bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplification mechanism in stimulated Raman backward scattering of ultraintense laser in uniform plasma
Authors: Wang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Xian-Zhi , Song Jia-Jun , Zhang Xu , Wang Zhao-Hua , Wei Zhi-Yi ,   Key Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: January 2022

The density, temperature and length of the plasma used in the backward Raman amplification will all influence the result. To explore the influence of the plasma density and the pump intensity, this work uses the one-dimensional particle in cell (PIC) algorithm to simulate the process of the 800 nm pump laser injecting into the plasma. By analyzing the Raman scattered light, it is found that as the density of plasma increases, the wavelengths of the scattered light shorten. It is also found that the forward Raman scattering will cause the plasma density to change, which in turn influences the scattered light wavelength. Therefore, we should choose the plasma density based on the wavelength of the pump and the scattered light, while the amplification of the scattered is related to the pump intensity.
Triboelectrification in moving particle flow
Authors: Sun Qi-Xia , Zhuang Jian-Hong , Liu Bai-Cheng , Shen Zhen-Xing ,   School of Institute of Equipment Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, China,   Science and Technology on Performance Evaluating in Space Environment Laboratory, Lanzhou Institute of Physics, Lanzhou 730000, China,   Key Laboratory of Mechanical Reliability for Heavy Equipment and Large Structures of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Published: January 2022

Triboelectrification in an insulative granular system is a common natural phenomenon, but until now it has not been well understood. The space on the moon or Mars is suffused by a large amount of fine dust. These tiny dust particles are so adhesive that they can easily stick to any exposed surfaces, which may provoke serious problems, such as reducing the efficiency of solar panels, and resulting in the thermal control failure and the false instrument readings. In recent years, dust removal by using an electrodynamic field is considered as an effective method to mitigate dust pollution. Research shows that the triboelectrification on the particle surface contributes most to the electrostatic source of lunar dust. Consequently, the study of the mechanism of triboelectrification is very important in removing dust particles. In this paper, an analytical model based on the high-energy electron hypothesis is developed to predict the triboelectric charge distribution among particles. The particle size dependence of the tribo-charge is obtained, and the influence of the size range on the tribo-charge probability is also demonstrated. An upper limit for the charge distribution is revealed, and its possible cause is discussed. The particle dynamics simulation is carried out to investigate the charge transfer during particle collisions, thereby verifying the prediction results obtained by theoretical analysis.
Suppression effects of excitatory and inhibitory self-feedbacks on neuronal spiking near Hopf bifurcation
Authors: Li Li , Zhao Zhi-Guo , Gu Hua-Guang ,   Guangdong Key Laboratory of Modern Control Technology, Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China,   Department of Science, Henan Institute of Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China,   School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Published: January 2022

Neural activities driven by synaptic inputs are important for neural coding. In general, excitatory synaptic inputs facilitate the firing activities of neurons, and inhibitory synaptic inputs suppress the firing activities. In the present work, the autapse model with adjustable current decay speed is considered, and the suppression effects of excitatory autapse on neuronal firing responses are simulated near subcritical Hopf bifurcation in the Morris-Lecar (ML) neuron model, which are compared with the suppression effects of the inhibitory autapse. Furthermore, the dynamical mechanisms of the suppression effects are acquired with the help of the phase response curve and phase trajectories perturbed by excitatory autaptic current. Near the subcritical Hopf bifurcation, the ML neuron exhibits monostable periodic spiking and coexistence of periodic spiking and resting state. For monostable periodic spiking, excitatory autaptic current with fast and middle decay speeds can induce the periodic spiking with reduced firing frequency and the mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs) that are alternations between subthreshold oscillations and a spike, respectively, and inhibitory autaptic current with middle and slow decay speeds can also induce these two behaviors, respectively. For the periodic spiking in the coexistence region, besides the above two behaviors, excitatory autaptic current with middle decay speed and inhibitory autaptic current with slow decay speed can induce the change from spiking to resting state. The results enrich the paradoxical cases that excitatory inputs suppress the neuronal firing responses, and present the different nonlinear mechanisms in the suppression effects of excitatory and inhibitory self-feedbacks on the neuronal spiking, which provide novel measures to modulate neuronal firing activity.
A review on bioelectrical effects of cellular organelles by high voltage nanosecond pulsed electric fields
Authors: Guo Yu-Yi , Shi Fu-Kun , Wang Qun , Ji Zhen-Yu , Zhuang Jie ,   Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215000, China,   Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215000, China,   Faculty of Military Biomedical Engineering, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
Published: January 2022

The biomedical application of high-voltage nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) has become an emerging interdisciplinary research field in recent years. Compared with microsecond and millisecond pulsed electric fields, high-voltage nsPEFs can not only lead the cell membrane structure to polarize and dielectric break down the cell membrane structure, i.e. membrane electroporation, but also penetrate into the cell, triggering off organelle bioelectrical effects such as cytoskeleton depolymerization, intracellular calcium ion release, and mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation. Extensive attention has been attracted from related academic communities. In this article, the following aspects are involved. First, the physical model of high-voltage nsPEFs and its bioelectrical effects on cellular organelles are introduced. Then, the existing researches of the interactions of high-voltage nsPEFs with cytoskeleton, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, cell nucleus and other subcellular structure are reviewed and summarized; the relationship between the influence on cellular organelles by high-voltage nsPEFs and the biological effects such as cell death and intercellular communication is highlighted. Finally, the key technical challenges to high-voltage nsPEFs in biomedical research are condensed, followed by the prospects of future research directions.
Magnetic field effects in non-magnetic luminescent materials: from organic semiconductors to halide perovskites
Authors: Tao Cong , Wang Jing-Min , Niu Mei-Ling , Zhu Lin , Peng Qi-Ming , Wang Jian-Pu ,   Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), Nanjing 211816, China
Published: January 2022

Magnetic field effects (MFEs) are used to describe the changes of the photophysical properties (including photoluminescence, electroluminescence, injectedcurrent, photocurrent, etc.) when materials and devices are subjected to the external magnetic field. The MFEs in non-magnetic luminescent materials and devices were first observed in organic semiconductor. In the past two decades, the effects have been studied extensively as an emerging physical phenomenon, and also used as a unique experimental method to explore the processes such as charge transport, carrier recombination, and spin polarization in organic semiconductors. Recent studies have found that the MFEs can also be observed in metal halide perovskites with strong spin-orbital coupling. Besides, for expanding the research domain of MFEs, these findings can also be utilized to study the physical mechanism in metal halide perovskites, and then provide an insight into the improving of the performance of perovskite devices. In this review, we focus on the magnetic field effects on the electroluminescence and photoluminescence changes of organic semiconductors and halide perovskites. We review the mainstream of theoretical models and representative experimental phenomena which have been found to date, and comparatively analyze the luminescence behaviors of organic semiconductors and halide perovskites under magnetic fields. It is expected that this review can provide some ideas for the research on the MFEs of organic semiconductors and halideperovskites, and contribute to the research of luminescence in organic materials and halideperovskites.
Design of photonic crystal fiber amplifier based on stimulated Brillouin amplification for orbital angular momentum
Authors: Zhao Li-Juan , Zhao Hai-Ying , Xu Zhi-Niu ,   School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China,   Hebei Key Laboratory of Power Internet of Things Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China,   Baoding Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Optical Communication Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Published: January 2022

A probe made of amino acids is arranged in a linear chain and joined together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of adjacent amino acid residues. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by a gene and encoded in the genetic code. This can happen either before the protein is used in the cell, or as part of control mechanisms. In order to transmit and amplify high-purity orbital angular momentum mode, a photonic crystal fiber amplifier based on stimulated Brillouin amplification is proposed and designed in this paper. The transmission properties of the photonic crystal fiber amplifier are systematically analyzed by using the finite element method in the C-band. The results show that this photonic crystal fiber amplifier can support the transmission and amplification of 66 orbital angular momentum modes, and all values of the purity of the orbital angular momentum modes supported by this amplifier are higher than 99.4%. By systematically analyzing the Brillouin gain spectra of orbital angular momentum modes with different topological charges, it is found that they have all high Brillouin gain coefficients (> 7 × 10–9 m/W) which are 4–5 orders of magnitude higher than the existing OAM amplifiers with the best performance, thus higher signal gain can be obtained. The comprehensive performance of the proposed photonic crystal fiber amplifier is superior to that of the existing optical fiber amplifiers based on stimulated Brillouin amplification and the optical fiber amplifiers doped with rare-earth ions. This makes the amplification and long-distance transmission of OAM mode stable and accurate and provides a possibility for designing the orbital angular momentum mode laser system.
Influence of static strong magnetic field on antenna radiation in hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Zhang Tian-Cheng , Cheng Ai-Qiang , Bao Hua-Guang , Ding Da-Zhi ,   Department of Communication, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China,   Nanjing Electronic Devices Institute, Nanjing 210094, China
Published: January 2022

To enhance the radiation performance of the Beidou antenna in the near-space hypersonic vehicle, the static strong magnetic field is used to weaken the electron density in plasma surrounding the antenna. In order to demonstrate the effect of this program, a time-domain multi-physical method is proposed. In the proposed method, what is first analyzed is the reduction of electron concentration in plasma sheath by static strong magnetic field with the spectral element time domain (SETD) method, which has spectral accuracy. Then, the electron density after mitigation is extracted to replace the original electron concentration around the antenna. Hence, the distribution of the manipulated plasma sheath can be obtained. Finally, the radiation characteristics of BeiDou antenna installed in the vehicle are analyzed by the conformal finite difference time domain (CFDTD) method. The simulation results exhibit radiation patterns under different conditions. With the plasma sheath, the radiated electromagnetic waves are greatly attenuated, which will significantly affect the transmission of communication signals. Importantly, the radiation patterns are effectively improved with the external static magnetic field, confirming that it provides an effective tool to mitigate the influence of plasma sheath on the radiation performance of antenna in hypersonic vehicle.
Effects of spatial periodic forcing on Turing patterns in two-layer coupled reaction diffusion system
Authors: Liu Qian , Tian Miao , Fan Wei-Li , Jia Meng-Meng , Ma Feng-Na , Liu Fu-Cheng ,   College of Physics Science and Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China,   Institute of Environmental Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
Published: January 2022

Periodic forcing of pattern-forming systems is always a research hot spot in the field of pattern formation since it is one of the most effective methods of controlling patterns. In reality, most of the pattern-forming systems are the multilayered systems, in which each layer is a reaction-diffusion system coupled to adjacent layers. However, few researches on this issue have been conducted in the multilayered systems and their responses to the periodic forcing have not yet been well understood. In this work, the influences of the spatial periodic forcing on the Turing patterns in two linearly coupled layers described by the Brusselator (Bru) model and the Lengyel-Epstein (LE) model respectively have been investigated by introducing a spatial periodic forcing into the LE layer. It is found that the subcritical Turing mode in the LE layer can be excited as long as one of the external spatial forcing and the supercritical Turing mode (referred to as internal forcing mode) of the Bru layer is a longer wave mode. These three modes interact together and give rise to complex patterns with three different spatial scales. If both the spatial forcing mode and the internal forcing mode are the short wave modes, the subcritical Turing mode in the LE layer cannot be excited. But the superlattice pattern can also be generated when the spatial resonance is satisfied. When the eigenmode of the LE layer is supercritical, a simple and robust hexagon pattern with its characteristic wavelength appears and responds to the spatial forcing only when the forcing intensity is large enough. It is found that the wave number of forcing has a powerful influence on the spatial symmetry of patterns.
Review on entropic uncertainty relations
Authors: Li Li-Juan , Ming Fei , Song Xue-Ke , Ye Liu , Wang Dong ,   School of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Published: January 2022

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is one of the characteristics of quantum mechanics. With the vigorous development of quantum information theory, uncertain relations have gradually played an important role in it. In particular, in order to solved the shortcomings of the concept in the initial formulation of the uncertainty principle, we brought entropy into the uncertainty relation, after that, the entropic uncertainty relation has exploited the advantages to the full in various applications. As we all know the entropic uncertainty relation has became the core element of the security analysis of almost all quantum cryptographic protocols. This review mainly introduces development history and latest progress of uncertain relations. After Heisenberg's argument that incompatible measurement results are impossible to predict, many scholars, inspired by this viewpoint, have made further relevant investigations. They combined the quantum correlation between the observable object and its environment, and carried out various generalizations of the uncertainty relation to obtain more general formulas. In addition, it also focuses on the entropy uncertainty relationship and quantum-memory-assisted entropic uncertainty relation, and the dynamic characteristics of uncertainty in some physical systems. Finally, various applications of the entropy uncertainty relationship in the field of quantum information are discussed, from randomnesss to wave-particle duality to quantum key distribution.
Phase field crystal simulation of strain-induced square phase low-angle symmetric tilt grain boundary dislocation reaction
Authors: Xia Wen-Qiang , Zhao Yan , Liu Zhen-Zhi , Lu Xiao-Gang ,   State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the phase field crystal method is used to study the dislocation motion and reaction of the square phase symmetric tilt low-angle grain boundaries, and the dislocation configurations with different misorientation angles are analyzed under the action of applied strain. The geometric phase approach is used to characterize the strain field around the dislocations. The results show that after the solidification relaxation, the interfacial dislocations on both sides of the grain are distributed in parallel but opposite direction. With the increase of misorientation angle between grains, the number of dislocations increases, the spacing between them decreases, and the free energy of the system increases. Imposed by the applied strain, the grain boundary dislocations undergo climbing, launching, and reactive annihilation, with the free energy fluctuating. When the misorientation increases, the dislocation motion mode changes from climbing to climbing-sliping, resulting in more dislocation group configurations, and more reactions between dislocations and dislocation groups. For the dislocation reactions of different configurations, positive shear strain drives dislocations to approach, and negative shear strain drives dislocations to annihilate.
Changing Cultural Conditions for Knowledge Sharing in the Teaching Profession: A Theoretical Reinterpretation of Findings Across Three Research Projects
Authors: Jensen Karen Ida , Bærøe Nerland Monika , Tronsmo Eli
Published: January 2022

How professionalism relates to developments in society has been widely discussed, and concepts such as “hybrid” and “connective” professionalism have been proposed to account for the way professionals interact with a range of actors and organisations beyond the professional realm. However, the critical role of knowledge-sharing practices for developing and maintaining professionalism has attracted less attention. Such practices have been conditioned by wider cultural dynamics, thus subjected to changes over time. In this paper, we present a theoretical reinterpretation of findings from three projects targeting knowledge-sharing practices in the Norwegian teaching profession over 14 years. We employ Knorr Cetina’s theory of epistemic cultures as nourished by the wider knowledge culture in society to analyse how changes in knowledge-sharing practices relate to cultural conditions. The paper contributes to current debates about professionalism by highlighting how connectivity and legitimacy depend on productive knowledge relations within and beyond professional boundaries.
Effects of media multitasking frequency on a novel volitional multitasking paradigm
Authors: Lopez Jesus J. , Orr Joseph M.
Published: January 2022

The effect of media multitasking (e.g., listening to podcasts while studying) on cognitive processes has seen mixed results thus far. To date, the tasks used in the literature to study this phenomenon have been classical paradigms primarily used to examine processes such as working memory. While perfectly valid on their own, these paradigms do not approximate a real-world volitional multitasking environment. To remedy this, as well as attempt to further validate previously found effects in the literature, we designed a novel experimental framework that mimics a desktop computer environment where a “popup” associated with a secondary task would occasionally appear. Participants could choose to attend to the popup, or to ignore it. Attending to the popup would prompt a word stem completion task, while ignoring it would continue the primary math problem verification task. We predicted that individuals who are more impulsive, more frequent media multitaskers, and individuals who prefer to multitask (quantified with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, a modified version of the Media Use Questionnaire, and the Multitasking Preference Inventory) would be more distracted by popups, choose to switch tasks more often and more quickly, and be slower to return to the primary task compared to those who media multitask to a lesser degree. We found that as individuals media multitask to a greater extent, they are slower to return to the previous (primary) task set and are slower to complete the primary task overall whether a popup was present or not, among other task performance measures. We found a similar pattern of effects within individuals who prefer to multitask. Our findings suggest that overall, more frequent media multitaskers show a marginal decrease in task performance, as do preferential multitaskers. Attentional impulsivity was not found to influence any task performance measures, but was positively related to a preference for multitasking. While our findings may lack generalizability due to the modifications to the Media Use Questionnaire, and this initial study is statically underpowered, this paradigm is a crucial first step in establishing a more ecologically valid method to study real-world multitasking.
Maple and hickory leaf litter fungal communities reflect pre-senescent leaf communities
Authors: Liber Julian A. , Minier Douglas H. , Stouffer-Hopkins Anna , Van Wyk Judson , Longley Reid , Bonito Gregory
Published: January 2022

Fungal communities are known to contribute to the functioning of living plant microbiomes as well as to the decay of dead plant material and affect vital ecosystem services, such as pathogen resistance and nutrient cycling. Yet, factors that drive structure and function of phyllosphere mycobiomes and their fate in leaf litter are often ignored. We sought to determine the factors contributing to the composition of communities in temperate forest substrates, with culture-independent amplicon sequencing of fungal communities of pre-senescent leaf surfaces, internal tissues, leaf litter, underlying humus soil of co-occurring red maple (Acer rubrum) and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). Paired samples were taken at five sites within a temperate forest in southern Michigan, USA. Fungal communities were differentiable based on substrate, host species, and site, as well as all two-way and three-way interactions of these variables. PERMANOVA analyses and co-occurrence of taxa indicate that soil communities are unique from both phyllosphere and leaf litter communities. Correspondence of endophyte, epiphyte, and litter communities suggests dispersal plays an important role in structuring fungal communities. Future work will be needed to assess how this dispersal changes microbial community functioning in these niches.
Conservation paleobiology on Minami-Daito Island, Okinawa, Japan: anthropogenic extinction of cave-dwelling bats on a tropical oceanic island
Authors: Kimura Yuri , Fukui Dai , Yoshiyuki Mizuko , Higashi Kazuaki
Published: January 2022

Background

With strong environmental and geographic filtration, vertebrates incapable of flying and swimming are often extirpated from island ecosystems. Minami-Daito Island is an oceanic island in Okinawa, Japan that harbors the Daito flying fox (Pteropus dasymallus daitoensis), a subspecies of the fruit bat and the only extant mammal endemic to the island. However, the skeleton of a cave-dwelling bat Rhinolophus sp. and fossil guano were briefly reported in a previous study.

Methods

Here, we present evidence for the anthropogenic extirpation of two species of cave-dwelling bats (Miniopterus sp. & Rhinolophus sp.) from Minami-Daito Island. Our goal is to reliably constrain the ages of the extirpated bat species by a multiproxy approach. Because skeletal materials did not preserve sufficient bone collagen for direct radiocarbon dating, we alternatively examined guano-like deposits based on SEM observation and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) along with stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses for possible indirect dating. We also examined stable carbon isotopes in bone apatite, assuming that an isotopic signal of C4 plants on the bat bones links to sugarcane plantation on the island based on the historical knowledge that early human settlers quickly replaced the island’s native C3 forests with sugarcane (C4 perennial grass) plantation from 1900 onward.

Results

Our cave survey documents the remains of Miniopterus sp. from the island for the first time. Based on the unique taphonomic conditions (unpermineralized bones, disarticulated skeletons closely scattered without sediment cover, various degrees of calcite crystal growth around bones) and a radiocarbon age of a humic sample, we suggest that the maximum age constraint of Miniopterus sp. and Rhinolophus sp. is 4,640 calBP. Based on a series of analyses, we conclude that the guano-like deposits are composed not of bat guano but mainly of humic substances; however, a hydroxyapatite crust associated with bat-lying stalagmites may be derived from bat feces. Stable carbon isotope analysis of bone apatite revealed C4 signals in various degrees, confirming that small populations of cave-dwelling bats persisted on Minami-Daito Island after 1900.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that these populations remained rather small and did not leave many generations and that the estimated ages can be bracketed from 4,640 calBP to the post-1900 (perhaps, until the 1950s). They likely faced a continuously high mortality risk due to severe anthropogenic stresses on the island, where most of the forests were turned into sugarcane plantations within a few decades in the early 20th century. A result of hearing surveys to local residents suggests the latest remnants most likely disappeared on the island concurrently with the introduction of chemical pesticides after World War II.
Beyond RuBisCO: convergent molecular evolution of multiple chloroplast genes in C4 plants
Authors: Casola Claudio , Li Jingjia
Published: January 2022

Background

The recurrent evolution of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in angiosperms represents one of the most extraordinary examples of convergent evolution of a complex trait. Comparative genomic analyses have unveiled some of the molecular changes associated with the C4 pathway. For instance, several key enzymes involved in the transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis have been found to share convergent amino acid replacements along C4 lineages. However, the extent of convergent replacements potentially associated with the emergence of C4 plants remains to be fully assessed. Here, we conducted an organelle-wide analysis to determine if convergent evolution occurred in multiple chloroplast proteins beside the well-known case of the large RuBisCO subunit encoded by the chloroplast gene rbcL.

Methods

Our study was based on the comparative analysis of 43 C4 and 21 C3 grass species belonging to the PACMAD clade, a focal taxonomic group in many investigations of C4 evolution. We first used protein sequences of 67 orthologous chloroplast genes to build an accurate phylogeny of these species. Then, we inferred amino acid replacements along 13 C4 lineages and 9 C3 lineages using reconstructed protein sequences of their reference branches, corresponding to the branches containing the most recent common ancestors of C4-only clades and C3-only clades. Pairwise comparisons between reference branches allowed us to identify both convergent and non-convergent amino acid replacements between C4:C4, C3:C3 and C3:C4 lineages.

Results

The reconstructed phylogenetic tree of 64 PACMAD grasses was characterized by strong supports in all nodes used for analyses of convergence. We identified 217 convergent replacements and 201 non-convergent replacements in 45/67 chloroplast proteins in both C4 and C3 reference branches. C4:C4 branches showed higher levels of convergent replacements than C3:C3 and C3:C4 branches. Furthermore, we found that more proteins shared unique convergent replacements in C4 lineages, with both RbcL and RpoC1 (the RNA polymerase beta’ subunit 1) showing a significantly higher convergent/non-convergent replacements ratio in C4 branches. Notably, more C4:C4 reference branches showed higher numbers of convergent vs. non-convergent replacements than C3:C3 and C3:C4 branches. Our results suggest that, in the PACMAD clade, C4 grasses experienced higher levels of molecular convergence than C3 species across multiple chloroplast genes. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the evolution of the C4 photosynthesis pathway.
Salivary Markers as Diagnostic Tool for Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease and Peri-implantitis: A Literature Review
Authors: Miranda Bruno Pires , Miranda Helba Pires , Carreiro Renata Paraguassu Friedrich , Schnurr Etyene
Published: January 2022

Biomarkers are molecules that can be used in screening, diagnosing, characterising, and monitoring diseases, or as prognostic indicators. There are many salivary molecules that can be used as biomarkers of oral diseases such as enzymes, specific and non specific proteins, antibodies, and other substances. This study aimed to research the effectiveness of using salivary biomarkers as a means of diagnosis and raised the following question that are salivary biomarkers sufficient to diagnose oral diseases such as caries, periodontal and peri-implant disease, avoiding systemic diseases? Given this question, this study aimed to investigate the topic in recent scientific literature, looking for information that could clarify the issue. Therefore, a bibliographic review on the topic was carried out, and scientific articles were searched in the PubMed database. The findings showed that salivary biomarkers are sufficient to diagnose oral diseases since several biomarkers in saliva have already been identified, which allow the early diagnosis of these conditions, the monitoring of their progression and their response to treatments. This review may be the first to offer a summary classification of existing salivary biomarkers that can be collected by saliva in a simple and non invasive manner, allowing for early diagnosis. The main finding in this regard was the immune molecules β-defensin-2 and LL-37, collagen I, fibronectin, soluble Cluster of Differentiation 14 (sCD14) cells, Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha chain (IL-2 RA) and eotaxin/CCL11 as predictors of dental caries. For periodontal disease, the higher levels of saliva of IL-1β, IL-6, Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), MMP-9, Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1a (MIP-1a), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAOC), albumins, uric acid, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase were related to the pathogenesis of the disease. For peri-implantitis, dysbiosis must be associated with the presence of IL-1β, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a), TIMP-2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), OPG and procalcitonin. These findings may provide an easier view of the co- presence of other components in the oral environment, such as proteins/cytokines in saliva, transient microbials, which can contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease and date the multifactorial aetiology of oral diseases. This constitutes a personalised medical approach, reinforcing the power of clinical examination and medical history assessments to form an accurate diagnostic tool.
Phytochemical and Vitamin Composition of Cucumis metuliferus Juice
Authors: Nnenna Ani Onuabuchi , Achikanu Cosmas Ezekaibeya
Published: January 2022

The pursuit of healthy lifestyle has led to increased demand for fruits and vegetables. Fruit juice in particular, is increasingly receiving attention because of the therapeutic benefits derived from its consumption. The bioactive compounds in fruit juice have various pharmacological applications. Cucumis metuliferus is a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit has a high water content and sought after to quench thirst. The ethno-medicinal properties of the fruit requires investigation of all the parts in order to maximally utilize it. Therefore, in this study, the phytochemical and vitamin composition of the juice were investigated. The assays were conducted using standard methods. From the result, the phytochemicals present were phytate (0.33 ± 0.03%), alkaloids (0.48 ± 0.06%), saponins (0.19 ± 0.04%), cardiac glycosides (0.46 ± 0.16%), Oxalate (3.24 ± 0.38 mg/ml), tannins (108.79 ± 5.16 mg TAE/g) and phenols (0.06 ± 0.01 mg GAE/ml). The vitamin present were vitamin A (198.51 mg/kg), vitamin B1 (0.09 mg/ml), Vitamin B2 (0.11 mg/ml), Vitamin B3 (0.07 mg/ml), vitamin B6 (835.0 mg/ml), vitamin B9 (2.089 mg/ml), vitamin B12 (0.1 mg/ml), Vitamin C (682.0 mg/ml), vitamin D (5.28 mg/ml), vitamin E (4.42 mg/ml) and vitamin K (2.4336 mg/ml). These results have shown that Cucumis metuliferus juice have pharmacological properties and could also be utilized as an alternative source of vitamins.
Effect of Different Diets on the Growth Rate of the Rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis under 40 ppt Salinity Stress
Authors: M. Heneash Ahmed M. , Al-Rahman Khalid Abd , Y. Omer Mohsen
Published: January 2022

Aquaculture is important business some fish farms use underground water that may has high salinity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of eight different types of diets on enhancing the growth rate of the rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis lives in 40 ppt saline water in 2020. The diets used in the study are T1 (Nannochloropsis oculata), T2 (Tetraselmis suecica), T3 (N. oculata + T. suecica), T4 (N. oculata + yeast; Saccharomyces cerevisiae), T5 (T. suecica + yeast), T6 (S. parkle), T7 (S. Parkle + yeast) and T8 (yeast). The results revealed that the rotifer fed for S. parkle showed the highest growth population (818 Indv. /mL) with a highly significant difference (p < 0.05). On the other hand, rotifers fed the yeast (S. cerevisiae) showed the lowest population growth (355 Indv. /mL). The outcome of the current study indicates that S. parkle commercial diet is very appropriate for the stock culture of B. plicatilis due to its ability to increase the growth rate of the rotifer in a short time under the current conditions. S. Parkle feeding led to an increase in the densities of rotifers in high salinities.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Local Spices on Hepatic Functions in Male Mice Exposed to Lambda-Cyhalothrin
Authors: Olubunmi Obulor Adetutu , Orlu Eme Efioanwan
Published: January 2022

Aim:  This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of different spices on hepatic function in male mice exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT).

Experimental design: A completely randomized experimental design using standard methods for analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Animal house, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria. GPS 4o47'50''N 6o58'49''E. This study lasted for 35days. 

Methodology: Forty-two male mice were randomly selected into six (6) groups A-F (n=7/group). Group B were gavage Cyhalothin (LCT) alone. Group C, D, and E were gavaged 10mg/kg/bw of  LCT and 20mg/kg/bw/day of aqueous extract of Tetrepleura tetraptera, Piper guineense, and Xylopia aethiopicae respectively, while group F received 10mg/kg/bw of LCT together with the combination of the three spices. Vital organs were removed and weighed for organosomatic indices. Blood samples were collected by ocular puncture and analysis for liver biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes carried out. Vital organs were removed and weighed for organosomatic indices. Histological sections of the liver were mounted on slides, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Photomicrographs were generated.

Results: Results show a significant (p=0.05) increase in  Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration in mice exposed to lambda cyhalothrin alone but a significant decrease observed in groups coadministered the spices. Also the level of all enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) considered decreased in group with lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) alone while there was significant (p=0.05) increase in groups coadministered Tetrapleura tetraptera, Piper guineense and Xylopia aethiopica. Liver photomicrograph of animals exposed to lambda cyhalothrin alone shows lymphocyte infiltration in the portal vein while  fewer lesions and regenerating hepatocytes were observed in groups coadministered the different local spices. It is concluded therefore that lambda Cyhalothrin induces liver injury and oxidative stress in the exposed mice. All the spices used in this study have significant antioxidant activity against liver injury due to their free radical scavenging potential although the  efficacy  is highest in combination of spices> Tetrapleura teraptera> Piper guineense > Xylopia aethiopica. For efficacy, individuals may use the combination of all spices, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Piper guineense and small doses of Xylopia aethiopica singly as an antioxidant supplement to counter the toxic effect of insecticides exposure.
Factors Influencing Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence among Young and Middle Aged Women (15-50 Years) in Selected Primary Health Centers, Oyo State
Authors: Oloruntosin Oladotun Nike , Damilola Akinwale Oladayo , Temilola Akinbowale Busayo , Juliet Ifeoluwa Adegoke
Published: January 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious global public health problem and contributes significantly to high rate of domestic violence. IPV remains the most prevalent form of violence against women (VAW) worldwide; and global estimates of VAW suggest that 35% of all women will experience either IPV or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the factors influencing disclosure of intimate partner violence among women aged 25-50 years in selected Primary Health Centres, Oyo State. This study is a descriptive research survey design conducted among young and middle age women in selected primary health care centres, Ibadan North-West Local Government Area, Oyo State between August and September, 2021. Sample size was calculated using Leslie Kish formula and the total number of sample used were three hundred and five (305) women. Facilities were selected using multistage sampling technique while the samples were selected using convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire on factors influencing intimate partner disclosure with reliability index of 0.75 was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics of chi-square was used to test stated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed high prevalence of intimate partner violence among women, majority of women were willing to disclose intimate partner violence with their family, pastors or imam. However, reason for non disclosure were attributed to the fact that they have never experience intimate partners before, intimate partner violence has become normal things among couples, fear of being stigmatized and that disclosing the violence will not change anything. Factors influencing the disclosure of intimate partner violence include dependence on partner for financial support, societal views about intimate partner violence, level of education , years of relationship, presence of children, religious belief, fear of worse outcomes, social support , access to information about intimate partners violence , feeling of embarrassment/shame, taking intimate partners as normal and societal status of partners, were identified as factors influencing intimate partners disclosure among young and middle age women. This study concluded that many young and middle age women experienced intimate partner violence and many of them are willing to disclose it to others. Therefore, awareness about intimate partner violence and the dangers of non-disclosure should be created among women.
The Prescribing of Glucosamine Supplements in the Outpatient Setting in Alkharj
Authors: Ahmad Nehad J. , Salkini Mohamad Ayman
Published: January 2022

Aim: This study aimed to describe the prescribing and use of glucosamine supplements in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study that includes reviewing the electronic prescriptions of glucosamine supplements among outpatients in Alkharj.

Results: During the study period of 6 months, only 36 patients received glucosamine supplements from the outpatient department in a public hospital Alkharj. The age of more than 63% of the patients was more than 49 years. Most of the patients who received glucosamine supplements were females (75%). All of the glucosamine supplements prescriptions contained capsules for 30 days. More than 52% of the prescriptions were prescribed by specialists. More than 80% of the prescriptions were prescribed by orthopedic department and 8.3% were prescribed by rheumatology.

Conclusion: The present study showed that the use of glucosamine was uncommon in Al-Kharj. Further studies are needed to explore the frequency of using glucosamine in different settings in Alkharj.
Blood Coagulation: A Potentially Lethal Manifestation in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Tiwari Varun , Ingole Abhishek
Published: January 2022

Blood clotting is a well-known phenomenon which is intended to provide protection in case of any external cellular/ tissue injury. However, this phenomenon in COVID-19 patients is leading to unusual thrombotic presentations. Since the emergence of novel coronavirus, World has come across various benign as well as lethal manifestations in COVID-19 patients and one such life-threatening manifestation which needs rigorous attention is the genesis of strange blood clots that can travel and get logged into several parts of the COVID-19 patients leading to various clinical presentations. COVID-19 infection is caused due to interaction of spike glycoproteins of coronavirus  with ACE 2 receptors on the host  cell surface. This interaction in the arteries, veins or capillaries could lead to injury in the vascular  wall of blood vessels that can directly/Indirectly lead to coagulation and clotting cascades activation and subsequent formation of internal blood clots. However, it is undesirable to have the presence of these clots as they could lead to certain fatal complications that need emergency medical intervention or else, they may lead to the death of a patient. Due to the severity of this manifestation, early detection of these blood clots in covid-19 patients become very important intervention which could be done by observing certain specific signs and symptoms and/or with the help of various laboratory biomarkers like D-dimer, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, fibrinogen, etc. Once the early diagnosis is made, the patient can be treated appropriately with the help of anticoagulant therapy, which includes use of oral and parenteral anticoagulant drugs. This way the complications of blood coagulation like thrombo-embolism, could be prevented.
A Survey about the Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude towards Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among the Dental Researchers of SGT University, Gurugram
Authors: Dhayal Monika , Sheokand Vidushi , Bhardwaj Amit , Varghese Chinnu Mary , Harender . , Goyal Madhur
Published: January 2022

With the advancements in modern science and technology, Intellectual Property Rights came in to existence to benefit and encourage innovative people for their work. The term intellectual property rights gained his strength from a long time and much expanded since then. These rights are applied to all innovation irrespective of educational qualifications and implies to all subjects. Dentistry in recent years has also developed interest in the field of intellectual property rights (IPR) and Patents due to extensive research in the fraternity. Therefore, it is need of the hour to check out the awareness about intellectual property rights. If people would aware about IPR, then only can proceed for IPRs in future for their research findings. As the universities are the main hub of intellectuals therefore, aim of the present study was to determine the intellectual property rights (IPR) awareness level among the dental scholars of SGT University, Gurugram.  Hence, this would be an advantage for dental researchers to explore and expand their scope of activities.
Role of Yogurt in Children having Diarrhea and Severe Acute Malnutrition at Nutrition Stabilization Center Hyderabad
Authors: Abbasi Aqsa , Shaikh Farzana , Chohan Muhammad Nadeem , Khoso Khuda Bux , Ahmed Zamir , Radhan Abdul Hameed
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of conducting this study is to evaluate the role of yogurt in the dietary management of diarrhea in the severe malnutriated children.

Study Design: Observational prospective study.

Place and Duration: Nutrition Stabilization Center, Department of Pediatrics Civil Hospital Hyderabad from 1st July 2018 to 31st December 2018.

Methodology: A total of 100 children with severe acute malnutrition and Diarrhea, age 6 months to 5 years were enrolled. After admitting children were treated with yogurt instead of fluids, f-75 and ORS. Within 7 days of admission we observed and recorded that children tolerated the breast milk and yogurt, clinically improvement, General condition, Edema, Sunken eyes, Thirst, Skin pinch, Weight gain and Social response of baby. Chi-square test was also applied to observe the difference efficacy of yogurt in diarrhea in children suffering from malnutrition. P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: Most of the children were 13 to 48 months of age. The average age and weight of the children was 32.04±13.53 months and 5.23±1.39kg respectively. Average number of stool was significantly reduced at day 1 and day 5. Overall it was observed that efficacy of yogurt in diarrhea in children suffering from malnutrition was 69%.

Conclusion: This study suggest that yogurt-based diet is effective in treating diarrhea in severely acute malnourished children. It should be granted priority in the nutritional management of severe malnutriated children affected by diarrhea.