bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of normobaric hypoxia exposure and exercise on attention
Authors: Andreossi Julia C. , Ribeiro Felipe A. , Bertucci Danilo R. , Papoti Marcelo
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Environment with low oxygen availability can have detrimental effects on cognitive abilities. Nevertheless, exercise can have beneficial effects on cognitive abilities, and these effects may vary with the environment. Therefore, it is important for the performance of individuals to understand the uncertainties about the conditions that can compromise cognitive function.
AIM: To identify which hypoxic conditions can cause attention disturbance.
METHOD: A total of fourteen volunteers (24.4 ± 3.9 years old; 82.8 ± 14.9 kg weight; 178.6 ± 7.9 cm height) participated in this single-blind, randomized, with a within-subjects design study. Participants completed an adapted version of the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT) before and after exposure in normoxia and hypoxia (FIO 2 = 0.209 and 0.138, respectively), in two conditions: (i) at rest for 30 minutes and (ii) under exhaustive effort. The data were analyzed using a Bayesian statistical approach.
RESULTS: SCWT performance under hypoxic conditions showed no difference compared with exposure moments (before and after), as well as showed no difference compared with normoxic conditions. The SpO 2 in hypoxic conditions was significantly lower than in normoxia conditions, unlike HR, which revealed no difference. The hypoxia dose at rest and under exhaustive effort was 2.5 and 0.8 %.h, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Despite a drop in SpO 2 and with hypoxia doses equivalent to 2.5 and 0.8 %.h, it was not possible to confirm differences in the indices related to attention. This indicates the existence of a minimum hypoxia dose to affect cognitive performance.
Reflections from expert throws coaches on the use of attentional focus cues during training
Authors: Zhuravleva Tatiana A. , Aiken Christopher  A. , Partridge Julie A.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Previous research in motor learning shows that adopting an external focus of attention significantly benefits performance and learning among novice participants. Research has been fairly limited in regards to the attentional focus reported to be used by highly skilled performers or coaches. Fairbrother et al. (2016) suggested that experts might utilize more complex attentional strategies than a simple dyad of internal or external foci.
AIM: The purpose of the present study was to examine attentional focus cues utilized by elite track and field throws coaches during practice and competition.
METHOD: Fifteen NCAA track and field coaches completed a questionnaire related the instructions they provide their athletes during practice. Meaning units that related to attentional focus were extracted from the questionnaires and categorized into associative and dissociative cues. The cues were then categorized for various attentional focus strategies.
RESULTS: Results showed that elite coaches utilized multiple attentional focus strategies which included internal, external, and holistic focus cues. The most common attentional focus utilized with collegiate throwers was that of a holistic focus, which directs attention to the general feeling of the movement (Becker et al. 2019). It was observed that elite throws coaches alter their focus of attention instruction based on their unique style of coaching and the perceived needs of the athlete.
CONCLUSION: This research shows that attentional focus is not as simple as adopting one focus strategy for all individuals within all contexts.
Phase I Trial of 99mTc-1-Thio-D-glucose for Imaging of Lymphomas
Authors: Chernov Vladimir , Dudnikova Ekaterina , Zelchan Roman , Medvedeva Anna , Rybina Anstasiya , Bragina Olga , Goldberg Viktor , Muravleva Albina , Sörensen Jens , Tolmachev Vladimir
Published: May 2022

Like 18F-FDG, 99mTc-1-thio-D-glucose (99mTc-TG) also binds to GLUT receptors. The aim of this Phase I study was to evaluate the safety, biodistribution and dosimetry of 99mTc-TG. Twelve lym-phoma patients were injected with 729±102 MBq 99mTc-TG. Whole-body planar imaging was per-formed in 10 patients at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after injection. In all 12 patients SPECT/CT (at 2 h) and SPECT (at 4 and 6 h) imaging was performed. Vital signs and possible side effects were monitored during imaging and up to 7 days after injection. 99mTc-TG injections were well tolerated and no side effects or alterations in blood and urine analyses data were observed. The highest absorbed dose was in the kidneys and urinary bladder wall, followed by the adrenals, prostate, bone mar-row, lungs, myocardium, ovaries, uterus, liver and gall bladder wall. 99mTc-TG SPECT/CT re-vealed foci of high activity uptake in the lymph nodes of all nine patients with known nodal le-sions. Extranodal lesions were detected in all nine cases. In one patient, a lesion in the humerus head, which was not detected by CT, was visualized using 99mTc-TG. Potentially, 99mTc-TG SPECT can be considered as an additional diagnostic method for imaging GLUT receptors in lymphoma patients.
Immunomodulation of Melanoma by Chemo-Thermo-Immuno-Therapy Using Conjugates of Melano-Genesis Substrate NPrCAP and Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Tamura Yasuaki , Ito Akira , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Kamiya Takafumi , Torigoe Toshihiko , Honda Hiroyuki , Yamashita Toshiharu , Uhara Hisashi , Ito Shosuke , Jimbow Kowichi
Published: May 2022

A major advance of drug discovery and targeted therapy directed to cancer cells may be achieved by exploitation and immunomodulation of their unique biological property. This re-view summarizes our efforts to develop novel chemo-thermo-immuno-therapy (CTI therapy) by conjugating a melanogenesis substrate, N-propionyl cysteaminylphenol (NPrCAP: amine analog of tyrosine), with magnetite nanoparticles (MNP). In our approach, NPrCAP provides a unique drug delivery system (DDS) because of its selective incorporation into melanoma cells. It also functions as a melanoma-targeted therapeutic drug because of its production of highly reactive free radicals (melanoma-targeted chemotherapy). Moreover, utilization of MNP is a platform to develop thermo-immunotherapy because of heat shock protein (HSP) generation upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The feasibility of our approach was successfully shown in experimental in vivo and in vitro mouse melanoma models and in preliminary clinical trials to a limited number of advanced melanoma patients.
Edcraft: Gamified Handicrafts as an Inspiration for Teenagers to Practice Upcycling
Authors: Tan Xin Yee , Cheng Kin Meng , Chong Chin Wei , Koo Ah Choo
Published: May 2022

Edcraft, a recycling and upcycling event for Malaysian secondary school students, particularly in the Klang Valley area in 2020. The event's goal was to look into gamified solutions to encourage recycling and upcycling among the students’ age group. Lectures, talks, practical exercises and games were used to teach students about climate change and environmental preservation. According to a post-event survey, the percentage of participants who recycle has climbed significantly: 76% now recycle, compared to only 24% previously. The study discovered that gamification-based activities could effectively facilitate recycling and upcycling behaviours. Such solutions can be applied to encourage behavioural changes in different contexts. By interviewing 15 Edcraft students in a focus group study setting, researchers could better understand the motivations. Themes such as 'social connections are vital', 'convenience and rewards are significant motivators', 'gamified activities help attract and engage teens' and 'environmental knowledge is crucial to prolonging recycling' emerged from the thematic analysis. This manuscript proposes gamified activities to induce a behavioural change in upcycling, and the findings yield helpful insights to fuel pro-environmental behaviours.
Min-Max Regret-Based Approach for Sizing and Placement of DGs in Distribution System Under A 24h Load Horizon
Authors: Abbas Asad , Qaisar Saeed Mian , Waqar Asad , Ullah Nasim , Al Ahmadi Ahmad Aziz
Published: May 2022

Load variations in any power system result in losses escalation and voltage drops. With the sensible and optimal allocation of distributed generators (DGs), these problems could be considerably mitigated. It has been seen in the priorly existing methods that ideally allocation of DGs has been carried out during fixed loads and constant power requirements. However, in real scenarios the loads are always variable and allocation of DGs must be done in accordance to the variations of the connected load. Therefore, the current paper addressed the aforementioned problem by distinctive optimal allocation of DGs for each variability of 24hour load horizon. However, the single exclusive solution is considered among all allocations of 24 hours. The min-max regret concept has been utilized in order to deal with such methodology. Altogether, 24 scenarios are analyzed wherein each scenario corresponds to a specific hour of the respective day. The optimal allocation of DGs in terms of their optimal sizing and placement has been carried out by using three algorithms including battle royal optimization (BRO), accelerated particle swarm optimization (APSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The multi-objective optimization problem is evaluated on the basis of minimum value criterion of the multi-objective index (MO). MO comprises of active and reactive power losses and voltage deviation. Hence, in order to find robustness of proposed technique, Conseil international des grands réseaux electriques (CIGRE’s) MV benchmark model incorporating 14 buses has been considerably used as a test network. In the end the results of three proposed algorithms have been compared.
Description of Si and Al Release from Aluminoslicate in the Acidic Condition Using Density Functional Theory: Protonated Terminal Oxygen
Authors: Zhang Chen-Yang , Yu Ya-Ling , Yang Huang , Wang Liming , Zhong Mingfeng , Lin Shaomin , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Wu Yun-Ying , Xu Wei
Published: May 2022

The molecular clusters ((HO)3Si-O-Si(OH)3, and (HO)3Al-O-Si(OH)3 ) representative of aluminosilicate mineral surface were employed to study the dissolution of aluminosilicate in acidic condition via density functional theory with the M06-2X+G(d,p) methodology. The surface termination sites (Si and Al) were both tetra-coordinated and the terminal oxygen was protonated in acidic condition. In the dissolution reaction, the calculated barrier height of the six-membered ring transition state complex containing two water molecules was predicted to be lower than that of four-membered ring transition state complex containing one water molecule. In addition, the calculated barrier heights for Al-terminated sites were predicted to be lower than those for the Si-terminated sites, suggesting that breaking the Al-O bond is easier than Si-O bond in the aluminosilicate mineral surface; the barrier heights of the surface termination sites with protonated terminal oxygen were lower than those without protonated terminal oxygen. With the fracture of Si-O and Al-O bonds, the Si and Al release from the aluminosilicate. These results confirm the experimental conclusions that the acidic condition facilitates the release of Si and Al from the aluminosilicate, and the concentration of Al leaching from aluminosilicate is higher than Si.
Antithrombotic Therapy and the Nearest Forecast of Pulmonary Embolism in Rutine Clinical Practice (Data of the Regional Vascular Center of the Ryazan Region)
Authors: Nikulina N. N. , Terekhovskaya Yu. V. , Yakushin S. S.
Published: May 2022

Aim. To perform the analysis of antithrombotic therapy and immediate prognosis in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) in routine clinical practice.

Materials and methods. During 13 months of follow-up (2018-2019) within the framework of the Russian SIRENA registry, the study included patients (n=103) with verified PE who were hospitalized at the regional vascular center. 

Main results. Thrombolytic therapy was performed in 63 patients (61.2% of the sample), of which 48 (76.2%) had no indications. In these cases, the most common reason for performance was the results of the PESI score (n=17) and/or a significant amount of damage to the pulmonary artery (n=10) and/or severe shortness of breath (n=3) and/or the presence of a thrombus in the right parts of the heart or deep veins of the lower extremities (n=2), in addition, in a number of medical records, the cause is indicated as “for health reasons” (n=6) or there were no data (n=10). Patients who underwent thrombolysis had a larger volume of pulmonary lesions, more pronounced signs of respiratory failure and overload of the right heart, as well as a shorter duration of clinical manifestations. Anticoagulant therapy was used in 94.2% of cases, of which 90.3% of patients used parenteral forms at the start, then direct oral anticoagulants were mainly used, the frequency of warfarin prescription was only 5.8% of cases. Bleeding was registered in 19.4% of patients (significant – in 11.7%). PE recurrence after diagnosis and initiation of therapy was observed in 4 cases (3.9%). Hospital mortality was 9.7%. Predictors of poor prognosis were hospitalization with a different diagnosis (risk ratio [RR] 16.2; p=0.001), advanced age (RR 10.1; p=0.028), unstable hemodynamics (RR 7.6; p=0.002), chronic kidney disease C3- 5 (RR 5.6; p=0.03), history of stroke (RR 5.3; p=0.016) and chronic heart failure (RR 3.9; p=0.035).

Conclusion. In modern clinical practice, the indications for thrombolysis often differ from those recommended, which leads to an increase in the number of bleeding and leveling of the positive effect on the prognosis. Factors such as advanced age, chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation, stroke, chronic kidney disease, hemodynamic instability, hospitalizations with a different primary diagnosis, and the need for oxygen therapy increase the risk of early mortality.
INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG LABOR MIGRANTS IN THE KALUGA REGION
Authors:   Russian Research Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Tsybikova E.B. , Lapshina I.S. ,   Kaluga Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Hospital, Kaluga, Midorenko D.A. ,   Tver State University, Tver, Gadirova M.E. ,   Russian Research Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow
Published: May 2022

Over the past 20 years, there has been a steady decline in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among resident population in Russia. However, the growth in the number of labor migrants in recent years in Russia increases the risk of the spread of tuberculosis in Russia, imported by migrants from countries with high TB prevalence. Further development of such situation may jeopardize achievement of the TB Control Program targets in the Russian regions with the highest inflow of labor migrants. Purpose: to analyze incidence of tuberculosis among labor migrants in the Kaluga region in dynamics for the period from 2010 to 2019. Material and methods: information from the Rosstat statistical surveillance forms No. 8 and No. 33, Rosstat data on the average annual population of the Kaluga region for 2001-2020, data from the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Kaluga region on the number of labor migrants in 2017-2019. Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2) was used for comparative analysis. Results: The decline rate in the overall TB incidence in the Kaluga region over the past decade (2010-2019) equaled to 47%, which is 16.4% lower compared to the rate in the resident population of 56.2%. A slowdown in the decline in the overall TB incidence, which is the key indicator of the TB control program, may compromise achievement of the Program targets in the Kaluga region. A comparative analysis of TB incidence among resident population and labor migrants showed higher values among labor migrants compared to resident population: 7.2-fold in 2017, 4.9-fold in 2018 and 7.4-fold in 2019 (p<0.0000001). Conclusion. A significantly higher TB incidence among labor migrants poses a serious threat to its spread in resident population of the region. To reduce TB incidence among labor migrants, it is necessary to introduce changes into regulatory documents to ensure treatment of labor migrants diagnosed with TB in Russia at TB health facilities.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF STUDENTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTION COVID-19
Authors:   Omsk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Omsk, Denisova O.A. , Denisov A.P. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Omsk,   Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, Novokuznetsk, Drobyshev V.V. ,   Omsk State Pedagogical University, Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, Omsk
Published: May 2022

Significance. Youth students make an individual socio-demographic group. The psycho-emotional state of young people affects their health and labor potential. The purpose of the study is to analyze transformation of the psycho-emotional state of students under the influence of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Material and methods. Sociological survey based on the author's questionnaire and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), validated in the Russian sample by N.V. Tarabrina (2001). A total of 252 three and four-year medical university students aged 19-26 were interviewed. Results. The study has identified a direct moderate correlation (rxy=0,325; p<0,05) between the confirmed previous COVID-19 infection in friends and relatives and the respondents' fear of getting sick. The majority of students with a fear of getting sick showed signs of health deterioration: palpitations, difficulty falling asleep, etc. The need to comply with the self-isolation regime contributed to the emergence of such negative emotions as anxiety, apathy, irritability. Emergence of impaired concentration of attention and fatigue in a certain share of students was accompanied by difficulties in learning. Lectures and seminars at an educational institution were the most popular source of information on the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 for youth students. Most of the respondents followed news updates once a day. Conclusion. The COVID-19 rate among friends and relatives is one of the significant social factors for transformation of the psycho-emotional state of students. Violation of the psycho-emotional state of the respondents was accompanied by various manifestations on the part of almost all organs and systems, disorders of the emotional sphere, which, among other things, contributed to the decrease in motivation to study. The results obtained made it possible to form a risk group for the development of mental disorders, requiring consultation with a psychotherapist. The influence of information sources (mass media, Internet resources, etc.) on the psycho-emotional state of the respondents was not confirmed. Scope of application. It is advisable to use the results obtained to optimize educational process in higher education institutions, as well as to plan preventive measures on screening anxiety disorders among students.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих озабоченность (VOC) на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 30.04.2022 г. по 06.05.2022 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Чумачкова Елена , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: May 2022

В обзоре представлена информация по актуальным геновариантам вируса SARS-COV-2, циркулирующим в настоящее время, геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID.
The central role of self-esteem in the quality of life of patients with mental disorders.
Authors: Barbalat Guillaume , Plasse Julien , Gauthier Emmanuel , Verdoux Hélène , Quiles Clélia , Dubreucq Julien , Legros-Lafarge Emilie , Jaafari Nematollah , Massoubre Catherine , Guillard-Bouhet Nathalie , Haesebaert Frédéric , Franck Nicolas
Published: May 2022

In psychiatry, recent years have seen a change of focus from a clinician- to a patient- centered perspective that emphasizes quality of life as a treatment target. As a complex construct, quality of life is composed of multiple dimensions that interact with one-another (e.g. physical and psychological well-being, relationships, autonomy, self-esteem). Here, we used data from the REHABase cohort, which includes N=2180 patients from 15 psychosocial rehabilitation centers in France, to explore networks of quality-of-life dimensions among six psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental, bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and personality disorders. Stronger connections (edges) involved the Self-Esteem dimension, such as Self-Esteem--Physical Well-Being, Self-Esteem--Autonomy, Self-Esteem--Psychological Well-Being, and Self-Esteem--Resilience. Self-esteem was also consistently retrieved as the most central node (the dimension with the most connections within each network). Between-group tests did not reveal any differences regarding network structure, overall connectivity, edge-weights, and nodes’ centrality. Despite presenting with different symptom profiles, various psychiatric disorders may demonstrate similar inter-relationships among quality-of-life dimensions. In particular, self-esteem may have a crucial inter-connecting role in patients’ quality of life. Our findings could support treatment programmes that specifically target self-esteem to improve patients’ quality of life in a cost-effective way.
Genetic origin of donkeys in Brazil
Authors: Alves Jackeline Santos , Oliveira Chiara Albano de Araujo , Escodro Pierre Barnabé , Pinto Luis Fernando Batista , Costa Raphael Bermal , de Camargo Gregório Miguel Ferreira
Published: May 2022

The genetic groups of native donkeys in Brazil are characterized by adaptation to the local environment. However, the donkey population in the country is declining, mainly because of agricultural mechanization and transportation that has led to the abandonment and the consequent indiscriminate slaughter of these animals. There are three local genetic groups of distinct geographic and temporal formation. However, analyses of their origin, phylogenetic relationship, and population structure are scarce. Within this context, molecular markers such as the mitochondrial control region (D-loop) are useful for these analyses. This study aimed to evaluate the variation and origin of maternal lineages of groups of naturalized donkeys in Brazil (Brazilian, Nordestino and Pêga). We detected five mitochondrial haplotypes with 18 polymorphic sites, two of them exclusively found in the Nordestino donkey. This group is more distant from the other groups. Phylogenetic analysis indicates maternal contributions of two clades (Nubian and Somali) to the formation of the genetic groups of donkeys, a fact that explains the high diversity, structure and distances of the groups. It was firstly reported here. This analysis contributes production and conservation of native donkey breeds. It also gives clues about the formation of the Iberian breeds from which Brazilian donkeys originated.
Fish Parasites as Biological Indicators of Metals Pollution in the Aquatic Environments
Authors: Mostafa Osama , Hanfi Tasneem , Abd-eltwab Doaa , Al-Shehri Mohammed , Moustafa Mahmoud , Al-Emam Ahmed , Alhamdi Heba , Nigm Ahmed
Published: May 2022

In this review the papers concerned with fish parasites that utilized as biological indicators of metals pollution in the aquatic environments and published between 2010 and 2021 were retrieved according to certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. The fish-parasite models in the retrieved publications differed widely, and only five helminthic species were considered as bioindicators with their recurrence evaluated as follows: acanthocephalan and nematodes > cestodes > trematodes > crustacea. The majority of the investigations were focused on freshwater fish. The frequency of examinations into metals bioaccumulation within the host tissues was evaluated as follows: liver and muscles > gut > kidney > gills and gonads > brain and adipose tissue. Cd was the most commonly studied metal, followed by Pb, and the remaining elements being classified as Cu > Zn > Mn > Cr& Fe > Ni > As > Al & Co > Hg, Se, Sn, Ti& V > Mg& Ba. The elements Mo, Pt, Sb, Th, U, and Sr were all tested once. In conclusion, fish parasites can be used as a biological indicator of metal pollution while also reducing metal bioaccumulation in fish tissues, as they can accumulate heavy metals in their tissues at a higher rate than fish tissues. Therefore, the parasites might act as metal biosinks or sentinels in aquatic habitats. In addition, reduced chemical absorption in animals employed in ecotoxicological studies due to parasitic infections, may confuse researchers into believing that pollution levels are minimal.
Assessment of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Mono and Hybrid Composite by Statistical Technique
Authors: MUKUNDAIAH RAVIKUMAR , Naik Rudra , Reddappa H N
Published: May 2022

In this study, experiments have been carried out by performing tensile strength, hardness and sliding wear tests of Aluminium (Al) 7075 alloy, mono-composite (Al7075 + 10% Al2O3) and hybrid composite (Al7075 + 10% Al2O3 + 5% SiC) as per ASTM. The mono-composite and hybrid-composite are developed through stircasting method. It was found that an increase of hard ceramic particulates resulted in improved hardness, enhanced tensile strength. However, hybrid composites have better hardness, improved tensile strength as compared with Al 7075 alloy. Wear studies were performed using pin-on-disc wear test rig. The wear parameters are optimized using Taguchi technique. The results have revealed that the load is more significant on wear behavior of Al7075 alloys followed by speed & sliding distance. The addition of Al2O3 and SiC particulates to Al7075 improves the tribological behavior in mono composite and hybrid composite. Micrograph studies revealed damages due to adhesion and abrasion. The moropology of the wornout surface of mono composite exibhits the side flow with deep grooves. It reveals the indication of abrasive mechanism of mono composites. The hybrid MMCs (Al7075 + 10% Al2O3 + 5% SiC) show better wear resistance compared to the monolithic and mono composites.
Use of multiple irradiations and Reference Materials as comparators in quality control of neutron activation analysis data of biological samples
Authors: GARG AMAR , Singh Vivek , Choudhury R. P.
Published: May 2022

We propose that several different reactor irradiation times followed by assaying of activity for differential counting periods may be employed for quality control (QC) of neutron activation analysis (NAA) data of biological samples. It is also recommended that three to four Reference Materials (RMs) of similar matrix but from different agencies such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna), Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (INCT, Poland), National Institute of environmental Studies (NIES, Japan) including a synthetic multielemental primary standard should always be analyzed simultaneously along with the samples. Finally, the mean ± σ values so obtained may be considered as more reliable after statistical analysis. We report our data for 20 elements in two candidate RMs Corn flour (INCT-CF-3) and Soya Bean flour (INCT-SBF-4) from the INCT, Poland where Z-score values are in reasonable range of certified values.
The impact of heat treatments on the content of beneficial substances in the most consumed vegetables in Slovakia
Authors: Lidiková Judita , Čeryová Natália , Šnirc Marek , Bobko Marek , Musilová Janette , Vollmannová Alena , Bobková Alica , Bojňanská Tatiana
Published: May 2022

In the present study, we investigated the effects of heat treatment (boiling in water, steaming) on ​​changes in the content of vitamin C, total polyphenols, and changes in antioxidant activity in garlic, onion, pepper, potatoes, and tomatoes. In the obtained extracts of the mentioned raw and heat-treated vegetables, we determined the content of vitamin C by HPLC, the content of total polyphenols by Folin- Ciocalteau colorimetric method, as well as the antioxidant activity (DPPH assay, ABTS assay, FRAP assay). The obtained results showed that the content of vitamin C, as well as the content of total polyphenols in the monitored vegetables after heat treatment (cooking in water), was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared to the content of these bioactive substances in raw vegetables. A slight decrease in vitamin C and total polyphenol content was recorded in the steamed samples. This decrease was not statistically significant for all these crops. Determination of antioxidant activity again showed a more significant decrease in antioxidant activity values (P < 0.05) (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) after boiling in water than after steaming. The heat treatment has a significant impact on the change in the content of monitored bioactive substances in the analyzed vegetables. Based on our achieved results, steaming appears to be a more gentle way in terms of preserving natural antioxidants, which can significantly contribute to the elimination of oxidative stress in our organism.
Looking Beyond the Cytogenetics in Haematological Malignancies- Decoding the Role of Tandem Repeats in DNA Repair Genes
Authors: Bhattacharya Priyanjali , Patel Trupti
Published: May 2022

Background - In cancer research, one of the most significant findings was to characterize the DNA repair deficiency as carcinogenic. Amongst the various repair mechanisms, mismatch repair (MMR) and direct reversal of DNA damage (DRD) systems are designated as multilevel safeguards in the human genome. Defects in these elevate the rate of mutations and results in dire consequences like cancer. Of the several molecular signatures in human genome, tandem repeats (TRs) appear at various frequencies in the exonic, intronic, and regulatory regions of the DNA. Hypervariability among these repeats in the coding and non-coding regions of the genes is well characterized for solid tumours, but its significance in haematologic malignancies remains to be explored. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the role of nucleotide repeat instability in the coding and non-coding regions of 10 different repair genes in myeloid and lymphoid cell lines compared to the control samples. Methods and Results - We selected MMR deficient extensively studied microsatellite instable colorectal cancer (HCT116), and MMR proficient breast cancer (MCF-7) cells along with underemphasized haematologic cancer cell lines to decipher the hypermutability of tandem repeats. A statistically significant TR variation was observed for MSH2 and MSH6 genes in 4 and 3 of the 6 cell lines respectively. KG1 (AML) and Daudi (Burkitt’s lymphoma) were found to have compromised DNA repair competency with highly unstable nucleotide repeats. Conclusion - Taken together, the results suggest that mutable TRs in intronic and non-intronic regions of repair genes in blood cancer might have a tumorigenic role. Since this is a pilot study on cell lines, high throughput research in large cohorts can be undertaken to reveal novel diagnostic markers for unexplained blood cancer patients with normal karyotypes or otherwise with karyotypic defects.
Is there a benefit of the robotic technique in patients undergoing transthoracic hybrid esophagectomy ?
Authors: Reinstaller Therese , Daniela Adolf , Lorenz Eric , Croner Roland S , Benedix Frank
Published: May 2022

Purpose Minimally invasive en-bloc esophagectomy is associated with a reduction of postoperative morbidity. This was demonstrated for both total minimally invasive and hybrid esophagectomy. However, little is known about any benefits of robotic assistance compared to the conventional minimally invasive technique, especially in hybrid procedures.Methods For this retrospective study, all consecutive patients who had undergone elective esophagectomy with circular stapled intrathoracic anastomosis using the open and the minimally invasive hybrid technique at the University hospital Magdeburg, from January 2010 to March 2021 were considered for analysis.Results In total, 137 patients (60.4%) had undergone open esophagectomy. In 45 patients (19.8%), the laparoscopic hybrid technique and in 45 patients (19.8%), the robot-assisted hybrid technique were applied. In propensity score matching analysis comparing the open with the robotic hybrid technique, significant differences were found in favor of the robotic technique (postoperative morbidity, p < 0.01; hospital length of stay, p < 0.01; number of lymph nodes retrieved, p = 0.048). In propensity score matching analysis comparing the laparoscopic with the robotic hybrid technique, a significant reduction of the rate of postoperative delayed gastric emptying (p = 0.02) was found for patients who had undergone robotic esophagectomy. However, the operation time was significantly longer (p < 0.01).Conclusions En-bloc esophagectomy using the robotic hybrid technique is associated with a significant reduction of postoperative morbidity and of the hospital length of stay when compared to the open approach. However, when compared to the laparoscopic hybrid technique, only few advantages could be demonstrated.
Differences in L-arginine metabolism and asthma morbidity among asthma patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Althoff Meghan D. , Jimenez Guillermo , Peterson Ryan , Jin Ying , Grasemann Hartmut , Sharma Sunita , Federman Alex D. , Wisnivesky Juan P. , Holguin Fernando
Published: May 2022

Background
Imbalance in L-arginine and nitric oxide (NO) metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and both diseases impact the other’s morbidity. We sought to determine whether L-arginine/NO metabolism differs between adults with asthma with or without comorbid OSA, and its association with asthma morbidity.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of 322 adults with asthma recruited in Denver, CO and New York City, NY. Data were collected on OSA status, spirometry, and metrics of asthma control and morbidity. L-arginine metabolites were quantified in patient serum. Bivariate analyses and multiple regression were performed to determine differences between L-arginine metabolism, OSA and association with asthma morbidity.
Results
Among the 322 participants, 92 (28.5%) had OSA. The cohort was 81.6% female, 23.4% identified as Black and 30.6% as Latino. Patients with asthma and OSA had significantly higher serum concentrations of NO synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) (p-value = 0.019), lower L-arginine to ornithine ratios (p-value = 0.003), and increased ornithine (p-value = 0.001) and proline levels (p-value < 0.001) compared to those without OSA. In adjusted models, OSA was associated with worse asthma control, mean difference in asthma control questionnaire of 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06 to 0.65), and asthma quality of life questionnaire, mean difference: -0.53 (95% CI: -0.85 to -0.21), after adjusting for relevant covariates including body mass index and L-arginine metabolites.
Conclusions
Adults with asthma and OSA had increased ADMA, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, and greater metabolism of L-arginine via the arginase pathway compared to those with asthma alone, indicating a possible shared pathophysiological mechanism of these diseases.
Transgenerational inheritance of paternal DNA damage by linker histone H1-mediated DNA repair restriction
Authors: Schumacher Björn , Wang Siyao , Meyer David
Published: May 2022

How paternal exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) affects genetic inheritance and disease risk in the offspring has been one of the most long-standing questions in radiation biology. While in humans, 80% of transmitted mutations arise in the paternal germline, the transgenerational effects of ionizing radiation (IR)-exposure has remained controversial and the mechanisms elusive. Here, we show that in sex-separated C. elegans strains paternal, but not maternal, IR-exposure leads to a transgenerational embryonic lethality. Offspring of irradiated males displayed various genome instability phenotypes, including DNA fragmentation, chromosomal rearrangement, and aneuploidy. We determined that paternal DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired by maternally provided error-prone polymerase-theta mediated end joining (TMEJ). Mechanistically, we show that depletion of a human histone H1.0 ortholog, HIS-24, or the heterochromatin protein, HPL-1, could significantly reverse the transgenerational embryonic lethality. Removal of HIS-24 or HPL-1 reduced the heterochromatin marker histone 3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2) and allowed the employment of the error-free Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) in the germline of the F1 of IR-treated P0 males, consequently improving the viability of the F2 generation. Our work establishes the mechanistic underpinnings of transgenerational consequences of paternal radiation exposure on the health of offspring, which may lead to congenital disorders and cancer in humans.
Thermal error prediction of ball screw feed system based on inverse heat transfer analysis
Authors: Li Zhen-jun , Tan Zhi , Chen Ye , Lu Ze-chen , Fan Yu-chuan
Published: May 2022

The thermal error of the ball screw feed system will reduce the positioning accuracy of the machine tool, and the main reason for the thermal error is the friction heat generated by bearings and screw nut in the feed system. Therefore, a time-varying thermal error prediction method of the ball screw feed system based on the inverse method is proposed in this paper. Based on data-driven and dynamic thermal network model, the heat source estimation method of ball screw feed system under unsteady thermal effect is established, and the thermodynamic equilibrium equation is deduced into explicit form for heat source load identification. Aiming at the common matrix ill-conditioned problem of load identification, the regularization algorithm is used to identify the heat source load, and the optimal selection method of regularization parameters is proposed based on Monte Carlo algorithm. Using the collected temperature experiment data and the position data of the moving nut, the dynamic heat source load, temperature field and thermal error of the feed system under the actual working condition are predicted and analyzed by using the inverse method. Finally, the accuracy and effectiveness of the prediction method are verified by experiment. The inverse method proposed in this paper has great application potential for the prediction and estimation of heat source and temperature field of machine tools and various mechanical structures.
Effect of supplementing hydrolysable tannins extract on milk proteins and productive performance of early lactating Nili Ravi buffaloes
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Pasha Talat Naseer , Saima  , Azam Burhan e , Shahid Muhammad Qamar , Ahmed Saeed , Ali Usman , Ahmad Sohail , Akhtar Muhammad Uzair
Published: May 2022

Supplementation of tannin extract with proper dosage can increase the protein precipitation, decreasing the ruminal protein losses, ensuring the availability of nutrient and their utilization in the body. Nine early lactating Nili Ravi buffaloes were selected and divided into 3 groups. Buffaloes were randomly assigned to 1of 3 treatments in a 3× 3 Latin square design. Treatments were 0, 15, and 30 g/d per animal supplemental levels of tannin extract. The period length of each treatment was 21 days. All the buffaloes were fed similar basal diet and tannin extract was mixed in concentrate. Dry matter intake and milk protein content increased linearly with increasing tannin supplementation. Nitrogen intake, apparent digestibility of nitrogen, and milk nitrogen efficiency were similar among treatments. Blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen decreased with tannin supplementation indicating reduced protein degradation. Manure scoring increased but feed efficiency decreased linearly with increasing level of tannin supplemental level. Overall, it is observed that tannin supplementation decreases blood and milk urea nitrogen and increases milk protein content and tends to increase dry matter intake.
Biotransformation of testosterone by the filamentous fungus Penicillium pinophilum
Authors: Mehmannavaz Maryam , Nickavar Bahman
Published: May 2022

The microbial biotransformation is a robust procedure in developing steroids and fungi are practical tools in this process therefore, the fungal modification of testosterone by Penicillium pinophilum was investigated. The three prominent metabolites, including 14α-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (II), 14α-hydroxytestosterone (III), and 11α-hydroxytestosterone (IV), were isolated and characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The time course profile showed that the content of the metabolites II and III began to decrease after 24 h and 96 h, respectively. In comparison, the content of the metabolite IV remained stable after 24 h. In-silico studies showed that the probability of binding to the androgen receptor remains high for all three metabolites. However, the probability of binding to the estrogen receptors α and β increased for metabolite IV but decreased for metabolite III. Penicillium pinophilum as a potentially viable biocatalyst could hydroxylate C-11α and C-14α positions and oxidize the C-17β hydroxyl group to 17-ketone in testosterone molecule.
Ultrastructure of the fertilized egg envelope from Poropanchax normani, Poeciliidae, Teleostei
Authors: Kim Dong Heui
Published: May 2022

We examined the morphology of fertilized egg and fine structure of fertilized egg envelopes of Norman’s lampeye, Poropanchax normani belongs to Poeciliidae using light and electron microscopes. The fertilized eggs with narrow perivitelline space were spherical, demersal, and have small oil droplets in the vitelline membrane. And a bundle of adhesive filaments was on one side of fertilized egg. The size of fertilized egg was about 1.49 ± 0.07 mm (n = 30) and length of a bundle of adhesive filaments with very high elasticity was about 1–3 mm. The outer surface was smooth. The adhesive filaments are distributed around the egg envelope and each adhesive filaments are joined together to form a long bundle. The around the micropyle was a peak shape with several straight wrinkles. But accurate structure of micropyle could not be observed because it is in too deep. Also the total thickness of the egg envelope was approximately12.5-14.5 µm and the egg envelope consisted two layered, an outer electron dense layer and an inner lamellar layer consisting of 10 layers of differing thickness. Collectively these morphological characteristics of fertilized egg and fine structures of around micropyle, outer surface, adhesive structure consisting adhesive filaments and section of fertilized egg envelope are showed species specificity.
The mechanisms of ion chanels involved in developmental neurotoxicity due to anesthetic exposure
Authors: Zeng Shuang , Zhu Ruilou , Fu Ningning , Li Ningning , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: May 2022

General anesthesia is an important clinical treatment drug.General anesthesia is the result of the mixed interaction between a variety of nonspecific drugs and multiple targets in the nervous system. Preclinical studies have shown that cognitive impairment and behavioral abnormalities in rodents persist into adulthood after exposure to anesthesia, revealing the potential neurotoxicity of anaesthetic drugs.Studies have shown that neonatal rats exposed to sevoflurane increase the concentration of Cl− in neurons, leading to the depolarization of GABA receptor and neurotoxicity, which eventually leads to the impairment of spatial learning and memory in rats, indicating that anesthetics may produce neurotoxicity through ion channels, but the specific mechanism is not clear.So far, ion channel has been identified as one of the molecular targets of general anesthetics.General anaesthesia drugs have been shown to affect sodium, potassium and calcium channels.Changes in these ion channels can cause neurotoxicity that can affect the nervous system.In this paper, the effects of general anesthetics on nervous system were discussed from the changes of ion channels.
Grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy and grandchild health: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qiang , Luo Ying , Zhang Hui-Hua , Li Zhong-Yue , Kankaanranta Hannu , Wennergren Göran , Sheikh Aziz , Nwaru Bright
Published: May 2022

Background
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with a host of detrimental effects on the exposed child. However, emerging evidence suggests that the adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy may be transmitted across generations. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively summarize evidence on the association between grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy and health outcomes in the grandchild.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and 10 other databases from inception to March 02, 2021, updated on October 18, 2021, to identify analytic epidemiologic studies (prospective or retrospective cohort and case-control design) investigating the association between grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy and multiple health outcomes in the grandchild in all countries and settings. Three investigators independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Random-effects robust variance estimation was used to combine effect estimates whenever possible, separately for maternal and paternal line.
Results
Twenty-four reports from 15 unique studies with 23 health outcomes and 231,478 grandchildren were included. The overall study quality was moderate. In maternal line, grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of asthma (seven studies, 148,527 grandchildren, risk ratio (RR) 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.18) and higher birth weight (four studies, 19,478 grandchildren, mean difference (g) 40.04, 95% CI 22.60 to 57.49) in the grandchild. There was suggestive evidence that maternal grandmaternal smoking was associated with increased risks of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, any cancer, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, decreased risks of early-onset myopia and small birth weight for gestational age, and higher birth length and body mass index at birth. In paternal line, grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy was not associated with asthma (four studies, 41,069 grandchildren, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.19), but there was suggestive evidence for lower intelligence quotient scores and decreased risks of early-onset myopia and intolerance to loud sound.
Conclusions
The effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy may not be limited to the exposed child, but be transmitted to the grandchild, possibly through germline epigenetic inheritance. Further public health efforts are warranted to strengthen smoking cessation programs for pregnant women.