2021

Growing evidence demonstrates that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) minimal residual disease (MRD) following treatment for solid tumors predicts relapse. These results suggest that ctDNA MRD could identify candidates for adjuvant therapy and measure response to such treatment. Importantly, factors such as assay type, amount of ctDNA release, and technical and biological background can affect ctDNA MRD results. Furthermore, the clinical utility of ctDNA MRD for treatment personalization remains to be fully established. Here, we review the evidence supporting the value of ctDNA MRD in solid cancers and highlight key considerations in the application of this potentially transformative biomarker.

Significance:

ctDNA analysis enables detection of MRD and predicts relapse after definitive treatment for solid cancers, thereby promising to revolutionize personalization of adjuvant and consolidation therapies.
Exploring bio-parametric solution-based design process for an ephemeral pavilion
Authors: Lima Elton Cristovão da Silva , Matsunaga Cristina , Mendes Leticia Teixeira
Published: November 2021

This research proposes an experimental design approach to design an ephemeral pavilion located at the Serpentine Gallery in London. The Serpentine Pavilions Programme functions as an experimentation laboratory and, at the same time, public and event spaces, enabling architects to expose their projects and work methodologies. Thus, the methods of Biomimicry and Parametric Design were combined to develop the pavilion. While the first one was used to create an ephemeral pavilion based on the Sartorius muscle, the second was responsible for generating the parametric model from a fast and intuitive manipulation code capable of exploring shape variations. This work explores the solution-based method approached by Badarnah (2012) based on a predefined problem (the pavilion project) and only after that seek some natural inspiration. Firstly, it was investigated the anatomy of the Sartorius muscle. Subsequently, with the domain of the solution, the parametric insertion of the shape was computationally performed. The anatomical study of the sartorius muscle revealed functions such as flexion, abduction, lateral rotation of the thigh, and medial rotation of the knee. Thus, the architectural choices reflect both its narrow and elongated morphology of the muscle and flexibility and rotation aspects. The pavilion also considered the previous Serpentine Pavilions regarding attributes such as area, height, and materials, which with other parameters may be changed using the code implemented in Grasshopper.
Técnicas de restauração diretas de dentes anteriores fraturados em paciente odontopediátrico
Authors: Fróes Danielle Liêda Cunha , Lourenço Débora Maria Pelisson , Andrade Carolina Alves , Castelani Flávia Barroso , Laffayett Helouise Abreu , Ferraresso Lucas Fernando Oliveira Tomáz , Besegato João Felipe , Cardoso Sueli de Almeida , Hoeppner Márcio Grama
Published: November 2021

O traumatismo dentário (TD) pode comprometer os dentes, o periodonto de suporte e/ou os tecidos moles adjacentes. Frequente em crianças e adolescentes, o TD é um problema de saúde pública mundial, pois, com alta prevalência sobre os incisivos centrais superiores, pode gerar problemas funcionais, estéticos e psicossociais ao paciente. Diferentes terapêuticas estão disponíveis para o tratamento de TD, entre as quais destacamos a técnica restauradora direta com resina composta (RC). Este estudo tem como objetivo relatar e discutir duas técnicas restauradoras com RC em pacientes odontopediátricos, com dentes anterossuperiores fraturados devido ao TD, tendo, por base, o caso clínico de um paciente com 8 anos, do sexo masculino, diagnosticado com fratura coronária do esmalte e da dentina no incisivo central superior direito e do esmalte, no incisivo lateral superior direito. A restauração dos dentes fraturados foi realizada com sistema adesivo (SA) e RC, sob isolamento relativo do campo operatório. No incisivo central superior direito, devido à extensão da área, foi utilizada a técnica da matriz de silicone para a restauração anatomofuncional da face palatina, confeccionada previamente, a partir do enceramento do modelo estudo. Com menor extensão, a restauração do incisivo lateral superior direito foi realizada pela técnica da mão livre. Nesse caso clínico, dentina e esmalte vestibular foram restaurados por meio da estratificação de incrementos de RC com diferentes opacidades. Em fase de proservação clínica, os resultados estético e funcional obtidos foram considerados altamente satisfatórios para os pacientes, familiares e operadores.
Cilostazol Versus Aspirin on White Matter Changes in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Byeong C. , Youn Young Chul , Jeong Jee Hyang , Han Hyun Jeong , Kim Jong Hun , Lee Jae-Hong , Park Kee Hyung , Park Kyung Won , Kim Eun-Joo , Oh Mi Sun , Shim YongSoo , Lee Jong-Min , Choi Yong-Ho , Park Gilsoon , Kim Sohui , Park Hyun Young , Yoon Bora , Yoon Soo Jin , Cho Soo-Jin , Park Key Chung , Na Duk L. , Park Sun Ah , Choi Seong Hye
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

Cerebral small vessel disease is characterized by progressive cerebral white matter changes (WMCs). This study aimed to compare the effects of cilostazol and aspirin on changes in WMC volume in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.

Methods:

In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, participants with moderate or severe WMCs and at least one lacunar infarction detected on brain magnetic resonance imaging were randomly assigned to the cilostazol and aspirin groups in a 1:1 ratio. Cilostazol slow release (200 mg) or aspirin (100 mg) capsules were administered once daily for 2 years. The primary outcome was the change in WMC volume on magnetic resonance images from baseline to 2 years. Secondary imaging outcomes include changes in the number of lacunes or cerebral microbleeds, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity on diffusion tensor images, and brain atrophy. Secondary clinical outcomes include all ischemic strokes, all ischemic vascular events, and changes in cognition, motor function, mood, urinary symptoms, and disability.

Results:

Between July 2013 and August 2016, 256 participants were randomly assigned to the cilostazol (n=127) and aspirin (n=129) groups. Over 2 years, the percentage of WMC volume to total WM volume and the percentage of WMC volume to intracranial volume increased in both groups, but neither analysis showed significant differences between the groups. The peak height of the mean diffusivity histogram in normal-appearing WMs was significantly reduced in the aspirin group compared with the cilostazol group. Cilostazol significantly reduced the risk of ischemic vascular event compared with aspirin (0.5 versus 4.5 cases per 100 person-years; hazard ratio, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.02–0.89]).

Conclusions:

There was no significant difference between the effects of cilostazol and aspirin on WMC progression in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01932203.
Taming the untamable
Authors: Schober Sarah-Maria
Published: November 2021

Although our systems of thought have long accustomed us to differentiate sharply between the human world of ‘culture’ and the animal world of ‘nature’, both sides of this very influential dichotomy are entangled in complex and indissoluble ways. The civet cat and its very special perfume—civet—provide a perfect example of this ‘merging’. The idea of taming the untamable, expressed in paintings of civet cats and textual sources, has been especially fruitful and became a promising preoccupation especially for artists like Joris Hoefnagel to enrich their work with an intellectual hybridity. The article shows how—in painting, perfume, and writing—nature and culture complemented one another, rather than standing in opposition. Owing to the animal’s odour, its mysterious nature, and debates about its (un)tamability, the image of the civet cat served as a focal point through which early modern Europeans wrestled with and redefined the realms of human and animal, of art and science, and of culture and nature.
‘Verscheurende Beyren’
Authors: Bauernfeind Robert
Published: November 2021

This article examines the depiction of polar bears in Dutch painting and graphics from the late 16th to the early 18th centuries. Reports of the first encounters between Dutch humans and polar bears established the idea of these animals as aggressive predators. This idea dominated the image of the bear in illustrated travelogues as well as in allegorical depictions of the Arctic and whaling pictures. The polar bear thus became a symbol for the dangers of the region and appears as an obstacle to the human exploitation of the Arctic. However, depictions of the bloody hunt for polar bears indicate the economically motivated triumph of Europeans in this inhospitable area.
Description of eleven new species of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Meghalaya state, north eastern India
Authors: KAR ANAMIKA , KARMAKAR KRISHNA
Published: November 2021

A survey was done in the state of Meghalaya, India covering East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts during May to July, 2019. During the survey 350 specimens were collected from which 11 new species are described—Amblyseius azaliae sp. nov., Amblyseius meghalayensis sp. nov., Euseius fascae sp. nov., Euseius dwakiensis sp. nov., Okiseius jainticus sp. nov., Okiseius unisetatus sp. nov., Phytoseius clavus sp. nov., Phytoseius aonlae sp. nov., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) barapanicus sp. nov., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) campana sp. nov., and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) cherrapunjiensis sp. nov.
The arboreal tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) of Sri Lanka recorded from recent investigations
Authors: ABEYWARDHANA LAKMINI , MALLAWARACHCHI YASHAS , DANGALLE CHANDIMA DEEPANI
Published: November 2021

Twenty-nine species of arboreal tiger beetles are found in Sri Lanka of which 23 species are endemic. However, records of species dates back to many years and systematic studies are lacking. Considering the high percentage of endemic arboreal tiger beetle species of the country, and the pressure on their arboreal habitats due to accelerated development activities, it is imperative that the group is studied and conservation practices are implemented. Therefore, the present study was conducted to record the arboreal tiger beetle species currently prevailing in the country, their locations, habitat types, morphometric and morphological characters. The study was conducted from August 2017 to September 2020 for a duration of three years. Arboreal tiger beetles were collected by hand picking when encountered during visual survey, in eighty-five locations in Sri Lanka. Specimens were identified using standard taxonomic keys. Locational data, habitat types, morphometric and morphological characters were recorded and all species were photographed. Arboreal tiger beetles were recorded from 22 locations which represented all climatic zones and provinces, and 14 districts of the country. Nine species of three genera, Tricondyla (3 species), Derocrania (5 species), Neocollyris (1 species), were identified and six of the species were endemic. Derocrania scitiscabra was the most common and widely distributed species encountered in the study and was found mainly occupying lands that were cultivated. Tricondyla gounellei that had been known only from Southern India was recorded for the first time in Sri Lanka.
The Correlation Between Children’s Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Drug Resistance System Induced by Metabolomics-Based 6-Mercaptopurine and Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphoribosyl Transferase 1 Protein
Authors: Chen Wenfang , Qin Weiwei
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to explore 6-mercaptopurine (MP)-induced children’s acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) drug resistance system and leukemia hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1) protein. Based on metabonomics, drug resistance of 6MP-Reh cell line was established
by increasing concentration administration method, and the degree of drug resistance of 6MP-Reh was verified by apoptosis test, western blotting (WB) test, and drug sensitivity test. The changes of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) and thioguanosine monophosphate (TGMP) in
drug-resistant cells were detected through liquid chromatograph (LC)/mass spectrometer (MS). The 6MP-Reh-wt cell line was established by lentivirus infection, so as to verify the correlation between HPRT1 and drug resistance mechanism. The results showed that the inhibition concentration (IC50)
value, cell vitality (CV), apoptosis rate, and 6-MP content of 6MP-Reh were higher hugely than those of Reh (P < 0.05). The contents of HPRT1, TIMP, and TGMP in 6MP-Reh cells were lower sharply than the contents of Reh cells (P < 0.001). The IC50 value of 6MP-Reh-wt was
also lower steeply than the value of 6MP-Reh (P < 0.001), and the concentrations of TIMP and TGMP increased obviously (P < 0.05). Therefore, it indicated that the mutation of HPRT1 in drugresistant cell lines could lead to a decrease in their viability and cause leukemia
cells to develop resistance to 6-MP. In addition, HPRT1 gene could improve their resistance to 6-MP.
Turbulent Nanofluid Flow Analysis Passing a Shell and Tube Thermal Exchanger with Kays-Crawford Model
Authors: Nasrin R. , Sweety S. A. , Zahan I.
Published: November 2021

Temperature dissipation in a proficient mode has turned into a crucial challenge in industrial sectors because of worldwide energy crisis. In heat transfer analysis, shell and tube thermal exchangers is one of the mostly used strategies to control competent heat transfer in industrial progression applications. In this research, a numerical analysis of turbulent flow has been conceded in a shell and tube thermal exchanger using Kays-Crawford model to investigate the thermal performance of pure water and different concentrated water-MWCNT nanofluid. By means of finite element method the Reynold-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and heat transport equations along with suitable edge conditions have been worked out numerically. The implications of velocity, solid concentration, and temperature of water-MWCNT nanofluid on the fluid flow formation and heat transfer scheme have been inspected thoroughly. The numerical results indicate that the variation of nanoparticles solid volume fraction, inflow fluid velocity and inlet temperature mannerism considerably revolutionize in the flow and thermal completions. It is perceived that using 3% concentrated water-MWCNT nanofluid, higher rate of heat transfer 12.24% is achieved compared that of water and therefore to enhance the efficiency of this heat exchanger. Furthermore, a new correlation has been developed among obtained values of thermal diffusion rate, Reynolds number and volume concentration of nanoparticle and found very good correlation coefficient among the values.