bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of RNA in situ hybridisation for grapevine fruits and ovules
Authors: Yao Jin , Li Xingmei , Wu Na , Zhang Songlin , Gao Min , Wang Xiping
Published: September 2022

Background: The European grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the world’s most widely cultivated and economically important fruit crops. Seedless fruits are particularly desired for table grapes, with seedlessness resulting from stenospermocarpy being an important goal for cultivar improvement. The establishment of an RNA in situ hybridisation (ISH) system for grape berries and ovules is therefore important for understanding the molecular mechanisms of ovule abortion in stenospermocarpic seedless cultivars.
Results: We improved RNA in situ hybridisation procedures for developing berries and ovules targeting two transcription factor genes, VvHB63 and VvTAU, using two seeded varieties, 'Red Globe' and 'Pinot Noir', and two seedless cultivars, 'Flame Seedless' and 'Thompson Seedless'. Optimisation focused on the time of proteinase K treatment, probe length, probe concentration, hybridisation temperature and post-hybridisation washing conditions. The objectives were to maximise hybridisation signal and minimise background interference, while still preserving tissue integrity.
Conclusion: For the target genes and samples tested, the best results were obtained with a pre-hybridisation proteinase K treatment of 30 min, probe length of 150 bp and concentration of 100 ng/mL, hybridisation temperature of 50°C, three washes with 0.2× saline sodium citrate (SSC) solution and blocking with 1% blocking reagent for 45 min during the subsequent hybridisation. The improved ISH system was used to study the spatiotemporal expression patterns of genes related to ovule development at microscopic level.
Adults with Autistic Traits have Delayed Motion Perception of Approaching Life-size Characters: An Event-Related Potentials Study
Authors: Inokuchi Ryo , Ichikawa Hiroko , Yamamoto Masataka , Takemura Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

We investigated the association between gait perception and autistic traits in a real-life setting. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in visual motion perception. To clarify the difficulty in daily situations caused by ASD motion perception problems, we recorded event related potentials (ERPs) in university students and investigated whether the perception of walking motion displayed by a virtual avatar differs depending on participants’ scores of autistic traits. ERPs were measured in 30 young adults in response to walking motion while passing someone. Videos of a life-sized virtual character approaching and retreating while walking were presented as visual stimuli. ERP components (N170 and P200) were identified in the occipito-temporal region of most participants. Adults with higher autistic traits had longer latencies and smaller P200 amplitudes for the approaching virtual character in the occipito-temporal region. These findings indicate that adults with autistic traits have delayed and less sensitive motion perception of an approaching person; suggesting that adults with autistic traits have atypical motion perception in daily life. This study may contribute to elucidating autistic traits, such as atypical gait and movement disorders, from the perspective of motion perception in an environment close to daily life.
The experience of being a caregiver of patients with digestive cancer, from patients and caregivers perception: a mixed study.
Authors: GRIVEL Charlotte , NIZET Pierre , MARTIN Manon , EVIN Adrien , PECOUT Solange , LEPEINTRE Aurélie , TOUCHEFEU Yann , PROT-LABARTHE Sonia , HUON Jean François
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the experience of caregivers of patients with digestive cancer and to compare the perspectives of patients and caregivers.

Methods

This was a mixed-methods study on caregiver-patient dyads. Semi-structured interviews with caregivers and their patients were conducted to explore each perspective. Two questionnaires were distributed to caregivers, the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) and the Supportive Care Needs Survey for Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-PC).

Results

Thirty-two caregivers completed the questionnaires. The CRA showed great self-esteem (3.8 +/- 0.7) and the burden on schedule (3.3 +/- 1). The SCNS-PC showed a need for healthcare service and information (2.0 +/- 0.8). Ten dyads participated in semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged from caregiver’s interviews: the illness is an upheaval; the feeling of loneliness and helplessness and its consequences; a natural role with positive outcomes. Four themes emerged from the patient's side: the caregiver naturally takes on this role and gets closer; the caregiver is the patient's anchor; the disruption of the caregiver's life; anxiety, guilt, and the desire to protect the caregiver. Comparison of the data identifies many similarities between patients and caregivers, as well as discrepancies with the main theme being their relationship.

Conclusion

This demonstrates the importance of caring for caregivers and considering them in the context of their relationship with the patient to better understand their experience.
RNA-par: An RNA Exterior Loop Predicting Model for RNA Secondary Structure Prediction
Authors: Zhao Qi , Mao Qian , Yuan Wenxuan , He Qiang , Yao Yudong , Sun Qixuan , Zhao Zheng , Fan Xiaoya
Published: September 2022

The non-coding RNA secondary structure largely determines its function. Hence, accuracy in structure acquisition is of great importance. Currently, this acquisition primarily relies on various computational methods. The prediction of the structures of long RNA sequences with high precision and reasonable computational cost remains challenging. Here, we propose a deep learning model, RNA-par, which could partition an RNA sequence into several independent fragments (i-fragments) based on its exterior loops. Each i-fragment secondary structure predicted individually could be further assembled to acquire the complete RNA secondary structure. In the examination of our independent test set, the average length of the predicted i-fragments was 453 nt, which was considerably shorter than that of complete RNA sequences (848 nt). The accuracy of the assembled structures was higher than that of the structures predicted directly using the state-of-the-art RNA secondary structure prediction methods. This proposed model could serve as a preprocessing step for RNA secondary structure prediction for enhancing the predictive performance (especially for long RNA sequences) and reducing the computational cost. In the future, predicting the secondary structure of long-sequence RNA with high accuracy can be enabled by developing a framework combining RNA-par with various existing RNA secondary structure prediction algorithms. Our models, test codes and test data are provided at https://github.com/mianfei71/RNAPar.
Oxidative-stress related lncRNA as a prognostic signature for Clear cell renal carcinoma: a gene dataset analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhou Guozhong , Shi Wei , Shi Weili , Hu Meijun , Kong Defu , Long Rong , Chen Nan
Published: September 2022

Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) is a primary malignant tumor of tubular epithelial origin that is most common in the urinary tract. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS), which generates high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, plays a critical role in human cancer. However, the predictive value of OS-related lncRNAs in ccRCC remains unclear. We constructed a new survival signature from OS-related and diffeomorphic lncRNAs obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-KIRC). The signature comprised seven lncRNAs: SPART-AS1, AL162586.1, LINC00944, LINC01550, HOXB-AS4, LINC02027, and DOCK9-DT. OS-related lncRNA signatures had higher diagnostic efficiency than clinicopathological variables, with an area of 0.794 under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Additionally, nomograms based on risk scores and clinicopathological variables (age, gender, grade and stage) showed strong predictive performance. High-risk patients are more sensitive to the therapeutic drugs bicalutamide, epothilone, and lapatinib. Our signatures can independently predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC; however, the mechanism there of needs further investigation.
University literacy in Francophone minority settings: The challenges of teaching effectiveness
Authors: Alhamid Sofyan , St-Amand Jérôme , Courdi Clémentine
Published: September 2022

At the University of Alberta's Campus Saint-Jean, the only French-speaking campus in the province of Alberta in Canada, students are confronted with a variety of French spoken by professors, causing many challenges for learners who, for the most part, have French as their second language. This linguistic plurality among the faculty prompted us to explore the linguistic and pedagogical challenges that this diversity can create in the classroom. We used a qualitative method of inquiry to collect the corpus of this research. Specifically, we chose a written questionnaire with open-ended questions. The participants comprised 71 students (26 native French speakers and 45 non-native French speakers) enrolled in a bachelor program at the Campus Saint-Jean. Results indicated that this linguistic plurality posed many emotional, cognitive, and learning challenges for the participants of this study. These results are discussed in the perspective of teacher effectiveness.
Effect of changes in METs and incident cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes : A nationally representative cohort study
Authors: Lim Yohwan , Kim Hye Jun , Yoon Sung Soo , Lee Sang Jun , Lee Myeong Hoon , Park Hyewon , Park Sun Jae , Jeong Seogsong , Han Hyun Wook
Published: September 2022

Background: Physical activity is known to have strong benefits on prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Also, diabetes is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. However, the evidence of association between changes in physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease is limited, especially among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Methods: A total of 20,598 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. Self-reported questionnaires using a 7-day recall method were used to assess physical activity and calculated in metabolic equivalent task (MET) score. Physical activity level was measured in the screening period Ⅰ (2009-10) and period Ⅱ (2011-12) and assessed the change in physical activity level with CVD risks. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression.
Results: Compared with the patients from the screening period Ⅰ(2009-10) to period Ⅱ (2011-12), those who increased their physical activity level from sedentary to active showed a 35% lower risk of overall CVD risk (aHR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96). Inversely, those who decreased their physical activity level from active to sedentary showed a 79% higher risk of overall CVD risk (aHR 1.79, 95% CI 1.17-2.72).
Conclusions: Among patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, change in physical activity showed an inverse relationship with CVD risk. Maintaining a modest level of physical activity is important in reducing CVD risk.
GPU Performance analysis for viscoacoustic wave equations using fast stencil computation from the symbolic specification
Authors: Jesus Lauê , Nogueira Peterson , Speglich João , Boratto Murilo
Published: September 2022

Seismic forward modeling is a computationally and data-intensive stage in the seismic processing workflow. By profiling the kernels of seismic forward modeling algorithms, was observed that they need to access a wide variety of memory locations, in addition to the computational cost of performing floating-point operations for the numerical solution of wave equations. In this context, was used the Roofline model to analyze six representative computing kernels in seismic modeling on GPU environment to indicate bottlenecks in the performance and suggest improvements of these wave equation propagators. Based on this, was implemented six viscoacoustic equations using the Devito tool. Experimental data have shown that optimizations in increasing data reuse and decreasing off-chip memory traffic can significantly improve performance.
IL-1β and TNF-α play an important role in modulating the risk of periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Rachel Pei-Hsuan , Huang Jianpan , Chan Kannie Wan Yan , Leung Wai-Keung , Goto Tetsuya , Ho Yuen-Shan , Chang Raymond Chuen Chung
Published: September 2022

Background
Systemic activation of the immune system can exert detrimental effects on the central nervous system. Periodontitis, a chronic disease of the oral cavity, is a common source of systemic inflammation. Neuroinflammation might be a result of this to accelerate progressive deterioration of neuronal functions during aging or exacerbate pre-existing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. With advancing age, the progressive increase in the body’s pro-inflammatory status favors the state of vulnerability to both periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we sought to delineate the roles of cytokines in the pathogenesis of both diseases.
Methods
To examine the impacts of periodontitis on the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, six-month-old female 3×Tg-AD mice and their age-matched non-transgenic mice were employed. Periodontitis was induced using two different experimental models: bacterial-induced periodontitis and ligature-induced periodontitis. To delineate the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were also injected into the buccal mandibular vestibule of mice.
Results
Here, we show that IL-1β and TNF-α were two of the most important and earliest cytokines upregulated upon periodontal infection. The systemic upregulation of these two cytokines promoted a pro-inflammatory environment in the brain contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology and cognitive dysfunctions. Periodontitis-induced systemic inflammation also enhanced brain inflammatory responses and subsequently exacerbated Alzheimer’s disease pathology and cognitive impairment in 3×Tg-AD mice. The role of inflammation in connecting periodontitis to Alzheimer’s disease was further affirmed in the conventional magnetization transfer experiment in which increased glial responses resulting from periodontitis led to decreased magnetization transfer ratios in the brain of 3×Tg-AD mice.
Conclusion
Systemicinflammation resulting from periodontitis contributed to the development of Alzheimer’s disease tau pathology and subsequently led to cognitive decline in non-transgenic mice. It also potentiated Alzheimer’s disease pathological features and exacerbated impairment of cognitive function in 3×Tg-AD mice. Taken together, this study provides convincing evidence that systemic inflammation serves as a connecting link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Effects of pipelle endometrial biopsy on pretreatment tumor sampling for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers
Authors: Tamura Ryo , Kitani Yohei , Takahashi Kotaro , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Nishikawa Nobumichi , Kawasaki Takashi , Kikuchi Akira
Published: September 2022

Background
There have been several reports of ovarian cancer cells being detected on endometrial cytology. Recently, pipelle endometrial biopsy has been widely performed as an effective, minimally invasive, and low-cost test for endometrial diseases. However, the effectiveness of pretreatment pipelle endometrial biopsy in the ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers remains unexplored.
Methods
We performed pretreatment pipelle endometrial biopsy for 90 patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers from January 2014 to November 2021. We retrospectively analyzed the association between the results of pipelle endometrial biopsy and clinicopathological data.
Results
25/61 (41.0%) cases with clinical stage II or higher were diagnosed with pipelle endometrial biopsy-positive (Pipelle-positive) and Pipelle-positive was not observed in 29 cases with clinical stage I. Pipelle-positive had significantly more high-grade serous carcinomas (p = 0.005), positive peritoneal cytology (p < 0.001), positive endometrial cytology (p < 0.001), and positive cervical cytology (p < 0.001) than pipelle endometrial biopsy-negative cases. In 23 Pippele-positive patients, we confirmed surgical pathology, and 17/23 (74.0%) had a completely same diagnosis with pipelle endometrial biopsy. Conversely, 6/23 (26.0%) showed a minor diagnostic discrepancy between pipelle endometrial biopsy and surgical pathology. Companion diagnostic tests (myChoice CDx and microsatellite instability test) were performed using pipelle endometrial biopsy samples in four primarily inoperable high-grade serous carcinoma patients and all tests were evaluable.
Conclusion
Pipelle endometrial biopsy is useful as a minimally invasive tumor sampling method for some advanced ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers. It may allow for prompt histological diagnosis and initiation of chemotherapy while collecting tumor tissue for genetic testing in primarily inoperable patients.
Pre-analytical Stability of Some Biochemical Analytes in Horse and Cattle
Authors: Megerssa Yoseph Cherinet
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE
Pre-analytical phase in laboratory testing is the serious part of analytical process which has impact on laboratory results. In these regard time delays between collection of samples and analysis are unavoidably common and samples are keep stored in refrigerator which might have effect on the accuracy of results.
RESULTS
Serum samples were obtained from 20 apparently healthy horse and cattle and aliquots of serum were divided in to three tubes. Two tubes (T1 and T2) were stored at -20°C for one and two months respectively while the other used for base line (T0) analysis. Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total protein, albumin and Urea were the tested analytes. Analysis of variance for selected analytes shown that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the mean Total Cholesterol, Total Protein, Albumin, Urea and Triglycerides values in T1 and T2 post storage, when compared to the baseline T0. The study also examined the changes in terms of total allowable error TEa (%) adopted from the American society of veterinary clinical pathology (ASVCP) guidelines and found that total observed error TEo (%) for the specified analytes was within the TEo(%). The results indicated that all analyses were stable up to 2 months when stored at -20°C; however a stability studies at different storage temperature, time intervals, and laboratory methods is recommended to fully validate their stability.
Indocyanine Green-enhanced Fluorescence to Assess Bowel Perfusion During Robotic-assisted Rectal Surgery Journal: International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Authors: Alawfi Homoud Ghazi , Yang Seung Yoon , Alessa Mohammed Yousef , Helmi Hadeel , Sakr Ahmad , Kim Nam Kyu
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage following rectal surgery is a major complication, which may occur due to insufficient vascular supply. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography for intraoperative assessment of vascular anastomotic perfusion in robotic low anterior resection.
Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study that included consecutive patients undergoing robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer between March 2017 and February 2019. Intra-operative use of indocyanine green fluorescence for assessment of bowel perfusion was performed in patients undergoing rectal surgery after April 2018. Those who underwent the surgery before that comprised the control group. The primary outcome was the occurrence of anastomotic leakage among the two groups.
Results:Each group included 48 patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic data or tumor characteristics. The planned anastomotic site was revised in 1/48 patients who received indocyanine green fluorescence based on the surgeon’s subjective finding of a hypo-perfused distal segment. Postoperative anastomotic leakage was confirmed clinically and radiologically in one patient (2.8%) in the indocyanine green-group compared to two patients (4.16%) in the control group.
Conclusion: Indocyanine green fluorescence may be considered a useful intraoperative tool for assessment of vascular perfusion of bowel during robotic rectal surgery. Change in the site of resection and/or anastomosis may be indicated, possibly affecting the incidence of anastomotic leakage.
Learning Target Point Seeking Weights Spatial-Temporal Regularized Correlation Filters for Visual Tracking
Authors: Jiang Wen-Tao , Wang Zi-Min , Zhang Sheng-Chong , Zhou ZI-Qi
Published: September 2022

Spatial-temporal regularized correlation filtering (STRCF) is an effective tracking algorithm. Still, problems such as target occlusion, background clutter and out of view caused by target movement are inevitable in the running process. This paper proposes a Target Point Seeking Weights Spatial-Temporal Regularized Correlation Filters (TP-STRCF) to tackle target loss. The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is used to simplify the spatial-temporal regularized term in the objective function, obtain the optimal solution of the filter and auxiliary factor, reduce the algorithm's complexity, and realize the adaptability of time and space. The target weight response model is obtained through the target point finding weight, the target motion information is extracted, the target motion state and motion trajectory are predicted, and the interference information such as the algorithm's ability to identify the target and the ability to distinguish the target is enhanced. With the help of the weighted least squares method, the maximum response value of the weight is obtained, and the target position is determined. Experiments show that, compared with other mainstream correlation filtering algorithms, the proposed algorithm has higher tracking accuracy and stronger robustness under complex conditions.
Applications of plastic waste materials in bituminous mixes pavement for increasing the strengthen of pavement materials
Authors: Pallavi M. Lalitha , Dey Subhashish , Veerendra G.T.N.
Published: September 2022

The yearly production of plastic garbage is rising in the current environment as a result of the fast population rise. Recycling and reusing plastic trash is essential for sustainable development. The need of the hour is to utilize waste polythene for various supporting reasons since it is not biodegradable. These materials are made of polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Due to the enhanced performance and elimination of the environmental issue, adding plastic waste to flexible pavement has emerged as a desirable choice. A composite material known as bituminous concrete (BC) is often utilized in construction projects such as road paving, airport terminals, stopover areas, etc. It includes mineral aggregate and black top or bitumen, which are combined, laid down in layers, and then compacted. The bituminous mixture in this research article was combined with plastic to use a chemical stabilizer. The ideal bitumen content is replaced by 0, 15, 27, and 36% plastic, as well as the bitumen's weight, stability, and Marshall values, to create hypothermal. A linear scale is used to compare the flow rates to the bituminous mixture. There have been several studies on the addition of trash to bituminous mixes, but this is focused on the use of plastic waste as a modification in a bitumen binder for flexible pavement. According to research, bituminous mixes containing up to 4 percent plastic waste are excellent for sustainable development.
Application of vector flow mapping technique in the assessment of right ventricular systolic function in patients with atrial fibrillation and normal left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Huang Fuqin , Wang Xing , Zhao Lina , Li Sha , Liao Chunyan , Yuan Yao , Li Aiyue , Zeng Weidan , Cao Hongjuan , Zhang Bei
Published: September 2022

Objective To evaluate the variation characteristics of systolic right intraventricular pressure differences (IVPDs) and right intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPGs) in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF) and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by relative pressure imaging (RPI) based on vector flow mapping(VFM),and to investigate their application value in right ventricular function in patients with normal LVEF AF.
Methods Thirty-one patients with normal LVEF AF were selected as normal LVEF AF group，and twenty healthy volunteers were selected as control group.Clinical data and echocardiographic images were collected, and conventional left and right ventricular diameter, area, volume and systolic function parameters were measured.IVPDs and IVPGs in isovolumic contraction（IC）, early systole(ES) and late systole(LS) were obtained by the VFM technique.The correlation between the IVPDs and IVPGs in the three systolic time phases and the conventional ultrasound parameters was analyzed between the normal LVEF AF group and the control group.
Results The systolic IVPDs and IVPGs in the normal LVEF AF group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Correlation analysis showed that ES-IVPGs and IC-IVPGs in patients with normal LVEF AF were positively correlated (P<0.05), and LS-IVPDs and LS-IVPGs were negatively correlated with ES-IVPDs (P<0.01).Left atrial end-diastolic volume (LAEDV) and left atrial end-systolic volume (LAESV) were negatively correlated with IC-IVPGs (P<0.01). The intraobserver correlation coefficients were 0.939, 0.944, and 0.901 for IC-IVPDs, ES-IVPDs, and LS-IVPDs, respectively; and the interobserver correlation coefficients were 0.854, 0.954, and 0.884, respectively.
Conclusions The patients with normal LVEF AF had a systolic right ventricular hemodynamics disorder, resulting in decreased IVPDs and IVPGs in each systolic phase. With a more pronounced decrease in IVPGs during IC which can be used as a potential new index to assess right ventricular hemodynamic changes in patients with normal LVEF AF.
Association of Polymorphic Gene Variants of Xenobiotic Biotransformation Enzymes with Lung Tissue Destruction in Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Alymenko M. A. , Valiev R. Sh. , Valiev N. R. , Polonikov A. V. , Tragira I. N. , Sheenkov N. V.
Published: September 2022

The objective: to investigate the association of polymorphic gene variants of xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes (NAT2, CYP2E1, ABCB1, GSTM1, GSTT1) and cytokines (IL1B, IL-4, IL-10, TNF) with lung tissue destruction in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Subjects and Methods. An ethnically homogeneous population sample of unrelated individuals of Slavic nationalities (mainly Russians) living in Kursk Oblast suffering from new pulmonary tuberculosis was examined.

Results. New pulmonary tuberculosis with no destructive changes in the lungs was associated with the EE genotype of the GSTM1 gene (p < 0.0001) in 89.5%, while the DD genotype of the GSTM1 gene (p < 0.0001) was associated with the presence of destructive changes in the lungs in 56.1% of cases; the dominant GG genotype of the TNF-α gene was associated with destructive changes in the lungs in 93.3% (p = 0.027), and the recessive GA genotype of the TNF-α gene was associated with no destructive changes in the lungs in 71.9% (p = 0.027).
Analysis of Management of Patients with COVID-19 in a Temporary Infectious Diseases Hospital Deployed on the Facilities of Republican TB Dispensary, the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Vizel A. A. , Shayakhmetova S. A. , Alekseev A. P. , Vizel I. Yu. , Nikitin A. V. , Galimov A. A.
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 is a viral infection and its prevalence requires investigation of different co-morbid conditions including tuberculosis, as well as operation of temporary infectious diseases hospitals (TIDH) for the treatment of COVID-19 deployed on the facilities of anti-tuberculosis institutions.

The objective: analysis of follow-up and treatment of patients with COVID-19 in the temporary infectious diseases hospitals deployed on the facilities of anti-tuberculosis institutions, and assessment of the impact of various medications and treatment methods on patient lethality including in those with co-morbid active tuberculosis.

Subjects and Methods. Data of 143 patients (39.2% men and 60.8% women) aged 31 to 93 years old were collected and systematized using the COVIZ software (developed in the Republic of Tatarstan to analyze COVID-19 patient management, C#). A positive result of polymerase chain reaction for coronavirus was found in 88.1% of patients on admission and in 89.5% of patients over the entire follow-up period. 120 (83.9%) patients recovered, and 23 (16.1%) died.

Results. Patients with different outcomes did not differ by age, sex, body mass index, and respiratory clinical manifestations. Oral anticoagulants prescribed before hospitalization, oral glucocorticosteroids prescribed on day 12 of the disease or later had a significant favorable effect on the COVID-19 outcome. Among those who received olokizumab, cure was achieved in 81.8%.

The effect of anticytokine therapy was higher among patients previously vaccinated with the anti-COVID vaccine who had no concomitant pathology. Antimicrobial therapy generally had no effect on the COVID-19 outcomes, and early administration of these drugs increased the likelihood of a lethal outcome. Among 173 tuberculosis patients who died of other causes than tuberculosis, only 5 (2.9%) died of COVID-19. Tuberculosis patients followed up in the temporary infectious diseases hospital deployed on the facilities of Republican TB Dispensary were characterized by a relatively favorable course of this viral infection. The fact that those patients had been detected in a TB hospital and their treatment had been started early provided a positive impact.

Conclusion. This study has demonstrated the potential for a rapid and appropriate public health response to emerging unpredictable infectious threats.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND BODY IMAGE ISSUES AMONG TEENAGERS OF LUDHIANA
Authors: Bedi Gurmehak
Published: September 2022

This article examines the effect of social media exposure on the body satisfaction levels of the teenagers in Ludhiana. The thin-ideal body for teenage girls and muscular-ideal body for teenage boys, which is prominent on social media, is disruptive for teenagers mental health and eating habits. Consequently, teenagers become prone to developing eating disorders. Research suggests that teenagers who spend more time on social media are at a greater risk of developing obesity. Research Methodology: I have reviewed several scholarly articles to formulate my research and arguments. This article also lays emphasis on the responses given by teenagers belonging to Ludhiana, whom I have interviewed over a span of two months. Thus, the methodology used for this article is a mix of critical discourse analysis, surveys and interviews.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE BY WASTE GLASS POWDER AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT
Authors:   Laboratoire d’Energies Thermiques Renouvelables, (LETRE),Université Joseph KIZERBO,Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso., Malbila Etienne ,   Université de Fada N' Gourma, Fada, Burkina Faso., Djoko Boris ,   Institut Supérieur des Techniques Industrielles et Commerciales –Bangangté,Cameroun., Compaore Abdoulaye ,   Laboratoire d’Energies Thermiques Renouvelables, (LETRE),Université Joseph KIZERBO,Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso.,   Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies, Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso., Toguyeni David ,   Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie de l’Environnement(LPCE), Université Joseph KIZERBO,Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso.,   Ecole Polytechnqiuede Ouagadougou(EPO),Burkina Faso., Kam Sie ,   Laboratoire d’Energies Thermiques Renouvelables, (LETRE),Université Joseph KIZERBO,Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso.,   Univerité Joseph KI-ZERBO (UJKZ),Burkina Faso., Joseph Bathiebo Dieudonne ,   Laboratoire d’Energies Thermiques Renouvelables, (LETRE),Université Joseph KIZERBO,Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso.,   Univerité Joseph KI-ZERBO (UJKZ),Burkina Faso.
Published: September 2022

The environmental problem posed by non-biodegradable waste, such as non-reusable glass bottles, is becoming a major concern in view of the huge quantities in landfills in underdeveloped countries. Prospecting the valorization of waste glass in rural constructions constitutes a potential to reduce the use of natural materials in concrete industry. In this paper, the issues of environmental and ecological construction materials are addressed by the use of waste glass powder (Ã˜â‰¤80Î¼m) as replacement of cement in concrete. The aims of this project work is to usewaste glass powder in range of 10wt% to 20wt% as replacement of cement into concrete and concrete cylinder tested for its density, workability and compressive strength up to 45 days of age compared to those of conventional concrete. The obtain results indicate that the workability is increasing, the density and the compressive strength are decreasing up to 20wt% replacement ratio. Moreover, the compressive strength of WGP based concrete is lower than that of conventional concrete up to 28 days of age and becomes superior from 45 days age. The best obtain average values of workability and compressive strength are respectively 7.2cmand 30.25MPa up to 28 days of age for the case of BPV20. Thus, for its good pozzolanic characteristics and the influence on the properties of concrete, the glass powder obtained by basic grinding non-reusable glass debris can be used in the formulation of ecological concrete for common civil engineering applications.
Creative management: Model for the development of entrepreneurial competencies
Authors: W. Sitnicki Maksym , Stepanova Alla , Pryimak Vasyl , Zhylinska Oksana
Published: September 2022

A model is presented for developing creative entrepreneurial competences (CEC), which is focused on the formation of creative entrepreneurial and practical skills in a timely manner (Just-in-Time Learning). The proposed model assumes a high level of motivation, deep immersion, and full dedication of individuals and has a cyclical nature throughout their working life (Lifelong Education Cycle). The central figure of the model is an individual who, by choosing an active form of education and following a precise algorithm of actions, can obtain high performance and achieve entrepreneurial success. The formation of an individual’s business consciousness is divided into five stages: UnConscious InCompetence, Conscious InCompetence, Conscious Competence, UnConscious Competence, and the second Conscious InCompetence stage. It is established that the minimum level of creative entrepreneurial competences consists of a combination of basic professional competences, elementary competences of IT&S literacy, and key communicative competences. Furthermore, it is found that an individual’s professionalism will grow until the pace of their learning exceeds the pace of the external environment’s dynamics.
AcknowledgmentsThis scientific paper is published with support by British Council’s ‘Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme’, project № 5742783597 – the ‘National Сentre for Сreative Entrepreneurship Development’ (NCCE) and Kingston University London. English language proof-reading and comments were provided by Dr Martha Mador and Dr Alan Flowers, Kingston University London, UK.
Microrna-96 In Human Cancers
Authors: Wu Yiwen , Xie Zhizhong , Deng Sijun , Xia Yiniu , Lei Xiaoyong , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: September 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs 19-25 nucleotides in size involved
in gene regulation and diverse processes in tumor cells. Abnormal expression of miRNAs is closely
related to carcinogenesis. MiR-96 is a salient cancer-related miRNA in a variety of tumors. Recent
evidence indicates that miR-96 has been observed to be wrapped in exosome and associated
with drug resistance or radio-chemosensitivity in cancers. miR-96 is also inextricably linked with
the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in cancers. Notably, miR-96 plays both a tumor suppressor
role and plays a carcinogenic role in the same cancers. This review summarizes the critical
role of cancer-related miR-96 in drug resistance or radio-chemosensitivity and ceRNA mechanisms
of miR-96 in cancer. And we innovatively propose that miR-96 has a yin-yang effect in cancers.
Based on these several major roles of miR-96 in cancer as described above, we speculate that the
abnormal expression of miR-96 is likely to be novel potential therapeutic targets in cancers. It is
expected to solve the treatment problems such as low chemoradiotherapy sensitivity, poor prognosis
quality of life and easy recurrence in cancer patients.
The Importance of mir-491-5p in Various Cancers
Authors: Fakeri Mahsa , Armandzadeh Seyed Masoud , Olyaei Samad Sadigh , Foruzandeh Zahra , Alivand Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2022

MicroRNAs are non-coding ribonucleic acids that are evolutionarily protected.
MiRNAs control the expression of genes after transcription by mRNA decomposition
or the inhibition of their translation. These molecular structures control physiological
and pathological processes; therefore, many of them can play vital roles as oncogenes
or tumor inhibitors. Besides, the occurrence of various mutations in miRNAs
can lead to cancer. In this review article, we want to peruse the role of miR-491-5p in
various cancers. In recent years, many experiments and studies have been performed
on the involvement of miR-491-5p in cancer, invasion, and cell metastasis. Metastasis
is an event that makes cancer more advanced and harder to treat. When cancer is
invasive, the cancer cells invade nearby tissues or other organs and develop cancer.
Tumor studies have shown that miR-491-5p can inhibit cell growth, invasion, and metastasis.
Thus, expression enhancement of miR-491-5p disrupts cell migration and
improves cancer.
Novel Persian Gulf Aminated Alginate Derivatives from Sargassum
Bovaneum: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Khodayar Shokouh , Shushizadeh Mohammad Reza , Tahanpesar Elham , Makhmalzadeh Behzad Sharif , Sanaeishoar Haleh
Published: September 2022

Aims:

The aim of the study was to extract and characterize alginate from a new source, conduct
synthesis and characterization of novel aminated alginate derivatives, make a comparison of physicochemical
properties of extracted sodium alginate with its aminated derivatives, and investigate the
effect of diamines chain length on physicochemical properties of newly synthesized derivatives.

Background:

Alginate is a natural biopolymer found in marine brown seaweeds. Alginate is widely
used in the industry due to its features, such as gelling ability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity,
and non-toxicity. Alginate has two types of functional groups, free hydroxyl and carboxyl
groups, which can be modified.

Methods:

In this study, sodium alginate was extracted from sargassum boveanum in basic media and
characterized by physical and spectral properties. In order to prepare alginate precursors with clickable
groups for hydrogel cross-linking application, extracted sodium alginate was further treated with two
different diamines, diaminoheptane (DAH) and diaminopropane (DAP), in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-
(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to
form amide linkages on the alginate backbone and synthesise aminated derivatives. The products were
characterized by techniques, such as FTIR, 1HNMR, TGA, XRD, and elemental analysis.

Results:

The average molar weight and the intrinsic viscosity of alginate from Sargassum bovaneum
with a yield of 24.38% were 41.53 kDa and 0.9 dL/g 105 cps (2.5% C). Results showed that as the alginate
concentration increased, the flow rate decreased with a mild slope.

Conclusion:

Elemental analysis (CHNS) of alginate derivatives indicated the percent of amine groups
to be increased after amination reaction in comparison to corresponding alginates. The thermal analysis
results indicate that the thermal stability of the sodium alginate is better than graft copolymers. Synthetic
derivatives showed no particular sensitivity to environmental stimuli, such as temperature and
pH changes.
Utilization of Yam Bean Juice as Nutrient Source for Bacterial Cellulose
Production by Komagataeibacter nataicola TISTR 975
Authors: Chaiyachet Orn Anong , Thongmoon Sucheera , Udomchai Tharintorn
Published: September 2022

Background:

Bacterial cellulose has attracted much interest over the years because of
its diverse applications stemming from its unique properties. Alternative sources of raw materials
for culture medium have become essential to reduce the cost of raw materials and scale up bacterial
cellulose production.

Objectives:

The present study aims to investigate the cellulose-producing ability and characteristics
of bacterial cellulose produced by Komagataeibacter nataicola TISTR 975 using yam bean
juice as a nutrient source and optimizing the culture medium conditions to produce bacterial cellulose.

Methods:

Bacterial cellulose was produced by K. nataicola TISTR 975 using yam bean juice as
the nutrient source in the culture medium. Fermentation was performed in static culture using
10% inoculum, with varying levels of initial total soluble solids content (8, 10, and 12 °Brix),
supplemented with ammonium sulfate (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 (% w/v)), pH 5.0, 1.4% (v/v) ethanol,
and incubated at 30 °C for 10 days. The cellulose membrane was measured for cellulose yield.
Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of bacterial cellulose were examined.

Results:

Initial total soluble solids content at 10 °Brix (equal to the sugar content of approximately
100 g/L) and supplemented with 0.1% (w/v) of ammonium sulfate improved bacterial
cellulose yield. Moisture content and water holding capacity (WHC) of bacterial cellulose were
high, and L*, a*, and b* values and textural properties were related to perceived sensory characteristics.
Sensory evaluation showed the highest score for color and overall acceptability.

Conclusion:

Local edible yam bean tubers could be used as an alternative raw material for bacterial
cellulose production by K. nataicola TISTR 975 using yam bean juice, and bacterial cellulose
produced using yam bean juice as a nutrient source has the sensory attributes consistent with
the desirable characteristics of raw material for food and processed food products.
Identification of Virulence Markers and Phylogenetic Groups’ Association,
and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Isolates
Authors: Meziani Dahbia Yasmina , Barnich Nicolas , Boucheham Anouar , Rezgoune Mohamed larbi , Benlabed Kaddour , Rodrigues Michael , Satta Dalila
Published: September 2022

Background:

Urinary tract infections represent a world public health problem, which is
caused mainly by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Although they are originally found in the intestinal
microbiota in the majority of the cases, urinary tract infections can also be caused by intra-intestinal
pathogenic E. coli.

Objective:

The main objective of our research is to identify the virulence factors generally associated
with different pathotypes across phylogenetic groups.

Methods:

E. coli were isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility
tests, virulence genes and phylogroups were prospected. The data analysis were performed using the
chi-square and Fisher exact test.

Results:

In total, 72.2% of isolates showed multidrug resistant. We have also depicted an important
association between E. coli from inpatients with UTIs and pap and hlyA genes (p-0.041 and p-0.019
respectively). The predominant phylogenetic group in our isolates is B2 (45.4%) followed by D
(12.4%). Our results showed that 9.3% of isolates have an unknown phylogroup which shows a significant
association with astA gene (p-0.008). We have as well found a significant association between B2
and three virulence genes namely pap, hlyA and invE (p-0.002, p-0.001, p-0.025 respectively); B1 and
pap, hlyA genes (p-0.049 and p-0.021 respectively); E and afa gene (p-0.024).

Conclusion:

Certain virulence factors have been shown to be potential targets for drug design and
therapeutic pathways in order to deal with the antimicrobial resistance problem enhanced by antibiotic
therapy.
The Edible Seaweed Gelidium amansii Promotes Structural Plasticity of
Hippocampal Neurons and Improves Scopolamine-induced Learning and
Memory Impairment in Mice
Authors: Mohibbullah Md. , Pringgo Wicaksono Michael Yordan , Hannan Md. Abdul , Dash Raju , Nur Meinita Maria Dyah , Choi Jae-Suk , Hong Yong-Ki , Moon Il Soo
Published: September 2022

Background:

Gelidium amansii has been gaining profound interest in East Asian countries
due to its enormous commercial value for agar production and its extensive pharmacological properties.
Previous studies have shown that the ethanol extract of Gelidium amansii (GAE) has promising
neurotrophic effects in in vitro conditions.

Objectives:

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GAE against scopolamineinduced
cognitive deficits and its modulatory effects on hippocampal plasticity in mice.

Methods:

For memory-related behavioral studies, the passive avoidance test and radial arm maze paradigm
were conducted. The brain slices of the hippocampus CA1 neurons of experimental mice were
then prepared to perform Golgi staining for analyzing spine density and its characteristic shape and
immunohistochemistry for assessing the expression of different pre- and postsynaptic proteins.

Results:

Following oral administration of GAE (0.5 mg/g body weight), mice with memory deficits
exhibited a significant increase in the latency time on the passive avoidance test and a decrease in the
number of working and reference memory errors and latency time on the radial arm maze test. Microscopic
observations of Golgi-impregnated tissue sections and immunohistochemistry of hippocampal
slices showed that neurons from GAE-treated mice displayed higher spine density and spine dynamics,
increased synaptic contact, and the recruitment of memory-associated proteins, such as N-methyl-Daspartate
receptors (NR2A and NR2B) and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) when compared with the
control group.

Conclusion:

With these memory-protective functions and a modulatory role in underlying memoryrelated
events, GAE could be a potential functional food and a promising source of pharmacological
agents for the prevention and treatment of memory-related brain disorders.