bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-equilibrium Thermodynamic Foundations of the Origin of Life
Authors: Michaelian Karo
Published: February 2022

There is little doubt that life's origin followed from the known physical and chemical laws of Nature. The most general scientific framework incorporating the laws of Nature and applicable to most known processes to good approximation, is that of thermodynamics and its extensions to treat out-of-equilibrium phenomena. The event of the origin of life should therefore also be amenable to such an analysis. In this paper, I describe the non-equilibrium thermodynamic foundations of the origin of life for the non-expert. This ``Thermodynamic Dissipation Theory for the Origin of Life'' is founded on Classical Irreversible Thermodynamic theory developed by Lars Onsager, Ilya Prigogine, and coworkers.
Preparation of Bioglasses Developed from Bypass Cement Dust for Bone Regeneration and Comparing their Radiation Damage Prediction with Natural Bone
Authors: Alhodaib Aiyeshah , Abd El All Suzy , Ibrahim Omnia , Ezzeldin Fatthy
Published: February 2022

Selected glasses with 10 Na2O + (90-x) P2O5 + x BCD where bypass cement dust (BCD) x value =10, 20, 30 in mol% were synthesized by recognizable melting annealing technique. Cooperative characterization of the prepared glasses were carried out through FTIR and SEM analysis before and after immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 13 and 23 days at 37 oC. After immersion in SBF, apatite layer is produced on the glass surface after 13 day and increase after 23 day, showing good bioactivity after immersion in the SBF especially for bioglass sample with 30% BCD. A porous hydroxy apatite layer produced on the surface of SBF-glass composite and this layer became denser after more soaking time, periods were extended from 13 to 23 days. Atomic absorption spectroscopy explained the early period of soaking that cause release of both Si and Ca ions through the glass beside decreasing of phosphrous ions. Bioglass (BCD-30) is studied as shielding for gamma, protons and alphas by using Phy-X software, SRIM Monte Carlo simulation code and its subroutine TRIM. The gamma shielding parameters, mass stopping power (MSP), range for both proton (H- ions) and alpha (He- ions) in bioglass- BCD-30 and human bone tissue have estimated. Also, comparison between them is calculated in predicting the radiation damage and atomic displacements per atom (dpa).
Advocating For Interdisciplinary Collaborations To Unravel The Astrocyte "Calcium Code"
Authors: Covelo Ana , Badoual Anaïs , Denizot Audrey
Published: February 2022

In this review article, we advocate for more collaborations across fields working on astrocyte function. As early-career scientists with different backgrounds and expertise, we present the major challenges faced in our fields: data acquisition, analysis and modeling of astrocyte calcium activity. We further highlight the insights gained from those different approaches, aiming at bridging the gap between them to crack the complex astrocyte "Calcium Code". Finally, we propose strategies to promote fruitful interdisciplinary collaborative projects to unravel astrocyte function in health and disease.
Investigation Of Nonlinear Optical Properties Of Quantum Dots Deposited Onto The Sample Glass Using Time-resolved Inline Digital Holography
Authors: Belashov Andrei V. , Shevkunov Igor A. , Kolesova Ekaterina P. , Orlova Anna O. , Putilin Sergei E. , Veniaminov Andrei V. , Cheng Chau-Jern , Petrov Nikolay V.
Published: February 2022

We report on the application of time-resolved inline digital holography to study the nonlinear optical properties of quantum dots deposited onto the sample glass. Fresnel diffraction patterns of the probe pulse due to noncollinear degenerate phase modulation induced by the femtosecond pump pulse were extracted from the set of inline digital holograms and analyzed. Absolute values of the nonlinear refractive index of both sample glass substrate and the deposited layer of quantum dots were evaluated using the proposed technique. To characterize the inhomogeneous distribution of samples’ nonlinear optical properties we proposed to plot an optical nonlinearity map calculated as a local standard deviation of diffraction patterns intensity induced by noncollinear degenerate phase modulation.
Antiviral Agents Against Flavivirus Protease: Prospect and Future Direction
Authors: Samrat Subodh K , Xu Jimin , Li Zhong , Zhou Jia , Li Hongmin
Published: February 2022

Flaviviruses cause a significant amount of mortality and morbidity, especially in the area where they are endemic. A recent example is the outbreak of Zika virus though out the world. Development of antiviral drugs against different viral targets is as important as development of vaccine. During viral replication, the flavivirus genome is translated as a single polyprotein precursor, which must be cleaved into individual proteins by a complex of the viral protease, NS3, and its cofactor, NS2B. Flavivirus protease is the most attractive target for development of therapeutic antivirals because it is essential for processing of viral polyprotein precursor and generation of functional viral proteins. In this review, we have summarized recent development in drug discovery targeting NS3-NS2B protease of flaviviruses, especially Zika, dengue and West Nile virus.
Superstructure Detection in Nucleosome Distribution Shows Common Pattern within a Chromosome and within the Genome
Authors: Mishra Sujeet Kumar , Li Kunhe , Brauburger Simon , Bhattacherjee Arnab , Oiwa Nestor Norio , Heermann Dieter W
Published: February 2022

Nucleosome positioning plays an important role in crucial biological processes like replication, transcription, and gene regulation. It has been widely used to predict the genome’s function and chromatin organisation. So far, the studies of patterns in nucleosome positioning have been limited to transcription start sites, CTCFs binding sites, and some promoter and loci regions. The genome-wide organisational pattern remains unknown. We have developed a theoretical model to coarse-grain nucleosome positioning data in order to obtain patterns in their distribution. Using hierarchical clustering on the auto-correlation function of this coarse-grained nucleosome positioning data, a genome-wide clustering is obtained for Candida albicans. The clustering shows the existence beyond hetero- and eu-chromatin inside the chromosomes.
Prediction of Low-Dose Aspirin-Induced Gastric Toxicity Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy-Based Pharmacometabolomics in Rats
Authors: Sha'aban Abubakar , Zainal Hadzliana , Khalil Nor Azlina , Aziz Fatimatuzzahra' Abd , Ch'ng Ewe Seng , Teh Chin‑Hoe , Mohammed Mustapha , Ibrahim Baharudin
Published: February 2022

Background: Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is the backbone for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, though limited by gastric toxicity. This study was aimed to identify novel metabolites that could predict LDA-induced gastric toxicity using pharmacometabolomics. Methods: Pre-dosed urine samples were collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with either LDA (10 mg/kg) or 1% methylcellulose (10 ml/kg) per oral for 28 days. The rats' stomachs were examined for gastric toxicity using a stereomicroscope. The urine samples were analyzed using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolites were systematically identified by exploring established databases and multivariate analyses to identify the spectral pattern of metabolites related to LDA-induced gastric toxicity. Results: Treatment with LDA resulted in gastric toxicity in 20/32 rats (62.5%). The orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model displayed a goodness-of-fit (R2Y) value of 0.947, suggesting a near-perfect reproducibility, a goodness-of-prediction (Q2Y) of -0.185 with perfect sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (100%). Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) displayed was 1. The final OPLS-DA model had an R2Y value of 0.726 and Q2Y of 0.142 with sensitivity (100%), specificity (95.0%) and accuracy (96.9%). Citrate, hippurate, methylamine, trimethylamine N-oxide and alpha-keto-glutarate were identified as the possible metabolites implicated in the LDA-induced gastric toxicity. Conclusion: The study identiﬁed metabolic signatures that correlated with the development of a low dose Aspirin-induced gastric toxicity in rats. This pharmacometabolomic approach could further be validated to predict LDA-induced gastric toxicity in patients with coronary artery disease.
Predicting Patient Loss to Follow-up in the STABILITY 1 Study
Authors: Firth Andrew D. , Bryant Dianne M. , Johnson Andrew M. , Getgood Alan M.J. ,   the STABILITY 1 Study Group
Published: February 2022

Background:

Patients lost to follow-up (LTF) impact even the most meticulously planned randomized controlled trials. Identifying patients at high risk for becoming LTF and employing strategies to retain these patients may reduce attrition bias.

Methods:

A cohort of 618 young, active patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the STABILITY 1 study was analyzed. Patients completed clinical testing and 9 questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for 5 different definitions of LTF. Patient characteristics and study site were included as predictors.

Results:

The LTF rate was 8.3%. Current or previous smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20 to 5.96), those employed part-time (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.04 to 5.14), and those with body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 had significantly greater odds of becoming LTF compared with nonsmokers, students, and those with BMI of <25 kg/m2, respectively. Those employed part-time were >8 times more likely (95% CI: 2.66 to 26.28) to become LTF compared with students within the first year. Postoperative BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 was significantly associated with 2 times greater odds of missing the in-person clinical examination at any visit or becoming LTF after the first postoperative year. The clinical site was the single largest predictor of missing data at any visit.

Conclusions:

Current or previous smoking, part-time employment, and BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 were significant predictors of becoming LTF, and part-time employment was significantly associated with early LTF. BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 was also associated with late LTF and clinical LTF. The clinical site was significantly associated with missing data at any visit. While we cannot accurately predict who will become LTF, investigators should be aware of these factors to identify high-risk patients and focus retention strategies accordingly.

Clinical Relevance:

Understanding factors related to becoming LTF in young, active patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can help investigators target retention strategies to reduce LTF in studies requiring clinical follow-up in similar populations.
Management of Foreign Organic Material Identified During Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Radford Zachary , Newman-Plotnick Harry , Wiznia Daniel
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 54-year-old man underwent total knee arthroplasty, during which organic plant material was incidentally discovered within the prepatellar bursa. A combination of high-dose antibiotic-loaded bone cement to implant primary components and an extended course of postoperative antibiotics were used to lower the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). One year after operation he remains infection-free with improved mobility and decreased pain.

Conclusion:

Presented with the risk of unexpected tissue contamination, the team used both high-dose antibiotic cement and a course of postoperative antibiotic therapy. This infection prevention strategy is a reasonable course of action in patients at high risk for primary PJI.
Intrusive Complexes of the Late Neoproterozoic Island Arc Structure of the Lake Zone (Mongolia): Isotope Systematics and Sources of Melts
Authors: Rudnev S.N. , Turkina O.M. , Mal’kovets V.G. , Belousova E.A. , Serov P.A. , Kiseleva V.Yu.
Published: February 2022

–We present data on the geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope compositions of rocks and on the Lu–Hf isotope composition of magmatic and xenogenic zircons from granitoids and gabbroids of the late Neoproterozoic island arc structure of the Lake Zone. Plagiogranitoids, gabbroids, and quartz diorites (559–542 Ma) formed at the late Neoproterozoic subduction stage of magmatism, and two-feldspathic granites (~483 Ma) mark Cambrian–Ordovician accretion–collision processes. We have established that the volcanic rocks of the late Neoproterozoic island arc and/or its oceanic base, which formed from the depleted mantle, were the mafic source of plagiogranitoids. This is proved by the overlapping positive εNd values of plagiogranitoids and the host volcanic rocks and by the commensurate εHf values of magmatic zircons from the plagiogranitoids and depleted mantle. The lower εNd values of gabbro and quartz diorites from the Tavan Hayrhan and Shuthuyn plutons, the lower εHf values of zircons from these rocks, and the high (87Sr/86Sr)0 ratios and K2O, Rb, and Th contents point to the generation of these rocks from a less depleted mantle source, namely, mantle wedge peridotites. The isotope composition of the latter changed at the previous subduction stage under the impact of fluids and with the contribution of subducted sediments. The least radiogenic Hf isotope composition of magmatic and xenogenic zircons from Ordovician accretion–collisional two-feldspathic granites of the Ih Zamiin pluton suggests their formation through the melting of the late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian island arc crust with the contribution of more differentiated crustal sources enriched in Th, Nb, and LREE and characterized by low εNd values. The age of xenogenic zircons (≤716 Ma) in the studied granitoids and gabbroids and their similarity in Hf isotope composition to magmatic zircons from the same rocks confirm the formation of the late Neoproterozoic island arc of the Lake Zone in an intraoceanic setting far from ancient continental sources similar to the Dzavhan microcontinent.
CPNE8 as a Novel Biomarker for the Prognostic and Immunological Role by Pan-Cancer Analysis and Cerna Network of CPNE8 in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Lu , Lu Lin , Zhang Peiling , Peng Qian , Liu Guolong , Guan Mingmei , Cao Xiaofei
Published: February 2022

BackgroundCalcium-dependent protein copine 8 (CPNE8), a new member of Copine family, emerges important roles in malignancies. However, the expression and potential role of CPNE8 in pan cancer remain unclear. Methods: Pan cancer analysis of CPNE8 expression in 33 types of cancers were based on data downloaded from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Xena database. The clinical significances of CPNE8 were analyzed using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan Meier survival analysis. Correlations between CPNE8 expression and tumor immune microenvironment were assessed using ESTIMATE algorithm, CIBERSORT analysis and online database TISIDB. The correlations between CPNE8 expression and tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) status and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were further explored. Moreover, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks related to CPNE8 and its correlations with immune cell related genes were further studied in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD).Results: Differential expression of CPNE8 were identified in 14 types of cancers. Differential expression of CPNE8 could predict tumor stage or prognosis of various cancer patients. Pan cancer analysis indicated that CPNE8 demonstrated oncogenic role in STAD, head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) and esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), and tumor suppressive role in thyroid carcinoma (THCA). These four cohorts were selected for further study due to their consistent results in expression and prognostic values. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that CPNE8 might regulate several key immune-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, CPNE8 expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration of different subtypes of immune cells, TMB and MSI. Moreover, PWAR5 and LIFR-AS1 could sponge miR-222-3p as ceRNAs to regulate the expression of CPNE8 in STAD. In addition, CPNE8 was significantly correlated with the expression of immune cell related genes, such as CD8 T cells, macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells in STAD.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CPNE8 could serve as a promising biomarker associated with the prognosis and immune microenvironment in several malignancies.
The Effects of Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on the Expression Levels of PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP-1 Genes, Serum Level of GLP-1, Metabolic Parameters, and Anthropometric Indices in Obese Individuals on Weight-Loss Diet: A Study Protocol for a Triple-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hosseini SeyedAhmad , Amiri Parichehr , Roshanravan Neda , Saghafi-Asl Maryam , Tootoonchian Mitra
Published: February 2022

BackgroundObesity is a multifaceted disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue. Growing evidence has proposed microbiota-derived metabolites as a potential factor in the pathophysiology of obesity and related metabolic conditions over the last decade. As one of the essential metabolites, Butyrate affects several host cellular mechanisms related to appetite sensations and weight control. However, the effects of Butyrate on obesity in humans have yet to be studied. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Sodium Butyrate (SB) supplementation on the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator -1α (PGC-1α), PPARα and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) genes, serum level of glucagon-like peptide (GLP1), metabolic parameters, as well as anthropometric indices in obese individuals on weight-loss diet.MethodsThis triple-blind RCT will include 50 eligible obese subjects aged between 18-60 years. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: 8 weeks of SB (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet or placebo (600 mg/day) + hypo-caloric diet. At weeks 0 and 8, distinct objectives will be pursued: 1) PGC-1α, PPARα, and UCP1 genes expression will be evaluated by Real-time polymerase chain reaction 2) Biochemical parameters will be assayed using enzymatic methods, 3) Insulin and GLP1 serum level will be assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Discussion New evidence from this trial may help fill the knowledge gap in this realm and facilitate multi-center clinical trials with a substantially larger sample size.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20190303042905N2. Registered on 31 January 2021. https://en.irct.ir/trial/53968
Safety, tolerability and viral kinetics during SARS-CoV-2 human challenge
Authors: Killingley Ben , Mann Alex , Kalinova Mariya , Boyers Alison , Goonawardane Niluka , Zhou Jie , Lindsell Kate , Hare Samanjit S. , Brown Jonathan , Frise Rebecca , Smith Emma , Hopkins Claire , Noulin Nicolas , Londt Brandon , Wilkinson Tom , Harden Stephen , McShane Helen , Baillet Mark , Gilbert Anthony , Jacobs Michael , Charman Christine , Mande Priya , Nguyen-Van-Tam Jonathan S. , Semple Malcolm G. , Read Robert C. , Ferguson Neil M. , Openshaw Peter J. , Rapeport Garth , Barclay Wendy S. , Catchpole Andrew P. , Chiu Christopher
Published: February 2022

To establish a novel SARS-CoV-2 human challenge model, 36 volunteers aged 18-29 years without evidence of previous infection or vaccination were inoculated with 10 TCID50 of a wild-type virus (SARS-CoV-2/human/GBR/484861/2020) intranasally. Two participants were excluded from per protocol analysis due to seroconversion between screening and inoculation. Eighteen (~53%) became infected, with viral load (VL) rising steeply and peaking at ~5 days post-inoculation. Virus was first detected in the throat but rose to significantly higher levels in the nose, peaking at ~8.87 log10 copies/ml (median, 95% CI [8.41,9.53). Viable virus was recoverable from the nose up to ~10 days post-inoculation, on average. There were no serious adverse events. Mild-to-moderate symptoms were reported by 16 (89%) infected individuals, beginning 2-4 days post-inoculation. Anosmia/dysosmia developed more gradually in 12 (67%) participants. No quantitative correlation was noted between VL and symptoms, with high VLs even in asymptomatic infection, followed by the development of serum spike-specific and neutralising antibodies. However, lateral flow results were strongly associated with viable virus and modelling showed that twice-weekly rapid tests could diagnose infection before 70-80% of viable virus had been generated. Thus, in this first SARS-CoV-2 human challenge study, no serious safety signals were detected and the detailed characteristics of early infection and their public health implications were shown. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04865237.
Cardiovascular Risks Before Myocardial Infarction Differences Between Men And Women
Authors: Nyström Alice , Strömberg Susanne , Jansson Karin , Faresjö Åshild Olsen , Faresjö Tomas
Published: February 2022

Background. Prodromal cardiac symptoms are warning signals preceding cardiac disease. Previous studies have shown some gender differences in prodromal symptoms as well as established risk factors for MI. This study aims to map possible gender differences in social factors and established risk factors preceding myocardial infarction (MI).Methods. The study includes data of N=213 middle-aged men and women, all diagnosed with myocardial infarction (ICD-10 I21.9) from the region of south-east Sweden. They answered a questionnaire at discharge from the cardiologic clinic and additional clinical data from medical records were merged from the National Swedeheart Register.Results. The dominant prodromal symptom for both sexes were experience of chest pain at the onset of MI. The major gender differences were that significantly more females (p=0.015) had a hyperlipidemia diagnose. Females also reported to have experienced higher stress load the year preceding myocardial infarction with serious life events (p=0.019), strained economy (p=0.003), and reports of sadness/depression (p<0.001). Females reported higher perceived stress load than men (p=0.006). Men had higher systolic blood pressure than women at hospital admission and a higher systolic- and diastolic blood pressure at discharge.Conclusions. Influences of the social environment, such as serious life events, strained economy, depression, stress, and sleep deprivation were stronger as potential risk factors for myocardial infarction in women than among men. Of the traditional risk factors only, hyperlipidemia was more frequent among women. These findings could contribute to a deeper understanding of diagnostic differences between gender, as well as a more gender-oriented cardiovascular preventive work.
Climacteric symptoms in postoperative patients among endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: HORIBA YUKO , Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Yokota Megumi , Iwata Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Mimura Masaru , Aoki Daisuke
Published: February 2022

Background: No studies have assessed climacteric symptoms after hystero-adnexectomy for endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer. Thus, this study aimed to compare climacteric symptoms among patients who underwent surgery for these three cancer types.Methods: We included patients who were registered at a menopausal outpatient clinic between January 1999 and July 2016 after undergoing total hysterectomy, intrapelvic only or intrapelvic plus para-aortic lymph node dissection, and bilateral adnexectomy performed via laparotomy as cancer treatment. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using a patient-reported questionnaire covering core domains with five symptoms. Each symptom was graded from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms). We evaluated the frequency of this symptom severity by time elapsed since surgery and cancer type.Results: The numbers of patients with endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer were 328, 90, and 107, respectively. Overall, climacteric symptoms were more severe in patients with cervical cancer than in those with endometrial or ovarian cancer; symptom severity decreased with increasing time since surgery. However, symptom severity did not decrease significantly over time in patients with cervical cancer even after >5 years had elapsed since surgery.Conclusions: The severity of climacteric symptoms decreased with the time elapsed since surgery for patients with endometrial or ovarian cancer but not for those with cervical cancer. Patients with cervical cancer may require more prompt interventions, including symptomatic treatment and longer follow-up, than those with endometrial or ovarian cancer.
Mammary ductal epithelium controls cold-induced adipocyte thermogenesis
Authors: Santos Luis , Arneson Douglas , Alvarsson Alexandra , Krishnan Karthickeyan , Centzone Alessia , Patel Sanil , Sadeh Shani , Ahn In Sook , Diamante Graciel , Cely Ingrid , Butte Atul , Blanpain Cédric , Stanley Sarah , Lusis Aldons , Yang Xia , Rajbhandari Prashant
Published: February 2022

Sympathetic activation during cold exposure increases adipocyte thermogenesis via the expression of mitochondrial protein uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)1. The propensity of adipocytes to express UCP1 is under a critical influence of the adipose microenvironment and varies among various fat depots 2-7. Here we report that cold-induced adipocyte UCP1 expression in a female mouse subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) is regulated by mammary gland ductal epithelial cells in the adipose niche. Single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) show that under cold condition glandular alveolar and hormone-sensing luminal epithelium subtypes express transcripts that encode secretory factors involved in regulating adipocyte UCP1 expression. We term mammary duct secretory factors as “mammokines”. Using whole-tissue immunofluorescence 3D visualization, we reveal previously undescribed sympathetic nerve-ductal points of contact and show that sympathetic nerve-activated mammary ducts limit adipocyte UCP1 expression via cold-induced mammokine production. Both in vivo and ex vivo ablation of mammary ductal epithelium enhances cold-induced scWAT adipocyte thermogenic gene program. The mammary duct network extends throughout most scWATs in female mice, which under cold exposure show markedly less UCP1 expression, fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and subcutaneous fat mass loss compared to male mice. These results show a previously uncharacterized role of sympathetic nerve-activated glandular epithelium in adipocyte thermogenesis. Overall, our findings suggest an evolutionary role of mammary duct luminal cells in defending glandular adiposity during cold exposure, highlight mammary gland epithelium as a highly active metabolic cell type, and implicate a broader role of mammokines in mammary gland physiology and systemic metabolism.
Estimation of Monthly Mean Global Solar Radiation Over Semi-arid Region, Kadapa Using Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Sankarayogi Pavankumari , Annareddy Ramanjula Reddy , Awasthi Amit , Gugamsetty Balakrishnaiah , Pulla Sankar Narayana , Yadiki Nazeer Ahammed
Published: February 2022

To accomplish the best operation of available solar energy, it is important to estimate the incident solar radiation over the specific region. The present study focuses on the estimation of solar radiation by using mathematical modelling. For that purpose, monthly average daily global solar radiations are estimated based on different parameters like minimum and maximum temperature, sunshine hour, and relative humidity. The location selected for this study is Kadapa ((14.47ºN, 78.87º E, and 138m asl) Southern part of India. The study period is from April 2016 to October 2018. The study focuses particularly on models based on the relative sunshine (S/S0) and clearness index (kt). The clearness index and relative sunshine were high in December (1.058±0.002 and 0.968±0.005) and low in July (0.952±0.05 and 0.734±0.072). The estimated clearness index based on sunshine models is best correlated with the calculated clearness index values. In temperature and relative humidity-based models the hybrid parameter-based models are better correlated with the single parameter based-models.
A Details study on: Developing Biodegradable Plastics from Potato starch with enhanced physico-mechanical properties
Authors: Momotaz Farhana , Hasan Naimul , Sarkar Aniruddha
Published: February 2022

Plastic is very much indestructible even after a long period of time in the environment as it is mainly a derivative of strongly bonded long-chain petrochemical-based materials. Nowadays, plastic wastes have become an environmental hazard. However, a Starch based bio plastic can be a solution of this problem. Starch is a natural biopolymer having mainly two types of polymer glucose. In this research work, a biodegradable plastic is developed form potato starch. The advantages of starch-based plastic are its abundance and low cost. However, most of the starch-based materials exhibit very poor physico-mechanical properties like low tensile-tear strength, high stiffness, elongation at break and poor moisture stability. Improvement of starch-based bio-plastic properties is being attempted through starch modification, reinforcements (both organic and inorganic), processing conditions, and use of compatibilizers to develop substitutes for conventional plastics. The physic-mechanical properties of the biodegradable plastic have been ameliorated through some well designed processes. Several tests have been conducted on the biodegradable plastic as well as on the regular plastic in order to make a comparative study between them. Test results showed a very promising start for the biodegradable plastic for becoming the alternative of regular non-biodegradable plastics.
Leaves and roots of in vitro cultured Withania coagulans adopt different pathways for withanolide biosynthesis: a comparative transcriptome study
Authors: Gupta Swati , Bohra Manoj Kumar , Sharma Kalpna , Kachhwaha Sumita , Kothari Shanker Lal , Jain Rohit
Published: February 2022

Trasncscriptome sequencing of leaves (WcL) and roots (WcR) of micropropagated W. coagulans plantlets was done to identify the putative gens involved in the withanolide biosynthesis under in vitro growth conditions, which produced 8.08 and 6.35 GB of raw reads, assembled into 292,074 and 16,474 high quality (HQ) reads, out of which 267,119 and 15,758 unigenes were identified in WcL and WcR, respectively. Further, 40.6% WcL and 55.05% WcR unigenes were annotated using more than one database. Metabolic process and cellular components were identified as dominant categories in gene ontology. 20,927 WcL and 2,474 WcR unigenes were mapped to different biological pathways. KEGG classification aided in identification of genes involved in biosynthesis of withanolide precursor, 24-methylenecholesterol. All the genes related to withanolide precursor biosynthesis were present only in WcL, indicating de novo biosynthesis of withanolides, while absence of some rate limiting enzymes in WcR suggests biosynthesis of withanolides through salvage pathways. GTs, MTs and CYP450s were identified as putative genes involved in conversion of 24-methylenecholesterol to different withanolides. Differential expression of these genes further revealed details of enzymes involved in biosynthesis of tissue-specific withanolides. Further, withanolide profiling through HPLC analysis ascertained the differential biosynthesis and accumulation of withanolides in both the tissues and confirmed salvage biosynthesis of withanolides due to their lesser/negligible quantities in roots. Therefore, the present study can be fruitful for future research and product development of W. coagulans through pathway engineering. Moreover, the SSRs identified in this study can be used in marker assisted breeding and selection of biochemically elite varieties of W. coagulans.
Understanding Flood Damage To Economic Activities In Italy From Post-Event Records
Authors: Galliani Marta , Molinari Daniela , Ballio Francesco , Carisi Francesca , Domeneghetti Alessio , Brath Armando , Menduni Giovanni , Sterlacchini Simone , Zazzeri Marco
Published: February 2022

The evaluation of flood impacts to economic activities is characterized by obstacles like the paucity of available data to characterise the enterprises, the lack of high-quality data to derive new models or validate existing ones, and the high variability of activity types which hampers generalisation. This study contributes at improving knowledge about types and extent of impacts of flood events on economic activities through the analysis of empirical data, focusing on direct damage and with specific reference to the Italian context. The collaboration among different research groups allowed to collect around a thousand of observed damage records after four flood events in Italy: the inundations that occurred in the town of Lodi (Lombardia Region) in 2002, in Sardegna Region in 2013, and in the Emilia-Romagna Region caused by the Secchia (2014) and Enza (2017) Rivers. The analysis of these data lead to a better knowledge of the types of losses suffered by economic activities, to a representation of damage composition and to the computation of reference damage values. Such a result supports the identification of the more vulnerable elements within the business sector as well as the estimation of the order of magnitude of potential damage, orienting modellers’ and decision-makers’ choices.
Reversible Coloring/Decoloring Reactions of Thermochromic Leuco Dyes Controlled by a Macrocyclic Compound Developer
Authors: Sriphal Sanguansak , Saenkham Audchara , Chaodongbung Tawatchai , Wanno Banchob , kaewtong chatthai , Pattavarakorn Datchanee
Published: February 2022

In this study, we examine macrocyclic compounds to determine whether they can provide a safer replacement and stable complex for BPA in thermochromic dyes. To achieve this objective, a series of macrocyclic compounds, Methyl-N-benzylhexahomo-triazacalix[3]arene (MeAC3), p-Chloro-N-benzylhexahomo-triazacalix[3]arene (ClAC3), α-Cyclodexdrin (a-CD), β-Cyclodexdrin (β-CD). p-tert-Butylthiacalix[4]arene (TC4), Calix[4]arene (C4) and Resorcin[4]arene (RC4) were synthesized. Among these macrocyclic compounds, RC4 was determined to be the most appropriate candidate to replace BPA as the developer material used in thermochromic dyes. In tests of prepared thermochromic dyes, RC4 had results similar to those of BPA, achieving the best protonation/deprotonation equilibria and providing a dark contrast with the thermochromic dye. DFT calculations also showed stable complexes between RC4 and CVL via hydrogen-bond interactions.
Generating Synthetic Mixed-type Longitudinal Electronic Health Records for Artificial Intelligent Applications
Authors: Li Jin , Cairns Benjamin , Li Jingsong , Zhu Tingting
Published: February 2022

The recent availability of electronic health records (EHRs) have provided enormous opportunities to develop artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. However, patient privacy has become a major concern that limits data sharing across hospital settings and subsequently hinders the advances in AI. Synthetic data, which benefits from the development and proliferation of generative models, has served as a promising substitute for real patient EHR data. However, the current generative models are limited as they only generate single type of clinical data, i.e., either continuous-valued or discrete-valued. In this paper, we propose a generative adversarial network (GAN) entitled EHR-M-GAN which synthesizes mixed-type timeseries EHR data. EHR-M-GAN is capable of capturing the multidimensional, heterogeneous, and correlated temporal dynamics in patient trajectories. We have validated EHR-M-GAN on three publicly-available intensive care unit databases with records from a total of 141,488 unique patients, and performed privacy risk evaluation of the proposed model. EHR-M-GAN has demonstrated its superiority in performance over state-of-the-art benchmarks for synthesizing clinical timeseries with high fidelity. Notably, prediction models for outcomes of intensive care performed significantly better when training data was augmented with the addition of EHR-M-GAN-generated timeseries. EHR-M-GAN may have use in developing AI algorithms in resource-limited settings, lowering the barrier for data acquisition while preserving patient privacy.
The effect of CARD11 mutation and HBZ expression accelerated lymphoproliferative diseases and formed the pathological basis for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Shimoda Kazuya , Kameda Takuro , Shide Kotaro , Kamiunten Ayako , Kogure Yasunori , Morishita Daisuke , Koya Junji , Tahira Yuki , Akizuki Keiichi , Yokomizo-Nakano Takako , Kubota Sho , Marutsuka Kosuke , Sekine Masaaki , Hidaka Tomonori , Kubuki Yoko , Yoda Akinori , Ohshima Takayuki , Sugiyama Midori , Sashida Goro , Kataoka Keisuke , Ogawa Seishi
Published: February 2022

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). In addition to HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), a leukemogenic antisense transcript of HTLV-1, abnormalities of genes involved in TCR-NF-κB signaling such as CARD11 have been detected in about 90% of patients. Utilizing mouse models with T cell-specific CARD11(E626K) expression and/or CD4+ T cell-specific HBZ expression, namely CARD11(E626K)CD4-Cre mice, HBZ transgenic (Tg) mice, and CARD11(E626K)CD4-Cre;HBZ Tg compound mice, we clarified the effect of these genes on pathogenesis. Both CARD11(E626K)CD4-Cre and HBZ Tg mice developed lymphoproliferative disease, and the compound mice showed accelerated disease and increased CD4+ T cells in vivo. CARD11(E626K) and HBZ cooperatively activated the NF-κB non-canonical pathway, IRF4 targets, and cell proliferation. Most of the KEGG and HALLMARK gene sets, which are enriched in acute-type ATL, were also enriched in the compound mice, indicating that these genes cooperatively form the pathological basis for ATL development.
Prevalence, Parents’ Hesitancy, and Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Children: A Multi-Country Study From the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Khatatbeh Moawiah , Albalas Samir , Khatatbeh Haitham , Momani Waleed , Melhem Omar , Omari Omar Al , Tarhini Zeinab , A’aqoulah Ashraf , Al-Jubouri Mohammed , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Adwan Ghaleb , Altaany Zaid , Nashwan Ayat , Al-Waqfi Khaled , Abuirsheid Lujain , Ayasreh Raghad , Mutairi Mohammed Al , Al-Tammemi Ala'a B.
Published: February 2022

Background: Huge efforts are being made to control the spread and impacts of the coronavirus pandemic using vaccines. However, willingness to be vaccinated depends on factors beyond the availability of vaccines. The aim of this study was three-folded: to assess the prevalence of children’s vaccination against COVID-19, to explore parents’ attitudes towards children’s vaccination, and to discover the factors associated with parents’ hesitancy towards children’s vaccination in several countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. A sample of 3744 parents from eight countries, namely, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was conveniently approached and surveyed using Google forms. The participants have responded to a 42-item questionnaire pertaining to socio-demographics, children vaccination status, knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, and attitudes towards vaccinating children and the vaccine itself. Results: The prevalence of vaccinated children against COVID-19 was 32% as indicated by the parents. Concerning parents’ attitudes towards vaccines safety, about one third of participants (32.5%) believe that all vaccines are not safe. In the regression analysis, children’s vaccination was significantly correlated with parents’ age, education, occupation, parents’ previous COVID-19 infection, and their vaccination status. Participants aged ≥50 years and those aged 40-50 years had an odds ratio of 17.9 (OR=17.9, CI: 11.16-28.97) and 13.2 (OR=13.2, CI: 8.42-20.88); respectively, for vaccinating their children compared to those aged 18-29 years. Parents who had COVID-19 vaccine were about five folds more likely to vaccinate their children compared with parents who did not receive the vaccine (OR=4.9, CI: 3.12-7.70). The prevalence of children’s vaccination in the participating Arab countries is still not promising. Conclusion: To encourage parents, vaccinate their children against COVID-19, Arab governments should strategize accordingly. Reassurance of the efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine should target the general population using educational campaigns, social media, and official TV and radio channels.
Aphid-ant Relationships: The Role of Cuticular Hydrocarbons and Different Chemical Stimuli
Authors: El-Harairy Amged , Borbély Csaba , Jósvai Júlia Katalin , El-Harairy Ahmed Osama , Markó Viktor
Published: February 2022

In ant-aphid interactions, various aphid species offer honeydew to the ant partner and increase their density by ant attendance, whilst others are never attended by ant species, in which case ants tend to treat them as prey. In this regard, ants should have the capability to distinguish myrmecophile aphid species from not mutualistic species, and consequently mutualistic aphids have to be accepted as partners rather than prey. Based on previous studies it is known that ants use the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) pattern of aphids to distinguish mutualistic and non-mutualistic species, but it is unclear, whether the capability to recognize their partners from mutualistic aphid species is innate or depends on learning. Therefore We investigated the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of four myrmecophile aphid species ( Aphis pomi , Aphis spiraecola , Dysaphis devecta , Dysaphis plantaginea ) using GC-MS. Then we investigated the behaviour of the ants workers ( Lasius niger L., Hymenoptera: Formicidae) towards the different chemical stimuli deriving from the aphids. We applied four treatments: real Aphis pomi individuals; total extract of the CHC profile of Aphis pomi; sucrose solution, and untreated control. The behaviour of the ant workers was different towards the source between the treatments: the real aphid and the sugar solution proved to be the most attractive to the ants, and the presence of pure extract of the individuals is enough to disturb the behaviour of the ants. We provide evidence that the key stimuli of the tending behaviour could be the CHC patterns of the aphids and the CHC profile of aphids tend to be genus-specific. This research will promote further investigations to test the behavior of ant workers towards other species of aphids and treatment combinations.
Bioaugmentation of ensiled Caragana korshinskii Kom. with a rapid start-up Pediococcus acidilactici and cellulases: Fermentation profiles, bacterial community composition and enzymatic saccharification
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Wang Musen , Samaila Usman , Li Fuhou , Bai Jie , Zhang Jiayao , Guo Xusheng
Published: February 2022

The present study investigated the effects of Pediococcus acidilactici and an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme on fermentation profile, structural carbohydrates degradation, enzymatic saccharification, and dynamics of the bacterial community of Caragana korshinskii silage. Chopped C. korshinskii was either not treated (control) or treated with P. acidilactici (PA) at 100,000 colony-forming units/g fresh weight; Acremonium cellulase (AC) at 0.3 g/kg fresh weight; or a combination of P. acidilactici and Acremonium cellulase (PA+AC). Each treatment was prepared in quadruplicate and ensiled in mini-silo bags for 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 d, respectively. After 60 d of ensiling, all additives increased lactic acid and acetic acid concentrations (P < 0.001) and decreased propionic acid, non-protein nitrogen (NPN), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations (P < 0.001) compared with the control. Meanwhile, the highest lactic and acetic acids and lowest non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) (P < 0.001) were observed in PA+AC treated silage. In addition, the application of additives decreased the silage pH values during the early-to-mid stage (3 to 30 d) with the PA+AC group having the lowest value. Compared with the control, all treatments increased ferulic acid concentration and degradation of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) at 60 d, meanwhile, the highest values (P < 0.05) were obtained from PA+AC silage. PA treatment exhibited a lower performance in the degradation of structural carbohydrates but performed the best in glucose yield and cellulose conversion (P < 0.05). The bacterial community in all silages consisted mainly of P. acidilactici over the entire fermentation process, and the highest abundance of 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase was observed in PA treated-silage at the mid-later stage of ensiling. These results indicate that pretreating C. korshinskii improved its silage quality and potential use as a lignocellulosic feedstock for the production of bio-product and biofuel.
Effect of Pioglitazone on Expression of Interleukin-17A, Toll-like receptor 2, Inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 and Arginase 1 in Alzheimeric-model of rats Brain.
Authors: Jahanshahi Mehrdad , Chari Parisa Rahimi , Memarian Ali , Elyasi Leila
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Neuroinflammation is actively involved in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and it is one of the primary and permanent features of Alzheimer's disease. PPARγ receptors are widely distributed in the brain and it is very important for learning. Agonists of this receptor such as pioglitazone can have beneficial effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the effect of pioglitazone (PPARγ pathway agonist) on gene expression of Toll-like receptor 2, interleukin A, inducible nitric oxide synthase 2, and arginase-1 in the hippocampus Alzheimer's model of male rats was investigated.Methods: In this study, 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of seven. The groups include control, Alzheimer's Sham group scopolamine (3 mg/ kg) +DMSO, and three groups receiving scopolamine+ pioglitazone with doses 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg for 12 days. All injections are intraperitoneal. In the end, hippocampal tissue was extracted to evaluate the expression of the desired genes by Real-time PCR and finally, SPSS software was used for statistical analysis of data.Results: It was observed that the gene expression of Toll-like receptor 2, interleukin A and inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 in the Sco+DMSO group increased compared to the control group (except in the arginase-1 gene) and also the gene expression of these factors in the groups receiving pioglitazone decreased compared to the Sco+DMSO (except in the arginase-1 gene).Conclusion: Pioglitazone can decrease the gene expression of Toll-like receptor 2, interleukin A and inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 and increase the gene expression of arginase-1 in the rat brain. So pioglitazone is useful for the reduction of inflammation in the brain.