bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a new robotic system for infant surgery – a study in piglets of less than 10kg body weight.
Authors: Krebs Thomas F. , Kayser Timo , Lorenzen Ulf , Grünewald Matthias , Kayser Marit , Saltner Anna , Durmaz Lidya-Olgu , Reese Lina Johanna , Brownlee Ewan , Reischig Katja , Baastrup Jonas , Meinzer Andreas , Kalz Almut , Becker Thomas , Bergholz Robert
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

We were able to demonstrate the feasibility of a new robotic system (Versius, CMR Surgical, Cambridge, England) for procedures in small inanimate cavities. The aim of this consecutive study was to test the Versius® system for its feasibility, performance and safety of robotic abdominal and thoracic surgery in piglets simulating infants with a body weight lower than 10kg.

METHODS:

24 Procedures (from explorative laparoscopy to thoracoscopic esophageal repair) were performed in 4 piglets with a mean age of 12 days days and a mean body weight of 6.4 (7–7.5) kg. Additional urological procedures were performed after euthanasia of the piglet. The Versius® robotic system was used with 5mm wristed instruments and a 10 mm 3D 0° or 30° camera. The setup consisted of the master console and three to four separate arms. The performance of the procedure, the size, position and the distance between the ports, the external and internal collisions and complications of the procedures were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS:

We were able to perform all surgical procedures as planned. We encountered neither surgical nor robot associated complications in the live model. Whereas all abdominal procedures could be performed successfully under general anesthesia, one piglet was euthanized early before the thoracic intervention, likely due to pulmonary inflammatory response. Technical limitations were based on the size of the camera (10 mm) being too large and the minimal insertion depth of the instruments for calibration of the pivot point.

CONCLUSIONS:

Robotic surgery on newborns and infants appears technically feasible with the Versius® system. Software adjustments for pivot point calibration need to be implemented by the manufacturer as a result of our study.
To further evaluate the Versius® system, prospective trials are needed, comparing comparing it to open and laparoscopic surgery as well as to other robotic systems.
Identification of STAT4 as a biomarker associated with tumor immunity and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhao Jingyuan , Li Shuai , Tang Jingya , Tian Wei , Kang Bingyu , Chen Yanwei , Hong Yuan , Dong Deshi
Published: November 2022

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a common malignancy and is supposed to have the ability to escape host immune surveillance. This study aimed to identify key genes in AML that may affect tumor immunity and to provide prognosis biomarkers of AML. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)dataset was screened for transcription factors (TFs) involved in immunity and influencing survival, combining Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data to validate the impact on patient survival. A prognostic signature was established using four transcription factors, and these genes play an important role in the immune system, with higher regulatory T cell (Treg) scores in high-risk patients compared to the low-risk group. Analysis of individual genes showed that STAT4 and Treg are closely related, which may be due to STAT4 transcribing related genes that affect immunity. STAT4 expression was positively correlated with the proportion of abnormal cells and promoted AML recurrence as verified by AML clinical patient samples. In conclusion, these findings suggest that STAT4 may be a potential biomarker for AML prognosis. As a key gene affecting the prognosis of AML patients, STAT4 may be a therapeutic target.
Sertoli cell-only phenotype and scRNA-seq reveal hnRNPU as a regulator required for spermatogonial stem cell pool establishment in mice
Authors: Yuan Shuiqiao , Wen Yujiao , Zhou Shumin , Gui Yiqian , Zhao Chuansen , Gan Shiming , Feng Shenglei , Ma Xixiang , Yin Lisha , Xu Wenchao , Xiong Mengneng , Wang Xiaoli
Published: November 2022

The continuous regeneration of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) underpins spermatogenesis and lifelong male fertility; however, little is known about the developmental origins of the SSC pool. Here, we document that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNPU) is essential for establishing the SSC pool. In male mice, conditional loss of hnRNPU in prospermatogonia (ProSG) arrests spermatogenesis and results in sterility, characterized by complete loss of germ cells around postnatal day 10, which resembles the Sertoli cell-only phenotype in humans. hnRNPU-deficient ProSG fails to differentiate and migrate to the basement membrane to establish SSC pool in infancy. Moreover, we find that the deletion of hnRNPU leads to the accumulation of ProSG and the reduction of undifferentiated spermatogonia and further disrupts the process of T1-ProSG to T2-ProSG transition. hnRNPU-deficiency in ProSG deregulates the expression of spermatogenic-related genes and destroys the alternative splicing of genes related to cell cycles, and single-cell transcriptional analyses reveal germ cells are in a mitotically quiescent state and lost their unique identity upon hnRNPU deletion. We further show that hnRNPU could interact with DDX5, SRSF3, and TRIM28 proteins and bind to Vrk1, Slx4, and Dazl transcripts with identified to be suffered aberrant alternative splicing in hnRNPU-deficient testes. These observations give important insights into SSC pool establishment and may have translational implications for male fertility.
3D printed models as an adjunct to traditional teaching of anatomy in congenital heart disease.
Authors: Tarca Adrian , Woo James , Bain Shahira , Crouchley David , McNulty Eamonn , Yim Deane
Published: November 2022

Background
Three-dimensional (3D) printed cardiac models are increasingly being utilised for medical education, simulation and training, communication, surgical planning and research. Due to the complexities of congenital cardiac anatomy, 3D printing is well suited as an adjunct to traditional teaching methods. We hypothesised that using 3D printed cardiac models as an adjunct to didactic teaching methods would improve knowledge and confidence levels of participants, regardless of their cardiology experience.
Methods
A prospective randomised study was performed recruiting paediatric nurses and doctors. All participants undertook traditional congenital cardiac teaching describing normal cardiac anatomy and seven congenital lesions of increasing complexity (atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), vascular ring, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and double outlet right ventricle (DORV)). The intervention group received an additional recorded demonstration, while handling 3D printed models of a normal heart and the same lesions. Pre and post-intervention assessments were completed using a subjective Likert scale questionnaire and objective multiple choice examination.
Results
Seventy-three health practitioners, (30 cardiac nurses and 43 paediatric trainees) were included. A significant increase in subjective confidence (mean score of 2.7 (SD 0.88) to 3.3 (0.71), increase of 0.58 vs 2.5 (1.0) to 2.6 (0.87), increase of 0.06, p<0.001) and knowledge (mean score of 2.5 (0.7) to 3.4 (0.64), increase of 0.8 vs 2.4 (0.94) to 2.6 (0.83), increase of 0.2, p=0.181) was observed in the intervention but not control group. A significantly larger increase in post-intervention examination score was observed in the intervention group (4.27 (21.4%) vs 2.28 (11.4%), p=0.002). There was no difference in pre-test score or post-test improvement based on previous experience.
Discussion
3D printed cardiac models significantly improve subjective and objective confidence towards and knowledge of a range of congenital cardiac lesions for both nurses and paediatric trainees. 3D cardiac models are a useful adjunct to traditional teaching methods as they overcome limitations with 2D representations of 3D structures, provide additional educational opportunities in a scarce learning environment and are consistent with adult learning principals. As barriers to production and access are overcome, 3D printed cardiac models should be incorporated more widely in medical education programs.
HeliDye1: helquat fluorogenic probe specific for AT-rich DNA duplexes
Authors: Kužmová Erika , Joshi Vishwas , Kozák Jaroslav , Severa Lukáš , Bednarova Lucie , Yurenko Yevgen , Dobiaš Juraj , Pecina Adam , Köprülüoğlu Cemal , Jurečka Petr , Lepšík Martin , Cisarova Ivana , Pohl Radek , Jurkiewicz Piotr , Cebecauer Marek , Trojanec Radek , Dzubak Petr , Hajduch Marian , Lizcová Libuše , Svobodová Karla , Zemanová Zuzana , Teplý Filip , Reyes-Gutiérrez Paul E. , Zawada Zbigniew
Published: November 2022

DNA-binding fluorescent probes are useful tools in cell biology for various applications enabling visualisation and quantification of DNA. Herein, we report on HeliDye1, a novel cationic helicene-like DNA probe, and its versatile usability. HeliDye1 exhibits fluorescence exclusively in the presence of DNA duplexes containing AT base pairs and (contrary to any recent DNA probe) it remains non-fluorescent in the presence of single-stranded DNA and RNA. Favourable chemical properties of HeliDye1 allowed its use in karyotyping and super-resolution microscopy. We present five more applications of HeliDye1. Viscosimetry showed that HeliDye1 is a minor groove binder. HeliDye1 interacts with double-stranded DNA as an induced (P)-enantiomer, which we confirmed by ECD spectroscopy and DFT calculations. ECD spectroscopy suggested the formation of HeliDye1 dimers. MD simulations predicted the structures of (P)-HeliDye1 dimers inside DNA and showed their stability in AT-rich sequences and instability in GC-rich sequences.
Heart Disease Diagnosis Using Optimized Features of Hybridized Alcsoga Algorithm and Lstm Classifier
Authors: K Kalaivani , N. Uma Maheswari , R Venkatesh
Published: November 2022

Background: Cardiac Disease is the predominant cause of global death mainly due to its hidden symptoms and late diagnosis. People with CVD along with other diseases like hypertension, hyperlipidemia require very early detection for appropriate treatment. Hence this research proposed a hybrid technique for heart disease diagnosis.
Objective The main contribution of the study is to overcome the existing limitations of Antlion, Crow search, and improved genetic algorithm and to hybridize the algorithm for the effective feature selection thereby improving the classification performance of the LSTM classifier. The motivation of this research is to improve the feature selection method with the optimization of features for effective heart disease prediction.
Methodology: The proposed architecture uses the Ant lion algorithm with the effective determination of the elite position. The crow search Algorithm utilizes the phenomenon of position and memory of each crow for the evaluation of objective function. The inputs were processed by the improved genetic algorithm for effective feature selection. Now the hybridized proposed system successfully extracts the optimized features. These features are classified by the LSTM classifier.
Results: The performance analysis was performed with two datasets. The dataset 1 had been used for the determination of the efficiency of the proposed system and the dataset 2 is utilized for the estimation of the proposed system followed by a detailed comparative analysis with the existing system. Further cross-validation of the sample with a varied range of testing percentage has also been accomplished. Apart from the intercombination performance of feature selection among the three utilized algorithms was also compared. From this comparative analysis, the proposed method had the highest accuracy of 99.7% compared to existing methods.
Lo visual y lo sonoro como expresión estética de la desaparición y la muerte en la novela colombiana
Authors: Vanegas Orfa Kelita
Published: November 2022

Este artículo se propone revisar en un corpus de novelas colombianas publicadas recientemente, las estrategias de escritura que dan densidad y sentido a personajes alegóricos de los muertos y desaparecidos por la violencia política colombiana. Se indagan, especialmente, las metáforas sonoras y visuales para rastrear la innovación del lenguaje literario al momento de visibilizar, con una clara intención ética, la realidad aciaga de una sociedad, la colombiana. En diálogo directo con estudios críticos afines al tema eje, se busca entender la inquietud latente en las novelas en cuanto al tratamiento del dolor y la dignidad de quien ha caído bajo el peso del terror. La revisión y la comparación entre las formas estéticas acostumbradas y las que proponen lo novelistas de los que se ocupa este artículo dan cuenta de un giro estético al momento de significar las consecuencias intangibles del conflicto. Son ahora las metáforas de los vencidos las que toman mayor proporción en la escritura. El personaje sufriente gira en símbolo de un cambio del imaginario cotidiano sobre las formas políticas tradicionales y sus ideales de nación. Asimismo, la mirada literaria del pasado y del presente nacional pone a prueba la comprensión de la historia del país, además de cuestionar la sensibilidad del sujeto contemporáneo cada vez más acostumbrado a expresiones de violencia atroz.
La post-verdad contra la ciencia
Authors: Follari Roberto
Published: November 2022

La pandemia de la Covid-19 potenció un problema que era previo y sigue acompañándonos: el de la post-verdad. El auge de esta condición, no es simplemente el de la mentira o la falsedad: se trata de establecer un ánimo colectivo donde ya no importe si lo que se dice es o no verdadero, pues bastaría con la voluntad de considerarlo tal. Es verdadero lo que cada cual quiera creer, independientemente de que lo sea o no objetivamente, o cuanto menos intersubjetivamente.
Production of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Aqueous Extracts of Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) Pulp
Authors: dos Santos Sidney , de Couto Ricardo , da Silva Ingrid , Aouada Marcia Regina , Costantino Vera , da Costa Luiz , Perotti Gustavo
Published: November 2022

Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) pulp presents a large number of secondary metabolites that can mediate the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles through a greener and more sustainable synthetic route than traditional ones. This study investigated the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) mediated by aqueous extracts of tucumã pulp assessing different parameters, such as temperature, concentration of extract, and pH values of the reaction media. The alkaline reaction media produced the most intense and well-defined bands around 400 nm in the electronic spectra, indicating the formation of AgNPs in the three concentrations of tucumã pulp evaluated. The increase in the temperature of the reaction media also enhanced the surface plasmon resonance band of AgNPs but it increased the polydispersivity of produced nanoparticles according to the dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data. Zeta potential results indicated moderate stability of the AgNPs (close to -30 mV). Antimicrobial assessment of the colloidal metal particles indicated microbicide activity against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterium.
Investigating the Rural and Entrepreneurial Development through Microfinance
Authors: Parray Zahoor Ahmad , Rather Raouf Ahmad Ahmad , Bhat Shabir Ahmad , Ahmad Pirzada Sajad
Published: November 2022

Microfinance has been evolving to be a decisive factor in poverty reduction, rural and entrepreneurial development. This research aims to find out the impact of microfinance on rural/socio-economic development and entrepreneurial skill development. Particularly, this study attempts to explore the impact of microfinance on social development, financial empowerment, education, healthcare, economic independence, and entrepreneurial development. Data was collected through questionnaires taken from the beneficiaries of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) erstwhile Swaran Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) microfinance scheme in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. A purposive sampling method, exploratory factor analysis, and paired sample t-test were used in this study. The findings prove that microfinance facilitates social development, improved financial empowerment, and promotes decision-making relating to education and healthcare among beneficiaries. The finding also indicates that microfinance helps to increase entrepreneurial skill development among the beneficiaries. This study offers an insight how microfinance eliminates poverty and facilitates social development as well as entrepreneurial skills. These findings have essential implications for academics, policymakers, and microfinance institutions.
Differential impact of acidic and alkaline conditions on hydrothermal pretreatment, fermentation and anaerobic digestion of sludge
Authors: Kakar Farokh Laqa , Liss Steven N. , Elbeshbishy Elsayed
Published: November 2022

Anaerobic digestion and fermentation processes in wastewater sludge treatment are limited by several factors, including the slow breakdown of complex organic matter and solubilization of solids. In this study, thermochemical pretreatment of thickened waste activated sludge using high temperature (>170 °C) was investigated to understand the impact of the pretreatment on the volatile fatty acids (VFA) production and its fractions during the fermentation process. Furthermore, the influence the thermochemical pretreatment on sludge disintegration and methane recovery was investigated. A range of acidic and alkaline conditions over the pH range of 4.5–10 was examined. Sludge (pH adjusted) was exposed to hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) at a temperature of 170 °C for 30 min. Pretreated samples were then subjected to batch fermentation and methane potential tests which revealed that acidic and alkaline conditions resulted in increased sludge solubilization during HTP. Acidic conditions were associated with a higher VFA production yield of up to 185 mg chemical oxygen demand/g total chemical oxygen demand. Alkaline conditions led to a higher methane production yield where the maximum yield (276 mL CH4/g total chemical oxygen demandadded) was found to occur at pH 10. Therefore, alkaline sludge used for fermentation has shown technical and economic feasibility for sludge carbon recovery.
Efficient degradation of organic pollutants using peroxydisulfate activated by magnetic carbon nanotube
Authors: Shi Yawei , Zhang Yi , Song Guobin , Tong Liya , Sun Ya , Ding Guanghui
Published: November 2022

The magnetic composite of Fe3O4 and carbon nanotube (MCNT) was fabricated in a facile one-pot solvothermal method and employed to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS) for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and other pollutants. The effects of operational factors including MCNT dosage and PDS dosage were studied, and high removal efficiencies of 84.2–99.5% were achieved for these pollutants with 0.3 g/L MCNT and 4 mM PDS. The effects of environmental factors including initial pH, inorganic cations, inorganic anions, humic acid and water matrix were also studied. Reusability test showed that the removal efficiency declined in four consecutive runs, which was attributed to the adsorbed oxidation products on the catalyst surface. Based on quenching experiments, solvent exchange (H2O to D2O), inductively coupled plasma and open circuit potential tests, it was concluded that radicals of ·OH/SO4·− and the non-radical electron-transfer pathway were involved in the MCNT/PDS system, and the contributions of O2·−, 1O2, high-valent iron-oxo species and homogenous activation were insignificant. Moreover, the orbital-weighted Fukui functions of RhB were calculated by density functional theory, and its plausible degradation pathway was proposed based on the calculation results. Finally, toxicity evaluation of the degradation products was performed in the quantitative structure-activity relationship approach.
Experimental study of sediment wash-off process over urban road and its dependence on particle size distribution
Authors: Xiao Yang , Luan Bin , Zhang Taotao , Liang Dongfang , Zhang Chi
Published: November 2022

Sediment originating from the urban road runoff is a main contributor to water pollution in urban areas. The size of the road sediment varies significantly, but its influence on sediment wash-off process has not been well investigated. In this study, sediments with different particle size distributions have been used in rainfall-runoff experiments over idealized urban road surface. The results show that, under the same experimental conditions, the capacity factor CF increases with the decrease of the median particle diameter D50, which is the dominant influencing factor on CF. The wash-off coefficient k is affected by both D50 and the grading of sediment. During the wash-off process, D50 of the sediment collected at the outlet increases with time. Such a grain coarsening phenomenon is particularly apparent when the road is originally covered with very fine sediments. Furthermore, the presence of coarse grains slows down the transport of fine sediment whose size is smaller than 14 μm. This shielding effect significantly affects the sediment wash-off process in the early stage of a rainfall event, while later on the interaction between particles of different sizes becomes unimportant. This study advances the understanding of sediment wash-off mechanism on urban road surface.
Incidencias de organizaciones prodemocráticas en Monterrey a finales del siglo XX
Authors: Villarreal Martínez María Teresa , Aranda Andrade Marco Antonio
Published: November 2022

En este artículo se intenta comprender la identidad y las acciones de una parte de la sociedad civil organizada de Monterrey, Nuevo León (México), en la década de los 90 del siglo XX. Se realizó un diseño cualitativo basado en dos casos de estudio, usando como estrategia las narrativas de participantes en organizaciones en contexto compartido. Como resultado, se identificaron las líneas de acción e incidencias comunitaria, cívica, política y personal. La selección intencionada de la muestra puede limitar el alcance de las inferencias. La investigación es relevante dada la falta de análisis del tema. Alude a casos de estudio inexplorados y tiene precisión conceptual, con aparato crítico relevante y suficiente. Así, es posible conocer parte de la historia del sector cívico organizado de Monterrey en un periodo pocas veces abordado en la investigación académica.
Distintos, pero ¿hacen lo mismo?
Authors: Damián Simón Javier
Published: November 2022

La oferta de carreras universitarias multidisciplinarias está originando en el mercado de trabajo el fenómeno de invasión del campo profesional de las carreras tradicionales y una competencia desleal por los puestos de trabajo entre sus egresados, situación poco investigada y que es preciso estudiar para entender esta problemática. El objetivo de este artículo es comparar el ejercicio profesional de los egresados de la Licenciatura en Administración con el de los egresados de la Licenciatura en Ciencias Empresariales y de Ingeniería en Gestión Empresarial, con el fin de identificar la acción de invasión en los campos profesionales de estos. Mediante información obtenida de tres reportes de resultados de investigación sobre la situación laboral de los egresados de tres carreras administrativas y empleando una metodología mixta, se compararon las áreas, los puestos y las exigencias en conocimientos especializados para llevar a cabo sus actividades laborales. Se encontró una notoria actividad de invasión del campo profesional del licenciado en administración por parte de egresados de carreras administrativas de la reciente oferta, lo que ha ocasionado una competencia desleal que abona al concepto de indefinición profesional o carreras profesionales sin límites.
Isolation and Characterization of the rpoA Gene of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Healy Judith M. , Lesoon Andrea , Bodorova Jana , Lam Kelvin , Wobbe C. Richard
Published: November 2022

The M. tuberculosis rpoA gene, encoding the a subunit of RNA polymerase, was isolated by a polymerase chain reaction-based strategy using primers directed against regions of a that are highly conserved among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The amplified DNA was utilized as a hybridization probe to recover the entire rpoA gene from a cosmid library of genomic DNA from virulent M. tuberculosis strain H37Rv. Nucleotide sequencing indicated that the 1044 bp M. tuberculosis rpoA open reading frame (ORF) encodes a protein of 347 amino acids which shows significant structural similarity to the a subunits of diverse bacterial species. Recombinant M. tuberculosis a subunit was overproduced in soluble form in E. coli as a hexahistidine-tagged fusion protein and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography.
Immobilised and Non-Immobilised Ligand Interaction Studies of Monoclonal Antibody
BC-1 and ED B Containing Fibronectin Fragment
Authors: Hussain Rohanah , Siligardil Giuliano , George Andrew JT , Verma Rakesh
Published: November 2022

The interaction of antibody BC-1 with ED-B containing fibronectin fragment was successfully monitored by a non-immobilised ligand interaction assay by CD spectroscopy (NILIA-CD) and.by an immobilised ligand assay using IAsys resonant mirror biosensor. NILIA-CD not only could be used to determine equilibrium constant of the interaction but also indicated changes in both backbone and aromatic side-chain regions upon binding. The biosensor, however, provides the association/dissociation kinetics of the interacting systems. Both techniques are complementary to each other in enabling maximum extraction of ligand/host interaction information.
Synthesis, Biological Activity and Molecular Modelling of the 53-54 Ketomethylene
Analogue ofHEL(52-61)	.	.
Authors: Ettouati Laurent , Casimir Joseph Richard , Raynaud Isabelle , Trescol-Biemont Marie-Claude , Carrupt Pierre-Alain , Gerlier Denis , Rabourdin-Combe Chantal , Testa Bernard , Paris Joelle
Published: November 2022

The synthesis of the 53-54 ketomethylene isostere of HEL(52-61), an antigenic decapeptide, was realised by convergent Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. In . addition to the target peptide, an unexpected hydroxysuccinyl by-product was recovered. The two ketomethylene epimers did not exhibit any stimulating or competitive activity. Molecular modelling studies of the analogues-MHC-II 1-Ak complex.suggested a departure from the canonical polyproline II conformation which could account for the absence of binding to 1- Ak molecule.
Carboxyl-terminal sequencing: new c-terminal peptidyl-thiohydantoins formation conditions
Authors: Machado Olga L.T. , Ribeiro Patricia D , Borges Ronaldo S.M. , Costa Paulo R.R. , Alves Elias W.
Published: November 2022

The present study explores conditions to activate the carboxyl group before the coupling of C-terrninus-AA with TMS-ITC. N-tert-butoxy-carbonyl amino acids (Boc-AAs) and Leucine Enkephalin were used as models and isobutyl chloroformate was used as a C-terminal activator. The reaction coupling activated AA with TMS­ ITC was temperature dependent. We also·report here a new, efficient, economical and ecological technique to separate the mixture of amino acids thiohydantoins (TH-AA).
Compression refolding of cytochrome C
Authors: Nitta Katsutoshi , Dewa Masashi , Tayauchi Masato , Sakurai Masao
Published: November 2022

Perturbation of thermal unfolding of cytochrome c with compression was investigated to obtain volumetric quantities of the unfolding. At pH 2.9-3.2 and around 40-60°C, cytochrome c does not unfold but refold when compressed. This. phenomenon contradicts to our present understanding that a protein unfolds if high pressure is applied. The volume change is strongly dependent on temperature and decreases with decreasing temperature. This change of volume changes its sign around 40°C and is negative at room temperature.
Soluble expression and one-step purification of recombinant bacillus anthracis protective antigen
Authors: Blanke Steven R. , Willhite David C.
Published: November 2022

We have greatly simplified production of the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA), the immunoprotective antigen of the anthrax vaccine. By varying induction conditions, we have expressed stable, soluble PA in E. coli, affinity-tagged to facilitate rapid, single-step purification. Recombinant PA exhibited identical properties to B. anthracis PA. Our approach is an attractive strategy for generating purified vaccine antigens that are difficult to express recombinantly.
Effect of alcohol on aggregation of human neuronal tau protein
Authors: Be Rong-Qiao , Luo Jian-Ying , Li Wei
Published: November 2022

Effects of alcohol and heparin on aggregation of the recombinant tau have been studied. Alcohol at low concentrations induces tau polymerization distinguishably at room temperature and 37°C. The effect of heparin on tau's aggregation was cooperative with that of alcohol if both heparin and alcohol were added to tau solutions. It appears that the polymerization of tau might be correlated to the disorder of neuronal transportation of alcoholism.
In vitro effects of a novel tetrapeptide in human neutrophils and in a rat model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Devadas Satish , Ramesh C.V. , Puvanakrishnan R.
Published: November 2022

PEP1261, a derivative ofLys-Arg-Asp-Ser (KRDS) exhibits an inverse dose response in that it exhibits antioxidant properties at low concentrations and oxidant characteristics at higher concentrations. This study shows that when PEPl261 is tested on neutrophils, it exhibits marked inhibition on myeloperoxidase activity and also decreases the levels ofH2O2 and superoxide. This indicates therapeutic application for PEP126l in osteoarthritis.
α-Fetoprotein structure depends on the protein purification procedure: further evidence on the structure forming role of the ligands
Authors: Tomashevski Andrey Yu , Narizhneva Natalya V. , Melnik Tatyana N. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: November 2022

α.-Fetoprotein samples isolated from human cord serum by metal affinity chromatography and immunoaffi.nity method were compared by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning microcalorimetry. The isolation procedures were quite distinguished by their influence on native protein structure (and, consequently, by the effectiveness of natural ligand release from a protein molecule). As a result, structural properties and conformational stability of a.-fetoprotein in the samples were found to be rather different.
Multiple attack of action of a-galactosidase from trichoderma reese
Authors: Shabalin Konstantin A. , Eneyskaya Elena V. , Kulminskaya Anna A. , Savel'ev Andrew N. , Neustroev Kirill N.
Published: November 2022

The presence of multiple attack of action of a-galactosidase from Trichoderma reesei was demonstrated in hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-6-0-a-galactopyranosyl-0-galactopyranoside using NMR, GLC-MS and absorption spectra in the visible region. The degree of multiplicity of attack in this reaction appeared to be 2.1 and depended on pH. Studying some other glycosidases revealed the absence of the multiplicity in the hydrolysis of p­ nitrophenyl oligosaccharides.
Anti-ischemic Effect of Monoterpene Citronellol on Experimental Stroke
Models Mediated by Pro-inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhu Chunji , Yin Yong
Published: November 2022

Background:

Phytomedicines are proven to treat various chronic diseases as these compounds
are cost-effective with few or no side effects. Elucidating the ameliorative effect of phytomedicine
on cerebral ischemia may be a potent alternative therapy. Citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol,
is one such phyto compound present in the essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus and Pelargonium
geraniums and has immense pharmacological properties such as antihyperalgesic, anticonvulsant
and antinociceptive.

Objective:

In the present work, the anti-ischemic effect of citronellol in both cellular and animal
models of stroke was analyzed.

Methods:

Citronellol-pretreated SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and
reperfusion. The cells were assessed for cell viability and LDH quantification. Inflammatory cytokines
were estimated in the cell lysate of citronellol pretreated OGD-R induced cells. Healthy
young SD rats were pretreated with citronellol and induced with MCAO-R. The control group was
comprised of sham-operated rats treated with saline. Group II was comprised of MCAO/R-induced
untreated rats. Groups III and IV rats were previously treated with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg citronellol,
respectively, for 7 consecutive days and induced with MCAO/R. Brain edema was analyzed
by quantifying the water content and the percentage of infarct was assessed using the TTC
staining technique. Acetylcholinesterase activity and neurological scoring were performed to assess
the neuroprotective activity of citronellol. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels were
quantified to evaluate the antioxidant activity of citronellol. The anti-inflammatory activity of citronellol
was assessed by quantifying proinflammatory cytokines using commercially available
ELISA kits.

Results:

Citronellol treatment significantly ameliorated neuronal damage in both cellular and animal
stroke models. Prior treatment of citronellol significantly decreased the inflammatory cytokines
and increased the antioxidants. Citronellol treatment effectively protected the rats from
MCAO/R-induced brain edema.

Conclusion:

Our results confirm that citronellol is an effective anti-ischemic drug with antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties.
Investigation of the Effects of Opioids on Microglial Nitrite and Nitric
Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Production and Phagocytosis during Inflammation
Authors: Zhou Yi , Lu Xihua , Zhang Yunfei , Li Changsheng , Bai Yu , Zhang Zhen
Published: November 2022

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate how opioids affect phagocytosis and microglial nitrite and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production during inflammation.

Background:

Opioids are a group of chemicals that are naturally found in the opium poppy plant and exert a variety of effects on the brain, including pain alleviation in some cases. They are commonly used in surgery and perioperative analgesia. However, research on the impact of opioids on microglial inflammatory factor production and phagocytosis is limited.

Objective:

This study was designed to investigate the effects of opioids on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) generation. Moreover, the influence of opioids on the engulfment of C8-B4 microglial cells after stimulation with LPS was also examined.

Methods:

C8-B4 mouse microglial cells were exposed to various concentrations of opioids after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Nitrite production was assayed. The iNOS and Cox-2 were determined by Western blotting, and fluorescent immunostaining was performed to assess the percentage of microglia that engulfed fluorescent microspheres in total microglia cultivating with opioids after being activated by LPS.

Results:

After LPS and IFN-γ stimulation, microglia produced lower amounts of nitric oxide (NO) production with buprenorphine, salvinorin A, and naloxone (P<0.05). When combined with naloxone, no significant differences were found than buprenorphine. It was observed that buprenorphine and salvinorin A could suppress iNOS expression activated by LPS and IFN-γ. Phagocytosis was greatly increased after LPS stimulation, and a significant increase was observed after adding salvinorin A.

Conclusion:

Buprenorphine and salvinorin A were found to reduce NO production and iNOS induction in microglial cells activated by LPS and IFN-γ. Salvinorin A promoted the phagocytosis of microglia cells treated by LPS.
Interlaboratory Co-validation of a UPLC-ToF MS MAM Method for
Truncations of a Fc Fusion Protein
Authors: Wang Lan , Wu Gang , Yu Chuanfei , Tong Qinghe , Wang Wenbo , Huang Xi , Li Hao
Published: November 2022

Background:

Peptide-Fc fusion proteins are inherently heterogeneous and complex molecules.
Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) or truncation can arise during manufacturing
or product storage. Some of these product attributes could potentially impact the efficacy or safety of
the bio-molecule and are thus classified as critical quality attributes (CQAs). These CQAs should be
controlled in order to ensure manufacturing and quality consistency.

Methods:

A subunit UPLC-ToF MS based MAM method was developed for identity test and quantitatively
monitored two critical quality attributes (CQAs) resulting from two truncations of that fusion
protein (fragment 1 and 2). Three independent laboratories are involved in the method validation
according to ICH Q2(R1), ICH Q6B, FDA and NMPA guidance.

Results:

This developed method fully meets the pre-defined analytical target profile (ATP), including
specificity, accuracy, precision, quantitation limit, linearity, range and robustness. Three independent
labs co-validate a UPLC-ToF MS based MAM method for protein drug QC release and stability
testing.

Conclusion:

The experimental design of method validation can be a reference for LC-HRMS-based
subunit MAM methods that have been widely used in the characterization of antibodies, ADCs and
other protein-based biologics. This work paves the way for implementing MAM in QC with more
targeted control of product quality.
Physical Characterization and Safety Evaluation of Folic Acid-conjugated
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Rhodojaponin III
Authors: Yang Qingyun , Zhao Chuncao , Yang Jian , Zhao Jingyi , Feng Yi , Liu Minchen , Zhang Jiquan
Published: November 2022

Background:

Rhodojaponin III (RJ-III), a characteristic diterpene of Rhododendron molle G.
Don, has a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and
analgesic effects. However, further research and development have been limited because of its intense
acute toxicity and poor pharmacokinetic profile.

Objective:

In this study, we propose the construction of folic acid–conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles
(FA-MSNs) as carriers to deliver RJ-III in an attempt to reduce acute toxicity and improve
biomedical applications by prolonging drug release and targeting delivery.

Methods:

FA-MSNs were synthesized and characterized. RJ-III was then loaded into FA-MSNs (RJIII@
FA-MSNs), and the in vitro drug release profile was assessed. Subsequently, the RJ-III@FAMSNs’
cytotoxicity and targeting efficiency were explored in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7
cells, and their acute toxicity was investigated in mice.

Results:

Spherical FA-MSNs were approximately 122 nm in size. Importantly, the RJ-III@FA-MSNs
showed prolonged RJ-III release in vitro. Moreover, in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells,
RJ-III@FA-MSNs not only reduced the cytotoxicity of RJ-III (P < 0.01), but also showed a good targeting
effect from the results of cellular uptake. Additionally, the acute toxicity results demonstrated that
RJ-III@FA-MSNs improved the LD50 value of RJ-III in mice by intraperitoneal injection 10-fold.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to use FA-MSNs as carriers of RJ-III to reduce the acute toxicity of
RJ-III. The results confirm the potential for targeted delivery of RJ-III in inflammatory cells to enhance
efficacy, as well as providing data for future investigations on anti-inflammatory activity.
Role of Docking in Anticancer Drug Discovery
Authors: Alavi Asif , Sharma Vikas
Published: November 2022

The computational method is widely used in the field of drug design as well as discovery. It
aids the drug discovery and design process by making the procedure faster while also ensuring fewer
human errors. Cancer is a condition with the development of abnormal cells expressing features like uncontrolled
growth and cell division. This leads to abnormal tissue enlargement and interrupts the normal
functioning of the tissue. Computational methods, mainly the molecular docking method, have been utilised
extensively in the field of anticancer drug discovery. Docking is a virtual screening method that can
be performed on a large database of compounds. Molecular docking helps in identifying the predominant
binding modes of a ligand with a protein whose three-dimensional structure is known. The docking process
can predict the method of inhibition of the target molecule by the ligand molecule. Utilities of molecular
docking include structure-activity relationship studies, lead identification by virtual screening,
optimization of the identified lead, combinatorial library design and more. This review discusses the process
of docking, its role in anticancer drug discovery, and a comparison of different docking software.
Docking programs are used to make the docking process much more quick, efficient, and with fewer human
errors, as it mostly depends on computational algorithms. A description of some representative studies
in anticancer drug discovery related to selected docking software, Autodock, SwissDock, ICM, GOLD
and Glide, are also mentioned. This paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of docking programs
in the field of drug discovery and how it influences the modern drug discovery processes.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Postpartum Depression in a Tertiary Care
Hospital in South India
Authors: Leela Krishnapriya , Angamuthu Poorani Devi , Mathew Chippy Tess , Panicker Anuja Sarala , Shanmugham Karthikeyan
Published: November 2022

Background:

South India has a high prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) compared
to other regions. With declining maternal mortality, physicians need to focus on decreasing maternal
morbidities, including postpartum mental health disorders.

Objectives:

To evaluate the incidence of PPD and the influence of demographic and pregnancy related
factors on PPD, and to identify major symptom subsets manifested postnatally.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 435 women between 2 weeks to 6 months
postpartum, in a tertiary care centre in South India, Postnatal mothers were administered questionnaires
including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and patient demographics and pregnancy
related factors. Chi squared test was used to evaluate the association between EPDS scores and
demographic and pregnancy variables. Subset analysis was carried out to identify the predominant
symptoms in the patients.

Results:

Completed questionnaires were obtained from 427 postpartum women, among which 26.2%
(n=112) had EPDS score >12. Among demographic variables, EPDS scores showed a significant association
with relationship problems (p=.000) only, while among pregnancy factors, preterm birth
(p=.019), neonatal intensive care admission (p=.005), pregnancy complications (p=.009), and history
of depression (p=.043) were significantly associated with EPDS scores. Subset analysis revealed a
high mean EPDS score for anxiety (1.91), followed by depressive (1.38) and anhedonia (0.91) symptoms.

Conclusion:

Several clinical factors and adverse events during pregnancy, including sociodemographic
factors and pregnancy-related complications itself, can set the stage for PPD and other
mental health conditions. Simple assessments like EPDS can be considered part of routine postnatal
check-up examinations for early recognition and treatment of PPD.
Renal Involvement in H Syndrome, A Rare Cause of Diabetes Mellitus: Case
Report
Authors: Polat Recep , Ustyol Ala , Altunbaş Rabia , Ceylaner Serdar
Published: November 2022

Background:

H syndrome is a rare genodermatosis deriving from a mutation in the
SLC29A3 gene and affecting numerous systems, particularly the skin. The syndrome exhibits different
clinical characteristics involving several systems, most beginning with the letter "H." The
most common clinical findings are cutaneous hyperpigmentation, flexion contracture in the fingers,
hearing loss, short stature, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, heart anomalies, hepatosplenomegaly,
and hypogonadism. Fewer than 150 cases have been reported so far and vast majority
of them consisted with patients with Arab ethnicity.

Case Presentation:

We describe a patient presenting with short stature, developing diabetes mellitus
at follow-ups, with homozygous deletion determined in exon 3 of the SLC29A3 gene, and diagnosed
with H syndrome, reported due to the presence and rarity of renal involvement (hematuria
and proteinuria).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, despite its rarity, endocrinologists, rheumatologists/nephrologists, and
dermatologists need to be aware of H syndrome as a pleiotropic syndrome. H syndrome should be
considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with cutaneous hyperpigmentation (particularly
in the bilateral thigh and calf region) together with proteinuria/hematuria. In addition, periodic
urine analysis should be performed in patients with H syndrome.
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and its Evaluation
Authors: Singh Avanish Pratap , Mishra Monika , Ohlan Anil , Dhawan S.K.
Published: November 2022

This chapter introduces the basis of electromagnetic interference shielding theory, techniques for characterizing electromagnetic materials, and the application of studying the electromagnetic properties of materials. The main topics include theoretical shielding effectiveness calculation and its measurement, Shielding Mechanism of E-Field and H-Field, absorption and reflection loss, interfacial and orientation polarization, electronic and atomic polarization, characterization methodology, Nicholson-Ross-Weir technique, short circuit line technique electrical properties, electrical permittivity, and magnetic permeability, and dielectric measurement techniques. In addition, the field method is used to analyze the electromagnetic field. This chapter introduced the concept of microwave shield and described its characteristics to achieve the ideal shield. Next, the basic physics that coordinates the interaction between the material and the electromagnetic field is described in detail. Subsequently, we analyze the general properties of typical electromagnetic materials such as dielectric materials, semiconductors, conductors, magnetic materials, and artificial materials. The last part of this chapter introduces the latest developments in EMI shielding materials in various structural forms, as well as future challenges and guidelines for finding material solutions for next-generation shielding applications. Indeed, advanced materials and process technology are the keys to successful EMI shielding.
EMI Shielding Properties of Conducting Poly (aniline-co-o-toluidine)-CF-Novolac Composites
Authors: Joon Seema , Dhawan S.K.
Published: November 2022

A study was made to design a copolymer of aniline and o-toluidine and its
composite with carbon fiber (CF) in making PANIoTCFN sheets for controlling
electromagnetic interference. PANIoTTCFN composite synthesized by emulsion
polymerization was physically blended with different proportions of novolac resin to
prepare a composite sheet by hot press compression moulding. In-situ incorporation
of carbon fiber into the copolymer during the synthesis leads to the formation of
composites with improved mechanical, thermal, electrical, and shielding properties.
Structural and morphological studies were carried out by FTIR, XRD, and SEM.
PANIoTCFN composite sheets with 50 % loading of novolac resin have a flexural
strength of 52.4 MPa and exhibited shielding effectiveness of 26 dB at a thickness of
1.48 mm of the composite sheet, which reveals that these composite sheets can be
used for EMI shielding applications.