bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonography Evaluation of Umbilical Structures in Clinically Healthy Donkey Foals during the First Week of Life
Authors: Vitale Valentina , Nocera Irene , Sgorbini Micaela , Aliboni Benedetta , Laus Fulvio , Mannini Aurora , Bazzano Marilena
Published: June 2021

The umbilicus is a potential access-point for pathogens in equine foal, causing umbilical infections and potentially life-threating illness. Early diagnosis based on ultrasonographic appearance and measurement is crucial to avoid severe complications and promptly implement appropriate therapy. This study ultrasonographically evaluates the umbilical remnants of donkey foals, in the first week of life. Fifteen healthy donkey foals were included in the study. The umbilical vein, arteries and urachus ultrasounds were performed at 24 h, 3 and 7 days of life, using a portable ultrasound machine and a 5–7.5 MHz multifrequency linear probe. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparisons test were applied to verify differences in relation to time for all the umbilical remnants measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. No statistical differences were observed in relation to time regarding umbilical remnant measurements. A correlation was found between body weight and the left artery at T0. The regression of the umbilical remnant during the first week of life was slower compared with what was reported in equine foals but was comparable with the results on calves. Thus, the different regression timing needs be considered when evaluating donkey foals with umbilical remnant diseases within the first week of life.
Genetic Variation and Population Differentiation in the Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen DRB3.2 Locus of South African Nguni Crossbred Cattle
Authors: Mkize Lwamkelekile Sitshilelo , Zishiri Oliver Tendayi
Published: June 2021

The bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA-DRB3) gene is an important region that codes for glycoproteins responsible for the initiation of an immune response. BoLA-DRB3 alleles have been demonstrated to be associated with disease resistance/tolerance. Therefore, great genetic diversity is correlated with better adaptation, fitness, and robustness. The current study was conducted to assess the population genetic structure of the BoLA-DRB3 gene in Nguni crossbred cattle using polymerase chain reaction-sequence based typing (PCR-SBT). High genetic diversity was detected, with 30 alleles, 11 of which are novel to the study. Alleles DRB3*0201, DRB3*0701, DRB*0901, and DRB*1601 were present in all populations and accounted for nearly around 50% of all observed alleles. A mean genetic diversity (HE) of 0.93 was detected. The high overall genetic diversity is possibly associated with pathogen-assisted selection and heterozygote advantage. Such high diversity might explain the hardiness of the Nguni crossbred cattle to the Southern African region. Low population genetic structure was identified (FST = 0.01), suggesting possible gene flow between populations and retention of similar alleles. The study was undertaken to bridge the dearth of such studies in South African breeds and it is imperative for effective sustainability of indigenous breeds and the implementation of effective breeding strategies.
Honey-Based Medicinal Formulations: A Critical Review
Authors: Hossain Md Lokman , Lim Lee Yong , Hammer Katherine , Hettiarachchi Dhanushka , Locher Cornelia
Published: June 2021

Honey, a concentrated natural product, is produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from the nectar of flowers. It contains over 200 compounds that exert various biological or pharmacological activities, ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive to hypoglycemic effects. Due to the presence of a plethora of bioactive compounds, as well as unique physicochemical properties, honey has been widely used as medicine throughout human history along with its extensive utilization as common food and flavoring agent. The application of neat honey for therapeutic purpose, however, poses some difficulties such as the maintenance of a required therapeutic concentration over an adequate timeframe due to the problem of liquefaction and leakage. This has driven researchers to incorporate honey into a range of formulations, for example, hydrogels, dressings, ointments, pastes, or lozenges. After a brief discussion of the chemistry and medicinal use of honey, this review focuses on commercial honey-based medicinal formulations as well as in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on noncommercial honey formulations for the treatment of various ailments. In addition to this, it also covers the application of honey formulations and the evidence underpinning their use.
A Biologically Inspired Height-Adjustable Jumping Robot
Authors: Ma Yunqian , Wei Yuliang , Kong Deyi
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the design and development of a miniature integrated jumping and running robot that can adjust its route trajectory and has passive self-righting. The jumping mechanism of the robot was developed by using a novel design strategy that combines hard-bodied animal (springtail) and soft-bodied animal (gall midge larvae) locomotion. It could reach a height of about 1.5 m under a load of 98.6 g and a height of about 1.2 m under a load of 156.8 g. To enhance the jumping flexibility of the robot, a clutch system with an adjustable height and launch time control was used such that the robot could freely switch to appropriate jumping heights. In addition, the robot has a shell with passive righting to protect the robot while landing and automatically self-righting it after landing, which makes the continuous jumping, running, and steering of the robot possible. The two-wheel mechanism integrated at the bottom of the housing mechanism provides the robot with horizontal running locomotion, which is combined with the vertical jumping locomotion to obtain different locomotion trajectories. This robot has the functions of obstacle surmounting, track adjustability, and load- and self-righting, which has strong practical application value.
An Applicable Predictive Maintenance Framework for the Absence of Run-to-Failure Data
Authors: Kim Donghwan , Lee Seungchul , Kim Daeyoung
Published: June 2021

As technology advances, the equipment becomes more complicated, and the importance of the Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) to monitor the condition of the equipment has risen. In recent years, various methodologies have emerged. With the development of computing technology, methodologies using machine learning and deep learning are gaining attention, in particular. As these algorithms become more advanced, the performance of detecting anomalies and predicting failures has improved dramatically. However, most of the studies are cases that depend on simulation data or assumed abnormal conditions. In addition, regardless of the existence of run-to-failure data, the methodologies are difficult to apply to the industrial site directly. To solve this problem, we propose a Predictive Maintenance (PdM) framework based on unsupervised learning in this paper, which can be applied directly in the industrial field regardless of run-to-failure data. The proposed framework consists of data acquisition, preprocessing data, constructing a Health Index, and predicting the remaining useful life. We propose a framework that can create and monitor models even when there are no accumulated run-to-failure data. The proposed framework was conducted in two different real-life cases, and the usefulness and applicability of the proposed methodology were verified.
Charge Carrier Transport in Van Der Waals Semiconductor InSe Intercalated with RbNO3 Probed by Direct Current Methods
Authors: Kudrynskyi Zakhar R. , Mintyanskii Illya V. , Savitskii Petro I. , Kovalyuk Zakhar D.
Published: June 2021

Layered van der Waals (vdW) semiconductors show great promise to overcome limitations imposed by traditional semiconductor materials. The synergistic combination of vdW semiconductors with other functional materials can offer novel working principles and device concepts for future nano- and optoelectronics. Herein, we investigate the influence of the intercalation of semiconducting n-type InSe vdW crystals with ferroelectric rubidium nitrate (RbNO3) on the transport of charge carriers along and across the layers. The apparent maxima in the temperature dependences of the Hall coefficient are explained in the framework of a model that predicts, along with three-dimensional carriers, the existence of two-dimensional ones contributing only to the conductivity along the layers. The revealed increase of the conductivity anisotropy and its activation variation with temperature, which is mainly due to a decrease of the conductivity across the layers, confirm a two-dimensionalization of electron gas in n-InSe after insertion of the ferroelectric. From the numerical analysis, we determined the densities of carriers of both types, concentrations of donors and acceptors, as well as the value of the interlayer barrier.
UAV Detection with Transfer Learning from Simulated Data of Laser Active Imaging
Authors: Zhang Shao , Yang Guoqing , Sun Tao , Du Kunyang , Guo Jin
Published: June 2021

With the development of our society, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) appear more frequently in people’s daily lives, which could become a threat to public security and privacy, especially at night. At the same time, laser active imaging is an important detection method for night vision. In this paper, we implement a UAV detection model for our laser active imaging system based on deep learning and a simulated dataset that we constructed. Firstly, the model is pre-trained on the largest available dataset. Then, it is transferred to a simulated dataset to learn about the UAV features. Finally, the trained model is tested on real laser active imaging data. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed method is greatly improved compared to the model not trained on the simulated dataset, which verifies the transferability of features learned from the simulated data, the effectiveness of the proposed simulation method, and the feasibility of our solution for UAV detection in the laser active imaging domain. Furthermore, a comparative experiment with the previous method is carried out. The results show that our model can achieve high-precision, real-time detection at 104.1 frames per second (FPS).
Multifactorial Pathogenic Processes of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in Glaucoma towards Multi-Target Strategies for Broader Treatment Effects
Authors: Tezel Gülgün
Published: June 2021

Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by apoptosis of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somas, degeneration of axons, and loss of synapses at dendrites and axon terminals. Glaucomatous neurodegeneration encompasses multiple triggers, multiple cell types, and multiple molecular pathways through the etiological paths with biomechanical, vascular, metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory components. As much as intrinsic responses of RGCs themselves, divergent responses and intricate interactions of the surrounding glia also play decisive roles for the cell fate. Seen from a broad perspective, multitarget treatment strategies have a compelling pathophysiological basis to more efficiently manipulate multiple pathogenic processes at multiple injury sites in such a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. Despite distinct molecular programs for somatic and axonal degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction and glia-driven neuroinflammation present interdependent processes with widespread impacts in the glaucomatous retina and optic nerve. Since dysfunctional mitochondria stimulate inflammatory responses and proinflammatory mediators impair mitochondria, mitochondrial restoration may be immunomodulatory, while anti-inflammatory treatments protect mitochondria. Manipulation of these converging routes may thus allow a unified treatment strategy to protect RGC axons, somas, and synapses. This review presents an overview of recent research advancements with emphasis on potential treatment targets to achieve the best treatment efficacy to preserve visual function in glaucoma.
Facile Charge Transfer between Barbituric Acid and Chloranilic Acid over g-C3N4: Synthesis, Characterization and DFT Study
Authors: Mersal Gaber A. M. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Amin Mohammed A. , Mezni Amine , Mostafa Nasser Y. , Alharthi Sarah , Boukherroub Rabah , El-Sheshtawy Hamdy S.
Published: June 2021

The molecular complexes between barbituric acid (BU) and chloranilic acid (ChA) over graphitic nitride (g-C3N4) are investigated. The molecular complexes and the nanocomposite were investigated both in solid state and in methanol. The solid complexes and the corresponding nanocomposite were investigated using FTIR, TGA, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The structures were explored using DFT calculations using wB97XD/ and def2-TZVP basis set. The DFT calculations revealed the formation of hydrogen-bonded complexes, which initiate the proton transfer from ChA to BU. Immobilization of the BUChA complex over the g-C3N4 sheet was stabilized by weak non-covalent interactions, such as π–π interactions. g-C3N4 facilitated the charge transfer process, which is beneficial for different applications.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Al2O3/TiC/TiB2 Ceramic Tool Material
Authors: Cui Hao , Chen Zhaoqiang , Xiao Guangchun , Ji Lianggang , Yi Mingdong , Zhang Jingjie , Zhou Tingting , Xu Chonghai
Published: June 2021

In order to develop a new ceramic tool material with self-repairing capability, Al2O3/TiC/TiB2 ceramic tool material was prepared by vacuum hot-pressure sintering method. The toughening and strengthening mechanism of TiB2 on Al2O3/TiC substrate was analyzed. The results show that the ceramic tool material has good comprehensive mechanical properties when the TiB2 content is 10 vol.%. Its flexural strength was 701.32 MPa, hardness was 18.3 GPa, and fracture toughness was 6.2 MPa·m1/2, which were improved by 11.6%, 2.2% and 16.1% respectively, compared with the Al2O3/TiC tool material. Fracture surfaces of the Al2O3/TiC/TiB2 ceramic tool material were characterized by SEM, EDS and XRD. The results showed that the fracture mode was a mixture of transgranular fracture and intergranular fracture. The growth of Al2O3 and TiC grains can be effectively inhibited by adding appropriate amount of TiB2, and the internal grains of the material can be refined. The TiB2 has a uniform distribution in the matrix and acts as a diffusion toughening agent. The cutting performance of Al2O3/TiC/10 vol.%TiB2 tool material was further investigated. Experiments conducted on tools made of Al2O3/TiC and Al2O3/TiC/TiB2 materials showed that the main forms of wear for both tools were abrasive wear and bonded wear. The friction coefficient of Al2O3/TiC/TiB2 tools was reduced by 10.77% compared to Al2O3/TiC tools.
Dental Bulk-Fill Resin Composites Polymerization Efficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ajaj Reem , Farsi Nada , Alzain Lama , Nuwaylati Nour , Ghurab Raneem , Nassar Hani
Published: June 2021

Dental Bulk-Fill Composites (BFCs) and Bulk-Fill Flowables (BFFs) were introduced in the market to facilitate efficient bulk filling of cavities up to 5 mm. The aim of this study was to synthesize the literature investigating their polymerization efficiency. A comprehensive search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library from 2010 to January 2019 was performed using the medical subject headings. Screening of the titles, abstracts and full text was performed. Data extraction for relevant information was done on the included studies. Clinically relevant parameters were selected to present the study estimates (meta-analysis) using a random effects model for polymerization efficiency (Degree of Conversion (DC) and Depth of Cure (DoC)). Twenty one studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis reporting seven BFCs and nine BFFs. Ten materials reported acceptable DC values of above 55% and ten materials reported adequate DoC values. Most of the stated materials reported adequate DC and DoC values in at least one investigation with BFFs showing higher and more acceptable values compared to packable BFCs. It is suggested that future studies be carried out using a standard methodology following the ISO 4049 standard and manufacturer’s instructions to compare results.
Okadaic Acid Exposure Induced Neural Tube Defects in Chicken (Gallus gallus) Embryos
Authors: Jiao Yuhu , Wang Guang , Li Dawei , Li Hongye , Liu Jiesheng , Yang Xuesong , Yang Weidong
Published: June 2021

Okadaic acid (OA) is an important liposoluble shellfish toxin distributed worldwide, and is mainly responsible for diarrheic shellfish poisoning in human beings. It has a variety of toxicities, including cytotoxicity, embryonic toxicity, neurotoxicity, and even genotoxicity. However, there is no direct evidence of its developmental toxicity in human offspring. In this study, using the chicken (Gallus gallus) embryo as the animal model, we investigated the effects of OA exposure on neurogenesis and the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). We found that OA exposure could cause NTDs and inhibit the neuronal differentiation. Immunofluorescent staining of pHI3 and c-Caspase3 demonstrated that OA exposure could promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis on the developing neural tube. Besides, the down-regulation of Nrf2 and increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the OA-exposed chicken embryos indicated that OA could result in oxidative stress in early chick embryos, which might enhance the risk of the subsequent NTDs. The inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression in the dorsal neural tube suggested that OA could also affect the formation of dorsolateral hinge points, which might ultimately hinder the closure of the neural tube. Transcriptome and qPCR analysis showed the expression of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), proto-oncogene protein c-fos (FOS), and C-C motif chemokine 4 (CCL4) in the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was significantly increased in the OA-exposed embryos, suggesting that the NTDs induced by OA might be associated with the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings could advance the understanding of the embryo–fetal developmental toxicity of OA on human gestation.
Thermodynamics Analysis and Removal of P in a P-(M)-H2O System
Authors: Peng Hao , Guo Jing , Qiu Hongzhi , Wang Caiqiong , Zhang Chenyu , Hao Zhihui , Rao Yating , Gong Yanhong
Published: June 2021

In order to efficiently remove phosphorus, thermodynamic equilibrium diagrams of the P-H2O system and P-M-H2O system (M stands for Fe, Al, Ca, Mg) were analyzed by software from Visual MINTEQ to identify the existence of phosphorus ions and metal ions as pH ranged from 1 to 14. The results showed that the phosphorus ions existed in the form of H3PO4, H2PO4−, HPO42−, and PO43−. Among them, H2PO4− and HPO42− were the main species in the acidic medium (99% at pH = 5) and alkaline medium (97.9% at pH = 10). In the P-Fe-H2O system ((P) = 0.01 mol/L, (Fe3+) = 0.01 mol/L), H2PO4− was transformed to FeHPO4+ at pH = 0–7 due to the existence of Fe3+ and then transformed to HPO42− at pH > 6 as the Fe3+ was mostly precipitated. In the P-Ca-H2O system ((P) = 0.01 mol/L, (Ca2+) = 0.015 mol/L), the main species in the acidic medium was CaH2PO4+ and HPO42−, and then transformed to CaPO4− at pH > 7. In the P-Mg-H2O system ((P) = 0.01 mol/L, (Mg2+) = 0.015 mol/L), the main species in the acidic medium was H2PO4− and then transformed to MgHPO4 at pH = 5–10, and finally transformed to MgPO4− as pH increased. The verification experiments (precipitation experiments) with single metal ions confirmed that the theoretical analysis could be used to guide the actual experiments.
A Multi-Omics Study of Human Testis and Epididymis
Authors: Zheng Weimin , Zhang Yang , Sun Chuanyu , Ge Shengyang , Tan Yifan , Shen Huali , Yang Pengyuan
Published: June 2021

The human testis and epididymis play critical roles in male fertility, including the spermatogenesis process, sperm storage, and maturation. However, the unique functions of the two organs had not been systematically studied. Herein, we provide a systematic and comprehensive multi-omics study between testis and epididymis. RNA-Seq profiling detected and quantified 19,653 in the testis and 18,407 in the epididymis. Proteomic profiling resulted in the identification of a total of 11,024 and 10,386 proteins in the testis and epididymis, respectively, including 110 proteins that previously have been classified as MPs (missing proteins). Furthermore, Five MPs expressed in testis were validated by the MRM method. Subsequently, multi-omcis between testis and epididymis were performed, including biological functions and pathways of DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) in each group, revealing that those differences were related to spermatogenesis, male gamete generation, as well as reproduction. In conclusion, this study can help us find the expression regularity of missing protein and help related scientists understand the physiological functions of testis and epididymis more deeply.
Synthesis and Antinociceptive Effect of Some Thiazole-Piperazine Derivatives: Involvement of Opioidergic System in the Activity
Authors: Yücel Nazlı Turan , Osmaniye Derya , Kandemir Ümmühan , Evren Asaf Evrim , Can Özgür Devrim , Demir Özkay Ümide
Published: June 2021

In this study, we aimed to design and synthesize novel molecules carrying both the thiazole and piperazine rings in their structures and to investigate their antinociceptive activity. Targeted compounds were obtained by reacting thiosemicarbazide derivative and appropriate 2-bromoacetophenone in ethanol. The structures of the obtained compounds were determined using data from various spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and LCMSMS). Experimental data from in vivo tests showed that test compounds 3a–3c, 3f, and 3g (50 mg/kg) significantly prolonged reaction times of animals in tail-clip and hot-plate tests compared to the controls, indicating that these compounds possess centrally mediated antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, these compounds reduced the number of writhing behaviors in the acetic acid-induced writhing tests, showing that the compounds also possess peripheral antinociceptive activity. In the mechanistic studies, naloxone pre-treatments abolished the antinociceptive activities of compounds 3a–3c, 3f, and 3g, indicating that opioidergic mechanisms were involved in their antinociceptive effects. Molecular docking studies demonstrating significant interactions between the active compounds and µ- and δ-opioid receptor proteins supported the pharmacological findings. This study is the first showing that molecules designed to bear thiazole and piperazine moieties together on their structure exert centrally and peripherally mediated antinociceptive effects by activating the opioid system.
Copper(II) 2,2-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)Propionate Coordination Compounds with Hexamethylenetetramine: From Mononuclear Complex to One-Dimensional Coordination Polymer
Authors: Rauf Sadaf , Trzesowska-Kruszynska Agata , Sierański Tomasz , Świątkowski Marcin
Published: June 2021

Three new copper coordination compounds derived from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (dmpa) and hexamethylenetetramine (hmta) were obtained and their crystal structures were determined. The stoichiometry of the reagents applied in the syntheses reflects the metal to ligand molar ratio in the formed solid products. Due to the multiple coordination modes of the used ligands, wide structural diversity was achieved among synthesized compounds, i.e., mononuclear [Cu(dmp)2(hmta)2(H2O)] (1), dinuclear [Cu2(dmp)4(hmta)2] (2), and 1D coordination polymer [Cu2(dmp)4(hmta)]n (3). Their supramolecular structures are governed by O—H•••O and O—H•••N hydrogen bonds. The compounds were characterized in terms of absorption (UV-Vis and IR) and thermal properties. The relationships between structural features and properties were discussed in detail. Owing to discrepancies in the coordination mode of a dmp ligand, bidentate chelating in 1, and bidentate bridging in 2 and 3, there is a noticeable change in the position of the bands corresponding to the stretching vibrations of the carboxylate group in the IR spectra. The differences in the structures of the compounds are also reflected in the nature and position of the UV-Vis absorption maxima, which are located at lower wavelengths for 1.
Ornamental Plant Efficiency for Heavy Metals Phytoextraction from Contaminated Soils Amended with Organic Materials
Authors: Awad Mahrous , El-Desoky M. A. , Ghallab A. , Kubes Jan , Abdel-Mawly S. E. , Danish Subhan , Ratnasekera Disna , Sohidul Islam Mohammad , Skalicky Milan , Brestic Marian , Baazeem Alaa , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Javed Talha , Shabbir Rubab , Fahad Shah , Habib ur Rahman Muhammad , EL Sabagh Ayman
Published: June 2021

Accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) by ornamental plants (OPs) from contaminated agriculture soils is a unique technique that can efficiently reduce the metal load in the food chain. Amaranthus tricolor L. has attractive characteristics acquiring a higher growth rate and large biomass when grown at heavy metal contaminated soils. Site-specific detailed information is not available on the use of A. tricolor plant in metal phytoremediation from the polluted sites. The study aimed to enhance the uptake of HMs (Pb, Zn, and Cu) via amending poultry litter extract (PLE), vinasse sugarcane (VSC), and humic acid (HA) as natural mobilized organic materials compared to ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), as a common mobilized chemical agent by A. tricolor plant. The studied soils collected from Helwan, El-Gabal El-Asfar (Cairo Governorate), Arab El-Madabeg (Assiut Governorate), Egypt, and study have been conducted under pot condition. Our results revealed all organic materials in all studied soils, except EDTA in EL-Gabal El-Asfar soil, significantly increased the dry weight of the A. tricolor plant compared to the control treatment. The uptake of Pb and Zn significantly (p > 0.05) increased due to applying all organic materials to the studied soils. HA application caused the highest uptake as shown in Pb concentration by more than 5 times in Helwan soil and EDTA by 65% in El-Gabal El-Asfar soil while VSC increased it by 110% in El-Madabeg soil. Also, an increase in Zn concentration due to EDTA application was 58, 42, and 56% for Helwan, El-Gabal El-Asfar, and El-Madabeg soil, respectively. In all studied soils, the application of organic materials increased the remediation factor (RF) than the control. El-Madabeg soil treated with vinasse sugarcane gave the highest RF values; 6.40, 3.26, and 4.02% for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, than the control. Thus, we identified A. tricolor as a successful ornamental candidate that, along with organic mobilization amendments, most efficiently develop soil health, reduce metal toxicity, and recommend remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. Additionally, long-term application of organic mobilization amendments and continued growth of A. tricolor under field conditions could be recommended for future directions to confirm the results.
An Oily Fish Diet Improves Subclinical Inflammation in People at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Costabile Giuseppina , Della Pepa Giuseppe Della , Vetrani Claudia , Vitaglione Paola , Griffo Ettore , Giacco Rosalba , Vitale Marilena , Salamone Dominic , Rivellese Angela Albarosa , Annuzzi Giovanni , Bozzetto Lutgarda
Published: June 2021

Interest has arisen on the anti-inflammatory action of dietary components, including long-chain n-3 fatty acids (LCn3) and polyphenols (PP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets rich in PP and oily fish (high-LCn3 diets) on markers of subclinical inflammation and growth factors in people at high cardiometabolic risk. Individuals with high waist circumference and one more component of metabolic syndrome were randomized to one of the following isoenergetic diets: low LCn3&PP, high LCn3, high PP, high LCn3&PP. Before and after 8 weeks, fasting and postprandial plasma concentrations of hs-CRP and fasting serum concentrations of IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, INF-, TNF-, FGF, VEGF, PDGF-, G-CSF, and GM-CSF were determined. An oily fish diet reduced fasting plasma hs-CRP (1.28 ± 12.0, −12.5 ± 6.9, 22.5 ± 33.6, −12.2 ± 11.9; 8-week percent change, Mean ± SEM; low LCn3&PP, high LCn3, high PP, high LCn3&PP group, respectively), postprandial 6h-AUC hs-CRP (4.6 ± 16.3, −18.2 ± 7.2, 26.9 ± 35.1, −11.5 ± 11.8, 8-week percent change) and fasting IL-6 (20.8 ± 18.7, −2.44 ± 12.4, 28.1 ± 17.4, −9.6 ± 10.2), IL-17 (2.40 ± 4.9, −13.3 ± 4.9, 3.8 ± 4.43, −11.5 ± 4.7), and VEGF (−5.7 ± 5.8, −5.6 ± 7.5, 3.5 ± 5.8, −11.1 ± 5.5) (8-week percent change; p < 0.05 for LCn3 effect for all; no significant effect for PP; 2-factor ANOVA). An oily fish diet improved subclinical inflammation, while no significant effect was observed for dietary polyphenols.
177 Saponins, Including 11 New Compounds in Wild Ginseng Tentatively Identified via HPLC-IT-TOF-MSn, and Differences among Wild Ginseng, Ginseng under Forest, and Cultivated Ginseng
Authors: Wang Chao-Qun , Yi Li-Wei , Zhao Lin , Zhou Yu-Zhen , Guo Fang , Huo Yu-Shu , Zhao Da-Qing , Xu Feng , Wang Xuan , Cai Shao-Qing
Published: June 2021

Wild ginseng (W-GS), ginseng under forest (F-GS, planted in mountain forest and growing in natural environment), and cultivated ginseng (C-GS) were compared via HPLC-DAD and HPLC-IT-TOF-MSn. A total of 199 saponins, including 16 potential new compounds, were tentatively identified from 100 mg W-GS (177 saponins in W-GS with 11 new compounds), F-GS (56 saponins with 1 new compound), and C-GS (60 saponins with 6 new compounds). There were 21 saponins detected from all the W-GS, F-GS, and C-GS. Fifty saponins were only detected from W-GS, including 23 saponins found in ginseng for the first time. Contents of ginsenosides Re (12.36–13.91 mg/g), Rh1 (7.46–7.65 mg/g), Rd (12.94–12.98 mg/g), and the total contents (50.52–55.51 mg/g) of Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, Rh1, and Rd in W-GS were remarkably higher than those in F-GS (Re 1.22–3.50 mg/g, Rh1 0.15–1.49 mg/g, Rd 0.19–1.49 mg/g, total 5.69–18.74 mg/g), and C-GS (Re 0.30–3.45 mg/g, Rh1 0.05–3.42 mg/g, Rd 0.17–1.68 mg/g, total 2.99–19.55 mg/g). Contents of Re and Rf were significantly higher in F-GS than those in C-GS (p < 0.05). Using the contents of Re, Rf, or Rb1, approximately a half number of cultivated ginseng samples could be identified from ginseng under forest. Contents of Rg1, Re, Rg2, Rh1, as well as the total contents of the seven ginsenosides were highest in ginseng older than 15 years, middle–high in ginseng between 10 to 15 years old, and lowest in ginseng younger than 10 years. Contents of Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rg2, and the total of seven ginsenosides were significantly related to the growing ages of ginseng (p < 0.10). Similarities of chromatographic fingerprints to W-GS were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for F-GS (median: 0.824) than C-GS (median: 0.745). A characteristic peak pattern in fingerprint was also discovered for distinguishing three types of ginseng. Conclusively, wild ginseng was remarkably superior to ginseng under forest and cultivated ginseng, with ginseng under forest slightly closer to wild ginseng than cultivated ginseng. The differences among wild ginseng, ginseng under forest, and cultivated ginseng in saponin compositions and contents of ginsenosides were mainly attributed to their growing ages.
Does Symptom Recognition Improve Self-Care in Patients with Heart Failure? A Pilot Study Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Pereira Sousa Joana , Neves Hugo , Pais-Vieira Miguel
Published: June 2021

Patients with heart failure have difficulty in self-care management, as daily monitoring and recognition of symptoms do not readily trigger an action to avoid hospital admissions. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of a nurse-led complex intervention on symptom recognition and fluid restriction. A latent growth model was designed to estimate the longitudinal effect of a nursing-led complex intervention on self-care management and quality-of-life changes in patients with heart failure and assessed by a pilot study performed on sixty-three patients (33 control, 30 intervention). Patients in the control group had a higher risk of hospitalisation (IRR 11.36; p < 0.001) and emergency admission (IRR 4.24; p < 0.001) at three-months follow-up. Analysis of the time scores demonstrated that the intervention group had a clear improvement in self-care behaviours (βSlope. Assignment_group = −0.881; p < 0.001) and in the quality of life (βSlope. Assignment_group = 1.739; p < 0.001). This study supports that a nurse-led programme on symptom recognition and fluid restriction can positively impact self-care behaviours and quality of life in patients with heart failure. This randomised controlled trial was retrospectively registered (NCT04892004).
Genetic Interactions with Intrauterine Diabetes Exposure in Relation to Obesity: The EPOCH and Project Viva Studies
Authors: Stanislawski Maggie A. , Litkowski Elizabeth , Fore Ruby , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Oken Emily , Hivert Marie-France , Lange Ethan M. , Lange Leslie A. , Dabelea Dana , Raghavan Sridharan
Published: June 2021

To examine whether BMI-associated genetic risk variants modify the association of intrauterine diabetes exposure with childhood BMI z-scores, we assessed the interaction between 95 BMI-associated genetic variants and in utero exposure to maternal diabetes among 459 children in the Exploring Perinatal Outcomes among Children historical prospective cohort study (n = 86 exposed; 373 unexposed) in relation to age- and sex-standardized childhood BMI z-scores (mean age = 10.3 years, standard deviation = 1.5 years). For the genetic variants showing a nominally significant interaction, we assessed the relationship in an additional 621 children in Project Viva, which is an independent longitudinal cohort study, and used meta-analysis to combine the results for the two studies. Seven of the ninety-five genetic variants tested exhibited a nominally significant interaction with in utero exposure to maternal diabetes in relation to the offspring BMI z-score in EPOCH. Five of the seven variants exhibited a consistent direction of interaction effect across both EPOCH and Project Viva. While none achieved statistical significance in the meta-analysis after accounting for multiple testing, three variants exhibited a nominally significant interaction with in utero exposure to maternal diabetes in relation to offspring BMI z-score: rs10733682 near LMX1B (interaction β = 0.39; standard error (SE) = 0.17), rs17001654 near SCARB2 (β = 0.53; SE = 0.22), and rs16951275 near MAP2K5 (β = 0.37; SE = 0.17). BMI-associated genetic variants may enhance the association between exposure to in utero diabetes and higher childhood BMI, but larger studies of in utero exposures are necessary to confirm the observed nominally significant relationships.
Parents’ Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Children’s Cognitive Performance: Complexities by Race, Ethnicity, and Cognitive Domain
Authors: Assari Shervin , Boyce Shanika , Mistry Ritesh , Thomas Alvin , Nicholson Harvey L. , Cobb Ryon J. , Cuevas Adolfo G. , Lee Daniel B. , Bazargan Mohsen , Caldwell Cleopatra H. , Curry Tommy J. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: June 2021

Background:Aim: To examine racial/ethnic variations in the effect of parents’ subjective neighborhood safety on children’s cognitive performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 10,027 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. The exposure variable was parents’ subjective neighborhood safety. The outcomes were three domains of children’s cognitive performance: general cognitive performance, executive functioning, and learning/memory. We used mixed-effects regression models for data analysis. Results: Overall, parents’ subjective neighborhood safety was positively associated with children’s executive functioning, but not general cognitive performance or learning/memory. Higher parents’ subjective neighborhood safety had a more positive influence on the executive functioning of non-Hispanic White than Asian American children. Higher parents’ subjective neighborhood safety was associated with higher general cognitive performance and learning/memory for non-White children relative to non-Hispanic White children. Conclusion: The race/ethnicity of children moderates the association between neighborhood safety and cognitive performance. This becomes more complicated, as the patterns seem to differ across ethnicity and cognitive domains. It is unknown whether the observed racial/ethnic variations in the effect of neighborhood safety on cognitive performance are neighborhood characteristics such as residential segregation. Addressing neighborhood inequalities is needed if we wish to reduce racial/ethnic inequities in the cognitive development of children.
IMPROVEMENT OF PROTECTION AGAINST COUNTERFEITING OF THE PASSPORT OF A CITIZEN OF UKRAINE FOR TRAVEL ABROAD WITH A CONTACTLESS ELECTRONIC MEDIUM
Authors: Аnanin O.
Published: June 2021

According to the requirements of international law, the protective elements of documents confirming an identity or its special status and give the right to cross the state border must correspond to the maximum level of security. Modern expert practice testifies to the presence of a number of shortcomings in the protection of a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad with a contactless electronic carrier.
The main way to forge passport documents is to make unauthorized changes to the original data page. The main identifier, on the data page, is the bearer’s photographic image. Therefore, it is subject to unauthorized changes in the first place.
The main changes are made in the photographic image of the bearer and the duplicate image. The solution to the problem of their additional protection is possible by introducing additional special means. In particular, destructive holograms and Transparent Window technology (from Trüb, Gemalto Group (Sealys Window Lock)). Making any changes leaves noticeable traces that are easily identified by a simple visual method, without the use of special devices.
In addition, for supplemental protection, it is advisable to apply the document number by laser perforation to the bearer’s photographic image. When mechanically interfering with the photographic image, the license plate is damaged, which leaves noticeable traces, which are determined by a simple visual method (look at the clearance). Some of these solutions have already been implemented in today’s passport documents of Lithuania, the Netherlands and Finland.
Special attention should be paid to the contactless electronic data carrier based on RFID technology (RFID device). Its disadvantage is an external antenna (RFID antenna), which is performed by traditional technology - copper (copper substrate) engraving. Such an antenna is easily susceptible to mechanical damage if the document is handled carelessly. Because of this, it becomes difficult to verify the identity of the bearer. Offenders, specially disabling the antenna, use this disadvantage. Currently, the most economical way of making antennas for RFID devices is printing with conductive inks (printing method). The cost of conductive paints is lower than that of traditional technologies using metal substrates. In addition, conductive paints have a much higher resistance to mechanical damage than their counterparts from copper substrates.
The proposed innovative means of protection, which have already been tested in the identification documents of the states of the European Union. They are capable of preventing unauthorized changes required by offenders.
It is advisable to single out the following areas as a direction for further research: laser technologies; holography; printing and technical properties of polymeric materials.
BANKNOTES OF UKRAINE WITH MANUFACTURER’S DEFECTS AND PECULIARITIES OF ITS FORENSIC RESEARCH
Authors: Zubova N. , Naumenko S. , Somov V.
Published: June 2021

The article briefly describes the history of the emergence and development of paper money in Ukraine, special attention is paid to the period of independence of our state. In less than 30 years, the National Bank of Ukraine has issued four generations of banknotes. As of January 01, 2021, there were about 3 billion banknotes in circulation. Among the circulated banknotes, there are also those that differ slightly from the banknotes presented by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU). Based on the Resolution of the Board of the National Bank of Ukraine dated 03.12.2018 No. 134 (as amended) “Rules for determining payment characteristics and exchange of banknotes, exchange and circulating coins of the national currency of Ukraine”, the concepts of “banknotes with manufacturer defects” and “banknote defects” are disclosed.
The article describes the technological process of making paper money. At the first stage, sheets of special paper are made in the banknote paper factory. Further, these sheets are sent to the NBU Banknote Factory, where all the images are applied on the sheets and cutting is carried out. The authors propose to systematize the types of defects in accordance with the stage of the technological process of manufacturing banknotes, at which these defects could arise. It is also proposed to distinguish four such stages: in the process of manufacturing banknote paper; at the stage of applying images on the front and back sides of sheets using forms of offset and gravure printing; when applying serial numbers; when cutting sheets into separate banknotes. The list of possible types of defects that may arise at one stage or another of the production process is given quite fully, some of them are illustrated for clarity, and variants of defects that are found in banknotes of different generations are analyzed.
Based on the study of the problem, the authors propose an algorithm for researching such banknotes, offer options for intermediate and final expert conclusions.
EXPERT STUDY OF ISONIAZIDE IN MEAT PRODUCTS
Authors: Shkurdoda S. , Shynkarenko D. , Pasichnyk V. , Korol K. , Posilskyi O.
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the recommendations for the detection of isoniazid in meat products, using the example of minced meat using physicochemical methods. This study does not lose its relevance over the years, due to the use of drugs for tuberculosis for poisoning homeless and domestic animals, in particular dogs, in different regions of Ukraine, the main active ingredient of which is isoniazid. The article describes a method for the extraction of isoniazid in food products of meat origin (minced meat, sausage), which presumably could or may be used to poison domestic animals, in particular dogs. Isoniazid was identified by the methods of qualitative color reactions, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography with a mass-selective detector.
The process of qualitative identification of isoniazid in foodstuffs that could or may be used to poison domestic animals, in particular dogs, includes:
-the method of extraction and separation of interfering impurities, primarily fats, preliminary research by the method of qualitative analytical reactions;
-studies by thin layer chromatography;
-research by instrumental methods, in particular, gas chromatography with mass-selective detection.
The method for extracting isoniazid from meat products described in the article is effective and allows you to get rid of interfering substances, especially fats. In addition, the method of gas chromatography with mass-selective detection has sufficient sensitivity and selectivity. It allows with a minimum number of interfering peaks of low intensity, determine the composition of isoniazid accurately.
The specified list of instrumental base, methods and research techniques is not exhaustive. The examiner should be guided by the availability of relevant literature and the availability of appropriate analytical equipment (gas chromatograph, gas chromatograph with mass-selective detector, liquid chromatograph, liquid chromatograph with mass-selective detector, etc.). In accordance with this, it is necessary to use certain methods for studying substances. These methods are subject to mandatory verification before being used in the laboratory.
The obtained research results allow us to recommend this technique for implementation in expert practice.
THE FEATURES OF THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SIGNIFICANCE DAMAGE CAUSED AS A RESULT OF ILLEGAL EXTRACTION OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Authors: Matviienko E. , Honcharenko T.
Published: June 2021

Investigation of crimes related to illegal fishing, animal and other water mining is accompanied by certain difficulties. For the most part, these difficulties are due to the fact that today at the legislative level there is no information on assessing the significance of the harm caused, and the criteria (signs) for assessing the consequences of crimes related to the illegal extraction of aquatic biological resources are not enshrined. This does not allow an objective assessment of the nature of the damage to the environment. In turn, this can lead to judicial errors when resolving the merits of cases due to the emergence of complications in proving the presence of significant harm. Accordingly, there are many theoretical, methodological and practical questions regarding the correctness of research to determine the significance of the harm caused to the environment.
An analysis of the practice of conducting forensic engineering and environmental examinations, in particular, research on the topic under consideration, indicates that today there is a need to determine a unified approach in conducting expert research to determine the significance of the harm caused to the environment.
In general, the problem lies in the lack of specification of quantitative and qualitative signs of “significant harm inflicted”.
In this article, based on the analysis of regulatory documents and generalization of expert practice, the features of assessing the significance of the harm caused to the environment by the illegal extraction of aquatic biological resources are investigated.
The main criteria (signs) are considered, analyzed and summarized, on the basis of which the harm caused by the illegal extraction of aquatic biological resources can be assessed as significant..
Detailed studies of the harm caused according to these criteria (signs) during forensic examinations and expert research will help to increase the efficiency of investigations of environmental crimes under Article 249 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. At the same time, the results of such expert studies will make it possible to draw conclusions, which in court will become sources of evidence of the guilt of those accused of committing these crimes.
The generalizations proposed in the article will contribute to the complete and objective conduct of forensic examinations and expert studies on the topic under consideration, to improve and improve the quality of their implementation and, as a result, to draw up a more substantiated expert opinion.