bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems pharmacology dissection of the anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury mechanism for Ganjiang Fuzi decoction
Authors: Xie Feng , Gou Nan , Ma Yue , Peng Ji , Zhang Tiantian , Li Min
Published: January 2022

Background: As the commonest form of ischemic heart diseases, the Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion injury (MI/RI) accounts for almost 50 percent of all deaths. The prevention and treatment of MI/RI while reducing the mortality of myocardial infarction has become a raging topic of research in the cardiovascular field. At present, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of MI/RI. Hence, it becomes imperative to identify or develop efficient lead compounds for treating MI/RI. It has been reported that the Ganjiang Fuzi Decoction (GFD) could be used for the effective treatment of MI/RI due to its promotion of vasodilation and vascular endothelial cell proliferation besides reducing the oxidative damage. Methods: The network pharmacological methods were used in this study, for analyzing the biological processes and the molecular mechanisms of the GFD for MI/RI treatment. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed for verification of the results of the network pharmacological predictions. Results: Around 16 active components of GFD were discovered against MI/RI, where aconitine, 6-ginger, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine were the leading ones with regard to the degree value. Moreover, it was found that 88 MI/RI-related targets mainly involved six aspects, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and vasodilation. In vitro studies indicated the ability of the GFD to increase the survival rate, decrease the apoptosis rate, reduce oxidative damage, and increase the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, and eNOS in hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injured Rat Vascular Endothelial Cells (RVEC). The in vivo studies illustrated the capacity of the GFD to reduce the myocardial tissue damage and the infarction area, while increasing the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, and eNOS in the MI/RI rats. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the anti-MI/RI role of the GFD through the activation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway, promotion of vascular proliferation and dilation, and the reduction in oxidative damage. The findings of this study would further provide experimental evidence for the application of the GFD in the treatment of MI/RI.
Discrete-Time Memristor Model for Enhancing Chaotic Complexity and Application in Secure Communication
Authors: Yan Wenhao , Jiang Zijing , Ding Qun
Published: January 2022

The physical implementation of continuoustime memristor makes it widely used in chaotic circuits, whereas discrete-time memristor has not received much attention. In this paper, the backward-Euler method is used to discretize TiO2 memristor model, and the discretized model also meets the three fingerprinter characteristics of the generalized memristor. The short period phenomenon and uneven output distribution of one-dimensional chaotic systems affect their applications in some fields, so it is necessary to improve the dynamic characteristics of one-dimensional chaotic systems. In this paper, a two-dimensional discrete-time memristor model is obtained by linear coupling the proposed TiO2 memristor model and one-dimensional chaotic systems. Since the two-dimensional model has infinite fixed points, the stability of these fixed points depends on the coupling parameters and the initial state of the discrete TiO2 memristor model. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristics of one-dimensional chaotic systems can be enhanced by the proposed method. Finally, we apply the generated chaotic sequence to secure communication.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Caspofungin and Fluconazole for Primary Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis and Candidemia in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebretekle Gebremedhin Beedemariam , Fentie Atalay Mulu , Gebremariam Girma Tekle , Ali Eskinder Eshetu , Erku Daniel Asfaw , Alemayehu Tinsae , Abebe Workeabeba , Sander Beate
Published: January 2022

Background: Caspofungin was shown to be more effective than fluconazole in treating patients with invasive candidiasis and/or candidaemia (IC/C). However, cost-effectiveness of caspofungin for treating IC/C in Ethiopia remains unknown. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of caspofungin compared to fluconazole as primary treatment of IC/C in Ethiopia.Methods: A Markov cohort model was developed to compare the cost-utility of caspofungin versus fluconazole antifungal agents as first-line treatment for adult inpatients with IC/C from the Ethiopian health system perspective. Treatment outcome was categorized as either a clinical success or failure, with clinical failure being switched to a different antifungal medication. Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) was used as a rescue agent for patients who had failed caspofungin treatment, while caspofungin or L-AmB were used for patients who had failed fluconazole treatment. Primary outcomes were expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs (US$2021), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). QALYs and costs were discounted at 3% annually. Cost data was obtained from Addis Ababa hospitals while locally unavailable data were derived from the literature. Cost-effectiveness was assessed against the recommended threshold of 50% of Ethiopia’s gross domestic product/capita. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.Results: In the base-case analysis, treatment of IC/C with caspofungin as first-line treatment resulted in better health outcomes (12.86 QALYs) but higher costs (US$7,714) compared to fluconazole-initiated treatment followed by caspofungin (12.30 QALYs; US$3,217) or L-AmB (10.92 QALYs; US$2,781) as second-line treatment. Caspofungin as primary treatment for IC/C was not cost-effective when compared to fluconazole-initiated therapies. Fluconazole-initiated treatment followed by caspofungin was cost-effective for the treatment of IC/C compared to fluconazole with L-AmB as second-line treatment, at US$316/QALY gained. Our findings were sensitive to medication costs, drug effectiveness, infection recurrence, and infection-related mortality rates. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our findings.Conclusions: Our study showed that the use of caspofungin as primary treatment for IC/C in Ethiopia was not cost-effective when compared with fluconazole-initiated treatment alternatives. The findings supported the use of fluconazole-initiated therapy with caspofungin as a second-line treatment to treat IC/C in Ethiopia and other low-income countries.
The Impact of Heart Rate Circadian Rhythm on In-hospital Mortality in Stroke and Critically Ill Patients: Insights from the eICU Collaborative Research Database
Authors: Yang Zhengning , Li Zhe , He Xu , Yao Zhen , Xie XiaoXia , Zhang Sha , Shen Yan , Li Shaowei , Qiao Shuzhen , Hui Zhenliang , Gao Chao , Chen Jun
Published: January 2022

Background: The dysregulation of the heart rate circadian rhythm has been documented to be an independent risk factor in multiple diseases. However, data showing the impact of dysregulated heart rate circadian rhythm in stroke and critically ill patients are scarce.Methods: Stroke and critically ill patients in the ICU between 2014 and 2015 from the recorded eICU Collaborative Research Database were included in the current analyses. The impact of circadian rhythm of heart rate on in-hospital mortality was analyzed. Three variables, Mesor (rhythm-adjusted mean of heart rate), Amplitude (distance from the highest point of circadian rhythm of heart rate to Mesor), and Peak time (time when the circadian rhythm of heart rate reaches the highest point) were used to evaluate the heart rate circadian rhythm. The incremental value of circadian rhythm variables in addition to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score to predict in-hospital mortality was also explored.Results: A total of 6,201 eligible patients were included. The in-hospital mortality was 16.2% (1,002/6,201). The circadian rhythm variables of heart rate, Mesor, Amplitude, and Peak time, were identified to be independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality. After adjustments, Mesor per 10 beats per min (bpm) increase was associated with a 1.17-fold (95%CI: 1.11, 1.24, P<0.001) and Amplitude per 5 bpm was associated with a 1.14-fold (95%CI: 1.06, 1.24, P<0.001) increase in the risk of in-hospital mortality, respectively. The risk of in-hospital mortality was lower in patients who had Peak time reached between 18:00-24:00 or 00:00-06:00; whereas the risk was highest in patients who had Peak time reached between 12:00-18:00 (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.68, P=0.017). Compared with APACHE IV score only (c-index=0.757), combining APACHE IV score and circadian rhythm variables of heart rate (c-index=0.766) was associated with increased discriminative ability (P=0.003).Conclusion: Circadian rhythm of heart rate is an independent risk factor of the in-hospital mortality in stroke and critically ill patients. Including circadian rhythm variables regarding heart rate might increase the discriminative ability of the risk score to predict the short-term prognosis of patients.
Lnc027912 Reduces Lipid Accumulation Through Akt/MTOR/SREBP1C Axis in Hepatic Cells
Authors: Chu Kaifei , Zhao Niannian , Feng Rong , Zhang Li , Hu Xudong , Liu Li , Li Wei , Liu Lin
Published: January 2022

Background: Various metabolism diseases are closely related to lipid metabolism disorder, but long noncoding-RNAs (lncRNA) involve in regulating function of lipid was limited elucidated. Previous our work have found that lnc027912 involve in cholesterol metabolism. Here, we further explore the role of lipid metabolism-associated lncRNA-lnc027912 in oleic acid- (OA) and palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatic cells. Methods: The overexpression of lnc027912 cell model was constructed by using virus particles transfection, and the level of lnc027912 in AML12 cells were detected by RT-qPCR. High fat cell model was established by treating AML12 cells with OA and PA, and the level of lipid drops was detected by Oil red O staining and triglyceride analyze Kit. The lipid metabolism related-genes, such as SREBP1C, FAS, PPARγ, MTTP, ApoE and ApoC3 level, was detected using RT-qPCR and Western blot. The role of SREBP1C in lipid metabolism was further analyzed using double luciferase reporter gene assay and Immunofluorescence. The Akt/mTOR signal pathway related genes was detected by Western blot. Results: We found that TG level was inhibited in overexpression of lnc027912 cell. Upregulated lnc027912 of AML12 cells treated with OA and PA showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and TG levels. Furthermore, overexpression of lnc027912, the lipid biosynthesis genes of SREBP1C, FAS and PPARγ was significantly decreased and a significant increase in expression of MTTP and ApoE. Interestingly, lnc027912 inhibited Akt/mTOR signaling axis and decreased SREBP1C transit into nucleus and the promoter activity of SREBP1C and regulated expression of its targets. Conclusions: Our study revealed a new insights into the molecular function of lnc027912 in lipid metabolism by Akt/mTOR/SREBP1C signaling axis and highlights the potential of lnc027912 as a new therapeutic target for lipid disorder diseases (such as, NAFLD).
Perioperative Application of Diltiazem in Patients Undergoing On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Hu Yirui , Friscia Michael , Wu Xianren , Zhang Li , Casale Alfred
Published: January 2022

Diltiazem is frequently applied during the perioperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump CABG) to prevent arterial graft spasm; however, the short- and long-term outcome effects are unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, from October 2008 to October 2018, adult patients who underwent isolated CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were identified. Patients in the perioperative diltiazem (DILT) and non-intervention (non-DILT) cohorts were matched based on propensity scores. Logistic regression was fitted to evaluate the impact on short-term outcomes. Long-term outcome was investigated by survival analyses. Total of 1004 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences between the cohorts in perioperative outcomes, although at 24 hours postoperatively, patients in DILT were more likely to be on hemodynamic support from inotropic and/or vasoactive agents. The overall long-term survival was similar between the cohorts; however, in the subgroup of patients who received more than one arterial graft, perioperative diltiazem may be associated with higher long-term all-cause mortality. Based on these data, the perioperative and long-term outcome benefits of continuous iv infusion of diltiazem in patients who underwent on-pump CABG.
In silico evaluation of the impact of the Omicron variant on the sensitivity of RT-qPCR assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection using whole genome sequencing
Authors: Sharma Divya , Ye Chengjin , Lippi Giusppe , Torrelles Jordi B. , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Gromiha M. Michael , Henry Brandon Michael
Published: January 2022

Background

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant of concern (VoC) Omicron (B.1.1.529) has rapidly spread around the world presenting a new threat to global public human health. Due to the large number of mutations possessed by Omicron, concerns have emerged over potentially reduced diagnostic accuracy of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the gold standard diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2. Here, we aimed to assess the impact of Omicron on the integrity and sensitivity of RT-qPCR assays used for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis via in silico analysis employing whole genome sequencing data and evaluated the potential for false negatives or test failure due to mismatches between primers/probes and viral genome.
Methods

In silico sensitivity of 12 RT-qPCR tests (containing 30 primers and probe sets) developed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) or available in the literature, was assessed for use in detecting SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages, obtained after removing redundancy from publicly available genomes from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) databases. The mismatches between the amplicon regions of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VoC and primers and probe sets were evaluated, and the clustering analysis of the corresponding amplicon sequences was carried out.
Results

From the 232 representative SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 Omicron sublineage genomes analyzed, 229 showed substitutions at the forward primer annealing site for assay China-CDC N, 226 showed mismatches in the reverse primer annealing site for assay Thai N, and all 232 had substitution at the 3’ end of the reverse primer annealing site for assay HKUniv RdRp/Hel. Therefore, the lowest sensitivity was observed for assay ChinaCDC N, Thai N and HKUniv RdRp/Hel for SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 sublineage genomes. For 5 SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 Omicron sublineage genomes, false negative results were observed for assays ChinaCDC N, Thai N, HKUniv RdRp/Hel, SigmAldr S5, SigmAldr S6 and HKUniv S.
Conclusion

In this study, we observed three (25%) assays (ChinaCDC N, Thai N, and HKUniv RdRp/Hel) demonstrated potential for false negatives for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 sublineage, while four (33.3%) assays (ChinaCDC N, Thai N, HKUniv RdRp/Hel, HKUniv S, SigmAldr S5 and SigmAldr S6) demonstrated potential false negative results for the for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 sublineage, which also has the potential for Spike (S) gene dropout despite lacking 69-70 deletion in the S gene. Further, amplicon clustering and additional substitutions analysis along with the sensitivity analysis could be used for modification and development of RT-qPCR assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VoC lineages.
Risks and Association of Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation With Outcomes in Aortic Arch Surgery: A Single-center, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peng Ling , Guo Dan , Shi Yinhui , Yang Jiapei , Wei Wei
Published: January 2022

BackgroundImpairment of cerebral autoregulation (CA) has been observed in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but little is known about its risks and associations with outcomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the risks of impaired CA, based on cerebral oximetry index (COx), in patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement with CPB and moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA). We also evaluated the association between impaired CA and patient outcomes.MethodsOne hundred fifteen four adult patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation under CPB and MHCA at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were defined as having new-onset impaired CA if post-CPB COx > 0.3, calculated based on a moving linear correlation coefficient between regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and mean blood pressure (MAP). Pre- and intraoperative factors were tested for independent association with impaired CA. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with normal and impaired CA.ResultsIn our 154 patients, 46(29.9%) developed new-onset impaired CA after CPB with MHCA. Multivariate analysis revealed a prolonged low rScO2 (rScO2 <55%) independently associated with onset of impaired CA, and receiver operating charactoristic curve showed a cutoff value at 40 min (sensitivity, 89.5%; specificity, 68.0%). Compared with normal CA patients, those with impaired CA showed a significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications.ConclusionProlonged low rScO2 (rScO2 <55%) during aortic arch surgery was closely related to onset of impaired CA. Impaired CA remained associated with the increased rates of postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality.Trial registration: ChiCTR1800014545 with registered date 20/01/2018.
Nomogram for Predicting Persistent Organ Failure with Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy
Authors: Sheng Chengcheng , Xu Zongxu , Wang Jun
Published: January 2022

Background: Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) with persistent organ failure (POF) poses a high risk of death for mother and fetus. This study sought to create a nomogram model for early prediction of POF with APIP patients.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on APIP patients with organ failure (OF) between January 2012 and March 2021 in a university hospital. 131 patients were collected. Their clinical courses and pregnancy outcomes were obtained. Risk factors for POF were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Prediction models with POF were built and nomogram was plotted. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by using a bootstrapped-concordance index and calibration plots.Results: Hypertriglyceridemia was the most common etiology in this group of APIP patients, which accounted for 50% of transient organ failure (TOF) and 72.3% of POF. All in-hospital maternal death was in the POF group (P<0.05), which also had a significantly higher perinatal mortality rate than the TOF group (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, serum creatinine, and procalcitonin were independent risk factors for predicting POF in APIP. A nomogram for POF was created by using the four indicators. The area under the curve was 0.875 (95% confidence interval 0.80–0.95). The nomogram had a bootstrapped-concordance index of 0.85 and was well-calibrated.Conclusions: Hypertriglyceridemia was the leading cause of organ failure-related APIP. Lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, serum creatinine, and procalcitonin were the independent risk factors of POF in APIP. Our nomogram model showed an effective prediction of POF with the four indicators in APIP patients.
Effects of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress on Sleep Disorder and Night Eating Syndrome in Adolescents: Results of an Internet Survey
Authors: Gundogdu Ummugulsum
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe current study examined how sleep quality is related to night eating syndrome (NES) via the indirect effects of anxiety, depression, and stress to determine the mechanism of its development. MethodsThis cross-sectional web-based study included 171 adolescents aged 12-18 years (55.0% girls). Participants completed the self-report Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s disease (SCOPA) Sleep Scale, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 items (DASS-21). ResultsThe results showed that anxiety, depression, and stress directly influenced the NEQ. AMOS path analysis was used to examine whether these also had an indirect influence on the NEQ. Moreover, for the anxiety, depression, and stress subscales, only the anxiety subscale influenced nighttime eating problems due to increased sleep problems, which in turn increased the difficulty of morning sleepiness and falling asleep at night. ConclusionConsequently, depression and stress directly increased nighttime eating problems. Anxiety exacerbates eating problems, both directly and indirectly, through sleep. Behavioral and psychological interventions to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress may be helpful strategies for the treatment of night eating syndrome.Level of evidence: Level IV
Sublethal exposure to an emulsion based on Pogostemon cablin (Lamiaceae) essential oil impairs digestibility, feeding, fecundity, and mobility of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei
Authors: Santos Abraão Almeida , Farder-Gomes Cliver F. , Ribeiro Arthur V. , Costa Thiago L. , França Josélia Carvalho Oliveira , Bacci Leandro , Demuner Antônio Jacinto , Serrão José Eduardo , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho
Published: January 2022

The global search for eco-friendly and human-safe pesticides has intensified, and research on essential oils (EOs) has expanded due to their remarkable insecticidal activities and apparent human-safe. Despite this, most of the literature focuses on short-term and simplified efforts to understand lethal effects, with only a few comprehensive studies addressing sublethal exposures. To fill this shortcoming, we explore the lethal and sublethal effects of Pogostemon cablin (Lamiaceae) EO and an EO-based emulsion (18%) using the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) as a model. First, we determine the toxicity of EO and EO-based emulsion using dose-mortality curves and lethal times. Second, we subjected adult females of H. hampei to sublethal doses to assess whether they affected their behavior, reproductive output, and histological features. Our findings reveal that patchoulol (43.05%), α-Guaiene (16.06%), and α-Bulnesene (13.69%) were the main components of the EO. Furthermore, the EO and its emulsion had similar toxicity, with dose-mortality curves and lethal times overlapping 95% confidence intervals. We also observed that sublethal exposure of females of H. hampei reduces reproduction and feeding, increases walking activity, and causes histopathological changes in the midgut. This study advances the knowledge of sublethal effects of an eco-friendly substance on insects.
Prediction of pan-solid tumor pembrolizumab benefit by integrating tumor mutation and gene expression profiling
Authors: Khazanov Nickolay , Shreve Melissa , Lamb Laura , Hovelson Daniel , Matrana Marc , Burkard Mark , Yang Eddy , Edenfield William , Dees Claire , Onitilo Adedayo , Thompson Michael , Buchschacher Gary , Miller Alan , Menter Alexander , Parsons Benjamin , Wassenaar Timothy , Hwang Leon , Suga J. , Siegel Robert , Irvin William , Nair Suresh , Slim Jennifer , Kwiatkowski Kat , Mitchell Khalis , Hu-Seliger Tina , Drewery Stephanie , Fischer Andrew , Hipp Jennifer , Reeder Travis , Vakil Hana , Johnson Bryan , Rhodes Daniel , Tomlins Scott
Published: January 2022

Pembrolizumab is approved in many advanced solid tumor types, however predictive biomarkers and the proportion of pembrolizumab-benefiting patients vary. Biomarkers beyond PD-L1 immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) may improve benefit prediction. Here, leveraging treatment data (time to next treatment [TTNT]) and comprehensive genomic and quantitative transcriptomic profiling on routine tumor tissue from 708 patients (24 tumor types) collected in an ongoing observational trial (NCT03061305), we report a multivariate, integrative predictor of pan-solid tumor pembrolizumab benefit. The Immune Response Score (IRS) model, which includes TMB and quantitative PD-1, PD-L2, ADAM12 and CD4 RNA expression, was confirmed as predictive through comparison of pembrolizumab TTNT with previous chemotherapy TTNT in a subset of 166 patients treated with both. Applying IRS to the entire NCT03061305 cohort (n=25,770 patients), 13.2-30.7% of patients (2.2-9.6% of patients outside of pembrolizumab approved tumor types [including TMB-High and MSI-High]) are predicted to benefit substantially from pembrolizumab. Hence, if prospectively validated, the IRS model may improve pembrolizumab benefit prediction across approved tumor types including patients outside of currently approved indications.
Age- and sex-specific pediatric LMS-Percentiles for Laboratory Parameters enabled by Data mining
Authors: Hundhausen Thomas , Madsen Andre
Published: January 2022

Background:Various laboratory parameters routinely measured in pediatric practice covariate with sex and age. Conventional reference intervals are not suitable to account for this variation. Here we demonstrate construction of continuous LMS percentile curves from routine laboratory data. This allows adequate adjustment for both sex- and age-dependent covariation in childhood.Material and Methods:Anonymized routine blood test results requested by primary health care physicians were collected, outliers excluded and LMS-models generated in R.Results:Percentiles for several biomarkers derived from a regional population were established in the 'LMS' framework and provided here for comparison with etablished reference ranges, discussion and, potentially, clinical use.Conclusion: The reference framework 'LMS' is well-known from pediatric growth charts and can also be used in laboratory medicine.
Optimization of Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly EA-Substituted Tin Based Perovskite Solar Cell with Different Hole Transport Material
Authors: Chandel Rashi , Punetha deepak , Dhawan Divya , Gupta Neena
Published: January 2022

The perovskite absorber layer are considered highly efficient solar cell for low-cost electricity production. In this research work, an EA-substituted tin based perovskite solar cell with different hole transport material (PEDOT: PSS, Cu2O, CuI, CZTSe) have been investigated using device simulation software. The effects of absorber thickness, defect density, operating temperature, J-V characteristics, and Quantum efficiency have been considered to enhance the performance of solar cell. To confirm the feasibility and validate the study, all the simulation results were compared with reported experiment data. According to the experimental work based on (FA0.9EA0.1)0.98EDA0.01SnI3 absorber layer, maximum of 13% efficiency is achieved with PEDOT: PSS as the HTM. Whereas we have further optimized performance parameters and found the superior response (Voc=0.8851 V, Jsc=27.24 mA/cm2, FF=77.91%, and PCE=18.78%) while opted Cu2O as the hole transport material. This device structure FTO/Cu2O/(FA0.9EA0.1)0.98EDA0.01SnI3/IDL/PCBM/C60/Au provides the more efficient, reliable solution for replacing the lead-based perovskite solar cell. This study will aid researcher in a reasonable choice of materials and to predict the behavior of high performance solar cell before undergoing the fabrication process.
Exploring Overwintered Cover Crops as a Soil Management Tool in Upper-midwest High Tunnels
Authors: Perkus Elizabeth A. , Grossman Julie M. , Pfeiffer Anne , Rogers Mary A. , Rosen Carl J.
Published: January 2022

High tunnels are an important season extension tool for horticultural production in cold climates, however maintaining soil health in these intensively managed spaces is challenging. Cover crops are an attractive management tool to address issues such as decreased organic matter, degraded soil structure, increased salinity, and high nitrogen needs. We explored the effect of winter cover crops on soil nutrients, soil health and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) crop yield in high tunnels for 2 years in three locations across Minnesota. Cover crop treatments included red clover (Trifolium pratense) monoculture, Austrian winter pea/winter rye biculture (Pisum sativum/Secale cereale), hairy vetch/winter rye/tillage radish (Vicia villosa/S. cereale/Raphanus sativus) polyculture, and a bare-ground, weeded control. Cover crop treatments were seeded in two planting date treatments: early planted treatments were seeded into a standing bell pepper crop in late Aug/early September and late planted treatments were seeded after bell peppers were removed in mid-September At termination time in early May, all cover crops had successfully overwintered and produced biomass in three Minnesota locations except for Austrian winter pea at the coldest location, zone 3b. Data collected include cover crop and weed biomass, biomass carbon and nitrogen, extractable soil nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, permanganate oxidizable carbon, soil pH, soluble salts (EC), and pepper yield. Despite poor legume performance, increases in extractable soil nitrogen and potentially mineralizable nitrogen in the weeks following cover crop residue incorporation were observed. Biomass nitrogen contributions averaged 100 kg·ha−1 N with an observed high of 365 kg·ha−1 N. Cover crops also reduced extractable soil N in a spring sampling relative to the bare ground control, suggesting provision of nitrogen retention ecosystem services.
Islands for entanglement negativity
Authors: Basak Jaydeep Kumar , Basu Debarshi , Malvimat Vinay , Parihar Himanshu , Sengupta Gautam
Published: January 2022

We advance two alternative proposals for the island contributions to the entanglement negativity of various pure and mixed state configurations in quantum field theories coupled to semiclassical gravity. The first construction involves the extremization of an algebraic sum of the generalized Renyi entropies of order half. The second proposal involves the extremization of the sum of the effective entanglement negativity of quantum matter fields and the backreacted area of a cosmic brane spanning the entanglement wedge cross section which also extremizes the generalized Renyi reflected entropy of order half. These proposals are utilized to obtain the island contributions to the entanglement negativity of various pure and mixed state configurations involving the bath systems coupled to extremal and non-extremal black holes in JT gravity demonstrating an exact match with each other. Furthermore, the results from both the proposals match precisely with the island contribution to half the Renyi reflected entropy of order half providing a strong consistency check. We then allude to a possible doubly holographic picture of our island proposals and provide a derivation of the first proposal by determining the corresponding replica wormhole contributions.
Bodies, Boards, and Wheels in Urban Public Space: Skateboarding the Ledges, Rails, and Steps of the City
Authors: Platt Lorne
Published: January 2022

This paper considers skateboarding practices in urban public spaces. Often subversive, the interactions between skateboarders and built features are also regularly captured in visual imagery in print and online. The paper documents encounters between skateboarders and the built environment
using visual geographic information and photo representation. Through content analysis of imagery from Instagram posts and Thrasher magazine, the aim is to organize visual/volunteered data to represent the varied types of interactions between skateboarders and particular features of the built
environment. The images suggest that skateboarders seek out structures that are typically elements within a corporate plaza or city hardscape such as stairs, rails, planters. This imagery provides large amounts of data that researchers may cull in order to improve understanding of the ways
such features are experienced, and of the potential conflicts that arise when a variety of users interact. The broader significance of the research contributes to the growing body of work that positions skateboarding as a legitimate practice in urban public spaces. Scholars, practitioners
of architecture, and planners, among others may continue to engage with visualization methods to consider skateboarding as an evolving, responsive, embodied practice.
Sustainability and the Contribution of Electric Scooter Sharing Business Models to Urban Mobility
Authors: Sundqvist-Andberg Henna , Tuominen Anu , Auvinen Heidi , Tapio Petri
Published: January 2022

There has been a rapid uptake of electric scooter (e-scooter) sharing services in cities in recent years. However, the academic literature is still scarce on how e-scooter operators contribute to sustainable urban mobility through their business models. In this qualitative case study,
we analyse the sustainability of these rapidly evolving sharing services through a frame of sustainable business model archetypes, and study value transfer, its obstacles, and its controversies within the Finnish urban transport system. While e-scooter services mainly target delivering functionality
over ownership, according to the operators, combinations of approaches are applied that contribute positively to sustainability. These include, for example, increasing the lifecycle of scooters, recycling of scooters and their parts, using renewable energy, commi ing to climate compensation,
and promoting road safety and the responsible use of scooters. The findings indicate that in Finland, e-scooter services are seen to have potential in serving the first and last miles of public transport journeys. Due to a lack of binding regulation, co- and self-regulation is emphasized and
is supported by active information and data sharing with public authorities. While sustainability is embedded in many ways into the business models of e-scooter operators, there are still potential sources of unsustainability aff ecting the urban transport system. For example, current business
models favour convenience over physical activity, which can reduce the amount of active travel and use of city bikes.
Honesty as a value in the interpersonal relationships in organizations
Authors: Czajkowska-Białkowska Maria
Published: January 2022

The crisis caused by COVID-19 has increased interest to the subject of integrity in organizations. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the opinions on the value of honesty, broken down by the group of supervisors and subordinates during the crisis caused by COVID-19. The analysis was carried out in Poland among undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields representing disciplines other than management. The paper used a survey method; 102 respondents took part in the survey. 9.52% of men and 5.00% of women in the group of subordinates did not have opinions on this subject. In the group of supervisors, the situation was completely opposite: 6.25% of women and 4.76% of men showed such a result. Significant discrepancies were noticed in the assessment of the importance of honesty depending on the education field of the respondents. The difference between the highest assessments of the importance of this value was 33.70 percentage points in the supervisors’ group, and 38.64 percentage points in the subordinates group. Drawing attention to this problem, which affects all participants of an organization to a different extent, may help to shape the ethical attitudes of future managers and, in consequence, manage their organizations better.
Determination of Ethyl Carbamate in Commercial Sweetened Sugar Cane Spirit by ESI-MS/MS Using Modified QuEChERS and 18-Crown-6/Trifluoroacetic Acid Spiking Additives
Authors: Tonin Angélica , Poliseli Camila , Sinosaki Nayane , Martinez Fernanda , Santos Oscar , Oliveira Cláudio , Silva Valquiria , Visentainer Jesuí , Meurer Eduardo
Published: January 2022

A fast, sensitive, and selective direct injection electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (DI‑ESI‑MS/MS) method that is able to quantify ethyl carbamate in commercial sweetened sugar cane spirit is described. The preparation method uses a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) with potassium carbonate added to sweetened sugar cane spirit to separate the aqueous phase from the ethanol phase. The aqueous phase contains sucrose that suppresses electrospray ionization. Ethyl carbamate supernatant from the ethanol phase is transferred and enriched with 18-crown-6/trifluoroacetic acid additives. The additives sequester metal cations reducing the ionization of sodium and potassium, favoring the detection of ethyl carbamate as sole protonated cations. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of eleven real samples and certified sugar cane spirit demonstrating its applicability for quality control and regulatory analysis. The method showed reliable analytical parameters compared to conventional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method commonly used for ethyl carbamate analysis. DI-ESI-MS/MS method requires just a fast step sample clean up and presents consistent values for the limit of detection (LOD 48.0 μg L−1) and limit of quantification (LOQ 160.0 μg L−1). Furthermore, the recoveries obtained were close to 100%, with relative standard deviations below 10% of sample certificates.
Medieval Kazakh History in Arab and Persian Sources
Authors:   Department of History and Social Sciences and Humanities, Kazakh Humanitarian Law Innovative University, Semey, Republic of Kazakhstan., Markhaba Adil , Zhemeney Islam , Rakhmetullin Aman K. , Bolatova Kalamkas B. , Adilbayeva Aigul S.
Published: January 2022

The relevance of this topic lies in the analysis of the study of medieval Kazakh history. After gaining independence, the processes of the revival of national identity, reinstatement of primitive spiritual and moral values and human mentality, which were sharply suppressed during the period of the Soviet totalitarian system, became widespread. Therewith, the widely discussed national-historical structure of the population, the knowledge of ethnic roots, the restoration of traditions and customs, which served as a connecting link, as well as the specificity and originality of the approach are of particular importance. Currently, the problem of objective reading, coverage, and popularisation of the ancient and medieval Kazakh history and culture is acute. By rejecting one-sided interpretations of historical events, established clichés require impartial, academic analysis based on evidence drawn from a wide range of sources. The purpose of this study is to identify the problems of the history of Kazakhstan in the 13th-14th centuries, the general laws of world historical development and the features of the historical process, folk traditions by using a scientific and systematic approach. Based on the systematisation and classification of data from the geographical and Arab historical records of the 13th-14th centuries, the analysis of written monuments is performed, their interdependence is established, and the degree of completeness and reliability of the data in the works of the narrative is determined in an integral system. Due to the scientific expeditions and research trips to Mongolia, China, and Germany, Kazakh orientalists analysed and performed the first systematic processing of archival materials and historical evidence of the early history of resettlement based on the ancient Turkic manuscript, ancient Indian, and Chinese sources that formed a picture of the proto and ancient history. For example, the features of stone figures give an idea of the military hierarchy, military operations, the settlement of ethnic groups (ethnogeography), the worldview of the Turks, etc.
Impact of Digital Technologies on the Development of Modern Film Production and Television
Authors:   Department of Audiovisual Art, Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Alforova Zoya , Marchenko Serhii , Kot Halyna , Medvedieva Alla , Moussienko Oksana
Published: January 2022

The popularity of streaming services has been steadily growing over the past 5 years, and the number of subscribers is increasing. This study was conducted to find out how the popularisation of streaming services affects filmmaking. The history of cinema is inextricably linked with the development of technology. It should be noted that each new page in the history of the film industry began with the invention of new innovations. During the digital age, a rapid leap forward in the television and film industry was also inevitable. Digital cinema is a format that has virtually left film and analogue cinema technology behind. Each revolution in the film industry has been a new step towards providing audiences with a new experience and an even more vivid film experience. Streaming services are one of the innovations that have emerged thanks to the development of digital technologies. They allow viewers to receive content for a fixed price. Streaming guarantees quality and availability with minimal technical support. For this study, theoretical materials on the impact of digital technologies on changes in cinema were investigated. The study analyses data on changes in the audience of the most popular streaming services over the past 10 years. The results of the study showed that the increase in demand for streaming and online cinemas affects the audience’s requirements for the genres and format of cinema. To satisfy audiences, filmmakers are constantly modernising the industry. It can be concluded that the tastes of the audience are changing and the workers of the film industry should be guided by this. In the future, global and Ukrainian streaming services will be able to create original content that will meet the requirements of viewers.
A Comprehensive Review of Minerals, Trace Elements, and Heavy Metals
in Saffron
Authors: Ghasemi Sajjad , Noori Sayyed Mohammad Ali , Hashemi Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and its popularity as a tasty food additive is spreading rapidly through many cultures and cuisines. Minerals and heavy metals are minor components found in saffron, which play a key role in the identification of the geographical origin, quality control, and food traceability, while they also affect human health. The chemical elements in saffron are measured using various analytical methods, such as techniques based on spectrometry or spectroscopy, including atomic emission spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The present study aimed to review the published articles about heavy metals and minerals in saffron across the world. To date, 64 chemical elements have been found in different types of saffron, which could be divided into three groups of macro-elements, trace elements, and heavy metals (trace elements with a lower gravity/greater than five times that of water and other inorganic sources). Furthermore, the chemical elements in the saffron samples of different countries have a wide range of concentrations. These differences may be affected by geographical conditions such as physicochemical properties of the soil, weather, and other environmental conditions like saffron cultivation and its genotype.
Fibrinolytic Enzyme - An Overview
Authors: Rengaswamy Devika , Abdul Rahim Parveen
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular diseases, like coronary heart disease or artery disorders (arteriosclerosis, including artery solidification), heart failure (myocardial infarction), arrhythmias, congestive heart condition, stroke, elevated vital signs (hypertension), rheumatic heart disorder, and other circulato-ry system dysfunctions are the most common causes of death worldwide. Cardiovascular disorders are treated with stenting, coronary bypass surgery grafting, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and other pharmacological and surgical procedures; however, these have limitations due to their ad-verse effects. Fibrinolytic agents degrade fibrin through enzymatic and biochemical processes. There are various enzymes that are currently used as a treatment for CVDs, like streptokinase, nattokinase, staphylokinase, urokinase, etc. These enzymes are derived from various sources, like bacteria, fungi, algae, marine organisms, plants, snakes, and other organisms. This review deals with the fibrinolytic enzymes, their mechanisms, sources, and their therapeutic potential.
A Panoramic Review of Benzimidazole Derivatives and their Potential Biological
Activity
Authors: Hernández-López Hiram , Tejada-Rodríguez Christian Jairo , Leyva-Ramos Socorro
Published: January 2022

The therapeutic potential of the benzimidazole nucleus has been recognized since 1944, and
it is an important heterocycle system due to its presence in a wide range of bioactive compounds such
as antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, and so on, where optimization of substituents in this class of
pharmacophore has resulted in many drugs. Its broad biological activity stems from physicochemical
properties such as hydrogen bond donor-acceptor capability, π→π stacking interactions, coordination
bonds with metals as ligands and hydrophobic interactions; properties that allow them to easily bind
with a series of biomolecules, including enzymes and nucleic acids, causing a growing interest in these
types of molecules. This review aims to present an overview to leading benzimidazole derivatives, as
well as to show the importance of the nature and type of substituents at the N1, C2, and C5(6) positions
when they are biologically evaluated, which can lead to obtaining potent drug candidate with a
significant range of biological activities.
Tuberculosis, BCG Vaccination, and COVID-19: Are They Connected?
Authors: Borges Kellen Christina Malheiros , da Costa Adeliane Castro , de Souza Barbosa Lília Cristina , Ribeiro Kaio Mota , dos Anjos Laura Raniere Borges , Kipnis André , Junqueira-Kipnis Ana Paula
Published: January 2022

Evidence from multiple scientific studies suggests that the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)
vaccine, widely used worldwide as a preventive measure against tuberculosis, also offers crossprotection
against other pathogens. This review aimed to gather data from research that studied the
mechanisms involved in the immunological protection induced by the BCG vaccine, which may be
important in the control of viral infections, such as COVID-19. Through a literature review, we compiled
information about the different BCG strains used worldwide, as well as the responses and protection
elicited by them. We commented on the mechanisms of immune response to Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and we discussed the possibility of cross-protection of
different BCG strains on the control of COVID-19. Due to the immunomodulatory properties of BCG,
some BCG strains were able to induce an effective cellular immune response and, through epigenetic
modifications, activate cells of the innate immune system, such as monocytes, macrophages and natural
killer cells, which are crucial for the control of viral infections. Although several vaccines have already
been developed and used in an attempt to control the COVID-19 pandemic, some BCG vaccine
strains may help stimulate the basal defences against these pathogens and can be used as additional defences
in this and future pandemics.