bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction is associated with hypothalamic damage in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma
Authors: Jung Hae Woon , Kim Hwa Young , Kim Ji Young , Cheon Jung-Eun , Kim In-One , Kim Seung-Ki , Shin Choong Ho , Yang Sei Won , Lee Young Ah
Published: February 2021

Background

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is implicated in the development of hypothalamic obesity. We investigated the relationship between hypothalamic involvement (HI), central obesity, and cardiac autonomic dysfunction by assessing heart rate variability (HRV) indices in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 48 patients (28 males, 10–30 years old) with hypothalamic damage after childhood-onset craniopharyngioma was performed. Postoperative HI was graded as mild (n = 19) or extensive (n = 29) on magnetic resonance imaging. Anthropometry, body composition and HRV indices including the standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and total power (TP) as overall variability markers, root-mean square differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD) and high frequency (HF) as parasympathetic modulation markers, and low frequency (LF) as a sympathetic/sympathovagal modulation marker were measured.

Results

Patients with extensive HI had increased means of body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass than those with mild HI (P < 0.05, for all). Centrally obese patients had a lower mean HF, a parasympathetic modulation marker, than centrally non-obese patients (P < 0.05). The extensive HI group had lower means of overall variability (SDNN and TP), parasympathetic modulation (HF), and sympathetic/sympathovagal modulation (LF) than the mild HI group (P < 0.05, for all). The interaction effect of HI and central obesity on HRV indices was not significant. In models adjusted for age, sex, and family history of cardiometabolic disease, the means of the overall variability indices (P < 0.05 for both SDNN and TP) and a sympathetic/sympathovagal modulation index (P < 0.05 for LF) were lower with extensive HI, without differences according to central obesity.

Conclusions

The reduced HRV indices with extensive HI suggests that hypothalamic damage may contribute to cardiac autonomic dysfunction, underscoring the importance of minimizing hypothalamic damage in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma.
Implementation status of national tuberculosis infection control guidelines in Bangladeshi hospitals
Authors: Nazneen Arifa , Tarannum Sayeeda , Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Amin , Islam Mohammad Tauhidul , Islam S. M. Hasibul , Ahmed Shahriar , Banu Sayera , Islam Md Saiful
Published: February 2021

In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation to reduce healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) exposure to tuberculosis (TB) in health settings, congregate settings, and households, the national TB control program of Bangladesh developed guidelines for TB infection prevention and control (IPC) in 2011. This study aimed to assess the implementation of the TB IPC healthcare measures in health settings in Bangladesh. Between February and June 2018, we conducted a mixed-method study at 11 health settings. The team conducted 59 key-informant interviews with HCWs to understand the status of and barriers impeding the implementation of the TB IPC guidelines. The team also performed a facility assessment survey and examined TB IPC practices. Most HCWs were unaware of the national TB IPC guidelines. There were no TB IPC plans or committees at the health settings. Further, a presumptive pulmonary TB patient triage checklist was absent in all health settings. However, during facility assessment, we observed patient triaging and separation in the TB specialty hospitals. Routine cough-etiquette advice was provided to the TB patients mentioned during the key-informant interviews, which was consistent with findings from the survey. This study identified poor implementation of TB IPC measures in health settings. Limited knowledge of the guidelines resulted in poor implementation of the recommendations. Interventions focusing on the dissemination of the TB IPC guidelines to HCWs along with regular training may improve compliance. Such initiatives should be taken by hospital senior leadership as well as national policy makers.
Visual properties of human retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Reinhard Katja , Münch Thomas A.
Published: February 2021

The retinal output is the sole source of visual information for the brain. Studies in non-primate mammals estimate that this information is carried by several dozens of retinal ganglion cell types, each informing the brain about different aspects of a visual scene. Even though morphological studies of primate retina suggest a similar diversity of ganglion cell types, research has focused on the function of only a few cell types. In human retina, recordings from individual cells are anecdotal or focus on a small subset of identified types. Here, we present the first systematic ex-vivo recording of light responses from 342 ganglion cells in human retinas obtained from donors. We find a great variety in the human retinal output in terms of preferences for positive or negative contrast, spatio-temporal frequency encoding, contrast sensitivity, and speed tuning. Some human ganglion cells showed similar response behavior as known cell types in other primate retinas, while we also recorded light responses that have not been described previously. This first extensive description of the human retinal output should facilitate interpretation of primate data and comparison to other mammalian species, and it lays the basis for the use of ex-vivo human retina for in-vitro analysis of novel treatment approaches.
Does birth weight affect neonatal body weight, growth, and physiology in an animal model?
Authors: Adjerid Khaled , Mayerl Christopher J. , Gould Francois D. H. , Edmonds Chloe E. , Stricklen Bethany M. , Bond Laura E. , German Rebecca Z.
Published: February 2021

Infant birth weight affects neuromotor and biomechanical swallowing performance in infant pig models. Preterm infants are generally born low birth weight and suffer from delayed development and neuromotor deficits. These deficits include critical life skills such as swallowing and breathing. It is unclear whether these neuromotor and biomechanical deficits are a result of low birth weight or preterm birth. In this study we ask: are preterm infants simply low birth weight infants or do preterm infants differ from term infants in weight gain and swallowing behaviors independent of birth weight? We use a validated infant pig model to show that preterm and term infants gain weight differently and that birth weight is not a strong predictor of functional deficits in preterm infant swallowing. We found that preterm infants gained weight at a faster rate than term infants and with nearly three times the variation. Additionally, we found that the number of sucks per swallow, swallow duration, and the delay of the swallows relative to the suck cycles were not impacted by birth weight. These results suggest that any correlation of developmental or swallowing deficits with reduced birth weight are likely linked to underlying physiological immaturity of the preterm infant.
30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery: Influence of postoperative factors
Authors: Blanco Juan F. , da Casa Carmen , Pablos-Hernández Carmen , González-Ramírez Alfonso , Julián-Enríquez José Miguel , Díaz-Álvarez Agustín
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The 30-day mortality rate after hip fracture surgery has been considered as an indirect indicator of the quality of care. The aim of this work is to analyse preoperative and postoperative factors potentially related to early 30-day mortality in patients over 65 undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

Prospective cohort study including all consecutive primary hip fracture patients over 65 admitted to Trauma and Orthopaedics department from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Bed-ridden, non- surgically treated patients, and high energy trauma or tumoral aetiology fractures were excluded. A total of 943 patients were eligible (attrition rate: 2.1%). Follow-up included 30-days after discharge. We noted the 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery, analysing 130 potentially related variables including biodemographic, fracture-related, preoperative, and postoperative clinical factors. Qualitative variables were assessed by χ2, and quantitative variables by non-parametric tests. Odds ratio determined by binary logistic regression. We selected preventable candidate variables for multivariate risk assessment by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 923 patients were enrolled (mean age 86.22±6.8, 72.9% women). The 30-day mortality rate was 6.0%. We noted significant increased mortality on men (OR = 2.381[1.371–4.136], p = 0.002), ageing patients (ORyear = 1.073[1.025–1.122], p = 0.002), and longer time to surgery (ORday = 1.183[1.039–1146], p<0.001), on other 20 preoperative clinical variables, like lymphopenia (lymphocyte count <103/μl, OR = 1.842[1.063–3.191], p = 0.029), hypoalbuminemia (≤3.5g/dl, OR = 2.474[1.316–4.643], p = 0.005), and oral anticoagulant intake (OR = 2.499[1.415–4.415], p = 0.002), and on 25 postoperative clinical variables, like arrhythmia (OR = 13.937[6.263–31.017], p<0.001), respiratory insufficiency (OR = 7.002[3.947–12.419], p<0.001), hyperkalaemia (OR = 10.378[3.909–27.555], p<0.001), nutritional supply requirement (OR = 3.576[1.894–6.752], p = 0.021), or early arthroplasty dislocation (OR = 6.557[1.206–35.640], p = 0.029). We developed a predictive model for early mortality after hip fracture surgery based on postoperative factors with 96.0% sensitivity and 60.7% specificity (AUC = 0.863).

Conclusion

We revealed that not only preoperative, but also postoperative factors have a great impact after hip fracture surgery. The influence of post-operative factors on 30-day mortality has a logical basis, albeit so far they have not been identified or quantified before. Our results provide an advantageous picture of the 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery.
Rifampin-resistant/multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Alberta, Canada: Epidemiology and treatment outcomes in a low-incidence setting
Authors: Edwards Brett D. , Edwards Jenny , Cooper Ryan , Kunimoto Dennis , Somayaji Ranjani , Fisher Dina
Published: February 2021

Treatment of rifampin-monoresistant/multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) requires long treatment courses, complicated by frequent adverse events and low success rates. Incidence of RR/MDR-TB in Canada is low and treatment practices are variable due to the infrequent experience and challenges with drug access. We undertook a retrospective cohort study of all RR/MDR-TB cases in Alberta, Canada from 2007–2017 to explore the epidemiology and outcomes in our low incidence setting. We performed a descriptive analysis of the epidemiology, treatment regimens and associated outcomes, calculating differences in continuous and discrete variables using Student’s t and Chi-squared tests, respectively. We identified 24 patients with RR/MDR-TB. All patients were foreign-born with the median time to presentation after immigration being 3 years. Prior treatment was reported in 46%. Treatment was individualized. All patients achieved sputum culture conversion within two months of treatment initiation. The median treatment duration after culture conversion was 18 months (IQR: 15–19). The mean number of drugs utilized during the intensive phase was 4.3 (SD: 0.8) and during the continuation phase was 3.3 (SD: 0.9) and the mean adherence to medications was 95%. Six patients completed national guideline-concordant therapy, with many patients developing adverse events (79%). Treatment success (defined as completion of prescribed therapy or cure) was achieved in 23/24 patients and no acquired drug resistance or relapse was detected over 1.8 years of median follow-up. Many cases were captured upon immigration assessment, representing important prevention of community spread. Despite high rates of adverse events and short treatment compared to international guidelines, success in our cohort was very high at 96%. This is likely due to individualization of therapy, frequent use of medications with high effectiveness, intensive treatment support, and early sputum conversion seen in our cohort. There should be ongoing exploration of treatment shortening with well-tolerated, efficacious oral agents to help patients achieve treatment completion.
Target spike patterns enable efficient and biologically plausible learning for complex temporal tasks
Authors: Muratore Paolo , Capone Cristiano , Paolucci Pier Stanislao
Published: February 2021

Recurrent spiking neural networks (RSNN) in the brain learn to perform a wide range of perceptual, cognitive and motor tasks very efficiently in terms of energy consumption and their training requires very few examples. This motivates the search for biologically inspired learning rules for RSNNs, aiming to improve our understanding of brain computation and the efficiency of artificial intelligence. Several spiking models and learning rules have been proposed, but it remains a challenge to design RSNNs whose learning relies on biologically plausible mechanisms and are capable of solving complex temporal tasks. In this paper, we derive a learning rule, local to the synapse, from a simple mathematical principle, the maximization of the likelihood for the network to solve a specific task. We propose a novel target-based learning scheme in which the learning rule derived from likelihood maximization is used to mimic a specific spatio-temporal spike pattern that encodes the solution to complex temporal tasks. This method makes the learning extremely rapid and precise, outperforming state of the art algorithms for RSNNs. While error-based approaches, (e.g. e-prop) trial after trial optimize the internal sequence of spikes in order to progressively minimize the MSE we assume that a signal randomly projected from an external origin (e.g. from other brain areas) directly defines the target sequence. This facilitates the learning procedure since the network is trained from the beginning to reproduce the desired internal sequence. We propose two versions of our learning rule: spike-dependent and voltage-dependent. We find that the latter provides remarkable benefits in terms of learning speed and robustness to noise. We demonstrate the capacity of our model to tackle several problems like learning multidimensional trajectories and solving the classical temporal XOR benchmark. Finally, we show that an online approximation of the gradient ascent, in addition to guaranteeing complete locality in time and space, allows learning after very few presentations of the target output. Our model can be applied to different types of biological neurons. The analytically derived plasticity learning rule is specific to each neuron model and can produce a theoretical prediction for experimental validation.
The basic reproduction number can be accurately estimated within 14 days after societal lockdown: The early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic in Denmark
Authors: Valentin Jan Brink , Møller Henrik , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: February 2021

Objective

Early identification of the basic reproduction number (BRN) is imperative to political decision making during an epidemic. In this study, we estimated the BRN 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after societal lockdown of Denmark during the early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Method

We implemented the SEIR dynamical system for disease spread without vital dynamics. The BRN was modulated using a sigmoid function. Model parameters were estimated on number of admitted patients, number of patients in intensive care and cumulative number of deaths using the simulated annealing Monte Carlo algorithm. Results are presented with 95% prediction intervals (PI).

Results

We were unable to determine any reliable estimate of the BRN at 7 days following lockdown. The BRN had stabilised at day 14 throughout day 28, with the estimate ranging from 0.95 (95% PI: 0.92–0.98) at day 7 to 0.92 (95% PI: 0.92–0.93) at day 28. We estimated the BRN prior to lockdown to be 3.32 (95% PI: 3.31–3.33). The effect of the lockdown was occurring over a period of a few days centred at March 18th (95% PI: 17th-18th) 2020.

Conclusion

We believe our model provides a valuable tool for decision makers to reliably estimate the effect of a politically determined lockdown during an epidemic.
Albumin and the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio: Biomarkers for the acute phase response following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Amaro Emilie , Moore-Lotridge Stephanie N. , Wessinger Bronson , Benvenuti Michael A. , An Thomas J. , Oelsner William K. , Polkowski Gregory G. , Schoenecker Jonathan G.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) lead to patient morbidity and cost. While acute phase reactants, such as c-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, have been used to predict complications following TKA, the extent and duration of changes in albumin levels following TKA are unknown. It is hypothesized that like CRP and fibrinogen, albumin, and the fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR) represent useful measures of the acute phase response (APR) following TKA. The purpose of this study was to describe the longitudinal course of albumin and FAR in healthy patients following TKA, relative to established biomarkers, and examine if the variance in albumin or FAR correlates with patient comorbidities.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing TKA at a tertiary medical center. CRP, fibrinogen, and albumin values were collected pre- and post-operatively. An age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was utilized as a measure of patient comorbidity status.

Results

The median preoperative albumin value was 4.3 g/dL, which dropped to 3.6 g/dL on postoperative day 1 following TKA. The albumin value returned to 93% of the baseline by postoperative week 2. The course of albumin inversely mirrored the course of CRP (r = -0.41). Median preoperative FAR was 0.087 g/L, which rose to 0.130 g/L by postoperative week 2 and returned to baseline by postoperative week 6. While preoperative FAR strongly correlated with postoperative week 2 values (r = 0.74), there was a weak positive correlation between age-adjusted CCI and pre-operative FAR (r = 0.24) in patients undergoing primary TKA.

Conclusion

Albumin levels follow a predictable postoperative decline that inversely correlates with CRP in healthy patients following TKA. Given the low cost and abundance of laboratories offering albumin levels, direct albumin levels and/or albumin ratios such as FAR may be underutilized biomarkers for monitoring the APR following TKA.
Lack of association between heart period variability asymmetry and respiratory sinus arrhythmia in healthy and chronic heart failure individuals
Authors: De Maria Beatrice , Dalla Vecchia Laura Adelaide , Maestri Roberto , Pinna Gian Domenico , Parati Monica , Perego Francesca , Bari Vlasta , Cairo Beatrice , Gelpi Francesca , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Porta Alberto
Published: February 2021

Temporal asymmetry is a peculiar aspect of heart period (HP) variability (HPV). HPV asymmetry (HPVA) is reduced with aging and pathology, but its origin is not fully elucidated. Given the impact of respiration on HPV resulting in the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the asymmetric shape of the respiratory pattern, a possible link between HPVA and RSA might be expected. In this study we tested the hypothesis that HPVA is significantly associated with RSA and asymmetry of the respiratory rhythm. We studied 42 middle-aged healthy (H) subjects, and 56 chronic heart failure (CHF) patients of whom 26 assigned to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II (CHF-II) and 30 to NYHA class III (CHF-III). Electrocardiogram and lung volume were monitored for 8 minutes during spontaneous breathing (SB) and controlled breathing (CB) at 15 breaths/minute. The ratio of inspiratory (INSP) to expiratory (EXP) phases, namely the I/E ratio, and RSA were calculated. HPVA was estimated as the percentage of negative HP variations, traditionally measured via the Porta’s index (PI). Departures of PI from 50% indicated HPVA and its significance was tested via surrogate data. We found that RSA increased during CB and I/E ratio was smaller than 1 in all groups and experimental conditions. In H subjects the PI was about 50% during SB and it increased significantly during CB. In both CHF-II and CHF-III groups the PI was about 50% during SB and remained unmodified during CB. The PI was uncorrelated with RSA and I/E ratio regardless of the experimental condition and group. Pooling together data of different experimental conditions did not affect conclusions. Therefore, we conclude that the HPVA cannot be explained by RSA and/or I/E ratio, thus representing a peculiar feature of the cardiac control that can be aroused in middle-aged H individuals via CB.
Role of ivermectin in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in India: A matched case-control study
Authors: Behera Priyamadhaba , Patro Binod Kumar , Singh Arvind Kumar , Chandanshive Pradnya Dilip , S. R. Ravikumar , Pradhan Somen Kumar , Pentapati Siva Santosh Kumar , Batmanabane Gitanjali , Mohapatra Prasanta Raghab , Padhy Biswa Mohan , Bal Shakti Kumar , Singh Sudipta Ranjan , Mohanty Rashmi Ranjan
Published: February 2021

Background

Ivermectin is one among several potential drugs explored for its therapeutic and preventive role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study was aimed to explore the association between ivermectin prophylaxis and the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers.

Methods

A hospital-based matched case-control study was conducted among healthcare workers of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, India, from September to October 2020. Profession, gender, age and date of diagnosis were matched for 186 case-control pairs. Cases and controls were healthcare workers who tested positive and negative, respectively, for COVID-19 by RT-PCR. Exposure was defined as the intake of ivermectin and/or hydroxychloroquine and/or vitamin-C and/or other prophylaxis for COVID-19. Data collection and entry was done in Epicollect5, and analysis was performed using STATA version 13. Conditional logistic regression models were used to describe the associated factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

Ivermectin prophylaxis was taken by 76 controls and 41 cases. Two-dose ivermectin prophylaxis (AOR 0.27, 95% CI, 0.15–0.51) was associated with a 73% reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers for the following month. Those involved in physical activity (AOR 3.06 95% CI, 1.18–7.93) for more than an hour/day were more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection. Type of household, COVID duty, single-dose ivermectin prophylaxis, vitamin-C prophylaxis and hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion

Two-dose ivermectin prophylaxis at a dose of 300 μg/kg with a gap of 72 hours was associated with a 73% reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers for the following month. Chemoprophylaxis has relevance in the containment of pandemic.
Forma-memoria poliuretano biobateragarriak
Authors: Sierra Saioa , Veloso Antonio
Published: February 2021

Plastikoak gero eta gehiago erabiltzen diren materialak dira biomedikuntzaren arloan, baina beharrezkoa da material horiek arlo honetako zenbait kasutan erabiltzeko biobateragarriak izatea. Horren ondorioz, ezinbesteko erronka da plastiko biobateragarrien garapena. Poliuretanoak oso konposatu erabiliak dira, dituzten aldakortasun eta aplikazio ugariei esker. Horien artean, forma-memoria duten poliuretanoak daude. Horiek estimulu baten aurrean forma aldatzeko gaitasuna dute, eta, horrela, erabilgarriak izan daitezke beste polimero batzuekin lortu ezin diren aplikazioetan. Bestalde, garrantzitsua da materialen biobateragarritasuna eta toxikotasuna ezagutzea eta aztertzea, kutsadura murrizteko helburuarekin. Izan ere, gaur egun, oraindik garapen handia falta da ingurumena kaltetzen ez duten materialen sintesian. Lan honetan, biobateragarriak diren forma-memoria poliuretanoetan sakonduko da.
Hiperestentsioa: kontinenteen apurketa ulertzeko eredu berri bat
Authors: Ladron de Guevara Martin , Bodego Arantxa , Iriarte Eneko
Published: February 2021

Kontinenteen apurketa luzaroan ikertu den prozesu geologikoa da. Rifting deritzon prozesu horrek milioika urte irauten ditu, eta kontinente-ertzetan, mendikateetan eta bestelako ingurune geologikoetan topatzen dira fenomeno tektoniko horren aztarnak. Plaka tektonikoen banaketaren interpretazioa, ordea, eboluzionatuz doa ikertzaileen ulermenaren eta aurrerapen teknologikoen arabera. Hiperestentsioaren ideia da interpretazio horren azken berrikuntza. Ideia hori litosfera kontinentalaren deformazio polifasikoan barneratzen da, litosferaren muturreko luzapenean oinarrituz, hain zuzen. Ertz egonkorretan eta gerriko orogenikoetan identifikaturiko egitura geologiko eta eremu estruktural bereizgarriek ahalbidetzen dute fenomeno horren bilakaeraren nolakotasuna definitzea. Magman txiroak bezala ezagutzen diren ertz egonkorretako eremu horiek dira hurbileko domeinua, necking domeinua, urruneko domeinua edo hiperluzatua eta kanpoko domeinua. Domeinu horietako bakoitza riftingaren deformazio faseekin lotzen da; fase horiek litosfera kontinentalaren luzapena, mehetzea, mantuaren azaleratzea eta lurrazal ozeanikoaren zabaltzea dira. Esan bezala, iraganean hiperluzatutako arroetan ari da garatzen ikerketa, eta hipotesi horren bitartez ulertzen hasia da, honezkero, Euskokantauriar arroa (EKA) barneratzen duen Iberia eta Eurasia arteko Mesozoikoko rift-sistemaren garapena. Urteetan arroan bildutako datuek, behintzat, horretara bultzatzen dute. Pirinioen mendebaldean deskribaturiko mantuaren azaleratzeak eta arroan deskribaturiko hamaika prozesuk indartu dute Kretazeoko riftingean hiperestentsioak izan zezakeen garrantzia; azken horrek, gainera, garai hartako EKAren eboluzio geologikoaren paradigma argitu dezake.
Aldibereko teknika biologikoen bitartezko lurzoru kutsatuen erremediazioa
Authors: Urionabarrenetxea Erik , Garcia-Velasco Nerea , Anza Mikel , Artetxe Unai , Lacalle Rafael , Garbisu Carlos , Becerril Txema , Soto Manu
Published: February 2021

Gaur egun ugariak dira mundu mailan zein Euskal Herrian jarduera antropikoek kutsatuta dauden edo kutsatuta egon daitezkeen lurrak. Metal astun edo elementu organikoekin kutsatuta dauden lurzoru horiek erremediatzeko teknikak anitzak eta izaera ezberdinekoak dira. Alde batetik, erremediazio-teknika fisiko-kimiko klasikoak daude, errendimendu altu eta aplikazio-denbora laburrak dituztenak, baina, kontrara, kostu altu eta inpaktu ekologiko handiak dituztenak. Bestetik, teknika biologikoak daude, merkeagoak eta ingurumenarekiko adeitsuagoak, baina, aplikazio-denbora luzeak behar dituztenak. Horien artean daude landareekin gauzatzen den fitoerremediazioa, zizareekin gauzatzen den bermierremediazioa zein mikrobioekin gauzatzen den bioerremediazioa. Lan honetan, teknika horien ezaugarri nagusiak eta aplikagarritasuna jorratzen dira, bakarkako erremediazio-teknika zein teknika konbinatu gisa.
In vitro trichomonocidal potency of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans snake venom
Authors: Imam Tijjani Sabiu , Tukur Zainab , Bala Aisha Abdullahi , Ahmad Nuraddeen Bello , Ugya Adamu Yunusa
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Trichomonas vaginalis drug's limited efficacy and high toxicity, justify the need to explore other therapeutic agents, including animal toxins. In this study, the Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans snake venoms were used to assess such trichomonocidal effect.

Materials and Methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) value for both snake species was calculated by probit analysis using a statistical package for the sciences version 20.0 with an LD50 of 4.04 μg/mL for the N. nigricollis, and no mortality was observed in the B. arietans envenomed rats.

Results: The trichomonocidal potency of the snake venom on T. vaginalis was evident with a growth inhibitory concentration of 89% with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.805 μg/mL in B. arietans while 95% for N. nigricollis at an IC50 of 0.411 μg/mL.

Conclusion: The statistical analysis of one-way analysis of variance shows a significant difference (p<0.05) between the venoms and positive control group (p<0.001), and there is no significant difference between each venom and its varying concentration (p>0.05). As the least concentration can be useful, interestingly, there is no significant difference in the efficacy of N. nigricollis and B. arietans to T. vaginalis (p>0.05); as such, either of the venom can be used for the treatment of trichomoniasis.
Evaluation and Comparative Study of Acoustic Non-Linearity Parameter of
Liquid Metals and Alloys using Sound Speed and Density Data
Authors: Shrivastava Subhash Chandra , Ramakant  , Srivastava Shekhar , Pandey J.D.
Published: February 2021

The non-linearity acoustic parameter (B/A) has been computed for six pure liquid metal alloys (Na,
K, Rb, Cs, Pb and Sn), four liquid metal alloys (K-Rb, Na-Cs, Pb-Sn and Na-K) and other several
liquid metals at different temperatures. This parameter has been calculated by using three different
approaches viz. Hartmann method, Ballou rule and Johnson et al. method. The input data required
density, sound speed and thermal expansivity were taken from literature. A comparative study has
been carried out and quite satisfactory results are obtained.
Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon/ZnO Nanocomposite from Water Hyacinth for Heavy Metals Adsorption and its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Lakshmipurada Shivakumar , Reddy Kankara Ramakrishna , Sundaravel Sureshkumar
Published: February 2021

In present work, the activated carbon was prepared from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by chemical process. Nanocomposites were formed using activated carbon and ZnO nanoparticles to get improved electrostatic interactions for the successful adsorption of heavy metal ions such as nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium from aqueous solution. The prepared nanocomposites were further characterized using XRD, SEM and EDAX techniques. The heavy metal ions removal efficacy was evaluated through ICP-OES. The result showed that the prepared nanocomposite efficiently adsorbed 76.75-92.40% nickel, 75.80-92.25% cadmium, 86.25-96.30% lead and 76.37-95.26% chromium. Nanocomposites showed a significant antimicrobial activity against Streptococci and B. subtilis.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and DFT Studies of
4-(2-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl)morpholine
Authors: Prabhakaran A. , Doss M. Arockia , Dhineshkumar E. , Rajkumar R.
Published: February 2021

The title compound 4-(2-(4,5-dimethyl-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)morpholine
(DMTPM) was synthesized using a one-pot multicomponent approach. The molecular structure of the
compound was charcterized with 1H & 13C NMR, HR-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the
ground-state, DMTPM molecular geometry was determined using the DFT based on B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)
and compared to the experimental results. In addition, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map
and molecular frontier orbitals (MFO) were performed and the results obtained were compatible with
the electronic properties.
Antimicrobial, Structure-Activity Relationship and Computational
Studies of Some Synthesized Chalcone Derivatives
Authors: Rahman Badal Md Mizanur , Islam Md Tarikul , Parvin Reshma , Khaer Morol Md. Abul , Maniruzzaman Md , Abu Yousuf Mohammad , Ershad Halim Md
Published: February 2021

Several chalcones viz. 1,3-diaryl-2-propane-1-one (1a), 3-(4-hydroxy phenyl)-1-phenyl-2-propane-1-
one (1b), 3-(4-amino-phenyl)-1-phenyl-2-propane-1-one (1c) and their derivatives 2-ethoxy-4,6-
diphenyl-4H-pyran-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2a), 4-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-2-phenyl-
4,6,7,8-tetrahydro-chromen-5-one (2b) and 7-(4-amino-phenyl)-5-phenyl-1,5-dihydropyrano[2,3-
d]pyrimidine-2,4-dione (2c ) have been synthesized following both conventional and microwave
irradiation methods. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of
UV-visible, FTIR, 1H NMR spectral data. The antimicrobial results showed some remarkable facts
about the structure–activity relationship, which states that the electronic atmosphere around the chalcone
derivative moieties and substituents considerably affect the antimicrobial potential of the synthesized
compounds. Theoretical calculation as well as antimicrobial activity of the compounds were also
studied.
Effect of Some Modifier Ions in CuO Doped Sodium Borosilicate Antibacterial Bioglass
Authors: Sudhakar Y. , Baskaran G. Sahaya , Prasad P. Syam , Rao D. Rajeswara , Flower G. Little
Published: February 2021

A set of sodium borosilicate glasses mixed with different modifier oxides, viz., Li2O, MgO, CaO and
ZnO, doped with antimicrobial oxide viz. CuO were synthesized. The structural (FT-IR spectroscopy,
SEM and XRD) and bioactivity studies of the glasses were carried out before and after 30 days of
immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) under static conditions. Optical absorption spectra of all the
glasses exhibited a broad absorption band identified due to 2B1g→2B2g octahedral transition of Cu2+
ions. Glass microstructure is analyzed using SEM images and XRD patterns to authenticate glass
bioactivity (viz. to confirm whether there is formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer on the surface).
For further confirmation of the formation of HAp on the surface of the post immerse samples, the
FTIR spectra were recorded. The spectra revealed some vibrational peaks of calcium phosphate.
Solubility (weight loss due to immersion in SBF) percentage is found to be different for different
modifiers mixed glasses containing antibacterial CuO. SEM results confirm apparent nodular calcium
phosphate microcrystalites. It is observed that the addition of antimicrobial oxide has a positive effect
on the bioactivity of glass and make these glasses as fourth-generation biomaterials, which are being
extensively used to heal the wounds in the human body by facilitating the growth of soft tissues.
Nd-Doped Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Microwave Synthesis,
Catalytic Properties in Selective Oxidation of Styrene
Authors: Geetha V.T. , Induja S.
Published: February 2021

Nanocrystalline powder of neodymium substituted iron oxides samples were synthesized through the
microwave approach. The synthesized pristine Fe3O4 and Nd-doped Fe3O4 structural properties were
analyzed by the X-ray diffraction technique. The microstructural details, morphology and elemental
composition were assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy attached with EDX.
The Fe3O4 nanostructures possess spherical morphology as well as consistent particle size distribution,
which is confirmed by HR-SEM. The formation of Fe3O4 with high purity was confirmed by EDX and
XRD analysis. The particle size calculated by HR-TEM images and crystallite size through the XRD
study showed that the value obtained by both the methods is nearly the same. The catalytic properties
of Fe3O4 nanoparticles are examined in the selective oxidation of styrene.
Design, Molecular Docking and Biological Evaluation of
Fused Thienopyrimidines and Quinazoline
Authors: Kaliraj S. , Jeyalakshmi R. , Kathiravan M.K. , Madhavan T. , Devi Arikketh
Published: February 2021

The anticancer activity of the condensed pyrimidine and quinazoline moieties are pronounced with a
different pathway. Thienopyrimidine is considered as ring equivalent bioisosteres of quinazolines and
present in other heterocyclic compounds including thienopyrimidine. The present investigation focused
on the synthesis of thienopyrimidine and quinazoline derivatives for their anticancer activity against the
human oral squamous carcinoma-3 (HSC-3) cell line. The synthesized compound confirmed for their
structural characteristics from spectral analysis and tested for anti-proliferative activity from MTT assay.
The electron-withdrawing group in 4-chloro thienopyrimidines and amino ester derivate/facilitate the
inhibition of cancer cells. Further probing by docking studies revealed that the compounds exhibit
possible interactions with VEGF, FGFR and c-Met proteins, which are known to have a role in the
pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Among the derivatives a moderate activity demonstrated
by substituted 4-chloro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]-pyrimidine (4a) and ethyl
2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (1a) derivatives. Lack of chirality and
the presence of bulky substituents in few of the compounds were found to be the cause for lower
potency.
Natural Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Wild Grape
(Ampelocissus martinii Planch.) Root Extract
Authors: Siripipatthana P. , Srihanam P. , Sangdee A.
Published: February 2021

A hydromethanolic root extract of Ampelocissus martinii Planch. (A. martinii) was analyzed by standard
methods for its phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitions
and antibacterial activities. The root extract exhibited the highest content of saponins, followed by
phenols, proanthocyanidin and flavonoids, respectively. It showed high antioxidant activity in FRAP
and CUPRAC assays. The root extract and standard Trolox had similar antioxidant activities in the
DPPH and ABTS assay. It also showed much higher α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity
compared to standard acarbose. Moreover, the root extract inhibited all tested Gram-positive bacteria
with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)
of 6.25 mg/mL. These results indicate that A. martinii root can be pharmaceutically used as active
ingredients to prevent bacterial infection and radical-related diseases especially diabetes.
GC-MS Chemical Constituents and in vitro Activities of the Oil Extract of
Euryops brevipapposus Leaves used Traditionally for the Management of Some Diseases
Authors: Adegborioye Abiodun Atinuke , Olaokun Oyinlola Oluwunmi , Iweriebor Benson Chuks , Obi Larry Chikwulu
Published: February 2021

Euryops brevipapposus (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant of a local community utilized traditionally
for its recognized effectiveness in managing non-communicable diseases, especially asthma. The
traditional use of E. brevipapposus lacks scientific evidence and the increased burden of asthma makes
confirming this claim paramount. The study characterized by GC-MS the bioactive compounds of E.
brevipapposus essential oil (EbO) extracted with Clevenger apparatus. The antibacterial efficacy and
antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging ability were investigated in vitro using standard methods.
A strong antioxidant IC50 value of 6.71 × 10-7 mg/mL of oil was obtained for DPPH. The antibacterial
activity against Escherichia coli and Vibrio spp. (MIC value of 0.055 mg/mL) was superior. GC-MS
analysis of EbO showed α-phellandrene, α-pinene, germacrene D, β-pinene, β-mycrene, (E)-β-ocimene
and bicyclogermacrene as the major compounds. The antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of E.
brevipapposus may justify the therapeutic claims and local usage of this plant.
Microencapsulation of Gadolinium Citrate using Silica for Contrast Agent Development
Authors: Septiani A. , Anggraeni A. , Hardianto A. , Eddy D.R. , Bahti H.H.
Published: February 2021

Gadolinium is a potential T1 contrast agent because it provides a better image for magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). However, as toxic gadolinium ions can be released from the coordination compounds,
it is often encapsulated using silica. Silica-encapsulated gadolinium citrate is a colloid, therefore,
encapsulation efficiency should be determined by the standard addition method, not the external
standard, to minimize errors in the matrix. Silica-encapsulated gadolinium citrate (Gd-C6H5O7@SiO2)
was prepared via the Stöber sol-gel method by mixing gadolinium citrate, ethanol, aqua proinjection,
tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and ammonia, then the encapsulation efficiency was determined using
the standard addition method. Particle size analysis revealed that the average size of Gd-C6H5O7@SiO2
particles was 1.53 μm having a encapsulation efficiency of 90.44%.
1-Butyl-3-methylimidazol-2-ylidene as an Efficient Catalyst for
Cross-Coupling between Aromatic Aldehydes and N-Aroylbenzotriazoles
Authors: Phungpis Baramee , Hahnvajanawong Viwat
Published: February 2021

Cross-coupling of aromatic aldehydes with N-aroylbenzotriazoles in [Bmim]Br in the presence of
1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) provided an efficient procedure for the synthesis of
1,2-diarylethane-1,2-diones.
Role of NH4Cl as Flux on Photoluminescence Properties of
Ca1-xZrO3:Eux (x = 0.05) Synthesized by Solution Combustion Route
Authors: Prasanna Kumar S.G. , Kottam Nagaraju , Preetham R. , Monika D. L.
Published: February 2021

CaZrO3 ceramics exhibits high chemical, thermal and structural stability. However, its application as
a host for various luminophores/activators has not been clearly explored. In present study, CaZrO3
doped with Eu3+, as a potential orange-red phosphor and the effect of NH4Cl as flux during combustion
synthesis is investigated. Ca1-xZrO3:Eux (x = 0.05) nanophosphor was prepared through a low
temperature, one pot solution combustion synthesis approach using glycine as fuel. Various wt.% of
NH4Cl (wt.% = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7) as flux added to the reaction mixture and combustion reaction was
performed. X-ray diffraction results showed that the addition of flux has significant effect on the
crystallite size and the crystallinity of Ca1-xZrO3:Eux (x = 0.05) phosphor. From SEM morphology, the
particles were found to be significantly agglomerated. The extent of agglomeration varies with varying
the wt.% of flux. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra were recorded under similar
condition to evaluate the effect of flux on the optical properties. Interestingly, the amount of flux was
found to have significant effect on the photoluminescence emission characteristics. The
photoluminescence intensity was found to be the maximum when the flux used was 5 wt.% and further
increase in flux amount the photoluminescence intensity decreases. The mechanistic aspects of effect
of flux on the photoluminescence were also discussed.
Deleting Neurons: A closer look at Synaptic Pruning
Authors: sharma anjali , Sootha Bhavya
Published: February 2021

The overproduction of neural elements, including neurons, axons, and synapses, is a tool commonly used in developmental neuroscience to reconstruct nervous systems. This generation and maturation of these neuronal synapses are accompanied by a so-called
"pruning" process, marking a peak in synapse elimination (synaptic pruning) which is a final stage in the development of the human brain. Analogous to cleaning up of the brain, synaptic pruning eliminates extra neurons and synaptic connections to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions along with eliminating weaker synaptic contacts while stronger connections are kept and strengthened. Brain plasticity is a result of this neural "pruning"; neurons that are more frequently activated are preserved, while those forming weaker synaptic contacts are "trimmed away." Research in zebrafish and rat models have shown pruning occurring in about 80 per cent of the synapses, barring the largest ones. These larger synapses were found to be associated with the most stable and crucial memories residing in the brain. Recent studies indicate that glial cells(microglia and astrocytes) play a critical role in synaptic pruning, mediated by a set of signalling pathways between neurons and glia, identifying and removing unnecessary neural connections. This loss of redundant pathways may explain the arduous task of recovering from a traumatic brain injury; eliminating synaptic redundancies diminishes our ability to develop alternative pathways to bypass the damaged regions. Brain imaging and postmortem anatomical studies have pointed to insufficient or excessive synaptic pruning that may underlie several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. In this review, we explore the brains innate delete button and present current data on the mechanisms of glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning by outlining their potential contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UMA BANCADA DIDÁTICA DE ACIONAMENTOS ELÉTRICOS PARA UTILIZAÇÃO EM LABORATÓRIOS DE ENGENHARIA ELÉTRICA
Authors: de Oliveira Gabriel Antônio Francisco , Bispo Lucas Frazão , dos Santos Mariana Guimarães , dos Santos Patrick Oliveira , Moura e Souza Renan
Published: February 2021

Os Motores de Indução Trifásicos (MIT’s) estão presentes em quase todas as atividades que envolvem a manipulação de cargas em ambientes industriais. Assim, o estudo do funcionamento destes dispositivos é fundamental para diversos cursos de graduação, como o curso de engenharia elétrica e o de controle e automação, por exemplo. Trata-se de um tema que exige, além de uma formação embasada em conceitos teóricos, experiência prática com montagens de circuitos de comando e circuitos de força para execução do acionamento e controle dos motores. Assim, são necessários laboratórios equipados para promover um aprendizado adequado que aproxime o discente da realidade que será encontrada no mercado de trabalho. As bancadas didáticas comercializadas não reproduzem situações encontradas nos ambientes industriais e possuem um custo elevado, impossibilitando a aquisição de bancadas em número adequado, comprometendo assim a formação discente. Este trabalho apresenta um projeto de bancada de custo reduzido com o propósito de aproximar as aulas laboratoriais das condições encontradas nas situações reais. O projeto desenvolvido é comparado com o de outras bancadas comercializadas, apresentando-se como uma excelente alternativa, tanto no que se refere ao número e variedade de componentes, quanto no que diz respeito ao custo total do equipamento.
Quantum model of naturally rotating Machian cosmology and galactic applications of current cosmic angular velocity
Authors: V.S. Seshavatharam U. , Lakshminarayana S.
Published: February 2021

We would like to emphasize that, extraordinary physical concepts like Big bang, Inflation, Dark energy and Superluminal expansion demand super-normal efforts and need observational support. Observational data is raising day-by-day non-conformity and demanding changes in the original concepts. It is very interesting to note that James Peebles, the famous cosmologist and 2019 Nobel laureate strongly believes that Big bang concept is inappropriate in understanding the universe. It is better to understand and develop models of cosmology based on well supported physical concepts rather than extraordinary physical hypothesis. Unification point of view, quantum cosmology must be given a priority and one should make a note that, Spin is a basic property of quantum physics and rotation is a very common experience. In this context, with reference to life cycle of living creatures and independent of red-shift data, we have developed a quantum model of cosmology associated with Machian universe having Planck scale origin, total dark matter, light speed expansion, light speed rotation, equality of gravitational self energy density and thermal energy density, radially decreasing internal acceleration and radially increasing anisotropy. We are working on understanding and correlating observed redshift data in a unified approach. In this letter, we present various galactic applications of current cosmic angular velocity.Â Â