bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPR / Cas-9 Vector System: Targets UL-39 and Inhibits HSV-1 Replication in Vitro
Authors: Raposo Jéssica Vasques , Barros Luciana Rodrigues Carvalho , Torres Lauana Ribas , Pinto Rafaela Barbosa da Silva , Lopes Amanda de Oliveira , de Souza Elen Mello , Bonamino Martin Hernan , de Paula Vanessa Salete
Published: October 2021

HSV-1 aﬀects approximately 67% of the world population. Here, we sought to use the CRISPR / Cas9 system with the UL39 target, essential for virus replication. The sgRNA sequence was inserted into plasmid (PX459-UL39). Vero cells were transfected with PX459-UL39, and inhibition of viral replication was assessed 24 and 48 hours later using plaque assays and ﬂuorescence and qPCR. Fluorescence analyzes revealed the presence of anti-HSV-1 CRISPR/Cas9 within Vero cells, and qPCR showed that the viral load decreased by> 95% of cells transfected with anti-HSV-1 CRISPR / Cas9. Our data demonstrate the usefulness of the PX459-UL39 to inhibit HSV-1 infection.
Can The Charcoal Localization For Surgical Resection of Non-Palpable Breast Suspicious Lesions Be a Promising Method For Communities of Low Resources? Retrospective Observational Study.
Authors: Farouk Omar , Ezzat Mohamed , El-Badrawy Adel , Fady Tamer , Abdallah Ahmed , El-Kashef Wagdi , Shams Nazem , Senbel Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Background: Breast cancer is more frequently being detected as radiographic non-palpable lesions with the increased utilization of national screening programs. Moreover, the sizes of tumors detected have decreased in recent years, increasing the need for the accurate image-directed localization for surgical excision in a significant portion of cases. Although Wire guided localization has been the most commonly used method for many years, but inherent problems remain and limited its practice. Radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) is currently the standard method of localization, however it is unavailable in most of low resources communities. This encourages us to use charcoal localization which is simple and cheap method of surgical localization of non-palpable suspicious breast lesions. Methods: This prospective study included 34 patients presented with non-palpable suspicious breast lesion (BIRADS 4 or 5). All patients were injected with 1-3 ml of sterilized 3% aqueous suspension of charcoal granules under guidance of ultrasound at the superficial border of the suspicious lesion and the track between the lesion and the needle entry point in the skin which occur at the future incision. This method was carried out in most patients one day before operation, however two patients underwent surgical excision after 6 days of localization without any interruption.Results: Thirty four patients had 36 Lesions. The median age was 43 years. The mean diameter of lesions 10.9 mm. Out of 36 lesions; the BIRADS as follow10 (4a), 12 (4b), 8 (4c), and 6 (5). Postoperative revealed 16 malignant lesions and 20 benign lesions. All 20 benign lesions were managed by wide local excision; All 14 BIRADS 4a lesions were proved to be benign. Sixteen malignant lesions were managed as the following; nine patients had breast conserving surgery, five patients had modified radical mastectomy (three patients had past history of modified radical mastectomy, one patient had Multicentric ILC and one patient had infiltrated safety margins on conservation), and one patient had Nipple Sparing Mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction by Latissimus Dorsi Flap . There was no reaction nor infection reported in our study.Conclusion: Charcoal localization has many advantages and help surgical localization.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations on the Chain Fold During the Isothermal Orientation of n-Alkanes on Graphene
Authors: Zhang Zhi Meng , Yang Hua , Shi Jun Xia , Wang Jia Jun , Huang Zheng Guo , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2021

The orientation of hydrocarbon chains plays a key role in the applications of organic materials. And chain folding in the process of molecular orientation is also of great significance for the design of organic molecular thin films. The effect of chain length and simulation temperature on the isothermal orientation of n-alkanes on graphene surface is studied by molecular dynamics simulation in this paper. And the chain folding is also described. The n-alkanes can form perpendicular ordered structure, parallel ordered structure or perpendicular orientation at relative low temperature and parallel orientation at relative high temperature on graphene surface. The chain fold happens when long n-alkanes form perpendicular ordered structure on graphene surface. And the simulation results show the interactions of n-alkane−graphene and n-alkane−n-alkane affect chain fold.
Settleability and Dewaterability of Sewage Sludge with Modified Diatomite
Authors: Wang Ling-Yu , Li Xue , Luo Kun , Song Yu-Hao , Liu Ren-Guo
Published: October 2021

In this study, cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) modified diatomite and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) modified diatomite were synthesized and used as conditioner in sewage sludge dewatering. The effects of these two types of modified diatomite on the dewaterability and settling performance of activated sludge were studied. The mechanism of the two types of modified diatomite in the activated sludge system was elucidated. The efficiency of CPAM-modified diatomite was better than that of CTAB-modified diatomite in improving the settleability and dewaterability performance of sludge. The results indicated that specific resistance to filtration (SRF) was decreased from 8.52×1012m/Kg to 0.92×1012 m/Kg, and the water content in the remaining sludge cake after pumping filtration was decreased from 92.2% to 68.1%. by adding 0.4% of CPAM-modified diatomite and pH=3.5, which result in optimal sludge settling of activated sludge. Further studies showed that the polymer/surfactant adsorbed in diatomite increased sludge dewaterability and improved the sedimentation rate as a result of stripping extracellular polymer substances (EPS) and damaging the internal structure of sludge conduce bound water releasing. According to scanning electron microscope(SEM) images, two types of modified diatomite powder not only kept the porous, but also shown more complete and uniform structure in comparison to nature diatomite.
Recovery of Chloroplast Genomes from Medieval Millet Grains Excavated from the Areni-1 Cave in Southern Armenia
Authors: Richards Stephen M. , Li Leiting , Breen James , Hovhannisyan Nelli , Estrada Oscar , Gasparyan Boris , Gilliham Matthew , Smith Alexia , Cooper Alan , Zhang Heng
Published: October 2021

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) was domesticated in northern China at least 7,000 years ago and was subsequentially adopted as a cereal in many areas throughout Eurasia. One such locale is Areni-1 an archaeological cave site in Southern Armenia, a region that has an important history in crop domestication. The rich botanical material found at Areni-1 includes grains identified by morphology as broomcorn millet that were 14C dated to the medieval era (873 ± 36 CE and 1118 ± 35 CE). To retrace the demographic history of these broomcorn millet samples, we used ancient DNA extraction and hybridization capture enrichment to sequence and assemble three chloroplast genomes from the Areni-1 grains and then compared these sequences to 50 modern chloroplast genomes. Overall, the chloroplast genomes contained a low amount of diversity and little inference on broomcorn demography could be made. However, in a phylogeny the chloroplast genomes separated into two clades with strong bootstrap support, similar to what has been reported for nuclear DNA from broomcorn millet. In a haplotype network, the chloroplast genomes of two accessions of wild (undomesticated) broomcorn millet contained a relatively large number of variants, 11 SNPs. These SNPs were not present in the domesticated varieties, suggesting these wild accessions may not be directly related to the lineages that underwent domestication or that broomcorn millet may have undergone a domestication bottleneck resulting in lost diversity in the chloroplast genome. These results demonstrate that broomcorn millet from archaeological sites can preserve DNA for at least 1000 years and serve as a genetic resource to study the domestication of this cereal crop.
Relationship Between Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Incident Hemodialysis Patients Not Treated with Calcium or Vitamin D
Authors: He Jin , Chen Shubei , Mao Kewen , Sun Xiaoyan , Nie Rongjian
Published: October 2021

Vascular calcification (VC) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are important causes of high incidence of cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and VC is very complex. Different studies have inconsistent reports on the effect of PTH on VC. The present study investigated the correlation between PTH levels and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in incident hemodialysis patients who did not receive calcium, calcium-containing phosphorus binders, calcitriol or vitamin D analogs. Our data confirm that serum PTH levels is significantly negatively correlated with AAC within a certain concentration range in incident hemodialysis patients who not treated with calcium or vitamin D.
Exploiting Potentialities of Dynamic Satellites for Future Space-based Quantum Network: Downlink Scheduling and Orbital Deployment
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Dong Chen , Wu Tianyi , Shi Lei , Deng Boyu , Zhu Haonan , Zhao Shanghong
Published: October 2021

With the goal of a space-based quantum network is to have satellites distribute keys between any nodes on the ground, we consider an evolved quantum network from a near-term form, in which a space-based relay, Micius, executes a sequence of Satellite QKD (SatQKD) missions, allowing any two cities to have a shared key. Accordingly, we develop a comprehensive framework integrated with precise orbital modelling and a cloud statistics model to enable a preassessment of SatQKD. Using this framework, we consider three different scheduling strategies and estimate the keys that can be delivered to cities. By the assistance of using different optimizations on scheduling problem formulations, it is possible to allows for the possibility to consider strategies for different missions such as extending connection for distant nodes, prioritized delivery to nodes with higher privileges, and promoting keys utilization. We also provide a comparison of the total number of keys delivered using different-altitude satellites. It is demonstrated that the plan for constructing a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation is more efficient than that for employing an expensive high-orbit satellite to an execution of scheduling SatQKD.
Aortic Valve Replacement for Quadricuspid Aortic Valve Associated With Right Coronary Ostium Anomaly: a Case Report
Authors: Tsuji Shigeto , Shimada Shogo , Itoda Yoshifumi , Yamauchi Haruo , Ono Minoru
Published: October 2021

Background: Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital heart disease that may be associated with coronary ostium anomalies. Care should be taken to avoid occluding or compressing the coronary ostium while performing aortic valve replacement.Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of a 59-year-old woman who underwent aortic valve replacement for a quadricuspid aortic valve with severe aortic regurgitation. Intraoperatively, the aortic valve had four cusps of almost equal size and the right coronary artery arose adjacent to one of the commissures. The annular stitches were placed in a non-everting mattress fashion with pledgets on the ventricular side, and stitches near the right coronary ostium were transitioned to the subannular ventricular myocardium to maintain the distance from the ostium. Further, we selected a small prosthesis because oversized prosthetic valve could potentially compress the right coronary ostium.Conclusions: While performing aortic valve replacement for a quadricuspid aortic valve associated with a right coronary ostium anomaly, careful selection of the size of the prosthesis and modification of the annular stitches are essential to prevent obstruction of the coronary ostium.
Zeaxanthin Exhibits Protective Effects in Myocardial Injury by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/3 and p38MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Li Mingyang , Song Xiang , Qi Lichun , Gao Yanhui , Wang Xin , Zhong Xiao , Song Ziguang , Li Xueqi
Published: October 2021

Background: Zeaxanthin is a newly discovered natural product in β-carotenoid family with multiple bioactivities. Recently, it has been shown that zeaxanthin may have cardioprotective effects in several studies, but its mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Herein, we explored the role and mechanism of zeaxanthin in myocardial injury.Methods and Results: In this study, three different models were used to investigate the mechanism by which zeaxanthin alleviates myocardial injury. H9C2 Cardiomyocyte injury models were induced by H2O2. TUNEL assay, Flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin significantly decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein expression. And reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement analysis and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin also could reduce the production of ROS and affect the expression of p38-Mitogen activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κ gene bindin (p38MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway. Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was used to establish the fibrosis model in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin significantly decreased the expression of fibrosis markers in CFs. Myocardial injury animal models were induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Our results demonstrated that zeaxanthin improved fibrosis damage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in HFD mice. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that TGF-β/Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic2/3 (TGF-β/Smad2/3) signaling pathway related protein p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, and TGF-β1 were significantly downregulated by zeaxanthin treatment.Conclusions: Zeaxanthin may alleviate HFD and H2O2-induced heart injury by regulating TGF-β/Smad2/3 and p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, which is of immense clinical significance in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Staff perspectives on existing practice and conditions for nurse-led gout care based on treatment recommendations: a qualitative study in primary health care
Authors: Sedelius Helene , Tistad Malin , Bergsten Ulrika , Dehlin Mats , Iggman David , Wallin Lars , Svärd Anna
Published: October 2021

Background

Gout affects nearly two percent of the population and is associated with repeated painful attacks of arthritis. Preventive urate-lowering therapy is widely available, but only one third of patients receive adequate treatment. Lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals and patients within primary healthcare are implicated as partial explanations for this undertreatment. Nurse-led care has proved to be an effective model when treating patients with gout, but there is a need for more knowledge about factors that can be expected to influence the future implementation of such care. The aim of this study was to describe the factors influencing existing gout care in primary healthcare and the conditions for a future implementation of nurse-led gout care based on national treatment recommendations.
Methods

In this qualitative study, focus group discussions with 56 nurses and physicians and individual interviews with eight managers were conducted at nine primary healthcare units in the middle of Sweden. A deductive qualitative content analysis based on the main constructs of the framework Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services was followed by an inductive analysis within the frames of the main constructs: innovation, recipients and context.
Results

The construct “innovation” was described with the management of gout being patient initiated and in some respects complex, and with experiences of nurse-led care as a favourable model. The two categories of the construct “recipients” were represented by a view of gout as a low-priority condition with acute attacks and inadequate knowledge of gout, including preventive treatment. The construct “context” consisted of three categories: a view of primary healthcare as having a holistic but fragmented responsibility for gout care, recommendations against keeping waiting lists that complicate follow-up appointments, and the need for motivation and support when introducing new practices.
Conclusion

In this study, investigating the perspective of professionals, several factors were found to influence existing gout care. It will be crucial to target these factors in the development of a future implementation strategy.
Ascent of the Conus Medullaris in Human Foetuses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Almeida Lucas , Figueiredo Yasmin Juliany , Zylberman André , Garção Diogo
Published: October 2021

The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify when the ascent of the conus medullaris occurs in human foetuses considering differences in evaluation methods and sample characteristics. Five databases were searched for relevant articles using different combinations of keywords. Article selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The variables were distributed into four groups according to the gestational age of the specimens: I (13 to 18 weeks); II (19 to 25 weeks); III (26 to 32 weeks); IV (33 weeks to the probable date of birth). Eighteen articles were included. The majority used imaging exams as the evaluation method. Cadaveric dissections were reported in the remaining articles. Only morphological studies were included in the meta-analysis. Significant ascent occurs between groups I and III as well as groups II and IV. Despite the considerable heterogeneity among the studies included in the present review, the findings enabled the determination that the conus medullaris reaches its normal birth level by the 26th week. Further analyses should be performed based on nationality and ethnicity to diminish the heterogeneity of the data.
A Scoring System For Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk In Alcoholic Cirrhosis: A Competing Risk Analysis
Authors: Lee Kyunghan , Choi Gwang Hyeon , Jang Eun Sun , Jeong Sook-Hyang , Kim Jin–Wook
Published: October 2021

Background & Aims: The role of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is being questioned in alcoholic cirrhosis because of the relative low HCC risk. Comorbid viral hepatitis may synergistically increase the HCC risk in alcoholic cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the risk and predictors of HCC in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis by using competing risk analysis in an area with intermediate prevalence for hepatitis B virus.Methods: A total of 965 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were recruited at a university-affiliated hospital in Korea and randomly assigned to either the derivation (n=643) and validation (n=322) cohort. Subdistribution hazards model of Fine and Gray was used with deaths and liver transplantation treated as competing risks. Death records were confirmed from Korean government databases. A nomogram was developed to calculate the Alcohol-associated Liver Cancer Estimation (ALICE) score.Results: Markers for viral hepatitis were positive in 21.0 % and 25.8 % of patients in derivation and validation cohort, respectively. The cumulative incidence of HCC was 13.5 and 14.9 % at 10 years for derivation and validation cohort, respectively. Age, positivity for viral hepatitis markers, alpha-fetoprotein level, and platelet count were identified as independent predictors of HCC and incorporated in the ALICE score, which discriminated low, intermediate, and high risk for HCC in alcoholic cirrhosis at the cut-off of 120 and 180. Conclusions: HCC risk can be stratified by using clinical parameters including viral markers in alcoholic cirrhosis in an area where the prevalence of viral hepatitis is substantial.
Comparison and Evaluation of 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis Model in Mice
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiao , Zhao Yuchen , Bian Fei , Li Weizu , Zhou Lanlan
Published: October 2021

Objectives

2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) induced allergic contact dermatitis model is widely used in the research of inflammation, immune response and pruritus. However, there are several modeling cycles of DNFB model in many literatures, which brings some confusion for choice in the experiments. Here, we established two-weeks and five-weeks models of DNFB and aimed to compare and evaluate them.
Methods

Two-week and five-week DNFB models were established in male SPF C57BL/6 mice.
Results

The results showed that the scratching bouts of the ACD mice in two groups both significantly increased. Following the modeling process, the skin of the neck and back of the modeling site of the ACD mice in two-weeks group gradually appeared erythema, edema, ulceration, scabbing, scaling and dryness. The skin surface features of ACD mice in five-weeks group obviously showed erythema, edema, ulceration, scabbing, scaling, re-scabbing, re-scaling, harden and dryness.The whole modeling process are both accompanied by severe scratching reaction after the skin repeated exposure to DNFB. Moreover, the results of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed that the two modeling methods both had thickened epidermis (p < 0.001) and hyperkeratosis. The toluidine blue (TB) staining revealed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration (p < 0.0001) in two groups.
Conclusion

In our opinion, the two modeling methods both are feasible. The two-weeks ACD model had a shorter modeling period, and while the 5-weeks model could have enough time to observe the effect of drug. Our results provided further experimental basis and evidence for animal models of skin pruritus and inflammation.
Effects of Straw Returning on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Diversity Under the Rice-crayfish Integrated System
Authors: Zhu Xiuxiu , Peng Chenglin , Si Guohan , Sha Aihua , Yuan Jiafu , Zhao Shujun , Xu Dabing
Published: October 2021

This study represents the investigation of soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity by the Biolog ECO analysis in a 7-year field experiment using winter flooded fallow + no straw returning (W), winter flooded fallow + straw returning (WS), and winter flooded fallow + straw returning + crayfish farming (WSC) at soil depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. Compared with the W treatment, the WS treatment has significantly more total reducing substances in the 0-10 cm layer and sucrase activity in the 0-20 cm layer. The WSC treatment has significantly more available N (AN), total N (TN) contents, acid phosphatase and sucrase activities in the 10-20 cm layer, while the pH value, total reducing substances, and Fe2+ content in the 0-20 cm layer was considerably lower compared with the WS treatment. Biolog ECO analysis reveals that microbial community composition in the WS and WSC treatments differs from that in the W treatment in the 0-20cm layer. The WS treatment increases significantly the diversity of bacterial community and the ability of utilizing carbon sources in the 0-10 cm layer, and the species abundance of bacterial community in the 0-20 cm layer. Meanwhile, in the 10-20 cm soil layer, the WSC treatment improves the species abundance of bacterial community and the ability of utilizing carbon sources compared with the WS treatment. These results indicate that straw returning under the rice-crayfish integrated system improves soil physicochemical properties, decreases reducing substances properties, and increases soil enzyme activity and functional diversity of microbial community, thereby contributing to soil condition.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Cu and Al 2 0 3 Dispersed in Ethylene Glycol as a Base Fluid over a Stretchable Permeable Sheet of MHD Thin-film Flow
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Khan Ilyas
Published: October 2021

The process of thin films is commonly utilized to improve the surface characteristics of materials. A thin film helps to improve the absorption, depreciation, flexibility, lighting, transport, and electromagnetic efficiency of a bulk material medium. Thin film treatment can be especially helpful in nanotechnology. As a result, the current study investigates the computational process of heat relocation analysis in a thin-film MHD flow embedded in hybrid nanoparticles, which combines the spherical copper and alumina dispersed in ethylene glycol as the conventional heat transfer Newtonian fluid model over a stretching sheet. Important elements such as thermophoresis and Brownian movement are used to explain the characteristics of heat and mass transfer analysis. Nonlinear higher differential equations (ODEs) were attained by transforming partial differential equations (PDEs) into governing equations when implementing the similarity transformation technique. The resulting nonlinear ODEs have been utilized by using the homotopy analysis method (MHD). The natures of the thin-film flow and heat transfer through the various values of the pertinent parameters: unsteadiness, nanoparticle volume fraction, thin-film thickness, magnetic interaction and intensity suction/injection are deliberated. The approximate consequences for flow rate and temperature distributions and physical quantities in terms of local skin friction and Nusselt number were obtained and analysed via graphs and tables. As a consequence, the suction has a more prodigious effect on the hybrid nanofluid than on the injection fluid for all the investigated parameters. It is worth acknowledging that the existence of the nanoparticles and MHD in the viscous hybrid nanofluid tends to enhance the temperature profile but decay the particle movement in the thin-film flow. It is perceived that the velocity and temperature fields decline with increasing unsteadiness, thin-film thickness and suction/injection parameters.
What Does Family Building Mean? A Qualitative Exploration and a New Definition: a Uk-based Study.
Authors: Grace Bola , Shawe Jill , Barrett Geraldine , Usman Nafisat Ohunene , Stephenson Judith
Published: October 2021

Introduction The importance of improving men’s and women’s knowledge of sexual and reproductive health has been emphasised in numerous global health policies. Fertility awareness literature highlights a disproportionately higher number of articles related to pregnancy-prevention compared to pregnancy-planning, which is justifiable in many contexts. However, the recent concerted effort to improve fertility awareness warrants a closer investigation of basic terminologies in the field. For example, although the term family planning encompasses attaining the desired number of children and spacing pregnancies, it is typically attributed to the practice of limiting the number of children.MethodsWe conducted 35 qualitative in-depth interviews on men, women and healthcare professionals who were sampled from a UK cross-sectional survey. We asked participants about terms such as ‘family planning’ and ‘family building’ to elicit views and explored the appropriateness of the term “family building.” Data were transcribed and analysed via Framework analysis. Results When asked what ‘family planning’ meant to them, study participants stated that the term meant the avoidance of pregnancy. They viewed it as an “umbrella term for the use of contraception methods,” that “paradoxically, the term family planning almost has a negative connotation regarding having a family,” but could not state similar terminology for planning a family. Reasons cited for this perspective include the focus of school education and usage in clinical settings. Conclusions In the absence of an explicit definition in literature, we generated a new definition for family building as follows: “Family building refers to the construction or formation of a family, which can include steps or actions taken by an individual towards having children. In contrast to family planning, the intent focuses on pregnancy planning and childbearing rather than pregnancy prevention. However, it can also include actions taken to space the number of children one has.” Some balance in the global public health messages, including bridging the gap in reproductive health literature, may contribute to the effort to improve fertility knowledge. Additionally, this has implications for promotion of preconception and optimising reproductive health in order to enable men and women achieve their desired fertility intentions, whatever they may be.
Bletilla striata Polysaccharide Cryogel Scaffold for Spatial Control of Foreign-body Reaction
Authors: Chen Jiaxi , Zhou Huiqun , Xie Daping , Niu Yiming
Published: October 2021

BackgroundImplantation of a biomaterial may induce the foreign-body reaction to the host tissue that determines the outcome of the integration and the biological performance of the implant. The level of foreign-body reaction can be modulated by material properties.MethodsFirst, we synthesized methacrylated Bletilla striata Polysaccharide (BSP-MA) and constructed a series of open porous cryogels utilizing this material via the freezing-thawing treatment of solvent-precursors systems. Second, Pore size and rheology were measured to characterize the material properties of cryogels. Live/dead staining of cells and CCK-8 was performed to test the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds. In addition, the Real-Time qPCR experiments were carried for in vitro tests. Finally, the BSP scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously to verify the foreign-body reaction between host tissue and materials.ResultsOur data demonstrated that cryogels with different pore sizes and modulus can be fabricated by just adjusting the concentration. Besides, the cryogels show well cytocompatibility in the in vitro experiments and exhibited upregulated expression levels of pro-inflammation-related genes (Tnfa and Il1b) with the increase of pore size. In vivo experiments further proved that with the increase of pore size, more immune cells infiltrated into the inner zone of materials. The foreign-body reaction and the distribution of immune-regulatory cells could be modulated by tuning the material microstructure.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings revealed Bletilla striata polysaccharide cryogel scaffold with different pore sizes can spatially control foreign-body reaction. The microstructure of cryogels could differentially guide the distribution of inflammatory cells, affect the formation of blood vessels and fibrous capsules, which eventually influence the material-tissue integration. This work demonstrates a practical strategy to regulate foreign body response and promote the performance of medical devices.
Aportes de los estudios de neuroimagen funcional a la comprensión del trauma infantil: estudio preliminar
Authors: Calderon Delgado Liliana , Barrera-Valencia Mauricio , Noriega Ivette , Al-Khalil Kareem , Trejos-Castillo Elizabeth , O´Boyle Michael
Published: October 2021

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir patrones de activación cerebral mediante una técnica de Imagen por resonancia magnética funcional -fMRI- (abreviatura en inglés de Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) en una muestra de niños con Trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y compararlos con un grupo de controles. Estudio cuasi-experimental en el que se tomó un grupo de 15 niños con TEPT y se comparó con un grupo de 7 niños sin TEPT. Se emplearon dos tareas experimentales: una prueba de caras y una versión del Stroop emocional. Los resultados preliminares, señalan diferencias en el procesamiento de estímulos, principalmente de carácter negativo en los niños con TEPT y cambios en los patrones de activación a nivel de estructuras frontales. Se concluye que el trauma a edad temprana afecta el curso normal del desarrollo cerebral y se evidencia la importancia de abordar los aspectos explícitos e implícitos asociados a la experiencia traumática como parte de la intervención.
Role of Natural and Synthetic Flavonoids as Potential Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast
Cancer: Structure-Activity Relationship Perspective
Authors: Shah Umang , Patel Aarti , Patel Samir , Patel Mehul , Patel Ashish , Patel Swayamprakash , Patel Sandip , Maheshwari Rajesh , Mtewa Andrew G , Gandhi Karan
Published: October 2021

World Health Organization categorized breast cancer as one of the leading cancer types in females worldwide,
and its treatment remains challenging. Accumulated evidence suggested the role of estrogen and its metabolites
in pre- and post-menopausal women.
Upregulation of estrogen-dependent aromatase is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Several
aromatase inhibitors, such as exemestane, formestane, and letrozole, are being used clinically, owing to their estrogen
suppression role. Apart from these drugs, several other molecules, such as natural and synthetic flavonoids, have been
reported widely for a similar biological activity. However, some reasonable modifications are required for these structures
to achieve desired efficacy and to alleviate toxicity. Designing a novel aromatase inhibitor will be possible if we
can establish a rational correlation between the chemistry and biological features of the existing molecules. The benzopyranone-
ring system, present in the flavonoid molecules, has been reported as a pharmacophore due to its inhibitory
activity on aromatase, which helps repress breast cancer progression. This essential feature has been utilized to modify
several natural flavonoids into 5 and 7 hydroxy/methoxy flavone, 4-imidazolyl/triazolyl flavone, 5,4’- diamino flavone,
7,8- benzo-4-imidazolyl flavone, α-naphthoflavone, and 2-azole/thiazolyl isoflavone derivatives. These scaffolds have
been considered in this review for meticulous study in aspects of the structure-activity relationship for aromatase inhibitory
activity, and it would likely pave the way for designing a potential lead candidate in the future.
Tratamiento taxonómico de la tribu Boldoeae (Nyctaginaceae)
Authors: Hernández Ledesma Patricia
Published: October 2021

Antecedentes y Objetivos: La tribu Boldoeae (Nyctaginaceae) se distribuye de México al norte de Sudamérica. A través de su historia taxonómica ha habido debate de los géneros que incluye, ya sea que se reconozca a Salpianthus en sentido amplio, o que se acepten Boldoa y Cryptocarpus como separados. La tribu se caracteriza por incluir plantas con aquenios envueltos por la base persistente del perianto, pero no fusionados a esta, una característica poco común dentro de la familia. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un tratamiento actualizado de Boldoeae, analizar los límites genéricos y proporcionar claves de identificación y descripciones de sus géneros y especies.
Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de estudios taxonómicos y de los protólogos de Boldoeae, se observaron ejemplares de herbario incluyendo tipos y se consultaron colecciones en línea y portales de internet especializados, con la finalidad de actualizar la información taxonómica de la tribu y de generar mapas de distribución.
Resultados clave: La tribu Boldoeae incluye tres géneros y seis especies, todas ellas presentes en México. Boldoa y Cryptocarpus, que son monotípicos, se encuentran hasta el norte de Sudamérica, pero la distribución de este último es disyunta, mientras que Salpianthus, con cuatro especies, es endémico a México. Las características de las inflorescencias y del perianto tienen suficiente relevancia taxonómica para considerar a los tres géneros como distintos.
Conclusiones: Boldoeae está conformada por Boldoa, Cryptocarpus y Salpianthus. Si bien el debate dentro de la tribu se ha enfocado en la circunscripción de los géneros, parece que la delimitación entre las especies de Salpianthus es más relevante, sobre todo en las especies poco colectadas como S. aequalis o conocidas solo de ejemplares tipo, como S. standleyi, lo cual no permite conocer su variación morfológica y compararlas adecuadamente.
Professional Development of Music Teacher in China: Practice and Challenges
Authors: Yuexin Duan
Published: October 2021

Since 2001, national basic education curriculum reforms have been instituting to meet the demands of quality-oriented education in China. Due to this nationwide reform proposed to cultivate students’ moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic development, music education which is a vital component of aesthetic education has received considerable critical attention from Chinese government. In the last two decades, the argument of significance of teachers’ professional development (PD) in curriculum reform has led a growing trend towards practice aimed to promote PD of music teachers in China. This paper presents an analysis of challenges the music teacher PD practice has met. Based on the discussion, it must be suggested that policymakers, school principals, PD program providers should increase attention to the effectiveness of music teacher PD programs and take available measures. This paper contributes to ongoing discussions about factors to be considered in designing PD programs for music teachers in countries or societies under the influence of Confucian culture. Potential areas of further work include exploring the factors restricting the effectiveness of music teacher PD programs in China and the framework of high-quality PD program for music teachers in the context of Confucian culture.
SARIMA – A Model for Forecasting Product order demand
Authors: Dharmadhikari Pratiksha Rajendra
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Product analysis is the most important part for any working manufacturing. It provides the sales record of their currently manufactured product and also it helps to predict its performance in the future. For this analysis, a SARIMAX model has been used with Time series forecasting. This paper will explain the need of such model instead of using a simple regression model to predict the order demand. This study analyses and presents a forecasting model to predict an order demand for the Product over the time period. Demand in Product is a main component for planning all processes in supply chain, and therefore determining Product demand is a great interest for supply chain. Mean forecasting for product order demand was carried out using SARIMA model, by using the past data from the period of 2011 to 2017. The model with the least value of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was selected as the appropriate model for forecasting mean Error. Test for normality of residuals were performed to see the adequacy of the chosen model. SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (0, 1, 1) (12) was selected as the best model for mean product order demand forecast. The results obtained will prove that the model could be utilized to forecast the future demand in the Product manufacturing industry. These results will help the manufacturers for manufacturing reliable guidelines in making decisions. Keywords: ARIMA, AIC, S-ARIMA, Regression
Contact Stresses and Dynamic Analysis of involute Spur Gear with FEM Approach
Authors: Patel Vidyabhusan
Published: October 2021

Abstract: This paper investigates the characteristics of a gear system including contact stresses, bending stresses, and the transmission errors of gears in mesh. The objective of this paper is to compare values of contact stress and dynamic analysis obtained by theoretical hertz equation with the ANSYS result. A two stage spur gear box has been designed for material handling application by manual calculation and then performs contact stress and dynamic Simulation to ensure its reliable working. The results of the two-dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis from ANSYS and theoretical results are well comparable. Keywords: involute, spur gear, contact stress, dynamic analysis, finite element analysis
Perception of investing in crypto in India using UTAUT model
Authors: Shah Vidhi
Published: October 2021

Abstract: This research was conducted to gather data and understand the perception what the Indian population holds when it comes to investing in cryptocurrency. To do so, a survey was designed using the UTAUT model and was circulated by the means of google forms. A wide range of parameters were considered to avail the maximum possible accuracy for the data collected. Parameters like, the ease of investing crypto, short term and long term benefits, monetary benefits, social benefits were considered. All of these parameters were supposed to be answered on a scale of 5. After collecting all the data, the results were analyzed and evaluated using which the hypothesis made were proved. Keywords: Cryptocurrency, UTAUT, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, perceived monetary benefits, perceived safety, social influence, adoption intension.
A Systematic Review of Predicting Elections Based on Social Media Data: Research Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Fayaz T Heena
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The way politicians communicate with the electorateand run electoral campaigns was reshaped by the emergence and popularization of contemporary social media (SM), such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social networks (SN). Due to inherent capabilities of SM, such as the large amount of available data accessed in real time, a new research subject has emerged, focusing on using SM data to predict election outcomes. Despite many studies conducted in the last decade, results are very controversial, and many times challenged. In this context, this work aims to investigate and summarize how research on predicting elections based on SM data has evolved since its beginning, to outline the state of both the art and the practice,and to identify research opportunities within this field. In termsof method, we performed a systematic literature review analyzingthe quantity and quality of publications, the electoral context of studies, the main approaches to and characteristics of the successful studies, as well as their main strengths and challenges, and compared our results with previous reviews. We identified and analyzed 83 relevant studies, and the challenges were identified in many areas such as process, sampling, modeling, performance evaluation and scientific rigor. Main findings include the low success of the most-used approach, namely volume and sentiment analysis on Twitter, and the better results with new approaches, such as regression methods trained with traditional polls. Finally, a vision of future research on integrating advances on process definitions, modeling, and evaluation is also discussed, pointing out, among others, the need for better investigating the application of state-of-art machine learning approaches. Index Terms: Elections, Social Media, Social Networks, Machine Learning, Systematic Review
Non-Linear Analysis of Asymmetric Structures
Authors: Patlolla Rahul Patil
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The study of multi-story building behaviour always depends on strength, durability, stiffness and adequacy of the regular configuration of the structures. Understanding the seismic behaviour of asymmetric structures is a challenging task, considering the aspect of irregularity (either in the plan or elevation) is generally known as asymmetric. Various researchers had studied the behaviour of this asymmetrical building by taking into considerations of different approaches such as plan configuration, vertical irregularity, mass and stiffness, in different methods of analysis. The irregular structures are less prone to the seismic forces, hence there is a need to study and specify some improvements in codal provisions for this type of asymmetrical structures. In the present study, we have considered a plan irregular structure (which replicates the Microsoft building at Hyderabad). The overall structural behaviour of asymmetrical building is investigated under different earthquake cases, such as with El-Centro, Loma and Uttarkashi database. Analysis of structure (using software program E-TABS V-17) for various earthquake intensities and checking for multiple criteria at every level for essential practice. The non-linear methods Time History analysis is carried over to find the structural behaviour. Keywords: multi-story building, plan irregularity, Time history analysis
Identificación morfofisiologica de hongos en genotipos de maíz
Authors: ARISPE VAZQUEZ JOSE LUIS , SANCHEZ ARIZPE ABIEL , GALINDO CEPEDA MA. ELIZABETH , VAZQUEZ BADILLO MARIO ERNESTO , OYERVIDES GARCIA ARNOLDO , RODRIGUEZ GUERRA RAUL
Published: October 2021

El cultivo de maíz es la base de la alimentación para México, el objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar la micobiota en cuatro genotipos de maíz de Saltillo, Coahuila y cuatro de Tepalcingo, Morelos. Se realizó de acuerdo a la prueba papel secante y congelamiento, se tomaron 1000 semillas de maíz por cada genotipo, las cuales se desinfectaron con hipoclorito de sodio al 3 % (2 veces) y posteriormente se enjuagaron con agua destilada por 1 min. (2 veces). La siembra fue realizada en charolas de plástico 18.5 x 25 cm, sobre papel secante estéril previamente humedecido, las charolas se mantuvieron a temperatura ambiente de 26 °C ± 2 °C durante 11 días en la cámara bioclimática del Laboratorio de Fitopatología de la Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Terminado el periodo de la incubación, se procedió a contar y aislar el número de las colonias de hongos por su color por repetición, para su posterior purificación e identificación, así como las semillas sanas, es decir, aquellas que no presentaron crecimiento de micelio y la incidencia reportándose como porcentaje de semilla colonizada, analizando los datos en el programa de la Universidad de Nuevo León versión 2.5. Se observó diferencia estadística entre la incidencia de hongos en los genotipos de maíz P>F 0.00, con un coeficiente de variación del 22.77 %, los genotipos de Tepalcingo con una media del 77.925% y Saltillo 87.725%, reportando por primera vez a Acremonium sp. en Saltillo, Coahuila y Tepalcingo, Morelos, México.
Nuevos registros de líquenes de Quintana Roo, México
Authors: Guzmán Guillermo Jorge , Huereca Alejandro , Cárdenas Mendoza Kevin Dorian
Published: October 2021

En el presente trabajo se describen ocho especies de líquenes crustáceos (Arthonia cinnabarina (DC.) Wallr., Arthothelium macrothecum (Fée) A. Massal, Bactrospora jenikii (Vezda) Egea & Torrente, Cresponea proximata (Nyl.) Egea & Torrente, Dirina paradoxa (Fée) Tehler, Graphis glaucescens Fée y Sarcographa tricosa (Ach.) Müll. Arg.) y una especie foliosa (Pyxine cocoës (Sw.) Nyl.) como nuevos registros para el estado de Quintana Roo y Graphis subchrysocarpa Lücking como nuevo reporte para México.
Ceratocystis fimbriata agente causal de la enfermedad de marchitez vascular de Tectona grandis L.f. (teca) en Ecuador
Authors: Belezaca Pinargote C. , Solano Apuntes E. , López Tobar R. , Cóndor Jiménez M. , Beltrán Castro F. , Díaz Navarrete P.
Published: October 2021

Tectona grandis L.f. es una especie forestal de madera dura que, a pesar de no ser nativa de América, su plasticidad de adaptación ha permitido que en Ecuador se establezcan plantaciones intensivas con fines de exportación. Una compleja enfermedad con características de marchitez vascular está matando miles de árboles de diferentes edades en el país. Se planteó conocer el agente fitopatógeno causante de la patogénesis y muerte de los árboles. Se aislaron los hongos Fusarium sp. y Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis & Halst. desde árboles enfermos. A nivel de invernadero se plantearon los postulados de Koch, para el efecto 30 plantas de T. grandis de cuatro meses de edad por cada tratamiento, se inocularon con los microrganismos como se describe a continuación: T1= C. fimbriata, T2 = Fusarium sp., T3 = C. fimbriata + Fusarium sp., T4 = agar-agar (control). Se empleó un diseño completo al azar (DCA) y las plantas se evaluaron a los 45 días después de inoculadas. Los tratamientos C. fimbriata, y C. fimbriata + Fusarium sp., mostraron mayores volúmenes aparentes de necrosis, con 1.52 cm3 y 1.93 cm3, y plantas muertas por la infección durante el tiempo de evaluación, mientras que Fusarium sp. mostró baja o nula patogenicidad y comportamiento similar al control, con 0.27 cm3 y 0.16 cm3 respectivamente. Estos resultados sugieren que el agente causal de la enfermedad de marchitez vascular en T. grandis es C. fimbriata y sería el primer reporte del fitopatógeno atacando teca en Ecuador.