bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering and Humanities (E and H)
Authors: Yu Haoxuan , Li Shuai , Wang Xinmin
Published: June 2021

In our long-term engineering practice, we have found that it is often not enough to use only engineering knowledge to solve the practical problems in the engineering. Therefore, we believe that in the education of engineering students, we should not only pay attention to the teaching of engineering knowledge, but also pay attention to the application of knowledge of Humanities in the engineering, for the students. In this two-part commentary, we put forward the definition of Engineering & Humanities (E&H), which we will carry forward on the direction of research in future.
The Impact of Microorganisms in Pregnancy
Authors: Ghandali Nastaran , Sabati Hoda , Emami Ali , Dadashaliha Masumeh
Published: June 2021

The pregnancy process involves many physiological changes, including weight gain, hormonal, metabolic and immune changes. One of the effective factors in this process is infection caused by microorganisms. Originally, before the advent of antibiotics, pregnancy was known as a risk factor for severe complications of pneumococcal pneumonia. Among viral infections, the 2009 flu pandemic issued a newer warning that some infections may disproportionately affect pregnant women and cause miscarriage and its complications during pregnancy. Generalization of pregnancy as a condition of suppression of the general immune system or increased risk is misleading and prevents the establishment of adequate guidelines for the treatment of pregnant women during epidemics. Viral infection has also become an important factor in pregnancy conditions. The recent outbreak of Ebola and other viral outbreaks and epidemics shows how pregnant women show worse outcomes (such as preterm delivery and fetal adverse outcomes) than the general population and non-pregnant women. The purpose of this article is studying pathogenesis of microorganisms and the risks which pose to the mother and the fetus. In order to investigate these factors, from 120 article prepared from google scholar and Pub med, Elsevier database. Knowing these factors can increase the ability to treat the infections in a timely manner and prevent their effects on the fetus and the patient.
Radiological Diagnosis of Pediatric Pulmonary Infections and Follow up Protocols
Authors: Elsayed Naglaa , Albibi Haya , Msawah Shatha , Asiri Omnia
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives: Respiratory infection is the second most common disease in pediatrics presented to the emergency department. Imaging modalities used for diagnosis, and follow up duration of each type of infection should be studied for best outcome for those patients.

We aimed to find the optimum imaging follow up protocol for pediatrics with respiratory infections.

Methods and Results: Retrospective study included 500 pediatric patients ranging in age from one month to 15 years, presented with respiratory infection. Radiological findings, numbers and results of follow up were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS program version 23.

Bronchitis represented the commonest finding (43%), followed by pneumonia (35%). All patients had initial chest X-ray. CT was done for 79 patients. 218 patients had radiological follow up. The number of follow up ranged from 1 to 51 with the average number was 26.

Interpretation and Conclusions: Bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis that does not usually need imaging. Pneumonia is diagnosed clinically aided with X ray in severe cases and follow up may be needed after 4 weeks. X ray and CT are mandatory for the initial diagnosis of TB and follow up should be done after 6 months. Cystic fibrosis needs clinical follow up and annual imaging unless complications arise. Pulmonary abscess needs follow up after treatment.
General and Specific Combining Ability in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) for Seed Yield and Related Traits
Authors: Prakash S. H. , Dasgupta Tapash
Published: June 2021

Combining ability study on seed yield per plant from a 7x 7 half-diallel cross of sesame over two years showed that both general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) variances important for controlling the traits. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the gene action and select appropriate parents/crosses using combining ability analysis. Both additive and non additive was of greater significance for seed yield per plant, capsules per plant, days to flowering and oil content. Non additive genetic variances were in the genetic for 1000 seed weight and branches per plant. On the contrary preponderance of additive genetic was found in the inheritance of capsule length and seeds per capsule. The relative magnitude non-additive year interaction was larger than additive x year interaction. The variety Suprava was the best general combiner for seed yield and its major components except oil content. The cross combinations Suprava x Savitri, Suprava x JLT 408 and EC 90 x Savitri would be the best choices for obtaining desirable recombinants. Suprava x Savitri having additive gene control emerged as the best specific combiner for yield and its components except oil content. For improving seed yield and oil content simultaneously, the specific combiner IC 59 x Savitri was identified to be ideal as this cross mostly controlled by additive gene action and hence desirable recombinants can be obtained in early segregating generation. Breeding strategy for different crosses has been discussed in details. The information could help sesame breeders for appropriate selection of parents with high yield potential and oil content to develop future hybridization programs.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Genes Expressed in Leiomyoma using Ki67 and P53 in Patient Attending Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Eruvwahwe E. F. , Eric E. U. , Alaba O. G. E. , Deele M. B.
Published: June 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the expressions of p53 and ki67 genes in the characterization of leiomyomas.

Materials: Fifty (50) Paraffin embedded tissue blocks were selected from the department of Histopathology, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobri from January 2011 to August 2019. The histological characterization and morphological evaluation were defined using the routine Hematoxylin and Eosin staining method. Immunostaining was done for p53 and ki67 using the manufacturers antibodies.

Results: A direct correlation between age and the expression of the p53 gene was also made in this study. It was observed that in patients within the ages of 50-59 and 60-69, there was markedly no expression of the p53 gene whereas in patients within the ages of 20-29, there was still some level of expression (20%) and ages 30-39 (80%) and finally 40-49 (10%). There was no expression (0.0%) of Ki-67 in uterine leiomyomas across all age groups.

Conclusion; This study therefore has suggested that based on the percentage of expression, it can rightly be inferred that the p53 gene is a good indicator in the immune-histochemical characterization of leiomyomas as it has good sensitivity and good prognosis as opposed to Ki67.
Efficacy of Nursing Skin Care Protocol on Prevention of Skin Related Problems among Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients
Authors: David PascalineJohn , Yeola Meenakshi , Ankar Ruchira
Published: June 2021

Background:Approximately 400 million people would be afflicted with diabetes by 2025, projected worldwide.In India, about 50.9 million people suffer from diabetes, and this figure willgo up to 80 million by 2025. Diabetes leads to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and foot ulcer. Skin problems are increasing in diabetic patients. It is estimated that 30% of diabetes patients will experience a skin problem at some stage throughout the course of their disease. Many skin care guidelines are given for diabetic foot care, but nursing skin care protocolfor diabetic patients is not available. Less attention is given to complete skin care in diabetes routine care.There is need to develop Nursing skin care protocols for prevention of skin problems in diabetes.

Objectives:To validate the developed nursing skin care protocol on prevention of skin related problems among newly diagnosed diabetic patients, to assess the skin problems in experimental group and control group, and to assess the efficacy of nursing skin care protocolin experimental group and routine skin care with coconut oil in control group.

Methodology: Study design is randomized controlled trial.Study will be carried out in hospital setting with 140 participants. Random allocation and concealment with single blinding will be done.Intervention is Nursing skin care protocolconsist of Daily skin inspection, Bathing, Drying, clothing, Application of lotion, Hydration, Injury prevention, Nail careandHair care, Sugar control, Dermatological consultation and Physician consultation. Semi structure questionnaire, skin assessment tool[ GI, Glammal score for xerosis,Visual Analogue Scale for pruritus, Questionnaire on erythema,hair and nail colourchanges] and self-reported practice checklist will be used to collect data.

Expected Results: Investigator expects newly diagnosed diabetic patients will not develop any skin related problems after using Nursing skin care protocol.

Conclusion: Diabetic patients will be able to utilized developed nursing skin care protocol routinely to prevent skin related problems.
Nutritional Analyses of Domestic and Poultry Chickens and Evaluation of the Subsequent Effects on Lowering Blood Glucose Levels in Alloxan-Induced Wister Rats
Authors: Khatun Mahbuba , Rahman Md. Motiar , Manirujjaman M. , Uddin Meftah , Ara Mst. Gulshan , Hossain Ismail , Khan Masudul Hasan , Islam Mohammad Amirul
Published: June 2021

In the recent decades, peoples concentrate more on reduced-consumption of diets containing saturated fatty acids and replace them with essential polyunsaturated ones, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, due to their promising nutritional benefits. Therefore, the production of chicken meat having lower fat compositions, and riches in pro-healthy fatty acid and other macro-and micronutrients deserves great attention in the food industry. The research aimed to characterize meat oils of two commercially available, domestic and poultry, chickens in the Northern part of Bangladesh (Rajshahi), followed by the investigation of their nutritional compositions and hypoglycemic effect in vivo. In this work, the oil was isolated from the dried meat sources by Soxhlet extractor and purified using a rotary evaporator. We subsequently characterized meat oil in terms of various parameters, such as iodine value, saponification number, unsaponifiable matter, free fatty acid (FFA) contents, peroxide value, and acid value. Besides, the nutritional parameters of chicken oil were investigated as percentages of essential fatty acids and several other micro-and macronutrients using gas-liquid chromatography and other conventional methods. Finally, Alloxan-induced Wister rats were fed with oil and chicken flesh to investigate the hypoglycemic effects. The experimental analyses show that chicken oil possesses a significant proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid, macro-and micronutrients. Besides, oil and flesh were found to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats despite flesh could not significantly show hypoglycemic properties.
To Identify Patterns of Drug Usage among Patients Who Seek Care in Psychiatry Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Zehravi Mehrukh , Maqbool Rubeena , Maqbool Mudasir , Ara Irfat
Published: June 2021

Background: An examination of drug use is done in a particular setting, searching for drug use that isn't fair. At the population level, the use of psychotropic drugs for mental illness can be an effective way of identifying and tracking the level of treatment for these conditions. They also provide information on ethical drug use, informed by the currently available information on a medication's benefits and risks.

Objective: A major objective of the research was to gather data on patterns of drug use in the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Methodology: The drug use research was performed in a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, in a psychiatry outpatient clinic. This research was observational, cross_sectional, and open_ended in nature. All patients who attended the Psychiatry OPD and fulfilled the inclusion criteria over the course of a six_month cycle were included in the study.

Results: Over a period of six months, 600 patients from the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India were assessed. All patients were classified into seven age groups: up to 14 years old (A), 15 to 25 years old (B), 26 to 35 years old (C), 36 to 45 years old (D), 46 to 55 years old (E), 56 to 65 years old (F), and over 65 years old (G). Clonazepam was the most commonly prescribed medication (152 cases), followed by olanzapine (132 cases), lorazepam (105 cases), and escitalopram (92 cases).

Conclusion: Measuring drug use in treatment centres not only explains drug use rates and prescribing behaviour, but it also helps in the identification of causes of polypharmacy and the problems associated with it. Making a habit of setting standards and gauging the quality of clinical treatment using performance feedback should become standard clinical protocol.
Development and Characterization of Pioglitazone Nanoparticles for the Effective Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gupta Revathi A. , Kumar P. Odaya
Published: June 2021

Pioglitazone is designated as a BCS class II medication since it is weakly water soluble.The goal of this study was to create starch nanoparticles for the administration of Pioglitazone in attempt to lessen dose-related side effects and maybe prolong its release in the treatment of diabetes.Using starch as a polymer, tween 80 as a stearic barrier, and citric acid to enhance stability, nanoparticles were constructed using the solvent evaporation technique. In-vitro characterization techniques for drug-polymer compatibility, size, surface morphology, encapsulation efficacy, and delivery properties were performed on framed nanoparticles, followed by In-vivo studies.The compatible nature of selected excipients for the manufacture of Pioglitazone nanoparticles was shown by FTIR findings.The results of the XRD analysis revealed that the generated Pioglitazone nanoparticles were non-crystalline in nature.The selected developed Pioglitazone nanoparticles were in cubic phase with average particle size of 160.5 ± 11.24–245.4 ± 15.96 nm with charge ranging from 10.5 ± 6.21-138.6 ± 5.31mV.The encapsulation efficiency of Pioglitazone nanoparticles produced ranged from 57.24 5.80 to 89.96 1.9%. The In-vitro drug release studies of Pioglitazone nanoparticles showed controlled drug release profile. Furthermore, In-vivo investigations on blood glucose profiles revealed that the created Pioglitazone nanoparticles for the treatment of diabetes mellitus had a substantial effect.
Pharmaceutical Development, Standardization and Clinical Evaluation of Efficacy of a Polyherbal Hair-Pack and Hair Gel in Dandruff Control
Authors: Madan Poonam , Rathi Bharat , Rathi Renu , Wairagade Sonali , Zade Dhiraj
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Dandruff is a commonly found hair problem affecting all age groups with high recurrence and is considered a social stigma. In Ayurved it is compared with Darunak falling under the category of kshudrarogadhikar and is caused due to the vitiation of vaat and kapha. Traditionally the treatment comprises of application of oil, steaming, applying packs, washing of hair etc. According to modern science dandruff is a non-treatable disease condition which is prevented by use of anti-dandruff shampoos, creams and hair masks. The available products are expensive and results are not very satisfactory and recurrence is common. Currently treatment available for dandruff is found to be expensive with unsatisfactory results in terms of recurrence of symptoms.

Aim and objective: Pharmaceutical development, standardization and clinical evaluation of efficacy of a polyherbal Hair pack and Hair gel in dandruff  control

Materials and methods: Hair pack will be made with selected drugs like Amalki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki, Japa, Yashtimadhu, Musta, Brahmi and it will be converted into gel form. Analytical study for standardization of powder and gel dosage form will be done. Clinical evaluation of both dosage forms for efficacy will be done.

Observations and results: Observation will be done on the basis of photographic evaluation of the condition of pre and post severity of symptoms and duration of recurrence time of dandruff will be noted. Results will be drawn on the basis of observations and applying suitable tests. It will be noted and presented in form of table, charts, graphs etc.

Conclusion: Currently available treatment for dandruff does not provide complete remission of symptoms for long duration and it is very expensive too. Thus the newly designed herbal formulation is aimed to provide significant result in controlling dandruff and its associated symptoms and modified dosage i.e. gel will overcome the limitation of powder and provide a cost effective cosmetic product in controlling dandruff.
Correlation of Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease among Aged ≥45 Years Population with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Memon Faraz Farooq , Kashif Muhammad , Arain Zain Islam , Raza Syed Ahsan , Ali Mehboob , Raza Muhammad Tahseen , Memon Feroz
Published: June 2021

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are 1.7 times more prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim behind this study was to examine the correlation of glycosylated hemoglobin and complexity of coronary artery disease among middle aged population with diabetes mellitus

Patients and Methods: This was a clinical prospective hospital-based comparative study carried out in the department of the cardiology department of Isra University Hospital Hyderabad for 10 months. 153 participants with diabetes mellitus having age ≥45 years both male and female and undergoing their first coronary angiography were included. Data were entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0.

Results: A total of 153 patients were finally analysed. Patients were divided into two groups; group I (HbA1c <6.5%, normal) and group II (HbA1c >6.5%, impaired). The mean age was slightly higher in group II 54.60 as compared to group I 53.65 years, respectively. The Syntax score was correlated with HbA1c levels in patients older than 45 years of age (r = 0.001; p >0.05). Moreover, the higher HbA1c levels were observed in every three categories of Syntax score but they were insignificantly associated with each other in patients with diabetes mellitus and having age more than 45 years.

Conclusion: The HbA1c is insignificantly correlated with the complexity of coronary artery disease in diabetic patients having age more than 45 years. While only two factors, hypertension and increased triglycerides are significantly different among the HbA1c groups.
The Effect of Time on the Activation of Bayah Natural Zeolite for Application of Palm Oil Shell Pyrolysis
Authors: Suhendi Endang , Kurniawan Teguh , Pradana Adian Yoga , Giffari Vicky Zayan
Published: June 2021

Oil palm shell (OPS) constitutes 60% of the waste generated during the processing of palm oil. However, OPS can potentially be converted into energy and chemicals through pyrolysis. The purpose of this study is to determine and analyse the effect of acid treatment time on the characteristics of natural zeolites, which were then applied to oil palm shell pyrolysis. The effect of the acid treatment time on the products of the pyrolysis was also studied. The acid treatment time was varied: 1, 3, and 5 hours. The crystallinity of the natural zeolites was determined by       X-ray diffraction (XRD). Solid, liquid and gaseous pyrolysis products were observed. Proximate, ultimate, and heat analysis were performed on the solid product. The liquid product was characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Gas Chromatography (GC) was performed to analyse the composition of the gases produced. The results obtained from this study indicate that longer reflux times reduced the crystallinity of the zeolites. The addition of the zeolite catalysts increased the liquid products of pyrolysis from 24.5 wt% over the parent to 24.6–37.1 wt% over the acid-treated natural zeolites. The reduction of oxygenated compounds in bio-oil was observed in the amount of acetic acid and acetone produced. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA   License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Applications of Polyvinylpyrrolidone in Oral Care
Authors: Gebreselassie Petros
Published: June 2021

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a water‐soluble synthetic homopolymer that is commercially available in several grades. The oral care industry has taken advantage of PVP's unique properties and has developed various successful products with superior performance and consumer benefits. This chapter discusses the applications and benefits of PVP and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone polymer (PVPP) in oral care products. Enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth crown, is highly mineralized tissue found in mammals. The enamel pellicle, or acquired pellicle, is a protein film that forms on the surface of enamel by selective binding of glycoproteins from whole saliva. Hydrogen peroxide delivered via toothpaste and mouthwash suffers from rapid hydrogen peroxide clearance from the mouth, resulting in a lower whitening performance compared to a whitening strip or whitening tray. The incorporation of bioadhesive polymers into toothpaste has been shown to provide a prolonged residence time of active ingredients in the mouth, resulting in an increased efficacy of active compounds.
Designer Nanomaterials through Programmable Assembly
Authors: Kahn Jason S. , Gang Oleg
Published: June 2021

Nanoparticles have long been recognized for their unique properties, leading to exciting potential applications across optics, electronics, magnetism, and catalysis. These specific functions often require a designed organization of particles, which includes the type of order as well as placement and relative orientation of particles of the same or different kinds. DNA nanotechnology offers the ability to introduce highly addressable bonds, tailor particle interactions, and control the geometry of bindings motifs. Here, we discuss how developments in structural DNA nanotechnology have enabled greater control over 1D, 2D, and 3D particle organizations through programmable assembly. This Review focuses on how the use of DNA binding between nanocomponents and DNA structural motifs has progressively allowed the rational formation of prescribed particle organizations. We offer insight into how DNA‐based motifs and elements can be further developed to control particle organizations and how particles and DNA can be integrated into nanoscale building blocks, so‐called “material voxels”, to realize designer nanomaterials with desired functions.
Self‐Assembly of a Purely Covalent Cage with Homochirality by Imine Formation in Water
Authors: Chen Yixin , Wu Guangcheng , Chen Binbin , Qu Hang , Jiao Tianyu , Li Yintao , Ge Chenqi , Zhang Chi , Liang Lixin , Zeng Xiuqiong , Cao Xiaoyu , Wang Qi , Li Hao
Published: June 2021

Self‐assembly of host molecules in aqueous media via metal–ligand coordination is well developed. However, the preparation of purely covalent counterparts in water has remained a formidable task. An anionic tetrahedron cage was successfully self‐assembled in a [4+4] manner by condensing a trisamine and a trisformyl in water. Even although each individual imine bond is rather labile and apt to hydrolyze in water, the tetrahedron is remarkably stable or inert due to multivalence. The tetrahedral cages, as well as its neutral counterparts dissolved in organic solvent, have homochirality, namely that their four propeller‐shaped trisformyl residues adopt the same rotational conformation. The cage is able to take advantage of hydrophobic effect to accommodate a variety of guest molecules in water. When a chiral guest was recognized, the formation of one enantiomer of the cage became more favored relative to the other. As a consequence, the cage could be produced in an enantioselective manner. The tetrahedron is able to maintain its chirality after removal of the chiral guest—probably on account of the cooperative occurrence of intramolecular forces that restrict the intramolecular flipping of phenyl units in the cage framework.
Influence of fibrillated poly(tetrafluoroethylene) on microcellular foaming of polyamide 6 in the presence of supercriticalCO2
Authors: Han Shuo , Jiang Can , Mi Jianguo , Wang Yaqiao , Chen Shihong , Wang Xiangdong
Published: June 2021

In this article, PA6/poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) composites were prepared by internal mixer with high rotor speed. The existence of PTFE nano‐fibrillation network structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The effect of PTFE on crystallization and rheological behavior of PA6 was evaluated. The result showed that the PTFE fibrils improved the crystallization properties of PA6 and do not change the crystal structure. The PTFE effectively enhanced the melt strength of PA6 by fibrillation. The PA6/PTFE composites were then foamed assisted by supercritical CO2. The PTFE was used as cell nucleating agent, crystal nucleating agent and melt strength enhancement agent in the foaming process. Finally, the microcellular PA6 foams were successfully obtained with the cell density higher than 109 cells/cm3, the cell size of ca. 14 μm and the volume expansion ratio of 16.
Synthesis and screening of 6‐alkoxy purine analogs as cell type‐selective apoptotic inducers in Jurkat cells
Authors: Lorente‐Macías Álvaro , Iañez Inmaculada , Jiménez‐López M. Carmen , Benítez‐Quesada Manuel , Torres‐Rusillo Sara , Díaz‐Mochón Juan J. , Molina Ignacio J. , Pineda de las Infantas María J.
Published: June 2021

Purines are ubiquitous structures in cell biology involved in a multitude of cellular processes, because of which substituted purines and analogs are considered excellent scaffolds in drug design. In this study, we explored the key structural features of a purine‐based proapoptotic hit, 8‐tert‐butyl‐9‐phenyl‐6‐benzyloxy‐9H‐purine (1), by setting up a library of 6‐alkoxy purines with the aim of elucidating the structural requirements that govern its biological activity and to study the cell selectivity of this chemotype. This was done by a phenotypic screening approach based on cell cycle analysis of a panel of six human cancer cell lines, including T cell leukemia Jurkat cells. From this study, two derivatives (12 and 13) were identified as Jurkat‐selective proapoptotic compounds, displaying superior potency and cell selectivity than hit 1.
Selenium deficiency causes apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress in swine small intestine
Authors: Zheng Yingying , Zhang Bo , Guan Haoyue , Jiao Xing , Yang Jie , Cai Jingzeng , Liu Qi , Zhang Ziwei
Published: June 2021

Selenium (Se) plays a crucial role in intestinal health. However, the specific mechanism by which deficiency of Se causes intestinal damage remains unclear. This study was to explore whether Se deficiency can cause ER stress and induce apoptosis in swine small intestine. We established the Se deficiency swine model in vivo and the intestinal epithelial (IPEC‐J2) cell Se deficiency model in vitro. The results of morphological observation showed that Se deficiency caused structural damage in intestinal villi and the decrease of goblet cell structure. The apoptotic characteristics such as nucleolar condensation, mitochondrial swelling, and apoptotic bodies were observed in the IPEC‐J2 cells. The results of acridine orange/ethidium bromide and mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence staining in vitro showed that there were more apoptotic cells in the Se‐deficiency group than that in the control group. The protein and/or mRNA expression levels of Bax, Bcl‐2, caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, cytc, PERK, ATF6, IRE, XBP1, CHOP, GRP78, which are related to ER stress‐apoptosis pathway, were significantly increased in the Se‐deficient group which compared with the control group in vivo and in vitro were consistent. These results indicated that Se deficiency induced ER stress and increased the apoptosis in swine small intestine and IPEC‐J2 cells and then caused the damage in swine small intestinal tissue. Besides, the results of gene expressions in our experiment proved that ER stress induced by Se deficiency promoted apoptosis. These results filled the blank in the mechanism of Se deficiency‐induced intestinal injury in swine.
Effect of Compounds from Moringa oleifera Lam. on in Vitro Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Model System
Authors: Ukiya Motohiko , Motegi Kazuki , Sato Daisuke , Kimura Hirokazu , Satsu Hideo , Koketsu Mamoru , Ninomiya Masayuki , Myint Lwin Mon , Nishina Atsuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in the world, with a prevalence of 25 % in many countries. To date, no drug has been approved to treat NAFLD, therefore, the use of phytochemicals to prevent this disease is meaningful. In this study, we focused on the effects of Moringa oleifera Lam. on diabetes, attempted to isolate compounds that regulate NAFLD. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of M. oleifera. Spectral data revealed that they were 1‐hydroxy‐3‐phenylpropan‐2‐yl benzoate (1) and benzyl benzylcarbamate (2), respectively. The three‐dimensional structure of compound 1 was determined by single crystal X‐ray structural analysis. Neither compound was toxic to HepG2 cells, and compound 1 was found to have a concentration‐dependent inhibitory effect on intracellular lipid accumulation induced by stimulation of linoleic acid (LA). As a result of measuring the effects of compound 1 on the intracellular lipid production‐related protein, it was found that compound 1 enhanced protein expression that promotes lipolysis. On the other hand, since the action of compound 1 was similar to that of PPARα agonists, it is deduced that compound 1 enhanced the activity of PPARα and further enhanced the expression of lipolytic proteins, which is related to the suppression of intracellular lipid accumulation. Furthermore, as the result of docking simulation, compound 1 had a higher binding affinity to the ligand binding site of PPARα than fenofibrate, which is a PPARα agonist, and thus compound 1 was considered to be promising as an agonist of PPARα.
A variable neighborhood search algorithm for energy conscious task scheduling in heterogeneous computing systems
Authors: Zhang Yujian , Li Chuanyou , Tong Fei , Xu Yuwei
Published: June 2021

Energy efficiency in heterogeneous computing systems has attracted increasing interests due to its economic and environmental impacts during recent decades. Based on power‐aware hardware techniques, such as dynamic voltage frequency scaling, efforts have been made through task scheduling to reduce the total energy consumption for executing a parallel application while maintaining its time efficiency. In this case, energy conscious task scheduling refers to a bi‐objective optimization that aims to minimize the overall completion time (makespan) and the total energy consumption, simultaneously. Existing energy conscious scheduling algorithms conduct energy optimization by means of slack reclamation or a trade‐off function. However, the performance of slack reclamation has been proved to be upper‐bounded and methods relying on trade‐off functions cannot guarantee bi‐objective optimization. In this article, an energy conscious task scheduling algorithm is proposed to tackle the above issues based on the framework of variable neighborhood search. Two neighborhood structures are designed to reduce makespan and the total energy consumption, respectively. Furthermore, a pruning technique is incorporated into the algorithm to accelerate the searching process. Extensive experimental results on both randomly generated and real‐world applications demonstrate that the proposed algorithm improves the time‐efficient schedules on average by 22.4% for the energy consumption and 1.2% for the makespan.
Hydrogen peroxide is necessary during tail regeneration in juvenile axolotl
Authors: Carbonell M Belfran , Zapata Cardona Juliana , Delgado Jean Paul
Published: June 2021

Background

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during appendage regeneration among vertebrates. However, its role during tail regeneration in axolotl as redox signaling molecule is unclear.

Results

Treatment with exogenous H2O2rescues inhibitory effects of apocynin‐induced growth suppression in tail blastema cells leading to cell proliferation. H2O2also promotes recruitment of immune cells, regulate the activation of AKT kinase andAgr2expression during blastema formation. Additionally, ROS/H2O2regulates the expression and transcriptional activity of Yap1 and its target genesCtgfandAreg.

Conclusions

These results show that H2O2is necessary and sufficient to promote tail regeneration in axolotls. Additionally, Akt signaling andAgr2were identified as ROS targets, suggesting that ROS/H2O2is likely to regulate epimorphic regeneration through these signaling pathways. In addition, ROS/H2O2‐dependent‐Yap1 activity is required during tail regeneration.
Repairing recruitment processes with sound technology to accelerate habitat restoration
Authors: Williams Brittany R. , McAfee Dominic , Connell Sean D.
Published: June 2021

Humanity’s ambitions to revive ecosystems at large scales require solutions to move restoration efforts beyond the small scale. There are increasing calls for technological solutions to reduce costs and facilitate large‐scale restoration through the use of emerging technologies using an adaptive process of research and development. We show how technological enrichment of marine soundscapes may provide a solution that repairs the recruitment process to accelerate the recovery of lost marine habitats. This solution would solve the problems of current practice that largely relies upon natural recruitment processes, which carries considerable risk where recruitment is variable or eroded. By combining the literature with laboratory experiments, we describe evidence for “highways of sound” that convey navigable information for dispersing life stages in search for adult habitat. We show that these navigational cues tend to be silenced as their habitat is lost, creating negative feedbacks that hinders restoration. We suggest that reprovisioning soundscapes using underwater technology offers the potential to reverse this feedback and entice target organisms to recruit in greater densities. Collective evidence indicates that the application of soundscape theory and technology may unlock the recruitment potential needed to trigger the recruitment of target organisms and the natural soundscapes they create at large scales.
Pool choice in a vertical landscape: Tadpole‐rearing site flexibility in phytotelm‐breeding frogs
Authors: Fouilloux Chloe A. , Serrano Rojas Shirley Jennifer , Carvajal‐Castro Juan David , Valkonen Janne K. , Gaucher Philippe , Fischer Marie‐Therese , Pašukonis Andrius , Rojas Bibiana
Published: June 2021

Many species of Neotropical frogs have evolved to deposit their tadpoles in small water bodies inside plant structures called phytotelmata. These pools are small enough to exclude large predators but have limited nutrients and high desiccation risk. Here, we explore phytotelm use by three common Neotropical species: Osteocephalus oophagus, an arboreal frog that periodically feeds eggs to its tadpoles; Dendrobates tinctorius, a tadpole‐transporting poison frog with cannibalistic tadpoles; and Allobates femoralis, a terrestrial tadpole‐transporting poison frog with omnivorous tadpoles. We found that D. tinctorius occupies pools across the chemical and vertical gradient, whereas A. femoralis and O. oophagus appear to have narrower deposition options that are restricted primarily by pool height, water capacity, alkalinity, and salinity. Dendrobates tinctorius tadpoles are particularly flexible and can survive in a wide range of chemical, physical, and biological conditions, whereas O. oophagus seems to prefer small, clear pools and A. femoralis occupies medium‐sized pools with abundant leaf litter and low salinity. Together, these results show the possible niche partitioning of phytotelmata among frogs and provide insight into stressors and resilience of phytotelm breeders.
Development of portable active suspension for welfare support devices: Controller design and performance evaluation of one‐degree‐of‐freedom prototype
Authors: Maezato Keigo , Asato Kentaro
Published: June 2021

In this study, we developed a small prototype of a one‐degree‐of‐freedom portable active suspension for welfare support devices. The suspension is expected to be applied to welfare support devices such as wheelchairs, transport trolleys, and child seats. This paper presents the mechanism and the state space representation of the developed suspension, and an evaluation of the frequency domain characteristics and time domain response of the controlled system with poles assignment method. Furthermore, experiments under three road surface conditions were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the developed suspension.
Association of early administration of furosemide with improved oxygenation in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Mikami Takafumi , Ishii Masanobu , Yamamoto Nobuyasu , Marume Kyohei , Nakai Michikazu , Ogata Soshiro , Kaichi Ryota , Ikebe Sou , Mori Takayuki , Komaki Soichi , Kusaka Hiroaki , Toida Reiko , Kurogi Kazumasa , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Ogawa Hisao , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: June 2021

Aims

Optimal pharmacological treatment for chronic heart failure has been established. However, treatments that can improve the prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) are controversial. Although intravenous diuretics may be one optimal treatment option, little evidence has shown the effect of early administration of diuretics on clinical outcomes in patients with AHF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between door‐to‐furosemide (D2F) time, improved oxygenation, and in‐hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for AHF.

Methods and results

We screened 494 patients hospitalized for AHF in Miyazaki Prefectural Nobeoka Hospital. AHF patients who were treated with intravenous furosemide within 24 h of arrival at the hospital were included in this study. D2F time was defined as the time from patient arrival at the hospital to the first intravenous dose of furosemide. The early administration group was defined as those with D2F time ≤60 min, whereas the non‐early group was defined as those with D2F time >60 min. The primary outcome was the rate of improved oxygenation at Day 1. The secondary outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and cardiac death.

There were 219 patients treated with the first intravenous dose of furosemide within 24 h analysed after the exclusion of 275 patients. The median D2F time was 55 min (interquartile range: 30–120 min) in the final cohort. The early administration group included 121 patients (55.3%). The rate of improved oxygenation was higher in the early group than the non‐early group [median 16.7% (interquartile range: 0.0–40.0) vs. 0.0% (0.0–20.6), respectively, P < 0.001]. During the study period, there were six patients (5.0%) with in‐hospital mortality in the early group and nine patients (9.2%) in the non‐early group (P = 0.218). Cardiac death was observed less frequently in the early group than in the non‐early group, but without statistical significance (3.3% and 9.2%, respectively) (P = 0.067). The univariable logistic regression analyses showed that early administration of furosemide was associated with improved oxygenation [odds ratio (OR): 2.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–3.91; P = 0.004], but not with in‐hospital mortality (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.18–1.50; P = 0.225) or cardiac death (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.10–1.13; P = 0.079). In multivariable analyses adjusted for risk score or relevant variables, early administration of furosemide was consistently associated with improvement of oxygenation.

Conclusions

The present study showed that in AHF patients, the early administration of furosemide was associated with improved oxygenation.
Impact of air‐frying on the plasmalogens deterioration and oxidation in oyster revealed by mild acid hydrolysis and HILIC‐MS‐based lipidomics analysis
Authors: Lu Weibo , Zhang Min , Zhang Ting , Wang Qingchen , Wang Jie , Song Gongshuai , Wang Honghai , Feng Junli , Shen Qing
Published: June 2021

Oyster is rich in plasmalogens that are ether phospholipids with biological functions to human body. Air‐frying is a popular technique for preparing delicious oyster but makes the plasmalogens vulnerable to oxidation. In this study, the effect of air‐frying processing on plasmalogens oxidation was studied by lipidomic approach. Plasmalogens were always mixed with normal phospholipids, thus the lipid extract was treated with mild acid hydrolysis to rapidly degrade plasmalogens owing to the acid lability of vinyl ether linkage at sn‐1 position. After hydrophilic interaction chromatography MS/MS analysis, there were three plasmalogen classes, plasmanylcholine, plasmanylethanolamine, and plasmanylinositol, completely separated, and each plasmalogen molecular species was identified and quantified. It indicated that the content of plasmalogens underwent an obvious decrease during the air‐frying process. To weaken such effect, the influence of air‐frying temperature was further inspected by multivariate statistical analyses. The main variables, including the ions of m/z 756.4927, 784.5486, 828.5812, etc., were revealed by unsupervised principle component analysis, supervised orthogonal partial least‐square analysis, and variable importance in projection plot. As a conclusion, air‐frying has health benefits in reducing fat content but destructive to plasmalogens, thus interventions are recommended to prevent the degradation of plasmalogens.
Microorganisms that are critical for the fermentation quality of paper mulberry silage
Authors: Guo Linna , Wang Xuekai , Lin Yanli , Yang Xueping , Ni Kuikui , Yang Fuyu
Published: June 2021

Silage quality remains an important issue in farming, as do limitations in the range of products suitable for animal fodder. We therefore explored the microorganisms that are critical for the fermentation quality of paper mulberry silage. Low (unwilted) and high (wilted) dry matter (DM) paper mulberry were harvested at two cutting times. These were ensiled for 0, 3, 7, 14, and 56 days, respectively. Compared with unwilted silages, wilting significantly decreased (p < 0.05) silage pH value, ammonia‐N concentration, and yeast counts but increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid content. In addition, higher (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) contents were also observed in wilted silages. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed that wilting reduced the abundance of Enterobacter, while increasing that of Lactobacillus. Single‐molecule real‐time sequencing (SMRT) revealed that the silage was enriched in the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Lactobacillus rhamnosus after wilting, which showed a positive correlation with CP and lactic acid content. We conclude that wilting may help preserve paper mulberry silage, facilitating its use as a new fodder resource. Moreover, L. rhamnosus has the potential to be developed as a new inoculant for the modulation in wilted silages, particularly paper mulberry silage.
Association of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D status with brain volume changes
Authors: Lee Yeonjae (Angel) , Yoon Sungjin , Kim SangYun , Youn Young Chul
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D is critical to brain function and its deficiency accelerates cognitive impairment. There is limited understanding of the brain‐specific areas that undergo volume change in relation to blood vitamin D levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between blood 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and structural changes in the brain. We analyzed structural three‐dimensional T1 MRI images of 201 elderly individuals (mean age = 74.91 ± 9.21 years; 68.1% female; mean 25(OH)D = 18.05 nmol/L), with 10 community‐based normal healthy subjects, 33 with subjective cognitive decline, 97 with mild cognitive impairment, and 61 with Alzheimer's disease (AD). To analyze the structural changes in the brain respective to blood 25(OH)D, multiple regression analyses were performed using voxel‐based morphometry with age and total intracranial volume as covariates. Lower 25(OH)D level were associated with reduced brain volume in right olfactory, rectus GM regions (FWE‐corr, p < .05) for entire subjects. For AD subjects, left parahippocampal, fusiform, and hippocampal areas were positively associated with 25(OH)D (FWE‐corr, p < .05). Low blood 25(OH)D was associated with reduced volumes in olfactory and hippocampal regions in elderly patients with cognitive decline. Our results may provide insight into the neurological pathophysiology of vitamin D.
Inverse probability weighting is an effective method to address selection bias during the analysis of high dimensional data
Authors: Carry Patrick M. , Vanderlinden Lauren A. , Dong Fran , Buckner Teresa , Litkowski Elizabeth , Vigers Timothy , Norris Jill M. , Kechris Katerina
Published: June 2021

Omics studies frequently use samples collected during cohort studies. Conditioning on sample availability can cause selection bias if sample availability is nonrandom. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) is purported to reduce this bias. We evaluated IPW in an epigenome‐wide analysis testing the association between DNA methylation (261,435 probes) and age in healthy adolescent subjects (n = 114). We simulated age and sex to be correlated with sample selection and then evaluated four conditions: complete population/no selection bias (all subjects), naïve selection bias (no adjustment), and IPW selection bias (selection bias with IPW adjustment). Assuming the complete population condition represented the “truth,” we compared each condition to the complete population condition. Bias or difference in associations between age and methylation was reduced in the IPW condition versus the naïve condition. However, genomic inflation and type 1 error were higher in the IPW condition relative to the naïve condition. Postadjustment using bacon, type 1 error and inflation were similar across all conditions. Power was higher under the IPW condition compared with the naïve condition before and after inflation adjustment. IPW methods can reduce bias in genome‐wide analyses. Genomic inflation is a potential concern that can be minimized using methods that adjust for inflation.