bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid: Evolving Techniques in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Mesh Repair
Authors: Dar Wasim , Muddebihal Uday , Vasudeva Rao Uliargoli
Published: March 2022

Laparoscopic repair is now the treatment of choice for most cases of ventral/incisional hernia. It is superior to open repair. Although the technique has undergone many refinements, there is no standard technique for difficult or complicated hernias. In cases with difficult hernias, combined open/laparoscopic hybrid techniques to avoid dissection of large subcutaneous flaps benefit the patients. It has been reported that hybrid methods are effective for treating cases of ventral hernias involving a large orifice. The techniques used and proposed by us are - (1) laparoscopic adhesiolysis, open sac excision with closure of defect and laparoscopic mesh placement, (2) laparoscopic adhesiolysis, omphalectomy with closure of defect and laparoscopic mesh placement and (3) open adhesiolysis, sac excision with closure of defect and laparoscopic mesh placement Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Hybrid Mesh Repair (LVHHMR) is safe and feasible approach for complicated/difficult ventral hernias.
Elastography for the Evaluation of Portal Hypertension
Authors: Șirli Roxana , Rațiu Iulia , Sporea Ioan
Published: March 2022

Liver cirrhosis, regardless of its etiology, is an important health problem with a chronic evolution, characterized by the possibility of developing several important complications. The best management of these patients implies the correct and early diagnosis of the disease and of its complications. A major complication of cirrhosis is portal hypertension. The reference method for its diagnosis is the direct measurement of hepatic vein portal gradient, an invasive procedure. In the last years, several noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of liver fibrosis were developed, such as biological tests and elastographic methods. Ultrasound-based and MRI-based elastographic techniques have been assessed as predictive tools for the presence and severity of portal hypertension. This paper reviews published data regarding the value of ultrasound and MRI-based elastography (liver, spleen, or both) for the evaluation of portal hypertension.
New Updates in Online Learning
Authors: Kumar Mitra Nilesh
Published: March 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid transformation happened overnight in the teaching-learning strategy in primary, secondary and tertiary education. All educators started using web-conferencing tools as principal element of online learning. However, in spite of health concerns among the pandemic situation, strong student preferences towards returning back to face-to-face or hybrid mode brought challenges to the effectiveness of online learning. Students cite many reasons for dropping out of online courses. Increased workload and poor organization of remote learning have been found to be the principal reason for the students’ dissatisfaction. The orientation of online learning needs alignment towards the principle of course design along with the flexibility to attain the instructional goals, objectives, and outcomes. Sophisticated technology often makes online and even hybrid course design to change track from well-designed pedagogy leading to loss of functional relevance for the students. Instructors should be flexible and employ multiple strategies to improve online learning experiences in both asynchronous and synchronous learning environment. Studies have proved that using the best practice of the alignment of learning outcome, online learning activities and repeated online knowledge-checks foster student motivation towards the completion of online courses.
Circular DNA: How Circular DNA Assists Cancer Roll with Therapeutic Punches
Authors: Yousuf Parvaiz
Published: March 2022

DNA within cells is either present in the form of long strands as in eukaryotes or circular shapes in Yeast plasmids, mitochondrial DNA, and double minutes in tumor cells. Apart from them, ribosomal or telomeric DNA has been found to produce specialized forms of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). eccDNA was discovered in both normal and cancer cells in recent times, indicating a much more significant role. The eccDNA has been found to promote tumor proliferation, survival, and aggressiveness in almost half of all cancers by increasing oncogene copy numbers. This chapter will discuss the biogenesis and function of eccDNA and how it promotes tumor adaption under changing microtumour environmental conditions, as in the case of drugs.
Application to Medical Image Processing
Authors: Y. Aidoo Anthony , A. Botchway Gloria , A.S.A. Wilson Matilda
Published: March 2022

Medical images are often corrupted by white noise, blurring and contrast defects. Consequently, important medical information may be degraded or completely masked. Advanced medical diagnostics and pathological analysis utilize information obtained from medical images. Consequently, the best techniques must be applied to capture, compress, store, retrieve and share these images. Recently, the wavelet transform technique has been applied to enhance and compress medical images. This review focuses on the trends of wavelet-based medical image processing techniques. A summary of the application of wavelets to enhance and compress medical images such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and X-ray is provided. Morphological techniques such as closing, thinning and pruning are combined with wavelets methods to extract the features from the medical images.
Ultrasound-Guided Clavipectoral Block for Postoperative Analgesia of Clavicular Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Abu Sabaa Motaz Amr , Elbadry Amr Arafa , El Malla Dina Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Background: Clavicular fractures are commonly encountered in daily practice, and most cases are operated under general surgery. Until now, there has been a debate about the best approach to manage pain in such cases. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound-guided clavipectoral block [clavipectoral fascial plane block (CPB)] would be safe and effective in cases with clavicular fractures. Methods: This prospective randomized study included a total of 40 patients with clavicular fractures; they were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 20 cases who underwent CPB, and group 2 included 20 cases who underwent placebo block. Pain score, duration of analgesia, total analgesic consumption, and procedure-related complications were noted and recorded. Results: Despite the comparable demographic data between the 2 groups, pain scores were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2, starting from postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission until 12 hours after the operation. Group 1 showed a significant reduction in 24-hour opioid consumption and significant prolongation of the duration of analgesia compared to the placebo. Patient satisfaction was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. No block-related adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: CPB is a safe and effective regional technique that should be used for pain management after clavicular fixation surgery.
Is the Intraoperative Use of the Chlorhexidine Gluconate Safe for Inactivation of the Liver Hydatid Cyst?
Authors: Eslamian Mohammad , Kolahdouzan Mohsen , Yousofi Darani Hossein , Rezaei Alireza , Sanei Mohammad Hosein
Published: March 2022

Background: During surgical treatment of hydatidosis, spillage of live protoscolices is a major cause of secondary infection. Although some studies have suggested scolicidal agents for preventing secondary infection, no safe scolicidal agents have been introduced so far. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the minimum scolicidal concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate (Chx-Glu) with 100% fatality and evaluate its toxicity on the liver, biliary tract, and peritoneum. Methods: The minimum scolicidal concentration of Chx-Glu after 5 and 10 minutes in vitro (0.08% after 5 and 0.06% after 10 min) was determined in this study. Then, the experiments were conducted on male New Zealand rabbits (n = 30), which were divided into two groups. Under the guidance of ultrasonography, intraperitoneal, hepatic parenchyma, and gallbladder injection of Chx-Glu 0.08% and 0.06% were performed in groups A and B, respectively. Liver enzymes were checked before and 48 hours after Chx-Glu injection, and histological assessments were performed 45 days later. Results: There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin before and after the injection (P > 0.05) and after that between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no major tissue destruction based on histological study except the nonsignificant histologically focal gallbladder mucosal atrophy in two rabbits in group A and one in group B. Conclusions: Our study suggests that Chx-Glu at 0.06 - 0.08 % is a safe scolicidal agent without major tissue toxicity in the animal models that can be used to prevent secondary infection during hydatid cyst surgery.
Analysis Variants of the CFTR Gene in Iranian Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Nemat Farahzadi Helal , Akbari Mohammad Taghi
Published: March 2022

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is known as one of the most common autosomal recessive disorders, which is caused by mucosal glands. A deficiency in the Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR), which encodes a chloride channel, triggers damage to epithelial cells in respiratory ducts, pancreas, intestine, genital ducts in males, liver system, and sweat glands. Objective: This study aimed to conduct the sequencing of 27 exons of the CFTR gene to screen the spectrum of the variants in patients from all over Iran from different ethnicities. Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical, that was performed for eleven years from 2010 to 2021. Totally 345 patients were referred to Tehran Medical Genetics Laboratory by specialists. These patients were categorized into four groups. The first group included clinically confirmed patients of CF having clinical features and biochemical abnormalities, plus a positive sweat chloride test. The second group included couples with an alive or deceased child affected. The third group included CBAVD (Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens) cases, and the fourth group included prenatal diagnoses who were looking for carrier detection, or her spouse is affected with CBAVD. Results: Fifty-four variants and five deletions were found from 345 patients, the most common frequent variant were c.1521_1523delCTT ([delta]F508) (47 (6.81%)), c.1000C>T (R334W, 31 (4.45%)), c.1911delG (2043delG, 25 (3.62%)), c.2051_2052delAAinsG (2183AA->G, 15 (2.17%)), c.1624G>T (G542X, 12 (1.74%)), c.1697C>A (A566D, 12 (1.74%)), c.1210-12T [5] (9(1.30%)) and c.3196C>T (R1066C,7 (1.01%)) respectively and frequency of other variants were less than 1%. Deletion in some exons was established by MLPA assay, the most common deletion was c. (53+1_54-1) _ (164+1_165-1) del (CFTRdele2, 7 (1.01%)). Conclusions: This study improves our knowledge concerning carrier analysis and genetic counseling. Also, it helps to develop a cost-effective newborn screening program.
Taxonomy and ontogeny of the Lituitida (Cephalopoda) from Orthoceratite Limestone erratics (Middle Ordovician)
Authors: Aubrechtová Martina , Korn Dieter
Published: March 2022

Ordovician ectocochleate cephalopods of the order Lituitida Starobogatov, 1983, mainly from erratics of the Orthoceratite Limestone embedded in Pleistocene glacio-fluvial sediments in Germany, Poland and the Kaliningrad Region of Russia are revised. In total, seven genera (Rhynchorthoceras, Ancistroceras, Angelinoceras, Holmiceras, Lituites, Trilacinoceras, Cyclolituites) and 28 species are identified. Eleven species are newly described: Rhynchorthoceras kranepuhlense sp. nov., R. rugium sp. nov., Holmiceras havelense sp. nov., Lituites baculus sp. nov., L. bottkei sp. nov., L. clavis sp. nov., L. dewitzi sp. nov., L. kruegeri sp. nov., L. nebeni sp. nov., Trilacinoceras filix sp. nov. and T. knoefleri sp. nov. The concept of several taxa described in the 19th century, including the ambiguous species L. lituus de Montfort, 1808 and L. perfectus Wahlenberg, 1818, is refined. Neotypes are proposed for the latter two species.
Platform technology management of biotechnology companies in Japan
Authors: Arato Shunichi , Kano Shingo
Published: March 2022

This study quantitatively and chronologically analyzed the technology management of Japanese biotechnology companies using the patent application data of platforms and products, including patent categorization methods. Nine listed platform companies were analyzed. The results showed that most of the companies continuously maintained their initial platform technologies by filing updated patents, but without filing patents of new platform technologies. Their business models were shifted from a platform model to a platform-product, hybrid model and not a product-focused model. Their product patents generated from platform technologies were mainly for tools, diagnostics, and cell processing technologies, not therapeutics, except in one case; related therapeutics patents were mainly filed by corporate partners. Existing papers that analyzed Japanese biotechnology companies were verified to be partially correct based on our high-resolution patent categorization data; these results supported the usefulness of our approach.
Bioentrepreneurship education: where have we been and where to next?
Authors: Callagher Lisa
Published: March 2022

Bioentrepreneurship education is the academic field that represents education regarding the plethora of activities associated with entrepreneurship in the biotechnology sector. This paper reviews the developments in bioentrepreneurship education, recognizing its establishment as a field in 2009. 52 publications are reviewed, including journal articles, editorials, books, book chapters, theses, and conference proceedings. The results indicate the field is emerging, is represented by studies from multiple regions, and involves partnerships between university departments and between universities and the local biotech sector. Four themes are put forward and discussed to suggest where bioentrepreneurship educators and scholars might go next. These are (1) Programmatic versus embedding approaches, (2) the need for Industry stakeholder views on bioentrepreneurship education, (3) Ecosystem effects on learning experiences and potential learning outcomes, and, (4) Development toward a common bioentrepreneurship curriculum.
CONSENSUS ON METRICS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF A MEDICAL SCIENCE LIAISON USING THE DELPHI METHOD
Authors: Arce Cristina , Cristina García-García  , Raúl Corrales  , Isabel Botella
Published: March 2022

The determination of the metrics to evaluate the figure of medical science liaison (MSL) presents certain difficulties, as there is a great deal of variability. Therefore, the aim of the present exploratory study is to evaluate the metrics for evaluating MSL performance that are currently being used by the medical departments of the pharmaceutical industry in Spain by using the Delphi methodology with two rounds of participation.

After the first round, experts reached a consensus in 20 (38.5%) of 52 items: 18 in agreement and 2 in disagreement. In the second round, they established consensus in 8 (25.0%) of the remaining items. Overall, consensus was met in 28/52 (53.8%) items: 23 in agreement (44.2%) and 5 in disagreement (9.6%). No consensus was reached in 24 items (46.2%). On the general metrics, there was consensus agreement that the weight of each of these metrics should vary according to the product life cycle (96%), and disagreement that performance assessment should be done through a combination of quantitative (92%) and qualitative (80%) metrics.

This study provides the company with greater knowledge to establish and adapt its strategies without losing focus on delivering value in the relationships with healthcare professionals and patients.
Constitución italiana y estado de emergencia por Covid-19
Authors: Marazzita Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Este trabajo analiza las decisiones adoptadas por las instituciones italianas para hacer frente a la situación excepcional generada por la pandemia de la Covid-19. Para ello, en una primera parte se elabora una teoría general sobre el derecho de excepción en el marco de la constitución italiana, que se compone de un «modelo abstracto» de derecho de excepción y un «modelo positivo», el previsto en la constitución italiana. En la segunda parte se analizan todas las medidas y disposiciones aprobadas por las instituciones italianas en relación con la Covid.19 y que forman el «modelo concreto» de derecho de excepción del Covid-19. Finalmente, se analiza en qué medida este modelo concreto es conforme con los modelos anteriores, el abstracto y el positivo, y se concluye que no se han producido desviaciones significativas de estos.
Placental uptake and metabolism of 25(OH)vitamin D determine its activity within the fetoplacental unit
Authors: Ashley Brogan , Simner Claire , Manousopoulou Antigoni , Jenkinson Carl , Hey Felicity , Frost Jennifer M , Rezwan Faisal I , White Cory H , Lofthouse Emma M , Hyde Emily , Cooke Laura DF , Barton Sheila , Mahon Pamela , Curtis Elizabeth M , Moon Rebecca J , Crozier Sarah R , Inskip Hazel M , Godfrey Keith M , Holloway John W , Cooper Cyrus , Jones Kerry S , Lewis Rohan M , Hewison Martin , Garbis Spiros DD , Branco Miguel R , Harvey Nicholas C , Cleal Jane K
Published: March 2022

Pregnancy 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with maternal and fetal health outcomes. Using physiological human placental perfusion and villous explants, we investigate the role of the placenta in regulating the relationships between maternal 25(OH)D and fetal physiology. We demonstrate active placental uptake of 25(OH)D3 by endocytosis, placental metabolism of 25(OH)D3 into 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3], with subsequent release of these metabolites into both the maternal and fetal circulations. Active placental transport of 25(OH)D3 and synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 demonstrate that fetal supply is dependent on placental function rather than simply the availability of maternal 25(OH)D3. We demonstrate that 25(OH)D3 exposure induces rapid effects on the placental transcriptome and proteome. These map to multiple pathways central to placental function and thereby fetal development, independent of vitamin D transfer. Our data suggest that the underlying epigenetic landscape helps dictate the transcriptional response to vitamin D treatment. This is the first quantitative study demonstrating vitamin D transfer and metabolism by the human placenta, with widespread effects on the placenta itself. These data demonstrate a complex interplay between vitamin D and the placenta and will inform future interventions using vitamin D to support fetal development and maternal adaptations to pregnancy.
Chemotactic smoothing of collective migration
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tapomoy , Amchin Daniel B , Alert Ricard , Ott Jenna Anne , Datta Sujit Sankar
Published: March 2022

Collective migration—the directed, coordinated motion of many self-propelled agents—is a fascinating emergent behavior exhibited by active matter with functional implications for biological systems. However, how migration can persist when a population is confronted with perturbations is poorly understood. Here, we address this gap in knowledge through studies of bacteria that migrate via directed motion, or chemotaxis, in response to a self-generated nutrient gradient. We find that bacterial populations autonomously smooth out large-scale perturbations in their overall morphology, enabling the cells to continue to migrate together. This smoothing process arises from spatial variations in the ability of cells to sense and respond to the local nutrient gradient—revealing a population-scale consequence of the manner in which individual cells transduce external signals. Altogether, our work provides insights to predict, and potentially control, the collective migration and morphology of cellular populations and diverse other forms of active matter.
Temperature evolution following joint loading promotes chondrogenesis by synergistic cues via calcium signaling
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Naser , Karami Peyman , Wang Jian , Bagheri Lida , Guo Yanheng , Abdel-Sayed Philippe , Laurent-Applegate Lee , Pioletti Dominique P
Published: March 2022

During loading of viscoelastic tissues, part of the mechanical energy is transformed into heat that can locally increase the tissue temperature, a phenomenon known as self-heating. In the framework of mechanobiology, it has been accepted that cells react and adapt to mechanical stimuli. However, the cellular effect of temperature increase as a by-product of loading has been widely neglected. In this work, we focused on cartilage self-heating to present a ‘thermo-mechanobiological’ paradigm, and demonstrate how the coupling of a biomimetic temperature evolution and mechanical loading could influence cell behavior. We thereby developed a customized in vitro system allowing to recapitulate pertinent in vivo physical cues and determined the cells chondrogenic response to thermal and/or mechanical stimuli. Cellular mechanisms of action and potential signaling pathways of thermo-mechanotransduction process were also investigated. We found that co-existence of thermo-mechanical cues had a superior effect on chondrogenic gene expression compared to either signal alone. Specifically, the expression of Sox9 was significantly upregulated by application of the physiological thermo-mechanical stimulus. Multimodal transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels were identified as key mediators of thermo-mechanotransduction process, which becomes ineffective without external calcium sources. We also observed that the isolated temperature evolution, as a by-product of loading, is a contributing factor to the cell response and this could be considered as important as the conventional mechanical loading. Providing an optimal thermo-mechanical environment by synergy of heat and loading portrays new opportunity for development of novel treatments for cartilage regeneration and can furthermore signal key elements for emerging cell-based therapies.
Confined migration promotes cancer metastasis through resistance to anoikis and increased invasiveness
Authors: Fanfone Deborah , Wu Zhichong , Mammi Jade , Berthenet Kevin , Neves David , Weber Kathrin , Halaburkova Andrea , Virard François , Bunel Félix , Jamard Catherine , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Tait Stephen WG , Hennino Ana , Ichim Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Mechanical stress is known to fuel several hallmarks of cancer, ranging from genome instability to uncontrolled proliferation or invasion. Cancer cells are constantly challenged by mechanical stresses not only in the primary tumour but also during metastasis. However, this latter has seldom been studied with regards to mechanobiology, in particular resistance to anoikis, a cell death programme triggered by loss of cell adhesion. Here, we show in vitro that migrating breast cancer cells develop resistance to anoikis following their passage through microporous membranes mimicking confined migration (CM), a mechanical constriction that cancer cells encounter during metastasis. This CM-induced resistance was mediated by Inhibitory of Apoptosis Proteins, and sensitivity to anoikis could be restored after their inhibition using second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetics. Anoikis-resistant mechanically stressed cancer cells displayed enhanced cell motility and evasion from natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance, as well as a marked advantage to form lung metastatic lesions in mice. Our findings reveal that CM increases the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells.
Cell-surface tethered promiscuous biotinylators enable comparative small-scale surface proteomic analysis of human extracellular vesicles and cells
Authors: Kirkemo Lisa L , Elledge Susanna K , Yang Jiuling , Byrnes James R , Glasgow Jeff E , Blelloch Robert , Wells James A
Published: March 2022

Characterization of cell surface proteome differences between cancer and healthy cells is a valuable approach for the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. However, selective sampling of surface proteins for proteomics requires large samples (>10e6 cells) and long labeling times. These limitations preclude analysis of material-limited biological samples or the capture of rapid surface proteomic changes. Here, we present two labeling approaches to tether exogenous peroxidases (APEX2 and HRP) directly to cells, enabling rapid, small-scale cell surface biotinylation without the need to engineer cells. We used a novel lipidated DNA-tethered APEX2 (DNA-APEX2), which upon addition to cells promoted cell agnostic membrane-proximal labeling. Alternatively, we employed horseradish peroxidase (HRP) fused to the glycan-binding domain of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP). This approach yielded a rapid and commercially inexpensive means to directly label cells containing common N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and sialic acid glycans on their surface. The facile WGA-HRP method permitted high surface coverage of cellular samples and enabled the first comparative surface proteome characterization of cells and cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs), leading to the robust quantification of 953 cell and EV surface annotated proteins. We identified a newly recognized subset of EV-enriched markers, as well as proteins that are uniquely upregulated on Myc oncogene-transformed prostate cancer EVs. These two cell-tethered enzyme surface biotinylation approaches are highly advantageous for rapidly and directly labeling surface proteins across a range of material-limited sample types.
Microsaccades as a marker not a cause for attention-related modulation
Authors: Yu Gongchen , Herman James P , Katz Leor N , Krauzlis Richard J
Published: March 2022

Recent evidence suggests that microsaccades are causally linked to the attention-related modulation of neurons—specifically, that microsaccades toward the attended location are required for the subsequent changes in firing rate. These findings have raised questions about whether attention-related modulation is due to different states of attention as traditionally assumed or might instead be a secondary effect of microsaccades. Here, in two rhesus macaques, we tested the relationship between microsaccades and attention-related modulation in the superior colliculus (SC), a brain structure crucial for allocating attention. We found that attention-related modulation emerged even in the absence of microsaccades, was already present prior to microsaccades toward the cued stimulus, and persisted through the suppression of activity that accompanied all microsaccades. Nonetheless, consistent with previous findings, we also found significant attention-related modulation when microsaccades were directed toward, rather than away from, the cued location. Thus, despite the clear links between microsaccades and attention, microsaccades are not necessary for attention-related modulation, at least not in the SC. They do, however, provide an additional marker for the state of attention, especially at times when attention is shifting from one location to another.
A saturation-mutagenesis analysis of the interplay between stability and activation in Ras
Authors: Hidalgo Frank , Nocka Laura M , Shah Neel H , Gorday Kent , Latorraca Naomi R , Bandaru Pradeep , Templeton Sage , Lee David , Karandur Deepti , Pelton Jeffrey G , Marqusee Susan , Wemmer David , Kuriyan John
Published: March 2022

Cancer mutations in Ras occur predominantly at three hotspots: Gly 12, Gly 13, and Gln 61. Previously, we reported that deep mutagenesis of H-Ras using a bacterial assay identified many other activating mutations (Bandaru et al., 2017). We now show that the results of saturation mutagenesis of H-Ras in mammalian Ba/F3 cells correlate well with the results of bacterial experiments in which H-Ras or K-Ras are co-expressed with a GTPase-activating protein (GAP). The prominent cancer hotspots are not dominant in the Ba/F3 data. We used the bacterial system to mutagenize Ras constructs of different stabilities and discovered a feature that distinguishes the cancer hotspots. While mutations at the cancer hotspots activate Ras regardless of construct stability, mutations at lower-frequency sites (e.g. at Val 14 or Asp 119) can be activating or deleterious, depending on the stability of the Ras construct. We characterized the dynamics of three non-hotspot activating Ras mutants by using NMR to monitor hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX). These mutations result in global increases in HDX rates, consistent with destabilization of Ras. An explanation for these observations is that mutations that destabilize Ras increase nucleotide dissociation rates, enabling activation by spontaneous nucleotide exchange. A further stability decrease can lead to insufficient levels of folded Ras – and subsequent loss of function. In contrast, the cancer hotspot mutations are mechanism-based activators of Ras that interfere directly with the action of GAPs. Our results demonstrate the importance of GAP surveillance and protein stability in determining the sensitivity of Ras to mutational activation.
Microbial community spatial structures in Luzhou-flavored liquor pit muds with different brewing materials
Authors: Li Jinjin , Sun Hongzhao , Wang Qian , Cai Yunfei , Shi Zhu , Jia Jianlei , Zheng Lei , Jiang Ru , Gao Lingmei
Published: March 2022

Background

Although studies have shown that Bacteroidetes, Clostridiales, and Lactobacillales are the main components of the microbial community in pit mud during the brewing of Luzhou-flavored liquor, little is known about the effect of brewing materials on spatial structures of this microbiome.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing of the V4–V5 region of prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene was performed to analyze the microbial community diversity and spatial heterogeneity in Luzhou-flavored liquor pit muds with different brewing ingredients. The structural characteristics and heterogeneous spatial distribution of the pit mud microbial communities were examined using bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analysis methods.

Results

Our results showed that Euryarchaeota, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chlorobi, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes, Tenericutes, and WWE1 were the dominant phyla in the pit mud microbiome. The Shannon and Simpson indices of the pit mud microbiome with three grains (M3G) in the upper layer were significantly lower than those in middle layer and bottom, whereas those of the pit mud microbiome with five grains (M5G) in bottom were significantly lower than those in middle layer (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the microbial community compositions between the pit muds with different brewing ingredients and locations in the same pit (p < 0.05). T78 of Anaerolinaceae, Butyrivibrio, Dehalobacter_Syntrophobotulus, Desulfosporosinus, Asteroleplasma, and vadinCA02 of Synergistaceae were significantly enriched in M3G, whereas Prevotella, Vagococcus, Caldicoprobacter, Butyrivibrio, Coprococcus, Dorea, Sporanaerobacter, Tepidimicrobium, TissierellaSoehngenia, RFN20 of Erysipelotrichaceae, Sutterella, 125ds10 of Alteromonadales, Vibrio, and Sphaerochaeta were significantly enriched in M5G. This study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the influence of brewing ingredients in pit muds on the production of Luzhou-flavored liquor and the specific influence of pit mud microorganisms in different locations on liquor production.
Abubidentin A, New Oleanane-type Triterpene Ester from Abutilon bidentatum and its antioxidant, cholinesterase and antimicrobial activities
Authors: A. Al-Hamoud Gadah , Al-Musayeib Nawal M. , Amina Musarat , Ibrahim Sabrin R.M.
Published: March 2022

Background

This work describes the phytochemical and biological investigation of aerial parts of Abutilon bidentatum Hochst. Of Saudi origin.

Methodology

Petroleum ether fraction of ethanolic extract A. bidentatum was fractionated on a silica gel column and further purified with different chromatographic procedures for the isolation of chemical compounds. The chemical structures of all the pure isolated compounds were elucidated by the interpretation of their spectral data using IR, UV, 1H, 13C NMR, and MS spectroscopy and chemical methods (alkaline hydrolysis) as well as comparison with data reported in the literature. The extract and isolated compounds were evaluated for antioxidant, cholinesterase inhibitory, and antimicrobial activities.

Results

A new oleanane-type triterpene ester, namely abubidentin A (3) (α, 3β, 30-trihydroxy-29-carboxy-olean-9(11), 12-diene-3-dotriacontanoate), along with two known compounds: 2-hydroxydocosanoic acid (1) and stigmasta-22-ene-3-β-ol (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Abutilon bidentatum Hochst. (Malvaceae). Concerning the biological potential, the abubidentinA displayed antioxidant, cholinesterase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities. AbubidentinA possessed strong antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging assays. This new triterpene exhibited high inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 38.13 ± 0.07 µgmL−1) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 32.68 ± 0.37 µgmL−1). Abubidentin A displayed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus (125–150 µgmL−1).

Conclusion

These findings suggest A. bidentatum can contribute as a source of new biologically active compounds, especially antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.
Increased level of FAM19A5 is associated with cerebral small vessel disease and leads to a better outcome
Authors: Hao Zhongnan , Yang Shaonan , Yin Ruihua , Wei Jin , Wang Yuan , Pan Xudong , Ma Aijun
Published: March 2022

Objective

FAM19A5 plays an essential role in the development and acute or chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. The present study aimed to explore the association between FAM19A5 and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD).

Methods

A total of 344 recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI) patients and 265 healthy controls were included in this study. The difference in the FAM19A5 level between the two groups was compared and the correlation between FAM19A5 and cerebral infarction volume was analyzed. Also, the association between FAM19A5 and the total magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) burden with its imaging characteristics was explored. Moreover, the correspondence of FAM19A5 with the outcome was assessed via Δ National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) and the percentage of NIHSS improvement.

Results

FAM19A5 was highly expressed in the RSSI group (P = 0.023), showing a positive correlation with cerebral infarction volume (P < 0.01). It was positively correlated with total MRI cSVD burden (P < 0.001) and reflected the severity of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) (P < 0.01) and enlarged perivascular space (EPVS) (P < 0.01), but did not show any association with cerebral microbleed (CMB) and lacune. Moreover, FAM19A5 suggested a larger Δ NIHSS (P = 0.021) and NIHSS improvement percentage (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Serum FAM19A5 was increased in RSSI and positively correlated with the infarct volume. It also reflects the total MRI burden of cSVD, of which the imaging characteristics are positively correlated with WMH and EPVS. In addition, higher FAM19A5 levels reflect better outcomes in RSSI patients.
Acrania-Exencephaly-Anencephaly Sequence on Antenatal Scans
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Goindi Achal S , Singh Gauravdeep
Published: March 2022

Acrania-Exencephaly-Anencephaly sequence is the progression from an absent cranial vault (acrania) showing relatively normal appearing exposed brain (exencephaly) to no recognisable brain parenchymal tissue (anencephaly). The study presents different cases of acrania, exencephaly and anencephaly along with their imaging features on Two Dimensional (2D) Ultrasonography (US) and additional benefits of using Three Dimensional (3D)/Four Dimensional (4D) ultrasonography to aid in the diagnosis. Over a span of one year, seven patients with abnormal foetuses were scanned during the first trimester or at 18-20 weeks of gestation using both 2D and 3D/4D volumetric probes. The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG) practice guidelines were adopted for appropriateness. Specific imaging features seen on 2D US helps early diagnosis and high detection rate of this rare type of Neural Tube Defect (NTD) malformation. A 3D/4D US can also detect foetal acrania, exencephaly and anencephaly as early as 2D scan and in addition can illustrate findings with different modes of reconstruction, which 2D US cannot. Hence, 3D/4D US may contribute to early detection of foetal acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning: A Case of the Schools Under Thrimshing Cluster, Trashigang
Authors: Tshering Tsheten
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this article was to study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning of the students and teachers of schools under Thrimshing cluster, Trashigang Dzongkhag. The survey questionnaires was distributed to the teachers and students by surveyor. The data from the survey were analyzed by content analysis, percentage and descriptive statistics and qualitative data was analysed based on the themes. The findings indicated a mixed reactions. Majority of the teachers were positive with this mode of teaching while the students were at the receiving end. Most of the students suffered from numerous challenges of not having smart phones, internet connectivity and technical competencies to attend the online teaching and learning. Further, it has impacted their timely submission of assignments.
The Impact of ESG Performance on Business Performance before and after the COVID-19－Taking the Chinese Listed Companies as a Sample
Authors: Hsiao Chih-Yi , Huang Shi-Min , Kang Ying-Ying , Li Yan-Xue
Published: March 2022

Under the influence of the COVID-19 in 2020, almost all industries have been hit unprecedentedly. The overall economy is on a downward trend, making economic development a high degree of uncertainty. Therefore, this paper takes the Chinese A-share listed companies that have been evaluated based on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance in the three years from 2019 to 2021 as samples and analyzes the impact of ESG performance on business performance before and after the COVID-19 through the empirical method of the OLS and quantile regression. The findings of this study are summarized as follows: 1) The performance of ESG during the pandemic played a significant role in resisting its impact on revenue and earnings per share (EPS). 2) The performance of ESG during the pandemic has a negative and significant relationship with changes in the company’s free cash flow. However, if the ESG performance is maintained above the level of the previous period and the social responsibility report is actively disclosed by the GRI reporting guidelines, it will have a positive and significant impact on the changes in the company’s free cash flow. 3) The performance of ESG during the pandemic has no obvious effect on the company’s performance recovery after the pandemic, including the increase in revenue and EPS, and the increase in free cash flow. Based on the research findings, this paper also suggests that companies should continuously and progressively implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) and that the state should further improve the requirements for CSR.
Effect of Consumption of Sphenostylis stenocarpa Seed-formulated Diet on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers of Dexamethasone-treated Pregnant Rats
Authors: Comfort Oladele Funmilola , Awoyinka Olayinka Anthony , Ofeimu Joy Oluwadamilola , Adekanmbi Precious Moyinoluwa
Published: March 2022

Aim: The present study tends to examine the effect of consumption of Sphenostylis stenocarpa-formulated diet on oxidative stress biomarkers of dexamethasone-treated pregnant rats.

Methodology: Sphenostylis stenocarpa was obtained locally from a market in Ado Ekiti. They were ground into powder and used to make feed for laboratory animals. Fifteen pregnant female rats were divided into three groups of five. Animals in group A were only fed standard animal feed. This served as the control group. Those in group B were exposed to Sphenostylis stenocarpa-formulated diet + 0.3 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone, while those in group C were exposed to Sphenostylis stenocarpa-formulated diet. At the end of the eight days treatment, animals were sacrificed and blood sample, liver and kidney were collected.

Results: The results revealed that treatment of animals with dexamethasone significantly increased (P<0.05) the activities of SOD and CAT and the concentration of MDA but decreased the concentration of GSH in plasma, liver homogenate and kidney homogenate respectively when compared with those in animals in the control group as well as those fed with S. stenocarpa-formulated diet only. The result further showed that feeding of animals with S. stenocarpa-formulated diet only had no significant effect on oxidative stress biomarkers investigated when compared with those in the control group.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that exposure of animals to dexamethasone induced oxidative stress in animals while S. stenocarpa-formulated diet possesses the potential to alleviate the effect of oxidative stress generation.
Weather Variability during Wheat Growing Season in Central Plain Region of Punjab
Authors: Dhaliwal L. K. , Kaur Jashandeep , Singh Jagjeewan
Published: March 2022

Wheat production data in relation to weather variability in central plain region of Punjab using the annual time series data were analyzed from 1990 to 2017. The analysis indicates maximum and minimum temperatures has increased by about 0.015 ºC year-1 and 0.044 ºC year-1 respectively and rainfall trend was negative (-0.028 mm year-1) during the wheat growing season (October to March). Both maximum and minimum temperatures indicate increasing trend from late vegetative stage to maturity except for the maximum temperature which shows decreasing trend during the month of January. Deviation (positive or negative) in weather parameters from long term average at different phenological stages caused significantly reduction in wheat yield. The highest variability among weather parameters was observed in rainfall (-5.7 mm and +27.5 mm) especially during reproductive phase of wheat crop in high (2012) and low (2015) yield years respectively which might be the cause of low grain yield. During the period of study, maximum negative correlation was observed in minimum temperature during crop growing season of wheat crop. The climatic changes resulted in substantial loss in wheat production which might be due to shorter life cycle, pollen abortion and poor grain quality by rising temperature and rainfall variability.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid and its Protective Effect against Cancer and Cancer-related Complication
Authors: Samanta Chandan , Tewari Souvik , Chakraborty Debnanda , Vaishnav Shraddha
Published: March 2022

Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases that begin when abnormal cells grow out of control in practically any organ or tissue of the body. A variety of nutrients are included in the diet of people with cancer but omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are one of the most effective nutrients. Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in maintaining the health of people with cancer. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, by their own antioxidant, antitumour, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective properties, help cancer patients to reduce their various physical complications. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids mainly docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid have antioxidant properties that help to increase antioxidant enzymes and remove the reactive oxygen species from cancer patient’s body and also reduce the oxidative stress. Now, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid is considered as pharmaconutrient. As a pharmaconutrient, omega-3 fatty acid reduces the inflammatory response of cancer patients. The cyclooxygenase-2 expression is suppressed by the omega-3 fatty acid and reduce the growth of tumour cell. Mental wellness is a significant lifestyle aspect that the cancer patient cannot maintain. As a result, they are suffering from major depression. Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit neuroprotective activity against various brain diseases. This review summarizes that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have an antioxidant and anticarcinogenic function that can inhibit the cancer cell growth and maintain the health status and lifestyle behaviour of the cancer patients.
Antimicrobial and Biochemical Properties of Linum usitatissimum the Flax Seeds and Syzygium aromaticum
Authors: Babar Sumbal , Rafi Iqra , Iqbal Adeel , Nawaz Aisha , Leghari Tahira , Abbas Muhammad Khawar , Zaman Muhammad Mohsin , Hadi Faheem , Maqbool Tahir , Hussain Nazar , Ali Qurban
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The current research was performed to evaluate antimicrobial, anti-fungal and biochemical properties of Linum usitatissimum (flax seeds) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove). Flaxseeds is one of dietary sources containing phenolics, named lignans. Syzygium aromaticum ordinarily called clove is generally considered second important flavor in world and is broadly developed in North Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, and other phytochemical constituents have been shown to have pharmacological actions in different activities. Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Linum usitatissimum (flax) have unique pharmacological effects and have been utilized for food safety.Materials and Methods: In this study, ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of Linum usitatissimum and Syzygium aromaticum were evaluated against the 3 bacterial strains and 2 contagious fungal strains viz. A. niger and F. solani.Results: Among the bacterial strains i.e., E. coli, P. syringae and B. subtilis, antimicrobial action was noted by Syzygium aromaticum against E. coli, methanolic and aqueous extract of Linum usitatissimum and ethanolic extract of S. aromaticum showed antimicrobial action against the P. syringae and B. subtilis. Best antimicrobial action was observed by the ethanolic extract of the L. usitatissimum and methanolic and aqueous extract of S. aromaticum. Regarding parasitic strains of A. niger and F. solani, 3 extracts of L. usitatissimum showed satisfactory results against A. niger strain and 2 extracts (ethanolic and methanolic) of S. aromaticum against F. solani strain, whereas aqueous extracts of both the plants had no effect against F. solani strain. The phytochemical screening showed presence of terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and cardiovascular glycosides in both plants.Conclusion: Flaxseed and clove extracts were found potent antimicrobial agents.