bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital tools for optimizing the educational process of a modern university under quarantine restrictions
Authors: Bachynska Nadiia , Klymenko Oksana , Novalska Tetiana , Salata Halyna , Kasian Vladyslav , Tsilyna Maryna
Published: April 2022

The educational situation, which resulted from the announced self-isolation regime, intensified the forced decisions on the organization of the distance educational process. The study is topical because of the provision of distance learning based on the experience of Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. The study was conducted in three stages. Systemic, socio-communicative, competence approaches, sociological methods (questionnaires and interviews) were chosen as methodological tools of the research. The results of a survey of teachers and entrants to higher education institutions on the topic “Using social networks and digital platforms for online classes under the conditions of quarantine restrictions” allowed to scientifically substantiate the need for deeper knowledge of such tools as Google Meet (79%), Zoom (13.78%) and Google Classroom (11.62%), which are preferred by entrants. Almost a third of entrants (34.26%) noted the lack of scientific and methodological support for learning the subjects. The study showed high efficiency of messengers in distance education. The study found that in the process of organizing communication in the student-teacher system, it is necessary to take into account the priority of Telegram on the basis of which it is necessary to implement a chatbot for convenient and effective exchange of information about the educational process. Further research should focus on the effectiveness of the use of Telegram. The effectiveness of using chatbots should also be considered. Chatbots can be used to automate routine components of the learning process.
Linguistic innovations in the educational process of universities
Authors: Tieliezhkina Olesia , Naumenko Liana , Zhyglo Oksana , Babkina Маiya , Voloshyn Mariia
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of the article is to study the main features and prospects of linguistic innovations in the educational process of universities. An important distinguishing feature of the current stage of development, characterized by the integration and globalization of the world system in various spheres of human life and activity, is the expanding process of informatization. In the conditions of the information society, modern information and communication technologies are a vital professional tool, the mastery of which determines the need of a person as a specialist in the labor market. New economic conditions determine the type of communication in which a person must master at least one foreign language. Practical knowledge of a foreign language is one of the most important characteristics of a specialist of any profile. Therefore, linguistic education occupies one of the leading positions in the general system of education and professional training of specialists. As a result of the study, the relevance of introducing linguistic innovations in the educational process of universities, as well as the main mechanisms of these processes, was analyzed
The unity and interrelation of the educational, upbringing, and developmental functions of the learning process in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Koreneva Inna , Havryliuk Nataliia , Lihus Valentyn , Chorna Hanna , Liulchak Svitlana
Published: April 2022

The article deals with the problem of unity and interrelation of educational, educative, and developmental functions of the educational process in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors substantiated the productivity of the attempt to study the unity and interrelation of educational, upbringing, and developmental functions of the educational process under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors used a survey of 189 respondents, scientific and pedagogical workers of higher education, as an experimental method of research: National University of Culture and Arts (Kyiv, Ukraine); Vinnytsia Institute of Trade and Economics of Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, (Vinnytsia, Ukraine); Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University (Vinnytsia, Ukraine); Zaporizhia National University (Zaporizhia, Ukraine); Alexander Dovzhenko Hlukiv (National Pedagogical University) (Hlukiv, Ukraine). The problem of the unity of educational, upbringing, and developmental function of the learning process in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic was considered based on the elaborated sources of foreign and domestic scientists. An empirical study was carried out, which helped to determine the situation in 2021 in retrospect of the considered problem. It is concluded that the unity and interrelation of educational, pedagogical, and developing functions of the learning process in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic are the key factors of identity formation because its formation is possible only in the context of dialogical and man-centered models of education, where it is fully possible to take into account the anthropological characteristics of man, in particular his need for dialogue as communication. The authors point out that in the article scientific and pedagogical employees prefer the distance form of education because they believe that it is possible to use more various platforms and services for training and education of higher education applicants. The data of the empirical study showed that the majority of educators believe that the educational function of the learning process under the COVID-19 pandemic has changed for the better because the applicants have become more self-organized and disciplined, tired and eager to learn new material through various Internet resources. It has been observed that academic educators show indicators of improvement in their competencies during practice in the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that educators use a variety of online tools to work with applicants, such as: Zoom, Classtime, Google Meet, and others.
Psychological and pedagogical features: the use of digital technology in a blended learning environment
Authors: Volkova Nataliia , Poyasok Tamara , Symonenko Svitlana , Yermak Yuliia , Varina Hanna , Rackovych Anna
Published: April 2022

The article highlights the problems of the digitalization of the educational process, which affect the pedagogical cluster and are of a psychological nature. The authors investigate the transformational changes in education in general and the individual beliefs of each subject of the educational process, caused by both the change in the format of learning (distance, mixed), and the use of new technologies (digital, communication). The purpose of the article is to identify the strategic trend of the educational process, which is a synergistic combination of pedagogical methodology and psychological practice and avoiding dialectical opposition of these components of the educational space. At the same time, it should be noted that the introduction of digital technologies in the educational process allows for short-term difficulties, which is a usual phenomenon for innovations in the educational sphere. Consequently, there is a need to differentiate the fundamental problems and temporary shortcomings that are inherent in the new format of learning (pedagogical features). Based on the awareness of this classification, it is necessary to develop psychological techniques that will prevent a negative reaction to the new models of learning and contribute to a painless moral and spiritual adaptation to the realities of the present (psychological characteristics). The methods used in the study are divided into two main groups: general-scientific, which investigates the pedagogical component (synergetic, analysis, structural and typological methods), and general-scientific, which are characterized by psychological direction (dialectics, observation, and comparative analysis). With the help of methods disclosed psychological and pedagogical features of the process of digitalization of education in a mixed learning environment. The result of the study is to develop and carry out methodological constants that will contribute to the synergy for the new pedagogical components (digital technology) and the psychological disposition to their proper use (awareness of the effectiveness of new technologies). So, the digitalization of education has demonstrated its relevance and effectiveness in the pedagogical dimension in the organization of blended and distance learning under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. The task of the psychological cluster is to substantiate the positive aspects of the digitalization of the educational process.
The contribution of child education on the social skills’ repertory of children of 4 and 5 years old
Authors: Vieira Sara Tannus , Kraemer Celso
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to comprehend the effects of the pedagogical proposals and socioeconomic contexts on the repertoire of social skills of children of 4 and 5 years old from two Child Education institutions, one public and one private from the city of Ipiaú-Bahia. The methodological path was inspired in exploratory and qualitative research. The data was generated through the analysis of the Political Pedagogical Project of each institution, field journal and semi structured interview. The informations generated through field and documental research, from the categories: Child Education, social skills and socioeconomic context allowed to know the potentialities, the gaps and the contradictions of the theme of social skills in Child Education in that context. The results of the researches indicate that the notion of social skills is relatively new in the area of education and less spread. As much in educational reality as in legislation, social skills, even not being recognized and worked as such are present in an indirect way. It was also verified that there is no distinction between the repertory of social skills from children enrolled in Child Education in distinct socioeconomic and pedagogic proposals. The repertory of social skills of the children is influenced by the familiar, educational and religious context, by the social support nets, and others.
The main aspects of teaching in the context of the development of the educational environment and culture at universities
Authors: Taran Ganna , Chornomordenko Dmytro , Bondarenko Nataliia , Bohatyrov Danylo , Spiridonov Mykola
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of the article is to study the main aspects of teaching in the context of the development of the educational environment and culture at universities. At all times and in all cultural traditions, there was a special respect for the teacher. After all, a teacher is not only a carrier and distributor of knowledge, but also an educator of value and moral guidelines in a person's life. Thus, it can be said that a teacher/educator/ is a kind of "educator of the soul" of a person. With this in mind, it is the role of the teacher that is key in the process of organizing the educational environment and culture at the university. For this, general theoretical and specific methods of theoretical research of the most advanced literary sources were used. In addition, a survey was conducted among students of a higher educational institution about the role a teacher plays in the process of organizing the educational environment and culture at the university. As a result of the study, the main aspects of teaching in the context of the development of the educational environment and culture at universities were analyzed and systematized.
Digital teaching competences for m-learning in basic education
Authors: Sonego Anna Helena Silveira , Behar Patricia Alejandra
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to present the teaching digital skills necessary for the development of m-learning in basic education. These skills help in planning school activities, creating possibilities for teaching and learning through mobile devices. A case study was carried out during a distance extension course offered to 40 professors, belonging to two public universities in the south of the country, with 20 participants from each institution. Data collection was carried out in 2021/1, for 6 weeks, through activities available in the virtual learning environment Rooda, including the mapping of digital teaching skills. As a result, eight digital teaching skills for m-learning were identified. These are pointed out by the course participants and considered relevant to guide teachers both in planning and in teaching practices with the use of mobile devices, enhancing the teaching and learning process of students and innovation in basic education.
Formation of ecological competence of future biology teachers in the process of professional training
Authors: Maryna Khrolenko , Olesya Mehem , Iryna Kushakova , Iryna Kurilchenko
Published: April 2022

The article highlights the issue of forming the ecological competence of the future biology teacher, based on global violations of the global ecosystem, the devaluation of the importance of preserving the environment, its resources, role in life and human health. It is emphasized that the sustainable development of society involves determining the value priorities of establishing the responsibility of each individual citizen and society as a whole for the consequences of environmental activities in order to preserve and protect the environment. The importance of continuous environmental education, in particular in pedagogical educational institutions, has been established.
WITHDRAWN: PLK1 is a potential prognostic factor associated with the tumor microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Lina , Gao Man , Sun Dongjie , Wu Haitao , Lv Shuang , Qian Xiaoli , Li Yulin , Li Lisha
Published: April 2022

More than 40% of lung cancers are lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) worldwide. However, the prognosis of LUAD is poor for the lack of effective treatment methods. Our study identified PLK1 as a novel prognosis biomarker and treatment target for LUAD. Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from 551 LUAD cases were analyzed for the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. To explore the biological pathways and the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and the CIBERSORT, as well as to analyze DEGs, a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and Cox regression analysis were performed. Validation of DEGs was achieved through quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunoblotting. DEGs associated with the cell cycle were sorted out. Cell cycle scores were positively correlated with age, clinical stages, and metastasis, and negatively correlated with overall survival of LUAD patients. PPI and Cox analyses showed that PLK1 could be a prognostic factor for LUAD patients. CIBERSORT analysis revealed a positive correlation between the transcription level of PLK1 and the function of CD8+ and activated memory CD4+ T cells, as well as a negative correlation with activated natural killer cells. Furthermore, PLK1 overexpression increased immune cytotoxicity, as measured by the cytolytic activity score, IFN- score, and IFN- level. There is a strong correlation between PLK1 and key features of TICs, indicating its potential as a promising prognostic biomarker for LUAD.
Analysis of lacrimal duct morphology from cone-beam CT dacryocystography in a Japanese population
Authors: Nakamura Jutaro , Kamao Tomoyuki , Mitani Arisa , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Shiraishi Atsushi
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The morphology and inclination of the lacrimal duct differ among individuals and ethnic groups. We used cone-beam CT dacryocystography (CBCT-DCG) to measure several parameters of the lacrimal duct in a Japanese population.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the CBCT-DCG images of 102 cases diagnosed with unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) at Ehime University Hospital from December 2015 to May 2021. We investigated the following parameters of the lacrimal duct on the contralateral side of unilateral PANDO: 1) the angle formed by the superior orbital rim–internal common punctum–nasolacrimal duct opening, 2) the angle formed by the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct, 3) the length of the lacrimal sac, 4) the length of the nasolacrimal duct.Results: The measurements of the above parameters were as follows: 1) 10.2 ± 7.8° (range, −11° to +27°); 2) −6.3 ± 14.1° (range, −43° to +40°); 3) 8.9 ± 2.3 mm (range, 4.3–17.1); 4) 13.2 ± 2.7 mm (range, 5.7–20.7). Of these parameters, values of all except 3) followed a normal distribution.Conclusions:We reported anthropometric data analyzing the morphology of the lacrimal ducts using CBCT-DCG in a Japanese population.
New Formulas for the Trigonometry of Isosceles Triangles
Authors: King Noah
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses a new formula to solve for the angle of isosceles triangles given proportion of differentiated unequivalent 'base' edge length versus the always equivalent 'leg' edges. The equation is equal to the arcsine of (X/2), the net result of the series multiplied by two. This formula is to be called ‘isn^-1(x)’, short for inverse isosceles sine equivalent. Also discussed is the non-inverse ‘isn(x)’ which is the cyclic function which is determined to correspond as the equivalent of the classic sine formula to isosceles triangles. The formula set is clearly superior and powerful at calculating the angle and measure of any given obtuse or acute triangle of an unclassified type, as well as unifying a simplest-fit formula across all types of triangle.
Relationship between Extra-long Interpregnancy Interval and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Chinese Women
Authors: Zeng Miss Jinmei , Chen Riling , He Jieyun , Liang Dongmei , Zhao Xinyu , Lian Tingyu , Yin Mingjuan , Ma Xingyu , Luo Xiaowen , Pan Xueyan , Liao Jia , Zhang Lei , Pan Haiyan , Ni Jindong
Published: April 2022

Background Since China implemented the one-child policy in September 1980 to the full opening of the two-child policy in January 2016, the 35 year one-child policy has made many women choose to have a second child after many years, resulting in a group of women with extra-long interpregnancy interval (IPI). Objective To investigate the association between extra-long interpregnancy interval and adverse perinatal outcomes stratified by maternal age at childbearing in the index pregnancy. Methods A retrospective cohort study on women experiencing their second delivery between 2017 and 2018 in a maternal and child health hospital was conducted. Maternal age at delivery was divided into women aged 20–34 years, women aged 35–39 years and women aged 40 and older. Interpregnancy interval (IPI) was defined as the interval between the date of a live birth and the start of the subsequent pregnancy. IPI ≥180 months was defined as extra-long IPI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the adverse perinatal outcomes in different IPI groups, and compared with the predicted risks at 24–59, 60–119, 120–179, and 180-month IPI, with the 12–23-month interval serving as a reference. Results After adjusting for age, occupation, marital status, educational level, multiple abortion history (3 times or more), history of spontaneous abortion and history of cesarean section, the rate of gestational diabetes mellitus increased with increasing IPI in all maternity groups, among them IPI 120-179 months (aRRs 1.52, 95% CI 1.10–2.10) and IPI ≥ 180 months (aRRs 1.58, 95% CI 1.06–2.34), but this phenomenon does not exist after stratification by age. With regard to premature rupture of membrane, an increased risk was reported for mothers with IPI of 24–59 months (aRRs 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.06), IPI of 60-119 months (aRRs 1.47, 95% CI 1.00–2.15), IPI of 120–179 months (aRRs 1.70, 95% CI 1.12–2.58), and IPI ≥ 180 months (aRRs 2.08, 95% CI 1.27–3.40) in all maternity groups. And an increased risk of premature rupture of membrane was reported for mothers with IPI of 60–119 months (aRRs 1.83, 95% CI 1.13–2.97) and IPI of 120–179 months (aRRs 3.30, 95% CI 1.40–7.74) in women aged 20-34. However, the effects of extra-long IPI on adverse perinatal outcomes did not significantly differ among women aged 35 years or older. Conclusions These results indicate that long IPI (60–179 month) is an independent risk factor for premature rupture of membranes. Extra-long IPI (≥180 months) was not associated with an increase in major morbidity, but extra-long IPI often coexists with advanced age, so we still need to pay attention to the maternal risk factors associated with extra-long IPI.
WITHDRAWN: Utility of MRI with QSM in Motor Neuron Disease
Authors: Warner DO Robin
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Currently, we use brain MRI quantitative susceptibility mapping analysis (QSM) to examine susceptibility in the motor cortex, correlating with iron deposition, which is typically increased in motor neuron disease. Familial ALS is most commonly due to the C9ORF72 and SOD1 genes. Pathology studies have demonstrated more protein aggregates in the cerebellum and temporal lobes in C9ORF72 ALS, and more protein aggregates in the frontal and temporal lobes in SOD1 ALS. Other means of looking for protein are not established. We designed a study to retrospectively assess the MRI/QSM correlation with motor neuron disease severity, as measured by MRC, FVC, El Escorial criteria and ALSFRS-R. We also looked for regional changes in genetic ALS patients.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all motor neuron disease patients seen in Neurology at Hospital for Special Surgery from 2013 through 2018 who had MRI with QSM. One neuroradiologist examined the scans and quantified relative susceptibility. We collected values for ALSFRS-R, FVC, El Escorial diagnosis, and sum of MRC, where documented.Results: Although there is a significant difference between patients with Definite ALS by El Escorial criteria (43.8 ppb) and ‘normal,’ QSM failed to correlate with ALSFRS-R, FVC, or sum of MRC. Further, we found no distinguishing abnormalities in the brain MRIs of the genetic ALS patients reviewed. QSM of the motor cortices and corticospinal tracts showed qualitative increase in susceptibility, which is not unique to type of ALS.Discussion: MRI/QSM may not be useful in distinguishing ALS patients by severity or mutation. It may be useful to distinguish ALS from mimic syndromes. This could be because the amount of protein aggregation may not be directly related to axonal loss, or that it affects certain neurons/ tracts more than others.
Zur Bedeutung von Augmented Reality im Mathematikunterricht der Sekundarstufen
Authors: Beckmann Astrid
Published: April 2022

Für den Mathematikunterricht der Sekundarstufen fehlt bisher eine detaillierte Einordnung von Augmented Reality (AR) aus mathematikdidaktischer Sicht. Das vorliegende Paper möchte einen Beitrag dazu leisten, diese Lücke zu schliessen. Zentrale unterrichtsrelevante Aspekte wie ein angemessenes Bild von Mathematik einschliesslich Modellieren, Begriffserwerb und das offene Aufgabenformat sind Ausgangspunkt der Untersuchung. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass räumliches Veranschaulichen und die Einbindung von digitalen Inhalten in interaktive Arbeitsblätter wichtige Möglichkeiten darstellen. Darüber hinaus gibt es Chancen, insbesondere beim Thema Modellieren, aber auch Grenzen von AR im Mathematikunterricht.
Stingless Bees Pollination Increases Fruit Formation of Strawberry (Fragaria x annanassa Duch) and Melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Tri Atmowidi  , Taruni S. Prawasti  , Puji Rianti  , Fikrunnia A. Prasojo  , Nalendra B. Pradipta
Published: April 2022

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas in the world. Stingless bees are potential pollinator to increase yield of various crops species. We measured the pollination effectiveness of stingless bees, i.e., Tetragonula laeviceps in strawberry (Fragaria x annanassa) and Heterotrigona itama in melon (Cucumis melo) in the greenhouse. Pollination effectiveness of stingless bees were measured based on their visiting activities, i.e., foraging rate and flower handling time using focal sampling method. Measurements of fruit set consist of the number of fruits per plant, the number of normal and abnormal fruits, and the size and weight of fruits. Results showed that visiting activity of T. laeviceps in strawberry flowers ranged 2.33–2.73 flowers/3 min, while H. itama in melon flowers ranged 1.77–7.12 flower/3 min. Peak activities of H. itama in melon (7.12 flowers/3 min) occurred at 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., while T. laeviceps in strawberry (2.73 flowers/3 min) occurred at 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. Pollination by T. laeviceps increased 78.9% of fruit formation and reduced 16.7% of abnormal fruits of strawberry. In melon, ratio between female and male flowers was 0.03. The number of fruits produced in melon with T. itama (6.1 fruits/plant) was higher than in open field (2.6 fruits/plant) and control plants (no pollination) (0.2 fruits/plant). Pollination by H. itama increased fruit formation of melon.
Bacillus cereus for Controlling Bacterial Heart Rot in Pineapple var. MD2
Authors: Naimah Husin  , Zaiton Sapak
Published: April 2022

Bacterial heart rot (BHR) disease caused by pathogenic bacteria, Dickeya zeae, is one of the destructive diseases of pineapple worldwide. This study explored the potential of Bacillus cereus against the BHR pathogen in vitro and in vivo. The BHR causal pathogen was isolated from symptomatic pineapple plants, demonstrating water-soaked and rotten basal tissues. Biological control agent (BCA) was isolated from asymptomatic pineapple leaves, later confirmed as B. cereus, and subsequently tested for the antagonistic activity against the BHR pathogen via disc diffusion assay and glasshouse trial. B. cereus showed the ability to inhibit the growth of BHR pathogen with 18.10 ± 0.36 mm of inhibition zone in diameter. The ability of B. cereus against the BHR pathogen was further confirmed via the glasshouse trial with five treatments. The results showed that treatments with B. cereus inoculation recorded lower disease severity index of 0.04 ± 0.01 than the positive control treatment with pathogen alone (0.53 ± 0.04). This finding indicated that B. cereus has a great potential as BCA against BHR disease in pineapple var. MD2, however, the effectiveness of this isolate needs to be further tested under actual field conditions.

 

Penyakit reput teras (BHR) yang disebabkan oleh bakteria patogen, Dickeya zeae, ialah salah satu penyakit yang merosakkan tanaman nanas di seluruh dunia. Kajian ini mengkaji potensi Bacillus cereus sebagai agen kawalan penyakit BHR secara in vitro dan in vivo. Patogen BHR dipencilkan daripada tumbuhan nanas yang mempunyai simptom penyakit seperti tisu daun menjadi lepuh, berair dan busuk. Ejen kawalan biologi diasingkan daripada daun nanas yang tidak mempunyai penyakit, dan dikenal pasti sebagai sebagai B. cereus, dan seterusnya diuji untuk aktiviti antagonis terhadap patogen BHR melalui melalui ujian disc diffusion dan penelitian di rumah kaca. B. cereus menunjukkan keupayaan untuk menghalang pertumbuhan patogen BHR dengan 18.10 ± 0.36 mm diameter zon perencatan. Keupayaan B. cereus terhadap patogen BHR telah disahkan lagi melalui penelitian di rumah kaca dengan lima rawatan. Keputusan menunjukkan rawatan dengan inokulasi B. cereus mencatatkan indeks keterukan penyakit yang lebih rendah sebanyak 0.04 ± 0.01 daripada rawatan kawalan positif dengan patogen sahaja (0.53 ± 0.04). Penemuan ini menunjukkan bahawa B. cereus mempunyai potensi yang besar sebagai BCA terhadap penyakit BHR dalam varian nanas MD2, bagaimanapun, keberkesanan pengasingan ini perlu diuji lagi di bawah keadaan lapangan sebenar.
Addition of Molasses Ameliorates Water and Bio-Floc Quality in Shrimp Pond Water
Authors:   The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany, Alfiansah Yustian Rovi ,   Research Center for Oceanography, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Pasir Putih I, Ancol Timur, Jakarta Utara, 14430 Indonesia,   Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, Bremen, 28359, Germany, Harder Jens ,   Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI), Celsiusstraße 1, Bremen, 28359 Germany, Slater Matthew James ,   Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, Bremen, 28359, Germany, Gärdes Astrid ,   The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, Bremerhaven, 27570, Germany,   Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, Bremen, 28359, Germany
Published: April 2022

Suspended particulate matter, phytoplankton and bacteria can be exploited to form larger aggregates, so-called bio-flocs. These serve as feeds for cultured shrimps, govern inorganic nutrients and load bacteria including pathogens. The current study aimed to simulate aggregate formation from available particulate matter in shrimp pond water and investigate quality of aggregates as well as possible impact to the pond water. Molasses was added to cylindrical tanks containing shrimp pond waters, and the tanks were rolled for 48 h. Besides water quality (inorganic nutrients and physical parameters), the researchers investigated and separated bacterial community compositions (BCC) to free-living (FL) and bio-flocs/particle-attached (PA) bacteria via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and measured macro-molecules contents (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) in the bio-flocs. Molasses addition increased bacterial numbers in the bio-flocs to two-fold higher than the FL’s. Moreover, potential probiotics such as Halomonas, Psychrobacter, Mesonia and Chromohalobacter were detected associated to bio-flocs and dominated the BCC. In contrast, bio-flocs without molasses showed 4-fold less carbohydrates and harboured elevated potential pathogens such as Vibrio and Alteromonas. Results show that molasses (at C/N ratio 1:2) increases pH (to 8.2 ± 0.09 and 8.0 ± 0.04 after 24 h and 48 h, respectively) in pond water, improving beneficial biofloc formation. Molasses also increased carbohydrates and proteins in bio-flocs and maintained abundances of beneficial bacteria resulting in low inorganic nutrient concentrations. Thus, molasses is suitable for shrimp farming to improve rearing processes.
Ruthenium Metallotherapeutics: Novel Approaches to Combatting Parasitic Infections
Authors: Britten Nicole S. , Butler Jonathan A.
Published: April 2022

Human parasitic infections cause a combined global mortality rate of over one million people per annum and represent some of the most challenging diseases for medical intervention. Current chemotherapeutic strategies often require prolonged treatment, coupled with subsequent drug-induced cytotoxic morbidity to the host, while resistance generation is also a major concern. Metals have been used extensively throughout the history of medicine, with more recent applications as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Ruthenium metallotherapeutic antiparasitic agents are highly effective at targeting a range of key parasites, including the causative agents of malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, toxoplasmosis and other orphan diseases, while demonstrating lower cytotoxicity profiles than current treatment strategies. Generally, such compounds also demonstrate activity against multiple cellular target sites within parasites, including inhibition of enzyme function, cell membrane perturbation, and alterations to metabolic pathways, therefore reducing the opportunity for resistance generation. This review provides a comprehensive and subjective analysis of the rapidly developing area of ruthenium metal- based antiparasitic chemotherapeutics, in the context of rational drug design and potential clinical approaches to combatting human parasitic infections.
The Influence of Mitochondrial Energy and 1C Metabolism on the
Efficacy of Anticancer Drugs: Exploring Potential Mechanisms of
Resistance
Authors: Franczak Marika , Toenshoff Isabel , Jansen Gerrit , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Giovannetti Elisa , Peters Godefridus J.
Published: April 2022

Mitochondria are the main energy factory in living cells. To rapidly proliferate
and metastasize, neoplastic cells increase their energy requirements. Thus, mitochondria
become one of the most important organelles for them. Indeed, much research shows the
interplay between cancer chemoresistance and altered mitochondrial function. In this review,
we focus on the differences in energy metabolism between cancer and normal cells
to better understand their resistance and how to develop drugs targeting energy metabolism
and nucleotide synthesis. One of the differences between cancer and normal cells is
the higher nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level, a cofactor for the tricarboxylic
acid cycle (TCA), which enhances their proliferation and helps cancer cells survive
under hypoxic conditions. An important change is a metabolic switch called the Warburg
effect. This effect is based on the change of energy harvesting from oxygen-dependent
transformation to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), adapting them to the tumor environment.
Another mechanism is the high expression of one-carbon (1C) metabolism enzymes.
Again, this allows cancer cells to increase proliferation by producing precursors
for the synthesis of nucleotides and amino acids. We reviewed drugs in clinical practice
and development targeting NAD+, OXPHOS, and 1C metabolism. Combining novel drugs
with conventional antineoplastic agents may prove to be a promising new way of anticancer
treatment.
S-Allylcysteine (SAC) Exerts Renoprotective Effects via Regulation of TGF-
β1/Smad3 Pathway Mediated Matrix Remodeling in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Samynathan Ramkumar , Subramanian Umadevi , Venkidasamy Baskar , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Chung Ill-Min , Thiruvengadam Muthu
Published: April 2022

Background: S-Allylcysteine (SAC), an organosulfur phytochemical sourced from aged garlic extract,
is well known for its varied biomedical applications, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification
mechanisms. Despite this, the scientific findings on the defensive impact of SAC against kidney failure
(KF) are still unclear. Therefore, in the current investigation, the animal model of KF was induced by adenine
in Wistar rats, and the animals were divided into four groups as control, KF induction using adenine, SAC treated
KF rats for an experimental duration of 8 weeks.

Methods: KF progression was assessed by various serum and tissue markers, and the results demonstrated that
the renal functions’ markers, KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1), cystatin, NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated
lipocalin), were found increased in adenine-treated rats compared to control. In addition, the inflammatory
markers, matrix proteins, and fibrosis signatures explicated by RT-PCR, ELISA demonstrated a profound increase.
On the other hand, rats received SAC mitigated KF considerably (p < 0.001) with restored cellular functions.
Besides, SAC pre-treatment abrogated the cytokines and pro-inflammatory signals (COX-2 and PGE2) in
a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion: Furthermore, the fibrosis signaling markers mediators, such as SMAD-2,-3 were increased with associated
matrix proteins. Thus, the present study substantiated that SAC possesses a significant renoprotective
effect that might have been demonstrated by the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
Applications of Nanotechnology-based Approaches to Overcome Multi-drug
Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Kalave Sana , Hegde Namita , Juvale Kapil
Published: April 2022

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the
major treatments used for the management of cancer. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major hindrance faced in
the treatment of cancer and is also responsible for cancer relapse. To date, several studies have been carried out
on strategies to overcome or reverse MDR in cancer. Unfortunately, the MDR reversing agents have been proven
to have minimal clinical benefits, and eventually, no improvement has been made in therapeutic efficacy to
date. Thus, several investigational studies have also focused on overcoming drug resistance rather than reversing
the MDR. In this review, we focus primarily on nanoformulations regarded as a novel approach to overcome
or bypass the MDR in cancer. The nanoformulation systems serve as an attractive strategy as these nanosized
materials selectively get accumulated in tumor tissues, thereby improving the clinical outcomes of patients
suffering from MDR cancer. In the current work, we present an overview of recent trends in the application
of various nano-formulations, belonging to different mechanistic classes and functionalization like carbon
nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, carbon nanospheres, liposomes, dendrimers, etc., to overcome MDR in cancer.
A detailed overview of these techniques will help researchers in exploring the applicability of nanotechnologybased
approaches to treat MDR.
Captopril and Spironolactone can Attenuate Diabetic Nephropathy in Wistar Rats
by Targeting ABCA1 and microRNA-33
Authors: Ghaffari Tina , Moradi Nariman , Chamani Elham , Ebadi Zahra , Fadaei Reza , Alizadeh-Fanalou Shahin , Yarahmadi Sahar , Fallah Soudabeh
Published: April 2022

Background:

Nephropathy diabetes is one of the important causes of death and a more prevalent
cause of end-stage renal disease.

Objective:

The present study investigated the effect of applying spironolactone and captopril and their combination
on some renal performance indices and cholesterol-efflux-related gene expression in nephropathy diabetic
rats.

Methods:

Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in rats. FBS, creatinine, and
BUN were assayed using the calorimetry technique; also, urine microalbumin was assayed by ELISA. Hepatic
gene expressions of ABCA1, ABCG1, and miR-33 were evaluated by the real-time PCR method.

Results:

FBS levels in the captopril-treated group were significantly decreased compared with the untreated diabetic
group. BUN levels of treated groups with captopril and a combination of captopril + spironolactone were
significantly increased. GFR of both treated diabetic groups with captopril and spironolactone was significantly
lower than an untreated diabetic group. ABCA1 gene expression in hepatic cells of the combination of spironolactone
+ captopril treated group was significantly increased compared to other treated and untreated diabetic
groups. The hepatic expression of the ABCG1 gene in the treated and untreated diabetic groups was significantly
lower than in the control group. Treatment of the diabetic group with only combination therapy decreased the
hepatic gene expression of miR-33 significantly.

Conclusion:

Obtained results suggest that S+C combination therapy can improve nephropathy and diabetes
disorders by targeting the ABCA1 and miR-33 gene expression. It is suggested that miR-33 and ABCA1 genes
evaluation could be a new therapeutic strategy for nephropathy diabetes remediation.
Impact of MiRNAs and LncRNAs on Multidrug Resistance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Wu Yiwen , Xie Zhizhong , Hu Haihong , Lei Xiaoyong , Niu Dun , Li Shiyan , Tuo Lu
Published: April 2022

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is characterized by the resistance of tumor cells to some
antitumor drugs with different structures and mechanisms after the use of a single chemotherapy
drug or even the first use of the drug. Notably, MDR has become the largest obstacle to the success
of gastric cancer chemotherapies. Non-coding RNAs are defined as a class of RNAs that do not
have the ability to code proteins. They are widely involved in important biological functions in life
activities. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrated that ncRNAs are closely related to human cancers,
including gastric cancer. However, the relationship between ncRNAs and MDR in gastric
cancer has been reported, yet the mechanisms are not fully clarified. Therefore, in this review, we
systematically summarized the detailed molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs (long noncoding
RNAs) and miRNAs (microRNAs) associated with MDR in gastric cancer. Additionally, we
speculate that the abnormal expression of ncRNAs is likely to be a novel potential therapeutic target
reversing MDR for gastric cancer. Future therapeutics for gastric cancer will most likely be
based on noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate MDR-related genes.
A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacologic Perspective on Loop Diuretic Drug
Interactions with Therapeutically Used Drugs
Authors: Maideen Naina Mohamed Pakkir , Balasubramanian Rajkapoor , Muthusamy Sudha
Published: April 2022

Background:

Loop diuretics help to manage the patients with edema associated with congestive heart
failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease and hypertension. The patients taking loop diuretics may receive other medications
to treat comorbidities leading to drug interactions.

Methods:

The literature was searched in databases such as Medline/PMC/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library,
Science Direct, EMBASE, Web of science, Ebsco, Directory of open access journals (DOAJ) and reference
lists were used to spot relevant articles using keywords Drug interactions, Pharmacodynamic interactions, Loop
diuretics, Bumetanide, Ethacrynic acid, Furosemide, and Torsemide.

Results:

Loop diuretics are associated with hypokalemia, ototoxicity and other adverse effects. The drugs affected by
hypokalemia and having the potential of inducing ototoxicity could interact with loop diuretics pharmacodynamically.
Loop diuretics can interact with drugs such as amphotericin B, digoxin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
(ACE inhibitors), antidiabetic drugs, antifungal agents, dobutamine, gossypoland sotalol due to diuretic associated
hypokalemia. In addition, the risk of ototoxicity could be enhanced by the concomitant use of loop diuretics and
cisplatin, aminoglycoside antibiotics or phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. Loop diuretics may also interact
pharmacodynamically with drugs like cephalosporins, ceritinib, levothyroxine, pixantrone, probenecid, lithium, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sulfonylureas and herbal drugs.

Conclusion:

Clinicians, pharmacists and other health care providers should take responsibility for the safe use of
medications. In addition, they are required to be aware of the drugs interacting with loop diuretics to prevent adverse
drug interactions.
Exploring Nose to Brain Nano Delivery for Effective Management of
Migraine
Authors: Tanna Vidhi , Sawarkar Sujata P. , Ravikumar Padmini
Published: April 2022

Migraine is a disabling disease characterized by severe throbbing headaches. Patients demand
quick relief from this pain. The presence of the blood-brain barrier does not permit the drug to
penetrate the brain effectively. Administration of conventional anti-migraine medications via oral route
leads to erratic absorption of drugs. Delayed gastric emptying is also responsible for the ineffective
absorption of the drug. Migraine-induced nausea and vomiting further limit patient compliance to oral
medication. Other limitations associated with the oral route include extensive first-pass metabolism,
slow onset of action, inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, requirement of a large amount of
dose/dosage, and frequent administration. The anti-migraine drugs used in migraine, such as triptans,
are therapeutically effective but have low bioavailability on oral administration. Also, these drugs are
associated with several cardiovascular complications. The oral dose of most antimigraine drugs, oral
triptans, Ergotamine, NSAIDs, and CGRP antagonists is quite high because of their poor bioavailability.
As a result, these drugs are associated with several side effects. This aspect necessitates the need to
develop a dosage form that can deliver drugs directly to the brain, thereby reducing the dose. Invasive
techniques to deliver these therapeutics to the brain do exist. However, they are painful, require expert
assistance, and are not a cost-effective approach for migraine treatment. These limitations demand the
development of a novel non-invasive approach that is safe, efficacious, and has high patient compliance.
According to reports, it is possible to target the brain tissue by administering the drug intranasally using
the olfactory and the trigeminal pathway. This route is non-invasive, avoids first-pass metabolism, eliminates
nausea and vomiting, helps reduce dose, and thus helps achieve increased patient compliance.
Some factors like solubility, the lipophilicity of the drug, mucociliary clearance, and enzymatic degradation
hinder the bioavailability of the drug by nasal route. Therefore, there is a grave need to develop
novel nasal formulations with prolonged nasal residence time, which can modulate pharmacokinetics
for adequate therapeutic response and render efficient yet robust brain targeting. Considering these challenges,
developing an efficient intranasal dosage form is necessary. This review gives a brief overview
of all the novel carriers reported for improving the treatment of migraine. Nanocarrier-based delivery
systems like in-situ gels, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, nanoparticles, vesicular systems, micelles, and
microspheres used in nose to brain delivery of migraine therapeutics are also discussed in the article.
Curcumin and Paclitaxel Co-loaded Heparin and Poloxamer P403 Hybrid Nanocarrier for Improved Synergistic Efficacy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc The , Nguyen Dinh Trung , Bui Quynh Anh , Huynh Phuong Duy , Nguyen Quang Huy , Tran Ngoc Quyen , Viet Nguyen Thanh
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Multi-drug nanosystem has been employed in several therapeutic models due
to the synergistic effect of the drugs and/or bioactive compounds, which help in tumor targeting and
limit the usual side effects of chemotherapy.

Methods:

In this research, we developed the amphiphilic Heparin-poloxamer P403 (HSP) nanogel that
could load curcumin (CUR) and Paclitaxel (PTX) through the hydrophobic core of Poloxamer P403.
The features of HSP nanogel were assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR),
transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential light scattering (DLS), and critical micelle concentration
(CMC). Nanogel and its dual drug-loaded platform showed high stability and spherical morphology.

Results:

The drug release profile indicated fast release at pH 5.5, suggesting effective drug distribution
at the tumor site. In vitro research confirms lower cytotoxicity of HSP@CUR@PTX compared to free
PTX and higher inhibition effect with MCF-7 than HSP@PTX. These results support the synergism
between PTX and CUR.

Conclusion,:

HSP@CUR@PTX suggests a prominent strategy for achieving the synergistic effect of
PTX and CUR to circumvent undesirable effects in breast cancer treatment.