bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor residual spraying with a non-pyrethroid insecticide reduces the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in a high-transmission area in northern Ghana
Authors: Tiedje Kathryn E. , Oduro Abraham R. , Bangre Oscar , Amenga-Etego Lucas , Dadzie Samuel K. , Appawu Maxwell A. , Frempong Kwadwo , Asoala Victor , Ruybal-Pésantez Shazia , Narh Charles A. , Deed Samantha L. , Argyropoulos Dionne C. , Ghansah Anita , Agyei Samuel A. , Segbaya Sylvester , Desewu Kwame , Williams Ignatius , Simpson Julie A. , Malm Keziah , Pascual Mercedes , Koram Kwadwo A. , Day Karen P.
Published: May 2022

High-malaria burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa are shifting from malaria control towards elimination. Hence, there is need to gain a contemporary understanding of how indoor residual spraying (IRS) with non-pyrethroid insecticides when combined with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) impregnated with pyrethroid insecticides, contribute to the efforts of National Malaria Control Programmes to interrupt transmission and reduce the reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum infections across all ages. Using an interrupted time-series study design, four age-stratified malariometric surveys, each of ~2,000 participants, were undertaken pre- and post-IRS in Bongo District, Ghana. Following the application of three-rounds of IRS, P. falciparum transmission intensity declined, as measured by a >90% reduction in the monthly entomological inoculation rate. This decline was accompanied by reductions in parasitological parameters, with participants of all ages being significantly less likely to harbor P. falciparum infections at the end of the wet season post-IRS (aOR = 0.22 [95% CI: 0.19–0.26], p-value < 0.001). In addition, multiplicity of infection (MOIvar) was measured using a parasite fingerprinting tool, designed to capture within-host genome diversity. At the end of the wet season post-IRS, the prevalence of multi-genome infections declined from 75.6% to 54.1%. This study demonstrates that in areas characterized by high seasonal malaria transmission, IRS in combination with LLINs can significantly reduce the reservoir of P. falciparum infection. Nonetheless despite this success, 41.6% of the population, especially older children and adolescents, still harboured multi-genome infections. Given the persistence of this diverse reservoir across all ages, these data highlight the importance of sustaining vector control in combination with targeted chemotherapy to move high-transmission settings towards pre-elimination. This study also points to the benefits of molecular surveillance to ensure that incremental achievements are not lost and that the goals advocated for in the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact strategy are realized.
Accuracy comparison of ARIMA and XGBoost forecasting models in predicting the incidence of COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Siddikur , Chowdhury Arman Hossain , Amrin Miftahuzzannat
Published: May 2022

Accurate predictive time series modelling is important in public health planning and response during the emergence of a novel pandemic. Therefore, the aims of the study are three-fold: (a) to model the overall trend of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths in Bangladesh; (b) to generate a short-term forecast of 8 weeks of COVID-19 cases and deaths; (c) to compare the predictive accuracy of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) for precise modelling of non-linear features and seasonal trends of the time series. The data were collected from the onset of the epidemic in Bangladesh from the Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) and Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). The daily confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19 of 633 days in Bangladesh were divided into several training and test sets. The ARIMA and XGBoost models were established using those training data, and the test sets were used to evaluate each model’s ability to forecast and finally averaged all the predictive performances to choose the best model. The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed using the mean absolute error (MAE), mean percentage error (MPE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The findings reveal the existence of a nonlinear trend and weekly seasonality in the dataset. The average error measures of the ARIMA model for both COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths were lower than XGBoost model. Hence, in our study, the ARIMA model performed better than the XGBoost model in predicting COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths in Bangladesh. The suggested prediction model might play a critical role in estimating the spread of a novel pandemic in Bangladesh and similar countries.
Pulmonary haemorrhage as the earliest sign of severe leptospirosis in hamster model challenged with Leptospira interrogans strain HP358
Authors: Philip Noraini , Priya Sivan Padma , Jumah Badawi Ahmad Hussein , Mohd Izhar Mohd Hafidz , Mohtarrudin Norhafizah , Tengku Ibrahim Tengku Azmi , Sekawi Zamberi , Neela Vasantha Kumari
Published: May 2022

Background

Severe leptospirosis is challenging as it could evolve rapidly and potentially fatal if appropriate management is not performed. An understanding of the progression and pathophysiology of Leptospira infection is important to determine the early changes that could be potentially used to predict the severe occurrence of leptospirosis. This study aimed to understand the kinetics pathogenesis of Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 in the hamster model and identify the early parameters that could be used as biomarkers to predict severe leptospirosis.

Methodology/Principal findings

Male Syrian hamsters were infected with Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 and euthanized after 24 hours, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days post-infection. Blood, lungs, liver and kidneys were collected for leptospiral detection, haematology, serum biochemistry and differential expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Macroscopic and microscopic organ damages were investigated. Leptospira interrogans strain HP358 was highly pathogenic and killed hamsters within 6–7 days post-infection. Pulmonary haemorrhage and blood vessel congestion in organs were noticed as the earliest pathological changes. The damages in organs and changes in biochemistry value were preceded by changes in haematology and immune gene expression.

Conclusion/Significance

This study deciphered haemorrhage as the earliest manifestation of severe leptospirosis and high levels of IL-1β, CXCL10/IP-10, CCL3/MIP-α, neutrophils and low levels of lymphocytes and platelets serve as a cumulative panel of biomarkers in severe leptospirosis.
Xprediction: Explainable EGFR-TKIs response prediction based on drug sensitivity specific gene networks
Authors: Park Heewon , Yamaguchi Rui , Imoto Seiya , Miyano Satoru
Published: May 2022

In recent years, drug sensitivity prediction has garnered a great deal of attention due to the growing interest in precision medicine. Several computational methods have been developed for drug sensitivity prediction and the identification of related markers. However, most previous studies have ignored genetic interaction, although complex diseases (e.g., cancer) involve many genes intricately connected in a molecular network rather than the abnormality of a single gene. To effectively predict drug sensitivity and understand its mechanism, we propose a novel strategy for explainable drug sensitivity prediction based on sample-specific gene regulatory networks, designated Xprediction. Our strategy first estimates sample-specific gene regulatory networks that enable us to identify the molecular interplay underlying varying clinical characteristics of cell lines. We then, predict drug sensitivity based on the estimated sample-specific gene regulatory networks. The predictive models are based on machine learning approaches, i.e., random forest, kernel support vector machine, and deep neural network. Although the machine learning models provide remarkable results for prediction and classification, we cannot understand how the models reach their decisions. In other words, the methods suffer from the black box problem and thus, we cannot identify crucial molecular interactions that involve drug sensitivity-related mechanisms. To address this issue, we propose a method that describes the importance of each molecular interaction for the drug sensitivity prediction result. The proposed method enables us to identify crucial gene-gene interactions and thereby, interpret the prediction results based on the identified markers. To evaluate our strategy, we applied Xprediction to EGFR-TKIs prediction based on drug sensitivity specific gene regulatory networks and identified important molecular interactions for EGFR-TKIs prediction. Our strategy effectively performed drug sensitivity prediction compared with prediction based on the expression levels of genes. We also verified through literature, the EGFR-TKIs-related mechanisms of a majority of the identified markers. We expect our strategy to be a useful tool for predicting tasks and uncovering complex mechanisms related to pharmacological profiles, such as mechanisms of acquired drug resistance or sensitivity of cancer cells.
Prevalence of timely complementary feeding initiation and associated factors among mothers having children aged 6–24 months in rural north-central Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Abate Moges Wubneh , Nigat Adane Birhanu , Demelash Agimasie Tigabu , Emiru Tigabu Desie , Tibebu Nigusie Selomon , Tiruneh Chalie Marew , Belete Amsalu , Abebe Tilahun Kegne , Yitayew Moges Yinges
Published: May 2022

Background

Complementary foods are defined as any solid or liquid foods other than breast milk offered to children. Timely initiation of complementary foods during infancy is necessary for growth and development. The first two years of life are important period for rapid physical, cognitive and social development that requires optimal nutrition. Currently, there is no study done in this rural community about timely initiation of complementary feeding.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding among mothers having children aged 6–24 months in Farta district, rural Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from December 2020 to February 2021 among 570 mothers by using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and entered into Epi Data 4.6 then transferred to Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval carried out to determine the association between explanatory and the outcome variables. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding among mothers having children aged 6–24 months was 51.9%. Institutionaldelivery [(AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: (1.31–3.32)],Keeping livestock [(AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: (1.35, 3.65)], Postnatal follow up [(AOR = 0.60, 95% CI:(0.36, 0.77)],merchants [(AOR = 4.58; 95% CI:1.99, 10.55)], and daily labourer [(AOR = 2.88, 95% CI:(1.50–5.51)] were statistically associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding.

Conclusion

This finding revealed that the prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding is still low. Factors affecting timely initiations of complementary feeding were home delivery, unable to attend postnatal care follow-up, being housewife and farmers. All health professionals including health extension workers should give special attention to advising and counseling for mothers and their husbands about timely initiation of complementary feeding.
Loneliness among older adults in Europe: The relative importance of early and later life conditions
Authors: Guthmuller Sophie
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to study the association between childhood circumstances and loneliness in older adults in Europe. Based on rich information collected by the Survey on Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) on childhood characteristics and individual characteristics at age 50+, the study is able to control for personality traits, socioeconomic and demographic factors, social support and health in later life, and country-specific characteristics. The analyses show strong correlations between life circumstances in childhood and feeling lonely in older age; these correlations remain significant after adjusting for covariates. While ill health is the main factor correlated with loneliness at 50+, as expected, the analysis of the relative importance of the determinants reveals that personality traits account for more than 10% of the explained variance and that life circumstances during childhood account for 7%. Social support at older ages is the second highest category of factors, accounting for 27%—with, interestingly, support at home and social network characteristics contributing about 10% each, engaging in activities and computer skills accounting for 7% of the explained variance. Demographic and socioeconomic factors account for 6% and country-level characteristics contribute 5%. This paper points out the relevance of early life interventions to tackling loneliness in older age, and it shows that early interventions and interventions aiming at increasing social support in later life need to be adapted to all personality types. Thus, the role of childhood circumstances and the mechanisms explaining the association between loneliness in childhood and loneliness in later life deserve more attention in future research.
Study protocol for measuring the impact of (quasi-)monochromatic light on post-awakening cortisol secretion under controlled laboratory conditions
Authors: Babilon Sebastian , Myland Paul , Klabes Julian , Simon Joel , Khanh Tran Quoc
Published: May 2022

Cortisol secretion has a fundamental role in human circadian regulation. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) can be observed as a daily recurring sharp increase in cortisol concentration within the first hour after awakening and is influenced by environmental light conditions. The current work provides the study protocol for an ongoing research project that is intended to explore the spectral dependencies and to discuss measures of emotional state and cognitive functioning potentially related to the CAR. Based on a controlled within-subjects sleep laboratory study, the impact of a two-hour, (quasi-)monochromatic, post-awakening light exposure of different peak wavelength (applied from 6:00 to 8:00 am) on resulting CAR levels should be investigated in a systematic manner to eventually derive a corresponding spectral sensitivity model. As a secondary outcome, it should be explored whether a potentially light-enhanced cortisol secretion might also impact different measures of sleepiness, mood, and vigilance for certain wavelengths. The study protocol described in the present work discusses the various protocol steps using pilot data collected for two different wavelength settings (i.e., short-wavelength blue-light at λmax = 476 nm and long-wavelength red-light at λmax = 649 nm) experienced by a group of four healthy male adults at an average ± SD age of 25.25 ± 3.59 years.
Risk factors and economic burden of postoperative anastomotic leakage related events in patients who underwent surgeries for colorectal cancer
Authors: Kang Jeonghyun , Kim Hyesung , Park HyeJin , Lee Bora , Lee Kang Young
Published: May 2022

Background

Nationwide research about the clinical and economic burden caused by anastomotic leakage (AL) has not been published yet in Korea. This study assessed the AL rate and quantified the economic burden using the nationwide database.

Methods

This real world evidence study used health claims data provided by the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA, which showed that 156,545 patients underwent anterior resection (AR), low anterior resection (LAR), or ultra-low anterior resection (uLAR) for colorectal cancer (CRC) between January 1, 2007 and January 31, 2020. The incidence of AL was identified using a composite operational definition, a composite of imaging study, antibacterial drug use, reoperation, or image-guided percutaneous drainage. Total hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) were evaluated in patients with AL versus those without AL during index hospitalization and within 30 days after the surgery.

Results

Among 120,245 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 7,194 (5.98%) patients had AL within 30 days after surgery. Male gender, comorbidities (diabetes, metastatic disease, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke), protective ostomy, and multiple linear stapler use, blood transfusion, and urinary tract injury were associated with the higher odds of AL. Older age, rectosigmoid junction cancer, AR, LAR, and laparoscopic approach were related with the reduced odds of AL. Patients with AL incurred higher costs for index hospitalization compared to those without AL (8,991 vs. 7,153 USD; p<0.0001). Patients with AL also required longer LOS (16.78 vs. 14.22 days; p<0.0001) and readmissions (20.83 vs. 13.93 days; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Among patients requiring resection for CRC, the occurrence of AL was associated with significantly increased costs and LOS. Preventing AL could not only produce superior clinical outcomes, but also reduce the economic burden for patients and payers.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among health care workers in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ackah Martin , Ameyaw Louise , Gazali Salifu Mohammed , Afi Asubonteng Delali Pearl , Osei Yeboah Cynthia , Narkotey Annor Eugene , Abena Kwartemaa Ankapong Eunice , Boakye Hosea
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance, and hesitancy amongst Health Care Workers (HCWs) on the African continent have been examined through observational studies. However, there are currently no comprehensive reviews among these cadre of population in Africa. Hence, we aimed to review the acceptance rate and possible reasons for COVID-19 vaccine non-acceptance/hesitancy amongst HCWs in Africa.

Methods

We searched Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journal Online from January, 2020 to September, 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment tool adapted for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of the retrieved studies. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to pool the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate. Sub-group and sensitivity analyses were performed. Reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were also systematically analyzed.

Results

Twenty-one (21) studies were found to be eligible for review out of the 513 initial records. The estimated pooled COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 46% [95% CI: 37%-54%]. The pooled estimated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 37% [95% CI: 27%-47%] in North Africa, 28% [95% CI: 20%-36%] in Central Africa, 48% [CI: 38%-58%] in West Africa, 49% [95% CI: 30%-69%] in East Africa, and 90% [CI: 85%-96%] in Southern Africa. The estimated pooled vaccine acceptance was 48% [95% CI:38%-57%] for healthcare workers, and 34% [95% CI:29%-39%] for the healthcare students. Major drivers and reasons were the side effects of the vaccine, vaccine’s safety, efficacy and effectiveness, short duration of the clinical trials, COVID-19 infections, limited information, and social trust.

Conclusion

The data revealed generally low acceptance of the vaccine amongst HCWs across Africa. The side effects of the vaccine, vaccine’s safety, efficacy and effectiveness, short duration of the clinical trials, COVID-19 infections, limited information, and social trust were the major reasons for COVID-19 hesitancy in Africa. The misconceptions and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst HCWs must be addressed as soon as possible in the continent to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates in Africa.
A genetic screen identifies a protective type III interferon response to Cryptosporidium that requires TLR3 dependent recognition
Authors: Gibson Alexis R. , Sateriale Adam , Dumaine Jennifer E. , Engiles Julie B. , Pardy Ryan D. , Gullicksrud Jodi A. , O’Dea Keenan M. , Doench John G. , Beiting Daniel P. , Hunter Christopher A. , Striepen Boris
Published: May 2022

Cryptosporidiumis a leading cause of severe diarrhea and diarrheal-related death in children worldwide. As an obligate intracellular parasite,Cryptosporidiumrelies on intestinal epithelial cells to provide a niche for its growth and survival, but little is known about the contributions that the infected cell makes to this relationship. Here we conducted a genome wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen to discover host genes that influenceCryptosporidium parvuminfection and/or host cell survival. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the host interferon response, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis are important determinants of susceptibility toC.parvuminfection and impact on the viability of host cells in the context of parasite infection. Several of these pathways are linked to parasite attachment and invasion and C-type lectins on the surface of the parasite. Evaluation of transcript and protein induction of innate interferons revealed a pronounced type III interferon response toCryptosporidiumin human cells as well as in mice. Treatment of mice with IFNλ reduced infection burden and protected immunocompromised mice from severe outcomes including death, with effects that required STAT1 signaling in the enterocyte. Initiation of this type III interferon response was dependent on sustained intracellular growth and mediated by the pattern recognition receptor TLR3. We conclude that host cell intrinsic recognition ofCryptosporidiumresults in IFNλ production critical to early protection against this infection.
MAVS mediates a protective immune response in the brain to Rift Valley fever virus
Authors: Hum Nicholas R. , Bourguet Feliza A. , Sebastian Aimy , Lam Doris , Phillips Ashlee M. , Sanchez Kristina R. , Rasley Amy , Loots Gabriela G. , Weilhammer Dina R.
Published: May 2022

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a highly pathogenic mosquito-borne virus capable of causing hepatitis, encephalitis, blindness, hemorrhagic syndrome, and death in humans and livestock. Upon aerosol infection with RVFV, the brain is a major site of viral replication and tissue damage, yet pathogenesis in this organ has been understudied. Here, we investigated the immune response in the brain of RVFV infected mice. In response to infection, microglia initiated robust transcriptional upregulation of antiviral immune genes, as well as increased levels of activation markers and cytokine secretion that is dependent on mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) and independent of toll-like receptors 3 and 7.In vivo,Mavs-/-mice displayed enhanced susceptibility to RVFV as determined by increased brain viral burden and higher mortality. Single-cell RNA sequence analysis identified defects in type I interferon and interferon responsive gene expression within microglia inMavs-/-mice, as well as dysregulated lymphocyte infiltration. The results of this study provide a crucial step towards understanding the precise molecular mechanisms by which RVFV infection is controlled in the brain and will help inform the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies that are effective in preventing encephalitis.
Regulation of epitope exposure in the gp41 membrane-proximal external region through interactions at the apex of HIV-1 Env
Authors: Schapiro Hannah M. , Khasnis Mukta D. , Ahn Koree , Karagiaridi Alexandra , Hayden Stephanie , Cilento Maria E. , Root Michael J.
Published: May 2022

Glycoprotein Env of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mediates viral entry through membrane fusion. Composed of gp120 and gp41 subunits arranged as a trimer-of-heterodimers, Env adopts a metastable, highly dynamic conformation on the virion surface. This structural plasticity limits the temporospatial exposure of many highly conserved, neutralizing epitopes, contributing to the difficulty in developing effective HIV-1 vaccines. Here, we employed antibody neutralization of HIV-1 infectivity to investigate how inter- and intra-gp120 interactions mediated by variable loops V1/V2 and V3 at the Env apex regulate accessibility of the gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER) at the Env base. Swapping the V3 loop from EnvSF162into the EnvHXB2background shifted MPER exposure from the prefusogenic state to a functional intermediate conformation that was distinct from the prehairpin-intermediate state sensitive to gp41-targeted fusion inhibitors. The V3-loop swap had a profound impact on global protein dynamics, biasing the equilibrium to a closed conformation resistant to most anti-gp120 antibodies, stabilizing the protein to both cold- and soluble CD4-induced Env inactivation, and increasing the CD4 requirements for viral entry. Further dissection of the EnvHXB2V3 loop revealed that residue 306 uniquely modulated epitope exposure and trimer stability. The R306S substitution substantially decreased sensitivity to antibodies targeting the gp41 MPER and, surprisingly, the gp120 V3-loop crown (residues 312–315), but had only modest effects on exposure of intervening gp120 epitopes. Furthermore, the point mutation reduced soluble CD4-induced inactivation, but had no impact on cold inactivation. The residue appeared to exert its effects by electrostatically modifying the strength of intra-subunit interactions between the V1/V2 and V3 loops. The distinct patterns of neutralization and stability pointed to a novel prefusogenic Env conformation along the receptor activation pathway and suggested that apical Env-regulation of gp41 MPER exposure can be decoupled from much of the dynamics of gp120 subunits.
Lobbying for art education as a civic engagement for change
Authors: Cooper Yichien
Published: May 2022

For your purposes as an art educator, how do you define ‘art’ and ‘artist’? Some critics argue that, in today’s art world, the ‘institutional’ definition of art reigns. What other definitions of art seem credible and useful to you as an art
educator?
Snapshot: Summer 2020
Authors: Kalin Nadine M.
Published: May 2022

From your perspective, what is the place of social justice education (and politics) in the art classroom? Are these topics a distraction from the disciplinary content of visual arts education, as you understand it? From your perspective, what is the disciplinary content of art education?
Teaching is political: Social justice and the politics of art education
Authors: Knight Wanda B.
Published: May 2022

From your perspective, what is the place of social justice education (and politics) in the art classroom? Are these topics a distraction from the disciplinary content of visual arts education, as you understand it? From your perspective, what is the disciplinary content of art education?
Art education needs a curriculum paradigm shift
Authors: Lawton Pamela Harris
Published: May 2022

From your perspective, what is the place of social justice education (and politics) in the art classroom? Are these topics a distraction from the disciplinary content of visual arts education, as you understand it? From your perspective, what is the disciplinary content of art education?
Existence is political
Authors: Little Rina Kundu
Published: May 2022

From your perspective, what is the place of social justice education (and politics) in the art classroom? Are these topics a distraction from the disciplinary content of visual arts education, as you understand it? From your perspective, what is the disciplinary content of art education?
Lines drawn, lines blurred
Authors: Lucero Jorge
Published: May 2022

From your perspective, what is the place of social justice education (and politics) in the art classroom? Are these topics a distraction from the disciplinary content of visual arts education, as you understand it? From your perspective, what is the disciplinary content of art education?
Rethinking artistic method
Authors: Rolling Jr James Haywood
Published: May 2022

For your purposes as an art educator, how do you define ‘art’ and ‘artist’? Some critics argue that, in today’s art world, the ‘institutional’ definition of art reigns. What other definitions of art seem credible and useful to you as an art
educator?
Queerly with critical intent
Authors: Sanders James
Published: May 2022

From your perspective, what is the place of social justice education (and politics) in the art classroom? Are these topics a distraction from the disciplinary content of visual arts education, as you understand it? From your perspective, what is the disciplinary content of art education?
Identification of Antidiabetic and Anti-inflammatory Potential Compounds of
Ethylacetate Extract of Tinospora cardifolia (Wild) Identified by GC-MS
and Spectral Analysis: A Computational Approach
Authors: Kumar D. Senthil , Karthikeyan D. , Roy Biswabara
Published: May 2022

The present study was aimed to the phytochemical and GC-MS analysis for ethyl acetate extract of
Tinospora cardifolia. The structure of the compounds was further confirmed by UV-spectroscopy and
FTIR study. The in silico study like molecular, physico-chemical and drug likeliness property was
carried out by computational approaches for the identified molecules. Further toxicity potential and
pharmacokinetic profile were also determined. The study was carried out using OSIRIS data warrior
and Swiss ADME tools. The docking analysis was carried out for the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory
profiles. The compounds were targeted for α-glucosidase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor,
glucose transporter-1, cyclo-oxygenase-1 & 2 inhibitions. About 12 compounds were identified by
GC-MS analysis. All the compounds exhibited moderate to good drug likeliness and pharmacokinetic
potentials. The molecules showed a good bioactivity score against enzyme receptors. The ADMET
prediction showed PGP and CYP-inhibitory effects with the least toxic profile. The docking analysis
showed good binding affinity of that 1,4-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl)hexahydrofuro[3,4-c]furan
(Molecule-10) have strong binding affinity on targeted proteins under investigation.
Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemical and Anitmicrobial Studies of
Manganese(IV) Complexes Derived from Polyfunctional Glutaryldihydrazone
Authors: Sarma P. , Mahanta P. , Basumatary D. , Medhi C.
Published: May 2022

The synthesis and structure elucidation of a new series of manganese(IV) complexes from
disalicylaldehyde glutaryldihydrazone (slghH4) of the composition [MnIV(slgh)](A)2]·H2O and
[MnIV(slgh)(NN)] (where A= H2O, (1); pyridine, (2); 2-picoline, (3); 3-picoline, (4); 4-picoline, (5)
and NN = 2,2′-bipyridine, (6); 1,10-phenanthroline, (7)) were carried out. The composition and
structures of all the complexes of Mn(IV) have been evaluated by elemental analysis, thermal studies,
molar conductance, mass spectral data, magnetic moment, electronic, electron paramagnetic resonance
and infrared spectral studies. Molar conductances of these Mn(IV) complexes suggest their
non-electrolytic nature. Magnetic moment and EPR studies suggested that the Mn(IV) ions are
six-coordinated octahedral geometry around the metal ions. The IR spectral studies confirmed that the
ligand coordinates to the Mn(IV) ion in enolic form and behave as a tetradentate ligand in anti-cis
configuration chelating Mn(IV) ion with NNOO coordination sites. The electrochemical and
antimicrobial studies of the Mn(IV) complexes have also been carried out.
Thermal Studies of Aqueous Free-Base Porphyrin and Metalloporphyrins of Cu, Ag and Mn
Authors: Gokakakar S.D. , Salker A.V.
Published: May 2022

Present study is intended on the thermal behaviour of the free base aqueous porphyrin and the
corresponding metalloporphyrins of some of the transition metal ions such as Cu, Ag and Mn. The
respective porphyrins were synthesized and characterized by ultra violet-visible spectroscopy, infrared
spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. These porphyrins thus obtained were then
subjected to thermal analysis from room temperature to 800 ºC. It was observed that free-base porphyrin
tetrasodium meso-tetra (p-sulphonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4) is stable up to 360 ºC and remaining
metalloporphyrins are stable in the range of 435-460 ºC, respectively. Further, the hygroscopic
porphyrins were subjected to fixation of number of water molecules of crystallization and quantitative
analysis with respect to % of metal oxide, % of Na+, % SO4
2- and % coal respectively.
Study of Concentration and Temperature Dependent Structural, Optical,
Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Activity of MoO3 Thin Films by Ultra Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Shukla Supriya , Jape Anuradha , Gadale Sharda
Published: May 2022

Molybdenum trioxide was used as a precursor for the deposition of thin films of varied concentrations
onto the glass substrate by ultra-spray pyrolysis technique. Solutions of different concentrations viz.
0.05 M, 0.025 M, 0.0125 M were prepared and the substrate temperature varied to study the structural
properties like XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy and FESEM of the MoO3 thin films. Being transition
metal oxide molybdenum oxide (MoO3), exhibits fascinating chemical, structural, electrical and optical
properties. The samples were prepared at different temperatures of 150, 250 and 350 ºC with the spray
concentrations varying between 0.05 M, 0.025 M and 0.0125 M while the other spray operating
parameters were fixed at their optimum values. X-ray diffraction technique was used to determine the
crystalline size and nature of the films. For the substrate temperature 150 ºC, the films obtained are
amorphous in nature while the films deposited at 250 and 350 ºC were found to be crystalline in nature
giving α-MoO3 phase, which is evident from the X-ray diffraction pattern. The size of the crystal
varied from 43 to 65 nm for the prepared samples. The band-gap energy by plotting Tauc plots was
found to be in the range 2.51-3.01 eV. FESEM revealed two different types of morphological structures
viz., spherical and nanorods. The photocatalytic activity of thin films obtained was estimated from
their ability to degrade methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation with excellent results. Antibacterial
activity of thin films was checked against Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 1, 6, 10 and 96 h.
One-Pot Green Synthesis of Cyclohepta[d]pyrimidine-2(5H)-thione Derivatives using
Iron Titanate (FeTiO3, Ilmenite) Nanoparticles and Evaluation of their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Rambabu T. , Douglas S. Paul , Rao B. Venkateswara
Published: May 2022

Iron titanate nanoparticles (FeTiO3-NPs, TiFe-0.5, TiFe-1.0, TiFe-2.0 with fixed and variable
compositions of Fe and Ti, respectively) were synthesized under ultrasonication and characterized
using XRD, FESEM-EDAX and UV-vis DRS spectral techniques. The XRD analysis has clearly
indicated the characteristic peaks in the nanoparticles. The morphologies have shown the spherical
shaped particles and in the EDAX analysis, the respective elements (Fe, Ti, O) in the prepared
nanoparticles were identified. Similarly, the absorption maxima of the nanoparticles have increased
with increase in the Ti content between 380-570 nm. Using these nanoparticles,
cyclohepta[d]pyrimidine-2(5H)-thione derivatives (4a-e) were synthesized through one-pot approach
with cycloheptanone (1), some substituted benzaldehyes (2a-e) and thiourea (3) as the precursors, which
was performed under the guidelines of green chemistry. The progress of the reactions were monitored
by TLC and the formed derivatives were characterized by using 1H NMR, FTIR and Mass spectral
techniques along with the determination of their melting points. The NPs were magnetically separable
and with its recycled forms, the reaction was conducted in 3 consecutive cycles and observed that the
% yields have not varied much. The antibacterial activity studies were conducted against Gram-negative
Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aurues, Bacillus Subtilis bacteria
with the derivatives (4a-e). In these studies, almost all the derivatives have shown from moderate to
better antibacterial activity.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking Studies and Biological
Evaluation of Indole Fused Novel Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Lakshmi N. Prasanna , Ajitha M.
Published: May 2022

The present work deals with the sequence of indole fused novel pyrazole compounds (5a-l) synthesized
by conventional method and were screened for anthelmintic, anticancer activities and molecular docking
studies. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectral
analysis. Further, all the pyrazole derivatives were screened for anthelmintic activity using albendazole
as standard drug and anticancer activity against MCF-7 and SKVO3 cell lines by MTT assay method.
The results showed that compounds 5b and 5j exhibited good anticancer activity and compounds 5c,
5f, 5h and 5l exhibited potential anthelmintic activity. Additionally, the molecular docking studies of
novel pyrazole derivatives were carried out to explain putative bonding interaction between the active
site of EGFR enzyme and potent inhibitors.
A Comparative Study of Structural, Morphological and Optical
Properties of Pure and Tellurium-Doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Sonawane Anil U. , Sonawane B.K.
Published: May 2022

Pure and tellurium-doped ZnO nanostructure films were prepared on microscopic glass substrates
using the sol-gel method and investigated the relationship between the structural, morphological,
roughness, and optical properties. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed that the nanostructure
films have a hexagonal Wurtzite structure. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM)
images showed that the surface morphology of the nanostructure films was modified due to the Te
dopant. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique was used to study the surface roughness of the
pure ZnO and Te-doped ZnO deposited films. The optical properties of the nanostructure films were
obtained using the ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The effects of Te dopant elements on the
optical characteristics and the samples’ energy band gaps were calculated and discussed.
Catalytic Iodine and Morpholine as Reagent Combination for
Hydration of Alkynes via Markovnikov Addition
Authors: Devi Elangbam Pinky , Kaldhi Dhananjaya , Sengupta Ragini , Roy Anupam , Sahoo Abhishek , Saha Indranil , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: May 2022

This work describes the iodine-catalyzed N-methyl morpholine-promoted hydration of alkynes via
Markovnikov type addition. The developed protocol provides a direct approach to synthesize methyl
ketones under metal-free condition. A series of aromatic alkynes embedded with electron-donating
and electron-withdrawing groups were well-investigated to give the corresponding products in good
to high yields.
Characterization of Loratadine API and Simultaneous Quantification of Seven Potential Genotoxic Nitrosamine Impurities in Single Method by LC-MS/MS in Loratadine API and its Dosage Forms
Authors: Reddy Gudibanda Chandrasekhar , Shyamala Pulipaka , Krishna Rallabhandi Murali , Venkata Narayanarao Kapavarapu Maruthi , Babu Mannem Durga
Published: May 2022

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of loratadine were characterized using spectroscopic methods such as infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 1H NMR, 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) and 13C NMR. Nitrosamine impurities, which are considered under concern cohort according to the S2 FDA and ICH M7 guidelines, are highly genotoxic and their trace-level quantity must be controlled in drugs for safe human consumption. In this study, an ultra-sensitive, rapid and simple LC-MS/MS technique is developed to detect seven nitrosamine impurities (N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA), N-nitroso diethylamine (NDEA), N-nitroso ethyl isopropylamine (NEIPA), N-nitroso diisopropylamino (NDIPA), N-nitroso methyl phenylamine (NMPA) and N-nitroso dibutylamine (NDBA) in loratadine drug) with potential genotoxicity. Chromatographic separation was attained by employing the Zorbax SB C18 of 150 × 3 mm and a column of 3.5 μ with 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol as mobile phases A and B, respectively. At the total run time of 20 min, the flow rate was 0.3 mL/min in the gradient mode of elution. Through multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), all the seven nitrosamine impurities were successfully ionized and then quantified in the positive mode of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines by estimating quantification and detection limits. For all the seven nitrosamine impurities, the method provided excellent S/N ratios with a high linearity range of 0.8-5.30 ppm for loratadine sample concentrations with a regression coefficient of >0.99. The recovery for the method was established with a protocol of three-step sample preparation and was satisfactory within 15-115%. The proposed method can be employed for the routine detection of nitrosamines in loratadine APIs and its doses.
Structural, Optical, Antibacterial and Anticancer Properties of
ZnO-TiO2-GO-Chitosan Nanocomposites Prepared by Coprecipitation Method
Authors: Priyanka V. Sri , Murali M.K. , Abdur Rahman M.
Published: May 2022

The zinc oxide-titanium dioxide-graphene oxide-chitosan (ZTGCO) nanocomposites were synthesized
via the chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by XRD,
FTIR, DRS, FESEM, EDAX and PL. The XRD patterns of ZTGCO nanocomposites showed Wurtzite
hexagonal structure. The FT-IR spectra represent the various stretching vibrational bands of ZnO,
TiO2, GO and chitosan. The FESEM images revealed that the ZTGCO nanocomposites were in the
cauliflower structure. The EDS spectrum showed elemental compositions of ZTGCO with oxygen
vacancies. The antibacterial potential of the ZTGCO nanocomposites achieved against S. aureus and
E. coli results showed the ZTGCO had more antibacterial activity than the standard antibiotic
amoxicillin. The anticancer activity of the ZTGCO nanocomposites was studied in human liver cancer
cells (A549) and the IC50 concentration value was observed at 48.67 μg/mL.
Docking, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of 4-(4-(3-(4-Chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-
phenyl)ureido)phenoxy)-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)picolinamide Derivatives
Authors: Marvaniya Vanita , Joshi Hirak V. , Shah Ujashkumar A. , Patel Jayvadan K.
Published: May 2022

A new series of diaryl urea derivatives bearing pyridine moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated
for their biological activity. In this study, we applied the structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) on
the high similar sorafenib approved drug, selected from the DrugBank database as well as on a series
of derivatives, selected from the literature. Aim was to provide new potent anticancer agents. Analysis
was performed using AutoDock VINA tools. Based on the ligand binding energy. Compounds will be
synthesized by chlorination of pyridine acid derivative which further coupled with amine and form
amide, amide further reaction with aminophenolic moiety and form ether which is react with other
aromatic amine using CDI to produce final compound and these compounds characterized by IR,
NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized derivatives have been evaluated to their
anticancer activity in vitro by MTT assay using MCF-7 cell line. The anticancer activity indicates that
compounds C1, C3, C6 and C9 have better anticancer activity.
Epistemology and epistemic cognition: The problematic virtue of relativism and its implications for science education
Authors: Herrón Mauricio A.
Published: May 2022

La investigación en cognición epistémica ha demostrado que las creencias que tienen los adolescentes y los jóvenes adultos acerca de la naturaleza del conocimiento cambian a través de etapas fijas de desarrollo. Modelos propuestos en las cuatro últimas décadas han indicado, que la naturaleza de estas epistemologías personales tiende a cambiar de objetivista a relativista, y que este cambio refleja una transición ascendente en términos de complejidad respecto a la cognición epistémica. El supuesto subyacente es que la cognición epistémica cambia hacia diferentes formas de relativismo en analogía con lo que ha ocurrido a los principios epistemológicos centrales de la mayoría de ciencias en la historia moderna (e.g., física, biología). se ha pensado que gran parte del éxito de los estudiantes en la educación científica depende de cómo éstos entienden el conocimiento, considerando el pensamiento basado en ideas relativistas como un logro necesario para el aprendizaje de la ciencia.
Una cuestión sociocientífica motivante para trabajar pensamiento crítico.
Authors: Beltrán Castillo María Juliana
Published: May 2022

Este trabajo de investigación muestra cómo el análisis conceptual, ético y reflexivo de una cuestión socio-científica en el aula, bajo el enfoque de enseñanza CTSA , motiva a los estudiantes en el aprendizaje de las ciencias y mejora el desarrollo de habilidades de pensamiento crítico.
Enfoque Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad (CTS): perspectivas educativas para Colombia
Authors: Quintero Cano Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2022

El presente artículo tiene por objeto presentar un panorama general sobre el origen y desarrollo del paradigma CTS en el contexto internacional y nacional de Colombia. En esta línea, la investigación sobre el diseño, experimentación y evaluación de materiales curriculares ha buscado innovar el área de tecnología e informática mediante el innovador enfoque CTS, con lo que se pretenden generar cambios en lo didáctico, pedagógico y metodológico, así como también generar cambios de actitud en el alumnado para su desempeño como ciudadano. Por esta razón, se busca innovar el área de tecnología e informática en la asignatura de Ciencia y Tecnología, aportando un enfoque innovador a partir del diseño de material curricular CTS, en el cual se proporcione un contenido que parta de los conocimientos e intereses del alumnado, sin dejar a un lado la formación científica y lograr una mejor internalización del aprendizaje para su desempeño ciudadano
The Effect of the Number of Laser Pulses on Some Physical Properties Affecting Gas Sensitivity of CdO Thin Films Prepared by PLD Method
Authors: Nouri Sadiq. B. , Maieed Zuheer. N. , Mahmood Amer. SH.
Published: May 2022

In this research, thin films of cadmium oxide (CdO) were manufactured using pulse laser deposition (PLD) technology on glass substrates under pressure of (0.001 mbar) at room temperature by a laser power effect (800mj/cm) with a number of different laser pulses (N= (150-200-250 and 300)). The optical and synthetic properties of thin cadmium oxide films were studied, as well as their gas sensitivity. The optical properties of thin films were analyzed and studied using absorption spectra (UV-VIS) UV-Visible measurements show that CdO films of different thicknesses have a direct permissible transition with the band gap between (2.51) and (2.22) eV before annealing and after annealing the band gap decreases to become between (2.44) and (2.06). As for synthetic properties, they were analyzed and studied through X-ray diffraction patterns which showed the thin films are multicrystalline the grain size increase with the increase in the number of pulses from (100) pulse to (300) pulse gradually as for the effect of annealing, it also led to an increase in the size of the particles. While gas sensor properties were studied using static gas sensor system. The results of gas sensor showed that the increase in operating temperature improves film sensitivity. the maximum sensitivity of the pure CdO film to gas (NO2) was found to be 46.16% at 200°C and the number of pulses was (150). After annealing, the gas sensitivity decreased to was (34.25%) for (150) pulses.