bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Fibrous Materials for Low Frequency and High-Frequency Passive Noise Reduction using Transfer Matrix Method
Authors: Sreeja R.
Published: June 2022

The concern about the adverse effects of noise pollution is enhancing day by day due to fast industrialization. Hence a wide variety of active and passive noise controllers made of natural and synthetic materials are widely used for various types of inevitable noise reduction. The different types of passive noise controllers fabricated using various techniques vary in their microstructure and surface morphology. In turn, they cause a difference in the noise-controlling mechanisms happening inside it, leading to its unique acoustic absorption characteristics. This article uses five different fibers of different fiber diameters to fabricate passive acoustic absorbers of different textures. The frequency response of their acoustic absorption coefficient is tested with the help of impedance tube apparatus using the transfer matrix method. Acoustic properties of coir fiber, basalt fiber, glass fiber, graphene fiber, and carbon fiber are investigated and compared. The present investigation focused on the influence of fiber diameter, the porosity, and the difference in the texture of these passive absorbers on the acoustic characteristics, frequency response of acoustic absorption coefficient, and the frequency corresponding to maximum absorption. The investigation also focuses on fabricating the passive absorbers for low-frequency noise reduction where only the active absorbers are available.
Effect of TBAB on the Chemical Speciation of Complexes of Zinc(II) with L-Glutamine and Succinic Acid
Authors: Adhikamsetty R. K. , Prasad U. S. N. , Rao V. S. , Kishore P. L. , Rao G. N.
Published: June 2022

Effect of Tetrabutylammoniumbromide (TBAB) on the chemical speciation of binary complexes of Zinc(II) with L-glutamine and succinic acid has been studied pH metrically in varying concentrations (0.0-3.0 %, w/v) of TBAB-water mixtures. The temperature and the ionic strength maintained in the titrant are 0.16 mol dm-3 and 303 K, respectively. The possible models that represent the title systems are refined by using the computer programs SCPHD and MINIQUAD75. The models contain ML and MLH for succinic acid and ML2 and ML2H for L-glutamine complexes of Zinc(II). The variation of the stability constants with a dielectric constant is explained based on electrostatic and non-electrostatic forces. The species distribution with pH at different solvent compositions, corresponding chemical equilibria, and structures of the complex species are described.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Schiff's Base Metal Complexes Derived from Hydroxy Trizene and Aromatic Aldehyde
Authors: Shekhawat A. S. , Singh N. P. , Chundawat N. S.
Published: June 2022

Schiff's bases are one of the important classes of the ligands, which are obtained by the condensation of amine and aromatic aldehyde. The metal complexes of Schiff's bases are widely considered because they show excellent biological activities. Such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. The present studies deal with synthesis and characterization of Schiff's base transition metal complexes synthesized from general formula (ML)  M=Co(II) and Cu(II); L = Schiff's base ligand derived from hydroxy trizene and aromatic aldehyde. The Synthesized complexes were characterized by physical and spectral analysis such as FTIR, 1HNMR, and XRD. They were also tested in vitro biological activities. The Schiff base behaves as a bidentate ligand with O and N donors and binds to metal ions via hydroxy group oxygen and azomethane nitrogen. The Schiff's base ligands and Metal complexes' structure was confirmed by modern instrumental techniques viz, FTIR and 1HNMR. The in-vitro antibacterial studies were carried out against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. Aeruginosa and anti-fungal activities C.albicans, A. clavatus. The result shows that the complexes have excellent biological activities.
Analysis of Tumor-Immune Response Model by Differential Transformation Method
Authors: Padder M. A. , Afroz  , Khan A.
Published: June 2022

In this research work, a four-dimensional tumor-immune response model is considered. The considered tumor model is a system of four differential equations consisting of four different cell populations (variables): the tumor cells (TCs), effector cells (ECs), helper tumor cells (HTCs), and Tregs. The interaction among these cell populations is represented by the system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The solution of the system is obtained by using the differential transformation method (DTM). DTM is a straightforward method and gives the series solution of the system. Numerical simulation and graphical analysis are also done by choosing four different initial conditions of the system. The solution series of a system for four different cases are obtained and finally compared with each other. The analysis shows that the model behavior is Chaotically dependent on initial conditions.
Effect of Bulk Acoustic Wave in Piezo Driven Nanomechanical Motion
Authors: Roy S. K. , Hiebert W. K.
Published: June 2022

Piezo actuation of mechanical resonators is widely adapted because of its simplicity and versatility. Piezo-driven atomic force microscopy cantilevers in air or liquid have a substantial drawback in that they produce spurious resonances that conceal the cantilever resonance peak. Bulk acoustic wave propagation via the piezo-shaker and device substrate causes these undesired peaks. Such restrictions of piezo actuation are rarely reported in nanomechanical resonant sensing. Because most NEMS (nanoelectromechanical systems) experiments are carried out at low pressure to achieve a higher quality factor ) and hence increased sensitivity, spurious resonances are frequently overlooked due to their insignificance. However, this piezo-driven issue may affect NEMS responses at higher pressures (lower Q) and must be addressed carefully. This study reveals spurious resonances from high vacuum to the atmosphere while investigating piezo-driven nanoscale doubly clamped beam responses. At all pressures, spurious peaks with a characteristic frequency span independent of air damping exist, and at higher pressures, they squeeze the mechanical peak. Such squeezing provides a larger  derived from the driven phase responses by order of magnitude than the mechanical  computed from the measured thermal noise spectra. Interestingly, the characteristic frequency span, not air damping, is revealed to dominate driven .
c-Kit negative Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumour with Subcutaneous tissue and Lymph Node 115 Metastasis
Authors: Matubber Md Mahiuddin , Billah Syed Muhammad Baqui , Paul Subinoy Krishna , Lslam Jahirul , Afroj Roksana
Published: June 2022

We report a rare case of c-kit negative gastrointestinal stromal tumor with metastasis in left cervical lymph nodes and subcutaneous tissue. The patient presented to us with recurrent neck swelling, perforation of gas containing hollow viscous and multiple subcutaneous swellings. After confirmation of diagnosis we transferred the patient to medical oncologist. Patient expired two months after starting chemotherapy.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2017) Vol. 21 (2): 115-117
Pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum caused by penetrating chest injury
Authors: Alam KABM Taiful , Sarker Md Shah Alam , Hasan Md Khaled , Maharjan Prawesh
Published: June 2022

Pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum caused by penetrating chest injury are rare. Pneumoperitoneum following trauma usually indicates the presence of a perforated intraabdominal hollow viscous. Other causes of pneumoperitoneum are through the abdominal wall, through the diaphragm, through female genital tract and through retroperitoneum. Here we report an unusual case of pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum caused by penetrating injury in the posterior aspect of chest in a young male patient of 33 years who presented to us with chest & abdominal pain & breathlessness. The diagnosis was made on clinical & radiological examination. Tube thoracostomy was done followed by laparotomy and repair of diaphragmatic & splenic injury. Post operative recovery was uneventful & the patient was discharged on 9th p.o.d after removal of thoracostomy tube & wound stiches.

Journal of Surgical Sciences (2018) Vol. 22 (1) : 67-69
Arthropod ectoparasites of cattle and goats from three upazilas of Comilla district, Bangladesh
Authors: Mannan I , Akter T , Ahmad S
Published: June 2022

The prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods of cattle and goats in Daudkandi, Homna and Titas upazilas of Comilla district were investigated. During this study (December 2013 to November 2014) 299 cattle and 196 goats were examined; and among them 180 and 117 were found to be infested respectively. Seventeen species of ectoparasites (both larvae and adult) were identified and they are Haematopinus quadripertusus, Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus vituli, Damalinia bovis, Stomoxys calcitrans, Musca domistica, Tabanus striatus, Diachlorus sp., Armigeres subalbatus, Ctenocephalides felis, Boophilus microplus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis kinneari, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor sp. and Ixodes sp. The highest prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation (69.94%) were found in Titas and the lowest (53.34%) in Homna upazila. The intensity of ectoparasitic infestation was highest in Titas (12.20) and lowest in Homna (5.21) upazila. Cattle in Titas upazila showed highest prevalence (67.53%) and intensity (8.04) and Homna upazila showed lowest prevalence (48.63%) and intensity (5.55). Goats in Titas upazila showed highest prevalence (76.09%) and intensity (8.38), and Daudkandi upazila showed lowest prevalence (49.37%) and goats in Homna showed lowest intensity (4.80). This study quantifies the level of ectoparasitic infestation in cattle and goats which demands immediate control program and needs more intensive epidemiological study for detail identification of the constraints of animal health and production.

Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 8(2): 35-45, 2019 (December)
Tree species diversity of the Kaptai National Park in Rangamati district, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Mukhlesur , Rahman M Mahfuzur , Huda Md Kamrul
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to estimate the tree biodiversity in the Kaptai National Park. The total area of the Kaptai National Park is about 4,564 ha (11,273.08 acres) under the jurisdiction of Rangamati South Forest Division, Rangamati Hill Tracts district. The study was conducted through extensive survey only on the tree species composition in the Kaptai National Park. During the investigation, a total of 65 tree species belonging to 29 families were recorded from the park. Among the plant families, Mimosaceae possessed the highest number of species (7) followed by Meliaceae (6), Ancardiaceae (5), Moraceae (4), Verbenaceae (4), Combretaceae (4), Myrtaceae (4), Dipterocarpaceae (3), Fabaceae (3), Rubiaceae (2), Bombacaceae (2), Caesalpiniaceae (2), Dilleniaceae (2) and Bignoniaceae (2) respectively. There were 15 families which contained single species. Tree species belonging to the family Mimosaceae was dominated in respect to number of species and their population as well. The findings of the present investigation will contribute in the regeneration of tree species in this degraded forest ecosystem and in the protection, conservation and sustainable management of the Kaptai National Park.

Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 8(2): 71-79, 2019 (December)
Central Diabetes Insipidus in a Child due to Histiocytosis X
Authors: Jesmin Habiba , Afroz Shireen , Haque Saenat
Published: June 2022

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) occur due to deficiency of vasopressin which is synthesized in supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of hypothalamus and stored in posterior pituitary. There are many causes of CDI among them histiocytosis X or lymphohistiocytosis (LCH) is a rare cause. Here we are reporting a 2 years old boy with histiocytosis-Xor presented with CDI. The boy presented with polyuria and polydipsia, low urine specific gravity and osmolality with normal blood sugar and osmolality. Positive response to water deprivation test followed by oral DDAVP establish the diagnosis of CDI. X-Ray skull showed osteolytic punched out lesion and T1 weighted MRI of brain showed thickening of pituitary stalk with absence of bright signal of posterior pituitary. Trephine biopsy showed bone marrow was infiltrated by many eosinophil, some macrophage, lymphocyte and plasma cells. On the basis of all these diagnosis was made as CDI due to histiocytosis-X. Due to hypothalamic- pituitary axis infiltration CDI may be the earliest manifestation of LCH, even before it is diagnosed. Therefore, for diagnostic workup of CDI, LCH should be considered.

Northern International Medical College Journal Vol. 11 No. 1 July 2019, Page 432-434
Heart disease and COVID-19
Authors: Das Prabir Kumar , Rahman Fazlur
Published: June 2022

Background:Many patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) have pre-existing heart disease or develop various cardiac complications during the disease. Understanding the relationship between heart disease and COVID-19 is necessary for optimum management of such condition.

Methods: Literature search done by using Google search engines and PubMed.

Results: Heart involvement occurs in approximately 8-12% of all patients. Acute cardiac injury, as evident by a significant cardiac troponin elevation is the commonest abnormality. Myocarditis, type II myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia are other cardiac menifestations that are less common. Pre-existing heart disease and/or involvement of the heart by COVID-19 carries worse prognosis.

Conclusion: Most of the reports currently available describes cardiac menifestations briefly. Further study may reveal more clearly the various aspects of cardiac menifestations in COVID-19 patients.

University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 1, Jan 2021; 60-65
Радиационное обследование территории Республики Беларусь, прилегающей к Игналинской АЭС
Authors: Бугров Юрий Александрович , Нилова Екатерина Константиновна , Кронова Жанна Геннадьевна , Самсонов Владимир Леонидович
Published: June 2022

Цель. Провести выборочное обследование территории Республики Беларусь, прилегающей к району размещения Игналинской АЭС.
Методы. Гамма-спектрометрический метод, сравнительный анализ, метод экспертной оценки.
Результаты. В статье представлены результаты измерений основных параметров, характеризующих радиационную обстановку на территории белорусского сегмента зоны наблюдения Игналинской АЭС, – значения мощности амбиентного эквивалента дозы γ-излучения и суммарной скорости счета импульсов γ-излучения, а также проведения γ-спектрометрии в полевых условиях с применением сцинтилляционных и полупроводникового спектрометров, определения объемной активности радионуклидов, присутствующих в приземном слое атмосферного воздуха и удельной активности радионуклидов в пробах почвы, воды, донных отложений. В результате обработки спектров в объектах окружающей среды в области проведения измерений установлено присутствие терригенных радиоизотопов (40К, дочерних членов рядов 232Th и 226Ra (238U)), космогенного 7Be и техногенного 137Сs. Удельная активность 137Cs в почве на территории белорусского сектора 30-километровой зоны Игналинской АЭС составляет 2,1–3,5 Бк/кг, плотность поверхностного загрязнения данным радионуклидом – 140–280 Бк/м2. Содержание иных гамма-излучающих техногенных радионуклидов, активность которых в окружающей среде, как правило, контролируется для оценки радиационной обстановки, ниже предела обнаружения в данных условиях измерения.
Область применения исследований. Данные, полученные в результате независимого радиационного обследования, характеризующие радиационную обстановку в зоне воздействия Игналинской АЭС, могут являться основой для проведения сравнительного анализа результатов измерений при последующей оценке радиационной обстановки в зоне наблюдения как Игналинской, так и Белорусской АЭС.
Bursa siyahı incir (Ficus carica L.)’de K, Ca, Mg ve P besin elementlerinin mevsimsel değişimleri
Authors: BAY ERKANAT Derya , TUNA Atilla Levent
Published: June 2022

“Bursa Siyahı” incir çeşidi, Marmara Bölgesinin önemli sofralık incir çeşididir. Aynı zamanda önemli bir ihraç ürünü olan bu çeşit, ekonomik değeri yönünden yöre halkı için önemli bir gelir kaynağıdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı; incir bitkisinin yapraklarında makro besin elementlerinin (P, K, Ca, Mg) mevsimsel değişiminin incelenerek yaprak örneği almak için stabil devreyi belirlemek ve incir bahçeleri ile ağaçların genel bir beslenme değerlendirmesini yapmaktır. Bu amaçla Bursa ili Mudanya ilçesi Akköy Köyü’nde 5 farklı bahçe belirlenerek bir vejetasyon dönemi boyunca Mayıs-Eylül aylarında ve her ayın son haftası olmak üzere alınan yaprak örnekleri ile Temmuz ayında alınan toprak örnekleri analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, incelenen makro elementler, P hariç, tüm bahçelerde genel olarak vejetasyon başlangıcından Temmuz ayına kadar artmış ancak daha sonraki aylarda hasat dönemine kadar stabil kalmıştır. P ise, Mayıs ayından sonra azalarak vejetasyon dönemi boyunca hemen hemen sabit değerde kalmıştır. Yaprak örneklerinin dönemsel analizleri sonucu, besin elementlerindeki değişimlerin en az olduğu stabil devreler, tüm bahçeler için Ağustos-Eylül ayları olarak belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca toprak analizleri ile de desteklenen genel beslenme değerlendirmesi yapılmış ve çalışılan bahçelerde beslenme yönünden herhangi bir problem saptanmamıştır.
Farklı arazi kullanım türlerinde sınırlandırılmış su aralığının değerlendirilmesi ve makine öğrenme algoritmalarıyla tahmini
Authors: ALABOZ Pelin , DENGİZ Orhan , İÇ Sekan
Published: June 2022

Küresel ısınma ve kuraklık ile suyun önemi artmaktadır. Suyun etkin kullanımı için teknolojik gelişmeler takip edilerek gelecek senaryolar ve tahminler dikkate alınmalıdır. Günümüzde her alanında var olan algoritmalar, teknolojik gelişmeler ile birlikte yaşantımızın merkezi haline gelmiştir. Tarımsal alandaki yeni gelişmelerle ile birlikte makine öğrenme algoritmalarının kullanımları araştırılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada; farklı arazi kullanım türleri üzerindeki (orman, mera ve tarım arazisi) toprakların, sınırlandırılmış su aralığı (SSA) içeriklerinin belirlenmesi sonucu alandaki sıkışma ve havalanma problemleri değerlendirilmiştir. Ayrıca, SSA’nın farklı makine öğrenme algoritmaları (rastgele orman, yapay sinir ağları ve destek vektör makinaları) ile tahmin edilebilirliği dağılım haritaları ile ortaya konmuştur.Tarım yapılan toprakların SSA içerikleri oldukça geniş olup 0.03-0.21 cm3cm-3 aralıklarında değişim göstermiştir. Çalışma alanında incelenen mera topraklarının %43.63’ünde optimum koşullar, % 36’sında havalanma, %14.54’ünde sıkışma, %5.45’inde hem havalanma hem sıkışma problemleri tespit edilmiştir. Orman örtüsü altında toprakların %37.03’ünde optimum koşullar yani yarayışlı su içeriği SSA ya eşit olarak tespit edilmiştir. İncelenen algoritmalar arasında en başarılı tahmin rastgele orman (RO) algoritmasıyla elde edilmiştir. RO algoritması ile SSA’nın tahmin edilmesinde RMSE değeri 0.039 cm3 cm-3, olarak belirlenmiştir. RO ile SSA’nın tahmininde kum ve kil en iyi tahmin edici parametre olarak tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen gerçek ve tahmin değerlerinin dağılım haritalarında en düşük RMSE Simple Kriging yöntemi ile SSA için Spherical ve RO için ise Exponential model olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda RO algoritması ile SSA ‘nın düşük hata oranı ile tahmin edilebileceği ve dağılım haritalarının oluşturulabileceği ortaya konmuştur. Ayrıca tarım üretimde özellikle fındık arazilerinde dağılım gösteren topraklarda, mera ve orman topraklarına göre daha fazla sıkışma ve havalanma problemlerinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Spatio-temporal diet variability of the California sea lion Zalophus californianus in the southern California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Lowry MS , Nehasil SE , Moore JE
Published: June 2022

Characterizing predator diets is essential to understanding food web dynamics. We investigated the dietary breadth and variation of the California sea lion (CSL) Zalophus californianus at 3 of the California Channel Islands from 1981-2015. Prey species were identified from hard parts and soft-tissue remains of pyrosomes recovered from fecal samples, revealing a diverse diet of fish and cephalopods. Percent frequency of occurrence and percent split-sample frequency of occurrence were used to describe long-term trends, correlations between prey taxa, diet diversity, and diet similarity. The most common of 142 prey taxa identified to species were market squid Doryteuthis opalescens, northern anchovy Engraulis mordax, shortbelly rockfish Sebastes jordani, jack mackerel Trachurus symmetricus, Pacific sardine Sardinops sagax, Pacific hake Merluccius productus, and Pacific mackerel Scomber japonicus. Dietary differences were observed between male and female sea lions, and between animals from different islands and seasons. Intra-island diets at 2 locations were more similar than inter-island diets. Important inter-annual and decadal changes in diet were identified. CSL diet shifted from an anchovy-based diet in the 1980s to a market squid based-diet in the 1990s and 2000s, with other prey taxa being consumed more frequently when consumption of those 2 main prey declined. Prey-switching likely provides flexibility needed in the dynamic California Current Ecosystem, and may allow CSLs to adapt to changes in food supply and availability driven by climate change.
The Effect of Touch Less Spiritual Therapy and Yin Yoga Toward Student’s Perceived Stress During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Debora Oda , Sulistyono Sulistyono
Published: June 2022

Aims : The COVID-19 pandemic has brought massive changes in our lives. This change is also experienced by health students. Movement limitation, changes in social interactions, decrease in learning performance, and learning methods changes are just some of the stressors they tackled nowadays. Prolonged stressors will lead to psychological disorders, especially for health students. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of touchless spiritual therapy and yin yoga on student perceived stress during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Design : This research was quantitative study using a quasi experimental post-test design.
Methods : The population of this study were all students at STIKes Panti Waluya Malang, a total of 143 people. Based on Slovin formula, 60 samples were obtained which were taken using a simple random sampling technique. Respondents were divided into two groups, namely treatment and control, each group consisted of 30 respondents. The treatment group did modified touchless spiritual therapy and yin yoga five days a week for 6 weeks, while the control group didn’t. After 6 weeks, respondents of the two groups were asked to filled Perceived Stress Scale questionnaire. Data collection was carried out in the range of early November 2021 to late January 2022. The data was then processed with SPSS 26.
Results : Mann-Whitney U Test showed a p value <0.05 (0.03). This means that there was an effect of touchless spiritual therapy and yin yoga toward student’s perceived stress.
Conclusions : This study showed that during the pandemic, students experienced stress. Both spiritual approach and physical exercise provided through touchless spiritual healing and yin yoga could help students reduced their perceived stress. Further treatment was needed in order to develop our students psychological health so they become a resillient person which prevent them suffered from mental illness during the pandemic.
Afetividade e aulas remotas em tempos de pandemia: a questão da distância
Authors: Campos Vanja Ramos Vieira de , Leite Sérgio Antônio da Silva
Published: June 2022

O presente artigo é um estudo teórico que tem, como ponto de partida, o modelo de ensino remoto adotado no Brasil como uma possível alternativa em virtude ao prolongamen-to da pandemia do novo coronavírus – Covid-19, pela grande maioria das escolas brasileiras, a partir do segundo trimestre de 2020. Realizamos, a partir de pesquisas produzidas pelo Grupo do Afeto (Leite, 2018), uma reflexão sobre as possibilidades da dimensão afetiva no trabalho pedagógico desenvolvido a distância. Analisando-se as condições de ensino remoto à luz das contribuições dessas pesquisas, concluímos que a distância na relação professor-aluno, aluno-aluno, aluno-instituição constitui uma condição que dificulta e impede o estabelecimento de relações afetivas positivas na relação sujeito-objeto, constitutivas do processo de construção do conhecimento. Reforçamos a importância do trabalho do professor, segundo o modelo teórico aqui apresentado, reconhecendo que não é mais possível desconsiderar o papel da dimensão afetiva no processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
Layered Double Hydroxides-Loaded Sorafenib Inhibit Hepatic Stellate Cells Proliferation and Activation In Vitro and Reduce Fibrosis In Vivo
Authors: Peng Wei , Zhang Shiwen , Zhou Wei , Zhao Xinchen , Wang Kexue , Yue Chengxu , Wei Xinyu , Pang Siyan , Dong Wei , Chen Sulian , Chen Changjie , Yang Qingling , Wang Wenrui
Published: June 2022

A core feature of liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are transformed into myofibroblasts and lead to the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In this study, we combined in vitro cellular efficacy with in vivo antifibrosis performance to evaluate the outcome of sorafenib (SRF) loaded layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite (LDH-SRF) on HSCs. The cellular uptake test has revealed that sorafenib encapsulated LDH nanoparticles were efficiently internalized by the HSC-T6 cells, synergistically inducing apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, the apoptosis rate and the migration inhibition rate induced by LDHs-SRF were 2.5 and 1.7 times that of SRF. Western Blot showed that the TGF-β1/Smad/EMT and AKT signaling pathway was significantly inhibited in HSC-T6 cells treated with LDHs-SRF. For the in vivo experiment, LDHs-SRF were administered to rat models of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. H&E, masson and sirius red staining showed that LDHs-SRF could significantly reduce inflammatory infiltrate and collagen fiber deposition and immunohistochemical results found that LDHs-SRF treatment significantly inhibited the protein expressions of α-SMA in the liver, these results suggesting that LDHs-SRF exhibited better anti-fibrotic effect than SRF alone and significantly inhibited the proliferation and activation of rat hepatic stellate cells and collagen fiber synthesis.
Recent Trends in Composite Nanozymes and Their Pro-Oxidative Role in Therapeutics
Authors: Maddheshiya Shilpa , Nara Seema
Published: June 2022

Nanozymes are inorganic nanostructures whose enzyme mimic activities are increasingly explored in disease treatment, taking inspiration from natural enzymes. The catalytic ability of nanozymes to generate reactive oxygen species can be used for designing effective antimicrobials and antitumor therapeutics. In this context, composite nanozymes are advantageous, particularly because they integrate the properties of various nanomaterials to offer a single multifunctional platform combining photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Hence, recent years have witnessed great progress in engineering composite nanozymes for enhanced pro-oxidative activity that can be utilized in therapeutics. Therefore, the present review traverses over the newer strategies to design composite nanozymes as pro-oxidative therapeutics. It provides recent trends in the use of composite nanozymes as antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antitumor agents. This review also analyzes various challenges yet to be overcome by pro-oxidative composite nanozymes before being used in the field.
Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Sensors for the Detection of Toxins in Food: A Critical Mini-Review on the Applications and Mechanisms
Authors: Xuan Xiaoxu , Wang Mengjie , Manickam Sivakumar , Boczkaj Grzegorz , Yoon Joon Yong , Sun Xun
Published: June 2022

Using scientific technologies to detect toxins in food is significant to prevent food safety problems and protect people’s health. Recently, the rise of sensors has made rapid, efficient, and safe detection of food toxins possible. One of the key factors impacting the sensor’s performance is the nanomaterials employed. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with high specific surface area, tunable composition, porous structure, and flexible properties, have aroused the interest of researchers. The applications of MOFs in detecting food toxins have seen remarkable success in the past few years. In this critical mini-review, the impact of various synthesis methods on MOFs’ properties is first presented. Then, the applications and mechanisms of MOFs-based sensors in detecting various toxins are summarized and analyzed. Finally, future perspectives, potential opportunities, and challenges in this field are discussed.
Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiovascular Diseases: Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Wu Yuping , Cheng Qifa , Bai Liyang , Huang Shuqiang , Gao Jun
Published: June 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality. Therapy of CVDs is still a great challenge since many advanced therapies have been developed. Multiple cell types produce nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs), including cardiovascular system-related cells and stem cells. Compelling evidence reveals that EVs are associated with the pathophysiological processes of CVDs. Recently researches focus on the clinical transformation in EVs-based diagnosis, prognosis, therapies, and drug delivery systems. In this review, we firstly discuss the current knowledge about the biophysical properties and biological components of EVs. Secondly, we will focus on the functions of EVs on CVDs, and outline the latest advances of EVs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic agents. Finally, we will introduce the specific application of EVs as a novel drug delivery system and its application in CVDs therapy. Specific attention will be paid to summarize the perspectives, challenges, and applications on EVs’ clinical and industrial transformation.
tRNA Function and Dysregulation in Cancer
Authors: Gupta Tania , Malkin Mark G. , Huang Suyun
Published: June 2022

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a central component of protein synthesis and plays important roles in epigenetic regulation of gene expression in tumors. tRNAs are also involved in many cell processes including cell proliferation, cell signaling pathways and stress response, implicating a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The complex role of tRNA in cell regulation implies that an understanding of tRNA function and dysregulation can be used to develop treatments for many cancers including breast cancer, colon cancer, and glioblastoma. Moreover, tRNA modifications including methylation are necessary for tRNA folding, stability, and function. In response to certain stress conditions, tRNAs can be cleaved in half to form tiRNAs, or even shorter tRNA fragments (tRF). tRNA structure and modifications, tiRNA induction of stress granule formation, and tRF regulation of gene expression through the repression of translation can all impact a cell’s fate. This review focuses on how these functions of tRNAs, tiRNA, and tRFs can lead to tumor development and progression. Further studies focusing on the specific pathways of tRNA regulation could help identify tRNA biomarkers and therapeutic targets, which might prevent and treat cancers.
Adhesion of Dictyostelium Amoebae to Surfaces: A Brief History of Attachments
Authors: Mijanović Lucija , Weber Igor
Published: June 2022

Dictyostelium amoebae adhere to extracellular material using similar mechanisms to metazoan cells. Notably, the cellular anchorage loci in Amoebozoa and Metazoa are both arranged in the form of discrete spots and incorporate a similar repertoire of intracellular proteins assembled into multicomponent complexes located on the inner side of the plasma membrane. Surprisingly, however, Dictyostelium lacks integrins, the canonical transmembrane heterodimeric receptors that dominantly mediate adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix in multicellular animals. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge about the cell-substratum adhesion in Dictyostelium, present an inventory of the involved proteins, and draw parallels with the situation in animal cells. The emerging picture indicates that, while retaining the basic molecular architecture common to their animal relatives, the adhesion complexes in free-living amoeboid cells have evolved to enable less specific interactions with diverse materials encountered in their natural habitat in the deciduous forest soil. Dissection of molecular mechanisms that underlay short lifetime of the cell-substratum attachments and high turnover rate of the adhesion complexes in Dictyostelium should provide insight into a similarly modified adhesion phenotype that accompanies the mesenchymal-amoeboid transition in tumor metastasis.
A Comparative In Vitro and In Vivo Study of Osteogenicity by Using Two Biomaterials and Two Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Subtypes
Authors: Fievet L. , Serratrice N. , Brulin B. , Giraudo L. , Véran J. , Degardin N. , Sabatier F. , Féron F. , Layrolle P.
Published: June 2022

Background: Bone repair induced by stem cells and biomaterials may represent an alternative to autologous bone grafting. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), easily accessible in every human, are prototypical cells that can be tested, alone or with a biomaterial, for creating new osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of two biomaterials—biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and bioactive glass (BG)—when loaded with either adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) or newborn nasal ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (NE-MSCs), the latter being collected for further repair of lip cleft-associated bone loss.

Materials and Methods: BMMSCs were collected from two adults and NE-MSCs from two newborn infants. An in vitro study was performed in order to determine the best experimental conditions for adhesion, viability, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation on BCP or BG granules. Bone-associated morphological changes and gene expression modifications were quantified using histological and molecular techniques. The in vivo study was based on the subcutaneous implantation in nude mice of the biomaterials, loaded or not with one of the two cell types. Eight weeks after, bone formation was assessed using histological and electron microscopy techniques.

Results: Both cell types—BMMSC and NE-MSC—display the typical stem cell surface markers—CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, nestin - and exhibit the MSC-associated osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic multipotency. NE-MSCs produce less collagen and alkaline phosphatase than BMMSCs. At the transcript level, NE-MSCs express more abundantly three genes coding for bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and osteopontin while BMMSCs produce extra copies of RunX2. BMMSCs and NE-MSCs adhere and survive on BCP and BG. In vivo experiments reveal that bone formation is only observed with BMMSCs transplanted on BCP biomaterial.

Conclusion: Although belonging to the same superfamily of mesenchymal stem cells, BMMSCs and NE-MSCs exhibit striking differences, in vitro and in vivo. For future clinical applications, the association of BMMSCs with BCP biomaterial seems to be the most promising.
Fecal Dysbiosis and Immune Dysfunction in Chinese Elderly Patients With Schizophrenia: An Observational Study
Authors: Ling Zongxin , Jin Guolin , Yan Xiumei , Cheng Yiwen , Shao Li , Song Qinghai , Liu Xia , Zhao Longyou
Published: June 2022

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with largely unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is a vital player in SZ. However, the gut microbiota characteristics and its host response in elderly SZ patients are still not well understood. A total of 161 samples was collected, including 90 samples from elderly SZ patients and 71 samples from healthy controls. We explored the gut microbiota profiles targeting the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene by MiSeq sequencing, and to analyze their associations with host immune response. Our data found that bacterial β-diversity analyses could divide the SZ patients and healthy controls into two different clusters. The Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) identified the compositional changes in SZ-associated bacteria, including Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Actinomyces, Butyricicoccus, Prevotella and so on. In addition, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β were greatly increased in SZ patients while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ were markedly decreased. Correlation analysis suggested that these bacteria contributed to immune disturbances in the host that could be used as non-invasive biomarkers to distinguish the SZ patients from healthy controls. Moreover, several predicted functional modules, including increased lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, folate biosynthesis, lipoic acid metabolism, and decreased bile acid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis in SZ-associated microbiota, could be utilized by the bacteria to produce immunomodulatory metabolites. This study, for the first time, demonstrated the structural and functional dysbiosis of the fecal microbiota in Chinese elderly SZ patients, suggesting the potential for using gut key functional bacteria for the early, non-invasive diagnosis of SZ, personalized treatment, and the development of tailor-made probiotics designed for Chinese elderly SZ patients.
Case Report: Whole-Genome Sequencing of Serially Collected Haemophilus influenzae From a Patient With Common Variable Immunodeficiency Reveals Within-Host Evolution of Resistance to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Azithromycin After Prolonged Treatment With These Antibiotics
Authors: Lindemann Paul Christoffer , Mylvaganam Haima , Oppegaard Oddvar , Anthonisen Inger Lill , Zecic Nermin , Skaare Dagfinn
Published: June 2022

We report within-host evolution of antibiotic resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin in a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae strain from a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), who received repeated or prolonged treatment with these antibiotics for recurrent respiratory tract infections. Whole-genome sequencing of three longitudinally collected sputum isolates during the period April 2016 to January 2018 revealed persistence of a strain of sequence type 2386. Reduced susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the first two isolates was associated with mutations in genes encoding dihydrofolate reductase (folA) and its promotor region, dihydropteroate synthase (folP), and thymidylate synthase (thyA), while subsequent substitution of a single amino acid in dihydropteroate synthase (G225A) rendered high-level resistance in the third isolate from 2018. Azithromycin co-resistance in this isolate was associated with amino acid substitutions in 50S ribosomal proteins L4 (W59R) and L22 (G91D), possibly aided by a substitution in AcrB (A604E) of the AcrAB efflux pump. All three isolates were resistant to aminopenicillins and cefotaxime due to TEM-1B beta-lactamase and identical alterations in penicillin-binding protein 3. Further resistance development to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin resulted in a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Evolution of multidrug resistance due to horizontal gene transfer and/or spontaneous mutations, along with selection of resistant subpopulations is a particular risk in CVID and other patients requiring repeated and prolonged antibiotic treatment or prophylaxis. Such challenging situations call for careful antibiotic stewardship together with supportive and supplementary treatment. We describe the clinical and microbiological course of events in this case report and address the challenges encountered.
Human Plasma Transcriptome Implicates Dysregulated S100A12 Expression: A Strong, Early-Stage Prognostic Factor in ST-Segment Elevated Myocardial Infarction: Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Verification
Authors: Zhai Hu , Huang Lei , Gong Yijie , Liu Yingwu , Wang Yu , Liu Bojiang , Li Xiandong , Peng Chunyan , Li Tong
Published: June 2022

The ability of blood transcriptome analysis to identify dysregulated pathways and outcome-related genes following myocardial infarction remains unknown. Two gene expression datasets (GSE60993 and GSE61144) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) Datasets to identify altered plasma transcriptomes in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. GEO2R, Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotations, protein–protein interaction analysis, etc., were adopted to determine functional roles and regulatory networks of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Dysregulated expressomes were verified at transcriptional and translational levels by analyzing the GSE49925 dataset and our own samples, respectively. A total of 91 DEGs were identified in the discovery phase, consisting of 15 downregulated genes and 76 upregulated genes. Two hub modules consisting of 12 hub genes were identified. In the verification phase, six of the 12 hub genes exhibited the same variation patterns at the transcriptional level in the GSE49925 dataset. Among them, S100A12 was shown to have the best discriminative performance for predicting in-hospital mortality and to be the only independent predictor of death during follow-up. Validation of 223 samples from our center showed that S100A12 protein level in plasma was significantly lower among patients who survived to discharge, but it was not an independent predictor of survival to discharge or recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events after discharge. In conclusion, the dysregulated expression of plasma S100A12 at the transcriptional level is a robust early prognostic factor in patients with STEMI, while the discrimination power of the protein level in plasma needs to be further verified by large-scale, prospective, international, multicenter studies.
Risk Assessment and Regulatory Exploration of the Lubrication Coating on Intravascular Medical Devices
Authors: Xu Yun , Ming Zhang-Yin
Published: June 2022

Lubricious polymer coatings are increasingly used on intravascular devices to facilitate application processes. Although increasing reports about the detachment and subsequent embolism of polymer particles, this iatrogenic polymer embolism has not been paid enough clinical attention for many years. This article reviews the hazard of coating separation and the difficulty to find it. Furthermore, this proposes the scientific evaluation concept and regulatory exploration to solve the problems.
Identification of Heparan Sulfate in Dilated Cardiomyopathy by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Song Wenyu , Lu Fujian , Ding Zequan , Huang Liqi , Hu Kui , Chen Jinmiao , Wei Lai
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Heparan sulfate (HS) forms heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), such as syndecans (SDCs) and glypicans (GPCs), to perform biological processes in the mammals. This study aimed to explore the role of HS in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

Two high throughput RNA sequencing, two microarrays, and one single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of DCM hearts were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and integrated for bioinformatics analyses. Differential analysis, pathway enrichment, immunocytes infiltration, subtype identification, and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis were used in this study.

Results

The expression level of most HSPGs was significantly upregulated in DCM and was closely associated with immune activation, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure. Syndecan2 (SDC2) was highly associated with collagen I and collagen III in cardiac fibroblasts of DCM hearts. HS biosynthetic pathway was activated, while the only enzyme to hydrolyze HS was downregulated. Based on the expression of HSPGs, patients with DCM were classified into three molecular subtypes, i.e., C1, C2, and C3. Cardiac fibrosis and heart failure were more severe in the C1 subtype.

Conclusion

Heparan sulfate is closely associated with immune activation, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure in DCM. A novel molecular classification of patients with DCM is established based on HSPGs.
N-Acetylcysteine Protects the Stem Cells of the Apical Papilla
Authors: Countryman Kyle , Chen Yen-Wei , Johnson James D. , Paranjpe Avina
Published: June 2022

Objective

Previous research has demonstrated that stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP) have a lower differentiation potential and are less resistant to cell death as compared to other stem cells. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) prevents apoptosis of the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by inducing differentiation of these cells. The use of NAC with SCAP could possibly, enhance their differentiation and resistance to cytotoxicity. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine if NAC could prevent apoptosis of SCAP by promoting proliferation and differentiation of these cells thereby contributing to the success of Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs).

Methods

Human SCAP were cultured with and without 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 20 mM NAC and Dexamethasone (Dex). Proliferation rates were analyzed at days 4 and 7. Flow cytometric analysis was used to analyze the levels of cell death. Differentiation of the cells was analyzed using Real-time PCR and an ALP assay. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey test.

Results

The NAC-treated cells had similar cell viability compared with the controls. The cells treated with NAC + HEMA had significantly higher rates of proliferation as compared to the HEMA only treated groups and displayed more cell viability when these groups were compared with flow cytometric analysis. Real-time PCR and the ALP assay demonstrated that the NAC group upregulated ALP, RUNX-2, and DSPP genes.

Conclusion

The data demonstrated that NAC protects the SCAP from apoptosis and enhances the proliferation and differentiation potential of these cells suggesting that NAC could be used effectively during REPs.