bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Markedly Reduces Circulating Low-density Neutrophils and Enhances Pro-tumoral Gene Expression in Neutrophil of Tumour-bearing Mice
Authors: Lim Chew Leng , Lin Valerie C-L
Published: February 2021

Background: Neutrophils are important for immune surveillance of tumour cells. Neutrophils may also be epigenetically programmed in the tumour microenvironment to promote tumour progression. In addition to the commonly known high-density neutrophils (HDN) based on their separation on density gradient, recent studies have reported the presence of high levels of low-density neutrophils (LDN) in tumour-bearing mice and cancer patients. We reported previously that estrogen promotes the growth of estrogen receptor α-negative mammary tumours in mice undergoing mammary involution through stimulating pro-tumoral activities of neutrophils in the mammary tissue. Methods: Female BALB/cAnNTac mice at 7-8 weeks old were mated and bilateral ovariectomy performed two days post-partum. At 24h post-weaning, mice were treated with either E2V, or vehicle control once every 2 days. On 48h post-weaning, mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 4T1-Luc2 cells into the 9th abdominal mammary gland. Age-matched nulliparous female was treated similarly. For 48h E2V treatment, mice were treated with one dose of E2V on day 12 post-tumour inoculation. Animals were euthanized on day 14 post-tumour inoculation for analysis.Results: Estrogen treatment for 2-weeks reduces the number of blood LDN by more than 10-fold in tumour-bearing nulliparous and involuting mice, whilst it had no effect on blood HDN. The effect on tumour-bearing mice is associated with reduced number of mitotic neutrophils in the bone marrow and increased apoptosis in blood neutrophils. Since estrogen enhanced tumour growth in involuting mice, but not in nulliparous mice, we assessed the effect of estrogen on the gene expression associated with pro-tumoral activities of neutrophils. Whilst 48h treatment with estrogen had no effect, 2-weeks treatment significantly increased the expression of Arg1, Il1b and Tgfb1 in both HDN and LDN of involuting mice. In contrast, estrogen increased the expression of Arg1 and Ccl5 in HDN and LDN of nulliparous mice. Conclusions: Prolonged estrogenic stimulation in tumour-bearing mice markedly hampered tumour-associated increase of LDN plausibly by inhibiting their output from the bone marrow and by shortening their life span. Estrogen also alters the gene expression in neutrophils that is not seen in tumour-free mice. The results imply that estrogen may significantly influence the tumour-modulating activity of blood neutrophils.
Modelling Reference Evapotranspiration using a Novel Regression-based Method: Radial basis M5 Model Tree
Authors: Kisi Ozgur , Keshtegar Behrooz , Zounemat-Kermani Mohammad , Heddam Salim , Trung Nguyen-Thoi
Published: February 2021

In the current study, an ability of a novel regression-based method is evaluated in modelling daily reference evapotranspiration (ET0), which is an important issue in water resources management plans and helps farmers in irrigation planning. The method was developed by hybridizing radial basis function and M5 model tree and called as radial basis M5 model tree (RM5Tree). The radial-based kernel function was used to control the input variables in modelling process of M5 model tree. The new model results were compared with traditional M5 model tree (M5Tree), response surface method (RSM) and two neural networks (multi-layer perceptron neural networks, MLPNN & radial basis function neural network, RBFNN) with respect to several statistical indices. Daily climatic data (relative humidity, RH, solar radiation, SR, wind speed, air temperature, T) recorded at three stations in Turkey, Mediterranean Region, were used. The effect of each weather data on ET0 was also investigated by utilizing three different input scenarios with various combinations of input variables. On the whole, the RM5Tree provided the best results (NSE > 0.997) followed by the MLPNN (NSE > 0.990), and M5Tree (NSE > 0.945) in modelling daily ET0. The SR was observed as the most effective input parameter on ET0 which was followed by the T and RH. However, the findings of the third modelling scenario revealed that taking into account of all variables would considerably increase models’ accuracies for the three stations.
Determination Morse Potential Parameters by the Theoretical Method in EXAFS
Authors: Duc Nguyen Ba , Hiep Trinh Phi , Thu Nguyen
Published: February 2021

A new method for estimating Morse potential's effective parameters has developed using the sublimation energy, the compressibility, and the lattice constant in expanded X-ray absorption fine structure spectra. Application the received parameters of Morse potential to calculate the mean square relative displacement, elastic constant, anharmonic effective potential, correlated function, and local force constant for diamond-type structure crystals such as silicon and germanium crystals, and face-centered cubic crystals as copper, silver. Numerical results agree well with the experimental values and other theories.
Effectiveness of Community-level Intervention on Women’s Knowledge about Obstetric Fistula in Bench Sheko Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Asefa Zerihun , Tolessa Feyissa , Getachew Muluneh , Berhe Aster , Amenu Demisew
Published: February 2021

Background: Obstetric fistula is one of the most severe pregnancy-related disabilities. While the condition has disappeared in developed countries, it remains a source of concern in Ethiopia and serves as a proxy indicator of the status of Ethiopian women and the availability and access to quality maternal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-level intervention on women’s knowledge about obstetric fistula in Bench Sheko Zone, Ethiopia 2020.Methods: Quasi-experimental design with comparison groups post-test only was employed in Semen Bench as an intervention and Guraferda Woreda as a comparison group of Bench sheko Zone from April, 1-30,2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 284 women for intervention and 284 comparison group. Data were collected by using Kobo Collect v1.25.1. The descriptive and binary analysis was done to describe variables and select candidate variables for multivariable regression respectively. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of intervention by using Stata version 16.0. Result: The intervention group has a significant difference when compared with the counterpart (p<0.001) on women’s knowledge of obstetric fistula. Women who have good knowledge about obstetric fistula were 69.7% and 30.4% from the intervention and comparison group respectively (p<0.001). Knowledge about obstetric fistula was higher among respondent’s who can read & write (AOR=2.707:95% CI (1.433-5.686)), primary level of education (AOR=2.073:95%CI (1.266-3.395)), Secondary and above education (AOR=2.822:95%CI (1.338-5.952)) than women who have no formal education. Similarly, heard about obstetric complications (AOR=4.478:95% CI (2.635-7.610)), history of induced abortion (AOR=2.347:95% CI (1.203-4.576)), intervention woreda (AOR=2.707:95%CI (1.771-4.138)) attending pregnant women conference (AOR=0.06:95% CI(0.02-0.19)), age at first pregnancy greater than 20 years (AOR=1.72 95% CI (1.10-2.68)) were the factors associated with knowledge of obstetric fistula.Conclusion: Measurable differences between intervention and comparison woreda in terms of women's knowledge of obstetric fistula was observed. Therefore, Community based intervention can increase women's knowledge and encourage the use of essential obstetric services.
Cooperation between Cancer Cells and Regulatory T Cells to Promote Immune-escape through Integrin αvβ8-Mediated TGF-β Activation
Authors: Laine Alexandra , Labiad Ossama , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , This Sebastien , Sanlaville Amélien , Leon Sophie , Dalle Stéphane , Sheppard Dean , Travis Mark , Paidassi Helena , Marie Julien
Published: February 2021

Among the strategies allowing cancer cells to escape the immune system, the presence of TGF-b in the tumor micro-environment is one of the most potent. However, TGF-b is secreted in an inactive form and mechanisms responsible for its activation within the tumor remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that regulatory T cells (Tregs) compose the main cells expressing the b8 chain of avb8 integrin (Itgb8) in the tumors and that the Itgb8pos Treg population activates TGF-b produced by the cancer cells and stored in the tumor micro-environment. Itgb8 ablation in Tregs impaired TGF-b signaling in T lymphocytes present in the tumor but not in the tumor draining lymph nodes. The cytotoxic function of CD8pos T lymphocytes infiltrating the tumors was subsequently exacerbated leading to an efficient control of the tumor growth. Similar observations were made in patient tumors after anti-Itgb8 antibody treatment. Thus, this study reveals that Tregs work in concert with cancer cells to produce bioactive-TGF-b and create a powerful-immunosuppressive micro-environment.
Hemodynamic response, coughing and the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage on awakening with an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway in place after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hurtado Paola , Tercero Javier , Garcia-Orellana Marta , Enseñat Joaquim , Reyes Luis , Cabedo Gemma , Rios Jose , Carrero Enrique , Riva Nicolas , Fontanals Jaume , Gracia Isabel , Belda Isabel , Lopez Anna , Fabregas Neus , Valero Ricard
Published: February 2021

Background:
We aimed to compare systemic and cerebral hemodynamic variables and cough incidence during emergence from general anesthesia after pituitary surgery in patients after extubation of an endotracheal tube (ETT) or after replacing the ETT with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA).
Methods:
Patients undergoing pituitary surgery were randomized (open-label parallel trial) to awaken with the ETT in place or after it had been replaced with a LMA before extubation. We recorded mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow velocity, regional cerebral oxygen saturation (SrO2), cardiac index, norepinephrine plasma concentrations, need for vasoactive drugs, coughing during emergence, and incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
Results:
Forty-five patients were included. MAP was lower during emergence than at baseline in both groups. More patients required antihypertensive drugs in the ETT group (34.8% vs 14.3%; P = 0.17). MCA flow velocity was higher in the ETT group (e.g., mean [95% confidence interval] at 15 min, 103.2 [96.3–110.1] vs 89.6 [82.6–96.5] cm s− 1; P = 0.003). SrO2, cardiac index, and norepinephrine plasma levels were similar. Coughing was more frequent in the ETT group (15% vs 81%; P < 0.001). CSF leakage occurred in 3 patients (13%) in the ETT group only.
Conclusions:
Placing a LMA before removing an ETT during emergence from anesthesia after pituitary surgery favors a safer cerebral hemodynamic profile and reduced coughing. This strategy may also lower the risk for CSF leakage.
Trial registration number:
NCT02988804 (clinicaltrials.org) (09/12/2016).
CARMO - Implementation of a Prospective Cardiac Monitoring Program for the Early Detection of Cardiac Dysfunction in Oncological Phase I/II Trials
Authors: Glutsch Valerie , Sayheli Cyrus , Liu Dan , Christa Martin , Morbach Caroline , Schilling Bastian , Jahns Roland , Bargou Ralf , Goebeler Maria-E.
Published: February 2021

PurposeCardiotoxic adverse events (AE) are challenging in the field of oncologic therapy. Age-related prevalence of cardiovascular disease and cancer itself may contribute to an increased risk of cardiac morbidity. Cardiac dysfunction impacts cardiac morbidity, survival and quality of life in cancer patients. This study established a cardio-oncological monitoring for the early detection of cardiovascular complications during experimental anti-tumour therapy. MethodsNinety patients referred to experimental anti-tumour therapy underwent prospective monitoring including repeat-electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography with speckle tracking imaging (STI), and determination of cardiac biomarkers. Changes in cardiac function were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE Version 4.03). ResultsConventional ECG, high-sensitive troponin T, echocardiography including STI-analysis, and 24-hour Holter ECG were identified as relevant diagnostic tools. Early signs of cardiotoxicity appeared within the first 3 months after initiating anti-tumour therapy. Most frequent AEs were mitral valve disease (22%), diastolic dysfunction (15.7%), sinus tachycardia (13.8%), and increased hs-TnT (13.8%). ConclusionProspective cardiac monitoring allowed early detection of cardiac dysfunction during experimental anti-tumour therapy. A multi­disciplinary work-up and decision-making during cancer treatment is warranted to foster a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cardiac AEs and particularly to early detect and counteract cardiotoxicity.
WITHDRAWN: Impacts of Bank Competition, Financial Stability, and Gender Gap on Access to Finance: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rakshit Bijoy
Published: February 2021

Using a dataset of 12504 firms from World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES), this paper investigates the role of bank competition, financial stability and gender gap in access to finance in Sub-Saharan Africa. We empirically test the existence of market power hypothesis according to which pro-competitive policies alleviate credit constraints from the banking industry. Results obtained through probit model and probit model of sample selection (PSS) confirm that a higher degree of market power negatively affected firm financing in the region. Findings further reveal that the lower rate of female ownership partnerships creates difficulties in obtaining formal finance for female entrepreneurs. Financial stability does not affect access to finance in SSA as indicated by the estimation results. We discuss several policy implications for the region.JEL Classification: D22 . G20 . L11
Translation of Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34) into Nepali Language with Cultural Validation
Authors: Dhakal Kamala , Wang Panpan , Mboineki Joanes Faustine , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Chen Changying , Boyes Allison , Sharma Chandrakala , Ghimire Bijesh Raj , Adhikari Abish , Adhikari Bibhav
Published: February 2021

PurposeSupportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) is one of the strongest and complete tools to assess the perceived supportive care needs of cancer patients. SCNS –SF34 has been translated into various other culture based languages, validated and established its psychometric properties. Till now no Nepali version, so we planned to assess the linguistic and cultural validity of Nepali version of the SCNS-SF34 in Nepali population.MethodsTranslation of Supportive Care Need Survey – Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF 34) was done by following Beaton’s guidelines in collaboration with a research team. Cultural adaptation was established through content validity assessment, clarity assessment of questionnaire and pretest. Content validity in terms of semantic, cultural and conceptual was assessed by 10 experts by using Likert scale and clarity of questionnaire was assessed among 15 cervical cancer patients by using Likert scale. The pretest was done among 34 cervical cancer patients to assess the feasibility and practicality of the tool. For reliability of tool test –retest method was used among 50 cervical cancer patients. ResultsThe Nepali version SCNS-SF 34 maintained the content validity (Item Content validity index (I-CVI) >0.78 in semantic, cultural and conceptual aspects and S-CVI (Scale Content Validity Index) was found,89.00% (0.89) 91.88 % (0.91) 90.00%(0.90) in semantic, cultural and conceptual aspects respectively. Content validity ratio (CVR) - 0.9 to 1) and construct validity (0.902) with 91.29 % clarity of questionnaire. This version had good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 with Composite Cronbach's Alpha 0.90. Correlation significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). More simple Nepali words were chosen as suggested by participants in items no 2,3,7, 9,10, 12, 18,19, 25, 27and 30 than the preliminary Nepali version along with the acceptance of all original items.ConclusionsThis finding shows that the SCNS-SF34 was translated and culturally adapted for use in Nepal with high practicality. This translated instrument can be used to assess the supportive care need and correlation between supportive care need and health related quality of life among cervical cancer patients.
The interaction of social capital, life stress index and gender on mental health education for internal migrants: based on the China Migrant Population Dynamics Survey in 2017
Authors: Yang Zhen , Jiang Chenghua
Published: February 2021

Background: The internal migrants(IMs) population faces lots of mental health risks, and the government is actively promoting mental health education for them. Studies have focused more on the impact of social capital on mental health, but ignored its impact on the accessibility to mental health services among IMs.Methods: Data from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey of 2017, involving 138939 IMs in 31 provinces were used to explore the interaction of social capital, life stress index(LSI) and gender on acceptance of mental health education(AMHE). Social capital was divided into cognitive (CSC) and structural social capital (SSC). Line charts, multi-level logistic regression, and other statistical methods were conducted to analyze the data. Results: Results suggest: (1) The SSC ranking with different LSI levels was "moderate (3.62 ± 1.736), mild (3.53 ± 1.755), severe (3.53 ± 1.755)", SSC was positively correlated with AMHE (OR=1.320, 95%CI 1.305 to 1.336), but the correlation would decrease with the increase of LSI (OR=0.969, 95%CI 0.953 to 0.985; OR=0.949, 95%CI 0.934 to 0.964); (2) Males’ SSC (3.67 ± 1.780) was significantly higher than that of females (3.36 ± 1.614), but its influence on AMHE of females was higher (OR=1.050, 95%CI 1.036 to 1.064); (3) The CSC ranking with different LSI levels was "mild (3.71 ± 2.096), moderate (3.71 ± 2.076), severe (3.42 ± 2.024)", there was no significant gender difference in CSC, and CSC was positively correlated with AMHE (OR=1.087, 95%CI 1.076 to 1.098), but gender and LSI had no significant moderating effect on it.Conclution: Gender and LSI are associated with CSC and SSC, but only the relationship between SSC and AMHE is moderated by them. SSC has both a main effect and buffering effect, while CSC only shows the main effect. In order to provide better mental health services, the government should pay more attention to stimulating the enthusiasm of the IMs for civic participation and social participation.
Analysis of a series for surgical management of insulinomas in central China
Authors: Qiao Shishi , Liu Hao , Hu Xin , Dong Minghao , Feng Liangjie , Zhang Guokun , Zhang Yingxuan , Gu Yufei , Zhao Yongfu
Published: February 2021

The aims of this study were to summarize the characteristics of insulinoma in central China and to present our experience with surgical management in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. 617 patients were enrolled in this retrospective analysis, including 89 cases of insulinoma and 528 cases of other pancreatic tumors. All patients had been confirmed by histopathology reports and underwent surgical treatment. Medical data and operative notes were incorporated into the database. Among the 617 patients, 4 died during the perioperative period. In the insulinoma group, no deaths occurred. The average size of the insulinoma tumor was 1.4±0.8 cm. The ratio of open surgical procedure (57) to laparoscopic resection (32) was 1.8/1. The mean interoperation blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (LA) (mean 35.2±17.4ml, range from 10 to 170ml) than that in the open surgical (OA) group (mean 64.7±38.6ml, range from 25 to 400ml). The mean postoperative hospital stay was also lower in the LA group (mean 8.1 ± 3.2days, range from 5 to 20 days) than that in the OA group (Mean 13.1±8.2days, range from 9 to 60 days). There was no significant difference for postoperative complications between the two groups (LA:37.5% vs OA:40.3% ). The rate of clinically significant postoperative-pancreatic-fistula (POPF) was 21.3 %, and there was only one case of C-degree-POPF. The average length of postoperative- gastrointestinal function recovery was 2.8 ± 0.9 days. And the average length of blood glucose fluctuation was 18±7.2 days. During the follow-up, 2 cases were found to be hypoglycemic again, and the rate of significant weight loss was 57.3% (51/89). Insulinoma was rare among patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Department. Their cases were benign, and their treatment was unproblematic. However, there was a small group of cases that could be associated with problematic clinical situations, and, therefore, treatment of patients with insulinoma should be conducted at specialist centers. Correct diagnostic and therapeutic management, involving close cooperation between multiple medical specialists, results in completely curing most patients.
Modeling magnetotelluric tippers on a sphere with particular emphasis on ocean induction effect and effect from oceanic sediments
Authors: Kruglyakov Mikhail , Kuvshinov Alexey
Published: February 2021

In the past three decades, an immense amount of long-period magnetic field data (with periods of measurements from months to years) has been collected worldwide, either inland or at sea bottom. This makes it tempting to estimate from the data magnetotelluric (MT) vertical transfer functions -tippers - and further probe with them the three-dimensional distribution of electrical conductivity on a global or semi-global/continental scale. Such problem setup requires modeling MT responses in spherical geometry. It is known that MT impedances in spherical coordinates can be modeled using different polarizations of a uniform external magnetic field. As for tippers, one needs another type of excitation because the uniform external magnetic field of any polarization contains a non-zero radial component. In the paper, we elaborate a model of the source, which leads to valid tippers on a whole sphere. We also present an accurate and computationally efficient solver to calculate the electromagnetic field and responses in a spherical shell or a part thereof. The solver, based on nested integral equations, was used to calculate high-resolution tippers regionally and globally, taking into account realistic oceans and Earth’s conductivity. In particular, we investigate an effect in tippers from bathymetry and oceanic sediments, both at the Earth's surface and sea bottom sediments.
Development of hardware-software complex for adaptive sorting of solid domestic waste
Authors: Vladimir Kirilenko
Published: February 2021

This project presents an autonomous system that allows to classify various solid garbage as well as to control a manipulator-sorter of the waste. Sorting is performed on the basis of material, shape, or specific object class. The development was focused on the system adaptability and acceleration of training, which allows the system to adapt changes in incoming waste.
An uncommon case of apical dentoalveolar abscess of sinusal origin
Authors: Brito Lívia Natália Sales , Santos Hellen Bandeira de Pontes , Menezes Nicássio Silva , Pereira Marcos Alexandre da Franca , Freitas Roseana de Almeida , Godoy Gustavo Pina
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Apical dentoalveolar abscesses associated with sinusitis are very uncommon and may expose patients to unfavorable outcomes. Case-report: A 25-year-old female patient sought medical care due to severe, recurrent, long-term frontal facial pain and symptom relief through analgesics. A tomographic examination of the skull did not identify any pathological cerebral alterations. It did, however, evidence diffuse and irregular mucous thickening of all nasal cavities. The patient was referred to an otorhinolaryngologist, who diagnosed the condition as bilateral chronic inflammatory rhinosinusopathy. A rhinoscopy was performed and antibiotic associated with corticoid was prescribed. After the procedure, sinus infection diffusion to the dental tissues was observed, and the patient required emergency dental care due to diffuse facial cellulitis and swelling associated to tooth 26. Due to the absence of clinical signs indicative of carious infection, the condition was diagnosed as an uncommon case of acute dentoalveolar abscess of sinusal origin. After endodontic access for initial drainage, chemical-mechanical preparation of the root canals was performed, in two sessions. After 30 days, a tomography of the sinuses was performed, and results indicated a significant improvement of the infectious process. Due to the rarity of the case presented herein, it is of significant importance to understand the clinical, radiographic and protocol aspects of the case, in order to attend similar cases, as well as the joint action of the dental surgeon and the otorhinolaryngologist for rhinogenic and odontogenic infection management.
Redox control and measurement in low-temperature (<450 °C) hydrothermal experiments
Authors: Fang Jing , Chou I-Ming
Published: February 2021

Redox control in hydrothermal experiments is routinely achieved through double-capsule and Shaw membrane techniques. These techniques control oxygen fugacity (fO2) by imposing a defined hydrogen fugacity (fH2) on a studied sample enclosed, together with H2O, in a hydrogen membrane capsule made of Pt or Ag-Pd alloys. However, due to the low permeability of these membranes to H2 at low temperatures (T), these techniques do not work efficiently below 450 °C. Here, we tested fused silica as a new hydrogen membrane and successfully applied it to monitor and control the redox states of studied samples at T down to 200 °C in hydrothermal experiments. Our results showed that 3, 8, 16, 36, 96, and 216 h are sufficient for a fused silica capillary capsule (FSCC) to reach osmotic equilibrium with the externally imposed 1 bar of H2 at 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 °C, respectively, and H2 pressures inside a FSCC was very close to the externally imposed values after osmotic equilibrium. By using FSCC as a hydrogen fugacity sensor, equilibrium H2 pressures for Ni-NiO-H2O and Co-CoO-H2O redox buffer assemblages at 250–400 °C and 1000 bar total pressure were measured. The equilibrated fO2 calculated are consistent with those derived from previous literature. Besides, FSCC can be used as a sample container, where fH2 and fO2 of enclosed samples can be continuously controlled. Furthermore, FSCC is an ideal container for sulfur-bearing samples, and its transparency allows spectroscopic analyses of the sample. Our work extended the low-T limit of previously well-developed redox control techniques and may open up a new research avenue in low-T hydrothermal experiments.
Exomorphism of jacobsite precipitates in bixbyite single crystals from the Thomas Range in Utah
Authors: Peter Johannes , Trapp Maximilian , Lauterbach Stefan , Gollé-Leidreiter Philipp , Kolb Ute , Kleebe Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2021

Naturally occurring single crystals of bixbyite, (Fe,Mn)2O3, from the Thomas Mountain Range in Utah, U.S.A., were studied via (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (S)TEM. With up to 5 cm edge length, these mineral specimens are the largest bixbyite crystals found worldwide. Their hexahedral shapes are often modified by {211} facets at the corners and small {211} truncations along their cube edges. Characteristic lamellar defects, running parallel to the {100} planes, can be observed via TEM imaging. The defects are, according to EDS analyses, attributed to the tetragonal manganese silicate braunite, Mn7[SiO12]. In the present study, electron nano-diffraction and atomic resolution (S)TEM were employed to verify the presence of braunite lamellae and to investigate their orientation relationship with bixbyite. The analysis confirmed an epitaxial intergrowth of both phases, with their main-axes being parallel and the unique c-axis of braunite always aligned perpendicularly to the lamellar plane. Moreover, small rectangular-shaped precipitates, which had been, due to their almost identical chemical composition, previously interpreted as small bixbyite inclusions within the host crystal, were often observed in contact with the braunite lamellae. Electron nano-diffraction and atomic resolution (S)TEM imaging revealed these crystallites not to be bixbyite but jacobsite, a cubic iron-manganese spinel with the stoichiometric formula MnFe2O4, whose occurrence in this unique context had not been reported before. Moreover, due to the higher temperatures needed for spinel crystallization, the occurrence of jacobsite may serve as a geo-thermometer. (S)TEM in conjunction with automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM)-TEM showed that no orientation relationship exists between the jacobsite inclusions and the bixbyite/braunite matrix. Nevertheless, their characteristic rectangular shape is typically aligned concordantly with the (001) plane of the braunite lamellae. The resulting crystal shape of jacobsite is determined by the presence of the braunite lamellae, while the respective crystallites maintain their freedom of rotation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is a novel observation of exomorphosis of jacobsite, i.e., the change in the habit of the spinel crystallites due to external conditions. Note that the term “exomorphosis” is used here in the mineralogical sense in contrast to the often-used petrological aspect. Based on the TEM results, the formation of the jacobsite precipitates is discussed and a growth model suggested.
Polytypism in semi-disordered lizardite and amesite by low-dose HAADF-STEM
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zarzycki Piotr , Gilbert Benjamin , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: February 2021

Serpentine minerals exert important controls on the physical properties of ultramafic rocks and have the potential to influence deformation phenomena in fault zones and to control the release of water in subducted slabs. Sheet serpentine generally, and lizardite and amesite specifically, can adopt alternative crystallographic stacking arrangements called polytypes. Polytypism has been extensively studied in fully ordered crystals, but it remains largely enigmatic in the more common semi-disordered crystals that in long-range analyses such as X-ray diffraction only exhibit random combinations of 0b and ±1/3b interlayer shifts. To date, atomic-resolution imaging to identify locally ordered polytypes has been precluded by the beam-sensitive nature of this hydrous magnesium silicate mineral. Here, we employed low-dose high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) to study the polytypic structure of semi-disordered lizardite and amesite. Because the electron dose was as low as ~6000 e–/Å2, it was possible to directly resolve oxygen atomic columns and all the cations with a resolution of ~1 Å and reveal the short-range order. For lizardite, we identified long-period non-standard polytypes, including examples with 3, 4, 8, and 9 layers stemming from the ordering of the octahedral tilt along the a-axis. For amesite, we found short-range ordered polytypes with periodicities of up to 42 Å stemming from the ordering of interlayer shifts along the b-axis. The resolution was sufficient to determine the relative abundance of 6R2, 6R1, 2H1, and 2H2 polytypes in amesite to be 46.1, 29.6, 7.7, and 1.9%, respectively. This is contrary to the expectation that the most common form of amesite is the 2H2 polytype, which may be more likely to form macroscopic crystals suitable for conventional X-ray diffraction-based studies. We conclude that HAADF-STEM methods open the way for the characterization of beam-sensitive minerals and to resolve the structural details of less well-ordered (but possibly more abundant) minerals at a unit-cell scale.
Foreign capital as a determinant of the non-financial reporting development in insurance companies of the Visegrad Group countries
Authors: Lament Marzanna , Jarolímová Blanka
Published: February 2021

Insurance companies are institutions of public trust, and this affects their corporate culture, strategies and management systems. One of the image concerns is reporting on socially responsible actions in non-financial reports. The prime objective of the research presented in this paper is to analyze the dependence between the level of non-financial reporting in the insurance market and the share of foreign capital, measured based on the market size of foreign insurance companies compared to all insurance companies, and the share of foreign insurance companies in non-financial reporting. The study concerned insurance markets in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, and the overall market of the Visegrad Group countries. The theoretical section provides a review of the literature and applicable legislation to indicate the causes of non-financial reporting by insurance companies. Next, the correlation was used to determine the relationship between the variables studied, the regression method was applied to determine the impact of the variables studied, in particular foreign capital, on the level of non-financial reporting. A model was constructed, and the results of its estimation were analyzed. Analysis of the data demonstrated that the greater the share of foreign capital, the higher the level of non-financial reporting. The study results indicate that the share of foreign insurance companies can become a determinant in the development of non-financial reporting.
PHYTOCHEMICALS AS POTENTIAL ANTIVIRAL AGENTS IN SARS-COV-2 THERAPY: AN UPDATE
Authors: Lima Nerilson , Andrade Teresinha , Acquah Kojo , Oliveira Marcone , Gois Kellyane , Medeiros Lis
Published: February 2021

In December 2019, the World Health Organization officially announced the discovery and fast spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), discovered in Wuhan, China. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a global search for the discovery of antiviral candidates capable of treating the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, none of them has shown proved efficacy and low toxicity for an effective dose. In view of this, research with plants based in natural products has been highlighted by the low toxicity of its metabolites and reduced side effects, since plants have been used for millennia in the treatment of various diseases. In this review, we highlight some plant species and plant metabolites belonging to the structural class of phenolic, alkaloids and terpenes with promising antiviral potential agains coronavirus that could be explored as potential candidates for drug prototypes in the treatment of COVID-19.
ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS E VEGETAIS: MATÉRIAS-PRIMAS PARA FABRICAÇÃO DE BIOPRODUTOS NAS AULAS DE QUÍMICA ORGÂNICA EXPERIMENTAL
Authors: Bruno Catarina , Almeida Márcia
Published: February 2021

ESSENTIAL AND VEGETABLE OILS: RAW MATERIALS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BIOPRODUCTS IN CLASSES IN EXPERIMENTAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. A schedule was prepared for three undergraduate classes for the discipline of experimental organic chemistry for obtaining bioproducts. As natural raw materials, lavender flowers and cinnamon peels were used to obtain hydrolates and essential oils (Class 1), coconut and avocado pulp to obtain vegetable oils and annatto seeds to obtain a natural dye (Class 2 ). Cosmetic bioproducts (Class 3), body emulsions similar to those found on the market, were obtained from the mixture of essential and vegetable oils and the addition of natural dye. The raw materials obtained can also be used in other classes of the discipline, complying with the principles of Green Chemistry. Essential oils, for example, can be used as samples for Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) classes and vegetable oils for the production of biodiesel.
Norwegian Destiny of Anatolii E. Heintz (1898–1975), Palaeontologist and Russian Emigré from St. Petersburg
Authors:   University of Tromsø — The Arctic University of Norway, Nielsen J. P. , Tevlina V. V. ,   University of Tromsø — The Arctic University of Norway,   Northern (Arctic) Federal University
Published: February 2021

This article provides information on the life and work of Anatolii Evgenievich Heintz. Heintz was born and raised in St. Petersburg, became a Russian émigré in the so-called “first wave”, and ended up in Norway with his family after the revolutionary events in Russia in 1917–1920. Later Heintz became renowned in the world of science as a Professor, Academician, and one of the founding fathers of Norwegian paleontology, as well as a well-known promoter of scientific knowledge among the common people in Norway. At the same time he was an active participant and organizer of scientific expeditions to Spitsbergen (Svalbard) in search of fish fossils, but he also pioneered the protection of wild animals and establishment of natural parks on this Arctic archipelago. In this article Heintz’s life is examined against the background of social and cultural processes that Russian emigrants faced in the first and later waves of emigration in the 20th and 21st centuries, especially processes of socio-cultural adaptation and integration into their new country of residence. The authors compare the conditions for finding themselves and ways of preserving one’s Russianness in the large colonies of the Russian diaspora, which appeared in Berlin, Prague, and Paris, with the conditions in the northern periphery of Europe and a country like Norway. The paper focus on what Heintz did to preserve his Russian identity, and how he simultaneously struggled to become fully recognized as a Norwegian citizen.
Simple enumeration of Escherichia coli concentrations in river water samples by measuring β-d-glucuronidase activities in a microplate reader
Authors: Satoh Hisashi , Katayose Yutaka , Hirano Reiko
Published: February 2021

Monitoring of Escherichia coli concentrations in river water (RW) is essential to identify fecal pollution of the river. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of a novel, simple and high throughput method developed in our laboratory to enumerate E. coli concentrations in RW samples. The method is based on the use of the synthetic substrate specific for the β-d-glucuronidase (GUS) produced by E. coli. GUS activities and E. coli concentrations were monitored at eight selected sites in rivers running through Sapporo, Japan. Because the fluorescence intensities of the synthetic substrate in the RW samples increased linearly over a 4-h incubation period, we could estimate the GUS activities of the RW samples. The GUS activities were highly correlated with E. coli concentrations at >100 most probable numbers 100 mL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. The GUS activities of the RW samples collected from all sampling sites fitted well to a single correlation equation, which indicates that it was applicable to the estimation of E. coli concentrations regardless of the sampling sites. This method is simple, rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and high throughput, and is therefore useful for monitoring E. coli in RW.
Awaq warmi
Authors: Eyzaguirre Indira
Published: February 2021

Rumbo a esos caminos de tantos viajes al interior del Perú nos enrumbamos hacia las calles de una ciudad histórica de Qosqo, aproximándonos a un lugar andino llamado Chincheros localizado en la provincia de Urubamba al sur del Perú, donde hay toda una dinámica de comercio entorno a las artesanías como los tejidos elaborados por las mujeres cusqueñas. Ellas guardan un saber tradicional heredado de sus ancestros, los Quechua, de una cosmovisión andina perteneciente al Imperio del Tawantinsuyo, la cual pasa de generación en generación.
An Overview of the α4β1 Integrin and the Potential Therapeutic Role of its Antagonists
Authors: Ferreira Elenilze F.B. , Silva Luciane B. , Cruz Josiane V. , Araújo Pedro H.F. , Kimani Njogu M. , Leite Franco H.A. , Campos Joaquín M. , Santos Cleydson B.R.
Published: February 2021

This article presents a simplified view of integrins with emphasis on the α4
(α4β1/VLA-4) integrin. Integrins are heterodimeric proteins expressed on the cell surface
of leukocytes that participate in a wide variety of functions, such as survival, growth, differentiation,
migration, inflammatory responses, tumour invasion, among others. When
the extracellular matrix is degraded or deformed, cells are forced to undergo responsive
changes that influence remodelling during physiological and pathological events. Integrins
recognize these changes and trigger a series of cellular responses, forming a physical
connection between the interior and the outside of the cell. The communication of integrins
through the plasma membrane occurs in both directions, from the extracellular to
the intracellular (outside-in) and from the intracellular to the extracellular (inside-out). Integrins
are valid targets for antibodies and small-molecule antagonists. One example is
the monoclonal antibody natalizumab, marketed under the name of TYSABRI®, used in
the treatment of recurrent multiple sclerosis, which inhibits the adhesion of α4 integrin to
its counter-receptor. α4β1 Integrin antagonists are summarized here, and their utility as
therapeutics are also discussed.
The Life Cycle and in silico Elucidation of Non-structural Replicating
Proteins of HCV Through a Pharmacoinformatics Approach
Authors: Tahir Rana Adnan , Mughal Sumera , Nazir Amina , Noureen Asma , Jawad Ayesha , Waqas Muhammad , Sehgal Sheikh Arslan
Published: February 2021

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped and positive-stranded RNA virus that is a major causative agent of chronic liver diseases worldwide. HCV has become the main cause of liver transplantations and there is no effective drug for all hepatitis genotypes. Elucidation of life cycle and nonstructural proteins of HCV involved in viral replication are the attractive targets for the development of antiviral drugs.

Methods:

In this work, pharmacoinformatics approaches coupled with docking analyses were applied on HCV nonstructural proteins to identify the novel potential hits and HCV drugs. Molecular docking analyses were carried out on HCV approved drugs followed by the ligand-based pharmacophore generation to screen the antiviral libraries for novel potential hits.

Results:

Virtual screening technique has made known the top-ranked five novel compounds (ZINC00607900, ZINC03635748, ZINC03875543, ZINC04097464, and ZINC12503102) along with the least binding energy (-8.0 kcal/mol, -6.1 kcal/mol, -7.5 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, and -7.3 kcal/mol respectively) and stability with non-structural proteins target.

Conclusion:

These promising hits exhibited better absorption and ADMET properties as compared to the selected drug molecules. These potential compounds extracted from in silico approach may be significant in drug design and development against Hepatitis and other liver diseases.
The Role of 3'UTR of RNA Viruses on mRNA Stability and Translation Enhancement
Authors: Rasekhian Mahsa , Roohvand Farzin , Habtemariam Solomon , Marzbany Marzieh , Kazemimanesh Monireh
Published: February 2021

The central dogma of molecular biology explains the flow of genetic information from
DNA to functional products such as proteins. In most cases, a linear relationship with a high correlation
coefficient exists between the concentration of mRNA, the middle man, and the functional product.
Untranslated regions (UTRs) of RNA form a considerable base pairing that contributes to the secondary
and tertiary structures of mRNA. The interaction between the mRNA secondary structures
(cis-elements), RNA-binding proteins (RBP) and miRs (trans-element) are critical determinants of
mRNAs' fate and stability. Among different viral families, the positive sense (+) RNA viruses use the
simplest possible strategy of replication and expression, as the same molecule functions both as a genome
and mRNA. Additionally, nucleotide composition and codon usage of +RNA viruses are the
closest to human codon adaptation index (CAI). Since the origin of replication of viral intermediate
RNA molecules is at the 3'-end of the genome, the 3'UTR plays a role in viral RNA replication.
Moreover, the messenger role of RNA likely places functional demands on the 3'UTR to serve a role
typical of cellular mRNA. This article reviews the effect of 3'UTR of RNA viruses with positive sense
and genomes on mRNA stability and translation improvement. A range of animal (e.g., Dengue, Sindbis,
Corona and Polio) and plant (Barley yellow dwarf, Brome mosaic, Turnip crinkle, Tobacco mosaic,
Cowpea mosaic and Alfalfa mosaic) viruses are examined to highlight the role of 3'UTR in viral
survival and as a potential target for pharmaceutical applications.
A Review on Remdesivir: A Broad-spectrum Antiviral Molecule for Possible COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Khazir Jabeena , Maqbool Tariq , Mir Bilal Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus
strain and the causative agent of COVID-19 was emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 [1].
This pandemic situation and magnitude of suffering have led to global effort to find out effective
measures for discovery of new specific drugs and vaccines to combat this deadly disease. In addition
to many initiatives to develop vaccines for protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2, some of which
are at various stages of clinical trials, researchers worldwide are currently using available conventional
therapeutic drugs with the potential to combat the disease effectively in other viral infections and it
is believed that these antiviral drugs could act as a promising immediate alternative. Remdesivir
(RDV), a broad-spectrum anti-viral agent, initially developed for the treatment of Ebola virus (EBOV)
and known to showed promising efficiency in in vitro and in vivo studies against SARS and MERS
coronaviruses, is now being investigated against SARS-CoV-2. On May 1, 2020, The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for RDV to treat COVID-
19 patients [2]. A number of multicentre clinical trials are on-going to check the safety and efficacy of
RDV for the treatment of COVID-19. Results of published double blind, and placebo-controlled trial
on RDV against SARS-CoV-2, showed that RDV administration led to faster clinical improvement in
severe COVID-19 patients compared to placebo. This review highlights the available knowledge
about RDV as a therapeutic drug for coronaviruses and its preclinical and clinical trials against
COVID-19.
Origins, Structures, and Bioactivities of Secondary Metabolites from Marine-derived Penicillium Fungi
Authors: Yang Xiliang , Liu Jinping , Mei Jiahui , Jiang Rui , Tu Shizheng , Deng Huafeng , Liu Jing , Yang Sumei , Li Juan
Published: February 2021

In recent years, marine-derived Penicillium fungi have received remarkable interest as a
valuable source of novel natural products encompassing diverse chemical structures and bioactive
properties. Mangroves, sediments, algae, and sponges are the four main sources of marine-derived
Penicillium fungi. As of 2014, more than 390 novel natural products have been isolated from the marine-
derived Penicillium fungi, mainly including polyketides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and macrolides.
Biological investigations have shown that these compounds possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
cytotoxic, and other activities with potential applications in new drug development. To provide an
updated catalog of this field, our mini-review summarized the origins, structures, and bioactivities of
188 secondary metabolites from marine-derived Penicillium fungi based on bioactivities classification
published from 2015 to 2020.