bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereoselective Synthesis of the Di-Spirooxindole Analogs Based Oxindole and Cyclohexanone Moieties as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Ali M. , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Alshahrani Saeed , Alamary Abdullah Saleh , Yousuf Sammer , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Barakat Assem
Published: October 2021

A new series of di-spirooxindole analogs, engrafted with oxindole and cyclohexanone moieties, were synthesized. Initially, azomethine ylides were generated via reaction of the substituted isatins 3a–f (isatin, 3a, 6-chloroisatin, 3b, 5-fluoroisatin, 3c, 5-nitroisatin, 3d, 5-methoxyisatin, 3e, and 5-methylisatin, 3f, and (2S)-octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid 2, in situ azomethine ylides reacted with the cyclohexanone based-chalcone 1a–f to afford the target di-spirooxindole compounds 4a–n. This one-pot method provided diverse structurally complex molecules, with biologically relevant spirocycles in a good yields. All synthesized di-spirooxindole analogs, engrafted with oxindole and cyclohexanone moieties, were evaluated for their anticancer activity against four cancer cell lines, including prostate PC3, cervical HeLa, and breast (MCF-7, and MDA-MB231) cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity of these di-spirooxindole analogs was also examined against human fibroblast BJ cell lines, and they appeared to be non-cytotoxic. Compound 4b was identified as the most active member of this series against prostate cancer cell line PC3 (IC50 = 3.7 ± 1.0 µM). The cyclohexanone engrafted di-spirooxindole analogs 4a and 4l (IC50 = 7.1 ± 0.2, and 7.2 ± 0.5 µM, respectively) were active against HeLa cancer cells, whereas NO2 substituted isatin ring and meta-fluoro-substituted (2E,6E)-2,6-dibenzylidenecyclohexanone containing 4i (IC50 = 7.63 ± 0.08 µM) appeared to be a promising agent against the triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB231 cell line. To explore the plausible mechanism of anticancer activity of di-spirooxindole analogs, molecular docking studies were investigated which suggested that spirooxindole analogs potentially inhibit the activity of MDM2.
Novel Synthetic Approach to Heteroatom Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Optimizing the Bottom-Up Approach to Atomically Precise Doped Nanographenes
Authors: Biagiotti Giacomo , Perini Ilaria , Richichi Barbara , Cicchi Stefano
Published: October 2021

The success of the rational bottom-up approach to nanostructured carbon materials and the discovery of the importance of their doping with heteroatoms puts under the spotlight all synthetic organic approaches to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The construction of atomically precise heteroatom doped nanographenes has evidenced the importance of controlling its geometry and the position of the doping heteroatoms, since these parameters influence their chemical–physical properties and their applications. The growing interest towards this research topic is testified by the large number of works published in this area, which have transformed a once “fundamental research” into applied research at the cutting edge of technology. This review analyzes the most recent synthetic approaches to this class of compounds.
Rapid Structure Determination of Bioactive 4″-Tetrahydrofurfuryl Macrozone Reaction Mixture Components by LC-SPE/Cryo NMR and MS
Authors: Habinovec Iva , Mikulandra Ivana , Sekula Lucia Ema , Gašperov Jana , Kazazić Saša , Novak Predrag
Published: October 2021

LC-SPE/cryo NMR and MS methodologies have been developed and employed for a rapid structure determination of 4″-tetrahydrofurfuryl macrozone reaction mixture components. Macrozones, novel conjugates of azithromycin, and thiosemicarbazones have shown very good in vitro antibacterial activities against susceptible and some resistant bacterial strains and are promising agents for further development. The post-column multiple trapping of the chromatographically separated reaction mixture components on the SPE cartridges increased the sensitivity and together with cryogenically cooled NMR probe made it possible to identify and structurally characterize main 4″-tetrahydrofurfuryl macrozone reaction mixture compounds including those present at very low concentration level. This approach has several advantages over a classical off-line procedure, efficiency and low solvent consumption being the two most important ones. All identified components were process-related. It has been demonstrated that two different kinds of compounds with respect to structure were identified, i.e., macrolide-related and thiosemicarbazone-related ones. This methodology can serve as a platform for reliable and effective macrolides reaction components structure profiling, serving as both isolation and identification tools.
Environmentally Benign Formation of Nickel Hexacyanoferrate-Derived Mesoframes for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Keßler Sascha , Reinalter Elrike R. , Schmidt Johannes , Cölfen Helmut
Published: October 2021

The tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)-controlled alkaline etching of nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) mesocrystals is explored. The alkaline etching enables the formation of hollow framework structures with an increased surface area, the exposure of active Ni and Fe sites and the retention of morphology. The ambient reaction conditions enable the establishment of a sustainable production. Our work reveals novel perspectives on the eco-friendly synthesis of hollow and colloidal superstructures for the efficient degradation of the organic contaminants rhodamine-B and bisphenol-A. In the case of peroxomonosulfate (PMS)-mediated bisphenol-A degradation, the rate constant of the etched mesoframes was 10,000 times higher indicating their significant catalytic activity.
Construction of Chemically Bonded Interface of Organic/Inorganic g-C3N4/LDH Heterojunction for Z-Schematic Photocatalytic H2 Generation
Authors: Xia Yuzhou , Liang Ruowen , Yang Min-Quan , Zhu Shuying , Yan Guiyang
Published: October 2021

The design and synthesis of a Z-schematic photocatalytic heterostructure with an intimate interface is of great significance for the migration and separation of photogenerated charge carriers, but still remains a challenge. Here, we developed an efficient Z-scheme organic/inorganic g-C3N4/LDH heterojunction by in situ growing of inorganic CoAl-LDH firmly on organic g-C3N4 nanosheet (NS). Benefiting from the two-dimensional (2D) morphology and the surface exposed pyridine-like nitrogen atoms, the g-C3N4 NS offers efficient trap sits to capture transition metal ions. As such, CoAl-LDH NS can be tightly attached onto the g-C3N4 NS, forming a strong interaction between CoAl-LDH and g-C3N4 via nitrogen–metal bonds. Moreover, the 2D/2D interface provides a high-speed channel for the interfacial charge transfer. As a result, the prepared heterojunction composite exhibits a greatly improved photocatalytic H2 evolution activity, as well as considerable stability. Under visible light irradiation of 4 h, the optimal H2 evolution rate reaches 1952.9 μmol g−1, which is 8.4 times of the bare g-C3N4 NS. The in situ construction of organic/inorganic heterojunction with a chemical-bonded interface may provide guidance for the designing of high-performance heterostructure photocatalysts.
Serum and Amniotic Fluid Metabolic Profile Changes in Response to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the Association with Maternal–Fetal Outcomes
Authors: Zhou Yalin , Zhao Runlong , Lyu Ying , Shi Hanxu , Ye Wanyun , Tan Yuwei , Li Rui , Xu Yajun
Published: October 2021

This study was designed to identify serum and amniotic fluid (AF) metabolic profile changes in response to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and explore the association with maternal–fetal outcomes. We established the GDM rat models by combining a high-fat diet (HFD) with an injection of low-dose streptozotocin (STZ), detected the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of pregnant rats in the second and third trimester, and collected AF and fetal rats by cesarean section on gestational day 19 (GD19), as well as measuring the weight and crown–rump length (CRL) of fetal rats. We applied liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the untargeted metabolomics analyses of serum and AF samples and then explored their correlation with maternal–fetal outcomes via the co-occurrence network. The results showed that 91 and 68 metabolites were upregulated and 125 and 78 metabolites were downregulated in serum and AF samples exposed to GDM, respectively. In maternal serum, the obvious alterations emerged in lipids and lipid-like molecules, while there were great changes in carbohydrate and carbohydrate conjugates, followed by amino acids, peptides, and analogs in amniotic fluid. The altered pathways both in serum and AF samples were amino acid, lipid, nucleotide, and vitamin metabolism pathways. In response to GDM, changes in the steroid hormone metabolic pathway occurred in serum, and an altered carbohydrate metabolism pathway was found in AF samples. Among differential metabolites in two kinds of samples, there were 34 common biochemicals shared by serum and AF samples, and a mutual significant association existed. These shared differential metabolites were implicated in several metabolism pathways, including choline, tryptophan, histidine, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and among them, N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide, 5’-methylthioadenosine, and kynurenic acid were significantly associated with both maternal FPG and fetal growth. In conclusion, serum and AF metabolic profiles were remarkably altered in response to GDM. N1-Methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide, 5’-methylthioadenosine, and kynurenic acid have the potential to be taken as biomarkers for maternal–fetal health status of GDM. The common and inter-related differential metabolites both in the serum and AF implied the feasibility of predicting fetal health outcomes via detecting the metabolites in maternal serum exposed to GDM.
Effects of Water Restriction and Supplementation on Cognitive Performances and Mood among Young Adults in Baoding, China: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Authors: Zhang Jianfen , Ma Guansheng , Du Songming , Liu Shufang , Zhang Na
Published: October 2021

The brain is approximately 75% water. Therefore, insufficient water intake may affect the cognitive performance of humans. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of water restriction and supplementation on cognitive performances and mood, and the optimum amount of water to alleviate the detrimental effects of dehydration, among young adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 76 young, healthy adults aged 18–23 years old from Baoding, China. After fasting overnight for 12 h, at 8:00 a.m. of day 2, the osmolality of the first morning urine and blood, cognitive performance, and mood were measured as a baseline test. After water restriction for 24 h, at 8:00 a.m. of day 3, the same indexes were measured as a dehydration test. Participants were randomly assigned into four groups: water supplementation group (WS group) 1, 2, or 3 (given 1000, 500, or 200 mL purified water), and the no water supplementation group (NW group). Furthermore, participants were instructed to drink all the water within 10 min. Ninety minutes later, the same measurements were performed as a rehydration test. Compared with the baseline test, participants were all in dehydration and their scores on the portrait memory test, vigor, and self-esteem decreased (34 vs. 27, p < 0.001; 11.8 vs. 9.2, p < 0.001; 7.8 vs. 6.4, p < 0.001). Fatigue and TMD (total mood disturbance) increased (3.6 vs. 4.8, p = 0.004; 95.7 vs. 101.8, p < 0.001) in the dehydration test. Significant interactions between time and volume were found in hydration status, fatigue, vigor, TMD, symbol search test, and operation span test (F = 6.302, p = 0.001; F = 3.118, p = 0.029; F = 2.849, p = 0.043; F = 2.859, p = 0.043; F = 3.463, p = 0.021) when comparing the rehydration and dehydration test. Furthermore, the hydration status was better in WS group 1 compared to WS group 2; the fatigue and TMD scores decreased, and the symbol search test and operation span test scores increased, only in WS group 1 and WS group 2 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). Dehydration impaired episodic memory and mood. Water supplementation improved processing speed, working memory, and mood, and 1000 mL was the optimum volume.
Nutraceuticals for Peripheral Vestibular Pathology: Properties, Usefulness, Future Perspectives and Medico-Legal Aspects
Authors: Chiarella Giuseppe , Marcianò Gianmarco , Viola Pasquale , Palleria Caterina , Pisani Davide , Rania Vincenzo , Casarella Alessandro , Astorina Alessia , Scarpa Alfonso , Esposito Massimiliano , Salerno Monica , Di Nunno Nunzio , Bolcato Matteo , Piscopo Amalia , Cione Erika , De Sarro Giovambattista , Di Mizio Giulio , Gallelli Luca
Published: October 2021

Vestibular disorders may generate complex signs and symptoms, which may alter patients’ balance and the quality of life. Dizziness and vertigo can strongly affect daily activities and relations. Despite the presence of conventional drugs, maneuvers, and surgery, another interesting therapeutic opportunity is offered by nutraceuticals. These molecules are often used in the treatment of dizziness and vertigo, but the rationale of their application is not always solidly demonstrated by the scientific evidence. Several substances have shown a variable level of efficacy/usefulness in this field, but there is lack of important evidence for most of them. From a medico-legal point of view, specific information must be provided to the patient regarding the efficacy and possibilities that the use of these preparations can allow. Administering the right nutraceutical to the proper patient is a fundamental clinical skill. Integrating conventional drug treatment with nutraceutical administration seems to be easy, but it may be difficult considering the (in part unexplored) pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of nutraceuticals. The aim of the scientific community should be to elevate nutraceuticals to the same law and technical dignity of conventional drugs.
Association of Obesity with the Risk of Hyperhomocysteinemia among the Chinese Community Residents: A Prospective Cohort Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xiang Yu , Zhao Qi , Wang Na , Yu Yuting , Wang Ruiping , Zhang Yue , Cui Shuheng , Wu Yiling , Liu Xing , Jiang Yonggen , Yu Yongfu , Zhao Genming
Published: October 2021

A prospective community-based cohort study was conducted to investigate the effects of obesity on hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in community residents from Shanghai, China, with a median follow-up period of 2.98 years. The exposures were high body mass index (BMI) (BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2) and high waist circumference (WC) (WC ≥ 85.0 cm for female and WC ≥ 90.0 for male) at baseline investigation, and the outcome was the incident of HHcy after the follow-up. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to assess the possible nonlinear relationship of BMI and WC with HHcy. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the association between BMI and WC measured obesity and the risk of HHcy (Hcy level > 15 µmol/L). No significant non-linearity was found between BMI and WC with HHcy. Cox regression model showed that underweight measured by BMI was negatively associated with the risk of HHcy after controlling for confounder variables (adjusted HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.99). While abdominal obesity was positively associated with the risk of HHcy for those without CVD-related comorbidities (adjusted HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.51). Our results suggested that individuals could maintain a relatively low BMI and normal WC to lower the risk of HHcy.
Obesity Modulates the Gut Microbiome in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hossain Fokhrul , Majumder Samarpan , David Justin , Bunnell Bruce A. , Miele Lucio
Published: October 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, molecularly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer. Obesity is associated with increased incidence and worse prognosis in TNBC through various potential mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a central role in the progression of cancer, and that imbalances or dysbiosis in the population of commensal microbiota can lead to inflammation and contribute to tumor progression. Obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation, and gut dysbiosis is associated with obesity, chronic inflammation, and failure of cancer immunotherapy. However, the debate on what constitutes a “healthy” gut microbiome is ongoing, and the connection among the gut microbiome, obesity, and TNBC has not yet been addressed. This study aims to characterize the role of obesity in modulating the gut microbiome in a syngeneic mouse model of TNBC. 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic analyses were performed to analyze and annotate genus and taxonomic profiles. Our results suggest that obesity decreases alpha diversity in the gut microbiome. Metagenomic analysis revealed that obesity was the only significant factor explaining the similarity of the bacterial communities according to their taxonomic profiles. In contrast to the analysis of taxonomic profiles, the analysis of variation of functional profiles suggested that obesity status, tumor presence, and the obesity–tumor interaction were significant in explaining the variation of profiles, with obesity having the strongest correlation. The presence of tumor modified the profiles to a greater extent in obese than in lean animals. Further research is warranted to understand the impact of the gut microbiome on TNBC progression and immunotherapy.
Vancomycin Use in Children and Neonates across Three Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top-Cited Articles
Authors: Minotti Chiara , Barbieri Elisa , Giaquinto Carlo , Donà Daniele
Published: October 2021

Vancomycin is frequently prescribed in pediatrics, especially in intensive care unit settings, to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections. This work aims to collect the top-cited articles of pediatric and infectious diseases areas to gather the current evidence and gaps of knowledge on the use of vancomycin in these populations. The most relevant journals reported in the “pediatrics” and “infectious diseases” categories of the 2019 edition of Journal Citation Reports were browsed. Articles with more than 30 citations and published over the last three decades were collected. A bibliometric analysis was performed and 115 articles were retrieved. They were published in 21 journals, with a median impact factor of 4.6 (IQR 2.9–5.4). Sixty-eight of them (59.1%) belonged to “infectious diseases” journals. The most relevant topic was “bloodstream/complicated/invasive infections”, followed by “antibiotic resistance/MRSA treatment”. As for population distribution, 27 articles were on children only and 27 on neonates, most of which were from intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The current literature mainly deals with vancomycin as a treatment for severe infections and antibiotic resistance, especially in neonatal ICU settings. Lately, attention to new dosing strategies in the neonatal and pediatric population has become a sensible topic.
Vaginal and Anal Microbiome during Chlamydia trachomatis Infections
Authors: Raimondi Stefano , Candeliere Francesco , Amaretti Alberto , Foschi Claudio , Morselli Sara , Gaspari Valeria , Rossi Maddalena , Marangoni Antonella
Published: October 2021

Background.Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the agent of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide, with a significant impact on women’s health. Despite the increasing number of studies about the vaginal microbiome in women with CT infections, information about the composition of the anal microbiome is still lacking. Here, we assessed the bacterial community profiles of vaginal and anal ecosystems associated or not with CT infection in a cohort of Caucasian young women. Methods. A total of 26 women, including 10 with a contemporary vaginal and ano-rectal CT infection, were enrolled. Composition of vaginal and anal microbiome was studied by 16S rRNA gene profiling. Co-occurrence networks of bacterial communities and metagenome metabolic functions were determined. Results. In case of CT infection, both vaginal and anal environments were characterized by a degree of dysbiosis. Indeed, the vaginal microbiome of CT-positive women were depleted in lactobacilli, with a significant increase in dysbiosis-associated bacteria (e.g., Sneathia, Parvimonas, Megasphaera), whereas the anal microbiota of CT-infected women was characterized by higher levels of Parvimonas and Pseudomonas and lower levels of Escherichia. Interestingly, the microbiome of anus and vagina had numerous bacterial taxa in common, reflecting a significant microbial ‘sharing’ between the two sites. In the vaginal environment, CT positively correlated with Ezakiella spp. while Gardnerella vaginalis co-occurred with several dysbiosis-related microbes, regardless of CT vaginal infection. The vaginal microbiome of CT-positive females exhibited a higher involvement of chorismate and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, as well as an increase in mixed acid fermentation. Conclusions. These data could be useful to set up new diagnostic/prognostic tools, offering new perspectives for the control of chlamydial infections.
Operational Considerations in Global Health Modeling
Authors: Broadway Katherine M. , Schwartz-Watjen Kierstyn T. , Swiatecka Anna L. , Hadeed Steven J. , Owens Akeisha N. , Batni Sweta R. , Wu Aiguo
Published: October 2021

Epidemiological modeling and simulation can contribute cooperatively across multifaceted areas of biosurveillance systems. These efforts can be used to support real-time decision-making during public health emergencies and response operations. Robust epidemiological modeling and simulation tools are crucial to informing risk assessment, risk management, and other biosurveillance processes. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has sponsored the development of numerous modeling and decision support tools to address questions of operational relevance in response to emerging epidemics and pandemics. These tools were used during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This perspective discusses examples of the considerations DTRA has made when employing epidemiological modeling to inform on public health crises and highlights some of the key lessons learned. Future considerations for researchers developing epidemiological modeling tools to support biosurveillance and public health operations are recommended.
Epilepsy in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Related Drugs and Molecular Pathways
Authors: Cano Amanda , Fonseca Elena , Ettcheto Miren , Sánchez-López Elena , de Rojas Itziar , Alonso-Lana Silvia , Morató Xavier , Souto Eliana B. , Toledo Manuel , Boada Mercè , Marquié Marta , Ruíz Agustín
Published: October 2021

Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system characterized by an electrical imbalance in neurons. It is the second most prevalent neurological disease, with 50 million people affected around the world, and 30% of all epilepsies do not respond to available treatments. Currently, the main hypothesis about the molecular processes that trigger epileptic seizures and promote the neurotoxic effects that lead to cell death focuses on the exacerbation of the glutamate pathway and the massive influx of Ca2+ into neurons by different factors. However, other mechanisms have been proposed, and most of them have also been described in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Interestingly, and mainly because of these common molecular links and the lack of effective treatments for these diseases, some antiseizure drugs have been investigated to evaluate their therapeutic potential in these pathologies. Therefore, in this review, we thoroughly investigate the common molecular pathways between epilepsy and the major neurodegenerative diseases, examine the incidence of epilepsy in these populations, and explore the use of current and innovative antiseizure drugs in the treatment of refractory epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Mechanistic Understanding from Molecular Dynamics in Pharmaceutical Research 2: Lipid Membrane in Drug Design
Authors: Róg Tomasz , Girych Mykhailo , Bunker Alex
Published: October 2021

We review the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a drug design tool in the context of the role that the lipid membrane can play in drug action, i.e., the interaction between candidate drug molecules and lipid membranes. In the standard “lock and key” paradigm, only the interaction between the drug and a specific active site of a specific protein is considered; the environment in which the drug acts is, from a biophysical perspective, far more complex than this. The possible mechanisms though which a drug can be designed to tinker with physiological processes are significantly broader than merely fitting to a single active site of a single protein. In this paper, we focus on the role of the lipid membrane, arguably the most important element outside the proteins themselves, as a case study. We discuss work that has been carried out, using MD simulation, concerning the transfection of drugs through membranes that act as biological barriers in the path of the drugs, the behavior of drug molecules within membranes, how their collective behavior can affect the structure and properties of the membrane and, finally, the role lipid membranes, to which the vast majority of drug target proteins are associated, can play in mediating the interaction between drug and target protein. This review paper is the second in a two-part series covering MD simulation as a tool in pharmaceutical research; both are designed as pedagogical review papers aimed at both pharmaceutical scientists interested in exploring how the tool of MD simulation can be applied to their research and computational scientists interested in exploring the possibility of a pharmaceutical context for their research.
Befogókészülék fejlesztése koponyaűri áramlásirányító sztentek húzóvizsgálatához
Authors: Bukor Csongor , Károly Dóra , Csippa Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Az aneurizmák (értágulatok) legfőbb veszélyét az jelenti, hogy az érfalra ható igénybevételek miatt kirepedhetnek, ezáltal súlyos belső vérzést, halált okozhatnak. Ha azonban az orvosnak rendelkezésére állnak olyan mérnöki eszközök, mint például az artériák elemzésére alkalmas numerikus modellek, szimulációk, ezek segítségével el lehet dönteni, hogy egy adott értágulatnál szükséges-e a beavatkozás, és amennyiben igen, mikor. Az ilyen modellekhez az áramlásirányító eszközök mechanikai jellemzői bemeneti adatok. Több ilyen mechanikai tulajdonság, például a rugalmassági modulusz és a szakítószilárdság meghatározása szakítóvizsgálattal történik. Kutatásaink során ilyen eszközök egytengelyű húzóvizsgálatára is alkalmas befogókészüléket fejlesztettünk, több méretben, a különböző érátmérőkhöz tartozó sztentekhez.
UJI EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK LENGKUAS MERAH (Alpinapurpurata K.Schum) DALAM MENGHAMBAT PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI Eschericia coli SECARA IN VITRO
Authors: Fioni Fioni
Published: October 2021

Red ginger with the Latin name Alpina purpurata K. Schum is a plant of the family zingiberaceae (family ginger family) which has several medical benefits. Zingiberaceous has about 50 genera and 1300 species spread throughout the world. In relation to the flavonoid content, routine, kaempferol-3-rutionoside and kaemferol-3-oliucronide in red ginger (Alpina purpurata K. Schum) as antimicrobial, then to prove this, the trials of antimicrobial efficacy in vitro by diffusion disc (method Kirby & Bauer test) against Escherichia coli which is a gram negative bacteria. The results were analyzed with SPSS 20 software. The results showed that red ginger extract (Alpina purpurata K. Schum) effective in the course of Escherichia coli growth was at 100% concentration. The mean inhibition zone diameter was 7.825 mm at 25%, 8,625 mm at concentration 50%, 9,350 mm at concentration 75%, and 10.7 mm at 100% concentration.
Prevention of Social Stigma Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Aliasghari Arash , Hossini Marzieh , Rahimi Fatemeh , Mobaraki Kazhal , Ahmadzadeh Jamal
Published: October 2021

As a result of the global crisis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), confusion, anxiety, fear, and some psychological effects have been created among the general population in this global village. Unfortunately, these factors have provoked inappropriate behavior converting the infection to the virus to a social stigma, which can affect the dignity of people died due to COVID-19. In addition to the patient, the stigma can also affect interpersonal relationship among nurses, family members, friends, as well as social relationships. In this critical situation, we need to take care of each other with empathy, which is the key to successfully cope with the issue and prevent social stigma associated with COVID-19. This commentary evaluates the effects of social stigma related to COVID-19 and suggests some practical measures for the world communities to deal with this global public health problem.
Epidemiological Study of the Brucellosis in Iran, Isfahan, 2010–2015
Authors: Salahshouri Alireza , Ramezanpour Javad , Gheibipour Hamid
Published: October 2021

Background and aims: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in both humans and animals. It has been controlled in developed countries; however, it is still regarded as a public health problem in developing countries including Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Isfahan province. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study investigating the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Isfahan province from 2010 to 2015. Sampling was done using Isfahan’s disease registry database. Chi-square and t test were used for analyzing the data, and all data analyses were performed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: A total of 3,245 patients were included in this study, and their mean (SD) age was 35.29 (18.00) years. The age group of 15-25 years with a frequency of 23.80% had the highest frequency of the disease. The annual incidence of the disease from 2010 to 2014 shows an increasing trend, reaching from 6.25 to 15 per 100000 people. It was reduced in 2015 and reached 12.25 per 100000. In addition, the highest incidence was observed in July. Conclusion: This study implies that the trend of human brucellosis has been increasing over the years, so it is recommended that people be educated on how to prevent it in humans and animals. The results of this study can help health administrators in the province to more effectively control the disease at the provincial level by identifying high-risk cities and focusing on health care in these areas.
The Effect of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy on Sleep and Circadian Rhythm in Young College Students
Authors: Kanchan Shweta , Tiwari Sunita , Singh Shweta
Published: October 2021

The present study is to study the effect of cognitive behaviour therapy on various sleep parameters and circadian phase rhythmic in young college going adults. Fifty young college going adults were chosen from the MBBS and BDS students of King George's Medical University Lucknow, their polysomnography was conducted along with it salivary melatonin estimation was conducted to find the time of Dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), the subjects were administered cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT),after completing the sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy another Polysomnographic study and DLMO estimation was conducted, various sleep parameters were compared before and after the CBT. The study showed an improvement in the steep quality, a decrease in daytime sleepiness along with this total sleep time significantly increased, sleep efficiency also improved and there was a decrease in the REM sleep latency. The Dim light melatonin onset advanced for the subjects and the chronotype showed an inclination towards an earlier timings.
FORMATION OF CUSTOMS UNION AND HIS PROSPECT
Authors: Dononbaeva A.A.
Published: October 2021

The article explores the theoretical and practical aspects of the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union, independent states delegated part of their powers to the regulatory body - the Eurasian Economic Commission, in order to ensure four freedoms and pursue coordinated policies in key sectors of the economy in common interests. The Eurasian Economic Union is an international organization for regional economic integration with international legal personality, established by the Treaty on the EAEU. One of the priorities of the integration interaction of the EAEU states is the formation of a common financial market, which will ensure the improvement of business development.
Generation of coaxial vortex beams with doubled topological charges using a stacked liquid crystal structure
Authors: Tsukamoto Yuji , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Ozaki Masanori
Published: October 2021

Optical vortices (OVs), which carry orbital angular momenta are attractive for many optical applications. A facile means of generating OVs is through the use of q-plates, which are patterned liquid crystal (LC) waveplates. However, they are limited to generating beams with topological charge ±

ℓ
.

In this work, we propose a stacked LC structure consisting of patterned nematic LC with 1/4-wave retardation and planar cholesteric LC, and demonstrate its capability to generate coaxial OVs with topological charges

ℓ

and

2
ℓ

.

As an extension of the function of conventional q-plate, this structure provides large degree of freedom in the generating OVs.
Die Exklusivlizenz - Eine wettbewerbsrechtliche Würdigung aus europäischer und schweizerischer Perspektive
Authors:   , Meier Giulia Mara
Published: October 2021

Der Lizenzvertrag ist der zentrale Transaktionstypus zur Verbreitung technischen Wissens, während das Kartellrecht dessen wichtigste Schranke bildet. In forschungs- und kapitalintensiven Branchen sind Lizenznehmer oft nur im Rahmen der Exklusivlizenz bereit, die erforderlichen Investitionen in eine Technologie zu tätigen. Auch Lizenzgeber haben häufig grosses Interesse daran, sich ein Gebiet oder eine Kundengruppe exklusiv vorzubehalten. Die Zusicherung der Exklusivität bildet dann die Grundlage zur Verbreitung technischen Wissens und innovativer Technologien. Gleichzeitig kann die Exklusivlizenz zur strategischen Marktaufteilung und -abschottung eingesetzt werden, was volkswirtschaftlich und kartellrechtlich unerwünscht ist. Während die Europäische Union dem Zusammenspiel von Immaterialgüter- und Kartellrecht seit langem die gebotene Aufmerksamkeit schenkt, hat sich in der Schweiz bisher kein eigenes Lizenzkartellrecht herausgebildet. Diese Arbeit analysiert und würdigt den unterschiedlichen Umgang der beiden Jurisdiktionen mit der Exklusivlizenz und zeigt anhand vertrags-, immaterialgüter- und kartellrechtlicher Überlegungen, wie klare und vorhersehbare Rahmenbedingungen für den Technologietransfer in der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union aussehen können.
DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENE PROFILE AND RELEVANT PATHWAYS IN THE PLACENTA OF PREGNANT MICE IN RESPONSE TO MATERNAL THYROID HORMONE ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Chen W.M. , Li L.X. , Niu L.L. , Zhong T
Published: October 2021

Thyroid hormone has pleiotropic regulatory effects on growth, development, and metabolism. It also regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In the present study, differentially expressed genes (DEG) and their related pathways involved in TH regulation during gestation were identified in the placenta tissues of high thyroid-induced mice by RNA sequencing. The levels of TSH, FT3, and FT4 in blood showed an increasing tendency in the high thyroid-induced mice with intragastric administration of 0.250 or 0.500 µg•µL-1 L-T4, respectively. Compared to CG9d mice, one DEG and 10 DEGs were identified in the LG9d and HG9d groups, respectively. There were 32 DEGs identified between the LG9d and HG9d, 22 of which were up-regulated DEGs and 10 were down-regulated. Several GO annotations and signaling pathways were associated with embryonic development and TH synthesis and metabolism, including the Wnt signaling pathway and the TH signaling pathway. The expressions of nine randomly selected DEGs were re-quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and showed a consistent tendency with the results of RNA-sequencing, which suggests that reliable data are obtained in the transcriptome assay. These findings provide insights into the mechanism of the dynamic regulation of the TH balance during pregnancy in mammals.
Key words: mice, thyroid hormone, transcriptome, DEG, signaling pathway
IMAGING OF PHYTOSPHERE COLONIZATION BY GFP (GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN) EXPRESSED EPIPHYTIC PHYLLOSPHERIC BACTERIA
Authors: Mahmood S , Ahmed M , Husnain S
Published: October 2021

Bacteria living on the aerial parts of plant come from rhizosphere or/and above ground environment. Leaf associated
microbes flourish in harsh conditions, adaptable to other environments, have ability to move across plant and colonize
the other parts of plants as well. Imaging of GFP-labelled epiphytic phyllospheric bacteria Pseudomonas sp. MehA-P42
on root, stem and leaves of two sunflower hybrids was done by fluorescence microscopy and CLSM (confocal laser
scanning microscope). Phyllo-epiphytic bacteria applied to seeds not even reached and colonized the destined aerial parts
but also colonized roots and stem surface of plants. The internal localization (in the inter- and intra-cellular
compartments of leaves, stems and roots) of GFP-labeled Pseudomonas sp. MehA-P42 was revealed by CLSM. Phyllo
epiphytic bacteria isolated from one sunflower variety (Hysun-39) established an association with another variety
(Hysun-33) through colonization in and on the root stem and leaves surface. Study indicated the movement of plant
associated bacteria along phytosphere as well as the ability of phyllospheric bacterial isolates to adapt the environment
and flourish on the plants other than the native. This supports the field application of the phyllospheric bacterial isolates
to seeds, roots of plant or in rhizosphere as plant stimulator and biocontrol agent.
Key Words: GFP, Phyllosphere, colonization, imaging, fluorescent microscopy, CLSM
ANALYSIS OF LNCRNAS AND CIRCRNAS IN GLYCINE MAX UNDER DROUGHT AND SALINE-ALKALINE STRESSES
Authors: Dong Y , Wang Y , Wang G , Ahmad N , Wang L , Wang Y , Zhang X , Li X , Li H
Published: October 2021

Long noncoding-RNAs (LncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the major types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) known to be involved during diverse biological processes in eukaryotes. However, less attention has been given to the identification, overall characteristics and expression analysis of LncRNAs and circRNAs under abiotic stresses in plants.. In our study, strand-specific RNA-seq data revealed the identification of a total 2,020 lncRNAs, including 1,979 known and 41 novel ones, and 830 circRNAs in soybean. Overall, 118 and 47 lncRNAs showed significant changes in expression levels under drought stress and saline-alkaline stress, respectively. In addition, soybean lncRNAs indicated diverse expression patterns suggesting a positive correlation with many biological processes including photosynthesis during stress responses by regulating gene expression in a cis-/trans-actingmanner. Our findings further indicated that transcriptional biosynthesis pathways and RNA transcriptional regulation were positively regulated during stress conditions. Furthermore, the back-splicing sites of circRNAs were also confirmed. Collectively, our study identified a group of stress-responsive lncRNAs and circRNAs in soybean, highlighting their potential contributions to abiotic stress responses, which pave the way for future functional studies.
Keywords: Strand-specific RNA sequencing; Stress response; lncRNA; circRNA; Expression pattern
BIOACTIVE POTENTIAL OF CULTIVATED MENTHA ARVENSIS L. FOR PRESERVATION AND PRODUCTION OF HEALTH-ORIENTED FOOD
Authors: Asghar M , Younas M , Arshad B , Zaman W , Ayaz A , Rasheed S , Shah A.H. , Ullah F , Saqib S
Published: October 2021

Mentha arvensis L. is traditionally used in folk medicine, and pharmacological industry due to presence of active chemical substances. It is also valuable for food industry as additives because of the presence of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic and antimicrobial constituents. This study is intended to examine reactive oxygen species (Cvetanović et al.) generation, lipid oxidation, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effect of aqueous extract from M. arvensis L. prepared in various solvents i.e. fermented methanol extract (FM.E), distilled water extract (DW.E) and methanol extract (M.E). Phytochemical screening of the extract was qualitatively investigated for the isolation of alkaloids, flavonoids, fats and oils, menthol and quinones. To check the potential of extract as preservative, pH, lipid oxidation and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis was performed. Our results showed FM.E induce ROS generation, cytotoxicity and inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (4.20±0.90 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.23±0.32 mm) growth. In addition, in vivo results showed FM. E and M.E efficiently maintained chicken meat pH and reduced lipid oxidation. The presence of essential phytochemicals was responsible for inhibition of biofilm formation. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of free OH stretching vibrations at 3878.69 cm-1, free NH at 3459.56 cm-1 and H-NH bond stretching 3388.02 cm-1 groups in chicken meat which belong to M. arvensis L. extracts. These results suggest that menthol from M. arvensis L. extract is favorable food additive against resistant pathogens.
Keywords: Mentha arvensis L; Phytochemicals; ROS generation; Lipid oxidation; Antimicrobial
MORPHOMETRICS AND BODY CONDITION OF GLOSSOGOBIUS OLIVACEUS
Authors: Ta T.T. , Chu N.H. , Nguyen N.T. , Tran H.D. , Tran T.T. , Ha L.M. , Nguyen N.T.
Published: October 2021

Little is known on growth and size relationships of Glossogobius olivaceus, a high-value commercial species in northern Vietnam. This study aimed to explore morphometric relationships, growth and condition factor of G. olivaceus from mangrove forests of the Ba Lat estuary, the Red River in northern Vietnam. Analysis of 679 G. olivaceus collected monthly from March 2018 to February 2019 showed a sex ratio of approximately 1:1. The mean total length and body weight were not significantly different between females and males. Length-weight relationships (LWR) for G. olivaceus showed high correlations that varied slightly by season. This species presented a positive allometric growth pattern as the slope b of the LWR which was significantly higher than the cubic value of 3. Estimates of condition factor (K) were not different from the value of 1, implying a favorable nutritional condition of specimens collected. Both the LWR (b slope) and condition factor (K) of G. olivaceus from our study varied by sex, and seasons indicated that G. olivaceus lives across variable environmental conditions. Furthermore, shifts in growth patterns between the breeding (b ≈ 3) and non-breeding season (b > 3) potentially suggest that this species has an adaptation strategy to monthly/seasonal environmental variability.
Key words: Glossogobius olivaceus, length-weight relationship, growth pattern, condition factor, mangrove forests.
GC/MS PROFILING, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF BACTERIAL CELL MEMBRANE AFFECTED BY FARSETIA HELIOPHILA BARK EXTRACT ALONG WITH WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY
Authors: Burki S , Burki Z.G. , - Mahjabeen , Khan M , Ahmad I , Ali S
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate phytochemically, biologically and pharmacologically Farsetia heliophila (F. heliophila) using in vivo wound healing technique. Phytochemically, F. heliophila positive test for tannins, saponins, flavonoides, triterpenoids and alkaloids. The chemical composition of F. heliophila evaluated through gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and Fourier transformed infra-red (FTIR) reveled that F. heliophila contain important bioactive compounds like barrigenol R1, ethyl iso-allocholate, lupeol acetate, isorhamnetin, α-amyrine, α-tocopherol, l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, ascorbyl palmitate, 2-pyrazolin-5-one, 3,4,4-trimethyl- isoquercetin, pyrimidine, indole and cyclolaudenol. The crude extract was further evaluated for antibacterial activity, (AFM) study of extract treated bacterial cells, acute oral toxicity and in vivo wound healing potential. The MIC50 values of F. heliophila extract against B. subitils, S. typhi E. coli and P. aeruginosa were 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL at (p<0.01) and (p<0.05). The AFM images showed that the cell membrane of B. subitils, S. typhi and E. coli were significantly damaged with cytoplasm leaked from the bacterial cell. P. aeruginosa cell membrane was partially damaged. The extract did not show any acute toxicity at higher dose of 2000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg. The results of wound healing capabilities showed that the wounds were significantly healed in animals treated with F. heliophila extract at 10 and 15 % ointment dose at (p<0.01 and p<0.001). The epithelialization process was also accelerated at 10 an 15 % dose of F. heliophila extract ointment and took 20.4±2.0 and 18.5±1.2 days for complete wound healing. The results of this study provide scientific support for alternative use of F. heliophila as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of skin wounds and infections.
Keywords: Farsetia heliophila; GC/MS; Antibacterial; AFM; Acute toxicity, Wound healing
Systèmes de sols urbains perméables, adaptés au changement
climatique et favorisant la biodiversité
Authors: BERTOUT J. , LEPINASSE J. , BRASDEFER A. , PERNIN C.
Published: October 2021

Dans un contexte de lutte contre le changement climatique et les effets néfastes de
l’urbanisation, des techniques et matériaux de construction innovants cherchent à limiter l’impact des
aménagements. C’est le cas des systèmes de sols perméables et végétalisés – considérés comme
technosols – permettant la mise en oeuvre de parkings, voies d’accès et aires de vie durables. La littérature
renseigne peu sur les implications environnementales de ces nouveaux sols urbains, alors que le
champ des toitures et murs végétalisés est, lui, bien documenté. La mise en oeuvre d’une plateforme
expérimentale de parking perméable (2018) a permis d’évaluer plusieurs axes de recherche, contribuant
ainsi à l’alimentation des connaissances scientifiques sur les sols urbains. Le comportement thermique de
ces technosols a fait l’objet de différentes analyses, en comparaison avec un revêtement en enrobé
classique ainsi qu’à un espace de pleine terre enherbé. Elles mettent notamment en évidence les rôles du
revêtement de surface et de la perméabilité du système, et prouvent la performance climatique des
solutions perméables au regard de la lutte contre la formation d’îlot de chaleur urbain. Afin d’évaluer
l’impact de l’aménagement de parkings perméables végétalisés sur la biodiversité des sols urbains, deux
études ont été réalisées. La première porte sur un même parking – la plateforme expérimentale – avec des
relevés réalisés en 2019 et 2021. La seconde étude porte sur des prélèvements réalisés en 2021 sur
12 parkings mis en oeuvre entre 2014 et 2020. Les premiers résultats de ces études montrent la présence
d’une faune du sol variée, quelles que soient l’ancienneté des parkings et la connexion à une potentielle
zone source de biodiversité.
Role of psychoemotional disorders in rehabilitation of post-stroke patients
Authors: Mishchenko Vladyslav , Zdesenko Iryna , Dmytriieva Olena
Published: October 2021

A study of psychoemotional disorders in persons who have suffered cerebral stroke (CS). The results showed that at cerebral stroke patients disorders of level of consciousness were primary with cognitive and asthenic disturbances with subsequent formation of psycho-emotional disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders with hypohondrical elements on the basis of persistent cognitive disorders. A rehabilitation program for patients with poststroke psychoemotional disorders has been developed. Testing of the developed program showed an improvement in 90 % of patients.