bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Talk Between n6-Methyladenosine and Their Related RNAs Defined a Signature and Confirmed m6A Regulators for Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Zhao Xibo , Wu Han , Wang Jing , Cheng Yan , Guo Qiuyan , Liang Tian , Zhang Guangmei
Published: November 2022

Background
An RNA modification known as n6-methyladenosine (m6A) interacts with a range of coding and non-coding RNAs. The majority of research focused on identifying m6A regulators that are differentially expressed in endometriosis but ignored their mechanisms which derived from the alterations of modifications among RNAs, affecting the disease progression primarily. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential roles of m6A regulators in the diagnostic potency, immune microenvironment, and clinicopathological features in endometriosis through interacting genes.
Results
A thorough investigation of the m6A modification patterns in the GEO database was carried out, based on mRNAs and lncRNAs related to these m6A regulators. Two molecular subtypes were identified with different infiltration levels of immune microenvironment cells and clinical features using unsupervised clustering analysis. We identified two m6A regulators, named METTL3 and YTHDF2, as diagnostic targets of endometriosis following the usage of overlapping genes to construct a diagnostic m6A signature of endometriosis. Finally, we found that m6A alterations might be one of the important reasons for the progression of endometriosis, especially with significant down-expressions of METTL3 and YTHDF2.
Conclusion
M6A modification patterns play significant effects on the diversity and complexity of the progression and immune microenvironment and might be key diagnostic markers for endometriosis.
Synthesis and characterization of new Ba-Sn-Al-CO 3 hydrotalcite and its application in various catalytic synthesis
Authors: Sharma Varsha , Mishra Praveena , Srivast Priyanka , Prajapati Pooja , Srivast Sakshi , Sharma Arun , Shankhwar Virendra , Shrivastava Sanjay K. , Agarwal Dau D.
Published: November 2022

We report an easy and novel synthesis of Ba-Sn-Al-CO3 hydrotalcite (HTs) which can be used as heterogeneous basic catalyst via co-precipitation method. The HTs formation have been determined by various techniques. Basic catalyst activity has been evaluated for various reactions such as multicomponent reaction and catalytic depolymerisation process. Multicomponent synthesis of 4H-pyran derivatives (Knoevenagel condensation) was carried out and yield obtained was 95%. Moreover, production of 80% biofuel using waste plastic using catalytic depolymerisation method was also carried out. This solid base catalyst has several benefits like short reaction time, environment friendly, higher yield, easy to separate, and economical cost.
Accumulation capacity of nickel and zinc in yerba mate cultivated in soils with contrasting parent materials
Authors: Ulbrich Nayara Caroline Majewski , Motta Antônio Carlos Vargas , Magri Ederlan , Prior Stephen A. , Albuquerque Carla Gomes , Gavelaki Fabiana , Barbosa Julierme Zimmer , Wendling Ivar , Poggere Giovana Clarice
Published: November 2022

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) has shown a relatively high capacity for metal absorption and accumulation under field conditions. To further evaluate the accumulation capacity of Ni and Zn, yerba mate clonal seedlings were grown in containers under five rates of Ni or Zn (0, 0.5, 2, 10, and 40 mg kg-1) with three soils originating from different parent material (basalt, rhyodacite, and sandstone). After 10 months, plants were harvested, divided into component parts (leaves, branches, and roots), and evaluated for 12 elements. Use of Zn and Ni enhanced seedling growth under rhyodacite- and sandstone-derived soils at the first application rate. Application of Zn and Ni resulted in linear increases based on Mehlich I extractions; recovery of Ni was smaller than Zn. Root Ni concentration increased from approximately 20 to 1000 mg kg-1 in rhyodacite-derived soil and from 20 to 400 mg kg-1 in basalt- and sandstone-derived soils; respective increases in leaf tissue were ~3 to 15 mg kg-1 and 3 to 10 mg kg-1. For Zn, maximum obtained values were close to 2000, 1000, and 800 mg kg-1 for roots, leaves, and branches for rhyodacite-derived soils, respectively. Corresponding values for basalt- and sandstone-derived soils were 500, 400, and 300 mg kg-1, respectively. Although yerba mate is not a hyperaccumulator, this species has a relatively high capacity to accumulate Ni and Zn in young tissue with the highest accumulation occurring in roots.
Subtractive Genome Analysis for Identification and Characterization of Novel Drug Targets in the Streptococcus pneumoniae by Using In-silico Approach
Authors: Sheoran Sumit , Arora Swati , R Samson Raj , Singh Prachi , kala Shashi , Velingkar Aayushi , Mohamed Ahmed Khaireh
Published: November 2022

As per WHO, the pneumococcus causes one million fatalities each year because of their underdeveloped immune systems, children are the most vulnerable to pneumococcal infections. The rise of S. pneumoniae resistance to antibiotics is causing widespread alarm all across the globe. Since the last couple of years, a recently developed technique is being used to overcome resistant pathogens. One of these is the computational subtractive genomics technique, in which the bacterial pathogen full proteins are effectively decreased to a limited amount of probable therapeutic targets. The procedures employed in this strategy are to locate human non-homologs targets, proteins that are vital to the illness producing agent, and participation of the identified proteins in pathogen metabolic pathways that are required for bacterial survival. In this work, we applied computational subtractive genomics on the proteins of the S. pneumonia strain D39 and came up with three cytoplasmic proteins that can serve as a promising candidate for novel drug to control the pathogenicity caused by S. pneumoniae.
Water Cycle Health Assessment and Obstacle Factor Analysis Based on Combined Weight and Hook Trapezoid Fuzzy TOPSIS Model
Authors: Zhao Mengdie , Li Jinhang , Zhang Yuansheng , Han Yuping , Wei Jinhai
Published: November 2022

The regional water cycle reflects both natural and social processes. The health of the regional water cycle is of great significance to the sustainable development of human beings. Focusing on the nine provinces and regions in the Yellow River Basin, this study utilized the DPSIRM model, including 21 basic indicators. In this paper, according to the principle of minimum information entropy, the three-scale AHP and EFAST algorithms were combined and weighted, and water cycle health status in the nine provinces and regions was evaluated based on the hook trapezoidal fuzzy TOPSIS model. Moreover, the traditional TOPSIS model was compared with the FCE method so as to evaluate the objectivity of the results. The obstacle degree model was introduced to obtain the main obstacle factors affecting the improvement of water circulation health in the nine provinces and regions. The results show that the water circulation health status in the nine provinces and regions is tending towards health, coordination, and balance. Water consumption in the ecological environment, water consumption per CNY 10,000 of GDP and forest coverage rate are the key factors that influence the improvement of water circulation health in the nine provinces and regions. The research results herein provide a scientific reference for the nine provinces and regions to achieve a healthy urban water cycle and regional sustainable development.
Invasion history, distribution and ecology of the aquatic alien Elodea canadensis (Hydrocharitaceae) in Turkey
Authors: İkinci Nursel
Published: November 2022

Submerged macrophyteElodea canadensisMichx. is a non-native species to Turkey where it was first recorded in 1982. In this study, we aim to provide the current distribution ofE. canadensisin Turkey with notes on its invasion history and ecology. We performed field studies to measure the physical and chemical parameters of the invaded lakes. Our study is based on new field works, herbarium specimen examination and literature survey. As a result of our findings,E. canadensishas invaded 15 wetlands in eight water basins of Turkey. Eleven of the invaded wetlands, including the largest freshwater lake of Turkey have protection forms ranging from national parks, nature parks to nationally/locally protected areas. Type of the wetlands are also diverse, like drainage canals, ancient pools, karstic, crater, tectonic and alluvial set lakes with trophic status from oligotrophic to eutrophic. We found water temperature between 15.5–22.3°C, pH between 7.1–8.6, dissolved oxygen as 3.7–8,8 mg l-1, electrical conductivity as 230–610 µS cm-1, salinity between 0.1–0.29 ppt, and ammonium as 0.25–0.74 mg l-1. Elevational range of the colonized wetlands ranges from sea level to c. 2100 m a. s. l.Elodea canadensisforms single species stands in many sites, but we could totally record 22 accompanying macrophyte taxa in species rich habitats. Here we present the most comprehensive distribution and ecology data forE. canadensisin Turkey which, could be used for further research and management to understand its future spread and effect on native vegetation.
Effects of Genetic Relatedness of Kin Pairs on Univariate ACE Model Performance
Authors: Lyu Xuanyu , Garrison S. Mason
Published: November 2022

Statistical power is important for genetically informed research, especially when using publicly available datasets. Such datasets can make research conclusions more generalizable, but accurate records of zygosity are not always obtainable. Some researchers tend to fit models with other kin pairs rather than MZ and DZ twins, who have a less than .5 genetic relatedness difference (ΔR). However, no research has systematically investigated the impact of using such two groups of kin pairs on ACE model performance. In our study, we did mathematical derivations and simulations to illustrate how genetic relatedness of same-sex twins (RSS) and sample sizes influence ACE model performance. Specifically, we analyzed those factors’ impact on statistical power of heritability (h2) estimation, the overall power, and the frequency of negative estimates based on univariate ACE models. Our algebraic and simulation results suggest that heritability power, overall power, and reduction of negative estimates are positively associated with larger RSS and larger sample sizes. We also found addressing sex limitations would cause slightly worse model performance under most circumstances. Simulation results were discussed from both statistical and empirical perspectives, and suggestions are proposed for studies using kin pairs with ΔR < .5.
An Efficient Video Frames Retrieval System Using SURF Based Bag of Visual Words
Authors: Hussain Altaf
Published: November 2022

Most of the work done in the CBIR system is done using images databases of different classes. There is a Lack of an automatic video frame retrieval system based on the query image. Low-level features i.e. shape and colors of most of the objects are almost the same e.g. sun and orange both are round and red in color. Features used in most of the CBIR Paper work are non-invariant features which may affect the overall accuracy of the CBIR system. The use of simple and weak classifier or matching technique may also affect the accuracy of the CBIR system on high scale. Un-availability of datasets for content-based video frames retrieval system is also a Paper issue. In this Paper these issues will be entertained.
A novel method for determining the stress-strain constitutive relationship of high-grade pipeline weld zone material
Authors: Zhang Dong , Liu Xiaoben , Kong Tianwei , Yang Yue , Fu Mengkai , Wang Hao , Wu Kai , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
States and Micronations in Cyberspace under Public International Law: A Legal Analysis of the Case of the Republic of Errant Menda Lerenda
Authors: Zhuk Alesia
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this article is to analyse whether the Republic of Errant Menda Lerenda (¨REML¨) can be considered a micronation or a State under public international law, based on existing doctrine and the actual situation of other states similar to the REML, whose performance in the legal framework of public international law has led to a rethinking of basic postulates. Both cases analyse whether a nation and a State can exist solely in cyberspace.
For the purposes of this article, the analysis is based on the following assumptions: 1.- More than one REML can exist, and for the purposes of this conclusion, possible problems arising from the use of the same flag or name are not considered. 2.- It is assumed that the REML that is the subject of this study was created first and is the subject of the document in Appendix 1-3, which is assumed to be correct in date, content and other considerations. 3.- As a working assumption, it is assumed that the REML has a territory (consisting of a sovereign and its space) and that the entire population of the REML is a sovereign.
A high urinary urobilinogen / serum total bilirubin ratio reported in abdominal pain patients can indicate acute hepatic porphyria
Authors: Song Chengyuan , Liu Yuan
Published: November 2022

Background: Due to its variable symptoms and nonspecific laboratory test results during routine examinations, acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) has always been a diagnostic dilemma for physicians. Misdiagnoses, missed diagnoses, and inappropriate treatments are very common. Correct diagnosis mainly depends on the detection of a high urinary porphobilinogen (PBG) level, which is not a routine test performed in the clinic and highly relies on the physician’s awareness of AHP. Therefore, identifying a more convenient indicator for use during routine examinations is required to improve the diagnosis of AHP.
Results: In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed laboratory examinations in 12 AHPpatients and 100 patients with abdominal pain of other causes as the control groups between 2015 and 2022. Compared with the control groups, AHP patients showed a significantly higher urinary urobilinogen level during the urinalysis (P < 0.05). However, we showed that the higher urobilinogen level was caused by a false-positive result due to a higher level of urine PBG in the AHP patients. Moreover, a remarkable increase in the urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio was observed in AHP patients when compared to the control groups. The area under the ROC curve of this ratio for AHP was 1.000 (95% confidence interval, 1.000–1.000, P < 0.01). A cutoff value of 3.22 for the urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% to distinguish AHP patients from the controls.
Conclusion: A reported high urinary urobilinogen level that was adjusted by the serum total bilirubin level (urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio) could be used as a sensitive and specific screening marker for AHP in patients with abdominal pain.
Fault Feature Extraction of Bearings for the Petrochemical Industry and Diagnosis Based on High-Value Dimensionless Features
Authors: Su Nai-quan , Zhou Zhi-Jie , Zhang Qing-hua , Hu Shao-lin , Chang Xiao-xiao
Published: November 2022

The time and frequency domain features of a petrochemical unit have a variety of effects on the fault type of bearings, and the signal exhibits nonlinearity, unpredictability, and ergodicity. The detection system's important data are disrupted by noise, resulting in a huge number of invalid and partial records. To reduce the influence of these factors on feature extraction, this work presents a method for the fault feature extraction of bearings for the petrochemical industry and for diagnosis based on high-value dimensionless features. Effective data are extracted from the obtained data using a complex data preprocessing approach, and the dimensionless index is expressed. Then, based on the distribution rule of the dimensionless index, the high-value dimensionless features are retrieved. Finally, to ensure sample completeness, a high-value dimensionless feature augmented model is developed. This approach is applied to the bearing fault experiment platform of a petrochemical unit to effectively classify the bearing fault features, which benefits theoretical guidance for the feature extraction of bearings for a petrochemical unit.
Compositional trends in Ba-, Ti-, and Cl-rich micas from metasomatized mantle rocks of the Gföhl Unit, Bohemian Massif, Austria
Authors: Zelinková Tereza , Racek Martin , Abart Rainer
Published: November 2022

Ba-, Ti-, and Cl-rich micas associated with other Ba- and/or Cl-rich minerals in the rock matrix or in garnet and clinopyroxene hosted multiphase solid inclusions (MSI) are observed in mantle-derived garnet pyroxenites. The micas show extremely high variability in chemical composition ranging between Ba-rich phlogopite, chloroferrokinoshitalite, and oxykinoshitalite. Elemental covariation trends in mineral chemical data reveal the principal substitution mechanisms responsible for the observed chemical variability. The substitution Ba2+Al3+ ↔ K1+Si4+ associated with either OH1– ↔ Cl1– or Ti4+2O2– ↔ Mg2+2OH1 links phlogopite to chloroferrokinoshitalite and oxykinoshitalite, respectively, whereas the substitution Ti4+2O2– ↔ Fe2+2Cl1– links chloroferrokinoshitalite to oxykinoshitalite. The preferred incorporation of Cl in Fe-rich mica and of Ti+O in Mg-rich mica indicates that XFe (Fetot/Fetot+Mg) exerts an important control on mica composition. The positive correlation of XFe with Cl led to the formation of possibly the most Cl-rich mica so far described classified as chloroferrokinoshitalite (XFe0.88, Ba0.95K0.03Fe2.68Mg0.37Al1.91Si2.01Cl1.98) with 10.98 wt% Cl. Substantial substitution of OH– by Cl– and O2– in mica, and the presence of Cl-apatite, a rare Cl-rich phosphate goryainovite, and carbonates together with Cl-rich micas indicate high-Cl and -CO2 activity and low-H2O activity in metasomatizing fluids or melts that may be classified as Ba-Cl-rich silicocarbonatitic. The coexistence of two micas with distinct compositions close to chloroferrokinoshitalite (XFe0.57–0.77, K~0.1Ba0.6–0.8Mg0.7–1.3Fe1.7–2.3Ti0.0–0.1 Si2.2–2.3Al1.5–1.7Cl1.2–1.8) and oxykinoshitalite (XFe0.19–0.20, K~0.3Ba~0.5Mg2.0–2.1Fe~0.5Ti0.2–0.4Si2.4–2.6Al~1.8Cl~0.3) suggests that a miscibility gap exists between these two compositions. The exotic mineral assemblage was formed by interaction with metasomatizing fluids or melts whose origin cannot be defined with certainty. They may be derived from crustal or mantle lithologies or from the host garnet pyroxenites. The textural position of the MSI in garnet and their characteristic mineral assemblages indicate that they have been introduced into the garnet crystals under post-peak conditions, possibly during decompression. With this research we document substitution mechanisms in Ba-, Ti-, and Cl-rich micas and shed light on the behavior and composition of fluids or melts at the upper mantle/lower crust interface.
SEASONAL METAL POLLUTION LEVEL AND ECOLOGICAL RISKS OF THE SUPERFICIAL SEDIMENTS FROM A TROPICAL LAGOON AREA
Authors:   Constitution and Reaction Matter Laboratory (CRML), UFR SSMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 B.P. 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire., Agole Mahi Arthur Mahi , Marcel Konan Yao ,   Constitution and Reaction Matter Laboratory (CRML), UFR SSMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 B.P. 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire., Jean Stephane Claon ,   Department of Public Health, Hydrology and Toxicology (DP2HT), UFR SPB, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 BP 1306 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire.,   Water Quality Analysis and Control Laboratory (LACQUE), National Drinking Water Office (ONEP), Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, 04 BP 42 Abidjan 04., Albert Trokourey ,   Constitution and Reaction Matter Laboratory (CRML), UFR SSMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, 22 B.P. 582 Abidjan 22, Cote dIvoire.
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to the assessment of the seasonal level metal contamination of the superficial sediments from the lagoon area II and to deduce the likely seasonal ecological risks which results. This study were conducted during one year (from June 2020 to May 2021) and the concentration in eight trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Ni and, Zn) of these substrates, obtained in this period, were used. Seven metal contamination indexes, six ecological risks indexes and, two sediment qualities guidelines were used for this purpose. The results highlighted the very severe contamination of these superficial sediments in all season by all these trace metals in the whole, especially by As, Cd and Hg. So, the seasonal ecological risks for its fauna, particularly for its benthic fauna, were very severe. The population of its benthic fauna threatened by this pollution was relatively important, to 21% in this period.
PREVALENCE OF GLAUCOMA IN NORTH COSTAL ANDHRA PRADESH
Authors:   Associate Professor Gitam Institute of Medical Sciences. Visakhapatnam., Satyanarayana MD. K.V.V , Vanisree M.S T. ,   Assistant Professor. Govt. Regional Eye Hospital Visakhapatnam., Narasimaharao MS. DO V.V.L. ,   Professor: Gitam Institute of Medical Sciences. Visakhapatnam.
Published: November 2022

Aim: To study the prevalence of Glaucoma and its sub types in North costal Andhra Pradesh in South India. Results: Among the total number of 2,98,971 General ophthalmic OPD individuals, 4836 individuals referred to Glaucoma clinic on suspicion of glaucoma and 4320 patients are confirmed to have glaucoma after doing relevant investigations. 1884 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 1057 Primary Angle closure disease (PACD), 702 glaucoma suspect or at risk, 82 Juvenile Open angle glaucoma, 43 Normal Tension Glaucoma, 41 Ocular hypertension, 489 Secondary glaucoma, 22 congenital & Developmental Glaucoma are identified. Conclusion: This study revealed the prevalence of various subtypes of glaucoma which varies ethnic wise. The prevalence of POAG is more (43.6%), followed by PACG (24.5%), secondary glaucoma (11.3%), Juvenile Open angle glaucoma (1.9%), Normal Tension Glaucoma (1%), ocular hypertension (0.9%), congenital glaucoma (0.5%).
STUDY OF DRY EYE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Divate Akshay , Chavan Waman , Suvarnkar Vasant
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Not much attention is given to evaluation of ocular surface abnormalities in diabetics. This study has been carried out to evaluate factors like age, sex, duration of diabetes in causing dry eye in type 2 diabetics along with evaluation of tear film stability using various tests like Schirmers test and Tear film break up time. Materials and Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, 50 patients were examined, who were a diagnosed case of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Detailed history, anterior segment evaluation was done. Ocular surface evaluation was done using tear film break up time and Schirmers test. Ocular surface disease index Questionnaire was taken. Results:Among 50 patients with diabetes 46% of patients had dry eye. All patients who had diabetes for more than 20 years had dry eye and just 31.57% had dry eye who had diabetes for less than 5 years. It was found that Diabetics showed reduced Schirmer, TBUT measurements. Conclusion:Patients with type II diabetes have higher prevalence of dry eye.Evaluation of diabetic patients using the OSDI questionnaire canbe helpful in identifying dry eye in early stages.Significant reduction in TBUT and Schirmer test was found indiabetic patients.
STRUMA OVARII: ABOUT A CASE AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors:   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Guazzar A. El , Ajeram H. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Jouabri B. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Ghanmi A. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Zeroual A. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Ramraoui M.S. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Fassi Fihri M.J. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Baba H. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Lahkim M. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Elkhader A. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh., Elbarni R. ,   Department of General Surgery, Avicenna Military Hospital, Marrakesh.
Published: November 2022

Struma ovarii or ovarian goiter is a rare ovarian tumor which belongs to the group of monodermal teratomas. This tumor may be associated with signs of hyperthyroidism and it is benign most of the time. An increase of CA125 levels in the serum can potentially lead to a mis-diagnosis of malignant ovarian carcinoma preoperatively. The diagnosis is usually made on histopathology. Given the risk of malignant transformation, surgical treatment remains the only therapeutic option with a good prognosis. Our patient had an unilateral multilobed ovarian mass with ascites, without signs of hyperthyroidism, an oophorectomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of struma ovarii.
KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BREASTFEEDING - A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY AMONG POSTPARTUM MOTHERS IN A NORTH INDIAN STATE
Authors:   Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Nursing, Himalayan College of Nursing, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand., Frederick Neha , Viswanath Lekha ,   Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Himalayan College of Nursing, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Published: November 2022

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge regarding breastfeeding among postpartum mothers who attended immunization clinics in four maternity hospitals in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Setting: Four maternity hospitals in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Participants: 400 postpartum mothers (up to 6 months) Methods: The data was collected after obtaining University ethical clearance and administrative permissions from the four maternity hospitals in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. 400 postpartum mothers who attended the immunization clinics (up to 6 months) were approached through convenience sampling technique. The participants were explained about the purpose of the study. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participants were selected. Informed consent was taken from the participants. The demographic data and breastfeeding related knowledge questionnaire was collected from the participants. Results: Only [46(11.5%)] postpartum mothers had good breastfeeding knowledge, [255(63.7%)] had average knowledge and [99(24.8%)] mothers had poor breastfeeding knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 4.94Â±1.92 (maximum score = 12 with mean score % = 41.16). Conclusions: Mothers knowledge is a key factor for improving breastfeeding rates. The majority of the mothers attending immunization clinics were having insufficient knowledge regarding breastfeeding. This underlines the need for the involvement of health care professionals in educating mothers about breastfeeding. Implications for Practice: While developing countries strive to increase institutional births, there is a growing demand for a healthy atmosphere for breastfeeding in health care facilities. Improving the knowledge of expecting mothers in the antenatal period itself can bring in a lot of change in practice of breastfeeding as breastfeeding knowledge is an important factor for improving breastfeeding outcomes. Antenatal counseling regarding breastfeeding, arrangement of child birth classes to couples, provision of guidance and support, are some of the steps which can enhance confidence in mothers and can lead to successful establishment of breastfeeding.
Extraction Induced by Microemulsion Breaking and Square Wave Voltammetry: A Promising Union to Monitor Cd, Pb and Cu in Biodiesel
Authors: Krause Cristian , Schneider Alexandre , da Silva Márcia , Mazzei Marina , Kolling Leandro , Leal Fernando
Published: November 2022

A new approach involving square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was developed to simultaneously determine cadmium and lead and, in the same cell, sequentially copper, in biodiesel after extraction induced by microemulsion breaking. The composition of the water-in-oil microemulsion involved 10.50 mL biodiesel, 4.20 mL n-propanol and 0.30 mL of the 6.0 mol L-1 HNO3 solution. The extraction was carried out by adding 1.10 mL ultrapure water resulting in two well separated phases: an upper organic phase, and a lower aqueous phase containing the analytes. The apparatus comprised a portable potentiostat and a cell with an in situ plated mercury film glassy carbon electrode as working electrode. The limits of detection for Cd, Pb and Cu were 0.33, 0.48 and 0.66 μg L-1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery assays of spiked samples and by analyzing a standard reference material.
Model-Data Fit using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and The Sample-Size-Adjusted BIC
Authors: Kasali Jimoh , Adeyemi Adediwura Alaba
Published: November 2022

The study determined if the 1PL, 2PL, 3PL and 4PL item response theory models best fit the data from the 2016 NECO Mathematics objective tests. Ex-post facto design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised 1,022,474 candidates who enrolled and sat for June/July SSCE 2016 NECO Mathematics Examination. The sample comprised 276,338 candidates who sat for the examination in three purposively Geo political zones in Nigeria (i.e., S/West, S/East and N/West). The research instruments used for the study were Optical Marks Record Sheets for the National Examination Council (NECO) June/July 2016 SSCE Mathematics objectives items. The responses of the tests were scored dichotomously. Data collected were analyzed using 2loglikelihood chi-square. The results of the likelihood ratio test revealed that 2PL fitted the data better than 1PL was statistically significant (χ2 (59) = 820636.1, p 0.05); the 2PL model fitted the data better than the 1PL model; 3PL model fitted the data better than the 2PL model and the result showed that the 4PL model fitted the data better than the 3PL model and the Likelihood ratio test that 4PL model fitted the data better than 3PL model was statistically significant, (χ2(60)=216159.2, p0.05). The study concluded that four-parameter logistic model fitted the 2016 NECO Mathematics test items.Keywords: Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), one parameter model, two parameter model, three parameter model, four parameter model.
Recent Advancements in the Discovery of MDM2/MDM2-p53 Interaction
Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Bhatia Neha , Khator Rakesh , Kulkarni Swanand , Singh Yogesh , Kumar Pradeep , Thareja Suresh
Published: November 2022

Discovery of MDM2 and MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitors changed the direction
of anticancer research as it is involved in about 50% of cancer cases globally. Not only
the inhibition of MDM2 but also its interaction with p53 proved to be an effective strategy
in anticancer drug design and development. Various molecules of natural as well as
synthetic origin have been reported to possess excellent MDM2 inhibitory potential. The
present review discusses the pathophysiology of the MDM2-p53 interaction loop and
MDM2/MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitors from literature covering recent patents. Focus
has also been put on characteristic features of the active site of the target and its desired
interactions with the currently FDA-approved inhibitor. The designing approach of previously
reported MDM2/MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitors, their SAR studies, in silico
studies, and the biological efficacy of various inhibitors from natural as well as synthetic
origins are also elaborated. An attempt is made to cover recently patented MDM2/MDM2-
p53 interaction inhibitors.
Anti-Platelet Peptides Targeting αIIbβ3 Outside-In Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Xin , Wang Jialing
Published: November 2022

Platelets and their progenitors express high levels of integrin αIIbβ3, which plays a key role
in platelet functions, hemostasis, and arterial thrombosis. Because of their quick and high efficacy, the
three anti-αIIbβ3 drugs, abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban, are regarded as potent anti-thrombotics
and clinically approved by US Food and Drug Administration. However, because they interfere with
the inside-out signaling of αIIbβ3, which is required for stable platelet adhesion and aggregation, the
application of abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban is restricted to patients undergoing percutaneous
coronary intervention. On the other hand, the outside-in signaling of αIIbβ3 in platelets appears to be
responsible for thrombus stabilization, and selective interference with the propagation of outside-in
signals might signify a new therapeutic strategy to preferentially inhibit platelet-rich arterial thrombosis
with less bleeding issues caused by way of compromised major hemostasis. The purpose of this
review is to describe the bidirectional signal transduction of integrin αIIbβ3 in platelets with a focus on
outside-in signaling, more efficient and safer anti-αIIbβ3 peptides, and the potential drug targets for
future anti-platelet research.
Targeting the Cancer Stem Cells in Endocrine Cancers with Phytochemicals
Authors: Gor Ravi , Ramachandran Ilangovan , Ramalingam Satish
Published: November 2022

Endocrine cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the hormone-producing glands. Endocrine cancers include the adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary, and ovary malignancy. Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of the most common endocrine cancer types, namely pancreatic and thyroid cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) of endocrine tumors have received more attention due to their role in cancer progression, therapeutic resistance, and cancer relapse. Therefore, finding the natural phytochemicals that target the CSCs will help improve cancer patients' prognosis and life expectancy. Phytochemicals have also been shown to have anti-CSCs and are very effective in treating various cancer types. Curcumin is a common polyphenol found in turmeric, which has been shown to promote cellular drug accumulation and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Moreover, various other phytochemicals such as resveratrol, genistein, and apigenin are effective against different endocrine cancers by regulating the CSCs. Therefore, phytochemicals have emerged as chemotherapeutics that may have significance in preventing and treating endocrine cancers.
cGAS-STING Pathway as the Target of Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Ge Hong , Dan Qinfu , Yang Yang
Published: November 2022

Immunotherapy has completely changed the treatment pattern of lung cancer and significantly prolonged the overall survival of patients, especially for advanced patients. However, a large number of lung cancer patients are unable to benefit from immunotherapy, which forces us to find new therapeutic targets to overcome drug resistance to immunotherapy. Cyclical GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS) recognizes cytoplasmic DNA and promotes the formation of cyclical GMP-AMP (cGAMP), activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING), then induces the expression of varieties pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and then promotes the cross-presentation of dendritic cells (DCs) and initiates tumor-specific CD8+T cell response, showing great potential to overcome resistance and enhance antitumor immunity. In this review，we describe recent advances in the biological function，activation mode， and current applications of cGAS-STING pathway in lung cancer therapy. We also describe the mechanisms of the inactivation of cGAS-STING pathway in lung cancer cells， hoping to promote the progress of immunotherapy of lung cancer by targeting cGAS-STING pathway.
The Interplay between Meningeal Lymphatic Vessels and
Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Chen Junmei , Pan Yaru , Liu Qihua , Li Guangyao , Chen Gongcan , Li Weirong , Zhao Wei , Wang Qi
Published: November 2022

Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) are essential for the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid,
macromolecules, and immune cells in the central nervous system. They play critical roles in modulating
neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Dysfunctional MLVs have been demonstrated
to increase neuroinflammation by horizontally blocking the drainage of neurotoxic proteins to the peripheral
lymph nodes. Conversely, MLVs protect against neuroinflammation by preventing immune
cells from becoming fully encephalitogenic. Furthermore, evidence suggests that neuroinflammation
affects the structure and function of MLVs, causing vascular anomalies and angiogenesis. Although
this field is still in its infancy, the strong link between MLVs and neuroinflammation has emerged as a
potential target for slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a
brief history of the discovery of MLVs, introduces in vivo and in vitro MLV models, highlights the
molecular mechanisms through which MLVs contribute to and protect against neuroinflammation, and
discusses the potential impact of neuroinflammation on MLVs, focusing on recent progress in neurodegenerative
diseases.
Cervical Cytology and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Serology Among
Human Immune Deficiency Virus Infected Women on Highly Active
Antiretroviral Therapy in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Osinachi Ogu Cornelius , Uwadiegwu Achukwu Peter , Onubiwe Nkwo Peter , Ifeoma-Ossy Ogu Rita , Steven Onwukwe Okechukwu , Chinonye Azubuike Nkiruka , Obianuju Onyemelukwe Anulika , Maryjoy Ifeorah Ijeoma , Uzoamaka Maduakor Charity
Published: November 2022

Background:

The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Herpes
Simplex Virus type-2 (HSV-2) infections are high and the programme for Cervical Cancer Screening
is weak in Nigeria.

Objectives:

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 co-infection and cervical cytology among
HSV-2 co-infected Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sero-positive (HIV+) women on Highly Active
Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) attending Human Immunodeficiency Virus clinic at University of
Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Active participants included 105 HIV seropositive
women on HAART and104 HIV seronegative (HIV-) women who passed inclusion criteria and
signed written informed consent. Each participant was coded with a specific number. A structured
questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic and medical history. Serum was obtained
for HSV-2 serology test for all participants and HIV screening for HIV-negative participants. Cervical
smears were collected for Papanicolaou stains and Immunocytochemistry using anti-P16INKa
antibody.

Result:

Prevalence of HSV-2+ was 50.5% among HIV+ women on HAART and 16.3% among
HIV- women, Odds Ratios [95% CI]; p-value was 5.21 [2.74-9.94]; p < 0.0001. HIV+ women on
HAART co-infected with HSV-2 significantly had more Cervical Lesions, 11.4% compared to HIVwomen
uninfected with HSV-2, 4.8%, OR [95% CI]; p-value 4.8 (1.58-14.54); p = 0.006.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of HSV-2 was significantly high among HIV+ women on HAART.
HSV-2+ co-infection could be an enhancer of Cervical Lesions among HIV+ women on HAART.
Hence, anti-herpetic agent introduction and screening for HSV-2 among HIV+ patients are recommended.
Role of Activator Protein-1 Transcription Factor in Oral Cancer
Authors: Srushti S.C. , Kumar M.N. , Hegde S. , Biradar S. , Shreedevi S.J. , Prashanth S.J. , Babu R.L.
Published: November 2022

Cancer is a multi-step process involving alterations in epigenetic and genetic processes. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a frequent oral malignancy that originates from the transformation of normal cells into malignant cells as a consequence of failures in a series of normal molecular and cellular processes. The mechanism of human carcinogenesis is often seen as a double-edged sword, with the body's system being thought to counteract the detrimental consequences of neoplastic cell proliferation while simultaneously promoting tumor development. Various transcription factors play a significant part in cancer regulation, with the activator protein-1 family of transcription factors (TFs) being the most prominent regulatory protein family. The Jun, Fos, ATF, and MAF protein families are all present in the AP-1 dimeric complex. While certain AP-1 proteins, including JunB and c-Fos, are known to be majorly oncogenic in function, experimental studies have shown that other AP-1 proteins, such as JunB and c-Fos, also play a critical role in tumor suppression. The aim of this review is to offer breakthrough information on the role of molecular mechanisms mediated by AP-1 TFs in tumor development and its environment.
The Hypermetabolic Response to Burns and its Treatment: A Literature
Review
Authors: Houschyar Madeline , Borrelli Mimi R. , Tapking Christian , Puladi Behrus , Ooms Mark , Maan Zeshaan N. , Sheckter Clifford C. , Rein Susanne , Reumuth Georg , Weissenberg Kristian , Weil Constantin , Duscher Dominik , Pförringer Dominik , Siemers Frank , Behr Björn , Lehnhardt Marcus , Houschyar Khosrow S.
Published: November 2022

Major burn injuries provoke a profound stress response marked by extreme hypermetabolism
and impaired immune function. The physiological alterations to glucose, protein and
lipid metabolism can be detected even years after the inciting burns injury and when untreated
can lead to profound wasting, fatty liver, and even death. Therapeutic strategies which target these
physiological disturbances are of paramount importance. Treating burn injuries begins with
active cooling, to minimize loss of heat and water, and nutrition, to counteract the extensive catabolism.
Providers should follow the strict guidelines published to ensure caloric requirements
are met in adult and pediatric patients, with supplementation as indicated. Several pharmacotherapies
have proven beneficial in helping to counteract and reverse these physiological changes by
lowering insulin resistance, slowing catabolism, and minimizing loss of lean body mass. The
most promising drugs include anabolic agents such as insulin, recombinant human growth hormone
(rhGH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), metformin, beta-blockers, oxandrolone, and
fenofibrate. Surgery is a necessary adjunct, either in the acute phase to debride compromised soft
tissue and prevent compartment syndromes, but also in the chronic setting to release contractures
and fibrotic strictures which may impair function. This narrative literature review provides a
synopsis of our understanding of the hypermetabolic response to burn injury and discusses the
different treatment options aiming to control postburn hypermetabolism and ultimately improve
patient outcomes.
Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography in Evaluation of
Supraspinatus Tendinopathy
Authors: Serifoglu Ismail , Guneyli Serkan , Ilker OZ Ibrahim , Tosun Alptekin
Published: November 2022

Background:

The most common etiology of shoulder pain in adults is rotator cuff tear.
Elastography is an imaging method that can report the strain and elastic modulus of the biological tissue.
We think acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography can effectively assess rotator cuff
tendinopathy.

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of ARFI elastography in evaluating supraspinatus
tendinopathy.

Materials and Methods:

We included 44 patients (22 men, 22 women, median age, 47 years; range,
20-69 years) with unilateral supraspinatus tendinopathy diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) in this prospective study. The normal tendons and tendinopathies, including supraspinatus tendinosis,
partial-thickness, and full-thickness supraspinatus tears, were evaluated with ultrasound and
ARFI elastography. The ARFI elastography values were compared between healthy and tendinopathy
groups, and the gender was compared between elastography values of the normal tendons and tendinopathies
using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

The values of ARFI elastography correlated with tendinopathy. (P = 0.001). The gender differed
between the elastography values of the normal tendons (P = 0.002) and tendinopathies (P =
0.001).

Conclusion:

ARFI elastography is a non-invasive and feasible method for quantitatively assessing
supraspinatus tendinopathy. It can be an alternative method to MRI in diagnosing supraspinatus tendinopathy.
Perspective on Aggregation-induced Emission (AIE) Materials for Pathogen
Detection
Authors: Zhou Chengcheng , Guan Weijiang , Zhu Yaping
Published: November 2022

The rapid and accurate identification of pathogens plays a crucial role in clinical practice,
which helps to prevent, control, and treat pathogenic infections at the initial stage. The current available
technologies for pathogen detection appear to be inadequate in dealing with cases such as COVID-19.
More importantly, the frequent emergence of drug-resistant bacteria is gradually rendering the existing
therapeutic options ineffective. Efforts are urgently required to focus on the development of diagnostic
systems for point-of-care (POC) detection and high-throughput pathogen identification. Since 2001, a
new class of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with good photostability, high sensitivity,
and improved signal-to-noise ratio has emerged as powerful fluorescent tools for various biosensing
and cell imaging. Based on the unique fluorescence of AIEgens that becomes stronger upon aggregation,
naked-eye detection in turn-on mode has gained a speedy development. A timely overview can not only
provide a summary of the advances and challenges of AIEgens in pathogen detection but also offer systematic
ideas for future developments. There are also expectations for in-depth interdisciplinary research
in the field of analytical chemistry and microbiology.