bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PECULIARITIES OF DETERMINATION OF ECONOMIC INDICATORS OF EXECUTIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Authors: Derevyanko D. , Kolodiazhna A. , Nуtsun Y.
Published: December 2021

The work is devoted to the analysis of the peculiarities of determining the economic indicators of the feasibility of implementing measures to improve energy efficiency. In contrast to energy saving, which aims to reduce the consumption of energy resources, energy efficiency is a matter of appropriate energy consumption. That is, the use of less energy for the same level of supply of buildings or industries. The topic is relevant, because now energy prices are rising every year. At the same time, the International Energy Agency estimates an increase in total resource needs by 25% by 2040.

 To achieve this goal, standard measures aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings, the effects of the implementation of these measures, a number of economic indicators, including PP, ARR, NPV, PI, BCR, SIR, MARR, IRR and DPP, were analyzed, evaluated and grouped. The focus was on the dynamic group of indicators due to the fact that their calculation involves the use of a discounting procedure. The general scheme of all dynamic indicators is the same and is based on forecasting costs and revenues for the planning period. The indicators of this group take into account changes in the value of money over time, which is neglected by the indicators of the static group. The most popular indicators are the calculation of net present value (NPV) and the definition of profitability index (PI). This work can be used to solve the problem of low energy efficiency and insufficient funding for the modernization of the building
Features of origin and development of pulsed magnetron category
Authors: Kuzmichev Anatolii Ivanovych , Kryzhanovsky V.I. , Dyachenko S.M.
Published: December 2021

The study of pulsed magnetron discharge has been done. The physical picture of its arising and development as well as the affecting factors are established. Two phases of discharge development have been revealed – slow low-current and fast high-currents ones. Ways of achievement of high stability of time parameters of ignition and formation of such discharge are defined. The gained results allow to choose optimum regimes of a power supply circuit of the initiating discharge and of the pulse generator, providing stable work of electron devices and apparatus based on pulsed magnetron discharge.
Eddy current method for measuring the parameters of the test object
Authors: Zakrevsky A.F.
Published: December 2021

A mathematical model is presented eddy current sensor located above conductive half-space obtained by the discrete method. Based of such a model, the calculation formulas are given insertion impedance per turn and round flat coil, as well as their sensitivity to changes in the size of the gap. Using this model allows you to reduce time of electromagnetic analysis and calculation parameters of the eddy current sensor, to improve the accuracy of calculations in comparison with approximate methods. The proposed method implementation of a model for multi-parameter control using microcontrollers, which is considered by the example of determining the size of the gap
Methodology for organizing and conducting a test session as a tool to optimize the quality of educational management process in the university
Authors: Rizun N. O. , Taranenko YU. K.
Published: December 2021

The methodology of organization and holding of test knowledge student's control is proposed. The principle of determination the level of the complexity in depending of the value of indicator of probability of guessing for the test tasks of the different types is substantiated. The adaptive algorithm of the consecutive presentation of test tasks of the different types in order of the reducing of the complexity is developed. The rule of necessity of moving to the next level of testing in dependence of the individual knowledge's and skills of each students
TRANSFORMATIONS OF THE PRECEDENT TEXT LIVES MATTER IN THE AMERICAN INTERNET DISCOURSE
Authors:   Ural Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Zolotaiko A.I.
Published: December 2021

The article presents an analysis of intertextual references to the name of the American social-political movement “Black Lives Matter”. By means of a wide selection method from the titles of media texts in the English-language segment of the Internet the author selects and considers four types of intertextual transformations of the nominations. The first and second types of transformations focus on the adjective and noun. Its transformations include a change according to the principle of color analogy, its replacement with a possessive construction with a definition function, the use of verbal adjectives that convey a physical and emotional state, as well as a change in the grammatical category of the degree of comparison (from positive to comparative or superlative). The third type of transformation involves changing the grammatical features of the words within the nominations, replacing the verb “matter” with a verb with a different meaning and simultaneously transforming lexical and grammatical features. The last application of the text is to expand it by including the components of negation in the structure of the nomination. In conclusion, it is stated that variations in the name of the movement contribute to the segregation of population groups due to a clear delineation of the signs of a “socially approved and accepted” category of persons (defined by race, gender, age, orientation, condition).
COGNITION AND COGNITIVE DYNAMICS
Authors:   Derzhavin Tambov State University, Furs L.A.
Published: December 2021

The article considers the principle of cognitive dynamics in the knowledge construction. This principle underlies various modification processes during the processing of knowledge by human consciousness and emphasizes the processuality of his mental activity. The procedural nature of cognitive dynamics is provided by a person’s ability to process knowledge on the basis of associative links and patterns of cause-and-effect relationships. This principle is associated with the procedural function of metamemory and is activated when there is a complication of the structures of static declarative knowledge. The procedural function is represented by the metonymic, metaphorical and metaphtonymic construction of knowledge. In turn, the metaphtonymic model is characterized by metonymic or metaphorical expansion. The operation of the principle of cognitive dynamics is illustrated by examples when a lexeme implements a secondary function in a context, when a linguistic unit is used as a part of a phraseological unit, as well as in the processes of modifying the categorial meaning of a verb and in the course of constructing evaluative knowledge represented by a syntactic construction. It also takes place in the construction of a polymodal text. The processes of cognitive dynamism reflect the features of a person’s cognitive operations to process knowledge transmitted in communication. They reveal the connection of language with perception, memory, thinking, human experience, which, in turn, allows to show the specificity of human cognitive activity, which is not accessible to direct observation. In general, the configuration of knowledge as a result of cognitive dynamism is a complex process regulated by both cognitive and metacognitive parameters.
DISCURSIVE CONSTRUCTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY IN INFORMAL LEGAL DISCOURSE
Authors:   National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Khustenko A. A. , Sherina E. A. ,   National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University
Published: December 2021

The article examines means for constructing identities in legal informal discourse on Internet memes corpus. The aim of our research is to establish the regularities in the ways of identity constructions through the categorical oppositions and the stylistic means. The background of the research is the socio-constructionist and critical discourse-analysis approaches. We applied a methodology that integrates two approaches: a critical discourse analysis, as well as methods of humour analysis developed within the framework of a semantic approach to humour based on scripts (Script-based Semantic Theory of Humour (SSTH)). This involved identifying the subject positions based on linguistic and contextual analysis; examination of universal ways of how identities are expressed in informal legal discourse. The focus of our analysis was on the stylistic means that implement a certain way of professional identity construction. Our analysis indicated that identities appear fragmentary and are constructed with the means of different discourses; the central one is the professional legal, which is compared or contrasted to everyday discourse, informal, advertising and even “mom’s” discourse. The list of linguistic resources varies from legal terminology and neutral vocabulary to colloquial and thieves’ and mothers’ slang and invective vocabulary. The study expands the field of knowledge about the ways, stylistic and linguistic means of constructing professional identity through various possibilities of discursive subjects positioning.
PSYCHOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AS A CODING FACTOR OF A LITERARY TEXT
Authors:   Derzhavin Tambov State University, Potanina N.L. , Tenyushev B.I. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University
Published: December 2021

The article deals with such topical problem as the transfer of scientific knowledge to the aesthetic sphere. The novelty and relevance of the article is due to the fact that it contains a poetic analysis of the novel “Flowers for Algernon” by a modern American writer D. Keyes in the perspective of the cording factor as a principle for organizing an artistic text. The authors turn to the timely task of researching D. Keyes’s work with a view to the broader understanding some sing and semiosis problems of non-classical literary text. As a result of the meticulous analysis, the authors show a new poetic significance of the writer’s cognitive interpreting modern reality which became an essential element of organizing the text of the novel “Flowers for Algernon”. The principles of incorporating psychological knowledge into the construal of text meaning were determined. The accumulated evidence allow to justify the inclusion of the novel in the general art process of developing adequate poetic tools aimed at reflecting the changed ideas about the modern world.
Проблемы заколонных перетоков в скважинах с боковыми стволами и горизонтальным забоем
Authors: Firsunina Liudmyla , Akhmetova Akhmetova Viktoria , Zezekalo Ivan
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the main causes of fluid manifestations that occur in wells with side shafts and horizontal bottom at the stage of construction and operation of wells. It is established that the fluid manifestations are mainly due to the design features of such wells. The presence of overflow and interstratal overflows, in case of untimely detection and liquidation, can lead to emissions, accidents and large–scale environmental disasters. The cause of most complications at the stages of construction and operation of wells is the hydraulic connection of the drilled fluid–saturated formations with the wellbore, which accompanies all subsequent periods of well operation. To solve this problem, it is necessary to carry out repair and insulation works to eliminate overflow flows in wells with horizontal sections using blocking fluids for temporary insulation of the perforated part of the production string. Technological solutions for the elimination of intercolumn flows by pumping blocking tamponing compositions in the intervals of flow of liquids or gases, the installation of cut–off bridges to protect the productive layers from the cement material; carrying out insulation work through the upper part of the perforation zone. The authors propose the current directions of development of existing insulation technologies, taking into account the peculiarities of work in horizontal wells, in the construction of which use non–cemented shank–filters using physico–chemical and mechanical solutions. The selected technology and materials should ensure the filling of the entire porous medium and channels in the well and downhole section of rocks, as well as the optimal structure of the composition in a technologically acceptable time.
NEAR HYDRATION OF SINGLY CHARGED MONOATOMIC IONS IN EXTREMELY DILUTED SOLUTIONS: THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE
Authors: Булавин Viktor Ivanovych , V’unik Ivan Nikolajevych , Kramarenko Andrii Viktorovych , Rusinov Alexandr Ivanovych
Published: December 2021

The diffusion coefficient  and the distance of translational displacement of Li+, Na+ K+, Cs+, Cl– and Br– ions  in water at 298.15 K – 423.15 K (25 K step) and pressure from 0.0981 to 784.5 MPa (98.1 MPa step) were calculated from the literature data on limiting molar electrical conductivity. The  values for these ions increase with pressure growth from 0.0981  to 98.1 MPa at 298.15 K. Further pressure increase (up to 785 MPa) leads to decrease in . Temperature growth under isobaric conditions leads to an increase in . Parameter (– ri) (deviation from the Stokes–Einstein law, ri is ion structural radius) was used as a criterion for the type of ion solvation. It is shown that Li+ and Na+ ions behave as cosmotropes, or positively solvated structure–forming ions having (– ri) > 0. The Cs+, Cl–, Br– ions behave as chaotropes, or negatively solvated structure–breaking ions having (– ri) < 0. For the K+ ion, the (– ri) deviation is alternating. At 0.0981 MPa and 298.15 K, the K+ ion is a chaotrope. But at 320 K (Tlim) parameter (– ri) = 0. It corresponds to the transition from negative to positive solvation. Above Tlim at P = const, the K+ ion is a cosmotrope. At 298.15 K and up to 98.1 MPa, the pressure causes the same change in the (– ri) deviation as the temperature. On the contrary, at 320 K and higher, the pressure affects the near hydration in the direction opposite to the temperature.
PROVISION OF CONDITIONS OF COMPARABILITY OF RESULTS IN FIELD BIOTECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH USING A COMPUTER EXPERIMENT
Authors: Gorbunov Leonid , Larintseva Nadiia , Zviahintseva Oksana
Published: December 2021

When conducting biotechnological field studies using plant objects, there is a problem of taking into account the heterogeneity of the results, the imperfection of methods leads to the need for multiple repetitions of experiments, but the issue of reproducibility and comparability of research results is not resolved, therefore, the use of mathematical models in research makes it possible not only to identify, but also to explain the obtained patterns. The subject of the study in the article is a simulation model for estimating the mass of corn grains taking into account their genotype and growing conditions. The model is based on an analytical expression that reflects the main reasons for the growth of corn seeds after pollination of the plant. The mass of corn grains depends on a number of biological factors (genotype), technological – soil structure (its fertility and methods of cultivation), and climatic conditions (humidity, light intensity). The aim of the study is to create a simulation model to ensure the comparability of the results obtained when growing corn for grain in different conditions.

Biological (cultivation) and mathematical (simulation model) methods were used as methods for obtaining and constructing results. The discrepancy in the estimation of the mass of grain of the same genotype grown in different research farms of different climatic zones of Ukraine and obtained by calculation was not more than 18 % and obtained experimentally up to 64 %. A feature of the model is the independence of the heterogeneity of the bioobject (studied lines and hybrids) from the conditions of their cultivation (soil structure and climatic conditions). The application of mathematical modeling makes it possible to reduce the differences in the studied indicators up to 25 times, which were obtained in different experiments, thereby significantly reducing time, money and provide a condition for comparability of results to obtain a reliable result.
Evaluation of Breastfeeding Attitudes, Education, and Training Among Gynecology Healthcare Professionals in Greece
Authors: Theodoridis Theodoros , Vavoulidis Eleftherios , Dinas Konstantinos , Saranti Evagelia , Voziki Evagelia , Iliaskou Stella , Chatzigrigoriou Fotini , Karakatsani Stella , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Tzitiridou Maria , Aletras Vassilis , Gotzamani Aikaterini
Published: December 2021

Background
There is strong evidence suggesting that support from a trained healthcare professional can have a positive effect on initiation, duration, and experiences of breastfeeding. It is therefore important that nursing, medical and other students in healthcare, acquire knowledge about breastfeeding, and develop skills to effectively support and care for pregnant women and new mothers. This study tried to investigate the knowledge level, attitudes, and perceptions of gynecology healthcare professionals in Greece towards breastfeeding.
Methods
A self-administered questionnaire was provided asking the healthcare professionals and students to answer multiple choice questions. The study was conducted mainly at the facilities of Medical Faculty Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The questionnaire was administered to 312 healthcare professionals (midwifes, students, physicians, and other healthcare professionals).
Results
The questionnaire demonstrated that 70% of the respondents had moderate breastfeeding knowledge at best while 30% lacked knowledge concerning the management of special breastfeeding scenarios. 84% had previous personal breastfeeding experience or at least are willing to do so in the future (themselves or their partners) with 39.1% aiming to breastfeed approximately for one year. The same pattern was observed in terms of their breastfeeding recommendations to other mothers regardless of their sex. 59.6% admitted that they did not have the necessary time to properly inform mothers about breastfeeding while 72.4% acknowledged improper breastfeeding information as an important factor for the low breastfeeding rates in Greece. Finally, 80.4% stated that their education was lacking in didactic depth and their training in hands-on experience while 88.8% clearly underlined that there was room for improvement in their education/training curriculum. Expert teams, well-organized educational programs and advanced computing could contribute to the personnel’s harmonization with the various breastfeeding objectives to create a “breastfeeding-friendly” social environment.
Conclusions
This study revealed that although most Greek gynecology healthcare professionals have very positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, their breastfeeding knowledge was moderate at best and could be further improved.
The correlation of fibrinogen-like protein-1 expression with the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hua Nanni , Chen Anxian , Yang Chen , Dong Hui , He Xianglei , Ru Guoqing , Tong Xiangmin , Zhou Feifei , Wang Shibing
Published: December 2021

Fibrinogen-like protein-1 (FGL1), as the member of FREP superfamily, had been widely concerned as a major immune inhibitory ligand of LAG-3. Although FGL1 expression levels didn’t have significant difference in most of tumors via online data analysis, we found that it was down-regulated in liver cancer. Moreover, the correlation between FGL1 expression and the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was still disputed. In our study, firstly, we used bioinformatics analysis to define the expression profile and clinical significance of FGL1 in HCC. Then, we determined the FGL1 level in 9 human HCC cell lines and 11 pairs of tumor and normal liver tissues from HCC patients by western blot. Furthermore, tissue microassays were used to detect the expression of FGL1 through immunohistochemistry staining and verify whether FGL1 expression levels were associated with clinicopathological features of HCC patients or not. The results of the experiment proved that FGL1 was down-regulated significantly in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues, corresponding with the results of our bioinformatics analysis. FGL1 expression levels in HCC were related to Edmondson grade and metastasis. Additionally, high FGL1 expression was related to better overall survival in HCC patients, indicating that the down-regulated FGL1 was correlated with poor prognosis and FGL1 might function as a tumor suppressor. Taken together, expression levels of FGL1 may correlate with the progression and prognosis of HCC, and FGL1 could be a potential prognostic biomarker.
Oral Allergy Syndrome Caused By Japanese Radish: A Case Report
Authors: Uesugi Atsushi , Tsushima Fumihiko , Miyamoto Youji , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

Background: Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a type of food allergy that manifests as hypersensitivity symptoms of the oropharyngeal mucosa on ingestion of specific foods with oral findings resembling herpetic gingivostomatitis. Symptoms can also appear in parts other than the oral cavity. There are a few reports of OAS caused by consuming radishes in the literature.Case presentation: A 31-year-old male presented to our department with stomatitis and pharyngeal pain. The patient did not have a history of allergy, and herpetic gingivostomatitis was suspected. He was admitted to the emergency room of our hospital after complaining of oral and epigastric pain a few days later. On admission, symptoms noted were similar to those when he first visited our department. After detailed history taking, he reported consuming raw Japanese radish frequently, which gave rise to his symptoms. Radish was strongly suspected as the causative allergen. The skin prick test result was positive, confirming the diagnosis of OAS.Conclusions: OAS can be diagnosed easily once the food causing symptoms is identified. However, guiding the diagnosis can be challenging if the patient is unaware of food allergies. Upon encountering widespread erosion in the oral cavity, it is essential to consider OAS as the possible cause.
Phyllanthus muellerianus and Ficus exasperata exhibit anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells by modulating calcium influx and activating caspases
Authors: Deeh Patrick Brice Defo , Arumugam Madankumar , Alagarsamy Karthik , Karanam Gayathri , Natesh Nagabhishek Sirpu , Watcho Pierre , Vishwakarma Vinita
Published: December 2021

Purpose
Phyllanthus muellerianus (PM) and Ficus exasperata (FE) are plants used against cancers. We evaluated the phytochemical profiles and in vitro antioxidant potentials of PM and FE, and investigate their effects on cell proliferation, intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), caspases 3/9, apoptosis, oxidative stress markers, and Bax/cytochrome C expression in PC-3 cells.
Methods
The phytochemical profiles were evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and the antioxidant by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging method. The cells were incubated for 24 hours with 3% tween 80, paclitaxel (5 nM), PM (800 and 1200 µg/ml), and FE (800 and 1200 µg/ml). After treatments, [Ca2+]i, caspases 3/9, apoptosis and oxidative stress parameters were measured using colorimetric kits, while the mRNA levels of Bax and cytochrome C were quantified by RT‐qPCR.
Results
Nitidine, phloridzin and linoleic acid were identified in PM, while docosane, cardanol and chlorogenic acid were revealed in FE. The in vitro antioxidant potential of PM was greater than that of FE. Both plants inhibited the growth of PC-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but significantly (p<0.5-0.001) increased [Ca2+]i, apoptosis level, caspase 3/9 activities, reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation, compared with control. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased in the cells incubated with the plant extracts, PM being the most effective. Paclitaxel, PM and FE upregulated Bax and cytochrome C genes in PC-3 cells.
Conclusion
PM and FE inhibited the growth of PC-3 cells by modulating the [Ca2+]i and inducing apoptosis through Bax/Cytochrome C/Caspase 3-9 signaling pathway.
Assessment of Eco-Economic Effects of Urban Water System Connectivity Project
Authors: Lv Cuimei , Liao Huali , Ling Minghua , Wu Zening , Yan Denghua
Published: December 2021

As one of the large ecological infrastructures, urban water system connectivity project is an important part of urban ecosystem construction. It has a variety of effects, such as conserving biodiversity, enriching urban landscape and increasing land value. It is helpful for the scientific planning and construction of the project to systematically evaluate the effects. However, due to the complex and various effects of urban water system connectivity project, there is no complete effect system and quantitative method. In this paper, the composition and mechanism of positive and negative effects of ecological economics of urban water system connectivity project were deeply analyzed to improve the composition system of eco-economic effects. At the same time, the emergy theory was used to put forward the quantification method of eco-economic effect system. Taking the urban water system connectivity project in Xuchang as an example, it’s ecological, social and economic effects were evaluated. The result showed that the average eco-economic effect of the project is 57.8 million dollars/year. Economic effect and ecological effect are significant, accounting for 88.83% and 9.77% of total effect, respectively. The former is mainly due to land value increment, and the latter is principally owing to biodiversity conservation. It showed that the water system connectivity project in Xuchang can promote the economic development of the surrounding areas and create a good ecological environment, which will bring huge eco-economic effect to the region.
Temperature Variability and Metabolic Adaptation in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ectotherms
Authors: Carter Mauricio , Cortes Pablo , Rezende Enrico
Published: December 2021

Thermodynamics is a major factor determining rates of biochemical processes, rates of energy expenditure and ultimately resilience to global warming in ectothermic organisms. Nonetheless, whether ectothermic organisms exhibit general adaptive metabolic responses to cope with different thermal conditions remains a highly contentious subject for decades. Here we combine a model comparison approach with a global dataset of standard metabolic rates (SMR), which include 1,160 measurements across 788 species of aquatic invertebrates, insects, fishes, amphibians and reptiles, to investigate the association between metabolic levels and geographic variation in environmental temperatures. According to Akaike’s information criterion (AICc), the variation in SMR after removing allometric and thermodynamic effects is best explained by the range of temperatures encountered along the annual cycle, which provided consistently a better fit than the average temperature for the hottest and coldest month as well as mean annual temperatures. This pattern was consistent across taxonomic groups and robust to sensitivity analyses. Nonetheless, aquatic and terrestrial lineages responded differently to seasonality, with SMR declining –6.8 % ºC–1 of temperature variation in aquatic organisms and increasing 2.8 % ºC– 1 in terrestrial. These responses reflect alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of warmer temperatures on energy expenditure, either by means of metabolic reduction in thermally stable water bodies or effective behavioral thermoregulation to exploit temperature heterogeneity on land.
Acculturation and 4-Year Caries Increment Among Children of Foreign-Born Mothers in Sweden: A Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Granlund Anna , Soares Fernanda Cunha , Hjern Anders , Dahllöf Göran , Julihn Annika
Published: December 2021

Background: To study the association of maternal age upon arrival and length of residence in Sweden with the 4-year caries increment in their children between ages 3 and 7 years in relation to the human development index (HDI) of the maternal country of origin. Method: This registry-based cohort study included all children born in 2000–2003 who resided in Stockholm County, Sweden, at age 3 years and who were followed up at age 7 (n = 65 259). Negative binomial regressions were used to analyze different models adjusted for sociodemographic factors.Results: Children of foreign-born mothers, regardless of the HDI of the maternal country of origin, had a higher risk of caries increment between ages 3 and 7 years than children of Swedish-born mothers. The children of mothers who had arrived in Sweden from a low or medium HDI country, however, had a lower caries increment than the children of mothers arriving after age 7. Nearly half (44%) of the children whose mothers arrived in Sweden at age ≥ 20 years from a low HDI country had a caries increment compared to 22% of the children whose mothers had arrived in Sweden before 7 years of age. Furthermore, children whose mothers were born in a low HDI country and had resided in Sweden ≤ 19 years had approximately 1.5 times higher risk of caries increment compared to children of mothers who had resided in Sweden for more than 20 years. Conclusions: Caries increment in the children of foreign-born mothers was associated with the age of their mother when she arrived in Sweden and was lower when the mother had arrived before age 7 years. This indicates an intergenerational effect that carries over to the children and is greater the longer the mother has participated in Swedish dental healthcare.
Impact of Superovulation And In Vitro Fertilization On LINE-1 Copy Number And Telomere Length In C57BL/6J Mice Blastocysts
Authors: Berteli Thalita S , Wang Fang , Kohlrausch Fabiana B , Luz Caroline M. Da , Oliveira Fernanda V. , Keefe David L. , Navarro Paula A.
Published: December 2021

Objective: Millions of babies have been conceived by IVF, yet debate about its safety to offspring continues. We hypothesized that superovulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) promote genomic changes, including altered telomere length (TL) and activation of the retrotransposon LINE-1 (L1), and tested this hypothesis in a mouse model. Material and methods: Experimental study analyzing TL and L1 copy number in C57BL/6J mouse blastocysts in vivo produced from natural mating cycles (N), in vivo produced following superovulation (S), or in vitro produced following superovulation (IVF). We also examined the effects of prolonged culture on TL and L1 copy number in the IVF group comparing blastocysts cultured 96 hours versus blastocysts cultured 120 hours. TL and L1 copy number were measured by Real Time PCR. Results: TL in S (n=77; Mean: 1.50± 1.15; p=0.0007) and IVF (n=82; Mean: 1.72± 1.44; p<0.0001) exceeded that in N (n=16; Mean: 0.61± 0.27). TL of blastocysts cultured 120 hours (n=15, Mean: 2.14± 1.05) was significantly longer than that of embryos cultured for 96 hours (n=67, Mean: 1.63 ± 1.50; p=0.0414). L1 copy number of blastocysts cultured for 120 hours (n=15, Mean: 1.71± 1.49) exceeded that of embryos cultured for 96 hours (n=67, Mean: 0.95 ± 1.03; p=0.0162). Conclusions: Intriguingly ovarian stimulation, alone or followed by IVF, produced embryos with significantly longer telomeres compared to in vivo, natural cycle-produced embryos. The significance of this enriched telomere endowment for the health and longevity of offspring born from IVF merit future studies.
Residential MRI: Development of A Mobile Anywhere-Everywhere MRI Lab
Authors: Deoni Sean CL , Medeiros Paul , Deoni Alexandra T. , Burton Phoebe , Beauchemin Jennifer , D’Sa Viren , Boskamp Eddy , By Samantha , McNulty Chris , Mileski William , Welch Brian E. , Huentelman Matthew
Published: December 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables unprecedented visualization of brain and central nervous system anatomy, microstructure, function, and physiology. However, unlike electroencephalography (EEG) or functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which can be used within a doctor’s office, research laboratory, or at a participant’s home, MRI remains a hospital or center-based modality. The need for patients or research participants to travel to the scanner limits overall healthcare access and potentially biases research study populations. The recent introduction of low magnetic field strength, lightweight, and portable MRI systems offer the potential to extend beyond these traditional hospital and imaging center boundaries. Here we describe the development and deployment of a mobile imaging lab in a modified cargo van that incorporates a removable low field permanent magnet MRI system. The mobile lab allows, for the first time, rapid and routine ‘residential’ MRI that can be performed at home, community center, school, etc. Breaking traditional barriers of access, this mobile approach will enable imaging of patients and participants who have mobility challenges, live long distances from imaging centers, or are otherwise unable to travel to an imaging center or hospital.
Phosphate Transporter Regulator That Prevents Abnormal Hyperphosphatemia.
Authors: Sasaki Sumire , Shiozaki Yuji , Hanazaki Ai , Koike Megumi , Tanifuji Kazuya , Uga Minori , Kawahara Kota , Kaneko Ichiro , Kawamoto Yasuharu , Wiriyasermkul Pattama , Hasegawa Tomoka , Amizuka Norio , Miyamoto Ken-ichi , Nagamori Shushi , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Segawa Hiroko
Published: December 2021

Renal type II sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters NaPi2a and NaPi2c cooperate with other organs to strictly regulate the plasma Pi concentration. A high Pi load induces the phosphaturic hormones parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), enhances urinary Pi excretion and prevents the onset of hyperphosphatemia. How FGF23 is induced from the bones by a high Pi load and the setpoint of the plasma Pi concentration, however, are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of transporter-associated protein (TRAP), found in gene co-expression networks in NaPi2a and NaPi2c function. TRAP is localized in the renal proximal tubules and interacts with NaPi2a. In TRAP-knockout (KO) mice, the serum FGF23 concentration was markedly increased but increased Pi excretion and hypophosphatemia were not observed. In addition, TRAP-KO mice exhibit reduced NaPi2a responsiveness to FGF23 and PTH administration. Furthermore, a dietary Pi load causes marked hyperphosphatemia and abnormal NaPi2a regulation in TRAP-KO mice. Thus, TRAP is thought to be associated with FGF23 induction in bones and the regulation of NaPi2a to prevent an increase in the plasma Pi concentration due to a high Pi load and kidney injury.
Minimizing Adverse Effects of Cerenkov Radiation Induced Photodynamic Therapy With Transformable Photosensitizer-loaded Nanovesicles
Authors: Qian Ruijie , Wang Kun , Guo Yawen , Li Hongyan , Zhu Ziyang , Huang Xiaojuan , Gong Chengpeng , Gao Yu , Guo Rong , Yang Biao , Wang Chenyang , Jiang Dawei , Lan Xiaoli , An Rui , Gao Zairong
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising antitumor strategy with fewer adverse effects and higher selectivity than conventional therapies. Recently, a series of reports have suggested that PDT (CR-PDT) induced by Cerenkov radiation (CR) has deeper tissue penetration than traditional PDT. While the combination strategy by coupling radionuclides with photosensitizers might cause severe side effects. MethodsWe designed tumor-targeting nanoparticles ( 131 I-EM@ALA) by loading 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into 131 I-labeled exosome mimetic (EM) to achieve combined antitumor therapy. In addition to the role of radiotherapy, 131 I can also serve as an internal light source for its Cerenkov radiation (CR). ResultsThe drug-loaded nanoparticles could effectively target tumors as confirmed by confocal imaging, flow cytometry, and small animal fluorescence imaging. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that 131 I-EM@ALA produced a promising antitumor effect by synergizing radiotherapy and CR-PDT. The nanoparticles killed tumor cells by inducing DNA damage and activating the lysosome-mitochondrial pathways. During the treatment, there were no obvious abnormalities found in hematology analyses, blood biochemistry, and histological examinations. ConclusionsWe successfully engineered nanocarrier coloaded with radionuclide 131 I and a photosensitizer precursor for combinational radiotherapy and PDT in treatment of breast cancer.
Effectiveness of Antibiotic Treatment in Children with Lyme Neuroborreliosis - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Arnason Sigurdur , Skogman Barbro H
Published: December 2021

BackgroundLyme neuroboreliosis (LNB) is a tick-borne infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex with various neurological manifestations. The recommended treatment for LNB in Swedish children has been ceftriaxone i.v. 50-100 mg/kg x 1 (< 8 years of age) or doxycycline p.o. 4 mg/kg x 1 (≥ 8 years of age) for 10-14 days. Studies on adult LNB patients have shown equal efficacy for ceftriaxone i.v. and doxycycline p.o., but no such studies have been performed on pediatric LNB patients. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate clinical outcome in children with LNB who have received ceftriaxone i.v. as compared to doxycycline p.o. ResultsClinical and laboratory data from three previously performed prospective studies on children with LNB (three cohorts, 1998-2014) were collected and retrospectively analyzed. A total of 321 Swedish children (1-19 years of age), who had received antibiotic treatment for LNB, were included. Clinical outcome at the 2-month follow-up (recovery/non-recovery) was evaluated, using Chi2 test and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Out of 321 LNB patients, 194 children (60%) had received ceftriaxone i.v. and 127 children (40%) had received doxycycline p.o.. When comparing recovery/non-recovery between treatment groups, no difference in clinical outcome was found (p=0,217). Results did not change when incorporating relevant clinical and laboratory data into the logistic multivariate regression analysis. ConclusionIn this large retrospective study, no difference in clinical outcome (recovery/non-recovery) was found, independent of age, when comparing children who received ceftriaxone i.v. with children who received doxycycline p.o., supporting an equal effectiveness for treatment of pediatric LNB patients. However, future randomized comparative treatment studies with non-inferiority design are warranted for evaluation of efficacy and safety of antibiotic treatment in pediatric LNB patients.
Leptin Promotes Corneal Allograft Rejection In a Rat Model Via Enhancing Macrophage Activation And Cytokine Production
Authors: Yu Jianfeng , Chen Xiaoqing , Li Yingqi , Tang Fen , Su Wenru , Liang Dan
Published: December 2021

Obesity is closely related to exacerbated graft rejection and worse graft survival. High leptin levels, caused by excessive adipose cells in obese individuals, may exert a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection. However, the role and underlying mechanism of leptin in allograft rejection remains unclear. This study explored the role and potential mechanism of leptin in allograft rejection in rats. We performed allogeneic corneal transplantation in rats. The recipients were treated with subconjunctival injections of recombinant rat leptin after transplantation. Clinical evaluation, immunohistological assessment, real-time PCR and flow cytometry were administrated. RAW264.7 macrophages were handled with leptin (3 µg/mL) for 4 hours and then were treated with lipopolysaccharide (10ng/mL) for 24 hours. The culture supernatants were acquired for ELISA. NF-κBp65 activation in RAW264.7 macrophages was detected by western blot. Our results showed that the leptin-treated rats had a significantly reduced corneal graft mean survival time. The number of infiltrating F4/80+CD68+ macrophages increased in the leptin-treated corneal grafts. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6(IL-6) mRNA expression level was higher in the leptin-treated corneal grafts than in the control allografts. Leptin treatment notably increased the frequency and number of T helper 1 (Th1) cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in rat ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes. Leptin enhanced NF-κBp65 activation and promoted MCP-1, TNF-α and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Leptin promoted corneal allograft rejection by enhancing the recruitment and activation of macrophages.
4081 Times Increase in Atmospheric Humidity Capture Capacity via Confinement of 2D Nanosheets in 3D Matrix
Authors: Luo Yang-Hui , Zhang Lan , Ma Shu-Hua , Dong Hui , Zeng Feng-Lian , Zou Ya-Chen , Xu Ke-Xin
Published: December 2021

Atmospheric humidity capture is urgently needed in humidity-related process. Most of the traditional technology suffers the defects of large energy consumption, low capture capacity, etc. Here, an intelligent gel (IG), which was composed of super hygroscopic materials (SHM, for humidity detection, spontaneous capture and in-situ liquefaction), hydrophilic polymer PEG-6000 (polyethylene glycol, for humidity storage), and hydrophobic polymer PVDF (poly(vinylidene-fluoride), for fast water release), is shown. Based on such kind of integration, effective color responsive humidity detection, spontaneous humidity capture and in-situ liquefaction, under ambient conditions, have been achieved. The synergistic effects between two polymers have given birth to a 3D polymer framework that can shrink upon heating and swelling upon solvent immersion, which then act as a versatile matrix that dispersed evenly the 2D SHM into atomically scale. As a consequence, approximate 4081 times increase in working capacity than the individual SHM has been observed. Being an effective way to manipulate atmospheric humidity at the device level, the present work may open new avenue for next-generational water management systems.
Dysprosium Incorporated Into Balsalazide Trapped Between the Functionalized Halloysite and g-C3N4 as an Efficient and Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Chromene Derivatives
Authors: Rahimzadeh Golnaz , Tajbakhsh Mahmood , Daraie Mansoureh , Mohammadi Masoud
Published: December 2021

An efficient and heterogeneous novel Dy complex of balsalazide, trapped between the functionalized halloysite and g-C3N4, was successfully synthesized by post-synthetic modification approach (Dy@Hal-BS-g-C3N4). It was characterized by several advanced analytical methods including, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, XRD, ICP-OES and TGA. The as-synthesized material was catalytically explored as a novel recoverable nanocatalyst in the synthesis of an array of biologically active pyran derivatives, i.e., the 2-amino-5,10-dioxo-4-aryl-5,10-dihydro-4H-benzo[g]chromene-3-carbonitriles. Excellent yields of the desired products and facile reusability of the catalyst are the two advantageous factors in the introduction of this novel catalytic system.
Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis: Cardiac Computed Tomography Findings and Clinical Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Choi Se Jin , Ahn Yura , Koo Hyun Jung , Kim Dae-Hee , Lim Soyeon , Kim Jun Bum , Song Jong-Min , Kang Duk-Hyun , Song Jae-Kwan , Kim Hwa Jung , Kang Joon-Won , Yang Dong Hyun
Published: December 2021

Aortic valve calcium scoring by cardiac computed tomographic (CT) has been recommended as an alternative to classify the AS severity, but it is unclear that whether CT findings can predict and have prognostic implication in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LF-LG AS), which has fewer benefit from surgery among the AS subtypes. In this study, we examined the clinical and cardiac CT findings of LF-LG AS patients and evaluated factors affecting outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study included 511 (66.9±8.8 years, 55% men) consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent surgical AVR. Aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by echocardiography (AVAecho) and by CT (AVACT) using each modalities measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract. Patients with AS were classified as 1) high-gradient severe (n=438), 2) classic LF-LG (n=18), and 3) paradoxical LF-LG (n=55) based on echocardiography. Classic LF-LG AS patients had higher end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, larger AVAecho and AVACT, and larger aortic annulus compared to high-gradient severe AS (P<0.05, for all). In classic LF-LG AS group, 27.8% of patients presented AVACT≥1.2 cm2. After multivariable adjustment, old age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04, P=0.049), high B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (HR, 1.005; P<0.001), preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.75; P=0.003), classic LF-LG AS (HR, 5.53, P=0.004), and small aortic annulus (HR, 0.57; P=0.002) were independently associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The classic LF-LG AS group presented larger AVACT and aortic annulus than those in high-gradient severe AS group and one third of them had AVACT ≥1.2 cm2. Old age, high BNP, atrial fibrillation, classic LF-LG AS, and small aortic annulus were associated with MACCE in severe AS patients after surgical AVR.
Characterization of Internal Fatigue Cracks in Aluminum Alloys by Simulation of Phase Contrast Tomography
Authors: XIAO Ce , LETANG Jean-Michel , BUFFIERE Jean-Yves
Published: December 2021

Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) allows a better detection of fatigue cracks in metals than laboratory CT due to the existence of phase contrast. However the presence in reconstructed images of fringes at the edges of objects generated by Fresnel diffraction makes it difficult to identify and analyze the cracks quantitatively. Simulations of phase contrast synchrotron tomography images containing cracks with different sizes and shapes are obtained by using GATE software. Analyzing the simulation results, firstly, we confirmed that the bright parts with strong contrast in SRCT image are streak artifacts; secondly, we found that the gray scale values within the cracks in SRCT images are related to the crack size; these simulation results are used to analyse SRCT images of internal fatigue cracks in a cast Al alloy, providing a clearer visualisation of damage.
Oxidized LDL Mediated Upregulation of ADAMTS-4 in Monocytes/Macrophages Involves The ROS-NFκB Pathway
Authors: S. Aswani S. , Mohan Mithra. S. , S. Aparna. N. , Boban P. T. , Kamalamma Saja
Published: December 2021

ADAMTS-4 is a protease enzyme which involves in vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis. It was found to be upregulated in macrophages seen in atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and regulation of ADAMTS-4 in oxLDL induced human monocytes/macrophages system. PBMCs isolated from human blood(hPBMCs), treated with oxLDL (50μg/ml) were used as the model system for the study. mRNA and protein expressions were studied by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and western blot analysis. ROS production and cell viability were determined by fluorescence imaging and MTT assay respectively. In the presence of oxLDL, monocytes get differentiated into macrophages, which were confirmed by the increased expression of CD-36, b- D glucuronidase activity and by the morphological changes. OxLDL increased the mRNA and protein expression of ADAMTS-4 and TIMP-3 in monocytes/ macrophages. A significant increase in the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α was also observed in oxLDL treated cells compared to untreated control. In the presence of NAC, the ROS scavenger, the production of NFκB and ADAMTS-4 was decreased significantly. Our study suggests that oxLDL significantly upregulated the expression of ADAMTS-4 in the monocyte/macrophage system. OxLDL mediated upregulation of ADAMTS-4 in hPBMCs involves TNF-α and ROS- NFκB pathway.