bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyland: A Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Fulin , Liu Xue , Chen Yueru , An Ying , Zhao Wei , Wang Lu , Tian Jinli , Kong Degang , Xu Yang , Ba Yahui , Zhou Honglei
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the confusion of the sources of medicinal materials was briefly expounded, and the differences among the varieties were pointed out. At the same time, the chemical components and pharmacological properties of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyland (E. ciliata) were reviewed. The structures of 352 compounds that have been identified are listed. These mainly include flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and other chemical components. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiviral, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, analgesic, antiarrhythmic, antitumor, antiacetylcholinesterase, and immunoregulator activities. At present, there are many researches using essential oil and alcohol extract, and the researches on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and other pharmacological activities are relatively mature. This paper aims to summarize the existing research, update the research progress regarding the phytochemicals and pharmacology of E. ciliate, and to provide convenience for subsequent research.
Quantification of Acipimox in Plasma and Tissues by LC–MS/MS: Application to Pharmacokinetic Comparison between Normoxia and Hypoxia
Authors: Shen Xin , Li Gaofu , Wang Libin , Yu Huijin , Zhou Lei , Deng Huifang , Wang Ningning , Lai Chengcai , Zhou Wei , Gao Yue
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of acipimox in rats under simulated high altitude hypoxia conditions. A sensitive and reliable LC–MS/MS method has been established for the quantitation of acipimox in rat plasma and tissue homogenate and validated according to the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Western blotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to investigate the expression of lipid metabolism-related proteins and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, respectively. Cell viability was detected using a Cell Counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8). The method was then successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic comparison between normoxic and hypoxic rats. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the main pharmacokinetics parameters of acipimox between normoxic and hypoxic rats. HCAR2 expression in the hypoxia group was upregulated compared to that in the normoxia group and the levels of FFA decreased more in the hypoxia group. Under the hypoxia condition, the proliferation of HK2 cells was inhibited with increasing concentrations of acipimox. The results provide important and valuable information for the safety and efficacy of acipimox, which indicated that the dosage of acipimox might be adjusted appropriately during clinical medication in hypoxia.
Low Toxicity of Metal-Organic Framework MOF-74(Co) Nano-Particles In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lan Suke , Zhang Jiahao , Li Xin , Pan Lejie , Li Juncheng , Wu Xian , Yang Sheng-Tao
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of metal-organic frameworks (MOF), the toxicity and environmental safety of MOF materials should be thoroughly investigated. The behaviors and bio-effects of MOF materials after oral exposure are largely unknown. In this study, we performed a pilot toxicity evaluation of MOF-74(Co) nanoparticles (NPs) both in vitro and in vivo. The cell viability and cell cycle were monitored after LO2 cells were incubated with MOF-74(Co). The Co contents, bodyweight, serum biochemistry, histopathological changes, and oxidative stress parameters were measured after oral exposure to MOF-74(Co) NPs in mice. LO2 cells showed viability loss at 100 mg/L. The cell cycle arrest was more sensitive, which was observed even at 12.5 mg/L. MOF-74(Co) NPs led to a significant accumulation of Co in the liver and kidneys. No bodyweight loss was observed and the serum biochemical index was mainly unchanged. Except for slight inflammation, the histopathological images of the liver and kidneys after oral exposure to MOF-74(Co) NPs were normal compared to the control. Meaningful oxidative stress was found in the liver and kidneys. The results collectively indicated the low toxicity of MOF-74(Co) NPs after oral exposure in mice.
Machine Learning in the Management of Lateral Skull Base Tumors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tsutsumi Kotaro , Soltanzadeh-Zarandi Sina , Khosravi Pooya , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Djalilian Hamid R. , Abouzari Mehdi
Published: September 2022

The application of machine learning (ML) techniques to otolaryngology remains a topic of interest and prevalence in the literature, though no previous articles have summarized the current state of ML application to management and the diagnosis of lateral skull base (LSB) tumors. Subsequently, we present a systematic overview of previous applications of ML techniques to the management of LSB tumors. Independent searches were conducted on PubMed and Web of Science between August 2020 and February 2021 to identify the literature pertaining to the use of ML techniques in LSB tumor surgery written in the English language. All articles were assessed in regard to their application task, ML methodology, and their outcomes. A total of 32 articles were examined. The number of articles involving applications of ML techniques to LSB tumor surgeries has significantly increased since the first article relevant to this field was published in 1994. The most commonly employed ML category was tree-based algorithms. Most articles were included in the category of surgical management (13; 40.6%), followed by those in disease classification (8; 25%). Overall, the application of ML techniques to the management of LSB tumor has evolved rapidly over the past two decades, and the anticipated growth in the future could significantly augment the surgical outcomes and management of LSB tumors.
The Effect of Additives on the Hydrothermal Synthesis and Thermochromic Performance of Monoclinic Vanadium Dioxide Powder
Authors: Zouridi Leila , Gagaoudakis Emmanouil , Mantsiou Eleni , Dragani Theodora , Maragaki Xristina , Aperathitis Elias , Kiriakidis George , Binas Vassilios
Published: September 2022

Monoclinic vanadium dioxide VO2(M) is a well-known thermochromic material, with its critical transition temperature (68 °C) being the closest to room temperature (RT). Among the variety of grown methods, hydrothermal synthesis is a simple and cost-effective technique to grow thermochromic VO2 in the form of powder. In the present work, VO2 nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis in mild conditions, followed by a thermal annealing process at 700 °C under nitrogen flow for two hours. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) was used as the vanadium precursor, while two different reducing agents, namely oxalic and succinic acid, were employed for the reduction of V2O5 to VO2. Additionally, urea as well as thiourea were used as additives, in order to investigate their effects on the thermochromic performance of VO2. As a result, the VO2 (M) phase was obtained after annealing the crystalline powder, grown hydrothermally using oxalic acid and thiourea as a reducing agent and additive, respectively. This synthesis had a high yield of 90%, and led to a VO2(M) powder of high purity and crystallinity. In particular, the VO2 (M) nanoparticles had an average crystallite size of approximately 45 nm, a critical transition temperature of approximately 68 °C and a hysteresis width of 11 °C.
Evaluating the Role of Exogenously Applied Ascorbic Acid in Rescuing Soybean Plant Health in The Presence of Pathogen-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Noor Afsana , Little Christopher R.
Published: September 2022

Charcoal rot, caused by the soilborne hemibiotrophic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, is a prevalent and economically significant plant disease. It is hypothesized that M. phaseolina induces oxidative stress-mediated senescence in plants. Infection by M. phaseolina results in the host’s accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute toward basal defense. However, the production of ROS could also lead to cellular damage and senescence in host tissue. This study aimed to determine if ascorbic acid, a ROS scavenging molecule, could quench M. phaseolina-induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation in a soybean-M. phaseolina pathosystem. In vitro sensitivity tests showed that M. phaseolina isolates were sensitive to L-ascorbic acid (LAA) at concentrations of 10.5 to 14.3 mM based on IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) data. In planta cut-stem assays demonstrated that pre-treatment with 10 mM of either LAA (reduced form) or DHAA (dehydroascorbic acid; oxidized form) significantly decreased lesion length compared to the non-pretreated control and post-treatments with both ascorbic acid forms after M. phaseolina inoculation. Further, H2O2 quantification from ascorbic acid-pretreated tissue followed by M. phaseolina inoculation showed significantly less accumulation of H2O2 than the inoculated control or the mock-inoculated control. This result demonstrated that M. phaseolina not only induced H2O2 after host infection but also increased ROS-mediated senescence. This study shows the potential of ascorbic acid, an effective ROS scavenger, to limit ROS-mediated senescence associated with M. phaseolina infection.
High Efficiency and High Bandwidth Double-Cladding Waveguide Photodetector Array for 400 Gbit/s Communication
Authors: Xiao Fan , Ye Han , Wang Shuai , Chu Yimiao , Han Qin
Published: September 2022

A parallel array of 10 side-illuminated waveguide photodetectors (WGPDs) with double-cladding structure was designed and fabricated. In order to achieve high coupling efficiency to the fiber, the thicknesses of InGa0.24As0.53P cladding layers and In0.53Ga0.47As core layer were optimized. The array exhibited a uniform responsivity of 0.54 A/W at 1310 nm without anti-reflection (AR) coating and dark currents lower than 1.3 nA at −5 V. Each photodetector (PD) showed a bandwidth of over 30 GHz, amounting to 400 Gbit/s transmission capacity for the whole chip. In addition, numerical analysis showed that the fiber alignment tolerance to the chip edge along vertical and horizontal directions, when using a lensed fiber, were 1.8 μm and 4.6 μm, respectively. The simple fabrication, easy alignment capability and high performance make the photodetector array a competitive solution for future 400 Gbit/s parallel communication.
First Principles Study and Experimental Investigation of Graphene-Molybdenum Disulphide Nanocomposites Based Passive Saturable Absorber
Authors: Mohd Halim Siti Nabilah , Ahmad Fauzan , Lokman Muhammad Quisar , Sapingi Husni Hani Jameela , Mohamad Taib Mohamad Fariz , Wan Nawawi Wan Mohd Fazli , Yahaya Hafizal , Abdul Rahman Mohd Azizi , Shafie Suhaidi , Harun Sulaiman Wadi
Published: September 2022

Research on hybrid graphene with other two-dimensional materials has gained considerable attention owing to their potential applications beyond single components. Through our first principles analysis via density functional theory, graphene-molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) demonstrated a band gap opening by 2 meV, from gapless graphene when MoS2 layer is introduced into the structure. The simulated graphene-MoS2 has a direct band gap situated at K point of Brillouin zone with preserved Dirac properties of graphene. The experimental studies on graphene-MoS2 also have been performed by preparing graphene-MoS2-chitin nanocomposite through facile liquid-phase exfoliation method. Apart from energy gap using Tauc relation, the physical morphology and nonlinear properties of the material were systematically characterized. Graphene-MoS2-chitin exhibits a modulation depth of 10.5%, which is lower than individual graphene but higher than individual MoS2. Further investigation on the material’s performance was done by integrating the fabricated film into Erbium-doped fiber laser. Stable nanosecond pulse laser operation was realized with graphene-MoS2-chitin hybrid saturable absorber. The pulse width was measured to be 156.4 ns with repetition rate of 1.89 MHz, corresponding to a peak power of 56.13 mW and pulse energy of 8.78 nJ.
Effects of Fertilization Approaches on Plant Development and Fertilizer Use of Citrus
Authors: Ma Xiaochuan , Li Feifei , Chen Yuewen , Chang Yuanyuan , Lian Xuefei , Li Yunsong , Ye Li , Yin Tao , Lu Xiaopeng
Published: September 2022

Fertilization is an important part of citrus crop management. However, limited details are available about the fertilization approach on citrus plant development. A pot experiment for the fertilization approaches and fertigation levels were conducted in this study. Four fertilization approaches, namely, drip fertigation (DF), broadcast fertilization (CK+), hole fertilization (HF) and pour fertilization (PF) were tested. The fertigation level treatment included 100% (DF-337.5), 80% (DF-270), 60% (DF-202.5) and 40% (DF-135) fertilizer supply with DF, and the 100% fertilizer supply with broadcast fertilization were served as control (CK). The results showed that DF not only increased the absorptions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) but also promoted citrus plant height, stem diameter and dry weight. In fruit quality, DF had the highest fruit total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) contents. For fertilizer loss, DF had the lowest N and K leaching losses of 9.26% and 4.05%, respectively, and the lowest N and K runoff losses among the approaches. Isotopic tracing with 15N indicated that DF had the highest fertilizer use efficiency. Based on the analysis of fertigation levels, DF approach with 60% fertilizer reduction could improve citrus plant development. Therefore, DF promoted citrus plant growth and fruit quality by accelerating fertilizer utilization and impairing fertilizer loss. The fertilizer amount in citrus production could be reduced significantly using DF.
Allelopathy and Allelochemicals of Imperata cylindrica as an Invasive Plant Species
Authors: Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: September 2022

Imperata cylindrica is native to Southeast Asia and East Africa and has become naturalized in humid tropics, subtropics and warmer temperate zones of the world. The species is one of the top ten worst weeds in the worlds and is listed among the world’s top 100 worst invasive alien species. It is an aggressive colonizer and forms large monospecific stands in several countries. Possible evidence of the allelopathy of I. cylindrica has been accumulated in the literature over three decades. The extracts, leachates, root exudates, decomposing residues and rhizosphere soil of I. cylindrica were found to suppress the germination and growth of several plant species, including woody plant species, and to reduce their rhizobium nodulation and mycorrhizal colonization. Several allelochemicals, such as fatty acids, terpenoids, simple phenolics, benzoic acids, phenolic acids, phenolic aldehydes, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, quinones and alkaloids, were also found in the extracts, leachates, root exudates and/or growth medium of I. cylindrica. These observations suggest that allelochemicals may be synthesized in I. cylindrica and released into the rhizosphere soil and surrounding environments either by the leachates, root exudation or decomposition process of plant parts, and certain allelochemicals may contribute to the alteration of the microbial community, including rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi, suppressing the regeneration process of native plant species through the inhibition of their germination and growth. Therefore, the allelopathy of I. cylindrica may support its invasiveness, naturalization and formation of large monospecific stands. This is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of I. cylindrica.
Effects of Two Kinds of Commercial Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Properties of Corn on New Reclamation Land
Authors: Li Xuqing , Lu Qiujun , Li Dingyi , Wang Daoze , Ren Xiaoxu , Yan Jianli , Ahmed Temoor , Li Bin
Published: September 2022

Due to the development of urbanization and industrialization, a large amount of cultivated land resources has been occupied, while new reclamation land could expand the supply of usable land for food security. Organic fertilizers, such as crop residues, biosolids, sheep manure, mushroom residue, and biogas liquid, have been considered as an effective amendment in immature soil to improve its quality. Recently, two kinds of commercial organic fertilizers, pig manure and mushroom residue organic fertilizer (PMMR-OF), and sheep manure organic fertilizer (SM-OF), have been more regularly applied in agriculture production. However, the information available on effect of the two kinds of fertilizers on plant growth and rhizosphere soil properties in immature field is very limited. In order to evaluate PMMR-OF and SM-OF on immature soil, the soil quality and microbial community structure of corn rhizosphere soil samples under the two kinds of organic fertilizers at different concentrations was investigated. The results revealed a significant difference between commercial organic fertilizers (especially SM-OF) and chemical compound fertilizers (CCF) in soil properties and microbial community structure. Indeed, compared with the control based on16S and ITS amplicon sequencing of soil microflora, SM-OF caused a 10.79–19.52%, 4.33–4.39%,and 14.58–29.29% increase in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Ascomycota, but a 5.82–20.58%, 0.53–24.06%, 10.87–16.79%, 2.69–10.50%, 44.90–59.24%, 8.88–10.98%, and 2.31–21.98% reduction in Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Chytridiomycota, respectively. CCF caused a 24.11%, 23.28%, 38.87%, 19.88%, 18.28%, and 13.89% reduction in Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, but a 22.77%, 41.28%, 7.88%, and 19.39% increase in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Ascomycota, and Mortierellomycota, respectively. Furthermore, redundancy discriminant analysis of microbial communities and soil properties of PMMR-OF, SM-OF, CCF, and the control treatments indicated that the main variables of bacterial and fungal communities included organic matter content, available P, and available K. Overall, the results of this study revealed significant changes under different fertilizer conditions (PMMR-OF, SM-OF, CCF, under different concentrations) in microbiota and chemical properties of corn soil. Commercial organic fertilizers, particularly SM-OF, can be used as a good amendment for the new reclamation land.
A Multi-Pronged Technique for Identifying Equisetum palustre and Equisetum arvense—Combining HPTLC, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Optimized DNA Barcoding Techniques
Authors: Ibi Afoke , Du Min , Beuerle Till , Melchert Dennis , Solnier Julia , Chang Chuck
Published: September 2022

The most prominent horsetail species, Equisetum arvense, has an array of different medicinal properties, thus the proper authentication and differentiation of the plant from the more toxic Equisetum palustre is important. This study sought to identify different samples of E. arvense and E. palustre using three analytical methods. The first method involved the use of HPTLC analysis, as proposed by the European Pharmacopoeia. The second, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, is capable of both identification and quantification and was used to determine the Equisetum alkaloid content in each sample. A third method was DNA barcoding, which identifies the samples based on their genetic make-up. Both HPTLC and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS proved to be suitable methods of identification, with HPLC-ESI-MS/MS proving the more sophisticated method for the quantification of alkaloids in the Equisetum samples and for determining the adulteration of E. arvense. For DNA barcoding, optimal primer pairs were elucidated to allow for the combined use of the rbcL and ITS markers to accurately identify each species. As new DNA marker sequences were added to GenBank, the reference library has been enriched for future work with these horsetail species.
Hoedang and Jingakjong: Esoteric Buddhism in Contemporary Korea
Authors: Kim David W.
Published: September 2022

This article discusses the emergence, transformation, and transmission of an esoteric Buddhist movement that Hoedang (孫珪祥, Kyu-shang Sohn [or Sohn, Gyu-sang], 1902–1963) began in the 1940s and 1950s. Starting in the middle of the eighth century, the history of Korean Esoteric Buddhism indicates that the tradition continued to exist (albeit marginally) until the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897). However, this case study, which focuses on the new religious sect of Jingak, explorers Jingak’s reformist characteristics and its efforts toward the renewal of Korean Buddhism in contemporary society. The article argues that the founder was intellectually receptive to other teachings, including the performance of esoteric healing, the prosocial characters of Pragmatic Buddhism, the doctrine of Japanese Shingon, and permitting priests to marry. This article additionally attempts to identify the innovative philosophy (including Simin, 心印, original sinless self) of Korean Esoteric Buddhism, in the combined concepts of Jinho gukga bulsa (鎭護國家佛事, Protecting the nation by the teaching of Buddhism), Iwon Weonri (二元原理, Relative Principle), Simin Bulgyo (心印佛敎, Mind-seal Buddhism), and Silhaengnon (實行論, The Teachings of Hoedang—Practical Theory).
Critical Child Protection Studies: An Introduction
Authors: Parton Nigel Ashmore
Published: September 2022

Until the last few years of the twentieth century, there was very little critical analysis surrounding child protection policies and practices [...]
Investigation of Compression Strength and Heat Absorption of Native Rice Straw Bricks for Environmentally Friendly Construction
Authors: Tachaudomdach Suchat , Hempao Sakda
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of native rice straw mixed bricks, prototype bricks and brick blocks that are sold in the market. The comparison looked at four aspects, as follows: (1) compression strength, (2) heat absorption, (3) weight of the brick and (4) price. In this study, the native rice straw species from the Pa Pae sub-district, Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, were used to replace cement, sand and stone in 200, 300, 400 and 500 g amounts. The ingredients were then mixed and put into a hand-pounded mold. When the extrusion was finished, it was removed from the mold and cured for 7, 14 or 28 days. Brick block performance was then tested. The results showed that 200 g of native rice straw mixed with cement brick had the best performance in all four aspects. The 200 g native rice straw mixed with cement brick was able to bear the weight of 1.26 kg/cm2. It had the best heat transfer and was able to reduce the temperature inside the brick-block construction by 10 degrees Celsius. Its weight per brick was 7.59 kg and the price was only 3.17 baht ($0.09 USD) per brick. In conclusion, the native rice straw mixed bricks had low thermal conductivity, are attractive for energy saving when used as wall insulation and are suitable for environmentally friendly construction.
Development of Optimal Iterative Methods with Their Applications and Basins of Attraction
Authors: Chanu Waikhom Henarita , Panday Sunil , Thangkhenpau G.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we construct variants of Bawazir’s iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations having simple roots. The proposed methods are two-step and three-step methods, with and without memory. The Newton method, weight function and divided differences are used to develop the optimal fourth- and eighth-order without-memory methods while the methods with memory are derivative-free and use two accelerating parameters to increase the order of convergence without any additional function evaluations. The methods without memory satisfy the Kung–Traub conjecture. The convergence properties of the proposed methods are thoroughly investigated using the main theorems that demonstrate the convergence order. We demonstrate the convergence speed of the introduced methods as compared with existing methods by applying the methods to various nonlinear functions and engineering problems. Numerical comparisons specify that the proposed methods are efficient and give tough competition to some well known existing methods.
Assessing the Development Level of Logistics for Sustainable Cities in Urban Agglomeration Based on a Multi-Layer Complex Network
Authors: Ma Fei , Yang Zhijie , Zhao Shumei , Yuen Kum Fai , He Haonan , Sun Qipeng , Lai Polin , Shang Zhen
Published: September 2022

Evaluating the development level of urban logistics can significantly inform policies for the sustainable development of each city in an urban agglomeration. This study analyzed the logistics development of 11 cities in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration (GPUA) of China. Compared to traditional urban logistics evaluation methods considering individual attributes, this study constructed a multi-layer complex logistics network of urban agglomerations (MCLNUA) based on complex network theory, which takes into account the multiple connections between cities. The development levels of logistics in these cities were evaluated from a multi-dimensional perspective of “point–line–surface”, (the “point” represents the node characteristic index of the city, the “line” represents the strength and direction of urban logistics connections between cities, and the “surface” represents the cohesive subgroup of cities). An urban spatial hierarchy and corresponding spatial development plan for urban logistics were also developed. The results show that there are significant differences in logistics levels between different cities. The spatial structure of the overall network connections shows the pattern of being strong in the south and weak in the north, and strong in the east and weak in the west. There are differences in the strength of connections between cohesive subgroups. The research provides a reference for the sustainable development of regional logistics in other urban agglomerations.
Remote Technologies as Common Practice in Industrial Maintenance: What Do Experts Say?
Authors: Seiffert Laura , Sczodrok Jana , Ghofrani Javad , Wieczorek Katrin
Published: September 2022

Remote solutions open up new possibilities for collaboration and communication to solve maintenance tasks efficiently. Currently, there are no concepts to efficiently determine the suitability of such remote technologies for specific production facilities. It is therefore even more important to include current practical experience with remote technologies in industrial maintenance in the development of these concepts. In this way, the specific requirements and needs of the companies can be taken into account. In order to get an updated practical impression of the use of remote maintenance technology in the field of industrial maintenance, an explorative interview study was conducted. The aim of this study is to collect detailed examples from practice in order to be able to set up a model (category system) oriented towards practical focal points. Based on this, targeted representative surveys or practice-oriented experimental designs can be developed better. For this reason, ten interviews were conducted with maintenance experts from the business community. The results show that remote technologies have not yet fully established themselves in business practice. The main problem is the implementation of suitable framework conditions in order to be able to use remote technologies extensively.
An Assessment of Energy and Groundwater Consumption of Textile Dyeing Mills in Bangladesh and Minimization of Environmental Impacts via Long-Term Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Baseline
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Bormon Koushik Kumar , Rasu Mst Nigar Sultana , Talukder Amit , Freeman Charles , Burch Reuben , Chander Harish
Published: September 2022

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sectors have evolved to increase market share in the global textile supply chain. Textile sectors heavily rely on energy and groundwater consumption during production; mainly, textile dyeing mills contribute to the carbon footprint and water footprint impact to the environment. Textile dyeing mills have become one of the major industries responsible for the continuous depletion of groundwater levels and severe water pollution to the environment. Reduction of long-term key performance indicators (KPI) can be set to a baseline by reducing energy and groundwater consumption in textile dyeing mills. This study has analyzed the energy and groundwater consumption trend based on 15 textile dyeing mills in Bangladesh in 2019. The average dyed fabric production of 15 textile dyeing mills in 2019 was 7602.88 tons by consuming electricity and groundwater, and discharging treated effluent wastewater to the environment, in the amounts of 17,689.43 MWh, 961.26 million liters, and 640.24 million liters, respectively. The average KPI of treated effluent discharged wastewater was 97.27 L/kg, and energy consumption was 2.58 kWh/kg. Considering yearly 5% reduction strategies of groundwater and energy consumption for each factory could save around 355.43 million liters of water and 6540.68 MWh of electricity in 10 years (equivalent to 4167.08-ton CO2 emission).
The Role of CT-Angiography in the Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Pictorial Essay of Active and Obscure Findings
Authors: Di Serafino Marco , Iacobellis Francesca , Schillirò Maria Laura , Dell’Aversano Orabona Giuseppina , Martino Alberto , Bennato Raffaele , Borzelli Antonio , Oliva Gaspare , D’Errico Chiara , Pezzullo Filomena , Barbuto Luigi , Ronza Roberto , Ponticiello Gianluca , Corvino Fabio , Giurazza Francesco , Lombardi Giovanni , Niola Raffaella , Romano Luigia
Published: September 2022

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening abdominal emergency that remains a common cause of hospitalisation. Although 80–85% of cases of gastrointestinal bleeding resolve spontaneously, it can result in massive haemorrhage and death. The presentation of gastrointestinal bleeding can range from asymptomatic or mildly ill patients requiring only conservative treatments to severely ill patients requiring immediate intervention. Identifying the source of the bleeding can be difficult due to the wide range of potential causes, the length of the gastrointestinal tract and the intermittent nature of the bleeding. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach is fully dependent on the nature of the bleeding and the patient’s haemodynamic status. Radiologists should be aware of the appropriate uses of computed tomography angiography and other imaging modalities in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as the semiotics of bleeding and diagnostic pitfalls in order to appropriately diagnose and manage these patients. The learning objective of this review is to illustrate the computed tomography angiography technique, including the potential role of dual-energy computed tomography angiography, also highlighting the tips and tricks to identify the most common and uncommon features of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and its obscure form.
Deep Learning-Based Indoor Air Quality Forecasting Framework for Indoor Subway Station Platforms
Authors: Bakht Ahtesham , Sharma Shambhavi , Park Duckshin , Lee Hyunsoo
Published: September 2022

Particulate matter (PM) of sizes less than 10 µm (PM10) and 2.5 µm (PM2.5) found in the environment is a major health concern. As PM is more prevalent in an enclosed environment, such as a subway station, this can have a negative impact on the health of commuters and staff. Therefore, it is essential to continuously monitor PM on underground subway platforms and control it using a subway ventilation control system. In order to operate the ventilation system in a predictive way, a credible prediction model for indoor air quality (IAQ) is proposed. While the existing deterministic methods require extensive calculations and domain knowledge, deep learning-based approaches showed good performance in recent studies. In this study, we develop an effective hybrid deep learning framework to forecast future PM10 and PM2.5 on a subway platform using past air quality data. This hybrid framework is an integration of several deep learning frameworks, namely, convolution neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and deep neural network (DNN), and is called hybrid CNN-LSTM-DNN; it has the characteristics to capture temporal patterns and informative characteristics from the indoor and outdoor air quality parameters compared with the standalone deep learning models. The effectiveness of the proposed PM10 and PM2.5 forecasting framework is demonstrated using comparisons with the different existing deep learning models.
Evaluation of Skin Irritation of Acids Commonly Used in Cleaners in 3D-Reconstructed Human Epidermis Model, KeraSkinTM
Authors: Hwang Jee-hyun , Lee Seungmi , Lee Ho Geon , Choi Dalwoong , Lim Kyung-Min
Published: September 2022

Cleaners such as dishwashing liquids contain various chemicals that cause skin damage. Alkaline agents used in cleaners alter the lipid composition of the skin and damage the skin barrier. However, little is known about the effects of acids used in cleaners on the skin. Here, we investigated the effects of acidic pH on the skin and evaluated the skin irritation of acids commonly used in cleaners with a 3D-reconstructed human epidermis model, KeraSkinTM, according to OECD TG439. First, to examine the effects of acidic pH, we evaluated the skin irritation of citrate buffers (0.1 M, McIlvaine buffer) prepared in a wide pH range (pH 1.5–6.0). Surprisingly, cell viability was not significantly affected even at pH 1.5, reflecting that the acidity alone may not be sufficient to induce skin irritation. Even after longer exposure (180 min), the cell viability was not reduced below 50%, a cutoff to determine an irritant. To examine the effect of the anionic part, several organic acids used in cleaners (citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and succinic acid) were examined. These organic acids also failed to reduce viability at 0.1 M. However, at 1 M, most of the acids tested, except lactic acid, were determined to be skin irritants. Histology further supported the skin irritancy of acids at 1 M. Similarly, inorganic acids (hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid) were determined to be irritants only at 1 M. In the case of alkaline agents, pH and concentrations were also important factors to determine the skin irritancy, although the epidermal structure and lipids were more damaged than acids. Collectively, we demonstrated that both the pH and concentration are important factors for the skin irritancy of acids, shedding an important insight into the mechanism of skin irritation.
Trace Metals in Cannabis Seized by Law Enforcement in Ghana and Multivariate Analysis to Distinguish among Different Cannabis Farms
Authors: Douvris Chris , Bentil Edward , Ayensu Isaac , Osei Akoto Clement , Amponsah Isaac Kingsley , Adu Joseph , Bussan Derek
Published: September 2022

For hundreds of years, cannabis has been one of the most known cultivated plants due to its variety of uses, which include as a psychoactive drug, as well as for medicinal activity. Although prohibiting cannabis products, the countries of the African continent are the largest producers of cannabis in the world; a fact that makes the trafficking of cannabis-based illicit drugs a high priority for local law enforcement authorities. The latter are exceedingly interested in the use of chemical analyses for facilitating quantification, identification, and tracing of the origin of seized cannabis samples. Targeting these goals, and focusing on the country of Ghana, the present study used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the determination of 12 elements (Pb, Cu, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cd, As, Hg, Fe, Na, and K) in cannabis seized by Ghana’s law enforcement authorities and soils of cannabis farms. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was applied to distinguish among different cannabis farms and match them with the samples. As a result, 22 seized cannabis samples and 12 other cannabis samples with their respective soils were analyzed to reveal considerable As and Pb concentrations. As and Pb levels in cannabis were found up to 242 ppb for As and 854 ppb for Pb. Multivariate analysis was applied for separating different cannabis farms and seized samples based on elemental analysis, evidently linking the seized samples with two Ghana regions.
Analytical Method Development and Dermal Absorption of Pyrogallol, a Hair Dye Ingredient
Authors: Kim Yu-Jin , Kim Hyang-Yeon , Lee Jung-Dae , Kim Hong-Yoon , Im Jueng-Eun , Kim Kyu-Bong
Published: September 2022

Pyrogallol is an ingredient in hair dye. Its concentration in hair dye is managed at less than 2.0% in Korea. There have been no reports on the dermal absorption rate of pyrogallol. The two purposes of this study were to develop an analytical method and determine the dermal absorption rate of pyrogallol. An analytical method was developed and validated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of various matrices including swabs (SWAB), skin (SKIN, dermis + epidermis), stratum corneum (SC), and receptor fluid (RF). Linearity (r2 = 0.9993–0.9998), accuracy (92.1–108.2%), and precision (0.5–9.5%) met the validation criteria in guidelines. A Franz diffusion cell was used to determine the dermal absorption of pyrogallol using the skin of mini pigs. Pyrogallol (2.0%) was applied to the skin (10 μL/cm2). For the actual hair dye conditions, the skin was wiped with a swab 30 min after application. Twenty-four hours later, it was wiped with a swab again and the SC was collected using tape stripping. All samples were extracted with water and analyzed. RF was recovered at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. The total dermal absorption rate of pyrogallol was determined to be 26.0 ± 3.9%.
Two-Dimensional Blue Native/SDS Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis for Analysis of Brazilian Bothrops Snake Venoms
Authors: Ferreira de Oliveira Natacha , Sachetto Ana Teresa Azevedo , Santoro Marcelo Larami
Published: September 2022

Viperidae snakes are the most important agents of snakebites in Brazil. The protein composition of snake venoms has been frequently analyzed by means of electrophoretic techniques, but the interaction of proteins in venoms has barely been addressed. An electrophoretic technique that has gained prominence to study this type of interaction is blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), which allows for the high-resolution separation of proteins in their native form. These protein complexes can be further discriminated by a second-dimension gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) from lanes cut from BN-PAGE. Once there is no study on the use of bidimensional BN/SDS-PAGE with snake venoms, this study initially standardized the BN/SDS-PAGE technique in order to evaluate protein interactions in Bothrops atrox, Bothrops erythromelas, and Bothrops jararaca snake venoms. Results of BN/SDS-PAGE showed that native protein complexes were present, and that snake venom metalloproteinases and venom serine proteinases maintained their enzymatic activity after BN/SDS-PAGE. C-type lectin-like proteins were identified by Western blotting. Therefore, bidimensional BN/SDS-PAGE proved to be an easy, practical, and efficient method for separating functional venom proteins according to their assemblage in complexes, as well as to analyze their biological activities in further details.
sPLA2 Wobbles on the Lipid Bilayer between Three Positions, Each Involved in the Hydrolysis Process
Authors: Kuzmina Natalia , Volynsky Pavel , Boldyrev Ivan , Alekseeva Anna
Published: September 2022

Secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) are peripheral membrane enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids in the sn-2 position. The action of sPLA2 is associated with the work of two active sites. One, the interface binding site (IBS), is needed to bind the enzyme to the membrane surface. The other one, the catalytic site, is needed to hydrolyze the substrate. The interplay between sites, how the substrate protrudes to, and how the hydrolysis products release from, the catalytic site remains in the focus of investigations. Here, we report that bee venom PLA2 has two additional interface binding modes and enzyme activity through constant switching between three different orientations (modes of binding), only one of which is responsible for substrate uptake from the bilayer. The finding was obtained independently using atomic force microscopy and molecular dynamics. Switching between modes has biological significance: modes are steps of the enzyme moving along the membrane, product release in biological milieu, and enzyme desorption from the bilayer surface.
SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a High-Risk Migratory Population Arriving to a Migrant House along the US-Mexico Border
Authors: Fernández-Santos Nadia A. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Garrido-Lozada Edith G. , Rodríguez-Pérez Mario A.
Published: September 2022

Few reports exist on the COVID-19 epidemiology of migrant populations. We tested 370 migratory individuals from ten countries arriving at a migrant house along the US–Mexico border based on a rapid assay detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Fifty-six were positive, for a prevalence of 15.1% (95%–CIs of 11.8–19.2%). Only 21 positive persons presented signs or symptoms associated with the infection (95%–CIs = 25–49%). Most (51.7%) positive migrants arrived in the previous two days before being tested, indicating that the virus infection was acquired during their transit. Out of the total of 56 positive individuals, 37.5% were from El Salvador, 33.9% from Honduras, and 21.4% from Guatemala. This study suggests that vulnerable populations traveling from countries in Latin America and seeking residence in the US are high-risk individuals for exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The rapid antigen COVID-19 testing on arrival at the migrant house, and subsequent 10-day quarantine, was a critical step to help minimize further transmission. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that public health services provided to migratory and vulnerable populations are necessary for pandemic control.
Global Outbreak of Human Monkeypox in 2022: Update of Epidemiology
Authors: Ilic Irena , Zivanovic Macuzic Ivana , Ilic Milena
Published: September 2022

Background: Human monkeypox was a neglected zoonotic disease considered endemic to rainforests of rural parts of Central and Western Africa, until a global outbreak in May 2022. Methods: This review describes the epidemiological characteristics of human monkeypox. Results: Since the first confirmed case in the United Kingdom on 13 May 2022, and up until 19 September, more than 62,000 cases of human monkeypox were reported in 104 countries in the world (among them 97 countries where the monkeypox virus was not endemic). Up to today, 20 persons have died in this global outbreak. This outbreak predominantly affects men self-identifying as gay or bisexual or other men who have sex with men, and for now, there is no sign of continuous transmission of the disease in other populations. Today, the monkeypox outbreak is increasing alarmingly in many countries and presents a new challenge and a large issue for public health worldwide. The World Health Organization declared the global monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on 24 July 2022. Before this outbreak, health professionals in many countries had a knowledge gap and a lack of experience in the management of monkeypox. Conclusions: Advances in the comprehension of the epidemiology of human monkeypox are necessary for effective prevention and outbreak response.
Factors Affecting the Performance of HRP2-Based Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Martiáñez-Vendrell Xavier , Skjefte Malia , Sikka Ruhi , Gupta Himanshu
Published: September 2022

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global malaria elimination programs, resulting in a sharp increase in malaria morbidity and mortality. To reduce this impact, unmet needs in malaria diagnostics must be addressed while resuming malaria elimination activities. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), the unsung hero in malaria diagnosis, work to eliminate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria through their efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly qualities in detecting the antigen HRP2 (histidine-rich protein 2), among other proteins. However, the testing mechanism and management of malaria with RDTs presents a variety of limitations. This paper discusses the numerous factors (including parasitic, host, and environmental) that limit the performance of RDTs. Additionally, the paper explores outside factors that can hinder RDT performance. By understanding these factors that affect the performance of HRP2-based RDTs in the field, researchers can work toward creating and implementing more effective and accurate HRP2-based diagnostic tools. Further research is required to understand the extent of these factors, as the rapidly changing interplay between parasite and host directly hinders the effectiveness of the tool.
Trend and Spatial Distribution of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Liberty-Deprived Populations in the State of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Santos Márcio Souza dos , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Scholze Alessandro Rolim , Delpino Felipe Mendes , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Alves Yan Mathias , Costa Fernanda Bruzadelli Paulino da , Almeida Crispim Juliane de , Giacomet Clóvis Luciano , Moura Heriederson Sávio Dias , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Peres Ana Carolina Silva , Freitas Giselle Lima de , Pieri Flávia Meneguetti , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Tuberculosis remains a public health problem in the world. This study evaluated the temporal trends, distribution, and spatial associations of drug-resistant tuberculosis in liberty-deprived populations in the state of Paraná, Brazil. (2) Methods: An ecological study was developed using all cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis in penal establishments reported by the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2008 and 2018. For the time trend, the Prais–Winsten method was used. To verify the spatial association, the Getis–Ord Gi* technique was used. (3) Results: During the study period, 653 cases of tuberculosis were reported in the studied population, of which 98 (15%) were drug-resistant. Prais–Winsten autoregression identified an increasing trend, with APC = 15.08% (95% CI: 0.02–0.09) from 2008 to 2018; when analyzed from 2012 to 2018, the trend increased even more, with APC = 23.31% (95% CI: 0.01–0.16). Hotspots were also noted in the north, east, and west macro-regions of the state. (4) Conclusions: The presence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, as well as an increasing trend of these cases, was evidenced in all regions of the state among liberty-deprived populations,. The spatial analysis revealed priority areas for drug-resistant tuberculosis in penal establishments.