bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticipating need for intensive care in the healthcare trajectory of patients with chronic disease: A qualitative study among specialists
Authors: Taha Alicia , Jacquier Marine , Meunier-Beillard Nicolas , Ecarnot Fiona , Andreu Pascal , Roudaut Jean-Baptiste , Labruyère Marie , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Quenot Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2022

Introduction

We investigated the reflections and perceptions of non-ICU physicians about anticipating the need for ICU admission in case of acute decompensation in patients with chronic disease.

Methods

We performed a qualitative multicentre study using semi-structured interviews among non-ICU specialist physicians. The interview guide, developed in advance, focused on 3 questions: (1) What is your perception of ICU care? (2) How do you think advance directives can be integrated into the patient’s healthcare goals? and (3) How can the possibility of a need for ICU admission be integrated into the patient’s healthcare goals? Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by thematic analysis. Interviews were performed until theoretical saturation was reached.

Results

In total, 16 physicians (8 women, 8 men) were interviewed. The main themes related to intensive care being viewed as a distinct specialty, dispensing very technical care, and with major human and ethical challenges, especially regarding end-of-life issues. The participants also mentioned the difficulty in anticipating an acute decompensation, and the choices that might have to be made in such situations. The timing of discussions about potential decompensation of the patient, the medical culture and the presence of advance directives are issues that arise when attempting to anticipate the question of ICU admission in the patient’s healthcare goals or wishes.

Conclusion

This study describes the perceptions that physicians treating patients with chronic disease have of intensive care, notably that it is a distinct and technical specialty that presents challenging medical and ethical situations. Our study also opens perspectives for actions that could promote a pluridisciplinary approach to anticipating acute decompensation and ICU requirements in patients with chronic disease.
Genome-wide association study of leprosy in Malawi and Mali
Authors: Gilchrist James J. , Auckland Kathryn , Parks Tom , Mentzer Alexander J. , Goldblatt Lily , Naranbhai Vivek , Band Gavin , Rockett Kirk A. , Toure Ousmane B. , Konate Salimata , Sissoko Sibiri , Djimdé Abdoulaye A. , Thera Mahamadou A. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Sow Samba , Floyd Sian , Pönnighaus Jörg M. , Warndorff David K. , Crampin Amelia C. , Fine Paul E. M. , Fairfax Benjamin P. , Hill Adrian V. S.
Published: September 2022

Leprosy is a chronic infection of the skin and peripheral nerves caused byMycobacterium leprae. Despite recent improvements in disease control, leprosy remains an important cause of infectious disability globally. Large-scale genetic association studies in Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian populations have identified over 30 susceptibility loci for leprosy. There is a significant burden of leprosy in Africa, however it is uncertain whether the findings of published genetic association studies are generalizable to African populations. To address this, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of leprosy in Malawian (327 cases, 436 controls) and Malian (247 cases, 368 controls) individuals. In that analysis, we replicated four risk loci previously reported in China, Vietnam and India; MHC Class I and II,LACC1andSLC29A3. We further identified a novel leprosy susceptibility locus at 10q24 (rs2015583; combinedp= 8.81 × 10−9;OR= 0.51 [95% CI 0.40 − 0.64]). Using publicly-available data we characterise regulatory activity at this locus, identifyingACTR1Aas a candidate mediator of leprosy risk. This locus shows evidence of recent positive selection and demonstrates pleiotropy with established risk loci for inflammatory bowel disease and childhood-onset asthma. A shared genetic architecture for leprosy and inflammatory bowel disease has been previously described. We expand on this, strengthening the hypothesis that selection pressure driven by leprosy has shaped the evolution of autoimmune and atopic disease in modern populations. More broadly, our data highlights the importance of defining the genetic architecture of disease across genetically diverse populations, and that disease insights derived from GWAS in one population may not translate to all affected populations.
SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin Y antibodies are protective in infected mice
Authors: El-Kafrawy Sherif A. , Odle Abby , Abbas Aymn T. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Abdel-dayem Umama A. , Qureshi Arooj K. , Wong Lok-Yin Roy , Zheng Jian , Meyerholz David K. , Perlman Stanley , Zumla Alimuddin , Azhar Esam I.
Published: September 2022

Safe, passive immunization methods are required against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants. Immunization of chickens with antigen is known to induce specific IgY antibodies concentrated in the egg yolk and has a good safety profile, high yield of IgY per egg, can be topically applied, not requiring parenteral delivery. Our data provide the first evidence of the prophylactic efficacy of Immunoglobulin Y antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in mice. Lohmann hens were injected with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein; IgY-Abs were extracted from the eggs and characterized using SDS-PAGE. Antiviral activity was evaluated using plaque reduction neutralization tests. In additional experiments, IgY-RBD efficacy was examined in mice sensitized to SARS-CoV-2 infection by transduction with Ad5-hACE2 (mild disease) or by using mouse-adapted virus (severe disease). In both cases, prophylactic intranasal administration of IgY-Abs reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication, and reduced morbidity, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage, and edema in the lungs and increased survival compared to control groups that received non-specific IgY-Abs. These results indicate that further evaluation of IgY-RBD antibodies in humans is warranted.
The secreted protein Cowpox Virus 14 contributes to viral virulence and immune evasion by engaging Fc-gamma-receptors
Authors: Iyer Ravi F. , Edwards David M. , Kolb Philipp , Raué Hans-Peter , Nelson Chris A. , Epperson Megan L. , Slifka Mark K. , Nolz Jeffrey C. , Hengel Hartmut , Fremont Daved H. , Früh Klaus
Published: September 2022

The genome of cowpoxvirus (CPXV) could be considered prototypical for orthopoxviridae (OXPV) since it contains many open reading frames (ORFs) absent or lost in other OPXV, including vaccinia virus (VACV). These additional ORFs are non-essential for growthin vitrobut are expected to contribute to the broad host range, virulence and immune evasion characteristics of CPXV. For instance, unlike VACV, CPXV encodes proteins that interfere with T cell stimulation, either directly or by preventing antigen presentation or co-stimulation. When studying the priming of naïve T cells, we discovered that CPXV, but not VACV, encodes a secreted factor that interferes with activation and proliferation of naïve CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively, in response to anti-CD3 antibodies, but not to other stimuli. Deletion mapping revealed that the inhibitory protein is encoded by CPXV14, a small secreted glycoprotein belonging to the poxvirus immune evasion (PIE) family and containing a smallpoxvirus encoded chemokine receptor (SECRET) domain that mediates binding to chemokines. We demonstrate that CPXV14 inhibition of antibody-mediated T cell activation depends on the presence of Fc-gamma receptors (FcγRs) on bystander cells.In vitro, CPXV14 inhibits FcγR-activation by antigen/antibody complexes by binding to FcγRs with high affinity and immobilized CPXV14 can trigger signaling through FcγRs, particularly the inhibitory FcγRIIB.In vivo, CPXV14-deleted virus showed reduced viremia and virulence resulting in reduced weight loss and death compared to wildtype virus whereas both antibody and CD8+ T cell responses were increased in the absence of CPXV14. Furthermore, no impact of CPXV14-deletion on virulence was observed in mice lacking the inhibitory FcγRIIB. Taken together our results suggest that CPXV14 contributes to virulence and immune evasion by binding to host FcγRs.
A remodeled RNA polymerase II complex catalyzing viroid RNA-templated transcription
Authors: Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Shachinthaka D. , Ma Junfei , Pechan Tibor , Pechanova Olga , Liu Bin , Wang Ying
Published: September 2022

Viroids, a fascinating group of plant pathogens, are subviral agents composed of single-stranded circular noncoding RNAs. It is well-known that nuclear-replicating viroids exploit host DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (Pol II) activity for transcription from circular RNA genome to minus-strand intermediates, a classic example illustrating the intrinsic RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity of Pol II. The mechanism for Pol II to accept single-stranded RNAs as templates remains poorly understood. Here, we reconstituted a robust in vitro transcription system and demonstrated that Pol II also accepts minus-strand viroid RNA template to generate plus-strand RNAs. Further, we purified the Pol II complex on RNA templates for nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and identified a remodeled Pol II missing Rpb4, Rpb5, Rpb6, Rpb7, and Rpb9, contrasting to the canonical 12-subunit Pol II or the 10-subunit Pol II core on DNA templates. Interestingly, the absence of Rpb9, which is responsible for Pol II fidelity, explains the higher mutation rate of viroids in comparison to cellular transcripts. This remodeled Pol II is active for transcription with the aid of TFIIIA-7ZF and appears not to require other canonical general transcription factors (such as TFIIA, TFIIB, TFIID, TFIIE, TFIIF, TFIIH, and TFIIS), suggesting a distinct mechanism/machinery for viroid RNA-templated transcription. Transcription elongation factors, such as FACT complex, PAF1 complex, and SPT6, were also absent in the reconstituted transcription complex. Further analyses of the critical zinc finger domains in TFIIIA-7ZF revealed the first three zinc finger domains pivotal for RNA template binding. Collectively, our data illustrated a distinct organization of Pol II complex on viroid RNA templates, providing new insights into viroid replication, the evolution of transcription machinery, as well as the mechanism of RNA-templated transcription.
RIPK3 and caspase 8 collaborate to limit herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Guo Hongyan , Koehler Heather S. , Mocarski Edward S. , Dix Richard D.
Published: September 2022

Invasion of the brain by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) can lead to the development of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) that is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality regardless of therapeutic intervention. Both virus and host immune factors dictate HSE onset and progression. Because programmed cell death pathways including necroptosis are important antiviral defense mechanisms in HSV1-associated peripheral diseases, they might also play critical roles in HSV1 neuropathogenesis. HSV1-encoded ICP6 prevents receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)-mediated necroptosis during infection of human cells, but it also acts as a species-dependent inducer of necroptosis in murine cells and thereby restricts virus replication. We therefore used an established mouse model of HSE to investigate RIPK3-mediated necroptosis impact on HSV1 neuropathogenesis. Following corneal HSV1 inoculation, RIPK3 knockout mice showed increased susceptibility to HSE when compared with wildtype mice indicating RIPK3 helps to limit HSE progression. RIPK3-mediated defense against HSE was found to be independent of the kinase domain necessary to drive necroptosis implicating that a death independent function of RIPK3 protects against HSE. Conversely the pro-necroptotic kinase function RIPK3 served to limit viral replication in corneal tissue implicating a tissue-specific RIPK3 function in limiting HSV1. Further evaluation of the kinase-independent mechanism to restrict HSE revealed that the RIPK3 signaling partner, caspase 8, contributes to limiting HSE neuropathogenesis. Increased HSE susceptibility from loss of caspase 8 and RIPK3 correlated with decreased levels of chemokines, cytokines, and antiviral lymphocytes recruitment to the brain. We conclude that RIPK3 contributes toward host control of HSV1 replication in a tissue-specific fashion. Whereas RIPK3-mediated necroptosis restricts virus replication within the cornea, kinase-independent induction of inflammation by RIPK3 in collaboration with caspase 8 restricts virus replication within the brain during HSE neuropathogenesis.
Beneficial effects of cellular coinfection resolve inefficiency in influenza A virus transcription
Authors: Shartouny Jessica R. , Lee Chung-Young , Delima Gabrielle K. , Lowen Anice C.
Published: September 2022

For diverse viruses, cellular infection with single vs. multiple virions can yield distinct biological outcomes. We previously found that influenza A/guinea fowl/Hong Kong/WF10/99 (H9N2) virus (GFHK99) displays a particularly high reliance on multiple infection in mammalian cells. Here, we sought to uncover the viral processes underlying this phenotype. We found that the need for multiple infection maps to amino acid 26K of the viral PA protein. PA 26K suppresses endonuclease activity and viral transcription, specifically within cells infected at low multiplicity. In the context of the higher functioning PA 26E, inhibition of PA using baloxavir acid augments reliance on multiple infection. Together, these data suggest a model in which sub-optimal activity of the GFHK99 endonuclease results in inefficient priming of viral transcription, an insufficiency which can be overcome with the introduction of additional viral ribonucleoprotein templates to the cell. More broadly, the finding that deficiency in a core viral function is ameliorated through multiple infection suggests that the fitness effects of many viral mutations are likely to be modulated by multiplicity of infection, such that the shape of fitness landscapes varies with viral densities.
Progranulin aggravates lethal Candida albicans sepsis by regulating inflammatory response and antifungal immunity
Authors: Liu Jiayu , Lai Xiaofei , Yu Renlin , Ding Hao , Bai Haobo , Yang Zhubin , Yin Yibing , Xu Fang , Cao Ju
Published: September 2022

Candida albicans is the most frequent pathogen of fungal sepsis associated with substantial mortality in critically ill patients and those who are immunocompromised. Identification of novel immune-based therapeutic targets from a better understanding of its molecular pathogenesis is required. Here, we reported that the production of progranulin (PGRN) levels was significantly increased in mice after invasive C.albicans infection. Mice that lacked PGRN exhibited attenuated kidney injury and increased survival upon a lethal systemic infection with C. albicans. In mice, PGRN deficiency protected against systemic candidiasis by decreasing aberrant inflammatory reactions that led to renal immune cell apoptosis and kidney injury, and by enhancing antifungal capacity of macrophages and neutrophils that limited fungal burden in the kidneys. PGRN in hematopoietic cell compartment was important for this effect. Moreover, anti-PGRN antibody treatment limited renal inflammation and fungal burden and prolonged survival after invasive C. albicans infection. In vitro, PGRN loss increased phagocytosis, phagosome formation, reactive oxygen species production, neutrophil extracellular traps release, and killing activity in macrophages or neutrophils. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that PGRN loss up-regulated Dectin-2 expression, and enhanced spleen tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in macrophages and neutrophils. In summary, we identified PGRN as a critical factor that contributes to the immunopathology of invasive C.albicans infection, suggesting that targeting PGRN might serve as a novel treatment for fungal infection.
Looted treasures? Black Panther and King Solomon’s Mines
Authors: Glenn Ian
Published: September 2022

This article argues that Rider Haggard’s 1885 novel King Solomon’s Mines and filmed versions of it were a major influence on Ryan Coogler’s 2018 hit film Black Panther. It examines ways in which the modern film in reversing some of the plot and colonial tropes of the original nonetheless remains indebted to it and that this source helps explain some of the weaknesses and inconsistencies of the plot of Black Panther.
Musical, textual and visual interplays in Moussa Sène Absa’s Tableau Ferraille and Madame Brouette
Authors: De Raedt Thérèse
Published: September 2022

For Moussa Sène Absa, music does not merely complement a film’s narration; it is an integral part of it. A careful analysis of his feature length films Tableau Ferraille (1997) and Madame Brouette (2002) reveals his unique use of music to convey commentaries on the difficulties of constricted daily social life in postcolonial Senegalese urban society. Though both films tackle gritty social issues and denounce corruption and injustices, they are beautiful and melodious, built around bright colours and positive, vibrant and cheerful music. In this article, I examine in detail the links between the songs’ lyrics and the films’ narration and social messages. In particular, I demonstrate how the messages of the films appear through the emancipatory hopes of the two female protagonists.
Liver Disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Authors:   Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia, Tashkent Yasmina , Olynyk John ,   Department of Gastroenterology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Wigg Alan ,   Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
Published: September 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a substantially higher prevalence of liver disease than non-Indigenous Australians. Cirrhosis and its complications were the sixth leading cause of mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 2020. Liver disease has been estimated to be the third leading cause of the mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people due to chronic disease, accounting for 11% of this gap. While current trends show reducing mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for conditions including circulatory disease, diabetes and kidney disease, there are no data to suggest a similar decline for liver disease. This review highlights the common causes of liver disease affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol related liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis and its complications including hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatments including liver transplantation as well as suggestions for improving detection, treatment and access to liver care will also be discussed. Recent revolutions in the detection and treatment of liver disease make efforts to improve access to treatment and outcomes an urgent priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Excel VBA alkalmazás fejlesztése komplex szám gyökeinek kiszámítására
Authors: Fabulya Zoltán
Published: September 2022

Komplex számokkal műveletek végzését már számológépeink is
támogatják. Viszont a gyökvonás csak egyetlen eredményt ad, még
számítógépes programokkal is, annak ellenére, hogy annyi különböző komplex
számot kellene kapnunk, ahányadik gyököt vonunk. Ezért szükséges
kifejleszteni az Excel táblázatkezelő program Visual Basic for Applications
szolgáltatásával egy gyökvonást elvégző alkalmazást, mely az összes
eredményt megjeleníti. A felhasználóbarát kezeléshez egyetlen űrlap
biztosítja az adatok megadását és az eredmények megjelenítését különböző
vezérlők segítségével. Az alkalmazás lehetőséget ad a komplex számok
kanonikus, trigonometrikus és exponenciális alakja esetén is a használatra,
támogatja a megjelenített számok könnyebb értelmezéséhez a gyökös formát,
valamint a szögek esetén a fok és radián mértékegységet a Pi karakter (π)
felhasználásával.
Alkalmazás fejlesztése egymintás u-próba kiértékelésére VBA
vezérlőkkel Excel környezetben
Authors: Hampel György
Published: September 2022

Az egymintás u-próba elvégzésére kifejlesztett alkalmazás a
Microsoft Excel programozhatóságát nyújtó Visual Basic for Applications
szolgáltatással készült el. Egyetlen párbeszédablak biztosítja a
felhasználói felületet az adatok megadásához és az eredmények
megjelenítéséhez. Eseményvezérelt programozási technika teszi lehetővé,
hogy felhasználóbarát módon viselkedjen a program, reagálva a kezelőfelület
vezérlőin bekövetkező eseményekre. Az alkalmazás egyszerű kezelhetőségével
az Excel táblázatkezelő program használatának ismerete nélkül végezhető el
az egymintás u-próba kiértékelése, melynek során a megjelenített eredmények
értelmezése sem igényel matematikai statisztikai jártasságot. A
számításokhoz szükséges adatok megadhatók a minta teljes adatsorával, de a
minta elemszámával és átlagával is.
A klaszterek működésének aktuális kérdései a dél-alföldi régióban
Authors: Kovács Helga
Published: September 2022

A kutatás során a Dél-Alföldön működő klasztereket vizsgáltam.
Először a klaszterek fogalmát és a legfontosabb jellemzőit elemeztem. A
továbbiakban röviden összefoglalom a hazai majd a Dél-Alföldön található
klaszterek rövid történetét, kialakulásuk okát és a legfontosabb
jellemzőit. A Pénzügyminisztérium, Gazdaságfejlesztési Programok Irányító
Hatóságán belül működő Nemzetközi és Klaszter Osztály és a Dél-Alföldi
Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Közhasznú Egyesület adatbázisa alapján
kerestem fel a dél-alföldi klasztereket. Először online kérdőív
segítségével kérdeztem a klasztermenedzsereket a klaszterek legfőbb
jellemzőiről és tevékenységéről. A kérdőív segített kiszűrni azokat a
klasztereket, amelyek valódi gazdasági tevékenységet végeznek. Ezekkel a
klaszterekkel félig strukturált interjút készítettem. Az online kérdőív
kitöltésében 12 klaszter vett részt, majd 7 klaszter volt releváns a
további kutatás szempontjából. A vizsgálat rávilágított a klaszterek
sikeres működését befolyásoló legfőbb tényezőkre, illetve a működésüket
megnehezítő és ellehetetlenítő okokra. A kutatás során kapott eredményeket
SWOT-analízis formájában foglaltam össze.
SnCl2 Treated Red Mud as an Effective Adsorbent for the
Removal of Toxic Molybdate Ions from Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Amarapu Ramya Sree , Ravindhranath Kunta , Mekala Suneetha , Pala Sneha Latha , Biftu Wondwosen Kebede
Published: September 2022

Molybdate removal from wastewaters from industries, mining and nuclear power stations, is an
important task in the water remediation methodologies. This oxyanion of molybdenum is difficult to
be removed and its presence in aquatic environment is detrimental to aquatic life and endogenous
human beings due its high toxicity and bio-accumulation nature. In present investigation, SnCl2 treated
red mud (TRM) and zirconium alginate beads doped with TRM (TRM-Zr.alg) are observed to have
good affinity for molybdate ions. Hence, these materials were investigated as adsorbents and various
extraction conditions viz., pH, contact time, dosage of TRM and TRM-Zr.alg, initial molybdate
concentration and temperature are optimized for the maximum removal of molybdate ions. The
optimized conditions were pH: 2.5; dosage: 2.0 g/L for TRM and 2.25 g/L for TRM-Zr.alg; contact
time: 45 min for TRM and 60 min for TRM-Zr.alg; temperature: 30 ± 1 ºC and rpm: 300. Interferences
of co-ions in the solutions were investigated and the spent TRM and TRM-Zr-alg were also nvestigated
for their regeneration and reuse. The endothermic and spontaneity of sorption process can be inferred
from the negative ΔG and positive ΔH values and further, the high values of ΔH indicate the sorption
mechanism is not ‘physisorption’ but more inclined towards ion-exchange and/or some sort of surface
complex formation between molybdate and adsorbents. The sorption process was analyzed and observed
that Freundlich model well explains, indicating the heterogeneous surface and multilayer adsorption.
The kinetics of adsorption is explained by pseudo-second order model. The methodology developed
was successfully applied to treat industrial and mining effluents samples. The novelty of the present
investigation is that red mud, a waste material, is explored for its inherent potentials as adsorbent for
extracting the highly toxic molybdate ions from wastewater.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant
Screening of Some Organyltellurium(IV) Complexes
Authors: Dalal Mahak , Antil Nidhi , Verma K.K. , Garg Sapana
Published: September 2022

In present study, six new organyltellurium(IV) Schiff base complexes with the formula RTeCl2·H4AP
(1a-c) and R2TeCl·H4AP (1d-f), where R= 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl and
3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl, ligand H4AP = 1-(((4-hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl)-naphthalen-2-ol
obtained from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with 4-aminophenol were synthesized
and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, mass spectrometry, FT-IR, UV-visible,
1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy. Correlation of all spectroscopic data suggested that Schiff base
ligand (H4AP) acts as bidentate (ON) ligand coordinated to tellurium ion via naphthalene ring-O and
imine-N with the distorted square pyramidal geometry around the tellurium ion. DFT based calculations
were done for the ligand and its metal complexes to confirm the geometry of complexes. Chemical
quantum parameters were determined for the ligand and the complexes. The antioxidant activity of
the Schiff base and their organyltellurium(IV) complexes were assessed on the basis of radical
scavenging effect of DPPH. The free Schiff base and its complexes were screened for the in vitro
antifungal and antibacterial activity. The results show that the organyltellurium(IV) complexes were
more active than the Schiff base. The molecular docking simulations carried out to study the probable
binding modes of the ligand with various proteins receptors such as C. albicans and E. coli.
Comparative Adsorbent Studies using Pyrolyzed Materials Prepared from Custard
Apple (Annona squamosa) Leaves in Removal of Fluoride from Wastewater
Authors: Rudram Chinthayyanaidu , Praveen L. Partha , Sankar Reddy P. Dinesh
Published: September 2022

Pyrolyzed materials (biochar) obtained from the leaves of custard apple (Annona squamosa) at 800 ºC
in open air (OPA) and in presence of inert gas (IGPA) were used as adsorbent materials. The effect of
different parameters such as particle size, agitation speed, pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial
fluoride concentration and temperature on fluorine adsorption on Annona squamosa as the adsorbent
has been investigated. At pH 7, the optimized factors were contact period (30 min), the agitation speed
(500 rpm) and the adsorbent dosage (1.5 g per 50 mL of fluoride water). A maximum fluoride removal
efficiency of 93% in the case of OPA and 96% in the case of IGPA was achieved. Adsorption isotherm
modeling studies show that the adsorption onto OPA followed Dubinin-Raudskevitch isotherm
model,whereas IGPA followed Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters
such as ΔHº, ΔGº and ΔSº were also estimated to ascertain the reaction is endothermic. In case of
kinetics, pseudo-second order is the best fit for both OPA and IGPA. The SEM, FTIR and XRD
patterns of the adsorbents were also recorded to have a greater comprehension of the adsorption process
mechanism.
Design, Synthesis, Theoretical, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Studies of
Ruthenium and Zinc Complexes and their Antimycobacterial Study
Authors: Singh Ashok Kumar , Kumari Lovely , Dhariyal Kavita , Arshi Farha , Singh Sudheer Kumar , khare Abhishek , Kumar Amarendra
Published: September 2022

The six mononuclear complexes of ruthenium and zinc viz. [Ru(bpy)2(HL1)]Cl (ML1),
[Ru(bpy)2(HL2)]Cl (ML2), [Ru(bpy)2(HL3)]Cl (ML3), [ZnCl(H2O)HL1]Cl (ML4), [ZnCl(H2O)HL2]Cl
(ML5), [ZnCl(H2O)HL3]Cl (ML6); bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl, HL = substituted thiosemicarbazone: HL1 =
Cl, HL2 = OCH3, HL3 = OCH2Ph) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H
and 13C NMR, UV-Vis and ESI-MS spectroscopy techniques. The gas phase geometries of all the
complexes have been optimized by density functional theory (DFT). The antimycobacterial activity of
all the compounds was performed initially at 100 μM concentration, followed by MIC determination
studies with compounds, which showed 90% reduction in fluorescence intensity. In addition, molecular
docking analysis was performed to know the interactions between complexes and their probable binding
sites in penicillin binding protein (PBP2). The 90% reduction in fluorescence intensity of the
mycobacterial cultures were observed with HL2, HL3 and ML3. The MIC determination study showed
good inhibition of ML3 and HL3 treated cultures even at 25 μM concentration. The potential activity
shown by HL3 and ML3 cultures shows to be promising compounds, which may be further optimized
for improved antimycobacterial activity. Electronic properties and various reactivity descriptors have
been determined theoretically and an attempt has been perform to establish the correlation between
biological activity and these parameters for the concerned metal complexes.
Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Cu doped ZnO Thin
Film Prepared by Sol-Gel Dip Coating Method and Phytosynthesized
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Senna alata and Euphorbia hirta
Authors: Sumalatha R. , Sivakumar M. , Parthasarathy G.
Published: September 2022

Zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit significant antibacterial activity. The present study focused on
determining the antibacterial activity of green synthetic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Cu
doped ZnO thin film. The prepared ZnO NPs and Cu doped ZnO films were characterized by XRD
analysis, SEM, FTIR and UV-vis. Amorphous and nano cluster shapes were observed in SEM analysis.
The presence of different chemical functional groups was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The optical
properties Cu doped ZnO nanostructures were analyzed by UV-visible analysis. The results clearly
confirmed the efficient synthesis of spherical ZnO nanoparticles with average size range from 40 to 50
nm. The Cu doped ZnO thin films and ZnO nanoparticles showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity
against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. The IC50 value was calculated as approximately 60 μg/mL. Growth kinetics studies were
performed in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated the bacteriostatic effect of ZnO
nanoparticles.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocellulose from
Lignocellulosic Agricultural Biomass by Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Prasannakumar J.K. , Prakash G.K. , Onkarappa H.S. , Suresh B. , Basavarajappa B.E.
Published: September 2022

The present study emphasizes lignocellulosic materials like agricultural biomass such as ragi stalk
also known as Finger Millet Stalk (Eleusine coracana), mango wood (Mangifera caesia) and groundnut
husk (Arachis hypogaea) were transformed into cellulose by pretreatment with 5% NaOH and 5%
NaClO2 solution. In addition, the cellulose obtained was transformed into nanocellulose (NC) using
acid hydrolysis, ultrasonication and centrifugation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry and
differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) were used to characterize the synthesized nanocellulose.
According to the FTIR findings, the chemical structure of cellulose synthesized from these agricultural
biomasses was not affected by the synthetic approach, however, the synthetic procedure employed
affects the morphology/surface topology of synthesized nanocellulose as confirmed by SEM. XRD
studies reveal the crystalline and semi-crystalline nature of the synthesized nanocellulose. TEM
monographs illustrate the surface structure and size of the synthesized nanocellulose ranging from 8
to 17 nm. The thermal stability of nanocellulose is revealed by TGA/DTA studies and the obtained
nanocellulose shows thermal stability in the range of 240 to 327 ºC.
Phytoremediation Potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinesis for Removal of
Methylene Blue Dye and its Kinetic, Adsorption Studies in Aquatic System
Authors: Kaur Navjeet , Kaushal Jyotsna , Mahajan Pooja
Published: September 2022

Phytoremediation technology emerges as a green, environmentally friendly and cutting-edge technology
in last ten decades, which provides an economical solution for removing dyes from wastewater. In
current study, the terrestrial plant Hibiscus rosa-sinesis L. explored for remediating the triarylmethane
dye as methylene blue including the various parameters viz. initial dye concentration (10 mg L-1), pH
(3-10), contact time (8 to 40 h) from synthetic wastewater. On assessment of these various parameters,
the maximum percentage decolourizations were recorded as 86 (10 mg L-1) and 75 (20 mg L-1) at
favourable pH 6. The kinetics studies were best fitted to pseudo-first order with the correlation value
R2 ≥ 0.96. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm proved more favourable with R2 ≥ 0.99. Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the adsorption of methylene blue dye by H. rosa-sinesis.
Hence, this plant can be used for remediation of dyes from wastewater.
Regioselective Synthesis and Antibacterial Studies of α,β-Unsaturated Ketone
Substituted Cyclohexanols via Tandem Michael Addition-Aldol
Addition-Cyclization Sequence under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Suriyakala Tevaraj , Chinnaraj Alagiri , Senthilkumar Velmurugan , Nasar Mohamedsulaiman Kamal , Ravindran Gurusamy
Published: September 2022

A simple and facile strategy was developed involving test tube with glass-rod using a base catalyst for
one-pot solid-state reaction between 1,3,5-triphenyl-pentane-1,5-dione (1) and 1,5-diphenyl-penta-
1,4-dien-3-one (2) to obtain novel 1-(5-benzoyl-2-hydroxy-2,4,6-triphenyl-cyclohexyl)-3-phenylpropenone
(3) derivatives. The reaction was accomplished in good to excellent yields and the structure
of a synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral data. In this one-pot
transformation, the column chromatography purification was completely avoided. Besides, the method
is highly environmentally benign and atom-economical, and the side product of this reaction was only
the water molecule. This green process produces significant carbocycles and offers a considerable
advantages such as operational simplicity, short reaction time, high yields, and absence of tedious
workup. Further, synthesized derivatives was studied against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus)
and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
4f-4f Transition Spectra of the Interaction of Pr(III) with
L-Valine in Solution: Kinetics and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Sanchu Juliana , Ziekhrü Mhasiriekho , Thakro Zevivonü , Devi M.I.
Published: September 2022

The 4f-4f transition spectra for the interaction of L-valine with praseodymium(III) in aqueous organic
solvents (50% v/v) of CH3CN, DMF, CH3OH and C4H8O2 is investigated. The variation in the
theoretically computed values of the absorption spectral parameters viz. energy interaction
parameters-spin-orbit interaction (ξ4f), Slater-Condon (Fk), nephelauxetic ratio (β), Racah energy (Ek),
bonding parameter (b1/2) and percentage covalency (δ) explained the nature of complexation. The
values of evaluated intensity parameters viz. oscillator strengths (P) and Judd-Ofelt parameters (Ωt) (t
= 2, 4, 6) were analyzed to see the possibility of outer and inner sphere coordination of Pr(III) with
L-valine. Further, reaction pathways for Pr(III) with L-valine and consequently its thermodynamic
parameters have been evaluated through 4f-4f transition spectra in the DMF solvent.
Trends in Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Gandhi Namita , Khurana Shilpi , Mathur Ritu , Bansal Usha , Nair Rashmy
Published: September 2022

Food packaging is one of the fastest developing components of the food industry and the one where
innovations are constantly happening according to the ever-evolving needs of the market. Food market
is responsible for global food packaging approximately to 35%. Food packaging is conventionally
required to have many functions like containing and protecting the food, having a specific space for
nutrition facts labels, shelf life, adding a distinct brand identity and packaging the food in a way that
consumers are attracted to it. However, focus on solely packaging can only address the symptoms of
the problem, but does not cater the underlying systemic causes for the rapid growth and dependance
on packaging. The deleterious effects of conventional packaging materials on environment and human
health and the public awareness about the same, have prompted food industry to transit towards
sustainable packaging. Packaging material, these days, is being manufactured using green technology
and various practices to optimize the use of materials and energy. There is a growing demand for
packaging through the use of edible or biodegradable materials, plant extracts and nanomaterial.
Consumers are interested in packaging that increases shelf-life, tells them about the food it contains
and uses technology to enhance the quality and safety of food packed within. Therefore, a completely
new generation of packaging material is now being developed to monitor the property of packed food
as well as their environmental sustainability. This article gives an overview of conventional packing,
critically evaluates its environment and health impacts and discusses current trends and advances in
the food packaging industry including active, intelligent and green technologies like edible and
nanomaterial-based packaging. It is evident that the development of novel technologies using
biodegradable nano based composite material have enhanced shelf life and passive properties
(mechanical, thermal and barrier performance) of food but still there is need to research the migration,
toxicity and environmental implications of the existing ingredients used for packaging and work towards
searching novel renewable resources to prepare the biocompatible packaging materials, their processing
to improve performance and finally their up-scale production.
QCD QED Potentials, Quark Confinement
Authors: Jeong Eue Jin
Published: September 2022

One of the enduring puzzles in high energy particle physics is why quarks do not exist independently ‎despite their existence inside the hadron as quarks have never been found in isolation. This problem may ‎be solved by formulating a QCD potential for the entire range of interaction distances of the quarks. The ‎mystery could be related to the fundamental origin of the mass of elementary particles despite the success ‎of the quantum field theories to the highest level of accuracy. The renormalization program is an essential ‎part of the calculation of the scattering amplitudes, where the infinities of the calculated masses of the ‎elementary particles are subtracted for the progressive calculation of the higher-order perturbative terms. ‎The mathematical structure of the mass term from quantum field theories expressed in the form of infinities ‎suggests that there may exist a finite dynamical mass in the limit when the input mass parameter ‎approaches zero. The Lagrangian recovers symmetry at the same time as the input mass becomes zero, ‎whereas the self-energy diagrams acquire a finite dynamical mass in the 4-dimensional space when the ‎dimensional regularization method of renormalization is utilized. We report a new finding that using the ‎mathematical expression of the self-energy(mass) for photons and gluons calculated from this method, the ‎complex form of the QCD and QED interaction potentials can be obtained by replacing the fixed ‎interaction mediating particle’s mass and coupling constants in Yukawa potential with the scale-‎dependent running coupling constant and the corresponding dynamical mass. The derived QCD QED ‎potentials predict the behavior of the related elementary particles exactly as verified by experimental ‎observation.‎
Digital Editing and “Experience [. . .] looked upon as a kind of text”
Authors: Ohge Christopher
Published: September 2022

This provocation argues for a form of digital creative-critical editing to serve as a pragmatic complement to the dominant “depth” models of traditional scholarly editing. What results is a pan-relational praxis of editing that focuses on connecting edited texts to new contexts and literary experiences with new tools, instead of using a depth model to offer the correct description, representation, or data model of those texts. Creative textual criticism could then be considered ongoing and incomplete, partaking of an iterative process of close reading and distant analysis, and redescriptions of textual criticism that are embedded in the creative process and other aesthetic experiences. These ideas are demonstrated in three brief exhibitions of Thomas Hardy, Herman Melville, and the abolitionist Mary Anne Rawson, all of whom are loosely connected to Arthur Schopenhauer, who once posited in Counsels and Maxims that “Experience of the world may be looked upon as a kind of text, to which reflection and knowledge form the commentary”. Such “commentary” inspires a new mode of pan-relational “reflection” and networked discourse which can only be implemented with digital technologies. What digital editing can do, then, is to give space to competing and alternative discourses and processes of the same text and to connect that text to other aesthetic contexts.
The Use of O Universal Profile Within Hemorrhagic Shock Post-partum Bleeding Patients in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital’s Emergency Installation
Authors: Angeli Anastasia Pearl , Sulistiawan Soni Sunarso , Annas Jimmy Yanuar , Edwar Pesta Parulian Maurid
Published: September 2022

Background: Hemorrhagic shock is one of the most common types of shock in trauma patients, and it is defined as acute blood volume loss. One of the causes of hemorrhagic shock is post-childbirth bleeding or post-partum bleeding. The most important management for patients who experience post-partum bleeding is blood transfusions. Type-O blood is known as a universal donor, because someone with type- O blood can transfuse theirs to recipients with blood types other than O. Giving blood transfusions to pos-tpartum bleeding patients is expected to extend their life expectancy, however it cannot be denied that there are quite a several patients who died after receiving transfusions from universal type O blood.Objective: This study aims to determine the profile and effect of universal O use on hemorrhagic shock within post-partum bleeding patients at IGS RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya.Methods: This research was conducted by a descriptive retrospective method by observing the patient's medical record data in the central medical record room of Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya.Result: There were 17 patients with hemorrhagic shock due to post-partum hemorrhage who received blood transfusions from universal O donors at Dr. Soetomo Surabaya. From the obtained data, the patient age group was dominated by the 28 years old group (23,5%). Transfusion history within patients with the most hemorrhagic shock due to post-partum bleeding were patients who received transfusions with packed red cell (PRC) O + (76,5%). As for transfusion reactions that occur within patients, there are no data on transfusion reactions.Conclusion: The 28 years old group was the largest one that received transfusions from the universal group O blood. History transfusion of hemorrhagic shock due to post-partum bleeding patients shows that most of them are those who received PRC O + transfusions. There are no data regarding the transfusion reactions which occurred in these patients.
Clinical comprehensive and experimental assessment of the radioprotective effect of Annona muricata leaf extract to prevent cellular damage in the ileum tissue
Authors: Elmas Ozlem , Sahin Havva Hande Keser , Keskin Emrah , Guven Berrak , Uslu Erdemir Rabiye , ALMisned Ghada , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Ene Antoaneta , Tekin Huseyin Ozan
Published: September 2022

We report the radioprotective attitude of Annona muricata (AM) leaf extract as antioxidant material to prevent cellular damage in the ileum tissue. The protective effects of an ethyl acetate extract of AM leaves are comprehensively investigated against radiation-induced ileal damage in numerous rats. Thirty-two adult female rats were separated into 4 groups (3 intervention groups and 1 control) as follows: controls received 0.01 mL/kg distilled water, the AM group received 300 mg/kg AM leaf extract, the ionizing radiation (IR) group received a single dose of whole body radiation (8.3 Gy) after 0.01 mL/kg saline treatment, and the AM + IR group received 300 mg/kg AM leaf extract treatment and were subjected to whole body radiation (8.3 Gy) 1 h after the last gavage. All treatments are administered by oral gavage once a day for 9 days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical total oxidant status (TOS, interleukin-6, and caspase) and histological examinations are performed on blood samples as well as ileum tissue. TOS levels are found to be significantly high in rats, which received irradiation, and those in the AM group when compared to controls. These findings suggest that AM has radioprotective effects on ileum tissue, likely because of its antioxidative properties. The findings of this research may contribute to the minimizing of major side effects induced by excessive radiation exposure in patients undergoing radiotherapy and may serve as a significant impetus for further assessments. However, future studies are highly recommended to confirm safety and to determine extraction technique and dosage before human use can be considered.
Phosphorylation of the receptor protein Pex5p modulates import of proteins into peroxisomes
Authors: Fischer Sven , Bürgi Jérôme , Gabay-Maskit Shiran , Maier Renate , Mastalski Thomas , Yifrach Eden , Obarska-Kosinska Agnieszka , Rudowitz Markus , Erdmann Ralf , Platta Harald W. , Wilmanns Matthias , Schuldiner Maya , Zalckvar Einat , Oeljeklaus Silke , Drepper Friedel , Warscheid Bettina
Published: September 2022

Peroxisomes are organelles with vital functions in metabolism and their dysfunction is associated with human diseases. To fulfill their multiple roles, peroxisomes import nuclear-encoded matrix proteins, most carrying a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS) 1. The receptor Pex5p recruits PTS1-proteins for import into peroxisomes; whether and how this process is posttranslationally regulated is unknown. Here, we identify 22 phosphorylation sites of Pex5p. Yeast cells expressing phospho-mimicking Pex5p-S507/523D (Pex5p2D) show decreased import of GFP with a PTS1. We show that the binding affinity between a PTS1-protein and Pex5p2D is reduced. An in vivo analysis of the effect of the phospho-mimicking mutant on PTS1-proteins revealed that import of most, but not all, cargos is affected. The physiological effect of the phosphomimetic mutations correlates with the binding affinity of the corresponding extended PTS1-sequences. Thus, we report a novel Pex5p phosphorylation-dependent mechanism for regulating PTS1-protein import into peroxisomes. In a broader view, this suggests that posttranslational modifications can function in fine-tuning the peroxisomal protein composition and, thus, cellular metabolism.