bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Pathways of Leishmania Parasite: Source of Pertinent Drug Targets and Potent Drug Candidates
Authors: Jain Surbhi , Sahu Utkarsha , Kumar Awanish , Khare Prashant
Published: June 2022

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania that is transmitted via infected female sandflies. At present, leishmaniasis treatment mainly counts on chemotherapy. The currently available drugs against leishmaniasis are costly, toxic, with multiple side effects, and limitations in the administration route. The rapid emergence of drug resistance has severely reduced the potency of anti-leishmanial drugs. As a result, there is a pressing need for the development of novel anti-leishmanial drugs with high potency, low cost, acceptable toxicity, and good pharmacokinetics features. Due to the availability of preclinical data, drug repurposing is a valuable approach for speeding up the development of effective antileishmanial through pointing to new drug targets in less time having low costs and risk. Metabolic pathways of this parasite play a crucial role in the growth and proliferation of Leishmania species during the various stages of their life cycle. Based on available genomics/proteomics information, known pathways-based (sterol biosynthetic pathway, purine salvage pathway, glycolysis, GPI biosynthesis, hypusine, polyamine biosynthesis) Leishmania-specific proteins could be targeted with known drugs that were used in other diseases, resulting in finding new promising anti-leishmanial therapeutics. The present review discusses various metabolic pathways of the Leishmania parasite and some drug candidates targeting these pathways effectively that could be potent drugs against leishmaniasis in the future.
Unsteady Natural Convection in An Initially Stratified Air-filled Trapezoidal Enclosure Heated from below
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahafujur , Bhowmick Sidhartha , Mondal Rabindra Nath , Saha Suvash Chandra
Published: June 2022

Natural convection is intensively explored, especially in a valley-shaped trapezoidal enclosure, because of its broad presence in both technical settings and nature. This study deals with a trapezoidal cavity, which is initially filled with linearly stratified air. Though the side walls remain adiabatic, the bottom wall is heated, and the top wall is cooled. For the stratified fluid (air), the temperature of the fluid adjacent to the top and the bottom walls is the same as that of the walls. Natural convection in the trapezoidal cavity is simulated in two dimensions using numerical simulations, by varying Rayleigh numbers (Ra) from 100 to 108 with constant Prandtl number, Pr = 0.71, and aspect ratio, A = 0.5. According to numerical results, the development of transient flow within the enclosure owing to the predefined conditions for boundary may be categorized into three distinct stages: early, transitional, and steady or unsteady. The flow characteristics at each of the three phases and the impact of the Rayleigh number on the flow’s growth are stated in this study. In addition, heat transfer through the bottom and the top surfaces is described in this study.
Biomolecular Fluorescence Complementation Profiling and Artificial Intelligence Structure Prediction of the Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus ORF18 and ORF30 Interaction
Authors: Maeda Yoshiko , Watanabe Tadashi , Izumi Taisuke , Kuriyama Kazushi , Ohno Shinji , Fujimuro Masahiro
Published: June 2022

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman’s disease. During KSHV lytic infection, lytic-related genes, categorized as immediate-early, early, and late genes, are expressed in a temporal manner. The transcription of late genes requires the virus-specific pre-initiation complex (vPIC), which consists of viral transcription factors. However, the characterization of the protein-protein interactions of the vPIC factors has not been completely elucidated. KSHV ORF18 is one of the vPIC factors, and its interaction with other viral factors has not been sufficiently revealed. Here, we analyzed the interaction between ORF18 and another vPIC factor, ORF30, in living cells using the bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay. We identified four amino-acid residues (Leu29, Gln36, His41 and Trp170) on ORF18 that were responsible for its interaction with ORF30. The artificial intelligence (AI) system AlphaFold2 predicted that identified four residues are exposed to the surface of ORF18 and located in proximity to each other in the surface of ORF18. Thus, AI-predicted model supports the importance of four residues for binding of ORF18 to ORF30. Our results indicated that wet experiments in combination with AI may enhance the structural characterization of vPIC protein-protein interactions.
PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI KEDELAI AKIBAT INOKULASI Rhizobium sp. DAN BAKTERI PELARUT FOSFAT TAHAN SALIN SERTA BATUAN FOSFAT DI TANAH SALIN
Authors: Mutmainah Khoirotul , Fuskhah Eny , Purbajanti Endang Dwi
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Rhizobium sp. and phosphate solubilizing bacteria saline-resistant and the application of phosphate rock to the growth and production of soybean plants in saline soils. The study was carried out using a 3 x 4 factorial design on the basis of a Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. The first factor is the treatment of Rhizobium sp. and phosphate solubilizing bacteria saline-resistant (CFU 109 cells/g) at 4 levels, namely F0 : 0 mg/pot, F1 : 10 mg/pot, F2 : 20 mg/pot, and F3 : 30 mg/pot. The second factor is the doses of phosphate rock with 3 levels, namely B0: 0 kg/ha, B1: 50 kg/ha, and B2: 100 kg/ha. The results showed that the inoculation treatment of Rhizobium sp. and phosphate solubilizing bacteria saline-resistant were not significantly different on the N uptake parameters of seeds. Treatment with different doses of rock phosphate had no significant effect on all parameters. There was no interaction between Rhizobium sp. and phosphate solubilizing bacteria saline-resistant with a dose of rock phosphate on all observed parameters. Inoculation of Rhizobium sp. and phosphate solubilizing bacteria saline-resistant and rock phosphate have not been able to significantly increase the growth and production of soybean varieties Anjasmoro in highly saline growing media with EC 6,26 dS/m, although there is a tendency to increase soybean production.
Uji Antagonisme Jamur Trichoderma terhadap Rigidoporus lignosus pada Tanaman Karet secara In Vitro
Authors: Sirait Desianty Dona Normalisa
Published: June 2022

This research aimed to identify the the potential of Trichoderma isolates in controlling white root disease Rigidoporus lignosus in vitro. Trichoderma isolates were isolated from 7 (seven) smallholder rubber plantations. The locations were Serdang Bedagai, Langkat, Simalungun, Labuhan Batu, Batubara, Asahan and Labuhan Batu districts. The seven Trichoderma isolates were antagonized with Rigidoporus lignosus isolates from 4 (four) smallholder rubber plantations i.e from Serdang Bedagai, Langkat, Simalungun and Labuhan Batu districts. The antagonisme methods used dual culture on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. Each Trichoderma isolate had a different potential to inhibit each Rigidoporus lignosus isolate.
Comparative Study of Novelty Thin-films for Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Ikhsanudin Muhammad Nur
Published: June 2022

The development of Li-ion batteries leads to high-density Li-ion battery technology as a storage system. to realize a Li-ion battery with a high energy density is to modify its anode, called a thin-film anode. The anode used is coated with a material thickness of 10 mm, increasing the cathode material that can be accommodated in one cell. This study aimed to analyze the Cu-powder and LTO materials used in Thin-film Li-ion batteries as a substitute for graphite because they offer higher capacity, chemical stability, fast charging technology (LTO), cheap, and environmentally friendly (Cu-powder). Based on XRD and FTIR tests, the material has a good crystal structure, and not many impurities are still contained in it. The SEM results showed that both particles showed uniformity in the shape of a single particle and were strengthened by the SEM-EDX test to review the quantity of each element present in the two materials. The electrochemical test results showed that Cu-powder material was better, with a specific capacity of 144.82 mAh g-1, higher than LTO (81.04 mAh g-1).
Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River Basins, North Carolina, geomorphic summary report
Authors: Harris Kathleen , Haring Christopher
Published: June 2022

The Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River Basins are neighboring basins in eastern North Carolina, both originating in the piedmont physiographic region, transitioning to coastal plains, and emptying into Pamlico Sound. The Pittsburgh District is responsible for the continued efforts to assist local sponsors with managing these basins and submitted a Water Operations Technical Support (WOTS) request. The WOTS program, funded by Headquarters, US Army Corps of Engineers, provides funding for the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) to provide technical assistance to develop innovative solutions to water resource problems. The objectives of this study are to identify flood risk management alternatives to address the accumulation of woody debris in the channel systems. CHL compiled existing conditions information and researched current and potential new methods for managing woody debris to provide a comprehensive list of recommendations. The results and recommendations are provided in this document.
A Comparison between endonasal and external Dacryocystorhinostomy using the Lac-Q questionnaire
Authors: Engelsberg Karl , Torabi Pegah , Stenström Björn , Svensson Christer , Björnberg Pernilla , Larsson Anne-Marie
Published: June 2022

Purpose
Assessing lacrimal problems pre- and postoperatively with a symptom-based questionnaire (Lac-Q questionnaire) and investigating the patients’ satisfaction depending on choice of operative technique.
Methods
A total of 112 patients with lacrimal problems operated by external or endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) were enrolled in the study. After the operation they received a symptom-based questionnaire (Lac-Q questionnaire) to evaluate their lacrimal symptoms pre- and postoperatively. Complementary questions regarding the scar generated by the operation and satisfaction with the operation were added.
Results
Lacrimal problems gave high scores on the Lac-Q questionnaire. Patients expressed both symptomatic and social problems because of epiphora. Patients were satisfied after DCR surgery and there was no difference between external DCR and endonasal DCR concerning the degree of the patients’ satisfaction after the operation. The scar after the operation did bother a few of the patients.
Conclusion
Lacrimal problems were regarded by the patients as a large symptomatic and social burden. The relief of the symptoms and satisfaction after a DCR operation, regardless of endonasal or external approach, were very good.
On Outage Analysis in Overlay CCRN with RF Energy Harvesting and Co-channel Interference
Authors: Ghosh Sutanu , Maity Santi , Acharya Tamaghna
Published: June 2022

This paper studies the effect of co-channel interference (CCI) on energy harvesting (EH) from radio frequency (RF) signal and the performance of reliable communication. An overlay mode of cooperative cognitive radio network (CCRN) model is considered that may support one-way communication between primary users (PUs) and two-way communications between secondary users (SUs). Closed form PU and SU outage expressions are derived in presence of CCI at two SU nodes and multiple antennas at PU transmitter. The absolute impact of CCI on the performance of the proposed system is analysed with respect to various parameters like, transmission power, interference-to-noise-ratio (INR), power splitting factor, number of CCI sources and number of antennas. About 20% and 15% improvements are achieved for PU and SU outage using two antennas compared to single antenna system model.
On the Injectivity of an Integral Operator Connected to Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Adam Dumitru
Published: June 2022

The equivalent formulation of the Riemann Hypothesis (RH) givenby Alcantara-Bode ([2], 1993) states: RH holds if and only if the inte-gral operator on the Hilbert space L2(0,1) having the kernel functiondefined by the fractional part of (y/x) is injective. This formulationreduced one of the most important unsolved problems in pure math-ematics to a problem whose investigation could be made by standardtechniques of the applied mathematics.The method introduced to deal with, is based on a result obtainedin this paper: an operator linear, bounded, Hermitian on a separableHilbert space that is strict positive definite on a dense family of includ-ing subspaces, subspaces on which the sequence of the ratios betweenthe smallest and largest eigenvalues of the operator restrictions on thefamily is bounded inferior by a strict positive constant, is injective.Using a version for integral operators on L2(0,1) we proved theinjectivity of the integral operator in the equivalent formulation of theRH given in [2].
Diagnosis of visceral form of Isospora infection (atoxoplasma) in black spot syndrome in canaries, in Iran
Authors: Hemmati Amir Hossein , Gholami-Ahangaran Majid , Moghtadaei Elham
Published: June 2022

The gastrointestinal form of Isospora is well described in passeriformes, but there are few reports of the visceral form of Isospora. Therefore, to evaluate the visceral form of Isospora in canaries with "black spot" syndrome, gastrointestinal contents were prepared from 50 canaries that were lost and appeared black spot under the skin of the abdomen. At the same time, tissue samples were collected from visceral tissues. After preparing the samples, the oocyst was counted in the digestive contents. A total of 7 canaries out of 50 canaries showed oocyst in their feces. Following the identification of infected birds, histopathological sections were prepared from their visceral tissues. Visceral tissues included the heart, liver, and intestine. Inflammation and hyperemia were seen on microscopic view of heart, but no developing stage of parasites was seen. The liver showed inflammation as well as the asexual reproductive stage of the parasite. The asexual reproductive stage of the parasite was also observed in the intestine. Therefore, Isospora seems to be involved in the syndrome of black spot in canaries by causing gastrointestinal and visceral lesions.
Application of spectral analysis to the reservoir triggered earthquakes in Three Gorges reservoir region, China
Authors: zhang Lifen , Gahalaut Kalpna , Liao Wulin , Zhao Yannan , Yao Yunsheng , Li Jinggang , Qin Weibing , Wei Guichun , Zhou Ziyan
Published: June 2022

In the Three Gorges reservoir region, central China, seismic activity increased substantially after the reservoir impoundment in 2003 which continues till date. Previous studies show that these are reservoir-triggered earthquakes and various factors are responsible for the increase in seismic activity after the reservoir impoundment. However, these studies do not provide a comprehensive assessment of influence of reservoir water level variations on spatio-temporal distribution of earthquakes. In this study, we statistically analyse the influence of the water level variations on the increased seismic activity in the reservoir region for the period from May 2003 to April 2020, using the power spectrum and singular spectrum techniques. Our statistical analyses confirm the influence of long-term variations in the water level time series on the occurrence of earthquakes after the reservoir impoundment. The analysis also indicates a positive role of annual reservoir water level fluctuations in the total seismicity of the region. Depending on the cluster patterns and relationship with faults, the earthquakes of the Three Gorges reservoir region are divided into three seismic zones (A, B, and C). For zone C both the power spectrum and singular spectrum analyses confirm the strong periodic influence of reservoir water level variations on the earthquakes. Increase in seismicity of zone B is only in the initial period but not in the later stages of water impoundment and our statistical analyses indicate that the seismicity of this zone is not directly related to the annual reservoir water level variations. This confirms the conjecture in the earlier studies that the seismicity of this zone is related to the collapse of coal mines present in the area in the initial stages of reservoir impoundment. For zone A, our statistical analyses do not show strong influence of the annual reservoir water level variations on the occurrence of earthquakes. We suggest that this is due to the contribution of various other factors along with reservoir impoundment in the occurrence of earthquakes of this zone, as also opined in some earlier studies.
Effects of increasing chlorine concentration in feedstock on the emission and distribution characteristic of dioxins in circular fluidized bed boiler
Authors: Cui Changhao , Liu Meijia , Li Li , Yan Dahai , Chen Chao , Wang Mingwei , Wang Jianyuan , Huang Qifei
Published: June 2022

Field studies were conducted to study the emission and distribution characteristics of dioxins by elevating the chloring concentration in feedstock in a 600MW circular fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. The concentration and total equivalent quantity of polychlorinated dibenzo–p–dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in all flue gas, electrostatic ash, cloth bag ash and boiler ash samples under blank condition (i.e., feedstock was normal coal) and chlorine labelling condition (i.e., feedstock mixed with coal and chlorine-containing labelling agent) were analyzed. Results illustrated that the concentration of PCDD/Fs in all gaseous and ash samples increased with the addition of chlorine in feedstock, with the largest and least increment in dioxin concentration observed in electrostatic ash and flue gas. PCDDs were the predominate congeners in flue gas, accounted for 50.1–60.4%of the total PCDD/Fs concentration under chlorine labelling and blank conditions, while PCDD/Fs distribution changed from PCDD– to PCDF–predominate by increasing chlorine content in feedstock under all field test conditions: 46.6–92.9%, 34.0–76.1%, and 47.0–53.1% of PCDFs were distributed in electrostatic ash, cloth bag ash, and boiler ash, respectively. Highly chlorinated PCDD/F congeners such as O8CDD/F and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-H7CDD/F were the primary contributors to dioxins concentration in flue gas and boiler ash samples, whereas low-chlorinated 2,3,7,8-T4CDF and 1,2,3,7,8-P5CDF congeners became critically dominating in electrostatic and cloth bag ash.
Groundwater Potential Zone Identification by Lineament Mapping using Shaded Relief Images Derived from Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
Authors: Kuforiji Hakeem Iyiola
Published: June 2022

The study area, Obafemi-owode is one of the important areas of Ogun state due to its proximity to Lagos state, which is a major industrial hub of Nigeria. Being a developing country, most parts of Nigeria do not have access to quality water both for domestic and industrial uses from which the study area is not an exception as the residents rely majorly on groundwater for various purposes. Lineaments are capable of providing useful information about the underlying geological structure, which can be very helpful in fault and aquifer identification. Lineament identification using the Digital Elevation Model (DEMs), which involves the creation of shaded relief images of the study area is popular and very effective. In the present work, four shaded relief images were produced with sun azimuth angles and elevations of 315˚ and 45˚, 200˚ and 60˚, 100˚ and 60˚ and lastly 60˚ and 80˚. The various azimuth angle and elevation combinations enhanced distinct relief and topography for better lineament extraction. Lineaments (linear and curvilinear) were extracted from the four generated relief images and the lineament density map was plotted. The result has it that the lineament trends dominantly in the NNE-SSW direction, which could be considered to be an effect of the Mesoproterozoic Benin-Nigeria block of the West Africa orogeny. The area of lineament density is underlain by the Abeokuta formation and the zone with high lineament intersection within this area is identified as the region of high groundwater potential.
On the Origin of Phenotypic Plasticity
Authors: Sakamoto Takahiro , Innan Hideki
Published: June 2022

Phenotypic plasticity provides an attractive strategy for adapting to various environments, but its evolutionary origin is poorly understood. We use a simple gene regulatory network model to explore how phenotypic plasticity arises.
The model assumes two alternative types of environments, while the network includes a gene that turns on and off depending on the type of environment. With this assumption, we demonstrate that the system gradually adapts by acquiring the ability to produce two distinct optimum phenotypes under two types of environments without changing genotype, thus resulting in phenotypic plasticity.
Our results indicate that gene regulatory networks have a marked ability to flexibly produce various phenotypes in response to environmental changes. Moreover phenotypic evolution may be better modeled by a gene regulatory network, rather than a single gene underlying a focal phenotype.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Two Formulations of Omeprazole and Sodiun bicarbonate powder, for suspension: A Randomized, Single-Dose, Two-Period, Two-Sequence Crossover Study in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Zhang Rui , Guo Pengpeng , Zhou Jinping , Li Peixia , Wan Jing , Yang Chunxiao , Zhou Jiali , Liu Yani , Shi Shaojun
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate powder can effectively treatment for acid-related disorders. This study compared the bioequivalence of the two formulations of omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate powder and assessed how CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms affects pharmacokinetic (PK).Methods: This study used a single-center, randomized, single-dose, 2-sequence, and 2-period crossover method, researched among forty healthy Chinese subjects. Blood sample were collected after a single-dose for PK (AUC0-∞, AUC0-t, and Cmax) analysis. The concentrations of Omeprazole in human plasma were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. Finally, the gene polymorphisms of CYP2C19 were assessed by Sanger sequencing.Results: The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) [GMR (95%CI)] of Test/Reference preparation for Cmax: 95.2% (88.48%, 102.43%), AUC0-t: 97.47% (94.4%,101.02%), AUC0-∞:97.68% (94.27%, 101.21%) were within the range of 80.00%-125.00%. Non-parametric test showed no statistical difference in Tmax between the two groups. (P>0.05). All drugs were well tolerated and no severe adverse reactions occurred, and there was also no significant differences in adverse events between the two drugs.For CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms, the results showed that of 40 subjects, 12 subjects were extensive metabolizer (EM), 24 were intermediate metabolizer (IM) and 4 were poor metabolizer (PM). The results of PK parameters showed that different genotypes of CYP2C19 lead to significant differences in t1/2, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ and Cmax, but no significant differences in Tmax in each group.Conclusion: This study has shown that the pharmacokinetic parameters of the two formulations are not significantly different, which showed bioequivalence and good safety. CYP2C19 gene polymorphism has significant difference in PK parameters of omeprazole sodium bicarbonate suspension. It is suggested that attention should be paid to patients with poor metabolism in clinical application, and timely adjustment of drug delivery regimen should be made to avoid adverse reactions.
Epidemic Diffusion Network of Spain: a mobility model to characterize transmission routes of disease. A COVID-19 case study.
Authors: Mejía Javier Del Águila , García-García David , Rojas-Benedicto Ayelén , Rosillo Nicolás , Guerrero-Vadillo María , Peñuelas Marina , Ramis Rebeca , Gómez-Barroso Diana , Donado-Campos Juan de Mata
Published: June 2022

Background
Human mobility drives geographical diffusion of airborne infectious diseases at different scales, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made mobility data widely available thanks to technological advances. Mobility has been used to investigate COVID-19 but few studies focus on mobility itself. We used public data from February 14th 2020 to May 9th 2021 in Spain to characterize mobility patterns between the 52 provinces to build the Epidemic Diffusion Network using network science methods to study geographical diffusion phenomena.
Results
A total of 135 (out of 2.264) connections between the 52 provinces were identified as the most relevant and a weighted, directed network was built. Madrid, Valladolid and Araba/Álaba scored the highest degree and strength. Shortest routes (most likely path between two points) were obtained between all provinces A total of 7 mobility communities were found with a network modularity of 63%. COVID-19 cumulative incidence in 14 days (CI14) reflected community structure, with provinces of the same cluster behaving more similar when compared with the outside ones. Shortest routes of diffusion between all 52 provinces were obtained.
Conclusions
Mobility patterns in Spain are governed by a small number of high-flow connections that remain constant in time and seem unaffected by seasonality or restrictions. Most of the travels happen within communities, that does not completely represent political borders, thus indicating the importance of coordination between administrations when addressing health emergencies. The most likely geographical spread pattern in Spain is wave-like with occasional long-distance jumps, like a small-word network. This information could be of use to enhance preparedness and response plans with interventions targeted to relevant locations before the disease spreads, and to inform better models of disease diffusion at the country level.
Preserving the Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Thanjavur - Design of a Cultural “experience” Centre
Authors: M Sona
Published: June 2022

‘Tangible Cultural Heritage’ refers to physical artefacts produced, maintained and transmitted inter-generationally in a society. ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ indicates the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their Cultural Heritage. Being the cradle to many of the arts and crafts in South India, Thanjavur is known for its arts like painting, bronze sculptures, and musical instruments. Manufacture of musical instruments like veena, tampura, violin, mrithangam, thavil and kanjira is another economic activity in the city. There are traces of the Marathi music form, Abhang, owing to the Maratha rule in the area. The study aims at preserving the culture of Thanjavur, by envisioning it as a living entity that interacts with its tourists for a wholesome experience. It focusses on design of a cultural experience centre that integrates the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural heritage of Thanjavur. It attempts to thrust on a sustainable tourism development, and improve the living standards of artisans, integrated with providing a multi-sensory experience of the Thanjavur culture to its tourists. The study includes both the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural heritage of Thanjavur. The most common fine arts and crafts in the context of Thanjavur have been chosen to set the cultural backdrop for the project. Contribution of performing arts is limited to the extent of provision for performance areas only, owing to the floating population of the respective artists. The study is limited to the district of Thanjavur.
Palatal surface development from 6 years of age to early adulthood: data modelling using 3D geometric morphometrics
Authors: Jaklová Lenka Kožejová , Velemínská Jana , Dupej Ján , Moravec Tomáš , Bejdová Šárka
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The study followed the modelling of postnatal growth of a healthy palate of the Central European (Czech) population sample based on transverse data on sex and age from 6 to 19 years. Materials and methods: Digitised 3D models of 212 healthy palatal surfaces were evaluated using 3D geometric morphometrics and superprojections. The individuals were grouped based on age (preschool, younger and older school age, younger and older adolescents, young adults) and sex (♂ n=101, ♀ n=111). Results: Female palatal development was non-linear and was interrupted between the 10–12 years and then proceeded intensively until the age of 15 when it ceased. In contrast, male modelled growth was consistent throughout the follow-up and continued linearly until at least 19 years of age. The palate did not widen further with increasing age, and primarily palatal vaulting and heightening were found. The characteristics and distribution of areas with extensive modelled growth changes were comparable in females and males, as confirmed by the correlation of PC1 and PC2 within modal space and growth trajectories. The extent of sexual dimorphism increased from 15 years of age due to pubertal spurt combined with earlier completion of palatal development in females.Conclusions: The study showed modelled healthy palatal development from 6 years of age to early adulthood, which might be utilised as reference standards for the Central European population sample.Clinical relevance: The comparison of normal reference subjects with patients with cranio-maxillo-facial dysmorphologies represents the first step in diagnosing and establishing effective therapy.
Gray level co-occurrence matrix and wavelet analyses reveal discrete changes in proximal tubule cell nuclei after mild acute kidney injury
Authors: Pantic Igor , Cumic Jelena , Dugalic Stefan , Petroianu Georg A. , Corridon Peter R.
Published: June 2022

Acute kidney injury relates to an abrupt reduction in renal function resulting from numerous conditions. Morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs related to AKI are relatively high. This condition is strongly associated with damage to proximal tubule cells (PTCs), generating distinct patterns of transcriptional and epigenetic alterations that result in structural changes in the nuclei of this epithelium. To this date, AKI-related nuclear chromatin redistribution in PTCs is poorly understood, and it is unclear whether changes in PTC chromatin patterns can be detected using conventional microscopy during mild AKI, which can progress to more debilitating forms of injury. In recent years, gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) have emerged as potentially valuable methods for identifying discrete structural changes in nuclear chromatin architecture that are not visible during the conventional histopathological exam. Here we present findings indicating that GLCM and DWT methods can be successfully used in nephrology to detect subtle morphological alterations associated with mild tissue injury demonstrated in rodents by inducing a mild form of AKI through ischemia-reperfusion injury. This rodent model allowed us to show that pre-renal mild AKI is associated with the significant reduction of textural homogeneity of PTC nuclei, indirectly assessed by GLCM indicators and DWT energy coefficients.
N6-methyladenosine METTL3-induced circMYO1C accelerates the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis through IGF2BP2/VEGFA manner
Authors: Guan Hua , Luo Wei , Li Mingfei
Published: June 2022

Recently, studies on biological functions of circular RNA (circRNA) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in human cancers have sprung up. Herein, our work reported that a novel m6A-modified circRNA circMYO1C (hsa_circ_0041234) up-regulated in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and regulated the tumorigenesis of PDAC. Our findings demonstrated that circMYO1C exhibited significantly higher expression in PDAC tissues. Functionally, circMYO1C promoted the proliferation and migration of PDAC ells in vitro and its silencing reduced the tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, the cyclization of circMYO1C was mediated by m6A methyltransferase METTL3. Moreover, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) unveiled that there was remarkable m6A modification on VEGFA mRNA 3’-UTR. CircMYO1C targeted the m6A modified site of VEGFA mRNA to enhance its stability through cooperating with IGF2BP2. In conclusion, these findings highlight the oncogenic role of METTL3-induced circMYO1C in PDAC tumorigenesis via m6A-dependent RNA-protein interactions, inspiring a novel strategy to explore PDAC epigenetic therapy.
AcornHRD: an HRD algorithm which was highly associated with anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Chinese breast cancer
Authors: Pan Jia-Ni , Li Pu-Chun , Wang Meng , Li Ming-Wei , Ding Xiao-Wen , Zhou Tao , Wang Hui-Na , Wang Yun-Kai , Chen Li-Bin , Wang Rong , Ye Wei-Wu , Lou Feng , Wang Xiao-Jia , Cao Wen-Ming
Published: June 2022

Background
Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) can result from BRCA dysfunction and is associated with platinum sensitivity, PARP inhibitor, and other DNA-damaging drugs. There are many commercial HRD detection assays, but there is still no uniform standard in China. This study aimed to develop and validate an HRD scoring algorithm.
Methods
Ninety-six in-house BC samples and 6 HRD positive standard cells were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Besides, 122 BCs from the TCGA database were down-sampled to ~ 1X WGS. We constructed a algorithm named AcornHRD for HRD score based on WGS at low coverage as input data to estimate large-scale copy number alteration (LCNA) events on the genome. The sensitivity and specificity were compared between our algorithm and the ShallowHRD. A clinical cohort of 50 BCs (15 cases carrying BRCA mutation) was used to assess the association between HRD status and anthracyclines-based neoadjuvant treatment outcomes.
Results
A 100kb-window was defined as the optimal size using 41 in-house cases and the TCGA dataset. HRD positive threshold was determined as HRD score ≥ 10 using 55 in-house BCs with BRCA mutation to achieve 95% sensitivity. The sensitivity and specificity of AcornHRD were both 100%, while those of the ShallowHRD were 40% and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, AcornHRD sensitivity was superior to ShallowHRD (87% vs 13%) in the clinical cohort. BRCA status was significantly associated with HRD status by AcornHRD and ShallowHRD (P = 0.00838 and P = 0.00284, respectively). However, AcornHRD had a higher positive concordance rate than the ShallowHRD algorithm (70% vs 60%). In the clinical cohort of neoadjuvant treatment, the HRD positive group was more likely to respond to anthracycline-based chemotherapy than the HRD negative group, with outcomes of pCR (OR = 9.5, 95% CI: 1.11–81.5, p = 0.04) and residual cancer burden score of 0 or 1 (RCB0/1) (OR = 10.29, 95% CI: 2.02–52.36, p = 0.005). Among 35 patients lacking BRCA mutations, the HRD positive group tended to have RCB0/1 responses compared to the HRD negative group (OR = 6.0, 95% CI: 1.00–35.91, p = 0.05).
Conclusion
Here, we developed a stable algorithm for the HRD score. A promising assay for clinical application to predict the sensitivity of DNA-damaging drugs.
Physiological, Hematological and Biochemical responses in Hararghe-highland Lamb Subjected to Water Salinity Levels of Lake Basaka in a semiarid area of Ethiopia
Authors: Tulu Diriba , Urge Mengistu , Yusuf Yisehak
Published: June 2022

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of drinking salinity levels in Lake water on the growth performance, physiological, and blood constituents of Hararghe-highland lambs. A total of 28 lambs (average IBW of 18±1.18kg) were categorized into four levels of water salinity, namely freshwater (510mg/l TDS), lake Basaka water (LBW; 2600mg TDS/L); lake Basaka water plus 100% TDS of LBW; 5200mg TDS/L) and lake Basaka water plus 200% TDS of LBW; 7900mg TDS/L). The current results suggest that increased TDS levels in lake water increase the water intake of lambs while not affecting IBW, FBW, AWG, and FCR. Additionally, drinking saline lake with increasing TDS levels increased RT and RR and caused a significant (P<0.05) change in the concentrations of glucose, albumin, urea, triglycerides, sodium, AST, ALT, T3, and T4. Some hematological variables and biochemical constituents like creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, chlorides, potassium, magnesium, and calcium showed no significant (P>0.05) differences. In conclusion, Hararghe-highland lambs from Ethiopia could tolerate lake Basaka water with a high salt level (7952mg/L TDS).
The impact of COVID-19 on bank stability: Do bank size and ownership matter?
Authors: Maria Siti , Yudaruddin Rizky , Azizil Yudaruddin Yanzil
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, bank stability became a priority for the Indonesian Financial Services Authority and the government. Economic activity is expected to be restored by muffling the shocks caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper investigates the inﬂuence of COVID-19 on banking stability by differentiating bank core capital size and ownership. Using data from 108 commercial banks in Indonesia for the period March 2020 and March 2021, the paper analyzes data using fixed effects regression. The results show that COVID-19 has a detrimental and significant effect on bank stability in Indonesia. Regardless of the size and ownership of a bank’s core capital, it was found that no bank is immune for a year to the severe implications of COVID-19. This condition was experienced by both state banks and private banks, large and small. To assist in the absorption of COVID-19 shocks, this paper proposes policies for regulators that include stimulus packages and countercyclical roles in the banking system via government-owned banks.
Indoor Air Pollution and Respiratory Function on Primary School Students in West Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Mulia Gelora J.T. , Wispriyono Bambang , Kusnoputranto Haryoto , Hartono Budi , Rozaliyani Anna
Published: June 2022

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollutant exposure,i.e.,Particulate Matter (PM2,5), and the numbers of airborne bacterial colonies inside the classroom to the respiratory symptoms of three primary school children in West Jakarta.

Methods:

We did a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design using variables,i.e., age, sex, physical activity, nutritional status, students’ density, ventilation, classroom temperature, and classroom humidity. We used Haz-Dust EPAM 5000 to measure PM2,5,MAS 100 NT to calculate the total bacterial colony, spirometry to measure the respiratory capacity, and questionnaire to measure other related variables.

Results:

We found a significant relationship between PM2,5concentration with respiratory symptoms, however, there was no significant relationship between the total number of airborne bacterial colonies with respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion:

Based on our results, we conclude that there was a significant relationship between the PM2,5concentration and obstructive pulmonary symptoms and there was no significant relationship between the numbers of the bacterial colonies with pulmonary symptoms.
In vivo MRS of Muscle, Liver, Heart and Other Organs: A Review of Techniques and Applications
Authors: Hwang Jong-Hee
Published: June 2022

As MRI has been used in biomedical research and medicine since the 1970s, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) has been employed to study biochemical alterations in living animals and humans. By taking advantage of its noninvasive nature, 1H, 13C and 31P MRS are being actively utilized in clinical and biomedical studies to detect lipids, metabolites, and/or kinetic information, such as acetyl carnitine content and ATP synthesis rates in vivo. These data would be quite difficult to assess by other modalities. Furthermore, many studies have indicated that in vivo values obtained by MRS show a close correlation with important metabolic parameters (e.g., hepatic and intramyocellular lipid content by 1H-MRS correlated with insulin sensitivity), which adds value of MRS. Moreover, hepatic glycogen synthesis and breakdown can be directly detected by 13C-MRS, whereas in vivo ATP synthesis rates in mitochondria can be assessed by 31P-MRS as well. These in vivo data offer critical metabolic information in animals and humans, and often serve as useful biomarkers for the pathophysiology and state of a disease. Thus, in this review, important and frequently used modalities and applications of MRS in muscle, liver, and other organs are described.
CEST MRI for Molecular Imaging of Brain Metabolites
Authors: Kejia Cai  , Rongwen Tain  , Xiaohong J. Zhou  , Charles E. Ray
Published: June 2022

As a sensitive MRI method, Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI based on endogenous contrast has been increasingly utilized for molecular imaging of various metabolites. Among these applications, the authors have described CEST MRI for molecular imaging of brain metabolites in this review, including brain glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter; creatine, a key molecular of bioenergetics; and myo-inositol, a biomarker of glial cells. Those metabolites conventionally have been quantified with MR spectroscopy methods. Compared to MR spectroscopy, CEST methods typically provide a few hundred to a few thousand fold enhancement in sensitivity, enabling twodimensional imaging or mapping of metabolites at high resolution. In this review, the authors have also reviewed the preliminary applications of these molecular imaging methods. Finally, the challenges related to CEST MRI for molecular imaging in general are discussed.
Effect of Torbangun Leaf (Coleus ambonicus, L.) Extract Feeding on Cisplatin-Induced in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Solfaine Rondius , Supriyanto Melda
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to analyze the effect of torbangun leaf extract (Coleus ambonicus, L.) on kidney histopathology in cisplatin-induced Wistar rats. The design used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three different treatments and six repetitions. The rats used were 18 male Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) rats, bodyweight 150-200 grams and 2-3 months of age. Treatment P0 for Wistar rats given aquadest ad libitum, P1 for Wistar rats injected with Cisplatin on day 4, intraperitoneally at a dose of 7 mg/kg with 1% of CMC NA suspension and P2 for Wistar rats given Torbangun leaf extract orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW for seven days. On day 4, groups P1 and P2 were injected with Cisplatin intraperitoneally at a 7 mg/kg BW. The non-parametric data from the study were statistically tested with the Kruskal Wallis test and the post hoc test in the form of the Mann-Whitney test. The test results from statistical analysis showed that the Torbangun leaf extract could reduce tissue damage by significantly reducing hemorrhage, congestion, and vasculitis in the treatment group
Social Support and Stress among Parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Children
Authors: Wahab Rosilah , Mohd Fahmy Kamilia Asyiqin Mohd Fahmy , Sultan Ibrahim Syamsul Annuar , Philip Winnie
Published: June 2022

Common social interaction challenges, also patterns of restricted and repetitive behaviour, characterize Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aimed to determine the relationship between the ASD child’s parents’ social support and parental stress. Samples of parents were collected through the National Autism Society of Malaysia. A demographic questionnaire, parents’ stress level was measured using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) and perceived social support was measured using Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Findings revealed that ASD child’s parents were experiencing high social support, results showed a significant negative relationship between perceived social support and parental stress (p < 0.05).
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Parental Stress, social support
eISSN ©Year The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer– review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i20.3409
Standardizing Cranioplasty Outcomes Following Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for the Development of a Core Outcome Set
Authors: Mee Harry , Castaño-Leon Ana M , Timofeev Ivan , Adeleye Amos , Devi Bhagavatula Indira , Marklund Niklas , Muehlschlegel Susanne , Bond Katie , Clement Clare , Grieve Kirsty , Owen Nicola , Whiting Gemma , Turner Carole , Rubiano Escobar Andres Mariano , Shukla Dhaval , Paul Maria , Allanson Judith , Pomeroy Valerie , Viaroli Edoardo , Warburton Elizabeth , Wells Adam , Hawryluk Gregory , Helmy Adel , Anwar Fahim , Honeybul Stephen , Hutchinson Peter , Kolias Angelos
Published: June 2022

Background

Core outcome sets (COSs) are important and necessary as they help standardize reporting in research studies. Cranioplasty following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke is becoming increasingly common, leading to an ever-growing clinical and research interest, especially regarding the optimal material, cost-effectiveness, and timing of cranioplasty concerning neurological recovery and complications. Consequently, heterogeneous reporting of outcomes from such diverse studies has led to limited meta-analysis ability and an ongoing risk of outcome reporting bias. This study aims to define a standardized COS for reporting in all future TBI and stroke cranioplasty studies.

Objective

This study has four aims: (1) undertake a systematic review to collate the most current outcome measures used within the cranioplasty literature; (2) undertake a qualitative study to understand better the views of clinicians, patients' relatives, and allied health professionals regarding clinical outcomes following cranioplasty; (3) undertake a Delphi survey as part of the process of gaining consensus for the COS; and (4) finalize consensus through a consensus meeting resulting in the COS.

Methods

An international steering committee has been formed to guide the development of the COS. In addition, recommendations from other clinical initiatives such as COMET (Core Outcomes and Effectiveness Trials) and OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) have been adhered to. Phase 1 is data collection through a systematic review and qualitative study. Phase 2 is the COS development through a Delphi survey and consensus meetings with consensus definitions decided and agreed upon before the Delphi survey begins to avoid bias.

Results

Phase 1 started at the end of 2019, following ethical approval in December 2019, and the project completion date is planned for the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023.

Conclusions

This study should result in a consensus on a COS for cranioplasty, following TBI or stroke, to help standardize outcome reporting for future studies, which can be applied to future research and clinical services, help align future studies, build an increased understanding of cranioplasty and its impact on a patient’s function and recovery, and help standardize the evidence base.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/37442