bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Results on the Non-Homogeneous Hofmann Process
Authors: Palomino Velandia Gerson Yahir , Jiménez Moscoso José Alfredo
Published: August 2022

The classical counting processes (Poisson and negative binomial) are the most traditional discrete counting processes (DCPs); however, these are based on a set of rigid assumptions. We consider a non-homogeneous counting process (which we name non-homogeneous Hofmann process – NHP) that can generate the classical counting processes (CCPs) as special cases, and also allows modeling counting processes for event history data, which usually exhibit under- or over-dispersion. We present some results of this process that will allow us to use it in other areas and establish both the probability mass function (pmf) and the cumulative distribution function (cdf) using transition intensities. This counting process (CP) will allow other researchers to work on modelling the CP, where data dispersion exists in an efficient and more flexible way.
General Drag Correlations for Particle-Fluid System
Authors: Qi Zheng , Kuang Shibo , Rong Liangwan , Dong Kejun , Yu Aibing
Published: August 2022

Particle-fluid flows are commonly encountered in industrial applications. It is of great importance to understand the fundamentals governing the behavior of such a flow system for better process design, control, and optimization. Generally, the particle-fluid flow behavior is strongly influenced by the interaction forces between fluid and particles. Among the various kinds of particle-fluid interaction forces, the drag force is the most essential. This chapter reviews the modeling of drag force for particle-fluid systems: from single particle to multiple particles, monosize to multisize, spherical to nonspherical, and Newtonian fluid to non-Newtonian fluid. Typical drag correlations in the literature are compared and assessed in terms of physical meaning, consistency, and generality.
Airborne Transmission and Control of Influenza and Other Respiratory Pathogens
Authors: Bueno de Mesquita Jacob
Published: August 2022

Despite uncertainty about the specific transmission risk posed by airborne, spray-borne, and contact modes for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses, there is evidence that airborne transmission via inhalation is important and often predominates. An early study of influenza transmission via airborne challenge quantified infectious doses as low as one influenza virion leading to illness characterized by cough and sore throat. Other studies that challenged via intranasal mucosal exposure observed high doses required for similarly symptomatic respiratory illnesses. Analysis of the Evaluating Modes of Influenza Transmission (EMIT) influenza human-challenge transmission trial—of 52 H3N2 inoculated viral donors and 75 sero-susceptible exposed individuals—quantifies airborne transmission and provides context and insight into methodology related to airborne transmission. Advances in aerosol sampling and epidemiologic studies examining the role of masking, and engineering-based air hygiene strategies provide a foundation for understanding risk and directions for new work.
Continuous Scan and Repetitive Mode FT-IR Spectroscopy and Its Application in Isomeric Identification, Conformational Analysis and Photochemistry
Authors: Das Prasanta
Published: August 2022

This chapter intends to cover the instrumentation of gas phase Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), its recent advancement, and applications. The major focus have been given to the principle and data acquisition scheme of the repetitive mode measurement method of FT-IR spectrometer. The application of this spectroscopy in the isomeric identification of the methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MPAHs) and the conformational analysis of diols have been discussed. Furthermore, the application of the repetitive measurement mode of FT-IR combined with the UV laser in monitoring the atmospherically relevant photochemical reactions has been covered. In conclusion, this chapter briefly summarizes the current applications and discusses future applications of this technique in following drug degradation.
Boron Doping in Next-Generation Materials for Semiconductor Device
Authors: Chi T. Cao Linh , Hakim Luqman , Hsu Shu-Han
Published: August 2022

The article surveys the most recent achievements starting with the boron doping mechanism, mainly focused on doping in semiconductor materials such as Si, Ge, graphene, carbon nanotube, or other 2D materials. Frequently used doping methodologies are discussed, including ion implantation and solid-phase doping, mainly focused on recent developing techniques of monolayer doping. These doped materials’ structural, electronic, and chemical properties are addressed to understand the boron doping effect better. Theoretical and experimental information and data are used to support such atomic-level effects. Therefore, this review can provide valuable suggestions and guidelines for materials’ properties manipulation by boron doping for further research exploration.
Multimodal Imaging of White Dot Syndromes
Authors: de los Santos Cristian , Cocho Lidia , María Herreras José
Published: August 2022

White dot syndromes are an uncommon group of posterior uveitis affecting the outer retina, retinal pigment epithelium, choriocapillaris, and/or choroidal stroma. Multimodal imaging, including fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography angiography, has improved our understanding regarding their pathophysiology, helping us to rename or even regroup some of these disorders as one disease in opposition to the historical description. It also provides useful information to evaluate disease activity and monitor response to treatment. This chapter will review the different findings on multimodal imaging of these heterogenous disorders and classify them according to their primary anatomic involvement.
Purine and Pyrimidine Pathways as Antimalarial Targets
Authors: V. T. Minnow Yacoba , L. Schramm Vern
Published: August 2022

Malaria continues to plague the endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. With the current development of artemisinin resistance and a risk of failure of the current first line therapies, there is a growing need for novel antimalarials. Purine and pyrimidine metabolism in Plasmodium is distinctly different from the human host, making these pathways valid targets for the development of novel antimalarials. Targeting key enzymes in these pathways with transition state analogs has provided high affinity inhibitors. Transition state mimicry can also provide selectivity for the parasite enzymes over the homologous enzymes of the human host. Resistance of Plasmodium parasites to current antimalarials will be compared to resistance development induced by transition state analogs inhibitors, a feature that may contribute to decreased resistance development. Tight binding and specificity of transition state analog inhibitors provide important features for novel antimalaria therapy with low toxicity and prevention of antibiotic resistance.
Interventions and Practical Approaches to Reduce the Burden of Malaria on School-Aged Children
Authors: Macnab Andrew
Published: August 2022

Robust evidence indicates school-aged children are particularly vulnerable to malaria and need special measures to protect them. Calls are widespread for better diagnostic approaches and innovative programs that benefit children, because current levels of malaria-related morbidity and mortality are so high. Problematically, most national malaria control programs do not specifically target school-aged children; although the literature describes options for child-focused strategies, there is no consensus on the optimal intervention; and where a strategy is advocated, it is almost always one identified through systematic review. While understandably the scientific “gold standard,” such reviews exclude many potentially useful and valid approaches, because reports describing them do not meet the inclusion criteria of being randomized controlled trials. Such trials are inevitably limited in number due to cost and complexity, and many excluded reports describe locally developed innovation based on World Health Organization diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines with the potential to benefit children. This chapter frames how practical interventions such as these can be put in place by school communities, and in parallel, how approaches advocated by the WHO and Lancet Commission to promote health literacy and access to essential health services can create ways to reduce the burden of malaria on school-aged children.
Perspective Chapter: Tracking Trails of SARS CoV-2 – Variants to Therapy
Authors: Kumar Ankur , O. Pai Manju , Badoni Gaurav , Singh Arpana , Agrawal Ankit , Ji Omar Balram
Published: August 2022

A virus when replicates itself from one generation to another, tends to change a little bit of its structure. These variations are called mutations. History says that SARS CoV-2 originated from the virus reservoirs of animals, specifically non-human mammals like bats and minks. Since then, there are evolutionary changes in its genome due to recombination in divergent strains of different species. Thus, making the virus more robust and smarter to sustain and evade immune responses in humans. Probably, this has led to the 2019 SARS CoV-2 pandemic. This chapter tracks the evolutionary trails of the virus origin, its pathogenesis in humans, and varying variants with the coming times. Eventually, the chapter overviews the available vaccines and therapies to be followed for SARS CoV-2.
Multiplexed Frequency-Selective Incoherent Holography
Authors: Zhang Wanbin , Li Baosheng , Li Jianquan
Published: August 2022

We propose a new incoherent optical holographic spectrum stripping reconstruction method, called incoherent multiplexing frequency-selective holography, which compresses two or more on-axis holograms into a single multiplexed on-axis hologram without loss of magnification and resolution. The technique described in this chapter effectively suppresses the background bias term and conjugate term. The acquired spectrum is obtained by stripping in the overlapping confounding correlation terms. The experimental results show the potential of the method in areas such as compressed holography and extended field of view imaging.
Acute Changes in Lipoprotein-Associated Oxidative Stress
Authors: Le Ngoc-Anh
Published: August 2022

As inflammatory and oxidative stress are associated with cardiometabolic diseases, detection of abnormal fasting levels of inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers are indicative disease presence and may be too late for any preventive management. Metabolic flexibility refers to the ability of various metabolic processes to compensate for these acute changes and return all metabolites to baseline levels. By monitoring responses of key biomarkers to a standardized physiologic challenge, it is possible to assess the ability of the body to restore homeostasis, that is a measure of metabolic flexibility. Acute changes in lipoprotein-associated biomarkers of oxidative stress have been demonstrated following meal consumption. These include changes in circulating levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL), levels of autoantibodies to malondialdehyde-modified LDL, as well as the oxidative susceptibility of isolated plasma LDL. These responses depend on the type and amount of dietary fats in the meal. Management with certain lipid-lowering drugs could also be shown to affect these meal-induced changes. However, plasma levels may be underestimated as we can demonstrate a spike in lipoprotein-associated biomarkers of oxidative stress resulting from the release oxidatively modified epitopes from the arterial wall by an intravenous bolus of heparin.
Intratracheally Therapeutic Option for COPD: A Potential Usage of the Therapeutic Microbe for Delivering Specific Protein to the Lungs
Authors: Sato Takashi , Shimosato Takeshi
Published: August 2022

Currently, inhaled therapy using corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators is the major established treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The topic to be covered in this chapter is the recently developed experimental approach using biologically active molecules secreted by the live genetically modified lactic acid bacteria (gmLAB). The strategy to use gmLAB as a therapeutic/delivering tool targeting disease-specific active molecules/cites is proceeding. The role of inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD development is a valid target point. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress molecule has been examined to attenuate the lung function decline and inflammation in the murine model of COPD. Recently, HO-1-secreting gmLAB as a tool for targeting inflammatory diseases has been developed and examined in several disease models including COPD. When administered intratracheally, the gmLAB showed migration to the peripheral lung and overexpression of anti-inflammatory/oxidative HO-1 in both lung and serum, protecting the lung from COPD development.
New Perspectives on the Application of Chito-Oligosaccharides Derived from Chitin and Chitosan: A Review
Authors: Edgardo Regalado-Infante Paul , Gabriela Rojas-Avelizapa Norma , Núñez-Pastrana Rosalía , Tapia-Maruri Daniel , Margarita Rivas-Castillo Andrea , Carlos Llarena-Hernández Régulo , Irene Rojas-Avelizapa Luz
Published: August 2022

The study of chitin and chitosan has stood out for many years due to their potential application in various areas such as the food industry, where they are either used as additives, prebiotics, or bio-conservatives; as to biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, where they function to treat diseases. Besides, in the agriculture field, it is known that they can cause a positive effect on the development of plants and optimize nitrogen fixation. In recent years, attention has been paid to their derivatives, chito-oligosaccharides which, unlike chitin and chitosan, they have different chemical characteristics, like their solubility, a characteristic that facilitates their use, contrary to chitin and chitosan. Moreover, the small size of chito-oligosaccharides can facilitate their entry into the cell. This review covers recent studies on the biological functions of chito-oligosaccharides and their impact on a priority area such as agriculture, where these compounds could be used to substitute the demand for chemical compounds that, until now, have generated serious health issues as well as environmental pollution.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Mariana Ghemigian Adina , Dumitru Nicoleta
Published: August 2022

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare pathology with an estimated incidence of 1:14,000–18,000 births. It includes a group of inherited diseases with autosomal recessive transmission. The genetic defect consists of mutations of the genes encoding the enzymes involved in adrenal and eventually gonadal steroidogenesis. The most common mutation is the gene encoding 21 hydroxylase the enzyme involved in cortisol and aldosterone synthesis. However, other enzymatic defects can be identified. The excess of steroid precursors in the adrenal cortex will be directed towards adrenal androgen synthesis. Finally, the clinical picture includes a series of manifestations specific to the enzymatic deficiency, the severity depending on the degree of the genetic defect. Thus, we can meet severe deficits with clinical expression in newborns and toddlers or partial, non-classical forms with manifestation in adolescence or adulthood. Once the diagnosis of CAH is established, patients will require specific therapy and long-term monitoring.
Multiplicity in the Genes of Carbon Metabolism in Antibiotic-Producing Streptomycetes
Authors: Takahashi Toshiko , Alanís Jonathan , Hernández Polonia , Elena Flores María
Published: August 2022

Streptomycetes exhibit genetic multiplicity, like many other microorganisms, and redundancy occurs in many of the genes involved in carbon metabolism. The enzymes of the glycolytic pathway presenting the greatest multiplicity were phosphofructokinase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase. The genes that encode citrate synthase and subunits of the succinate dehydrogenase complex are the ones that show the greatest multiplicity, while in the phosphoenolpyruvate-pyruvate-oxaloacetate node, only malic enzymes and pyruvate phosphate dikinase present two copies in some Streptomyces. The extra DNA from these multiple gene copies can be more than 50 kb, and the question arises whether all of these genes are transcribed and translated. As far as we know, there is few information about the transcription of these genes in any of this Streptomyces, nor if any of the activities that are encoded by a single gene could be limiting both for growth and for the formation of precursors of the antibiotics produced by these microorganisms. Therefore, it is important to study the transcription and translation of genes involved in carbon metabolism in antibiotic-producing Streptomyces growing on various sugars.
Recent Advances in Classification and Histopathological Diagnosis of Ovarian Epithelial Malignant Tumours
Authors: Stanc Gabriela-Monica , Souka Efthymia , Valavanis Christos
Published: August 2022

Ovarian tumours are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms classified based on histopathologic type and grade of differentiation. They comprise a broad range of tumours from benign and borderline to malignant histotypes characterised by different histopathological, immunophenotypic and molecular features. The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of the recent advances in the ovarian epithelial malignant tumours classification along with the histopathological, immunophenotypic and molecular diagnostic criteria highlighting areas of terminology discrepancies or changes and diagnostic challenges. These changes provide a better understanding of the ovarian tumours nature and lead to a more efficient therapeutic management of these pathological entities.
Pharmacodynamic Implications of Transcranial Photobiomodulation and Quantum Physics in Clinical Medicine
Authors: S. Williams Kristin
Published: August 2022

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the application of light therapy that utilizes photons to alter the activity of molecular and cellular processes in the tissue where the stimulation is applied. Because the photons associated with the therapeutic mechanisms of PBM affect processes associated with the mitochondria, it is hypothesized that PBM increases ATP synthesis. Alteration of the mitochondrial respiratory enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), is hypothesized to induce healing to damaged tissues via regeneration. Utilization of PBM has been examined in clinical disorders which include but are not limited to Alzheimer’s/dementia, epilepsy, and age-related macular degeneration. Transcranial PBM (tPBM) utilizes quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs). QLEDs allow for narrow wavelength emissions from applications of PBM to alter electrophysiological activity and tissue regeneration. This chapter aims to evaluate the mechanisms of QLED applications of PBM and its applications as a photodynamic therapy in the medical sciences. Further, this chapter will examine the quantum mechanics of tPBM and its ability to affect electrophysiological activity according to the electroencephalogram (EEG) across the delta, theta, alpha, beta frequency bands.
Therapeutic Options in Graves’ Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Ahmad Bhat Javaid , Mohd Patto Shoiab , Sharma Pooran , Hayat Bhat Mohammad , Ahmad Mir Shahnaz
Published: August 2022

The classical approach to treating Graves’ hyperthyroidism involves rapid control of the symptoms, generally with a beta adrenergic blocker, and reduction of thyroid hormone secretion by antithyroid drugs (ATDs) and/or using one of the several modalities available, including radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), and surgery; the selection of the treatment modalities often varies according to different guidelines, patient preferences and local traditions. Thionamides are invariably used as first-line medication to control hyperthyroidism and induce remission of the disease, thereby relieving the symptoms. In case of failure of the medical therapy, which is not uncommon, definitive treatment with surgery or RAI is the standard modality of management after due consideration and discussion with the patients. However, the therapeutic options available for patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism have remained largely unchanged for the past several decades despite the current treatments having either limited efficacy or significant adverse effects. The clinical demand for new therapeutic regimens of Graves’ disease has led to the emergence of several new therapeutic ideas/options like biologic, peptide immunomodulation and small molecules, currently under investigations which may lead to the restoration of a euthyroid state without the requirement for ongoing therapy, but the potential risk of immunocompromise and cost implications needs careful consideration.
Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients with β-Thalassemia
Authors: Shemran Mutlaq Alwataify Ahmed , Naji Alshammary Husain , Hadi Mahdi Ali
Published: August 2022

Beta (β)-thalassemia major, a chronic inherited hematological disease, leads to chronic anemia in affected children. One of the options for treatment is splenectomy. However, this treatment involves risk of many complications, one of which is portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The risk factors include exposure of phosphatidyl-serine of abnormal red blood cells (RBCs), increased activation, aggregation and a number of platelets and nucleated RBCs after splenectomy, increased endothelial activation, decreased nitric oxide, organ dysfunction, and thrombophilia. PVT is either complete or partial obstruction and has fatal complications, especially after splenectomy and late diagnosis without effective treatment. Diagnosis is typically made with X-ray. Generally, the incidence of PVT is between 1.7% and 9.2%. Initially, it is asymptomatic; symptoms appear gradually as thrombosis progresses. The easiest way to differentiate it from other conditions is via imaging study like Doppler ultrasound. It is usually associated with prolonged prothrombin time (PT). D-dimer and alkaline phosphatase are generally high. The treatment is the same for both the acute and chronic forms and includes the treatment of causal factors, prevention of thrombus extension, and achievement of patency of the portal vein via regular RBC transfusion and antithrombotic agents.
Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.)) Origin, Cultivation, Breeding and Management
Authors: Ahmad Shah Rafiq , Bakshi Parshant , Itoo Hamidullah , Kour Gaganpreet
Published: August 2022

Tamarillo has a unique flavor and rich history. South American fruit is popular in New Zealand. Tamarillo is commercially grown in New Zealand and South America. It grows best under sub-tropical areas. It matures in 18 months. It’s 2 m tall and has lifespan of about 7 years. For propagation, seeds or cuttings are employed, and plant trimming for effective output varies according to propagation method. Tamarillo plants are wind-sensitive and need cover or windbreaks. It’s a beautiful fruit with smooth, shining skin. Yellow, red, and purple fruits are available. This fruit contains vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It has a very low-calorie count. Breeding focuses on fruit quality through selection, hybridization, and biotechnological treatments for plantation and post-harvest management. Diseases, pests, viruses, and physiological abnormalities can be treated with plant protection techniques. Like other fruits, it’s edible after harvesting. Made into juices, concentrates, jams, gelatins, and sweets. If processing facilities and transport are available, it can be exported as pulp or concentrate. The tamarillo can diversify sub-tropical fruit production as a high-value cash crop, with excellent fruits commanding premium prices in Europe, North America, and Japan.
Research Progress on the Health Benefits of Scented Tea
Authors: Liu Bowen , Zhang Jun , Zhou Xiaojian , Deng Shuduan , Du Guanben
Published: August 2022

Scented tea, also known as fragrant tea, mainly comprises green tea as the tea base and the dried and processed flowers of various plants. It is a unique reprocessed tea in China. There are many types of scented tea, including jasmine, lily, osmanthus, rose and honeysuckle. The scenting process greatly influences the quality of the scented tea. Humidifying continuous scenting processes, frying flower processes and innovative drying methods have been developed to resolve the issues of cumbersome, time-consuming and low utilisation rates of flowers in the process of making scented tea. The main chemical components of scented tea are polyphenols as well as exogenous plant glycosides, flavonoids, lactones, coumarins, quercetin, steroids, terpenoids and other compounds. Scented tea plays an active role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and has as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory and neuromodulatory effects. This chapter mainly reviews and summarises the types of scented teas and their related health functions.
Playing Surface and Injury Risk: Artificial Turf Vs. Natural Grass
Authors: G. Gosnell Griffith , A. Gerber Brett , P. Guyton Gregory , P. Gould Heath
Published: August 2022

Artificial turf’s developmental history spans 6 generations and includes design improvements that transformed an injury-inducing 1st generation field into a modern 3rd generation natural grass substitute. Artificial turf has become a widely adopted playing surface with a $2.7 billion United States Dollar (USD) valuation in North America. Turf’s popularity is due to its increased functionality and decreased cost compared to natural grass that allows more sports to play on the surface for longer time periods with decreased maintenance costs. From a biomechanical perspective, artificial turf exhibits higher frictional coefficients than natural grass resulting in higher foot and ankle injury rates. Concussion rates on turf are decreased compared to natural grass due to lower G-max values on well-maintained artificial surfaces. Hip, knee, and overall injury rates are equivalent between the two surfaces except in specific populations including elite-level American football players that exhibit increased knee injury rates on artificial turf. Due to these tradeoffs, the authors suggest that athletic organizations with funding to support professional groundskeeping should consider investing in natural grass due to athlete preference and decreased injury risk. In contrast, organizations without sufficient funding for professional groundskeeping operations may consider investing in modern artificial turf due to its associated long-term benefits and decreased costs.
Exploration of Multi-Aspect Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Management
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Xiang , Liu Jiliu , Zhang Yi , Zuo Xiaohui , Li Guoping
Published: August 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable chronic respiratory disease, which is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms. Pathological changes are mainly airway and/or alveolar structural abnormalities. Numerous factors, such as exposure to harmful particles or gases, genetic susceptibility, abnormal inflammatory responses, and abnormal lung development, are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD, those which determine the heterogeneity of COPD. Individuals show different pathophysiological changes, different disease evolution rules, and different clinical manifestations due to different etiologies, different susceptibility genes, and different chronic processes of “injury-inflammation-repair.” Therefore, disease managers need to conduct a multifaceted assessment of the whole body and the local area from the individual characteristics of COPD. With the sustained advancement of new technologies, from multiple perspectives, including genomics, exposomes, transcriptomics, mechanisms related to inflammation and immune regulation, microbiota, metabolomics, imaging features and radiomics, and the interaction of lungs and systemic organs to further explore the law of the occurrence and development of COPD, and finally, form an optimized prevention and treatment strategy. On the basis of thorough exploration, a COPD evaluation system that can meet clinical needs will be finally formed, so as to formulate scientific and effective individualized management strategies.
Role of Cellular Responses in Periodontal Tissue Destruction
Authors: Cong-Nhat Huynh Nam
Published: August 2022

Periodontal tissue destruction is the deterioration of tooth-supporting components, particularly the periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone, resulting in gingival recession, root exposure, tooth mobility and drifting, and, finally, tooth loss. The breakdown of the epithelial barriers by infection or mechanical damage allows bacteria and their toxins to enter and stimulates the immune response. The bacteria cause periodontal damage via the cascade of the host reaction which is crucial in the destruction of the connective tissue around the tooth. The OPG/RANKL/RANK system is the key player in bone regulation of periodontal tissue and was controlled by both immune and non-immune cells. This knowledge has predicated the successfulness of implant and orthodontics treatments with the predictable healing and regeneration of the bone and supporting tissues surrounding the teeth.
Recycled Synthetic Polymer-Based Electrospun Membranes for Filtering Applications
Authors: Opálková Šišková Alena , M. Abdallah Heba , Mosad Elbayomi Smaher , Eckstein Andicsová Anita
Published: August 2022

Synthetic polymers have been widely applied in various commercial and household applications owing to their fascinating properties of low-cost, lightweight, and processability. However, increasing population and living standards and rising demand for non-biodegradable polymers have led to the accumulation of plastic pollution resulting in the current environmental crisis. Current waste management methods such as landfilling or incineration do not solve these environmental issues. On the other hand, recycling plastic waste is the most valuable strategy for dealing with waste as raw material for high-value products. One of such products is filter membranes. Polymer fiber membranes as masks in pandemics have been one of the most sought-after products in recent years. Some types of plastic waste became a material source for the development of filter materials, which could contribute to the protection of human health. Utilizing the simple, cheap, and industrially available technological solution is also needed. Given the number of advantages, electrospinning is such a beneficial solution. The electrospun polymer waste-based membranes show excellent filtration performance and can carry many other functionalities. Therefore, this review article presents a brief overview of electrospun nanofibrous membranes based on synthetic plastic waste and summarizes the filtration performance of such membranes. This review will discuss the future perspectives of electrospun membranes as well.
Perspective Chapter: Helping BIPOC LGBTQIA+ Families through Inclusive Therapy and Advocacy
Authors: Parker-Barnes Lucy , McKillip Noel , Powell Carolyn
Published: August 2022

Families are phenomenological and unique. All families are valuable, but historically, many family types have been underrepresented. Families with members who identify in the BIPOC LGBTQIA+ communities have historically been underrepresented and marginalized. Helping BIPOC LGBTQIA+ families involves both clinical work and advocacy. Advocacy for the professional identity of counseling, marriage and family therapy, and related helpers involves various aspects. These aspects include leadership theory and integration, importance of professional identity, the need to continue to infuse multiculturalism within the counseling and family therapy identities, and continued skills for counselors to learn inclusive advocacy. Skills and implications for advocacy as they relate to clients who intersect among the LGBTQAI+ and BIPOC communities, will be described.
The Prominent Characteristics of the Effective sgRNA for a Precise CRISPR Genome Editing
Authors: Mohammadhassan Reza , Tutunchi Sara , Nasehi Negar , Goudarziasl Fatemeh , Mahya Lena
Published: August 2022

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) technique is the most effective and novelist technique for genome editing. CRISPR mechanism has been widely developed for gene editing, gene silencing, high-specific regulation of the transcription, and reducing off-target effects through double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the genomic DNA and then modifying nucleotide sequences of the target gene in diverse plant and animal species. However, the application may be restricted by a high rate of off-target effects. So, there are many studies on designing precise single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to minimize off-target effects. Thus, the high-efficiency design of a specific sgRNA is critical. First, in the chapter, the sgRNA origin and different types of gRNA will be outlined. Then, the off-target effect will be described. Next, the remarkable characteristics of the sgRNA will be highlighted to improve precise gene editing. Finally, some popular in silico tools will be introduced for designing sgRNA.
Carbon Nanomaterials Based Supercapacitors: Recent Trends
Authors: M. Atta Mohamed , M. Ahmed Rania
Published: August 2022

The increasing demand for renewable energy sources worldwide and the predicted depletion of current fossil fuel sources need continuous energy storage and conversion technology development. The use of supercapacitors (SC) as electrical energy storage devices in consumer electronics items and alternative power sources is an interesting and potentially lucrative area of application. Therefore, continuous developments are conducted to improve SC performance using different composites and nanocomposites. Carbon materials in SC are among the most important uses of this material. This chapter provides a short communication on recent progress in supercapacitor-based carbon materials. Various fundamental carbon allotropes were presented and debated, including fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphene-based supercapacitors.
Repurposing BCG and MMR Vaccines for Combating COVID-19: A Review and Opinion Based on Clinical Evidence
Authors: Mahesh Tawde Kasturi , Manivannan Iyer Aditya , Ashok Pawar Harshal
Published: August 2022

Our review comprehends past and recent developments encircling the two vaccines, BCG and MMR, which have efficacy lasting 10 years and are known to trigger the production of Interferon and various cytokines. BCG has depicted long-lasting effects, reduction in mortality, and hospitalizations associated with various diseases in different age groups as per studies across Sweden, West Africa, Spain, and Indonesia. Clinical trials are in progress in Holland, Australia, and Germany to study its effects on COVID-19. Most Asian countries with childhood BCG vaccination programs have shown lower COVID-19-related per capita death rates. The MMR vaccination has shown a reduction in hospitalizations and COVID-19-related deaths in about 11 countries, and a randomized clinical trial has been proposed in New Orleans. Reasons such as inhibition of pulmonary inflammation and structural similarity have been cited for such consequences. BCG and MMR may serve to shorten the duration of infection, minimize harmful pathology, reduce hospitalization rates, and curb the spread of the disease, but more research is required to assess the associated risks, especially for the elderly and people with comorbidities who are prone to severe complications of COVID-19.
Mentorship in Postgraduate Medical Education
Authors: Deb Lena , Desai Shanaya , McGinley Kaitlyn , Paul Elisabeth , Habib Tamam , Ali Asim , Stawicki Stanislaw
Published: August 2022

Mentorship is critical to the development and professional growth of graduate medical education (GME) trainees. It is a bidirectional relationship between a mentor and a mentee. Mentorship has consistently been shown to be beneficial for both the mentor and mentee, with the mentee gaining valuable skills in education, personal growth, and professional support, and the mentor attaining higher career satisfaction and potentially greater productivity. Yet, there is a lack of research and in-depth analysis of effective mentorship and its role in postgraduate medical education. This chapter outlines different approaches toward mentorship and provides the reader with basic concepts relevant to the effective and competent practice of mentorship. The authors discuss the challenges that physician mentors and mentees face, the organizational models of mentorship, the approaches and techniques for mentorship, and the deleterious effects of mentorship malpractice. Our general discussion touches on best practices for both the mentor and mentee to allow for self-improvement and lifelong learning. The variety of applicable models makes it difficult to measure effectiveness of mentorship in GME, but there is an ongoing need for expanded research on the benefits of mentorship, as greater amount of supporting evidence will likely incentivize organizations to create mentorship-friendly policies and support corresponding institutional changes.
Alteration of Serum Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Mirzaii-Dizgah Mohammad-Reza , Mirzaii-Dizgah Iraj , Mokhtare Marjan
Published: August 2022

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. One of the factors that are known to play a role in reducing inflammation is acetylcholine (Ach), which decreases cholinesterase to increase Ach. The present study investigated cholinesterase activity in the serum of patients with GERD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 patients with GERD were referred to Imam Reza Hospital, and 30 healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum was collected in the morning and the fasting state. Cholinesterase activity was measured photometrically and analyzed by unpaired student t-test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The mean serum cholinesterase activity was significantly lower in the GERD group (5,445 ± 411 IU/L) than in healthy individuals (6,728 ± 305 IU/L). The cut-off for the detection of patients suffering from GERD by the serum activity of cholinesterase was 5,637 IU/L. Conclusions: It seems that the cholinesterase activity reduces in the serum of patients with GERD.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS)
Authors: Arshiani Hedieh , Artounian Valentin , Motamed Mahtab , Alaghband-Rad Javad
Published: August 2022

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Various factors can delay the timely diagnosis of adult ADHD. The brown attention deficit disorder scales (BADDS) is a consistent measure of attention deficit disorder (ADD) across the life span. Objectives: This article aims to examine the reliability and validity of a Persian version of the BADDS. Methods: A total of 100 participants were enrolled in this descriptive study by convenience sampling. Cases were recruited from the adult ADHD outpatient clinic of Roozbeh psychiatry hospital in 2019. Controls were from the caregivers of patients presenting to Roozbeh general psychiatry outpatient clinic. The conners' adult ADHD rating scale was used to measure concurrent validity. Results: Cronbach's Alpha was 0.979 for the test, ranging from 0.888 to 0.942 for the clusters. Also, the intra-class coefficient (0.977) confirmed strong internal stability. For the cut-off point of 55, the sensitivity was 96%, and the specificity was 74%. Our study demonstrated a significant relationship between the C scale and the D scale of the Conners' test and the total score of the BADDS questionnaire (r = 0.61 and r = 0.64, respectively), verifying the concurrent validity of the instrument. Construct validity was evaluated by the t-test. All five clusters' total and subtotal scores were significantly higher in the patients compared to the controls. Conclusions: The Persian version of BADDS is reliable and valid and can be used in clinical settings.
Up-regulation of PDGF-D and NRP-1 in the Glioma Cell Line 1321N1 Attributed to Sialic Acid Treatment: Mini-review and Findings
Authors: Seifi Tahere , Shafiei Mohammad , Rahimi Karim , Ghaedi Kamran , Galehdari Hamid
Published: August 2022

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM, known as Glioblastoma Multiforme) is one of the most common and also most aggressive solid tumors in adults. It has a poor prognosis and highly invasive behavior leading to difficulties in complete therapy. Understanding the fundamental glioblastoma biology and the molecular landscape beyond GBM metastasis is needed and highly crucial for better diagnosis and therapy. One of the major challenges reported for most cancer cells is the disruption of the glycosylation pattern of tumor cells, causing tumor progression, metastasis, and cancer resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Objectives: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) play important roles in glioma progression; besides, the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and having mediated transducing growth factor signals to the nucleus, are of the most important regulatory factors governing various biological responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and motility. These factors are expressed in GBM. The growing evidence has documented different interactions between NRP-1 and PDGF-1 or PDGFR, causing cross-talk (directly or indirectly) between biochemical signaling and physical forces orchestrating cellular signaling, especially angiogenesis. Methods: EC50 of sialic acid was determined using an MTT assay. After treatment for 24h, immunochemical detection of VEGF/VEGF-R was performed using the immunocytochemistry for VEGF/VEGF-R1. Also, the immuno-blotting assay was applied for NRP-1 and PDGF-D detection. Conclusions: In this study, we reported a strong correlation between PDGF-D, NRP-1 expression, and ERK1/2 signaling activations in 1321N1 glioma exposed to EC50 of sialic acid, which was verified using western-blot analysis. As a result, sialic acid as a mediator and transducer of the microenvironment-cell signaling might trigger cell motility through up-regulation of growth factors and chemoresistance. To sum up, control and normalization of sialic acid production in the cell microenvironment and niche could make the resistant GBM cell more sensitive to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Novel Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies for Ephelides (Freckles) from a Persian Medicine Perspective: A Narrative Review
Authors: Noroozi Samaneh , Fadaei Fatemeh , Rahbar Mohammadreza , Tabarrai Malihe , Mansouri Parvin , Shirbeigi Laila
Published: August 2022

: Freckles are common pigmented lesions frequently observed on the face and other sun-exposed areas of the skin. Ephelides have an autosomal dominant inheritance, indicating that melanocyte activity and sun exposure are significant risk factors for the development of these lesions. The importance of freckles can be discussed from two perspectives of cosmetics and their complications. This research is the first step in gaining access to extensive scientific and experimental resources of Persian medicine (PM). "Barash" and "Namash" are the equivalent terms for freckles in medieval manuscripts of Persia. Therefore, words related to "Barash & Namash" from PM ancient manuscripts and other relevant keywords were searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Extracted results were subsequently compared and recorded under the following classification. The clinical symptoms of freckles were similar to those of "Namash & Barash" diseases. Different therapeutic methods to treat such diseases in PM include lifestyle modification, medication, and manual intervention. There are several preventive and therapeutic methods for the management of freckles. Further research is required in this regard to identify more academic evidence.
Medical Students' Clinical Skills Compared to Educational Standards at Universities of Medical Sciences: A Self-assessment Study
Authors: Safabakhsh Leila , Atashpanjeh Alireza , Moulaei Nezarali , Ayubi Erfan , Chahabdar Zahra
Published: August 2022

Background: Physicians, as the leading decision-makers of the health system, are affected by various clinical statuses. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the clinical skills of medical students as future physicians with the educational standards of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2020 - 2021. Methods: This study was performed on 107 medical students (53 stagers and 54 interns). After obtaining students' consent and recording their demographic and academic information, clinical skills were assessed using the Clinical Medical Skills Questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software Ver. 20. Results: The least trained skills in the surgical department were suprapubic puncture and thoracotomy with a needle in compressive pneumothorax. In the pediatric ward, no clinical skill training was in good condition, and only practical measures to monitor growth and development were adequately trained. In the internal ward, the least training skill was related to lumbar puncture and aspiration of knee joint fluid. In the gynecology ward, abortion evacuation with pairs of forceps in cases of life-threatening bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage were considered the least instructed clinical skills. Finally, in the emergency ward, nasal bleeding catheter, suprapubic sampling, and cricothyrotomy were the least instructed clinical skill. Conclusions: The results showed a low number of encounters of medical students with the minimum expected clinical skills in the investigated medical school, indicating the poor quality of clinical training. The medical programs should be modified so that learners can be equipped with “the must learn” clinical skills.
Divine Beauty and Our Obligation to Worship God
Authors: Spencer Mark K. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

Some recent philosophers of religion have argued that no divine attribute sufficiently grounds an obligation to worship God. I argue that divine beauty grounds this obligation. This claim is immune to the objections that have been raised to claims that other divine attributes ground this obligation, and can be upheld even if, for the sake of argument, those objections are granted. First, I give an account of what worship is. Second, I consider reasons for and against the claims that the obligation to worship is rooted in God’s having created us, God’s being our final end and lawgiver, God’s numinousness, and God’s goodness. Finally, I show how divine beauty grounds the obligation to worship, by drawing together accounts of beauty from Thomas Aquinas, Dietrich von Hildebrand, Plato, Aristotle, and others.
The Prohibitive Costs of Methodological Naturalism
Authors: Larmer Robert A. ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2022

Methodological naturalism has been widely accepted as a necessary condition of scientific theorizing, the assumption being that it exacts no questionable epistemological or metaphysical costs. In this paper, I argue that this assumption is mistaken. I further argue that the presumed costs of not adopting methodological naturalism are illusory.