bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus Development of Priority Outcome Domains for Community Mental Health Cares by Multiple Stakeholders: Protocol for an Online Delphi Study in Japan
Authors: Shiozawa Takuma , Yamaguchi Sosei , Ogawa Makoto , Abe Makiko , Kawaguchi Takayuki , Igarashi Momoka , Yasuma Naonori , Fujii Chiyo
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe number of patients with mental illness living in the community has been increasing in Japan. Treatment goals for mental illness have expanded from hospital discharge and improved functioning to employment, living alone, and personal realization. These changes in treatment goals have also influenced mental health research. Recent studies have addressed the development of core outcome sets focusing on clinical aspects of mental illness such as depression and anxiety. However, a well-developed framework of essential outcomes for people with mental illness (service users) who live in the community is lacking. In addition, recent worldwide trends suggest more patient and public involvement (PPI) and the importance of considering multiple stakeholders’ views in the area of mental health research. Purpose of this study to explore consensus on high-priority outcome domains among multiple stakeholders such as service users, caregivers, service providers, governmental staff, and researchers in community mental health care and relevant fields in Japan. MethodsA three-step approach to developing an outcome list will be used. First, we will develop a long list of outcomes relevant to stakeholders through a literature review of outcomes reported in existing systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials, focus group interviews with key stakeholders, and two online questionnaire surveys of service users and caregivers. Second, the long list will be checked and revised in a two rounds of pilot study. Third, the long list will be shortened to the outcome list through the Delphi methodology with participation from multiple stakeholders. Three rounds of Delphi survey will be conducted and consensus reached if at least 70% of the participants considered at ‘very important’ or ‘important’. Outcome items that were indeterminate will be taken to the next round. All responses of survey will be feedback to participants in the next round.DiscussionIdentifying important common outcome domains through collaboration among service users, caregivers, and other stakeholders appears to contribute to the development of evidence for community mental health research in Japan. In addition, the study process itself may help promote PPI in education, practice, and research in the field of community mental health.
Suicidality in Adolescents With Onset of Anorexia Nervosa: From the Conceptualization of the Symptom to Clinical Practice
Authors: Mereu Alberta , Fantoni Teresa , Caini Saverio , Monzali Francesca , Roselli Elena , Taddei Silvia , Lucarelli Stefano , Pisano Tiziana
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder (ED) that is divided in a restrictive (R-AN) and atypical (A-AN) form depending on the body mass index (BMI). In 100 adolescents with AN, we reviewed the diagnosis (R-AN and A-AN) in relation to different diagnostic criteria (absolute BMI, DSM-5 criteria, European Guidelines and Cacciari percentile curves) and we studied the prevalence of suicidality (suicidal thoughts and behaviours). We also observed the association between suicidality and severity of AN symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities.Methods: We subdivided AN in R-AN and A-AN, considering the four diagnostic criteria previously described. We used the Fisher’s exact test and the Mann-Whitney test for categorical and continuous variables, and we applied multivariate analysis of variance and covariance. Results: Thirty-one % of patients changed diagnosis from R-AN to A-AN depending on which diagnostic criteria was used. Twenty-seven % of patients presented suicidality and they showed greater severity of specific AN psychopathology.Conclusions: Categorization of the AN in childhood can change depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Suicidality is independent from BMI, and seems to be related to specific ED psychopathology and psychiatric comorbidity. These data confirm the need to conceptualize the pathology in a different way and improve the therapeutic intervention. Our findings also highlight the importance of screening for suicidality among children and adolescents at onset of AN to prevent suicide.Level of evidence: level IV
A Common Founder Effect of the Splice Site Variant c.-23+1G>A in GJB2 Gene Causing Autosomal Recessive Deafness 1A (DFNB1A) in Eurasia
Authors: Solovyev Aisen V , Kushniarevich Alena , Bliznetz Elena , Bady-Khoo Marita , Lalayants Maria R , Markova Tatiana G , Minárik Gabriel , Kádasi L'udevít , Metspalu Ene , Pshennikova Vera G , Teryutin Fedor M , Alekseev Anatoly N , Khusnutdinova Elza K , Poliakov Alexander , Мetspalu Mait , Posukh Olga L , Barashkov Nikolay A , Fedorova Sardana A
Published: July 2021

The mutations in the GJB2 gene are known to be a major cause of autosomal recessive deafness 1A (OMIM 220290). The most common pathogenic variants of the GJB2 gene have high ethno-geographic specificity in their distribution that being attributed to a founder effect related with Neolithic migration routes of Homo sapiens. Curiously, the c.-23+1G>A splice site variant is frequently found among deaf patients of both Caucasian and Asian origin. It is currently unknown whether this mutation did spread across Eurasia as a result of the founder effect or it could have multiple local centers of origin. To determine the origin of the c.-23+1G>A we reconstructed 𝑓2-haplotypes by genotyping SNPs on the Illumina OmniExpress 730K platform in 23 deaf individuals homozygous for this variant from different populations of Eurasia (Yakuts, Tuvinians, Evenk, Kumyk, Armenian, Russians and Slovak). The analysis revealed that the homozygosity regions in different individuals overlapped in one short region with the length of ~5.2 kb. These data support the hypothesis of the common founder effect in distribution of the c.-23+1G>A variant of GJB2 gene. Based on the published data on the c.-23+1G>A prevalence among 16,177 deaf people and calculation of TMRCA of the 𝑓2-haplotypes carrying this variant we reconstructed the potential migration routes of the c.-23+1G>A carriers around the world. This analysis indicates that the c.-23+1G>A variant may have originated approximately 6,000 years ago in the territory of the Caucasus or Middle East, followed by spread throughout Europe, South and Central Asia and other regions of the world.
Fast Self-Attention Deep Detection Network Based on Weakly Differentiated Plant Nematodes
Authors: Zhuang Jiayan , Liu Yangming , Xu Ningyuan , Zhu Yi , Xiao Jiangjian , Gu Jianfeng , Mao Tianyi
Published: July 2021

Background: High-precision, high-speed detection and classification of weakly differentiated targets has always been a difficult problem in the field of image vision. In this paper, the detection of phytopathogenic Bursaphelenchus xylophilus with small size and very weak inter-species differences is taken as an example. Methods: Our work has been carried out in response to the current weakly differentiated target detection problems: a. To replace the complex network labelling and training process based on expert empirical knowledge, we proposed a lightweight Self-Attention network. Experiments proved that the key feature identification areas of​ plant nematodes found by our Self-Attention network is in good agreement with the customs expert empirical knowledge, and the feature areas found by the method in this paper can better obtain higher detection accuracy than the expert knowledge; b. To optimize the computing power caused by the input of the entire image, we used low-resolution images to quickly obtain the key feature location coordinates, then obtain high-resolution feature areas information based on the coordinates; c. We adopt the adaptive weight with multi-feature joint detection method based on the brightness of the heatmap to further improve the detection accuracy; d. We constructed a more complete high-resolution training dataset involving 24 species of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and other common hybrid species with a total amount of data exceeded 10,000. Results: The algorithm proposed in this paper replaces the tedious extensive manual labelling in the training process, improves the average training time of the model by more than 50%, reduces the testing time of a single sample by about 27%, optimizes the model storage size by 65%, improves the detection accuracy of the ImageNet pre-trained model by 12.6%, and improves the detection accuracy of the no-ImageNet pre-trained model by more than 48%. Conclusions: Overall, the method in this paper has achieved better results in terms of model complexity, training annotation, as well as testing time and accuracy.
Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance Among Egyptian and Saudi Arabian Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Abdelmohsen Shimaa R. , Khired Zenat A. , El-Ma'doul Angham Soliman , Barakat Ayah M. , Kasemy Zeinab A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the domains of emotional intelligence among medical students and ascertain its relationship to academic achievement.
Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2340 undergraduate medical students from different Egyptian and Saudi Arabian universities using a semi-structured online abstract including two parts: Socio-demographic data and emotional intelligence questionnaire.
Results

The study was conducted on 2340 medical students aged (21.5 ± 1.9, range = 17–24 years) from two countries, Saudi Arabia (28.8%) and Egypt (71.2%). Females represented 68.4%. Academic achievement was distributed as excellent 54.1%, very good (28%), good (14.5%) and accepted (3.4%). The total EI score reported that 63.9% of the students had strength while 35.9% needed attention. Managing emotion, motivating oneself and total EI score were significantly higher among Egyptian students in comparison to Saudi Arabia students (P < 0.001). Females showed significantly higher EI scores than males. Egyptian males showed significantly higher EI scores than Saudi Arabian males (P < 0.001). Self-awareness was significantly high in Saudi Arabian females while managing emotions was significantly high among Egyptian females (P < 0.01). Academic achievement showed that EI scores were significantly higher among very good and excellent achievement in comparison to good or accepted achievement except self-awareness which showed that those with accepted achievement had higher self-awareness than those with high achievement. Significant positive correlation was found between EI scores and academic achievement (P < 0.001)
Conclusion

Emotional intelligence domains relate significantly to academic achievements in medical students. Therefore, this study recommended the necessity of improving the students ‘emotional intelligence in the scientific and community environment with proper interventions strategies through developing program that enhances their academic achievement to play a pivotal role when transforming into business world and recently in academic study.
Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation with exposure of emerging disinfection byproduct 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone in mice
Authors: Li Shi-Wei , Chang Ming-Hui , Zhao Wen-Jun , Li He-Lian , Sun Hong-Jie , Hong Hua-Chang , Wang Wen-Qian
Published: July 2021

2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (2,6-DCBQ) is an emerging disinfection byproduct frequently detected in drinking water. Previous studies have indicated that 2,6-DCBQ causes oxidative stress damage in some live systems, but this has yet to be tested in vivo in mammals. In the present study, adult mice were exposed to 2,6-DCBQ for 30 d via gavage at 0 ~ 100 mg kg− 1 with the responses of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]), key oxidative stress response genes (Heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1], NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 [NQO1] and glutamate-L-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit [GCLC]) in the Nrf2-keap1 pathway, and lipid peroxidation (malonaldehyde, MDA) as an indicator of oxidative damage being measured. Our results indicated that 2,6-DCBQ decreased the activities of SOD and CAT, repressed transcription of key genes in the Nrf2-keap1 pathway, and caused measurable oxidative damage. These results reveal the impact of 2,6-DCBQ in a model mammalian system and are key to understanding the potential impacts of 2,6-DCBQ in humans.
A New Composite Lognormal-Pareto Type II Regression Model to Analyze Household Budget Data via Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Ünlü Hande Konşuk
Published: July 2021

When data exhibits heavy-tailed behavior, traditional regression approaches might be inadequate or inappropriate to model the data. In such data analyses, composite models, which are built by piecing together two or more weighted distributions at specified threshold(s), are alternative models. When data contain covariate information, composite regression models can be used. In the existing literature, there is not much work done on this topic. The only study is Gan and Valdez (2018)'s paper. In this study, a novel Lognormal-Pareto Type II composite regression model is proposed. Particle swarm optimization ( PSO ) is performed to obtain model parameters of the proposed model. The proposed model is applied to model monthly consumption expenditure and affecting factors. The data is obtained from the National Household Budget Survey, which is conducted annually by the Turkish Statistical Institute ( TurkStat ). Since the sampling design of the Household Budget Survey is stratified two-stage cluster sampling, the parameters are estimated under weighted data by updating the proposed model and PSO . Additionally, the proposed regression model performance is compared with Lognormal , Lomax , Gamma and Gamma-Pareto type II regression models. The results demonstrate that the proposed model provides an improved fit to data.
A metabolically stable PET tracer for imaging synaptic vesicle protein 2A: Synthesis and preclinical characterization of [18F]SDM-16
Authors: Zheng Chao , Holden Daniel , Zheng Ming-Qiang , Pracitto Richard , Wilcox Kyle C. , Lindemann Marcel , Felchner Zachary , Zhang Li , Tong Jie , Fowles Krista , Finnema Sjoerd J. , Nabulsi Nabeel , Carson Richard E. , Huang Yiyun , Cai Zhengxin
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo investigate the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) expression in the whole central nervous system and peripheral tissues, a metabolically stable SV2A radiotracer is desirable to minimize a potential confounding effect of radiometabolites. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a metabolically stable SV2A radiotracer, [18 F]SDM-16, in nonhuman primate brains. MethodsThe racemic SDM-16 (4-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-1-((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1yl)methyl)pyrrolidin-2-one) was synthesized and assayed for in vitro SV2A binding affinity. We synthesized the enantiopure [18F]SDM-16 using the corresponding arylstannane precursor. Nonhuman primate brain PET was performed on a FOCUS 220 system. Arterial blood was drawn for metabolite analysis and construction of plasma input function. Regional time-activity curves (TACs) were evaluated with the one-tissue compartment (1TC) model to obtain the volume of distribution (VT). Binding potential (BPND) was calculated using either the nondisplaceable volume of distribution (VND) or the centrum semiovale (CS) as the reference region. ResultsRacemic SDM-16 was synthesized in 3 steps with 44% overall yield and has high affinity (K i = 3.7 nM) to human SV2A. [18F]SDM-16 was prepared in greater than 99% radiochemical and enantiomeric purity. This radiotracer displayed high specific binding in brain and was metabolically more stable than other SV2A PET tracers. The plasma free fraction (fP) of [ 18 F]SDM-16 was 69%, which was higher than those of [11C]UCB-J (46%), [18F]SynVesT-1 (43%), [18F]SynVesT-2 (41%), and [18F]UCB-H (43%). The TACs were well described with the 1TC. The averaged test-retest variability (TRV) was -9±8%, and averaged absolute TRV (aTRV) was 10±7% for all analyzed brain regions. ConclusionWe have successfully synthesized a metabolically stable and high affinity SV2A PET tracer, [18F]SDM-16, which showed high specific and reversible binding in the NHP brain. [18F]SDM-16 may have potential application in the visualization and quantification of SV2A beyond the brain.
Assessment of Immune Status of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Can Predict Prognosis and Guide Treatment
Authors: Wang Xueying , Cao Kui , Guo Erliang , Mao Xionghui , An Changming , Guo Lunhua , Zhang Cong , Guo Junnan , Yang Xianguang , Sun Ji , Yang Weiwei , li Xiaomei , Miao Susheng
Published: July 2021

Background
In the past few years, immunotherapy has changed the way we treat solid tumors. People pay more and more attention to the immune microenvironment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In this study, our immunotherapy research took advantage of the clinical database and focused our in-depth analysis on the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Methods
This study evaluated the relationship between the clinical outcome and the local tissue and overall immune status in 412 patients with primary LSCC. We constructed and validated a risk model that could predict prognosis, assess immune status, identify high-risk patients, and develop personalized treatment plans through bioinformatics. In addition, through immunohistochemical analysis, we verified the differential expression of CTSL and KDM5D genes with the largest weight coefficients in the model in LSCC tissues and their influence on the prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
Results
We found that interstitial tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs), tumor parenchymal infiltrating lymphocyte volume (TILv), tumor infiltrates lymphocytes of frontier invasion (TILf), and the platelet-to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with LSCC. A novel risk model can guide clinicians to accurately predict prognosis, identify high-risk patients, and formulate personalized treatment plans. The differential expression of genes such as CTSL and KDM5D can significantly affect the TILs of LSCC and the prognosis of patients.
Conclusion
Local and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma are reliable prognostic factors. The risk model and CTSL, KDM5D gene have important potential research value.
A Facile Way for Preparation of Cellulose Beads With High Homogeneity, Low Crystallinity, and Tunable - Internal Structure
Authors: Xia Yuanyuan , Li Xinping , Yuan Yue , Zhuang Jingshun , Wang Wenliang
Published: July 2021

The preparation of cellulose beads has attracted more and more attention in the application of advanced green materials. To obtain uniform and controllable cellulose beads, the dissolving pulp was dissolved in NMMO, and the cellulose beads were regenerated in various coagulation baths (water, alcohol, acid, NMMO, etc.) by phase conversion method. Results show that the crystal form of regenerated cellulose changes from cellulose I to cellulose II. NMMO swelling cellulose beads present low crystallinity and low water holding capacity. The coagulation mechanism of cellulose beads was clarified by a laser confocal microscopy. It is found that the whole coagulation process was from outside to inside gradually. It is a green and facile method for preparing cellulose beads with different structures and properties, which can be widely used in biomedicine, energy storage materials, and protein chromatography.
WITHDRAWN: Bone Response in vivo of Ti-45Zr Alloy as Dental Implant Material
Authors: Ou Pinghua , Zhang Taomei , Wang Jianying , Li Cui , Shao Chunsheng , Ruan Jianming
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTi-Zr alloys have gain more attention as a new metallic biomaterial. using as implants both for orthopedics and dentistry. More recently, our group found promising results for Ti-45Zr alloy, while presenting a low elastic modulusand, a pronounced excellent mechanic character and excellent cell compatibility in vitro. However, the biocompatibility and the potential to promote osteogenesis remains unclear.Methods In this study, the biocompatibility, osteointegration ability, and immune response effects of Ti-45Zr alloy were systematicly investigated in vivo. The biocompatibility of Ti-45Zr alloy was evaluated by hemolysis test and in vivo implantation test in New Zealand white rabbits. The bone integration ability of Ti-45Zr alloy with tissue interface was also investigated by hard tissue section staining and biomechanical experiments. At the same time, the effects of Ti-45Zr alloy on the immune response of Sprague Dawley rats were studied through serum biochemical detection and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of hard tissue sections. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) was detected by ELISA. ResultsResults showed that the alloy had good blood compatibility and no body side effects. After implantation in vivo, The serum concentrations of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory factors reached the highest values at the 9th day, and the inflammation level around the implant hole returned well with the prolongation of the implantation time. On the 14th day, new bone formation was observed around the three materials. The Ti-45Zr alloy was conducive to the polarisation balance of the macrophages.ConclusionThe Ti-45Zr alloy showed exccelent biocompatibility and good osteointegration ability, and it is beneficial to the polarization balance of macrophages.It confirmed that the Ti-45Zr alloy can be used as a dental implant material.
The Use of Dupilumab in Severe Atopic Dermatitis During Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Akhtar Nabeel H , Khosravi-Hafshejani Touraj , Akhtar Daud , Dhadwal Gurbir , Kanani Amin
Published: July 2021

Atopic dermatitis accounts for most cases of gestational dermatoses. The rising prevalence of atopic dermatitis poses a significant health and economic burden. Current treatments include topical and systemic glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. Presently, the only biologic approved for atopic dermatitis is dupilumab with limited data available regarding its safety profile in pregnancy. We report a case of severe atopic dermatitis treated safely with dupilumab with no adverse maternal or fetal outcomes and resolution of atopic dermatitis postpartum in the absence of maintenance dupilumab therapy. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of dupilumab in the management of atopic dermatitis during pregnancy.
Phenothiazine Inhibits Neuroinflammation and Inflammasome Activation Independent of Hypothermia After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Guo Sichao , Geng Xiaokun , Lee Hangil , Ding Yuchuan
Published: July 2021

A depressive or hibernation-like effect of chlorpromazine and promethazine (C + P) on brain activity was reported to induce neuroprotection, with or without induced-hypothermia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study evaluated the pharmacological function of C + P on the inhibition of neuroinflammatory response and inflammasome activation after ischemia/reperfusion. A total of 72 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 6 or 24 h reperfusion. At the onset of reperfusion, rats received C + P (8 mg/kg) with temperature control. Brain cell death was detected by measuring CD68 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Inflammasome activation was measured by mRNA levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and TXNIP, and protein quantities of NLRP3, IL-1β, TXNIP, cleaved-Caspase-1, and IL-18. Activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway was detected by the phosphorylation of STAT3 (p-STAT3) and JAK2 (p-JAK2), and the co-localization of p-STAT3 and NLRP3. Activation of the p38 pathway was assessed with the protein levels of p-p38/p38. The mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α, FoxO1, and p-FoxO1, and the co-localization of p-STAT3 with HIF-1α or FoxO1 were quantitated. As expected, C + P significantly reduced cell death and attenuated the neuroinflammatory response as determined by reduced CD68 and MPO. C + P decreased ischemia-induced inflammasome activation, shown by reduced mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, TXNIP, cleaved-Caspase-1, and IL-18. Phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 and p38 pathways and the co-localization of p-STAT3 with NLRP3 were also inhibited by C + P. Furthermore, mRNA levels of HIF-1α and FoxO1 were decreased in the C + P group. While C + P inhibited HIF-1α protein expression, it increased FoxO1 phosphorylation, which promoted the exclusion of FoxO1 from the nucleus and inhibited FoxO1 activity. At the same time, C + P reduced the co-localization of p-STAT3 with HIF-1α or FoxO1. In conclusion, C + P treatment conferred neuroprotection in stroke by suppressing neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The present study suggests that JAK2/STAT3/p38/HIF-1α/FoxO1 are vital regulators and potential targets for efficacious therapy following ischemic stroke.
Morphological and Molecular Confirmation of Four Undescribed Oleaginous Species of Mortierella from Libya
Authors: Eltariki Fuzia Elfituri Muftah , Tiwari Kartikeya , Alhoot Mohammed Abdelfatah
Published: July 2021

A large number of undiscovered fungal species still exist on earth, which can be useful for the bioprospecting particularly the single cell oil (SCO) production. The present research study confirms four oleaginous fungal isolates from Libyan soil. These isolates (Barcoded as MSU-101, MSU-201, MSU-401 and MSU-501) were discovered and reported first time from diverse soil samples of district Aljabal Al-Akhdar in North-East Libya and fall in the class: Zygomycetes; order: Mortierellales. From the morphological and phylogenetic analysis, these isolates were identified and found as closest match with Mortierella alpina species. The present research study provides insight to the unseen fungal diversity and contributes to more comprehensive Mortierella alpina reference collections worldwide.
Histone Deacetylase 3 Associates With Key Regulators of NFκB Signaling in Lung Epithelial Cells Under Stimulation With LPS.
Authors: Stanfield Brent A , Soderblom Erik J , Palmer Scott , Sullenger Bruce , Purves Todd , Welty-Wolf Karen , Agarwal Suresh , Kasotakis George
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Histone Deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is a Class I member of the histone deacetylase family that is recruited to nuclear enhancers. HDAC3 is located within the cell nucleus, where it constitutes the sole endogenous HDAC interacting with the nuclear-receptor corepressor complex containing NCOR and SMRT (NCOR2). As such, HDAC3 has a unique role in modulating the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors. We have previously demonstrated its involvement in the inflammatory response in Lipopolysaccharide A (LPS)-stimulated human MH-S alveolar macrophages in vitro, and its interaction with pro-inflammatory IL-12 and anti-inflammatory IL-10. Similarly, our previous work using the broad spectrum HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy reducing the pathogenesis of acute gram negative pneumonia in-vivo. With the current project, we aim to identify the HDAC3 interactome in LPS-stimulated human pulmonary epithelial cells type II (A549), the first immune defense in pathogens invading the lungs. Methods: Human A549 cells were transfected with a BioID2-tagged HDAC3 plasmid, and were divided in three groups: a. Untreated, b. stimulated with LPS, and c. stimulated with LPS and treated with Entinostat (MS275, a HDAC1/3 inhibitor). Cells were lysed, and total and biotinylated protein were submitted for quantitative Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analysis to identify the peptides that directly bind with HDAC3. Data were searched against the Swiss Protein Human database, and False Discovery Rate (FDR) was set at 1%. Results: The dataset yielded 395,776 peptide matches. After peptide sequencing by database searching and validation, and FDR exclusion, we identified 2,666 proteins. Of these, 33 have been annotated to function in the NF-kB signaling pathway and/or NF-kB-regulated transcriptional activity.Conclusion: Protein acetylation is a reversible post-translational modification that is known to stabilize protein structure and modify function and localization. With the current project we have identified several potential proteins in the HDAC3 interactome that may be targeted early in the NF-κB activation process to disrupt HDAC3-substrate interaction and potentially downstream signaling. Nuclear activation of NF-κB is known to be involved in the early stages of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and is a target of intense study for the development of novel therapeutics.
Blood snoRNAs and miRNAs as predictors of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Parray Aijaz , Mir Fayaz , Doudin Asmma , Iskandarani Ahmad , Danjuma Ibn Mohammed , Kuni Rahim , Abdelmajid Alaaedin , Abdelhafez Ibrahim , Arif Rida , Mulhim Mohammad , Abukhattab Mohammad , Dar Shoukat , Elkord Eyad , Al-khal Abdul Latif , Elzouki Abdel-Naser , Cyprian Farhan
Published: July 2021

There is a lack of predictive markers for early and rapid identification of disease progression in COVID-19 patients. Our study aims at identifying non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as potential biomarkers of COVID-19 severity. Using differential expression analysis of microarray data (n = 29), we identified hsa-miR-494-3p, hsa-miR-1246, ACA40, hsa-miR-4532, ACA15 as the top five differentially expressed transcripts in severe versus asymptomatic, and ACA40, hsa-miR-3609, hsa-miR-6790-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-885-3p as the most significant five in severe versus mild cases. Moreover, we found that WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil (%), lymphocyte (%), RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, D-Dimer and albumin were significantly correlated with the identified ncRNAs. Altogether, we present the first comprehensive analysis of COVID-19-associated microRNA (miRNA)/ small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) signature, highlighting the importance of ncRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection. One-Sentence Summary: We show a unique miRNA and snoRNA profile that is associated with a higher risk of severity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
Awareness of Toxicological Impact and Risk of using Talcum Powder as a factor for Ovarian Cancer among Women in three Metropolitan Cities of Southwestern States of Nigeria
Authors: Omoyajowo Koleayo Oluwafemi , Ogunyebi Amos Lanreyebi , Adenekan Olapeju Aarinola , Bakare Tolulope I. , Omoyajowo Busayo , Odipe Oluwaseun Emmanuel , Samuel Ibitayo Abiola
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the public awareness level on the toxicological nature of talcum powder and the perceived risk of ovarian cancer among women in order to design effective interventions that will ultimately improve public health among all women in Nigeria. A risk perception survey was developed to capture the public awareness level about talcum powder as an emerging contaminant and risk of ovarian cancer, inquiring whether risk is viewed positively or negatively and the extent of worry or concern. A total of 300 questionnaires were administered and returned, analyzed and interpreted for policy decision making. Each questionnaire contains mostly Likert type questions featuring a set of risks with fixed response alternatives. Basic descriptive statistics was considered for explanatory variables: age, educational attainment and generalized risk sensitivity. Majority of respondents use talcum powder for different purposes. 28% of respondents use talcum powder for genital hygiene, out of which 42.86% use this cosmetic product on a daily basis. Poor level of awareness was generally observed as most respondents do not know whether talcum powder could be considered a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer. Majority (66.43%) were very concerned about the risk of ovarian cancer but perceived less risk for ovarian cancer when asked to compare risk with their respective age groups. Notably, poor level of awareness about the toxicological nature of talc and the relatively high level of perceived risk of developing ovarian cancer due to previous talc exposure was evident among respondents in our study.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of parkrun participants in the United Kingdom
Authors: Quirk Helen , Haake Steve , Goyder Elizabeth , Bullas Alice , Graney Mike , Wellington Chrissie
Published: July 2021

IntroductionLockdown restrictions imposed across the UK in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on many people’s health and wellbeing. People were encouraged to be active, but population surveys suggest some groups found this easier than others. We explored the changes in health, wellbeing and physical activity levels among a sample in the UK who experienced the sudden loss of a weekly community-based physical activity opportunity, parkrun.MethodsA sample of UK parkrun participants responded to two surveys; pre-COVID-19 in January/February 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. Outcomes were happiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health, mental health and physical activity. The sample was stratified by gender, age, deprivation status, physical activity and number of parkruns completed. Demographics were reported using descriptive statistics. Distributions between sub-groups were compared using Chi-square tests while differences in outcomes were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Open text responses were also analysed. FindingsHappiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health and mental health of 450 parkrun participants were negatively impacted for all sub-groups, although the impact was not experienced equally. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental wellbeing of a greater proportion of females, younger adults, inactive people, those from higher deprivation areas, and those who had completed fewer parkruns.ConclusionsThere is evidence that the wellbeing of those who were more active, and those more involved in a community-based physical activity initiative pre-pandemic, was less negatively affected during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Studying a grinding method of sapphire pipes using two grinders
Authors: Savitsky I. V. , Voytenko V. A.
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the thermophysics of a drilling process of polymeric composite materials such as carbonfibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and fibreglass by tubular diamond drill bits. Features of the COMSOL Multiphysics engineering software package were used. We employed Fourier heat equations, which express the intensity of heat gain by a mobile source in a moving coordinate system. The research was performed using the proprietary method of modelling spatial thermal action upon drilling polymer composite materials (fibreglass and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics) in the COMSOL Multiphysics software environment. A tubular diamond drill bit with a diameter of 10 mm with two slots was chosen as a model cutting tool. Solid plates with a thickness of 5.5 mm made of layered fibrous polymer composite materials (fibreglass, carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic) were used as a preform. As a result of computer calculations, we obtained temperature fields of fibreglass and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic during diamond drilling with the tubular tool. When studying the thermal behaviour of fibreglass and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics, maximum temperature fields were located. The study revealed that the temperature reaches 413.6 K and 448.7 K during CFRP and fibreglass drilling, respectively. It was shown that the distance of heat transfer from the edge of the hole into the preform was 6.42 and 6.40 mm for CFRP and fibreglass, respectively. A method of modelling the thermal effects when cutting polymer composite materials developed in the COMSOL Multiphysics environment allows complex analytical calculations of temperatures induced by drilling to be simplified. In addition, it helps avoid overheating of a preform during drilling, allows the depth of heat distribution inside the preform from the edge of the formed hole in different polymer composite materials to be assessed. These measures lead to increasing the machining quality of polymer composite materials.
Adding hydrogen to fuel gas to improve energy performance of gas-turbine plants
Authors: Marin G. E. , Osipov B. M. , Akhmetshin A. R. , Savina M. V.
Published: July 2021

The study aims to calculate the technical and economic efficiency of adding hydrogen to natural gas to improve the energy characteristic of the fuel in gas-turbine plants during long-term gas field operations. Mathematical modelling techniques in the CAS CFDPT (computer-aided system for computational fluid dynamics of power turbomachinery) program were used to develop a mathematical model of the General Electric 6FA gas turbine engine. It was shown that a decrease in the calorific value of the fuel leads to an increase in fuel consumption by 11% and the amount of CO2, NO2 in the turbine exhaust gas. It was determined that, during the freezing season and peak power rating operations, the turbine power is limited by the fuel system capacity (its maximum value amounted to 5.04 kg/s). It was shown that energy characteristics can be improved by adding hydrogen to the feed natural gas. Energy efficiency was calculated at different fuel components (hydrogen and natural gas) ratios at variable-load operation in the range between 75 and 85 MW. Instant fuel gas flow amounted to 5.04 kg/s (with 4.5% hydrogen and 95.5% natural gas in the feed fuel) at 85 MW. Due to its high cost, the use of hydrogen is only advisable in peak power rating operations to reach the maximum capacity of the gas-turbine plant. The proposed method of adding 4.5% hydrogen to fuel gas allows the maximum fuel consumption to be maintained at a rate of 5.04 kg/s to reach the topping power of 85 MW. When using this method, there are no limitations on the maximum and peak capacity of the gas-turbine plant.
Antimony lone electronic pair as a stereoelectronic barrier to stibatrane
Authors: Baryshok V. P. , Zel'bst E. A.
Published: July 2021

To examine the effect of 5s2 lone electron pair of antimony atom on the reaction of antimony trifluoride and triethanolamine in the presence of sodium methylate, the crystal structure of the reaction product -2-fluoro-6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-dioxa-6-aza-2-stibacy-cylooctane (1-fluoro-2-hydrostibatrane) FSb (OCH2CH2)2NCH2CH2OH) was confirmed. In the compound structure, the hydrogen atom of the 2-hydtoxyethyl group of each molecule forms an intermolecular hydrogen bond with the oxygen atom of one of the five-membered SbOCH2CH2N half-cycles in a neighbouring molecule. A geometry of both five-member N-C-C-O-Sb heterocycles, end-capped by transannular N→Sb bond in the 1-fluoro-2-hydrostibatrane molecule, is almost identical. C-O, C-C, N-C interatomic distances and valence angles in two endocyclic units (NCCOSb) are comparable to those observed in RSi(OCH2CH2)3N silatranes. A coordination polyhedron of the Sb atom can be represented as a transition from a bisphenoid to Sb(O3)N trigonal pyramid, with a nitrogen atom at the apex and three oxygen atoms in the base. The N→Sb transannular coordinate bond length is 2.402(4) Å, which is 0.40 Å greater than the Sb-N covalent bond standard length. The Sb-F bond (1.997(4) Å) is 0.12 Å longer than that in the SbF3 molecule, and insignificantly shorter than that of the Sb-Fax (2.028(3) Å) in the SbF3Gly crystalline complex. The fluorine atom substantially strays from the N→Sb axis to the direction of O(1) and O(2) atoms. The oxygen atom of the 2-hydroxyethyl group lies at a distance of 2.899(3) A from that of Sb, intermediate between the valence bond length and the sum of the Van der Waals radii of these atoms. Combined with the F atom position, one can assume the 1-fluoro-2-hydrostibatrane crystal structure as a “frozen” state of the SNi(Sb) type nucleophilic attack of the oxygen atom, uncompleted because of its repulsion by the 5s2 lone electronic pair of antimony atom.
Application of transglutaminase in moulded food processing from waterlogged fish raw materials
Authors: Pivnenko T. N. , Karpenko Yu. V. , Pozdnyakova Yu. M. , Kraschenko V. V. , Esipenko R. V.
Published: July 2021

Application conditions of the ACTIVA® TG-TI transglutaminase combined with setting agents (gelatine and chitosans of various modifications) are substantiated for moulded food processing from waterlogged fish raw materials targeted by deep-water fishery, i.e. giant grenadier (Albatrossia pectoralis). It was shown that combining different setting agents ensures time reduction of gel formation with a minor change in their development and melting temperatures. Adding an enzyme preparation leads to the formation of thermostable gels with a 1.5-fold increased strength. When forming gels from the grenadier muscle tissue in the presence of setting agents of different concentrations, the quality of soluble muscle proteins reduces, most prominently with gelatine and chitosan ascorbate. Physicochemical parameters of the structured gels prepared from the muscle tissue of giant grenadier (moisture retention capacity, tensile strength, water activity) and their organoleptic profiles were measured. Based on the results, we have shown that adding 3% of gela-tine, 0.06% of high-molecular chitosan and 1% of transglutaminase may be employed for processing moulded fish products. The digestibility of the protein components in obtained samples did not depend on fermentation. The overall protein deposition was between 0.38 and 0.56% of the sample mass. The total biological value of samples ranged from 78 to 134% when studying their effect on the growth of T. pyriformis testing culture.
Composition of inorganic components in Helianthus tuberosus stems
Authors: Kovekhova A. V. , Arefieva O. D. , Didenko N. A. , Zemnukhova L. A.
Published: July 2021

This article studies inorganic components in Heliánthus tuberósus stems. Ash samples and extracts obtained at different pH values were examined. It is established that the extractant's nature has a significant effect on the yield of extractive substances from the ground stems: the greatest (45%) and the minimum (31%) yield was achieved by sodium hydroxide and distilled water, respectively. According to atomic absorption spectrometry, the main ions in the extracts obtained in different media are those of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron. Following treatment of stems with solutions having different pH values, the mass fraction of ash varied from 0.4 to 2.3%. The smallest ash yield was observed for a stem sample after acid extraction. According to energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, all ash samples contained predominantly K, Ca, Si and P compounds. Acid hydrolysis produced the highest level of Si in samples, which allows this ash to be used as a silicon-containing material. The ash components of the core and outer part of the stem were compared with the initial sample. According to the nature of thermal decomposition, the initial sample and the outer shell were similar between themselves, though differing from the core. The ash content of the initial sample was 4.3%, with the ash content of the stem core being ~2 times higher than that of the outer shell (7 and 3.8%, respectively). The results of IR spectroscopy showed that splitting of bands in the IR spectra of ash samples depend on the part of the stem and the pre-treatment of raw materials at different pH values. The ash of the initial sample, core and outer shell, as well as the ash of the residues after the aqueous and alkaline hydrolysis of the stem, showed the absorption bands of carbonate groups. The IR spectra of the stem ash after acid extraction contained absorption bands characteristic of amorphous silicon dioxide. According to the conducted X-ray analysis, the studied ash samples were in an amorphous-crystal and crystalline state. The identification of phases was carried out.
Adsorption of petroleum products by modified and activated adsorbents
Authors: Chugunov A. D. , Filatova E. G.
Published: July 2021

This research is aimed at investigating the adsorption of petroleum products from aqueous solutions by adsorbents modified with HCl and those activated by microwave radiation. The research objects were carbon adsorbents: activated coals, such as AD-05-2, IPI-T, KAD-iodine and zeolites of the TransBaikal deposit. The quantitative analysis of waters (standardised test solutions with an initial concentration of petroleum products not exceeding 10 mg/l) was carried out by the fluorimetric method using a Fluorat-02 liquid analyser. The adsorbents were activated in a microwave oven at a wave power of 800 W for 1 min. The modification was carried out according to the following procedure: 10 g of the adsorbents dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 120-150 °C were stirred for 24 h with 200 ml of a 12% HCl solution in water.

Next, the suspension was filtered and washed with distilled water until neutral. It was found that the value of adsorption of petroleum products by adsorbents modified with HCl increases by 3.8 times for activated carbon KAD-iodine, 0.5 times for IPI-T, and equals 0.71 mg/g and 0.80 mg/g respectively. Among the studied sorbents, these sorbents have the largest grain size (3-5 mm) and micropore volume (0.28-0.29 cm3/g). It was established that the method of short-term (within 1 min) microwave activation makes it possible to increase the adsorption of petroleum products by: 4.2 times for activated carbon KAD-iodine and 0.6 times for IPI-T in comparison with the original adsorbents. The highest adsorption value of petroleum products corresponds to zeolites and equals 0.99 mg/g. The action of microwave radiation is associated with the dissociation and evaporation of the water bound in the adsorbents and flammable organic substances, which leads to an increase in the porosity of the adsorbent. The application of the microwave activation method is highly promising in comparison with the classic methods of chemical and steam-gas activation. This method simplifies the technological design and reduces the consumption of reagents for the production of effective adsorbents used to extract petroleum products from aqueous solutions, which acquires particular importance in the context of maintaining the environmental safety of water use.
Richness and community structure of sand dunes (restinga) in Santa Catarina: subsidies for ecological restoration
Authors: Pedro Yuri Ribeiro  , João Carlos Ferreira de Melo Júnior
Published: July 2021

The coast of Balneario Piçarras city (Santa Catarina) is being constantly degraded by human action. This study aimed to characterize the richness and vegetation structure of two areas of herbaceous restinga (preserved and degraded) of the coastal plain of this city. The flora was mapped by using the patrolling method. Identification was done by comparative morphology and specialized bibliography. The phytosociology was based on the plot method with allocation oriented parallel to the coast line. There were 48 species, 44 genera and 22 families identified. Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Poaceae are the richest families. The H’ index was 3.9 in the preserved area and 2.1 in the degraded area. The community structure was represented by eight and 16 species in the degraded and preserved areas, respectively. In degraded areas, species as Spartina ciliata, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Sphagneticola trilobata and Paspalum vaginatum have the greater importance of coverage, structuring the community. In the preserved area, the organization structure of the community is given by Canavalia rosea, Remirea maritima, Stenotaphrum secundatum, Spartina ciliata and Acicarpha spathulata species. These species are considered pioneers and with a great potential of fixing dunes, which reflects their importance to the achievement of a future restoration work of the damaged area of the restinga in question.