bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep-related Attentional and Interpretive Bias In Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Authors: Akram Umair , Gardani Maria , Barclay Nicola , Milkins Bronwyn , Stevenson Jodie
Published: March 2022

Prominent cognitive models of insomnia have emphasized the notion that the disorder is in part maintained by cognitive biases of attention and interpretation for sleep-related “threat” cues which may be internal or external in nature. We present the first systematic review of the sleep-related attention and interpretive bias literature that includes meta-analytic calculations for each respective construct. Literature search identified N=21 attentional bias and N=8 interpretive bias studies that met pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Seventeen of the twenty-one reviewed attention bias studies compared normal sleeping controls and poor sleepers/insomnia patients. Based on a random effects model, meta-analytic data based on the standardized mean differences of attentional bias studies determined the weighted pooled effect size (17 studies, N=922) to be moderate at .60 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.93). Furthermore, seven of eight sleep-related interpretive bias studies examined normal sleeping controls and poor sleepers/insomnia patients in sleep-related interpretive bias. Meta-analytic data determined the weighted pooled effect size (7 studies, N=577) to be moderate at .44 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.69). Based on the outcomes, disorder congruent attentional and interpretive biases appear to be a tentative feature of insomnia. However, despite statistical support for this notion, the absence of longitudinal data limits causal inference concerning the relative role of these biases in the development and maintenance of insomnia. Methodological factors pertaining to the task design, sample population and stimuli are discussed in relation to variation in study outcomes. Finally, we discuss the next steps moving forward to advance the understanding of sleep-related attentional and interpretive bias in insomnia.
Contrasting diversity and community assembly of leaf- and root-associated bacterial communities from 13 tree species in a subtropical forest
Authors: Yang Hao , Zheng Yong , Yang Zhijie , Wang Quan-Cheng , Lü Peng-Peng , Hu Hang-Wei , Yang Yusheng , He Ji-Zheng
Published: March 2022

Background
Deciphering the local diversity and community assembly of plant-associated microorganisms is crucial to better predict the ecological functioning in forest ecosystems. The differences in microbial diversity and community assembly pattern between plant aboveground and belowground compartments, however, are less documented. Here, we examined the bacterial communities in the leaf- (endophytic and epiphytic) and root- (root and rhizospheric soil) associated habitats of 13 tree species in a subtropical forest ecosystem.
Results
The bacterial α-diversity (phylotype richness) substantially differed across the four habitats, with the highest and lowest values observed in soil and leaf endophytic compartments, respectively. The variations of α-diversity amongst the 13 tree species were more obvious in leaf endophytic and epiphytic habitats than in their corresponding roots and soils. The bacterial community compositions were different across the four habitats and were significantly more divergent in leaf- than in root-associated habitats. Moreover, deterministic processes dominated the endophytic and epiphytic community assembly, whereas stochastic processes primarily affected community assembly in root and rhizospheric soils. Leaf nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and soil pH were the main factors influencing leaf- and root-related community compositions, respectively.
Conclusions
This study highlights the contrasting diversity and community assembly patterns between leaf- and root-inhabiting bacteria. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the maintenance mechanisms of microbial diversity in the subtropical forest ecosystem.
Defined, low threshold for cesarean section and multidisciplinary team management improves fetal outcome from acute pancreatitis in pregnancy
Authors: He Wenhua , Zhang Zhi , Cai Wenhao , Luo Lingyu , Xu Hongrong , Li Lei , Li Jiarong , Xia Liang , Zhu Yong , Liu Pi , Zeng Hao , Cao Chunshui , Chen Haiming , Yuan Gaole , Yu Chen , Wan Junhui , Szatmary Peter , Sutton Robert , Zhu Yin , Lu Nonghua
Published: March 2022

Background
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is associated with increased maternal and fetal mortality. We sought to determine whether a low threshold for cesarean section (C-section) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) improves maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with APIP.
Methods
We identified patients with APIP at a single institution from a prospective database and studied fetal and maternal health in APIP before (2005–2014) and after (2015–2019) introduction of multidisciplinary team management with a defined, lowered threshold for C-section. The primary end point was fetal mortality comprising abortion and perinatal death. Risk factors associated with fetal mortality were analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
A total of 165 patients with APIP were eligible for analysis. There was a highly significant increase in patients undergoing C-section from 37 (30.8%) of 120 during 2005–2014 to 27 (60%) of 45 in 2015–2019 (P = 0.001), with a highly significant fall in fetal mortality from 37 (30.8%) of 120 to 3 (6.7%) of 45 between the same periods (P = 0.001), when maternal mortality fell from 6 to zero (P = 0.19). Maternal early systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (odds ratio [OR]: 6.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–30.80, P = 0.01) and SAP (OR: 3.64, 95%CI: 1.25–10.60, P = 0.02) were two independent risk factors associated with fetal mortality.
Conclusion
Multidisciplinary collaboration and a defined, low threshold for C-section improve fetal outcomes in patients with APIP. We recommend persistent SIRS as a selection criterion for early C-section in APIP.
Engineered exosomes loaded with miR-494-3p suppress homologous ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Suli , Li Ke
Published: March 2022

Objective
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a malignant tumor that endangers women's health. We intend to develop engineered exosomes to deliver the suppressor microRNA to inhibit the growth and progression of OC.
Methods
The level of miR-494-3p in OC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. Exosomes secreted by OC cells were isolated and loaded with miR-494-3p by electroporation to prepare the engineered exosomes miR-494-3p Exo. The morphology and size of miR-494-3p Exo were identified using the Transmission Electron Microscope and Nanoparticle Tracing Analysis. Western blot (WB) was conducted to detect the exosomal markers TSG101 and CD63. The loading efficiency was assessed by qRT-PCR. Exosomes labelled with PKH26 were used to study the specific uptake by OC cells. OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells were treated with PBS, Unload Exo and miR-494-3p Exo, respectively. EdU assay was conducted to evaluate proliferation, flow cytometry to detect apoptosis, scratching assay to evaluate migration, Transwell assay to evaluate migration and invasion. And the levels of apoptosis-, migration- and invasion-related proteins were assessed by WB.
Results
MiR-494-3p was expressed at a low level in OC tissues and cell lines. Engineered exosomes loaded with miR-494-3p with an average size of 30–120 nm were successfully prepared, and can be specifically absorbed by OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells. MiR-494-3p Exo can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells and promote apoptosis.
Conclusions
MiR-494-3p-loaded engineered exosomes can inhibit homologous OC cells.
Environmental Regulation, Technological Innovation and Industrial Environmental Efficiency:An Empirical Study Based on Chinese Cement Industry
Authors: tu hongxing , Dai wei , hua fengtao
Published: March 2022

Using DEA-Tobit model, the paper empirically analyzes the impact of environmental regulation and technological innovation on industrial environmental efficiency with the data from Chinese Cement Industry. The results show that both environmental regulation and technological innovation all have a significant role in promoting the environmental efficiency of cement industry. Among all the influencing factors, the improvement of pollution disposal capacity has the biggest positive effect on environmental efficiency, while the energy-saving effect caused by environmental regulation is not obvious, the factor endowment structure has no substantial impact on environmental efficiency. Adhering to the strategy of "reducing emissions mainly and saving energy as auxiliary", continuously optimizing the energy consumption structure, raising the level of industrialization and industrial agglomeration are conducive to the sustainable development of China’s cement industry.
The Impact of Income Inequality on Environmental Quality: A Sectoral-Level Analysis
Authors: Alataş Sedat , Akın Tuğba
Published: March 2022

There is a growing literature on the relationship between income inequality and emissions. However, these studies ignore the sectoral level differences in carbon emissions. We argue that the environmental effect of inequality might vary at the sectoral level. Our main purpose is to contribute to this growing literature on the inequality-emissions nexus by considering sectoral-level differences. For that purpose, we focus on five different sectors: power industry, buildings, transport, other industrial combustion, and other sectors. To specify our model, we augment the environmental Kuznets curve framework with income inequality by controlling the effect of globalization and urbanization. Our country sample consists of 28 OECD economies for the period between 1990 and 2018. Methodologically, we apply the second-generation panel unit root, cointegration tests, and estimators, which produce robust results against the cross-sectional dependence. Our findings reveal that not only income but also income inequality is a crucial factor in explaining changes in sectoral emissions. While rising income inequality increases carbon emissions from the power and building sectors, this finding turns out to be negative for the transport, other industrial combustion, and other sectors. Our results suggest that policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions should be designed at the sectoral level.
Proper Environment Improves the Storage of Primed Pansy Seed
Authors: Carpenter William J. , Boucher Joseph F.
Published: March 2022

Primed and nonprimed `Majestic Giant Yellow' pansy (viola × wittrockiana Gams.) seed had similar total germination percentages, but priming reduced the number of days to 50% of final germination by 25% and the days between 10% and 90% germination by 21%. Reducing the moisture content of nonprimed seed from 10.5% to 5.8% caused no change in total germination, but primed seed germination decreased at moisture contents below 10%. Total germination percentages of primed and non-primed seeds declined as storage temperatures were reduced from 5 to - 20C. Storing primed seed at SC and 11% relative humidity (RR) for 16 weeks reduced seed moisture contents to 8.4% and total germination by 28%. Primed seeds, after 5C storage at 75% or 95% RH for 16 weeks, contained 23.7% and 28.3% moisture, and germination had declined 31% and 48%, respectively. Primed seed stored 16 weeks at 5C and 52% RR had 12.5% seed moisture content and germination had declined by 2%. Moisture contents of primed pansy seeds must remain between 12% and 20% during 5C storage or total germination will decline and the benefits of more rapid and uniform germination are lost.
Evapotranspiration Rates and Growth Characteristics of Ten St. Augustinegrass Genotypes
Authors: Atkins C.E. , Green R.L. , Sifers S.I. , Beard J.B.
Published: March 2022

The primary objective of this research was to determine the evapotranspiration (ET) rates of 10 well-watered St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] genotypes under field conditions and in a controlled-environment chamber with a high evaporative potential. A secondary objective was to correlate ET rate to leaf extension rate, shoot density, and abaxial and adaxial leaf blade stomatal densities. Overall ET rates among genotypes were not significantly different in the field study, but they were significantly different under the higher evaporative potential of the chamber study. ET rates under field conditions were not correlated to ET rates under chamber conditions. ET rates were not correlated to leaf extension rates in the field or chamber. ET rates in the chamber were correlated neither with shoot nor with stomatal densities. Overall ET rates in the field study were not correlated to stomatal densities, but were correlated to shoot density (r = 0.77).
High Dolomitic Lime Rates Induce Mouse-ear Symptoms in Container-grown Pecan Trees
Authors: Keever Gary J. , Goff William D. , West Mark S.
Published: March 2022

Pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] trees were grown in containers in a pine bark and sand medium amended with O, 3.0, 5.9, 8.9, or 11.9 kg dolomitic limestone/m. Mouse-ear symptom expression, characterized by small, rounded, cupped, and slightly wrinkled leaflets, increased linearly as dolomitic lime rate increased. Plant growth was best at 3.0 kg dolomitic lime/m, which resulted in a growth medium pH of 4.3.
Acute Effects of Acidic Fog on Photosynthetic Activity and Morphology of Phaseolus lunatus
Authors: Trumble John T. , Walker Gregory P.
Published: March 2022

Acute effects of high-nitrate/low-sulfate acidic fogs with a pH of 2.5 and 3.0 were investigated on 3.5to 4-week-old Phaseolus lunatus L. in a series of replicated trials. After 24 hours, CO2 assimilation rates of primary leaves were reduced by at least one-third by 3-hour fogs with a pH value of 2.5 as compared to control plants treated with a fog of pH 6.3. A 3-hour fog at pH 3.0 reduced C0 2 assimilation a minimum of 20%. Stomatal resistance increased in primary leaves of plants exposed to an acidic fog of pH 2.5 by > 37% compared to plants subjected to pH 6.3 fogs. StomataI resistances in leaves exposed to pH 3.0 fogs increased at least 27%. However, internal CO2 concentrations were not significantly different between controland acidfogged plants at any pH. Standardizing plants for similar CO2 assimilation rates allowed statistical separation of photosynthetically important variables as compared to unstandardized experimental designs with higher interplant variability. Methacrylate plastic sections of foliar lesions resulting from exposure to pH 2.0 fogs revealed that damage usually progressed vertically from the upper to lower epidermis. Xylem was less susceptible to damage than other tissues.
Species, Cultivar, and Soil Amendments Influence Fruit Production of Two Physalis Species
Authors: Wolff Xenia Y.
Published: March 2022

Four cultivars each of Physalis peruviana L. and P. pruinosa L. were field-grown in one season in Baton Rouge, La., to determine optimal species, cultivars, and soil amendments for local production. Soil amendments were inorganic N-P-K fertilizer, 50 t rabbit manure/ha, 25 t chicken manure/ha, or any of these treatments plus peatmoss. All cultivars tested produced vegetative growth, but only P. pruinosa cultivars flowered and fruited. Total marketable yields, percent total soluble solids (TSS), juice pH, and total titratable acid were similar for all P. pruinosa cultivars tested. Fruit yields averaged 4.4 t·ha-l; TSS, pH, and acid averaged 11.6%, 4.71, and 0.73%, respectively. Plants receiving rabbit manure produced significantly higher marketable yields than those receiving rabbit manure with peatmoss or chicken manure with or without peatmoss. Soil amendment had no effect on fruit quality.
Evaluation of 12 Sweetpotato Clones in Coastal South Carolina for Yield and Insect Resistance Using Organic and Conventional Cultural Practices
Authors: Wadl Phillip A. , Williams Livy H. , Horry Matthew I. , Ward Brian K.
Published: March 2022

The yield and insect resistance of 12 sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) clones grown in two different production systems (organic black plastic mulch and conventional bare ground) were evaluated in 2016 and 2017 in coastal South Carolina. Significant differences in total storage root yield, marketable storage root yield, U.S. No. 1 storage root yield, and percent of U.S. No. 1 storage roots in all trials were found, except for percent of U.S. No. 1 storage roots in 2017 for the organic black plastic mulch trial. In the organic black plastic mulch trials, ‘Bonita’ and USDA-04-136 consistently produced high marketable yields, whereas ‘Ruddy’ and USDA-W388 consistently produced the lowest marketable yields. ‘Averre’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘Covington’, and USDA-09-130 exhibited variable performance, with marketable yields among the highest in a single year. For the conventional trials, USDA-04-136 consistently produced high marketable yields, whereas ‘Ruddy’ and USDA-W-388 consistently produced the lowest marketable yields. ‘Averre’, ‘Bonita’, ‘Covington’, and USDA-09-130 exhibited variable performance, with marketable yields among the highest in a single year. For the organic black plastic mulch, significant differences were detected in the percent of uninjured roots and percent white grub (primarily Plectris aliena) damage in 2016 and in wireworm (Elateridae)-cucumber beetle (Diabrotica)-flea beetle (Systena) severity index (WDS severity index) in 2016 and 2017. USDA-04-136 and USDA-W-388 consistently had the lowest WDS severity index, whereas ‘Covington’ consistently had the highest WDS severity index. For the conventional trials, significant differences were found among clones in both years for all insect rating variables, except for percent sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius elegantulus) damage. ‘Ruddy’, USDA-04-136, and USDA-W-388 consistently yielded the highest percent of uninjured roots, whereas ‘Averre’, ‘Bonita’, SC-1149-19, and USDA-09-130 consistently had the lowest percent of uninjured roots. The research reported here for yield and insect resistance under conventional and organic production systems will be useful for producers in the selection of cultivars suitable for growth in South Carolina.
Testing volatility spillovers using GARCH models in the Japanese stock market during COVID-19
Authors: Spulbar Cristi , Birau Ramona , Trivedi Jatin , Thonse Hawaldar Iqbal , Loredana Minea Elena
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates volatility spillovers in the stock market in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic by using GARCH family models. The empirical analysis is focused on the dynamics of the NIKKEI 225 stock market index during the sample period from July 30, 1998, to January 24, 2022. In other words, the sample period covers both the period of the global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic. The econometrics includes GARCH (1,1), GJR (1,1), and EGARCH (1,1) models. By applying GARCH family models, this empirical study also examines the long-term behavior of the Japanese stock market.The Japanese stock market is much more stable and efficient than emerging or frontier markets characterized by higher volatility and lower liquidity. The paper establishes that NIKKEI 225 index dynamics is different in intensity in the case of the two most recent extreme events analyzed, namely the global financial crisis (GFC)of 2007–2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings confirmed the presence of the leverage effect during the sample period. Moreover, the empirical results identified the presence of high volatility in the sample returns of the selected stock market. Nevertheless, the econometric framework showed that the negative implications of the GFC were much more severe and caused more significant contractions compared to the COVID-19 pandemic for the Japanese stock market. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing additional empirical evidence on the long-term behavior of the stock market in Japan, especially in the context of extreme events.
Assessment of the population’s social resilience environment (the case of the Carpathian region of Ukraine)
Authors: Mulska Olha , Vasyltsiv Taras , Shushkova Yuliia , Kloba Lev , Parfenyuk Yevheniya
Published: March 2022

The system of indicators of the population’s socio-economic vulnerability is the determinant of regions’ social resilience. The growth of these indicators leads to the emergence of new and aggravation of existing social risks and threats in different time periods. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the population’s social resilience environment in the Carpathian region of Ukraine. The environment of the population social resilience in the oblasts of the Carpathian region of Ukraine is assessed based on the theory of elasticity by calculating the temporal weight coefficients of 31 indicators (systematized in 4 groups) and integral empirical coefficient of the environment by multiplicative assessment. The results show that among the oblasts of the Carpathian region of Ukraine, the social resilience environment was the highest in Zakarpatska and Ivano-Frankivska oblasts (0.530 each) in 2019, and in Lvivska (0.540) and Chernivetska (0.585) oblasts in 2014. The growth of the social resilience environment rate was recorded in Lvivska (0.630) and Chernivetska (0.691) oblasts in the period of economic capacity recovery (2018). The average annual growth pace of the coefficient of deviation of the empirical social resilience environment rate from the national rate ranged from –1.29% to –0.26%. The study can serve as an information-analytical basis for developing the regional policy to secure the convergence of social standards of social resilience between the Carpathian region and neighboring EU countries (adherence to the principles of consumption safety and social responsibility, growing resistance of the healthcare system, balanced labor market and employment, development of clean and safe living spaces).
AcknowledgmentThe study was conducted within the framework of applied research “Mechanisms of the proactive policy for reducing social vulnerability of the population (based on the Carpathian region of Ukraine)” (No SR 0121U112014, M. Dolishniy Institute of Regional Research of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2021–2023).
Pengembangan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah Kerajinan Bambu dalam Peningkatan Kualitas Produk dan Pemasarandi Desa Ciputri, Pacet, Cianjur
Authors:   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Reyhan Fahmi , Ayu Tangkau Karina ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Nathanael Levin ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Kharisma Shamar ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Bagus Anzhari Steven ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Oetomo Sylvia ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Narada Thendi ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Agustiawan Sonny ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Kampus BSD, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339
Published: March 2022

The development of small and medium enterprises is one part of the activities of the 2019 Community Development program held by Universitas Prasetiya Mulya with the aim of developing businesses in several villages, one of which is Ciputri Village. One of the partners who received assistance was the bamboo business. With this assistance, it is hoped that this business can continue to grow to improve the lives of partners. The efforts made to develop this business are through improving the quality of the tools and materials used. The manual bamboo carving tool that was previously used is replaced by an electric carving tool that can produce products faster and of good quality. In addition, marketing is also done not only via offline stores, but through several social media and other e-commerce to simplify the product marketing process.
Experimental study of scour morphology from plunging water jets
Authors: Kartal Veysi , Emiroglu M. Emin
Published: March 2022

Scour due to plunging water jets is a key topic in hydraulic engineering. This study presents the topography of the scour hole formed by water jets from circular nozzles in the downstream pool. Experimental studies for topographic changes in the downstream pool are limited in the literature. Several experiments were carried out to determine scour morphology due to turbulent water jets obliquely impinged on the downstream pool. The topographic changes, maximum scour depths, volume of scour hole and upstream and downstream slopes of scour hole at the equilibrium time were studied in detail. The densimetric Froude number and impingement angle affect the scour morphology. The volume of scour hole increases with the increase of densimetric Froude number and the decrease of impingement length. The topographic maps clearly show that the water jet affected the scour with the decrease of its velocity due to contact with the air at large impingement distances. Moreover, the upstream scour hole angle is approximately equal to the downstream scour hole angle. The findings will be useful in hydraulic applications such as design of plunge pool of an impinging jet spillway, bottom outlet structures, pond water aeration systems, outlets of culverts and storm drainage pipes.
O Papel do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Elétrica da UFERSA no Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa e no Avanço da Inovação Tecnológico no Semi-Árido
Authors: Andrade Humberto Dionísio de
Published: March 2022

A ciência, a tecnologia e a inovação no cenário mundial moderno e contemporâneo, são os pilares e instrumentos fundamentais para o crescimento, o desenvolvimento econômico, e a democratização do conhecimento e da formação continuada. Aliados a essa tendência, a Universidade Federal do Semiárido, através do Programa de Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica (PPGEE) apresenta-se com o nobre papel importante de formar profissionais altamente qualificados em nível de excelência, nas áreas de atuação da Engenharia Elétrica, fornecendo-os uma sólida formação, para que possa atuar no plano de interesse científico, tecnológico e social, além de contribuir para a evolução humana na ciência, tecnologia e cultura, contribuindo positivamente para o desenvolvimento do socioeconômico da região do Semiárido, principalmente no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Região Nordeste e numa dimensão nacional quanto na internacional.
Antioxidant Responses are Crucial for Defense against Misfolded Human
Z-Type α1-Antitrypsin
Authors: Im Hana , Lim Jaeyeon
Published: March 2022

Backgrounds:

The Z-type variant of human α1-antitrypsin is involved in liver cirrhosis
and pulmonary emphysema. Due to its slow folding characteristics, this variant accumulates folding
intermediates and forms protein aggregates within hepatocytes. Misfolded proteins may induce
oxidative stress and subsequent cell death.

Objective:

The potential application of antioxidant response signaling pathway and antioxidants to
cope with Z-type α1-antitrypsin-induced oxidative stress was evaluated.

Methods:

Overexpression of Z-type α1-antitrypsin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae provoked oxidative
stress and increased susceptibility to oxidative challenges such as hydrogen peroxide treatment.
Deletion of antioxidant-response genes, including yap1, skn7, sod2, tsa1, and pst2, exacerbated the
slow growth phenotype of Z-type α1-antitrypsin-expressing cells. Antioxidant treatment alleviated
oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by Z-type α1-antitrypsin.

Results:

Our results show that cellular antioxidant capacity is crucial to protection against
misfolded Z-type α1-antitrypsin.

Conclusion:

The information obtained here may be used to prevent oxidative stress caused by
misfolded proteins, which are associated with several degenerative diseases, including amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Aceclofenac-Loaded Microspheres Prepared by Vesicular Ionotropic Gelation to
Minimize Drug-induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats
Authors: Yassin Heba A. , Ibrahim Mohamed A. , Abou-Taleb Heba A.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a potent analgesic. However, its
oral ingestion may cause gastrointestinal problems, including dyspepsia, abnormal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and ulcerative
colitis.

Objective:

This study aimed to prepare vesicular-based enteric microspheres containing aceclofenac by ionotropic
gelation technique to minimize gastric irritation in rats.

Methods:

The micron-size vesicles were prepared by the ionic-orifice gelation method. Three types of vesicularbased
microcapsules containing aceclofenac were prepared by employing sodium alginate as the coating material in
combination with Eudragit L100, Eudragit S100, and polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP K90. The drug to sodium alginate to
polymer ratios were 1:0.5:0.5, 1:1:1, and 1:1.5:1.5, respectively. Gelation of sodium alginate was induced by the
dropwise addition of calcium chloride solution (10 % w/v). Aceclofenac-loaded microspheres were evaluated in
terms of aceclofenac content and in vitro drug release, and FTIR, DSC, and XRD were used for physicochemical
evaluation of some selected formulae. The effects of microencapsulation on aceclofenac-induced ulcerative activity
in male Wistar rats were also investigated.

Results:

The results indicated no interaction between aceclofenac and microcapsules forming polymers. In addition,
microcapsules formulations M1, M4, and M7 gave maximal protection in acidic pH and optimal release in alkaline
pH. The histopathological studies revealed that the reduction of ulceration is evident from the macroscopic and microscopic
studies, which showed complete protection of the tissue morphology with no ulcers, indicating the effectiveness
of the microcapsules system against aceclofenac-induced gastric ulceration in rats again.

Conclusion:

Ionotropic gelation seems to be a simple, efficient technique to prepare aceclofenac-loaded microspheres
with a reduced risk of gastric ulceration. It is possible to overcome the problem of gastric damage while
utilizing aceclofenac by avoiding the exposure of the drug to the ulcer-prone area of the gastrointestinal tract.
Recent Progress in the Research on Benzimidazole PARP-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Cao Xuan , Wu Kaiyue , Chen Miaojia , Peng Xiaoyu , Li Yang , Tang Guotao , Peng Junmei
Published: March 2022

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in DNA repair and genome integrity. PARP-1 inhibitors can be used as effective drugs not only to treat BRCA-1/2 deficient cancers because of the synthetic lethality effect but also to treat non- BRCA1/2 deficient tumours because of the effect of PARP capture. Therefore, PARP inhibitors have become a focus of compelling research. Among these inhibitors, substituted benzimidazole derivatives were mainly concerned as lead compounds. However, the commercially available benzimidazole PARP-1 inhibitors have some shortcomings, such as serious toxicity in combination with chemotherapy drugs and in vivo cardiovascular side effects such as anemia. Therefore it is crucial for scientists to explore more structure-activity relationships of the benzimidazole PARP-1 inhibitors and access safer and more effective PARP inhibitors. As the binding regions of PARP-1 and the substrates are usually characterized by NI site and AD site, the modification of benzimidazoles mainly occurs on the benzimidazole skeleton (NI site) and the side chain of benzimidazole in the 2-C position (AD site). Herein, the recent progress in the research on benzamides PARP inhibitors was introduced. We noticed that even though many efforts were made to the modification of NI sites, there was still a lack of optimistic and impressive results. However, the structure-activity relationships of the modification of AD sites have not been thoroughly discovered yet. We hope that enlightened by the previous research, more research on AD sites should be carried out, and more effective benzimidazole PARP-1 inhibitors could be designed, synthesized, and applied to clinics.
COVID-19 Vaccine-Induced Pro-thrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia
(VIPIT): State of the Art
Authors: Bassareo Pier Paolo , Calcaterra Giuseppe , De Gregorio Cesare , Barilla Francesco , Romeo Francesco , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: March 2022

In 2020, as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
pandemic spread rapidly throughout the world, scientists worked relentlessly to develop and test
the safety and effectiveness of potential vaccines. Usually, the vaccine development process
involves years of investigation and testing prior to gaining approval for use in practice. A pathogenic
PF4-dependent syndrome, unrelated to the use of heparin therapy, may be manifested following
the administration of viral vector vaccines. It leads to severe clot formation at unusual sites approximately
in 1 out of 110.000 vaccinated persons. This side effect, although rare, represents a
newly devastating clotting phenomenon manifested in otherwise healthy young adults, who are often
female. An in-depth description of the specific biological mechanisms implicated in the syndrome
is here summarized.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions
for Artificial Intelligence in Ultrasound
Authors: Chen Zhiyi , Xia Qingrong , Du Meng , Li Bin , Hou Likang
Published: March 2022

Ultrasound is one of the most widely utilized imaging tools in clinical practice with the
advantages of noninvasive nature and ease of use. However, ultrasound examinations have low reproducibility
and considerable heterogeneity due to the variability of operators, scanners, and patients.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted ultrasound has advanced in recent years, bringing it closer to routine
clinical use. The combination of AI with ultrasound has opened up a world of possibilities for
increasing work productivity and precision diagnostics. In this article, we describe AI strategies in
ultrasound, from current opportunities, constraints to potential options for AI-assisted ultrasound.
The Gut Microbiota-Brain Axis in Acute Neurological Disease: Focus on
Stroke
Authors: Saviano Angela , Gayani Gunawardena , Migneco Alessio , Candelli Marcello , Franceschi Francesco , Ojetti Veronica , Zanza Christian , Longhitano Yaroslava
Published: March 2022

The gut microbiota is one of the great innovations of modern medicine. In the modern microbiota revolution era, more comprehensive and in-depth studies have been performed regard-ing the microbial gut communities and their impact on acute and chronic diseases, including those of the nervous system as acute neurological diseases. The microbiota has changed our knowledge of medical conditions; in particular, considering stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic), literature studies, experimental and clinical researches indicate that the individual’s risk and outcomes are substantially impacted by the gut microbiota. The aim of our review article is to investigate and discuss the recent insights into the emerging role of this complex “gut microbiota-brain axis” in af-fecting some acute neurological diseases, such as stroke, responsible for a significant number of deaths worldwide.
We performed electronic research on PubMed® and collected articles published in the last ten years, finding that changes in the gut microbiota composition could affect various aspects of stroke pathophysiology and individual predisposition, risk, and outcomes. Our review article suggests that there is a strong connection between the gut microbiota and the brain, both in health and in acute neurological diseases such as stroke. Investigating and exploring this relationship can be a chal-lenge useful to learn more about this disabling/deadly condition, and it can be a useful tool to iden-tify novel potential therapeutic approaches, improving an individual’s outcomes and life.
Daidzein and Chicory Extract Arrest the Cell Cycle via Inhibition of
Cyclin D/CDK4 and Cyclin A/CDK2 Gene Expression in Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Nabil M. , Zakaria Sherin , Nawaya Reem A. , Eldomany Ramadan A. , El-Shishtawy Mamdouh M.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, asso-ciated with a high rate of mortality. A disturbance between cell proliferation and cell death is one of the cancer hallmarks including HCC. Cell proliferation is mainly controlled by the cell cycle. The arrest of the cell cycle is one of the important targets of anticancer agents.

Objectives:

The present study tries to clarify the exact role of some natural products such as daidzein (DAZ) and alcoholic chicory leaf extract (CE), as possible regulators of cell cycle and apoptosis.

Methods:

HCC in rats was induced using diethylnitrosamine (DENA). Ninety rats were allocated and divided equally into nine groups, treated with CE, DAZ, a combination of both, and sorafenib with non-treated control groups.

Results:

Treatment with CE, DAZ, and their combination significantly downregulated hepatic tissue expression of cyclin D1/CDK4 axis as well as cyclin A/CDK2 axis. The suggested therapeutic pro-tocol inhibited the proliferation and dampened Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the efficiency of com-bining CE and DAZ demonstrated a potency comparable to sorafenib in terms of cyclin D/CDK4 axis expression, as well as; this combination protocol was more potent in revealing a potentiated inhibitory effect on cyclin A and Ki-67 expression.

Conclusion:

Treatment with DAZ or CE alone, or in combination, could possess an inhibitory effect on hepatocarcinogenesis via cell cycle arrest, inhibition of proliferation through suppression of Ki-67 expression, and apoptosis induction, mediated by downregulation of Bcl-2.
Advances in the Novel Nanotechnology for Targeted Tumor Therapy by Transdermal
Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Jiang Guan
Published: March 2022

Despite modern medicine advances greatly, cancer remains a serious challenge to world health for which
effective methods of treatment have hardly been developed yet. However, throughout recent years, rapid-developing
nanotechnology has provided a new outlook on cancer therapy by transdermal drug delivery. By disrupting the stratum
corneum, drugs are delivered through the skin and navigated to the tumor site by drug delivery systems such as nanogels,
microneedles, etc. The superiorities include the improvement of drug pharmacokinetics as well as reduced side
effects. This paper reviews the reported novel development of transdermal drug delivery systems for targeted cancer
therapy. Advanced techniques for penetrating the skin will be discussed as well.
Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Mitral Stenosis
Authors: da Silva Rose Mary Ferreira Lisboa
Published: March 2022

Rheumatic valve disease is present in 0.4 % of the word population, mainly in lowincome
countries. Rheumatic mitral stenosis affects more women and between 40 to 75 % of patients
may have atrial fibrillation (AF), more frequently in upper-middle income countries. This
rhythm disturbance is due to increased atrial pressure, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and left atrial
enlargement. There is also an increase in the prevalence of AF with age in patients with mitral
stenosis. The risk of stroke is 4 % per year. Success rates for cardioversion, Cox-Maze procedure,
and catheter ablation are low. Therefore, anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist is mandatory
for Evaluated Heart valves, Rheumatic or Artificial (EHRA) classification type 1. However, this
anticoagulation is used by less than 80 % of those eligible and less than 30 % have the international
normalized ratio in the therapeutic range. The safety and efficacy of using rivaroxaban, a direct
factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant, were demonstrated in the RIVER trial with a sample of 1005
patients with AF and bioprosthetic mitral valve. The indication for valve replacement, that is, if
severe mitral stenosis or severe mitral regurgitation, was not specified. A randomized, open-label
study (DAVID-MS) is underway to compare the effectiveness and safety of dabigatran and warfarin
therapy for stroke prevention in patients with AF and moderate or severe mitral stenosis. Thus,
the applicability of the use of direct anticoagulants in patients with AF and mitral stenosis and also
in those undergoing mitral bioprostheses surgery will be the subject of further studies. The findings
may explain if specific atrial changes of mitral stenosis even after the valve replacement will influence
thromboembolic events with direct anticoagulants.
Biological Importance of a Biflavonoid ‘Bilobetin’ in the Medicine:
Medicinal Importance, Pharmacological Activities and Analytical Aspects
Authors: Patel Dinesh Kumar
Published: March 2022

Background:

Flavonoid class phytochemicals are natural compounds present in different
medicinal plants, vegetables and fruits. Ginkgo biloba contains significant amounts of bioflavonoid
‘bilobetin’. Bilobetin is an active phytochemical used for the treatment of human health complications
due to its medicinal properties and therapeutic benefit. The purpose of this work is to collect and
reviewed scientific data on bilobetin from different literature sources; highlight their biological
properties, pharmacological activities and analytical aspects.

Methods:

Health beneficial aspects of bilobetin have been investigated in the present work through
scientific data analysis. PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, Scopus, etc. have been searched in the present
work in order to collect scientific information on bilobetin. Medicinal importance and therapeutic
benefit of bilobetin has been searched in the present work through these databases of bilobetin. Detailed
pharmacological activities of bilobetin have been reviewed in the present work through literature
data analysis of various scientific research works. However, analytical data of bilobetin were also collected
and reviewed in the present reaserch.

Results:

Literature data analysis of bilobetin in the present work revealed the medicinal properties and
therapeutic potential of bilobetin mainly due to its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antihyperlipidemic,
and anti-proliferative activities. Literature data analysis revealed the effectiveness of
bilobetin on osteoporosis, glucose metabolism, adipocytes, SARS CoV-2, Influenza A virus and human
thrombin. Scientific data also revealed the importance of different analytical techniques for the
isolation, separation, identification, and quantification of bilobetin.

Conclusion:

Scientific data analysis revealed biological importance and pharmacological activities of
bilobetin in the health sector.
An Updated Review on Complicated Mechanisms of COVID-19 Pathogenesis
and Therapy: Direct Viral Damage, Renin-angiotensin System
Dysregulation, Immune System Derangements, and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Falahi Shahab , Maleki Maryam , Kenarkoohi Azra
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 was reported as the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late
December 2019. According to sequencing and phylogenetic studies, the new virus belongs to Coronaviridae
family and Betacoronavirus genus. Genomic sequence analysis has shown SARS-CoV-2 to
be similar to SARS. SARS-CoV-2 is more infectious, and the high level of COVID-19 community
transmission has led to a growing pandemic. Although infections in most patients with COVID-19 are
moderate or mild, 20% of the patients develop a severe or critical form of the disease. COVID-19 may
affect a wide range of organs and tissues, including the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous
system, and skin. Patients with COVID-19 have been confirmed to have renal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal,
and nervous system problems in addition to pulmonary involvement. The pathogenesis of
SARS-CoV-2 is being investigated, but it is possible that the organ damage might in part be caused by
direct viral damage (detection of inclusion bodies in tissues, such as the kidneys), dysregulation of the
immune system, renin-angiotensin system, bradykinin pathway, and coagulation, as well as host genetic
factors and their polymorphisms, which may affect the disease severity. In this review, an update on
the possible pathogenesis pathways of COVID-19 has been provided. It is hoped that the best care
strategy will be developed for patients with COVID-19 by identifying its pathogenesis pathways.
Powerful Stress Relieving Medicinal Plants for Anger, Anxiety,
Depression, and Stress During Global Pandemic
Authors: Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam
Published: March 2022

Consideration and improvement for anxiety and depression are important during
a global pandemic. Appropriate healthcare can be obtained by paying more attention to
traditional medicinal sciences. The adverse effects of stress with various symptoms can be
managed by introducing plants that boost mental health. The most relevant psychological
reactions in the general population related to the global pandemic are pervasive anxiety,
frustration and boredom, specific and uncontrolled fear, disabling loneliness, significant
lifestyle changes, and psychiatric conditions. Ginseng, chamomile, passionflower, herbal
tea, lavender, saffron, kava, rose, cardamom, Chinese date, and some chief formula like
yokukansan, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san, so-ochim-tang-gamiband, and saikokaryukotsuboreito
are notable herbal treatments for mental health problems. The most common medicinal
plants that have been used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety are Viper’s-buglosses,
Dracocephalum, valerian, chamomile, common hop, hawthorns, and lavender. Medicinal
plants and herbs can be used for the treatment and alleviation of the negative effects of
stress, anger, and depression during the global pandemic.
New, Fast, and Sustainable Method by HPLC for Simultaneous Determination
of Ascorbic Acid and Nicotinamide in the Study of Cosmetic Emulsions
Authors: Spagnol Caroline Magnani , Martins Camila Jandira , Kogawa Ana Carolina , Isaac Vera Lucia Borges , Salgado Hérida Regina Nunes , Corrêa Marcos Antonio
Published: March 2022

Aims:

This study aimed to develop a new, fast and sustainable method by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and nicotinamide in the cosmetic emulsion.

Background:

Nicotinamide (NIC) and ascorbic acid (AA) are powerful antioxidants. AA presents excellent reducing power and protects the cell from oxidation. NIC is a precursor of NADPH and NADH, substances that present a strong reduction power, resulting in a huge antioxidant capacity.

Objective:

A new, fast and sustainable method using HPLC was developed and validated for simul-taneous quantification of AA and NIC in the cosmetic emulsion.

Method:

For this purpose, purified water with 0.01 % of trifluoracetic acid and ethanol (95:5, v/v), Symmetry Shield column (4.6 x 250 mm, 5 μm), 20 μL, 1.7 mL min-1 at 254 nm were used. The method was validated according to the ICH, AOAC, and ANVISA, following parameters of lineari-ty, detection and quantification limits, selectivity, accuracy, precision, and robustness.

Result:

The method was fast (2.7 min for AA and 3.2 min for NIC), linear between 20 and 80 μg mL-1 (r = 0.9991 for AA and r = 0.9999 for NIC), precise (RSD< 5 % for AA and NIC), accurate (RSD 0.53 % for AA and 1.02 % for NIC), and selective for the emulsion base, and also robust to small changes in flow rate, injection volume, and purified water source.

Conclusions:

This work shows an ecologically alternative for the quantification of AA and NIC in the study of cosmetic emulsion by HPLC, which contemplates the requirements of the current green and sustainable analytical chemistry.