bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Hot Wire Method to Measure the Thermal Conductivity Coefficient of a Gypsum Composite
Authors: Powała Krzysztof , Obraniak Andrzej , Heim Dariusz , Mrowiec Andrzej
Published: September 2022

Currently, there is much discussion about modern technologies and solutions in construction. There are new solutions that save electricity or heat, usually in buildings additionally equipped with intelligent management systems. High hopes are placed on building materials. Every investment begins with them. The basic building materials include materials such as cement, bricks, hollow bricks or plasterboard, and their modification and the use of admixtures ensure the greatest changes in the parameters of the building. This article focuses on the preparation and testing of gypsum mortar consisting of gypsum, phase change material and polymer. The idea was to replace the proven method of adding microencapsulated phase change material by direct binding. This article presents the study of thermal conductivity by the hot wire method. Using this method, tests of temperature changes during plaster hardening were also carried out. Compressive strength tests were also carried out on the 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th and 105th day from the date of making the samples. For each of these tests, three types of samples with different polymer content were used. After a series of tests, the best results were obtained by a series of samples with 0.1% polymer.
Influence of NiTi Wire Diameter on Cyclic and Torsional Fatigue Resistance of Different Heat-Treated Endodontic Instruments
Authors: Pedullà Eugenio , Canova Francesco Saverio , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Naaman Alfred , Diemer Franck , Generali Luigi , Nehme Walid
Published: September 2022

We compared the mechanical properties of 2Shape mini TS2 (Micro-Mega, Besançon, France) obtained from 1.0 diameter nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires and 2Shape TS2 from 1.2 diameter nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires differently thermally treated at room and body temperature. We used 120 NiTi TS2 1.0 and TS2 1.2 files made from controlled memory (CM) wire and T-wire (n = 10). Cyclic fatigue resistance was tested by recording the number of cycles to fracture (NCF) at room and body temperatures using a customized testing device. Maximum torque and angle of rotation at failure were recorded, according to ISO 3630-1. Data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). The CM-wire files had significantly higher NCFs at both temperatures, independent of wire dimensions. Testing at body temperature negatively affected cyclic fatigue of all files. The 1.0-mm diameter T-wire instruments showed higher NCF than the 1.2-mm diameter, whereas no significant differences emerged between the two CM wires at either temperature. The maximum torque was not significantly different across files. The TS2 CM-wire files showed significantly higher angular rotation to fracture than T-wire files. The TS2 CM-wire prototypes showed higher cyclic fatigue resistance than T-wire prototypes, regardless of wire size, exhibiting suitable torsional properties. Torsional behavior appears to not be affected by NiTi wire size.
Screening and Bioinformatics Analysis of Crucial Gene of Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation Based on GEO Database
Authors: Zhuang Yuansong , Qiao Zhentao , Bi Xuanye , Han Dongjian , Jiang Qingjiao , Zhang Yi , Wang Fuhang , Liu Miaomiao , An Quanxu , Shangguan Jiahong , Shen Deliang
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives: In clinical practice, we observed that the prognoses of patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation were worse than those of patients with only heart failure or atrial fibrillation. The study aims to get a better understanding of the common pathogenesis of the two diseases and find new therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: We downloaded heart failure datasets and atrial fibrillation datasets from the gene expression omnibus database. The common DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in heart failure and atrial fibrillation were identified by a series of bioinformatics methods. To better understand the functions and possible pathways of DEGs, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Results: We identified 22 up-regulated genes and 14 down-regulated genes in two datasets of heart failure and 475 up-regulated and 110 down-regulated genes in atrial fibrillation datasets. In addition, two co-upregulated (FRZB, SFRP4) and three co-downregulated genes (ENTPPL, AQP4, C1orf105) were identified. GO enrichment results showed that these common differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in the signal regulation of the Wnt pathway. Conclusions: We found five crucial genes in heart failure and atrial fibrillation, which may be potential therapeutic targets for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Experimental Studies on Fabricating Lenslet Array with Slow Tool Servo
Authors: Kang Wenjun , Seigo Masafumi , Xiao Huapan , Wang Daodang , Liang Rongguang
Published: September 2022

On the demand of low-cost, lightweight, miniaturized, and integrated optical systems, precision lenslet arrays are widely used. Diamond turning is often used to fabricate lenslet arrays directly or molds that are used to mold lenslet arrays. In this paper, mainly by real-time monitoring position following error for slow tool servo, different fabrication parameters are quantitatively studied and optimized for actual fabrication, then by actual fabrication validation, uniform and high-fidelity surface topography across the actual whole lenslet array is achieved. The evaluated fabrication parameters include sampling strategy, inverse time feed, arc-length, etc. The study provides a quick, effective, and detailed reference for both convex and concave lenslet array cutting parameter selection. At the end, a smooth zonal machining strategy toolpath is demonstrated for fabricating concave lenslet arrays.
Inclination Effect on the Periodic Response of a Symmetrical MEMS Gyroscope
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Huabiao , Li Xinye , Ji Yunxiao
Published: September 2022

The inclination effect caused by fabrication errors on the periodic response of a symmetric MEMS gyroscope is investigated. The dynamic equation is established considering the inclination effect on support stiffness and electrostatic forces. The periodic response is obtained by the averaging method. The two-variable singularity theory is employed to study the bifurcation characteristics and give transition sets on the DC-AC voltage plane, which divide the plane into four persistent regions. The amplitude-frequency curves demonstrate that only the two persistent regions with low voltages are feasible for the gyroscope. Both over-etching and under-etching reduce the feasible region. The effect of parameters on the performance is present. The mechanical sensitivity and nonlinearity increase with the voltages. With the increase in the inclination angle, the mechanical sensitivity and nonlinearity decrease first and then increase. The full temperature stability of the mechanical sensitivity is also considered. The variation in mechanical sensitivity with temperature is small at a large voltage and negative inclination angle. Under-etching, which leads to small nonlinearity and good temperature stability, is more beneficial to the performance of the gyroscope than over-etching.
Modular Micro Raman Reader Instrument for Fast SERS-Based Detection of Biomarkers
Authors: Duckworth Jamison , Krasnoslobodtsev Alexey V.
Published: September 2022

Sensitive detection of biomarkers is very critical in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of diseases. Recent efforts have suggested that bioassays using surface-enhanced Raman scattering as a signal read-out strategy possess certain unique beneficial features in terms of sensitivity and low limits of detection which set this method apart from its counterparts such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, and radiolabeling. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has also emerged as an ideal choice for the development of multiplexed bioassays. Such promising features have prompted the need for the development of SERS-based tools suitable for point-of-care applications. These tools must be easy to use, portable, and automated for the screening of many samples in clinical settings if diagnostic applications are considered. The availability of such tools will result in faster and more reliable detection of disease biomarkers, improving the accessibility of point-of-care diagnostics. In this paper, we describe a modular Raman reader instrument designed to create such a portable device suitable for screening a large number of samples with minimal operator assistance. The device’s hardware is mostly built with commercially available components using our unique design. Dedicated software was created to automatically run sample screening and analyze the data measured. The mRR is an imaging system specifically created to automate measurements, eliminating human bias while enhancing the rate of data collection and analysis ~2000 times. This paper presents both the design and capabilities of the custom-built modular Raman reader system (mRR) capable of automated and fast measurements of sandwich immunoassay samples on gold substrates using modified gold nanoparticles as Raman tags. The limit of detection (LOD) of the tested MUC4-specific iSERS assay was measured to be 0.41 µg/mL.
Microfluidic Technology for the Isolation and Analysis of Exosomes
Authors: Wu Yusong , Wang Yuqing , Lu Yanjun , Luo Xiaomei , Huang Yinghong , Xie Ting , Pilarsky Christian , Dang Yuanye , Zhang Jianye
Published: September 2022

Exosomes are lipid-bilayer enclosed vesicles with diameters of 30–150 nm, which play a pivotal role in cell communication by transporting their cargoes such as proteins, lipids, and genetic materials. In recent years, exosomes have been under intense investigation, as they show great promise in numerous areas, especially as bio-markers in liquid biopsies. However, due to the high heterogeneity and the nano size of exosomes, the separation of exosomes is not easy. This review will deliver an outline of the conventional methods and the microfluidic-based technologies for exosome separation. Particular attention is devoted to microfluidic devices, highlighting the efficiency of exosome isolation by these methods. Additionally, this review will introduce advances made in the integrated microfluidics technologies that enable the separation and analysis of exosomes.
PDMS Organ-On-Chip Design and Fabrication: Strategies for Improving Fluidic Integration and Chip Robustness of Rapidly Prototyped Microfluidic In Vitro Models
Authors: Cameron Tiffany C. , Randhawa Avineet , Grist Samantha M. , Bennet Tanya , Hua Jessica , Alde Luis G. , Caffrey Tara M. , Wellington Cheryl L. , Cheung Karen C.
Published: September 2022

The PDMS-based microfluidic organ-on-chip platform represents an exciting paradigm that has enjoyed a rapid rise in popularity and adoption. A particularly promising element of this platform is its amenability to rapid manufacturing strategies, which can enable quick adaptations through iterative prototyping. These strategies, however, come with challenges; fluid flow, for example, a core principle of organs-on-chip and the physiology they aim to model, necessitates robust, leak-free channels for potentially long (multi-week) culture durations. In this report, we describe microfluidic chip fabrication methods and strategies that are aimed at overcoming these difficulties; we employ a subset of these strategies to a blood–brain-barrier-on-chip, with others applied to a small-airway-on-chip. Design approaches are detailed with considerations presented for readers. Results pertaining to fabrication parameters we aimed to improve (e.g., the thickness uniformity of molded PDMS), as well as illustrative results pertaining to the establishment of cell cultures using these methods will also be presented.
Biological and Physico-Chemical Properties of Composite Layers Based on Magnesium-Doped Hydroxyapatite in Chitosan Matrix
Authors: Iconaru Simona Liliana , Ciobanu Carmen Steluta , Predoi Gabriel , Rokosz Krzysztof , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Bleotu Coralia , Stanciu George , Hristu Radu , Raaen Steinar , Raita Stefania Mariana , Ghegoiu Liliana , Badea Monica Luminita , Predoi Daniela
Published: September 2022

In the present study, we report the development and characterization of composite layers (by spin coating) based on magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite in a chitosan matrix, (Ca10−xMgx(PO4)6(OH)2; xMg = 0, 0.08 and 0.3; HApCh, 8MgHApCh and 30MgHApCh). The MgHApCh composite layers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The in vitro biological evaluation included the assessment of their cytotoxicity on MG63 osteoblast-like cells and antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 fungal cell lines. The results of the physico-chemical characterization highlighted the obtaining of uniform and homogeneous composite layers. In addition, the biological assays demonstrated that the increase in the magnesium concentration in the samples enhanced the antifungal effect but also decreased their cytocompatibility. However, for certain optimal magnesium ion concentrations, the composite layers presented both excellent biocompatibility and antifungal properties, suggesting their promising potential for biomedical applications in both implantology and dentistry.
Interactive Laboratories for Science Education: A Subjective Study and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ali Numan , Ullah Sehat , Khan Dawar
Published: September 2022

In science education laboratory experimentation has a vital role for students’ learning enhancement. Keeping in view the importance of modern day technologies in teaching learning process, various interactive laboratories (ISLs) have been developed to assist students in hands-on experiments in science education. In this paper we describe the potential contributions of existing interactive science laboratories (ISLs) in the major subjects of science, i.e., chemistry, biology and physics. The existing ISLs include virtual labs and simulation software where users performed their experiments. Important problems and challenges in the existing ISLs are highlighted. The systematic literature review (SLR) methodology is used for article searching, selection, and quality assessments. For this study, 86 articles after final selection using SLR are selected and classified into different categories. Each article is selected after briefly studying its different information, including category of the article, key idea, evaluation criterion, and its strengths and weaknesses. A subjective study with field experts was also conducted to investigate one of our existing virtual lab about the practical implementation and to find out the key issues in its implementation and use. Then, considering the suggestions of the subjective study, some guidelines are proposed for the improvement of future ISLs.
Improved Macro- and Micronutrient Supply for Favorable Growth and Metabolomic Profile with Standardized Parenteral Nutrition Solutions for Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Kindt Alida , Kraus Yvonne , Rasp David , Foerster Kai M. , Ahmidi Narges , Flemmer Andreas W. , Herber-Jonat Susanne , Heinen Florian , Weigand Heike , Hankemeier Thomas , Koletzko Berthold , Krumsiek Jan , Babl Juergen , Hilgendorff Anne
Published: September 2022

Very preterm infants are at high risk for suboptimal nutrition in the first weeks of life leading to insufficient weight gain and complications arising from metabolic imbalances such as insufficient bone mineral accretion. We investigated the use of a novel set of standardized parenteral nutrition (PN; MUC PREPARE) solutions regarding improving nutritional intake, accelerating termination of parenteral feeding, and positively affecting growth in comparison to individually prescribed and compounded PN solutions. We studied the effect of MUC PREPARE on macro- and micronutrient intake, metabolism, and growth in 58 very preterm infants and compared results to a historic reference group of 58 very preterm infants matched for clinical characteristics. Infants receiving MUC PREPARE demonstrated improved macro- and micronutrient intake resulting in balanced electrolyte levels and stable metabolomic profiles. Subsequently, improved energy supply was associated with up to 1.5 weeks earlier termination of parenteral feeding, while simultaneously reaching up to 1.9 times higher weight gain at day 28 in extremely immature infants (<27 GA weeks) as well as overall improved growth at 2 years of age for all infants. The use of the new standardized PN solution MUC PREPARE improved nutritional supply and short- and long-term growth and reduced PN duration in very preterm infants and is considered a superior therapeutic strategy.
Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Response by a Brewer’s Spent Grain Extract-Based Food Supplement in Subjects with Slightly Impaired Glucose Tolerance: A Monocentric, Randomized, Cross-Over, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ullah Hammad , Esposito Cristina , Piccinocchi Roberto , De Lellis Lorenza Francesca , Santarcangelo Cristina , Minno Alessandro Di , Baldi Alessandra , Buccato Daniele Giuseppe , Khan Ayesha , Piccinocchi Gaetano , Sacchi Roberto , Daglia Maria
Published: September 2022

Dietary fiber exerts beneficial effects on human health reducing the risk factors of metabolic related diseases such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of a food supplement based on brewer’s spent grain (BSG) extract in the reduction of postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in normoglycemic subjects. BSG was chemically characterized, revealing the presence of resistant starch (14.64 g/100 g), arabinoxylans (7.50 g/100 g), β-glucans (1.92 g/100 g) and other soluble fibers (6.43 g/100 g), and bioaccessible ferulic acid (91.3 mg/100 g). For the clinical study, 40 normoglycemic subjects were randomized into two groups, 1 and 2 (n = 20), for a cross-over clinical design and received either BSG extract-based food supplement or placebo. Postprandial blood glucose values were significantly lower than corresponding values in the placebo group after 90 and 120 min, while at the baseline and in the first 60 min, the two glycemic curves overlapped substantially. This improved clinical outcome was corroborated by significant reductions in postprandial insulinemia. None of the subjects reported adverse effects. This study showed that the tested BSG extract-based food supplement improves glucose metabolism and insulinemic response in normoglycemic subjects with at most a mild insulin resistance.
Burden of Nutritional Deficiencies in China: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Han Liyuan , Zhao Tian , Zhang Ruijie , Hao Yanhua , Jiao Mingli , Wu Qunhong , Liu Jingjing , Zhou Maigeng
Published: September 2022

From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate of nutritional deficiencies in China remained stable. However, the age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) rate of nutritional deficiencies decreased from 1990 to 2019. Data were extracted from the GBD 2019 datasets. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess the incidence rate, and DALY trends of nutritional deficiencies. Measures were stratified by subtypes, regions, and age groups. In 2019, the age-standardized DALY rates of dietary iron deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition reached their highest levels. The main population groups with protein-energy malnutrition and dietary iron deficiency were adults over the age of 70 and children under the age of five. The latter group also had a greater burden of vitamin A deficiency. Zhejiang, Beijing, and Guangdong reported the highest age-standardized incidence rates of nutritional deficiencies, which mainly pertained to protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency. Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hainan had the highest age-standardized DALY rates of nutritional deficiencies, which mainly pertained to dietary iron deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition.
Efficacy and Mechanism of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii Polysaccharides in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Zhujun , Du Hui , Peng Wanqian , Yang Shilin , Feng Yulin , Ouyang Hui , Zhu Weifeng , Liu Ronghua
Published: September 2022

Diabetes is called a “wasting and thirsting disorder” in Chinese traditional medicine because there is a depletion of vital substances in the body independent of the intake of food or water and an inability to reintroduce fluids through drinking. Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (GG) and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (FG) are traditional Chinese herbal medicines used in the treatment of wasting-thirst that reduce blood glucose levels. Flavonoids are the main pharmacodynamic components of GG and FG, and they are also the most studied components at present, but polysaccharides are also active components of GG and FG, which, however, are less studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Pueraria polysaccharides (GG and FG polysaccharides) on type 2 diabetes (T2D), as well as their related mechanisms of action in terms of both intestinal flora and metabolomics. The C57BL/KsJ-db/db mouse model, a well-established model of obesity-induced T2D, was used in this study. The metabolomic analysis showed that Pueraria polysaccharides improved the metabolic profile of diabetic mice and significantly regulated metabolites and metabolic pathways. Both GG and FG polysaccharides regulated insulin resistance in mice by regulating PPAR signaling pathway so as to treat T2D. Additionally, Pueraria polysaccharides regulated the structure of gut microbiota and improved the diabetes-related metabolic pathway. Therefore, this study discovered the antidiabetic effects and potential mechanisms of Pueraria polysaccharides through multiple pathways involving gut microbiota and metabolites, providing a theoretical basis for further studies on their effects in the treatment of T2D.
High Folate, Perturbed One-Carbon Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Williamson Jessica M. , Arthurs Anya L. , Smith Melanie D. , Roberts Claire T. , Jankovic-Karasoulos Tanja
Published: September 2022

Folate is a dietary micronutrient essential to one-carbon metabolism. The World Health Organisation recommends folic acid (FA) supplementation pre-conception and in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs). Subsequently, many countries (~92) have mandatory FA fortification policies, as well as recommendations for periconceptional FA supplementation. Mandatory fortification initiatives have been largely successful in reducing the incidence of NTDs. However, humans have limited capacity to incorporate FA into the one-carbon metabolic pathway, resulting in the increasingly ubiquitous presence of circulating unmetabolised folic acid (uFA). Excess FA intake has emerged as a risk factor in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Several other one-carbon metabolism components (vitamin B12, homocysteine and choline-derived betaine) are also closely entwined with GDM risk, suggesting a role for one-carbon metabolism in GDM pathogenesis. There is growing evidence from in vitro and animal studies suggesting a role for excess FA in dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism. Specifically, high levels of FA reduce methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity, dysregulate the balance of thymidylate synthase (TS) and methionine synthase (MTR) activity, and elevate homocysteine. High homocysteine is associated with increased oxidative stress and trophoblast apoptosis and reduced human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. While the relationship between high FA, perturbed one-carbon metabolism and GDM pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, here we summarise the current state of knowledge. Given rising rates of GDM, now estimated to be 14% globally, and widespread FA food fortification, further research is urgently needed to elucidate the mechanisms which underpin GDM pathogenesis.
Contour Measurement of Object with Arbitrary Surface Using Two-Dimensional Shearography with Source Displacement
Authors: Yu Miao , Wu Sijin , Li Weixian , Si Juanning
Published: September 2022

A two-dimensional (2D) shearography with source displacement is proposed to measure object contours. Using a dual-shear shearographic setup with two movable laser sources, the full-field slopes along a pair of orthogonal shear directions were obtained. The contour was then obtained by performing 2D integration of the surface slopes. Theoretical derivations and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that contour of objects with various types of surfaces, such as spherical and hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, can be effectively measured. The measurement of the contour aids in the precision measurement of strain and the precision location of defects.
Recent Advances in Antiviral Activities of Triterpenoids
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Liangyu , Wang Hong , Xiong Yongai
Published: September 2022

Triterpenoids, important secondary plant metabolites made up of six isoprene units, are found widely in higher plants and are studied for their structural variety and wide range of bioactivities, including antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated that different triterpenoids have the potential to behave as potential antiviral agents. The antiviral activities of triterpenoids and their derivatives are summarized in this review, with examples of oleanane, ursane, lupane, dammarane, lanostane, and cycloartane triterpenoids. We concentrated on the tetracyclic and pentacyclic triterpenoids in particular. Furthermore, the particular viral types and possible methods, such as anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anti-influenza virus, and anti-hepatitis virus, are presented in this article. This review gives an overview and a discussion of triterpenoids as potential antiviral agents.
In Vitro Characterization of Inhibitors for Lung A549 and Leukemia K562 Cell Lines from Fungal Transformation of Arecoline Supported by In Silico Docking to M3-mAChR and ADME Prediction
Authors: Ragab Amany E. , Badawy Ebtisam T. , Aboukhatwa Shaimaa M. , Kabbash Amal , Abo El-Seoud Kamilia A.
Published: September 2022

The search for anticancer drugs is of continuous interest. Arecoline is an alkaloid with anticancer activity. Herein, the metabolism of arecoline through fungal transformation was investigated for the discovery of potential anticancer drugs with higher activity and selectivity. Compounds 1–5 were isolated, and their structures were fully elucidated using various spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, ESIMS, and HRESIMS. This is the first report for the isolation of compounds 1 and 2. An MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxic activity of arecoline and its metabolites in vitro using non-small-cell lung cancer A549 and leukemia K562 cell lines compared to staurosporine and doxorubicin as positive controls. For the non-small-cell lung A549 cell line, arecoline hydrobromide, staurosporine, and doxorubicin resulted in IC50 values of 11.73 ± 0.71 µM, 10.47 ± 0.64 µM, and 5.05 ± 0.13 µM, respectively, while compounds 1, 3, and 5 exhibited IC50 values of 3.08 ± 0.19 µM, 7.33 ± 0.45 µM, and 3.29 ± 0.20 µM, respectively. For the leukemia K562 cell line, the IC50 values of arecoline hydrobromide, staurosporine, and doxorubicin were 15.3 ± 1.08 µM, 5.07 ± 0.36 µM, and 6.94 ± 0.21 µM, respectively, while the IC50 values of compounds 1, 3 and 5 were 1.56 ± 0.11 µM, 3.33 ± 0.24 µM, and 2.15 ± 0.15 µM, respectively. The selectivity index value of these compounds was higher than 3. These results indicated that compounds 1, 3, and 5 are very strong cytotoxic agents with higher activity than the positive controls and good selectivity toward the tested cancer cell lines. Cell cycle arrest was then studied by flow cytometry to investigate the apoptotic mechanism. Docking simulation revealed that most compounds possessed good binding poses and favorable protein-ligand interactions with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3-mAChR protein. In silico study of pharmacokinetics using SwissADME predicted compounds 1–5 to be drug-like with a high probability of good oral bioavailability.
Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib Effectively Modulates Cancer Resistance by Inhibiting Anthracycline Metabolism and Efflux
Authors: Čermáková Lucie , Hofman Jakub , Laštovičková Lenka , Havlíčková Lucie , Špringrová Ivona , Novotná Eva , Wsól Vladimír
Published: September 2022

Zanubrutinib (ZAN) is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor recently approved for the treatment of some non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In clinical trials, ZAN is often combined with standard anthracycline (ANT) chemotherapy. Although ANTs are generally effective, drug resistance is a crucial obstacle that leads to treatment discontinuation. This study showed that ZAN counteracts ANT resistance by targeting aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. AKR1C3 catalyses the transformation of ANTs to less potent hydroxy-metabolites, whereas transporters decrease the ANT-effective concentrations by pumping them out of the cancer cells. In our experiments, ZAN inhibited the AKR1C3-mediated inactivation of daunorubicin (DAUN) at both the recombinant and cellular levels. In the drug combination experiments, ZAN synergistically sensitised AKR1C3-expressing HCT116 and A549 cells to DAUN treatment. Gene induction studies further confirmed that ZAN did not increase the intracellular level of AKR1C3 mRNA; thus, the drug combination effect is not abolished by enzyme induction. Finally, in accumulation assays, ZAN was found to interfere with the DAUN efflux mediated by the ABCB1, ABCG2, and ABCC1 transporters, which might further contribute to the reversal of ANT resistance. In summary, our data provide the rationale for ZAN inclusion in ANT-based therapy and suggest its potential for the treatment of tumours expressing AKR1C3 and/or the above-mentioned ABC transporters.
Effects of Carbon Nanomaterials and Aloe vera on Melanomas—Where Are We? Recent Updates
Authors: de Carvalho Lima Elidamar Nunes , Barros Martins Guilherme Leão , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie , Schechter Mauro , Piqueira José Roberto Castilho , Justo João Francisco
Published: September 2022

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that affects approximately 140,000 people worldwide each year, with a high fatality rate. Available treatment modalities show limited efficacy in more severe cases. Hence, the search for new treatment modalities, including immunotherapies, for curing, mitigating, and/or preventing cancer is important and urgently needed. Carbon nanoparticles associated with some plant materials, such as Aloe vera, have shown appealing antineoplastic activity, derived mainly from the compounds aloin, aloe-emodin, barbaloin acemannan, and octapeptide, thus representing new possibilities as antitumor agents. This systematic review aims to arouse interest and present the possibilities of using Aloe vera combined with carbon-based nanomaterials as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment and prevention of melanoma. Limitations and advances in melanoma treatment using functionalized carbon nanomaterials are discussed here. Moreover, this review provides the basis for further studies designed to fully explore the potential of carbon nanomaterials associated with Aloe vera in the treatment of various cancers, with a focus on melanoma.
Methods for Natural and Synthetic Polymers Recovery from Textile Waste
Authors: Stefan Daniela Simina , Bosomoiu Magdalena , Stefan Mircea
Published: September 2022

Trends in the textile industry show a continuous increase in the production and sale of textile materials, which in turn generates a huge amount of discarded clothing every year. This has a negative impact on the environment, on one side, by consuming resources—some of them non-renewables (to produce synthetic polymers)—and on the other side, by polluting the environment through the emission of GHGs (greenhouse gases), the generation of microplastics, and the release of toxic chemicals in the environment (dyes, chemical reagents, etc.). When natural polymers (e.g., cellulose, protein fibers) are used for the manufacturing of clothes, the negative impact is transferred to soil pollution (e.g., by using pesticides, fertilizers). In addition, for the manufacture of clothes from natural fibers, large amounts of water are consumed for irrigation. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the consumption of clothing is expected to increase by 63%, from 62 million tonnes in 2019 to 102 million tonnes in 2030. The current article aims to review the latest technologies that are suitable for better disposal of large quantities of textile waste.
Research on Properties of Dopamine and Silicon Carbon Black Modified Basalt Fiber Reinforced Magnetorheological Elastomer
Authors: Wang Shaoqiang , Liu Tianbao , Li Yi , Liang Ce
Published: September 2022

The basalt fibers (BF) and the basalt fibers etched by H2SO4 (BFH) were modified by polydopamine (PDA) or synergistically modified by PDA and silicon carbon black (SiCB). The effects of modified BF, BFH and SiCB on the basic mechanical properties and magnetorheological (MR) effects of natural rubber/butadiene rubber-based magnetorheological elastomer precursors (MREs) were investigated. The results show that the tensile strength, tear strength and stress at 300% strain of MREs/PDA-BFH-SiCB prepared with BFH synergistically modified by PDA and SiCB reach the maximum values, which are 9.58 MPa, 24.07 kN/m and 4.13 MPa, respectively. Additionally, its MR effect is more than three times higher than that of MREs before composite modification.
Regional features of the quality of the centralized water supply
Authors:   Far Eastern Federal University, School of biomedicine, Vladivostok, Russia, Bogdanova V. D. , Kiku P. F. ,   Far Eastern Federal University, School of biomedicine, Vladivostok, Russia
Published: September 2022

The paper studies the results of social and hygienic monitoring of drinking water from centralized water supply systems carried out in the Primorsky Krai, in comparison with Russian indicators according to state reports. Attention is paid to the state of sanitary protection zones, a comparative characteristic of underground and surface sources of drinking water is given in terms of sanitary and epidemiological well-being. There is a decrease in the proportion of samples in the Primorsky Krai that are unsatisfactory in sanitary and epidemiological terms, due to the elimination of water sources that do not have sanitary protection zones along the region. In terms of sanitary and chemical indicators, the proportion of detected unsatisfactory samples taken from underground sources is higher than that of samples taken from surface sources. There is a lag in the provision of high-quality drinking water to the rural population compared to the urban population, and this gap is predicted to increase due to migration outflow to the urban environment and the postponement of the reconstruction of water supply systems. The leading role of surface sources in providing water supply to the largest number of the population of Primorsky Krai, the laboriousness of water treatment and transportation of water against the background of a reduction in the number of sources and centralization of water supply around more productive water sources are noted. The frequency of non-standard samples of drinking water in terms of microbiological indicators is included in the list of primary factors affecting the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the region. In the Primorsky Krai, hydrogeochemical provinces were identified according to the increased content of manganese in the water and the physiological inferiority of drinking water. The importance of assessing the quality of drinking water, which has a significant impact on the formation of public health, is emphasized.
The Prediction of Great Salt Lake Levels on the Basis of Recent Solar - Climatic Cycles
Authors: Willett Hurd C.
Published: September 2022

The major glacial-interglacial cycles are considered very briefly as to probable cause and the implications of such cause as to their future trend and its effect on the future levels of Great Salt Lake. The recent solar-climatic cycles since the 14th century, and in more detail since the Maunder Sunspot minimum, are considered from the point of view of their predicted extrapolation into the decades and the centuries immediately ahead of us. Fluctuations of level of three terminal lakes, Great Salt Lake, Utah; Devils Lake, North Dakota; and, very spottily, the Caspian Sea, are examined from the point of view of their relationship to the solar climatic cycles. These relationships are applied accordingly to the prediction of Great Salt Lake water levels for the decades and centuries immediately ahead.
The “Night Battle” of Singara: Whose Victory?
Authors: DMITRIEV Vladimir
Published: September 2022

The so-called “Night Battle” of Singara (344 AD) still remains poorly studied historical event because of discrepancies between the sources. The outcome of the battle is described in them with considerable discrepancies too. The analysis of the sources from the point of view of the “classical theory of war” elaborated by C. Clausewitz, unambiguously demonstrates that the winning side in this battle were Persians.
“Mujeres espartanas”: heroísmo femenino, nacionalismo y guerra en Chile (1879-1929)
Authors: Cid Rodríguez Gabriel
Published: September 2022

El artículo examina, desde la perspectiva de la historia cultural de la guerra, el rol desempeñado por las mujeres chilenas en la Guerra del Pacífico (1879-1883) y el reconocimiento social de sus acciones. El trabajo examina el impacto de las mujeres en el imaginario nacionalista de la guerra y su incorporación en el culto a los héroes en los años de la posguerra. El estudio de estos problemas nos permite comprender los límites a los roles de género asociados a la actividad femenina en tiempos de guerra durante el siglo XIX e inicios del XX.
Batallar en los bordes. Heroínas de guerra en cuentos de Ada Elflein
Authors: Crespo Natalia
Published: September 2022

La escritora germano-argentina Ada María Elflein (1880-1919) publicó en el folletín dominical del diario La Prensa, durante catorce años (desde 1905 hasta 1918 inclusive), un texto semanal: un cuento, una nota histórica, un relato de viajes. Su obra alcanza las quinientas piezas breves y, a pesar de haber gozado de gran difusión en la época, es hoy en día solo parcialmente accesible. Si bien algunos de sus cuentos y, sobre todo, sus relatos de viaje han recibido considerable atención crítica, cerca de un ochenta por ciento de su obra permanece aún desconocida para el público. Este artículo releva y analiza una serie de cuentos –seleccionados de entre los más de cuatrocientos hasta ahora nunca re-editados y que hemos rescatado recientemente de los archivos– en donde se presentan personajes femeninos que luchan, tanto las batallas de la Independencia como las luchas entre unitarios y federales. Además de dar a conocer este corpus textual (su olvido responde sin duda a cuestiones de género), este artículo revisa algunos de los roles que, según estas ficciones, desempeñaron las mujeres en las guerras del siglo XIX, propone un lugar para esta serie de cuentos sobre mujeres decimonónicas batalladoras dentro de la obra total de la escritora y ofrece una posible tipología para pensar internamente dicha serie.
tPCS as a method for correcting cardiac arrhythmias after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stenting in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Kade A. Kh. , Sorokina E. A. , Raff S. A. , Trofimenko A. I. , Zanina E. S. , Muratova А. Yu.
Published: September 2022

Objective: To study the effect of transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) therapy on cardiac arrhythmias developed after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Material and methods: Characteristics of patient groups: the comparison group (n = 17) – with myocardial infarction, after PTCA with stenting, standard treatment; the main group (n = 21) – the same and tPCS therapy. Control points of the study: 1st day – Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiography (ECHO), Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), Troponin-I, potassium, β-endorphin; 5th day – the same without ECHO; 10th day – the same and ECG with the determination of harmony and quantum of the electromagnetic flux of the cardiac cycle. PTCA was performed using drug-eluting stents. tPCS therapy was performed in pulsed bipolar mode, current strength 2 mA, current frequency 77.5 Hz, session duration 45 min.

Results: In patients of the main group (against the background of tPCS therapy), the studied parameters of the cardiac cycle approached the optimal values. It was shown that intergroup differences in harmony (p = 0.002) and the size of the electromagnetic flux quantum of the cardiac cycle (p = 0.001) are statistically significant. Also, against the background of the tPCS therapy, the concentration of highly sensitive troponin-I is statistically significantly (p = 0.0042) lower by 109%. On the 5th and 10th days of the study, the serum concentration of β-endorphin in the main group was higher by 38.3 and 35.0% than in the comparison group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the study clearly demonstrate the cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic potential of tPCS therapy in patients with myocardial infarction and cardiac arrhythmias after PTCA with stenting.
COVID-19 impact on hospitalization outcomes of patients with circulatory system diseases
Authors: Korkhmazov V. T.
Published: September 2022

Background: The study is devoted to the impact of a new coronavirus infection in combination with other diseases on the hospitalization outcomes. Features of mortality in the population during COVID-19 pandemic, including from blood circulatory system diseases, have been studied. However, there are few studies based on the large amount of data on the cases and outcomes of providing specialized hightech medical care to patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and concomitant diagnosis of COVID-19.

Objective: The analysis of impact of a new coronavirus infection on the outcomes of hospitalization for circulatory system diseases.

Material and methods: Information about more than 350 thousand cases of hospitalization of patients with blood circulatory system diseases in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic has been analyzed, of which in 1875 cases a concomitant diagnosis of COVID-19 was established. The sources of information are the depersonalized registers of compulsory health insurance accounts. For assessment of the obtained data methods of descriptive statistics, simple (unweighted) arithmetic mean values, mean values, specific weights of indicator values, a mean square (standard) deviation from mean values were used. The analysis and descriptive part of the work were carried out by means of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software package.

Results: The outcomes of hospitalization of patients with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were significantly worse than in other patients. Moreover, the frequency of lethal outcomes increases significantly in correlation with the age of patients and does not depend on the choice of treatment method – surgical or therapeutic.

Conclusion: COVID-19 significantly complicates provision of medical care in conditions of the round-the-clock hospital for blood circulatory system diseases. The risks of surgical interventions for circulatory system diseases in combination with COVID-19 are as high as with the use of therapeutic technologies. It is necessary to unify the indications and contraindications to surgical treatment of conditions related to acute coronary syndrome in cases of the presence of such concomitant pathology as COVID-19.
A Geohistoricidade Camponesa em “A Terra e o Homem no Nordeste”
Authors: Da Rocha Gerlane Gomes , Gomes Rodrigo Dutra
Published: September 2022

A partir do livro “A terra e o homem no Nordeste,” escrito pelo geógrafo Manuel Correia de Andrade, as direções metodológicas referentes ao campesinato nordestino mudam de uma perspectiva ambientalista descritivista para uma discussão pautada nos conflitos territoriais e contradições sociais dessa região. Assim, por meio da análise dessa obra e do pensamento geohistórico de Manuel Correia de Andrade pode-se entender a construção do campesinato nas sub-regiões nordestinas sob uma perspectiva crítica. Para realizar esse resgate interpretativo será utilizada a abordagem contextual do Geógrafo francês Vincent Berdoulay (2003, 2017) que consiste, de forma geral, em analisar a conjunção da lógica interna e do conteúdo da ciência com os contextos no qual o cientista e os objetos de estudo estão situados. Dentro da espacialidade nordestina nota-se uma diferenciação entre as suas sub-regiões que foram produzidas por fatores históricos e geográficos. Com isso, mesmo que as relações de exploração do campesinato se repitam nessas sub-regiões, os fatores que levam a esse cenário não são necessariamente iguais. No combate às contradições espaciais existentes na região Nordeste a junção de camponeses em sindicatos; cooperativas e movimentos rurais é uma ação que pode fazer frente a essas contradições.Palavras-chave: Nordeste; Conflitos; Manuel Correia de Andrade
Comparação entre as regionalizações de 1990 e 2017 do IBGE Minas Gerais: breves discussões
Authors: Santos Marina Gabriele Amarante , Alvim Ana Márcia Moreira
Published: September 2022

Em 2017 foi realizada, pelo Instituto de Geografia e Estatística, uma nova regionalização do território brasileiro, as denominadas regiões geográficas intermediárias e imediatas em substituição as mesorregiões e microrregiões de 1990. Diante disso, o objetivo geral da pesquisa é comparar as regionalizações de 1990 e 2017 do IBGE considerando a hierarquia urbana do Estado constante no REGIC (2007). A hipótese da pesquisa é que o IBGE levou em consideração na nova regionalização às redes urbanas, a hierarquia das cidades e as áreas conurbadas entre os municípios. Metodologicamente, este trabalho pautou-se na leitura das duas regionalizações e referenciais teóricos da área de Geografia Regional.  Na regionalização de 1990 foram identificadas 12 mesorregiões e 66 microrregiões, já a de 2017, 13 regiões geográficas intermediárias e 70 regiões geográficas imediatas. Os limites das regiões mudaram, afinal, as relações entre os municípios alteraram em função do processo de urbanização, do crescimento econômico, das políticas públicas, da Constituição de 1988 e das áreas conurbadas, modificando a organização do território brasileiro.
mitos de la fundación de Tenochtitlan. Las águilas de Huitzilopochtli
Authors: Corona Sánchez Eduardo
Published: September 2022

A través de un análisis de diferentes códices que registran la fundación simbólica de Tenochtitlan, y su contrastación con las fuentes que recuperan la historiografía y tradición oral náhuatl de los mexicas sobre los aconteceres que le dieron lugar, hemos tratado de realizar un ejercicio de investigación etnohistórica que considere el significado de la interpretación mítica en la historia étnica de la población que emigra hacia la cuenca de México. Tratamos de entrever el inicio del proceso de construcción de las fórmulas económicas, sociales y cosmogónicas que definen a la formación social mexica y que permiten explicar la configuración de un imperio o Cemanáhuac, como se manifiesta a partir de las diferentes acciones que realiza el águila como vocera de las decisiones de Huitzilopochtli para definir su primacía como deidad, basada en el sino de primacía de los mexicas en el universo cuadripartito mesoamericano, acciones que se concretizan en el islote donde crece un nopal en un pedregal o Tenochtitlan, que será el sitio sede de Huitzilopochtli y del Cemanáhuac mexica.