bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Khaled Hosseini’s Judgment in the Kite Runner Towards Pashtun and Hazara Identities
Authors: Waziri Bilal , Mangal Mohammad Dawood , Kamal Kamal Deen
Published: November 2023

This study aims to analyze Khaled Hossein’s judgment in The Kite Runner towards Pashtun and Hazara identities from different angles, and has achieved the real image of two highlighted identities in The Kite Runner. In the novel, in most events, or scenes the Pashtun identity is massively exaggerated and stereotyped as racist, cruel, uncivilized, savage, and prejudiced throughout the novel. Whereas, Hazarz's identity is depicted as helpless, poor, discriminated, inferiors, and victims of Pashtun's mastery. For this purpose, the research is conducted qualitatively. Qualitative is based on library research, which involves the step-by-step process used to gather information from different relevant literary books. The findings of the study show all the events that have been described in the novel might not been found in the real society of Afghanistan, but some have been described by Khaled Hosseini in the novel are accurate. The study intends to analyze and elucidate the above derogations and propaganda about both highlighted (Pashtun and Hazara) identities by Hosseini in The Kite Runner through the text.
Biological observations of Salmostoma novacula fishery of a protected reservoir in India
Authors: Paul Thankam Theresa , C. Albin Albert  , S. Manoharan  , Langde Asha , Sudheesan Deepa , Sarkar U.K , Das B. K.
Published: November 2023

Feeding and breeding biology of a prominent indigenous fishery of Peechi Reservoir(protected reservoir) was assessed using 300 specimens in this study. Catch compositionstudies identified Salmostoma sp. as the major species contributing to the reservoir fishery.With the help of mitochondrial CO1 gene, the species was identified as Salmostomanovacula. The feeding biology of the fishes was studied using index of preponderance(IOP), gastro-somatic index (GaSI) and relative gut length (RGL). IOP of S. novacula revealedthat zooplankton dominated the gut of the species to the tune of nearly 70.82%. The meanRGL and GaSI of S. novacula was estimated at 1.42 (1.42±0.25) and 4.22 respectively. Theindices used for reproductive study were size at first maturity, sex ratio, gonado-somaticindices and fecundity. The size at first maturity for S. novacula was found to be 13.0 cm. Thesex ratio and relative fecundity were estimated at 1.2:1.0 and 8500-8833 nos. per gram bodyweight of fish. The study indicated that the fishes mature during March to August and exhibitspawning activity in September. The paper emphasises a need for enforcing minimum legalsize and restricted monsoon fishing for sustained fisheries in this reservoir.
Keywords:CO1 gene, Feeding biology, Fisheries management,Reproductive biology, Salmostoma novacula
Antiparasitic effect of biogenic iron nanoparticles against the fish ectoparasite Argulus siamensis: In vitro study
Authors: Brahmchari R. K. , Kumari Pushpa , Kumar Saurav , Sharma Rupam , K. Pani Prasad  , Srivastava P. P. , Raman R. P.
Published: November 2023

Argulus, an ectoparasite of fish which is ubiquitous in wild and culture ponds, poses a majorchallenge with severe economic losses to the global aquaculture industry. With the increasein intensification of aquaculture practices, there is a dire need to discover new therapeuticoptions in the treatment of argulosis owing to the limited effectiveness of existing drugsand chemicals and their significant side effects. The use of metal nanoparticles hasshown promising results in the management of several parasitic infections. In this prelude,antiparasitic effect of biosynthesised iron nanoparticles was evaluated against Argulussiamensis under in vitro condition. Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were biosynthesised usingfresh Bauhinia racemosa leaf extract as a reducing agent and were characterised usingUV-VIS spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, zeta potentialmeasurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). For estimating antiparasiticefficacy of FeNPs under in vitro test, ten adult and juvenile parasites each were challengedfor 6 h separately in 20 ml of five different concentrations of FeNPs test solutions viz. 1.00,1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2.00 mg ml-1 in triplicate along with control groups for adults whereas,for juveniles, it was 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 mg ml-1. Formation of FeNPs wasmeasured in 370-400 nm UV range. DLS showed an average FeNPs particle size of 119.8 nmwith a polydispersity index of 0.311. Zeta potential measurements showed negative surfacecharges (-11.3 mV) whereas, SEM and TEM micrographs revealed synthesised nanoparticleswere nearly spherical and size ranged from 60-270 nm. Further, FT-IR spectrum showed thepresence of Fe-O, N=O and O-H groups. Argulocidal effectiveness in both cases was foundto be concentration-dependent. The highest argulocidal activity of FeNPs was observed atconcentration of 1.75 mg ml-1 for juveniles and 2.00 mg ml-1 for adult argulids which led to100 and 87% mortality, respectively, in 6 h, however no mortality was recorded in controlgroup up to 16 h. Furthermore, the calculated 6 h-EC50 of biosynthesised FeNPs for juvenileand adult argulid parasites was determined as 0.97 and 1.27 mg ml-1. Results of the presentstudy showed that short term bath treatment with biosynthesised FeNPs is effective againstargulid parasites. However, further research is required to evaluate its therapeutic potentialunder in vivo condition.
Keywords:Argulosis, Argulus siamensis, Iron nanoparticles,Parasiticidal activity
An Approach to Define and Quantify Porosity System in Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoirs through Textural Analysis using High-Resolution Resistivity Image in the Bassein Formation of Mumbai Offshore Basin, India
Authors: Kumar Suraj , Panda Soumya Chandan
Published: November 2023

In evaluating the porosity system of the Bassein formation, high-resolution resistivity image (FMI) data have been used. Major features observed from the FMI data are the presence of low-angle fractures and solution channels of varying length and thickness. Against the layers with very-low-density neutron porosity, solution channels are seen as conductive features. These mud-filled solution channels can actively participate in production. Being very small-scale features, these types of porosities are not identifiable from conventional log data. To define and quantify porosity types such as vugs, solution channel, and matrix porosity, the resistivity image data are processed and image-based porosity is calculated. A core thin-section study is carried out and is used for calibration of the image-derived porosity system. Using resistivity image data, we have computed porosity types, for example, vugs, connected matrix and resistive, and their contribution to total porosity. Identification of hydrocarbons in reservoir layers with their porosity contribution (porosity partitioning) gives better insight into hydrocarbon production in these low-porosity layers which are producing after acid job.
Memory Consolidation with Orthogonal Gradients for avoiding Catastrophic Forgetting
Authors: Kanagamani Tamizharasan , Krishnamurthy Rupak , Chakravarthy Srinivasa , Ravindran Balaraman , Menon Ramshekhar N
Published: November 2023

The memory consolidation process enables the accumulation of recent and remote memories in the long-term memory store. In general, the deep network models of memory suffer from forgetting old information while learning new information, called catastrophic forgetting/interference, while the human brain overcomes this problem quite effectively. We propose a regularization-based model to solve the problem of catastrophic forgetting. According to the proposed method, the network parameters are constrained to vary in a direction orthogonal to the average error gradients corresponding to the previous tasks. We also ensure that the constraint used in parameter updating satisfies the locality principle. The proposed model’s performance is evaluated by comparing it with Elastic Weight Consolidation under various conditions, from simple to complex datasets and network architectures. The proposed model gives a new view of plasticity at the neuronal level. In the proposed model, the parameter updating is controlled by the neuronal level plasticity rather than synapse level plasticity as in other standard models. The biological plausibility of the proposed model is discussed by linking the extra parameters to synaptic tagging, which represents the state of the synapse involved in Long Term Potentiation.
Greedy Knot Selection Algorithm for Restricted Cubic Spline Regression
Authors: Arnes Jo Inge , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Horsch Alexander , Braaten Tonje
Published: November 2023

Non-linear regression modeling is common in many fields for prediction purposes or estimating
relationships between predictor and response variables. For example, restricted cubic spline
regression can model non-linear relationships as third-order polynomials joined at knot points.
The standard approach is to place knots by a regular sequence of quantiles between the outer
boundaries. A regression curve can easily be fitted to the sample using a relatively high number
of knots. The problem is then overfitting, where a regression model has a good fit to the
given sample but does not generalize well to other samples. A low knot count is therefore preferred.
However, the standard knot selection process can lead to underperformance in the sparser
regions of the predictor variable, especially when using a low number of knots. It can also
lead to overfitting in the denser regions. We present a simple greedy search algorithm using
a backward method for knot selection that shows reduced prediction error and Bayesian information
criterion (BIC) scores compared to the standard knot selection process in simulation
experiments. We have implemented the algorithm as part of an open-source R-package, knutar.
Agro Byproduct Feedstuff as a Substitute for Conventional Feed for Rabbits in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Patterson Destini Aaliyah , Jones Kegan Romelle
Published: November 2023

This research aimed to compare the digestibility of conventional pelleted feed (Diet 1) and an agriculture by-product feed (Diet 2) made from local agricultural by products (cocoa husk shells, coconut seed meal, Moruga hill rice hulls, Moruga hill rice bran and rejected powdered beans) in 12 cross bred New Zealand rabbits reared in the humid tropical environment. The study found significant differences (p<0.05) in nutritive components between the two diets in terms of crude protein (Diet 1:150.8 g/kg vs Diet 2:113.4 g/kg), organic matter (Diet 1: 915.9 g/kg vs Diet 2: 910.8 g/kg), and ether extract (Diet 1: 2.04 g/kg vs Diet 2: 1.05 g/kg). Additionally, it was found that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in digestibility of crude protein (Diet 1:767.4g/kg vs Diet 2: 913.1 g/kg), organic matter (Diet 1: 918.9g/kg vs Diet 2: 843.6g/kg), and dry matter (Diet 1: 865.9 g/kg vs Diet 2: 793.3 g/kg). Overall, these findings suggest that Diet 2 may be a more digestible alternative to conventional pelleted feeds for rabbit with respect to crude protein, and further research may be needed to explore its potential as a viable feed source for rabbits. The findings suggest that the by-product feed can be a valuable alternative to conventional pelleted feed in rabbit production, providing cost savings and potential environmental benefits.
Finite Element Analysis of Thermal Barrier Properties Under Relevance Vector Machine in Coated Pistons and Blades
Authors: Barmavatu Praveen , Das Mihir Kumar , Arabkoohsar Ahmad , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Darapu Kiran Sagar Reddy
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Impacts of sea salt ions on hydration of sulphoaluminate cement
Authors: Guo Yaowen , ZHANG Yvxuan , Wang Chuanlin
Published: November 2023

This study set out to investigate the influence of SO42−, Cl−, and Mg2+ on the hydration of sulphoaluminate cement by preparing a sulphoaluminate cement (CSA) paste using sea salt ion solutions with various concentrations as mixing water. The testing program included porosity, compressive/flexural strength, the heat of hydration, pH of pore solution, XRD, and SEM analysis. Ordinary Portland cement (10%) was added to increase the pH of the CSA hydration environment and improve the stability of ettringite and provide more C-S-H gel to observe the formation of M-S-H and other substances. Results demonstrated that the hydration of CSA is accelerated by Cl−, which increased the heat of hydration. And Cl− reduced the length-to-diameter ratio of ettringite that caused cracking of the CSA test block. The addition of SO42− led to a higher internal alkalinity, which change the type of hydration products and then decreased the strength of CSA. Mg2+ was found to improve the microstructure of the CSA test block, reducing its porosity and increasing its strength.
Identifying health and healthcare priorities in rural areas - a concept mapping study informed by consumers, health professionals and researchers
Authors: Shee Anna Wong , Donaldson Alex , Clapham Renee , Aitken John , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Ugalde Anna , Versace Vincent , Namara Kevin Mc
Published: November 2023

Background
It is vital that health service delivery and health interventions address patients’ needs or preferences, are relevant for practice, and can be implemented. Involving those who will use or deliver healthcare, in priority-setting can lead to health service delivery and research that is more meaningful and impactful. This is particularly crucial in rural communities, where limited resources and disparities in healthcare and health outcomes are often more pronounced. The aim of this study was to determine the health and healthcare priorities in rural communities using a region-wide community engagement approach.
Methods
This multi-methods study was conducted in five rural communities in the Grampians region, Western Victoria, Australia. It involved two phases: (1) surveys and community forums to identify important health issues, and stakeholder consultations with consumers and health professionals to identify values considered important for determining priorities; and (2) an innovative online group concept mapping process, involving consumers, health professionals and researchers, organising (sorting) and rating issues using the priority setting criteria from phase 1.
Results
Overall, 117 community members and 70 health professionals identified 400 health and healthcare issues. Six stakeholder consultation sessions (with 16 community members and 16 health professionals) identified three key values for prioritising health issues: equal access for equal need; effectiveness; and impact (number of people affected). Actionable priorities for healthcare delivery were largely related to access issues, such as the challenges navigating the healthcare system, particularly for people with mental health issues; the lack of sufficient general practitioners and other health providers; the high travel costs, and poor internet coverage often impacting technology-based interventions for people in rural areas.
Conclusions
This study identified actionable health and healthcare priorities from the perspective of healthcare service users and providers in rural communities in Western Victoria. Issues related to access, such as the inequities in healthcare costs, the perceived lack of quality and availability of services, particularly in mental health and disability,were identified as priorities. These insights can guide future research, policy-making, and resource allocation efforts to improve healthcare access, quality, and equity in rural communities.
Safety and Efficacy of CAPOX Combined with Bevacizumab plus Pembrolizumab as Neoadjuvant Treatment of pMMR/MSS Type Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients: Study Protocol for a Single-arm, Phase Ib, Prospective Trial (COBP)
Authors: Wang Anqi , Zhang Peng , Yu Dan , Zhu Huanhuan , Lu Shengdong , Lyu Yangbo , Hu Zongju , Ruan Canping , Wang Yi , Gao Wenchao , Zhang Jian , Zhou Haiyang
Published: November 2023

Background: Different from microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC), almost 95% of CRC patients are microsatellite stable (MSS) which have been referred to as “cold” tumors showing primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). Pre-clinical research has elucidated the synergistic effect of ICI and anti-vascular therapy. Normalization of tumor blood vessels can improve immunotherapy. Moreover, chemotherapy has a pro-apoptotic effect on vascular endothelium to enhance the effect of promoting normalization of tumor blood vessels which can in turn promote tumor delivery of specific T cells and chemotherapy drugs into tumor tissue. Based on this, we plan to investigate the safety and efficacy of CAPOX combined with Bevacizumab plus Pembrolizumab (COBP) as neoadjuvant treatment of mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) or MSS type locally advanced CRC patients.
Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, single-arm, phase Ib study, mainly including patients with pMMR/MSS type locally advanced CRC, to explore the safety and feasibility of pembrolizumab combined with bevacizumab and CAPOX regime. Capecitabine will be administered orally at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 twice daily from days 1 to 14, every 3 weeks. Oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, and pembrolizumab will be given intravenously at a dose of 135 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 200 mg respectively on day 1, every 3 weeks. After 4 cycles of treatment, patients will receive CAPOX for another one cycle. After neoadjuvant therapy, radical surgery will be performed for patients operable. The primary endpoints include adverse effects, R0 resection rate, pathologic complete response rate, and tumor regression grade. The second endpoints include 1/2/3-year disease-free survival, 1/2/3-year overall survival, and quality of life.
Discussion: The COBP study is a single center phase Ib study, which aims to initially explore the safety and preliminary effectiveness of COBP regime in locally advanced CRC patients. We hope that the results of this study can provide a direction for future exploration and further improve the outcome of patients.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05585814. Registered on October 19, 2022.
Polyethyleneimine facilitates the growth and electrophysiological characterization of motor neurons
Authors: yang meimei , You Daofeng , Liu Gang , Lu Yin , Yang Guangming , O'Brien Timothy , Henshall David C , Hardiman Orla , Liu Min , Shen Sanbing
Published: November 2023

Background
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, in combination with electrophysiological characterization via multielectrode array (MEA), has facilitated the utilization of iPSC-derived motor neurons (MNs) as highly valuable models for underpinning pathogenic mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic interventions for motor neuron diseases (MNDs). However, the challenge of adherence of MNs to MEA plates and the heterogeneity presented in iPSC-derived cultures raise concerns about the reliability of the findings obtained from these cellular models.
Methods
Human iPSCs were differentiated into MNs using an existing and our own novel protocols, and MNs were cultured on dishes coated with different coating conditions, including. POL (20µg/ml Poly-L-ornithine and 20µg/ml Laminin), POLF (20µg/ml Poly-L-ornithine, 20µg/ml Laminin and 10µg/ml Fibronectin), POLFM (20µg/ml Poly-L-ornithine, 20µg/ml Laminin, 10µg/ml Fibronectin and 1:20 Matrigel), POM (20µg/ml Poly-L-ornithine and 1:50 Matrigel), and PEI (0.1% Polyethyleneimine in borate buffer). We comparatively evaluated cell morphology, aggregation status and electrophysiological activities by MEA.
Results
We discovered that one factor modulating the electrophysiological activity of iPSC MNs is the extracellular matrix (ECM) used in coating to support the in vitro growth, differentiation and maturation of iPSC-derived MNs. We showed that two coating conditions, namely, POM and PEI strongly promoted attachment of iPSC-derived sMNs on MEA culture dishes compared to the other three conditions, and both facilitated the maturation of iPSC-derived sMNs as characterized by the detection of extensive electrophysiological activities from the MEA plates. POM coating accelerated the maturation of the iPSC-MNs for up to 5 weeks, which facilitates the modeling of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the application of PEI resulted in more even distribution of the MNs on the culture dish and reduced variability of electrophysiological signals from the iPSC-sMNs in 7-week cultures, which permitted the detection of enhanced excitability in iPSC-derived sMNs from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive comparison of five coating conditions and offers POM and PEI as favorable coatings for in vitro modeling of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, respectively.
Leaf-Inspired Asymmetrically Hierarchical Architecture Engineered Full-Paper Integrated Tactile Array for Ultra-Stable Sensory Augmentation
Authors: Yang Jun , hao sanwei , Wang Wenqi , Ma Chao , Li Xin , Liu Xidie , Wang Yicong , Xue Zhimin , Xu Feng
Published: November 2023

Facing the interwoven tendency of transformative advance and eco-friendly concept in wearable electronics, the development of sustainable epidermal sensor is still plagued by successfully introducing natural materials coupling with the improvement of fatigue threshold in high-frequency sensing scenarios. Here we propose a biomimetic concept that engineers a biodegradable and biocompatible full-paper integrated tactile array (FPTA) with leaf-inspired asymmetrically hierarchical architecture (LAHA) to alleviate the notorious structural vulnerability. Compared with conventional bulky configuration, the LAHA leverages compact laminated adjacent layer that dramatically facilitates in-plane stress distribution and diminishes the interfacial stress concentration for affording stable sensory augmentation, as unveiled by finite element simulation. The assembled multichannel and wireless FPTA monitoring system offers impeccable real-time spatiotemporal haptic pattern on multi-user interfaces with a record-high durability (150, 000 cycles), together with unprecedented merits integration including remarkably channel uniformity (97.2%), low interfacial contact impedance (1.78 ± 0.4 ohm, 1 kHz), and unparalleled sensitivity (12944 kPa−1), which serves as an eco-and user-friendly surveillance platform to analyze individual behavior in daily, thus suggesting a trustworthy architecture engineering strategy for tactile electronics in continuous health surveillance.
The Multidrug Resistance Protein OsMDR4 is Involved in Cadmium Absorption in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Xie Zijing , Hao Xiaohua , Zhao Dan , Lei Han , Jin Xinzhou , Wu Sha , Hu Wenli , Tian Lianfu , Li Dongping
Published: November 2023

Key message OsMDR4 is an ABC transporter which localized to plasma membrane and mainly expressed in root to mediate the Cd absorption in rice.
Abstract Cadmium(Cd) is one of heavy metals which threaten crop security production. The transporters in root are key factors involved in metal absorption. However, there are a large amount of Cd transporter in rice root remains uncharted. Here, we report a member of multidrug resistance protein OsMDR4 mediating the Cd absorption in rice. Heterologous overexpressing OsMDR4 in yeast increased the sensitivity to Cd treatment and Cd content in the cells. Consistantly, the Cd concentration of the mdr4 mutants is lower than that in wild type, in both root and shoot. In addition, the Vmax values of Cd uptake in mdr4 mutants are much lower than that of wild type by uptake kinetics analysis. OsMDR4 is mainly expressed in epidermis and root hairs of rice roots during seedling stage, and flower organs at flowering stage. Further more, the expression level of OsMDR4 in seedling root is induced by Cd supply. As a transporter OsMDR4 is localized to plasma membrane of rice cells. Taken together, we characterized a novel Cd transporter OsMDR4 which had a significant contribution in Cd influx into root.
Risk factors for delayed extubation after pediatric perineal anaplasty in patients less than 1 Year of Age: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Xu Jing , Huang Qinghua , Gong Tianqing , Li Jia , Cui Yu
Published: November 2023

Background Anorectal malformation is a common congenital problem occurring in 1 in 5,000 births and has a spectrum of anatomical presentations, requiring individualized surgical treatments for normal growth. Delayed extubation or reintubation may result in a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay, increased mortality, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, increased tracheostomy rate, and higher hospital costs. Extensive studies have focused on the role of risk factors in early extubation during major infant surgery such as Cardiac surgery, neurosurgery,and liver surgery. However, no study has mentioned the influencing factors of delayed extubation in neonates and infants undergoing anoplasty surgery.
Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study of neonates and infants who underwent anorectal malformation surgery between June 2018 and June 2022. The principal goal of this study was to observe the incidence of delayed extubation in pediatric anorectal malformation surgery. The secondary goals were to identify the factors associated with delayed extubation in these infants.
Results We collected data describing 123 patients who had anorectal malformations from 2019 to 2022. It showsthat 74(60.2%) in the normal intubation group and 49(39.8%) in the longer extubation. In the final model, anesthesia methods were independently associated with delayed extubation (P<0.05).
Conclusion We found that anesthesia method was independently associated with early extubation in neonates and infants who accepted pediatric anorectal malformation surgery.
An E3 ligase TRIM1 promotes colorectal cancer progression via K63-linked ubiquitination and activation of HIF1α
Authors: Meng Kun , Shi Liuliu , Fang Xianglan , Du Lijie , Xue Juan , Yang Jin , Hui Yuanjian
Published: November 2023

Accumulating studies have shown that E3 ligases play crucial roles in regulating cellular biological processes and signaling pathways during carcinogenesis via ubiquitination. Tripartite-motif (TRIM) ubiquitin E3 ligases consist of over 70 members. However, the clinical significance and their contributions to tumorigenesis remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-sequencing expression of TRIM E3 ligases in colorectal cancer (CRC) and identified 10 differentially expressed genes, among which TRIM1 expression predicted poor prognosis of CRC patients. We demonstrated that TRIM1 expression is positively associated with CRC pathological stages, and higher expression is positively correlated with infiltrating levels of immune cells and immunotherapy biomarkers. TRIM1 expression promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Transcriptional analysis showed that TRIM1 is responsible for metabolism promotion and immune suppression. Mechanistically, we found that TRIM1 binds HIF1α and mediates its K63-linked ubiquitination, which is required for HIF-1α nuclear translocation and subsequent activation. Our results indicate TRIM1’s role in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy and reveal how TRIM1 functions to upregulate HIF-1α expression and promote tumor cell proliferation.
Molecular Analysis of the AGXT Gene Detected a Missense and Pathogenic Variant Associated with Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1; a Case Study
Authors: saba nusrat , Khan Zahra , Rehman Sadia , Khan Fariha , Munir Saeeda
Published: November 2023

Background
Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder triggered by a mutation in the alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGXT) gene. Early detection of PH1 is a pre-requisite as it causes End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in most patients in the early stages.
An eleven years old girl with a history of kidney disease and stones and with phenotypic characteristics of PH1 was brought to the laboratory. A c.568G>A mutation in AGXT gene, which is responsible for PH1, is found in a homozygous condition. Further study revealed the detection of the mutation in heterozygous form in both the parents. This study provides insight to generate more reliable genetic markers for the early detection of PH1 in a family or a population. This can lead to better and earlier treatment strategies.
Case Presentation
This study aimed to detect the AGXT gene mutationswhich are responsible for primary hyperoxaluriain the patient.AGXT gene screening was done in her parents for identifying the root cause and zygosity of the mutation. The AGXT gene on chromosome2q37.3was amplified via polymerase chain reaction and sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Molecular modeling and genetic change analysis was performed by using in-silico parameters.
Conclusion
The sequence analysis revealed the presence of a missense and pathogenic variant in the homozygous condition in the AGXT gene exon 5;c.568G>A with protein change p. Gly190Arg in the patient. Parental screening showed that the patient received one allele from her father and the other from her mother. A liver transplant followed by a kidney transplant was carried out in the patient with 6 months difference. The study emphasized that as theb mutation p.Gly190Arg is reported as a cause of PH1, this mutation can be considered an early diagnostic marker for PH1.
Cellulose acetate nanofiber modified with polydopamine polymerized MOFs for efficient removal of noxious organic dyes
Authors: Eze Esther , Omer Ahmed M. , Hassanin Ahmed H. , Eltaweil Abdelazeem S. , El-Khouly Mohamed E.
Published: November 2023

As the global discharge of organic dyes into water bodies continues to surge, the imperative of efficiently removing these dyes from aquatic systems has gained paramount significance. This investigation explores the potential of a recently engineered adsorbent material, polydopamine-binary Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) ZIF-8 and UiO-66, referred to as ZIF-8/UiO-66/PDA, for the elimination of methylene blue (MB) dye. These MOFs were incorporated into cellulose acetate (CA), producing ZIF-8/UiO-66/PDA@CA nanofibers under meticulously optimized conditions. The ZIF-8/UiO-66/PDA@CA nanofibers were characterized utilizing various tools including FTIR, XRD, SEM, zeta potential, BET, tensile strength testing, and XPS. Results revealed a substantial leap in tensile strength, with ZIF-8/UiO-66/PDA@CA registering an impressive 2.8 MPa, as a marked improvement over the neat CA nanofibers (1.1 MPa). ZIF-8/UiO-66/PDA@CA nanofibers exhibit an outstanding adsorption capacity of 82 mg/g, notably outperforming the 22.4 mg/g capacity of neat CA nanofibers. In binary dye systems, these nanofibers exhibit a striking maximum adsorption capacity of 108 mg/g, establishing their eminence in addressing the complexities of wastewater treatment. Adsorption data fitted to the Langmuir isotherm, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The fabricated nanofiber demonstrates good reproducibility and durability, consistently upholding its performance over five cycles. This suite of remarkable attributes collectively underscores its potential as a robust, durable, and highly promising solution for the effective and efficient removal of pernicious MB dye, in the context of both water quality improvement and environmental preservation.
Prenatal diagnosis via Single Nucleotide Polymorphism array analysis for fetuses from balanced translocation carriers at the second trimester
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Liang Bin , Li Ying , Su Linjuan , Chen Yuqin , Zheng Lin , Cao HUA , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu
Published: November 2023

Background
It is widely recognized that prenatal diagnosis should be offered to pregnancies from couples with a carrier of a balanced translocation. This study aimed to assess the utility of single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) for pregnancies involving at least one parent with a balanced translocation during the second trimester.
Material and methods
This retrospective study analyzed prenatal diagnosis data from 195 consecutive pregnancies involving couples with a balanced translocation carrier. Of these, 69 pregnancies were conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), while 126 were natural pregnancies. The cohort consisted of 33 couples with Robertsonian translocation carriers and 155 couples with reciprocal translocation carriers. Both SNP array analysis and conventional karyotyping were conducted on all cases, categorizing karyotype-visible imbalances and pathogenic/likely pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) as clinically significant abnormalities.
Results
Among cases involving natural conception, the rate of cases experiencing more than two early miscarriages in Robertsonian translocation couples was significantly lower than that in Reciprocal translocation couples (5.0% vs. 26.0%, p < 0.05). In couples with female carrier, cases experiencing more than two early miscarriages accounted for 30.2%, significantly higher than the 14.0% in male carrier couples (p < 0.05). A total of 7 (5.6%) cases of unbalanced translocation pregnancies were identified in natural conception pregnancies. Compared with karyotyping, an additional 12 cases of copy number variants (CNVs) were revealed by SNP array analysis, including 2 (1.0%) cases of pathogenic (P) /likely pathogenic (LP) aberrations, 4 (2.0%) variants with uncertain significance (VOUS), and 6 (3.0%) likely benign variants. Both of the clinically significant CNVs were detected in fetuses with a balanced translocation but were unrelated to the translocation breakpoints. Two cases with breakpoints-related CNVs were confirmed to be of parental inheritance and considered likely benign. In fetuses with ultrasound anomalies, the incidence of clinically significant findings was 33.3%, significantly higher than the 1.7% in fetuses with normal ultrasonography (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Early miscarriage was more often observed in pregnancies from couples with female carrier and reciprocal translocation couples. Insufficient evidence indicates that balanced translocations increase the likelihood of clinically significant CNVs in the fetus, particularly those related to translocation breakpoints.
Mental ill health experiences of female sex workers and their perceived risk factors: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Morgan Lucy , Welborn Heather Rose , Feist-Paz Genevieve , Hallett Nutmeg
Published: November 2023

Background: Female sex workers globally face a high prevalence of mental ill health due to social inequalities, including classism, gender inequality, discrimination and criminalisation, coupled with stigma and violence. However, few reviews comprehensively discuss the combined impact of these perceived risk factors on the mental well-being of female sex workers worldwide.
Aim: This systematic qualitative literature review seeks to explore the mental health experiences of female sex workers and their perceived risk factors for mental ill health.
Design: A systematic qualitative literature review.
Methods: Searches across ten databases, including CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Medline (1949 to current date 2022), ProQuest, PTSDPubs, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science (Core Collection), AMED, and Google Scholar. Included studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Studies Checklist and subsequently thematically analysed.
Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, leading to the development of five key themes through thematic analysis: (1) mental ill health, (2) addiction, (3) stigma, (4) normalisation of violence, and (5) lack of support systems. Notable findings include the adverse impact of stigma on the mental well-being of female sex workers, the prevalence of mental illnesses related to their involvement in the sex industry, the role of violence as a critical risk factor for mental ill health, and the utilisation of addiction as a coping mechanism.
Conclusions: The identified themes contribute to our existing understanding of the mental health experiences of female sex workers and have practical implications. Practice recommendations encompass initiatives such as public education, soliciting feedback from sex workers about their healthcare experiences, establishing community-based support teams, and providing integrated services for those with dual diagnoses. Further research is necessary to assess the effectiveness of public education schemes, address stigma within the sex industry, and investigate the mental health experiences of sex workers in American and Western European contexts.
Reducing maternal mortality through identifying unmet need for postpartum hemorrhage stabilization in rural emergency obstetric care facilities: Development and testing of a tool in Bangladesh
Authors: Mamun Quazi , Shajahan Fatima , Williams Anna , Anderson Rondi
Published: November 2023

Background: Maternal mortality is stagnating globally, and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading contributor. Time from onset of PPH to death is estimated at two hours, the fastest of all life-threatening obstetric complications. Resistance to treatment of critical obstetric emergencies in rural settings is ubiquitous and under-reported. Ensuring initial stabilization close to communities is central to improving maternal mortality rates. Systemic and unspoken refusal of care leads to hidden unmet need for treatment of PPH. Current global guidance for monitoring emergency obstetric care may be inadequate.
Aim: The aim of this research was to develop a tool that measures unmet need for PPH stabilization in local health facilities. The newly developed tool was tested in rural sub-districts in Bangladesh. The results and their implications are discussed.
Method: A proposed calculation was developed for determining the expected number of PPH cases in a given population based on its size, birth rates, community delivery rate, and estimates of PPH rates. Using the new tool, calculated estimates were applied to rural districts in Bangladesh against actual numbers of PPH cases managed in public district and sub-district hospitals. Births in private and NGO facilities were also accounted for.
Findings: Substantial discrepancies were found between expected PPH arising in rural areas and PPH treated in rural facilities in those areas. The actual number of cases treated at local rural public facilities was 16% of what was expected. This is a notable finding that is missed by using global recommendations for monitoring EmONC signal functions.
Conclusion: The proposed tool presents an opportunity for countries to examine the availability of facility response to obstetric emergencies, specifically PPH, in facilities reported to be providing basic emergency obstetric care. Establishing a simple method for the calculation of expected numbers of PPH will help countries to address hidden gaps. Further research is needed in other contexts to verify this tool and investigate if uncovering under performance of health facilities could be an opportunity for strengthening maternal and newborn health systems.
Condition dependence in the sexual communication system of the túngara frog
Authors: Wilhite Kyle , Ryan Michael J
Published: November 2023

Sexual selection can result in the evolution of extreme armaments and ornaments, and the development and maintenance of these traits can come at a considerable cost. These costs have been implicated in enforcing an upper limit on trait divergence and promoting condition-dependent traits such that only individuals in sufficiently high condition can effectively wield these armaments and advertise these ornaments. Numerous studies demonstrate the condition-dependence of sexually selected traits, especially those used by males to advertise to females. In this study, we investigated condition-dependent mating calls in the túngara frog Physalaemus (=Engystomops) pustulosus. We manipulated male condition in the laboratory over a nine-day period by restricting food availability. We then documented the relationship between male condition (the relative change in body mass from night 1 to night 9) and acoustic parameters of his mating call; how male condition influenced the male’s responses to call playbacks; and finally, if male condition influenced the attractiveness of the male’s calls to females. Males who were not fed during this period showed significant changes in call frequency, duration, and amplitude. In response to playbacks, unfed males called less, and made fewer complex calls. Finally, in phonotaxis experiments, females were more attracted to the calls of unfed males on night 1 to the calls of the same males on night 9. Fed males, on the other hand, showed no significant differences between nights 1 and 9 in call parameters, calling effort, and call attractiveness. This study shows the pervasive effects of condition on three aspects of sexual communication: signal parameters, behavioral response to vocal competition, and mating call attractiveness.
Bioorthogonal Chain-Growth Polymerization: Site-Specific Labeling of Artificial Polymers in Living Cells
Authors: Liu Guhuan , Tong Guoming , Liu Xiaojuan , Li Liang , Feng Xuepu , Shi Yi , Yang Sheng , Yang Ronghua
Published: November 2023

Examining and controlling the structure and interactions of biomolecules are fundamental tasks in life research. The importance of utilizing polymers to label and modify biomolecules has been steadily increasing due to the unique properties of polymers, such as polyfunctional nature and capacity of multivalent interactions. Nonetheless, the intracellular polymerization techniques that have been documented, whether they involve step-growth polymerization or radical polymerization, do not possess the mechanistically capacity to fulfill the intracellular site-specific labeling of artificial polymers. Given this context, we created a chain-growth polymerization with bioorthogonal features, centered around the proximity-enhanced copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). At the core of this approach lies a meticulously crafted azido-tris(triazolylmethyl)amine conjugate serving as the initiator. Tris(triazolylmethyl)amine effectively forms complexes with Cu(I) and accelerates proximity reaction between the covalently attached azide and a monomer containing both azide and alkynyl groups, far exceeding the rate of monomer-to-monomer reactions. The proximity-enhanced CuAAC reaction proceeds continuously to form chain-growing polymers. This CuAAC-based chain-growth polymerization (CCGP) enables for the intracellular site-specific labeling of artificial polymers, where the point of initiator dictates the polymer's ultimate positioning. We have successfully accomplished the localization of polymers within mitochondria and the on-site synthesis of DNA-polymer conjugates, through CCGP polymerization initiated by mitochondrial-targeted initiators and DNA-linked initiator groups, respectively. Due to the living characteristic of CCGP polymerization, this strategy enables the in-situ synthesis of block copolymers in cells for the first time. Consequently, we are convinced that the advancement of biorthogonal chain-growth polymerization will furnish a potent instrument for investigating and regulating the structure and interactions of biomolecules.
Development of efficient, cost-effective in vitro micropropagation technique for threatened ethnomedicinal plant Clerodendrum indicum (L.) O. Kuntze
Authors: Kundu Ashutosh , Adhikary Rajsekhar , Sahani Bikram , Chakraborty Anindita , Mandal Vivekananda
Published: November 2023

Clerodendrum indicum (L.) O. Kuntze (Verbenaceae) is a threatened ethnomedicinal plant with many bioactive secondary metabolites that could alleviate chronic diseases like cough, asthma, jaundice, leprosy, syphilitic rheumatism, and septic wounds. Their natural growth has been severely challenged due to habitat loss and massive exploitation for medical applications, leading to the threatened status. Therefore, an in vitro micropropagation technique has been trialled to be used for eco-restoration and metabolite exploitation. Micropropagation via direct and indirect shoot organogenesis had been established from the different explants of this plant. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with variable concentrations of NAA, IAA, and BAP produced callus, organogenesis and whole plant. The study revealed that nodal explants resulted in more significant responses than others. The shoot and root regeneration through callus was observed in the MS media supplemented with 4.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA with an 84% response rate after two weeks of incubation and an average 5.6 number of shoots per callus. Only root and shoot regeneration was observed using half-strength MS media with 2.0 mg/L 6-BA and 1.0 mg/L NAA and 6.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA, respectively, after two weeks. The plantlets acclimatization had an average of 80% survival rate. These in-vitro regenerated plants by direct shoot organogenesis and through callus induction methods might aid in harvesting a bulk amount of secondary metabolites without destroying the native habitat. Thus, the methods would lead to environmental restoration sustainably.
Effect of para-substituent on copolymerization and thermal degradation kinetics of styrene copolymers composed with maleic anhydride derivative
Authors: Yang Changlei , Wang Yanping , Liu Yufei , Qin Jun , He Min , Qin Shuhao , Yu Jie
Published: November 2023

The investigation of the polymerization kinetics and thermal degradation kinetics of maleic anhydride copolymers is of significant reference value for the synthesis of multifunctional and high-performance maleic anhydride-based copolymers and their applications in different fields. In this study, anhydride (MAH) derived styrene copolymers, namely Poly(N-phenylmaleimide-alt-styrene) (PNS), Poly(N-(4-carboxyphenyl) maleimide-alt-styrene) (PCS), and poly (N-fluorine- phenylmaleimide- alt-styrene) (PFS), were prepared using a solution copolymerization method. The copolymerization kinetics and thermal degradation kinetics of MAH derived styrene copolymers were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as the Arrhenius equation and Kim-Park method. The study revealed that the incorporation of carboxyl and fluorine groups had varying degrees of influence on maleic anhydride-styrene copolymers. The copolymerization rate constant (K value) followed the order PNS > PCS > PFS, while the copolymerization activation energy (Ea) followed the order PNS < PFS < PCS. Moreover, the thermal degradation activation energy (Ea′) followed the order PNS < PNS < PFS, indicating that PFS exhibited easier polymerization and the fluorine group significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the maleic anhydride-styrene copolymers.