bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulating cavity photon dynamics by topologically curved space
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Yongsheng , Ren Yuhao , Luo Xiaoxuan , Li Bo , Chen Zaoyu , Liu Zhenzhi , Liu Fu , Cai Yan , Zhang Yanpeng , Liu Jin
Published: September 2022

Asymmetric microcavities supporting Whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) are of great significance for on-chip optical information processing. We establish asymmetric microcavities on topologically curved surfaces, where the geodesic light trajectories completely reconstruct the cavity mode features. The curvature-mediated photon lifetime engineering enables the enhancement of the quality factors of periodic island modes by up to 200 times. Strong and weak coupling between modes of very different origins occur when the space curvature brings them into resonance, leading to a fine tailoring of the cavity photon energy and lifetime and the observation of non-Hermitian exceptional point (EP). At large space curvatures, the role of the WGMs is replaced by high-Q periodic modes protected by the high stability of island-like light trajectory. Our work demonstrates interesting physical mechanism at the crosspoint of optical chaotic dynamics, non-Hermitian physics and geodesic optical devices, and would initiate the novel area of geodesic microcavity photonics.
Relationship between systemic inflammation and cognitive performance in adolescents with overweight and obesity
Authors: Caldú Xavier , Prats-Soteras Xavier , García-García Isabel , Prunell-Castañé Anna , Sánchez-Garre Consuelo , Cano Neus , Tor Encarnació , Sender-Palacios María José , Ottino-González Jonatan , Garolera Maite , Jurado María Ángeles
Published: September 2022

Background/Objective.
Excessive body weight has been related to lower cognitive performance. One of the mechanisms through which excess body weight may affect cognition is inflammation. Our study aims at distinguishing between the effects of body mass index (BMI) and those related to systemic inflammation on different aspects of cognition in adolescents with obesity and overweight.
Subjects/Methods.
One hundred and five adolescents with overweight or obesity between 12 and 21 years participated in the study. Levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factors α (TNFα) and fibrinogen were determined from blood samples. Cognitive performance was evaluated, and six cognitive composites were obtained: working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, decision-making, verbal memory, and fine motor speed. A single multivariate generalised lineal model was used to assess the influence of the four inflammatory biomarkers, as well as participants’ BMI, sex and age on the 6 cognitive indexes.
Results.
An inverse relationship between BMI and inhibitory control (F = 5.688, p = .019; β = − .212, p = .031), verbal memory (F = 5.404, p = .022; β = − .255, p = .009) and fine motor speed (F = 9.038, p = .003; β = − .319, p = .001) was observed. Levels of TNFα and fibrinogen were inversely related to inhibitory control (F = 5.055, p = .027; β = − .226, p = .021) and verbal memory (F = 4.732, p = .032; β = − .274, p = .005), respectively.
Conclusions.
Our data indicate that some components of executive functions, together with verbal memory, are sensitive to specific obesity-related inflammatory agents at early ages.
Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Mitigates Radiation-induced Lung Injury Through Anti-inflammatory Effects and Downregulation of p38 MAPK and p53
Authors: Zhang Guoxing , Sun Ni , Li Xiaohua
Published: September 2022

Background: Bioinformatics analysis technology was used to search for the core driving genes in the pathogenesis of radiation pneumonitis, and the results were verified by a radiation-induced murine lung injury model to find possible new targets for the treatment of radiation lung injury.
Method: Gene Expression Omnibus Database was used to identify Differentially expressed genes in radiation pneumonitis. DAVID database was used for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was used to analyze abnormal expressions. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape. Discovery Studio 4.5 software was used to find the preferred inhibitor of the specific gene. A radiation-induced lung injury model was induced in female C57BL/6N mice. The specific inhibitors were administered by intraperitoneal injection 24 hours before and for 7 consecutive days after radiation. Lungs were harvested for further analysis 14 days and 10 weeks after radiation.
Results: We screened Syk as one of the most important driver genes of radiation pneumonitis by bioinformatics analysis, and screened the preferred Syk inhibitor fostamatinib from the drug database. Phosphorylation of Syk was highly expressed in irradiated lung tissue, fostamatinib inhibited the level of p-Syk expression. Syk inhibitor significantly alleviated the radiation-induced lung injury, and downregulated the increased expression of p38 MAPK, p53, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue at 2 weeks after radiation. The level of TGF-β, Col1a1, α-SMA level, and degree of pulmonary fibrosis at 10 weeks after radiation was also decreased by Syk inhibitor.
Conclusion: Syk inhibitor may have a potential to be used as a targeted drug to treat radiation pneumonitis and inhibit the radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
HandWritten Digit Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ray Aman , Ameer Mahnaz , Giri Alisha
Published: September 2022

Handwriting recognition has been an active and challenging area. Handwriting recognition system plays a very important role in today’s world. At present time it is very difficult to find the correct meaning of handwritten documents as different people have different ways of writing digits or texts. There are many areas where we need to recognize the words, alphabets and digits like postal addresses, bank cheques etc. The main aim of this project is to make a GUI based application that allows users to predict the digits drawn on the interface using machine learning and shows the results in percentage how likely the prediction is correct. The project will be built using python and the application will be trained with the help of dataset from MNIST using linear regression algorithm
Paleochannel groundwater discharge to the River Niger in the Iullemmeden Basin estimated by sub- surface geophysics and piezometry mapping
Authors: MAHAMAN Rabilou ABDOU , NAZOUMOU Yahaya , FAVREAU Guillaume , OUSMANE Boukari ISSOUFOU , BOUCHER Marie , BABAYE Maman Sani ABDOU , LAWSON Fabrice M. A. , VOUILLAMOZ Jean-Michel , GUERO Abdou , LEGCHENKO Anatoly , TAYLOR Richard Graham
Published: September 2022

In drylands groundwater is often the only perennial source of freshwater to sustain domestic water supplies and irrigation. Knowledge of the pathways and dynamics of groundwater discharge and recharge is essential to inform sustainable and rational management of limited water resources. The lower valley of the Dallol Maouri in Niger represents a large fossil tributary (i.e. paleochannel) of the River Niger and drains groundwater regionally from the Iullemmeden Basin through coarse-grained Quaternary sediments. The objective of this paper is to quantify groundwater discharge within this paleochannel using piezometry and surface geophysics (TDEM : Time Domain Electromagnetic, MRS : Magnetic Resonance Sounding). TDEM and MRS experiments were conducted at 21 sites along 3 transects show respectively the mean thickness of Quaternary alluvium varies from 11 m to 18 m with the effective porosities ranging from 20% to 33% and hydraulic conductivity of 2 × 10-3 m/s. Dense piezometric surveys along drainage channel reveal hydraulic gradients of 0.2 ‰ to 0.3 ‰ that indicate Darcy fluxes of 1,000 to 2,000 m3/day (dry season, i.e. minimum value). Paleochannel discharge, which currently provides baseflow to the River Niger is the focus local demand to increase access to water for drinking, livestock watering, and irrigation.
Magnitude of Malaria and Associated Factors Among Febrile Adults in Siraro District Public Health Facilities, Oromia Regional State, South West Ethiopia 2022
Authors: Lakew Yosef Yohanes , Fikrie Anteneh , Godana Sisay Bedane , Wariyo Fatuma
Published: September 2022

Background
Despite significant efforts made to control malaria in Ethiopia the disease remains one of the top public health problems in the country. Baseline malaria prevalence and associated factor at high malaria area is important guide malaria control interventions, there was Paucity of information regarding study area. Therefor the aim of this study was to determine prevalence of malaria and associated factors among febrile adults in Siraro district health facilities, Oromia regional state, South West Ethiopia.
Methods
Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 317 febrile adult patients at Siraro district health facilities. Structured pre tested questioners were used to collect data. Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 23 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. In order to identify factors associated with malaria infection bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was employed, The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value of < 0.05 was computed to show the strength of the association.
Result
The overall prevalence of malaria at the study area was 130(41.0%).Being farmer (AOR = 6.05; 95% CI: 1.38, 26.49), having poor knowledge on malaria transmission (AOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.48, 5.88), Housing condition of wall wood (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.34–5.49) and houses with three and above windows (AOR = 6.82; 95% CI: 1.05–44.40) were found to be significantly associated with prevalence of malaria.
Conclusion
The prevalence of malaria at the study area was high as compared with the national wide figures. Being farmer, having poor knowledge on malaria transmission, Housing condition of wall wood and houses with three and above window were identified as the major factors. Therefore, the district malaria program officer, health workers in health facility and health extension workers should have to improve the knowledge of community on the way of malaria prevention.
On the potential of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation to reduce visually induced motion sickness
Authors: Molefi Emmanuel , McLoughlin Ian , Palaniappan Ramaswamy
Published: September 2022

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a potent therapeutic tool for a broad spectrum of diseases and disorders. Here, we investigated the effects of taVNS on autonomic function during visually induced motion sickness, through the analysis of spectral and time-frequency heart rate variability. To determine the efficacy of taVNS, we compared sham and taVNS condition in a randomized, within-subjects, cross-over design in 14 healthy participants. We found that taVNS reduced motion sickness symptoms by significantly increasing normalized high-frequency (HF) power and decreasing both normalized low-frequency (LF) power and the power ratio of LF and HF components (sympathovagal balance). Furthermore, behavioral data recorded using the motion sickness assessment questionnaire (MSAQ) showed significant differences in decreased symptoms during taVNS compared to sham condition for the total MSAQ scores and, central and sopite categories of the MSAQ. Our findings suggest that by administering taVNS, parasympathetic modulation is increased, and autonomic imbalance induced by motion sickness is restored. This study provides first evidence that taVNS has potential as a non-pharmacological neuromodulation tool to keep motion sickness at bay. Thus, this sheds new light towards protecting people from becoming motion sick and possible accelerated recovery from the malady.
A genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen reveals FSP1 as warfarin-resistant vitamin K reductase
Authors: Jin Da-Yun , Chen Xuejie , Liu Yizhou , Williams Craig M. , Pedersen Lars C. , Stafford Darrel W. , Tie Jian-Ke
Published: September 2022

Vitamin K is a vital micronutrient implicated in a variety of human diseases1. Warfarin, a vitamin K antagonist, is the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulant2. Warfarin exerts its effect by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) leading to the depletion of reduced vitamin K, a cofactor of gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) required for the post-translational modification of proteins with diverse functions. Patients overdosed on warfarin can be rescued by administering high doses of vitamin K because of the existence of a warfarin-resistant vitamin K reductase (VKR)3,4. Despite the functional discovery of VKR over eight decades ago, the identity of VKR remained elusive. Here, we report the identification of warfarin-resistant VKR using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening with a novel vitamin K-dependent (VKD) apoptotic reporter cell line. We found that ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) is responsible for vitamin K reduction in a warfarin-resistant manner. Knocking out FSP1 in HEK293 cells dramatically decreased VKR activity, while HEK293 cells overexpressing FSP1 exhibited robust VKR activity that is resistant to warfarin inhibition. Inhibitor of FSP1 that inhibited ubiquinone reduction and thus triggering cancer cell ferroptosis, displayed strong inhibition of VKD carboxylation. Intriguingly, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), another ubiquinone-associated ferroptosis suppressor protein parallel to the function of FSP15, does not support VKD carboxylation and its inhibitors have no effect on carboxylation. These findings provide new insights into selectively controlling the physiological and pathological processes involving electron transfers mediated by vitamin K and ubiquinone.
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) in river waters of central Italy: monthly variation and Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA)
Authors: Castellani Federica , Galletti Mara , Charavgis Fedra , Cingolani Alessandra , Renzi Sonia , Nucci Mirko , Protano Carmela , Vitali Matteo
Published: September 2022

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a wide class of emerging pollutants still under study. In this work, we developed and validate a sensitive analytical method based on HPLC-MS/MS for the determination of 21 PFCs. This method was then used to investigate the presence of the target PFCs in six rivers in central Italy during a 4-months long monitoring campaign. 73% of the analytical determinations resulted higher than the limit of detection (LOD). The ∑21PFCs ranged from 4.3 to 68.5 ng L− 1 with the highest concentrations measured in June month, due to a minor river streamflow occurring in the warm periods. Between the individual congeners, PFBA and PFPeA, followed by PFHxA and PFOA were the predominant congeners detected. The evidence that short and medium chain PFCs (C4-C9) prevail over the long chain PFCs (C10-C18) could be attributed to the increased use and higher solubility of short chain PFCs compared to long chain PFCs. The ecological risk assessment, conducted by using risk quotient (RQ) method, highlighted that for PFBA, PFPeA, PFBS, PFHxA and PFOA the risk for aquatic environments was low or negligible. Only for PFOA there was a medium risk in 2 rivers in June month. As regard PFOS, 54% of the river water samples were classified as “high risk” for the aquatic environment. The remaining 46% of the samples were classified as “medium risk”.
Relationships between Indices of Arm Anthropometry, Bioimpedance, and Laboratory in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Jenn-Yeu , Chen Shu-Chin , Lin Yuh-Feng , Hwang Betau
Published: September 2022

Background: Maintenance hemodialysis patients often experience protein- calorie malnutrition. Our aim is to evaluate the independent prediction accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis derived variables by the measurements of upper arm anthropometry and clinical laboratory indexes for evaluation of nutritional status of hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, the relationship between measurements of upper arm anthropometry and clinical laboratory indexes and cross –sectional evaluation of the prevalence of malnutrition with the use of the norms and thresholds were done.
Methods: In a retrospectively cross- sectional survey of 32 stable hemodialysis patients (aged 28 to 82 years) in hemodialysis unit of Taipei Municipal Zhongxiao Hospital, we evaluated measurements of upper arm anthropometry with measurements of single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and clinical laboratory indexes.
Results: The comparisons between measurements of upper arm anthropometry with measurements of single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and some of clinical laboratory indexes were statistically significant. This study further found that both mid-arm fat area and triceps skin-fold thickness were independent contributors to percent fat mass after adjustment for body mass index and gender in the hierarchical multiple regression models. This study also demonstrated that mid-arm muscle circumference, or mid-arm muscle area, or corrected mid-arm muscle area independently predicted height normalized indices of fat-free mass, respectively, after adjustment for body mass index and gender in the hierarchical multiple regression models. Prediction equations for height normalized indices of lean body mass and percent fat mass were showed. The prevalence of protein wasting measured by mid-arm muscle circumference (50%) appears to be equivalent to that measured by serum albumin concentration (50%).
Conclusions: Mid-arm muscle and fat variables by upper arm anthropometry correlated with nutritional variables of single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and clinical laboratory indexes. Mid-arm muscle and fat variables by upper arm anthropometry were independent predictors of body composition regarding height-normalized indices of fat-free mass and percent fat mass of hemodialysis patients even after adjustment of gender and body mass index.
Recent Advances in Chitosan-Based Composite Materials in Organic Transformations
- A Review
Authors: Rao Kummari Subba Venkata Krishna , Nagaraja Kasula , Adilakshmi Boddu , Lakshmidevi Jangam , Reddy Guddety Viswanatha , Han Sung Soo , Rao Kummara Madhusudana
Published: September 2022

Chitosan (CS) is a crustacean-derived bio-macromolecular base. Physico-chemical properties of CS resemble cellulose, and the chemical structure constitutes β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units. It has tunable characteristics such as molecular weight, degree of acetylation, and acetyl distribution. It is proven to be a very good support in making catalysts and functional materials. This article comprises the recently published articles using CS-based composites as heterogeneous catalysts in numerous chemical transformations of industrial relevance. In this connection, the CS-based composite materials have been successfully used as heterogeneous catalysts in a wide range of organic transformations including cycloaddition, trimethylsilylation, cyanation, Suzuki-Miyaura, Heck, Beckmann rearrangement, O-carboxymethylation, nitroarenes reduction, nucleophilic acylation (phenyl acetates from acid chlorides), Knoevenagel condensation, biomass valorization, P–O bond formation, imination, dipolar addition, and multicomponent reactions. The CS has also been used to prepare magnetic nanocomposite-based catalysts that showed easy separation and high reusability. This article is highly helpful in designing further chemical transformations where the role of the bio-polymeric base, CS may be critical.
The Genus Ageratina (Asteraceae) in America: An Insight into its Chemistry
and Pharmacological Potential
Authors: Rivero-Cruz Isabel , Gutiérrez-González José Alberto , Pérez-Vásquez Araceli , Villaseñor José Luis , Mata Rachel
Published: September 2022

Background:

Ageratina is an American genus of the tribe Eupatorieae (Asteraceae),
comprising about 320 species. In Mexico, some species of this genus are highly valued for their
medicinal properties, particularly A. pichinchensis, A. petiolaris, and A. grandifolia. Furthermore,
herbal preparations of A. pichinchensis are available for treating several mycoses.

Aim and Objective:

The present review is aimed to summarize the chemical and pharmacological
properties of 37 species of the Ageratina genus up to April, 2022.

Methods:

Data were recorded using online scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed,
Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis Imprints, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Science
Direct, JSTOR, and SciFinder. The information was gathered from research articles, relevant
books on herbal medicinal plants and the history of medicinal plants from Mexico, theses, reports,
and web pages.

Results:

The specialized metabolites present in the Ageratina genus belong to different chemical
classes, including flavonoids, benzyl benzoates, benzofurans, chromenes, and terpenoids. The
chromenes, benzofurans, and benzyl benzoates are the metabolites most widespread in the genus.
So far, the species more thoroughly investigated is A. adenophora. Ageratina has received little attention
from the pharmacological point of view. The studies are limited to 10 species. Biological
studies have been conducted on extracts and/or compounds isolated from plants collected mainly
from China and Mexico. The results revealed that the extracts and metabolites possess several biological
activities, including antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive,
antifeedant, larvicidal, acaricidal, antidiabetic, antiprotozoal, and wound-healing properties. In
the case of A. pichinchensis, A. petiolaris, and A. grandifolia, the pharmacological studies provided
evidence for their use for treating gastrointestinal complaints and diabetes. Furthermore, herbal
preparations of A. pichinchensis are now widely used for alleviating onychomycosis. A. adenophora,
is the most investigated species, chemically and biologically; however, some hepatotoxicity effect
has been recorded.

Conclusion:

This review recapitulates information on the Ageratina genus, highlighting the phytochemistry
and biological activities of the species investigated. It is important to point out that the
pharmacological potential of this large genus remains largely unexplored.
A Perspective on EGFR and Proteasome-based Targeted Therapy for
Cancer
Authors: Patel Asha , Panjwani Drishti , Mishra Deepak , Patel Shruti , Patel Viral , Dharamsi Abhay
Published: September 2022

Background:

Cancer is known to be the most leading cause of death worldwide. It is understood that the sources causing cancer are mainly the activity of endogenous oncogenes, non-viral compounds and the fundamental portion of these oncogenes; the tyrosine kinase activity and proteasome activity as the main biomarkers responsible for cell proliferation. These biomarkers can be used as main targets and are believed to be the ‘prime switches’ for the signal communication activity to regulate cell death and cell cycle. Thus, signal transduction inhibitors (ligand receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and proteosome inhibitors can be used as therapeutic modality to block the action of signaling between the cells as well as protein breakdown in order to induce cell apoptosis.

Aim:

This article highlights the key points and overview of the recent patents on EGFR and proteosome based inhibitors as a therapeutic efficacy. This review focuses on the patents related to therapeutic agent, process preparation and product patent.

Objective:

The main objective of this study is to facilitate the advancement and current perspectives in the treatment of cancer.

Conclusion:

There are numerous strategies that are discussed in these patents to improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of EGFR and proteosome inhibitors. Further, resistance of targeted therapy after long term treatment can be overcome by using various excipients that can be used as a strategy to carry drug in order to overcome resistance. However, there is a need and scope for improving targeted therapeutics for cancer treatment with better fundamentals and characteristics.
The widespread research over cancer therapy can create the path for future advancements in therapy with more prominent outcomes.
Cyclophilin D Regulates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via
Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in Acute Acalculous
Cholecystitis
Authors: Hong Kunqiao , Yang Qian , Liu Gen , Qiu Hu , Yu Baoping
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is characterized by acute
onset, rapid progression, high mortality, and various complications. Cyclophilin D
(CypD) regulates the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and is involved
in the occurrence of ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammation; however, the role of
CypD in AAC remains unclear.

Methods:

Guinea pigs of 300–350 g were randomly divided into three groups, namely
the sham group, the common bile duct ligation-24h group (CBDL-24h group), and the
CBDL-48h group. Western blot and qRT-PCR were applied to analyze the differential
expression of CypD in each group, and transmission electron microscopy was employed
to detect changes in mitochondrial structure. Inhibiting the activity of CypD by Cyclosporine
A (CsA), we evaluated the difference of mitochondrial utilizing mitochondrial
swelling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Results:

Compared with the sham group, the prolongation of obstruction aggravated
gallbladder inflammation and upregulated CypD expression in the CBDL-24h and
CBDL-48h groups. The degree of mitochondrial swelling was increased, and the opening
of MPTP was prolonged in the CBDL-24h and 48h groups. Decreasing the expression
of CypD could repress the opening of MPTP, prevent manipulation of the
mitochondrial membrane potential, and ultimately diminish the levels of intracellular
ROS and apoptosis.

Conclusion:

CypD plays a proinflammatory role in the development of AAC by regulating
the opening of MPTP. Inhibiting the activity of CypD could reduce the levels of
ROS and apoptosis, rescue the function of mitochondria and finally alleviate AAC.
Therefore, CypD might serve as a potential therapeutic target for ACC.
Insights of Valacyclovir in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Computational Docking Studies and Scopolamine Rat Model
Authors: Shah Jigna , Patel Parmi , Faldu Khushboo , Borisa Ankit , Bhatt Hardik
Published: September 2022

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impairs memory and cognitive functions in the geriatric population and is characterized by intracellular deposition of neurofibrillary tangles, extracellular deposition of amyloid plaques, and neuronal degeneration. Literature suggests that latent viral infections in the brain act as prions and promote neurodegeneration. Memantine possesses both anti-viral and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonistic activity.

Objectives:

This research was designed to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral agents, especially valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir in ameliorating the pathology of AD based on the presumption that anti-viral agents targeting the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can have a protective effect on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

Thus, we evaluated acyclovir’s potential activity by in-silico computational docking studies against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1). These findings were further evaluated by in-vivo scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Two doses of valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir (100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg orally) were tested.

Results:

Genetic Optimisation for Ligand Docking scores and fitness scores of acyclovir were comparable to donepezil. Valacyclovir improved neurobehavioral markers. It inhibited AChE and BuChE (p<0.001) enzymes. It also possessed disease-modifying efficacy as it decreased the levels of BACE-1 (p<0.001), amyloid beta 1-42 (p<0.001), amyloid beta 1-40 (p<0.001), phosphorylated-tau (p<0.001), neprilysin (p<0.01), and insulin-degrading enzyme. It ameliorated neuroinflammation through decreased levels of tumour necrosis factor α (p<0.001), nuclear factor-kappa B (p<0.001), interleukin 6 (p<0.001), interleukin 1 beta (p<0.001), and interferon-gamma (p<0.001). It also maintained synaptic plasticity and consolidated memory. Histopathology showed that valacyclovir could restore cellular density and also preserve the dentate gyrus.

Conclusion:

Valacyclovir showed comparable activity to donepezil and thus can be further researched for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cytokine Storm and Neuropathological Alterations in Patients with Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19
Authors: Tsagkaris Christos , Bilal Muhammad , Aktar Irem , Aboufandi Youssef , Tas Ahmet , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Suvvari Tarun Kumar , Ahmad Shoaib , Shkodina Anastasiia , Phadke Rachana , Emhamed Marwa S. , Baig Atif Amin , Alexiou Athanasios , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Kamal Mohammad Amjad
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), a respiratory pathogen with neuroinvasive potential. Neurological COVID-19 manifestations include loss of smell and taste, headache, dizziness, stroke, and potentially fatal encephalitis. Several studies found elevated proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 IL-8, IL- 10 IL-16, IL-17A, and IL-18 in severely and critically ill COVID-19 patients may persist even after apparent recovery from infection. Biomarker studies on CSF and plasma and serum from COVID-19 patients have also shown a high level of IL-6, intrathecal IgG, neurofilament light chain (NFL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and tau protein. Emerging evidence on the matter has established the concept of COVID-19-associated neuroinflammation, in the context of COVID-19-associated cytokine storm. While the short-term implications of this condition are extensively documented, its longterm implications are yet to be understood. The association of the aforementioned cytokines with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, may increase COVID-19 patients' risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Analysis of proinflammatory cytokines and CSF biomarkers in patients with COVID-19 can contribute to the early detection of the disease's exacerbation, monitoring the neurological implications of the disease and devising risk scales, and identifying treatment targets.
AHNAK2 Promotes the Progression of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Min , Wen Jialiang , Xu Qiding , Li Huihui , Lin Bangyi , Bhandari Adheesh , Qu Jinmiao
Published: September 2022

Aims:

AHNAK2 may be used as a candidate marker for TC diagnosis and treatment.

Background:

Thyroid cancer [TC] is the most frequent malignancy in endocrine carcinoma, and the
incidence has been increasing for decades.

Objective:

To understand the molecular mechanism of DTC, we performed next-generation sequencing
[NGS] on 79 paired DTC tissues and normal thyroid tissues. The RNA-sequencing [RNA-seq] data
analysis results indicated that AHNAK nucleoprotein 2 [AHNAK2] was significantly upregulated in the
thyroid cancer patient’s tissue.

Methods:

We also analyzed AHNAK2 mRNA levels of DTC tissues and normal tissues from The Cancer
Genome Atlas [TCGA]. The association between the expression level of AHNAK2 and clinicopathological
features was evaluated in the TCGA cohort. Furthermore, AHNAK2 gene expression was
analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR] in 40 paired DTC tissues and
adjacent normal thyroid tissues. The receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve was performed to
evaluate the diagnostic value of AHNAK2. For cell experiments in vitro, AHNAK2 was knocked down
using small interfering RNA [siRNA], and the biological function of AHNAK2 in TC cell lines was investigated.
The expression of AHNAK2 was significantly upregulated in both the TCGA cohort and the
local cohort.

Results:

The analysis results of the TCGA cohort indicated that the upregulation of AHNAK2 was associated
with tumor size [P<0.001], lymph node metastasis [P<0.001], and disease stage [P<0.001]. The
area under the curve [AUC, TCGA: P<0.0001; local validated cohort: P<0.0001.] in the ROC curve
revealed that AHNAK2 might be considered a diagnostic biomarker for TC. The knockdown of
AHNAK2 reduced TC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and induced
cell apoptosis

Conclusion:

Furthermore, the protein levels of phospho-PI3 Kinase p85 and phospho-AKT were downregulated
in the transfected TC cell. Our study results indicate that AHNAK2 may promote metastasis
and proliferation of thyroid cancer through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, AHNAK2 may be used
as a candidate marker for TC diagnosis and treatment.
Procalcitonin Biomarker for Sepsis in Postoperative Pediatric Trauma
Patients: Three Years of Experience from a Tertiary University Hospital
Authors: Albuali Waleed H.
Published: September 2022

Background:

The biomarker procalcitonin (PCT) PCT is good in detecting sepsis in postoperative pediatric trauma patients, especially those with a high suspicion of sepsis, and formu-lating a quick treatment. Its use is still limited to pediatric surgical patients, particularly those in in-tensive care units (ICUs), who are more susceptible to sepsis. The purpose of this study was to see if procalcitonin could be used as a reliable and quick biomarker for sepsis in postoperative pediatric trauma patients and were brought to the PICU.

Methods:

This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019. Postoperative pediatric trauma patients aged > 2 weeks old who were hospitalized at the PICU of King Fahd Hospital of the University due to serious trauma or post-acute surgical events were included. Within 24 hours of admission, PCT levels were measured, and again 48-72 hours later.

Results:

In our study, 31% of severely ill children developed post-surgical sepsis. When compared to the PRISM III score and 24-hour PCT level, PCT levels at 48-72 hours exhibited the largest area under the curve (AUC). With a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 65%, the predictive AUC value was estimated to be 0.71. The AUC of PCT levels at 48-72 hours was 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65-0.79; p < 0.001), indicating high predictive validity using a cutoff point > 0.10, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 68.4%, 63.6%, 45.8%, and 81.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:

PCT is a sensitive biomarker for detecting sepsis in postoperative pediatric trauma pa-tients, especially those with a high pre-test suspicion for sepsis. In addition, PCT can be used alone or in combination with other clinical findings to help formulate a rapid primary diagnosis of sepsis in this subset of patients.
Deciphering the Plasticizers for the Development of Polysaccharide based
Biodegradable Edible Coatings
Authors: Kumar Vikram , Lakhawat Sudarshan Singh , Sharma Pushpender Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Pandey Aishwarya
Published: September 2022

There is persistently a high demand for fresh fruits and vegetables all over the world. One of the crucial factors that reduces the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is temperature- dependent oxidation during transportation and long storage. Fruits and vegetables coating using eco-friendly coatings hold great advantage over the other synthetic coating materials. The fruits and vegetables coated with coating can prevent from rapid oxidation even at warm temperatures. It enhances the quality and shelf life and maintain the nutritional properties. Though, edible coatings prove to be beneficial, the major drawbacks associated with it is the vulnerability towards moisture- dependent rapid degradation of these fruits and vegetables. Use of appropriate plasticizers would be helpful in enhancing the moisture and oxidation resistance. The current review article will highlight the use of various plasticizers used with polysaccharide-based coatings.
Medical Students’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Radiology:
The Current Understanding and Impact on Radiology as a Future
Specialty Choice
Authors: Alamer Ali
Published: September 2022

Background:

Medical students' career choices and motivations might be significantly impacted by the rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the recent hype around it.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the impact of AI on medical students’ preferences for radiology as a future specialty choice.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2021 among all medical students in the three regional medical colleges in Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia.

Results:

The survey resulted in 319 complete responses. Among the respondents, 26.96% considered radiology to be one of their top three future specialty choices. Only a minority of the respondents (23.2%) believed that radiologists would be replaced by AI during their lifetime. The misperceptions of the potential impact of AI led 22.26% of the students to be less likely to consider a career in radiology. Students with an interest in radiology were less influenced by such misperceptions (p=.01). Based on self-reported confidence measures, the basic understanding of AI was higher among students with an interest in radiology and students with prior exposure to AI (p<.05).

Conclusion:

The students' preferences for radiology as a future specialty choice were influenced by their misperceptions of the potential impact of AI on the discipline. Students' interest in radiology and prior exposure to AI helped them grasp AI and eliminate the hype around it.
COVID-19 and Diabetes: will Novel Drugs for Diabetes Help in COVID-19?
Authors: Prabhakar Pranav Kumar , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Al-Kuraishy Hayder Mutter , Al-Gareeb Ali Ismail , Mostafa-Hedeab Gomaa , Dubey Rupal
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has afflicted more than 245.37 million individuals worldwide and resulted in more than 4.9 million deaths as of today, with a mortality rate of 2.1%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its secondary complications are the major serious global health concerns today due to its growth rate, and it is the fastest-growing non-communicable disease. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data, one out of 11 adults is diabetic, and the projection says that the figure will reach 642 million by 2040 globally. The occurrence of DM and its secondary complications is also associated with the severity of COVID-19 and high mortality. People with DM have a weakened immune system owing to innate immunity defects affecting phagocytosis, neutrophil chemotaxis, and cellmediated immunity; however, the high prevalence of diabetes in serious cases of COVID-19 may reflect the higher prevalence of type 2 DM (T2DM) in older people. Moreover, DM is linked to cardiovascular illness in older people, which could underlie the correlation between COVID-19 and fatal outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 infects via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is found in pancreatic islets, and infection with SARS-CoV-1 has been linked to hyperglycemia in individuals who do not have DM. And hence diabetic patients need to take more precautions and maintain their blood glucose levels. Many pieces of research say that COVID-19 and DM, especially its secondary complications are interlinked. But it also needs more elaborative evidence on whether the anti-diabetic drugs can manage only blood glucose or SARS-CoV-2.
Natural Product Ligands of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma as Anti-Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Derangula Madhavi , Ruhinaz Kumarla Kaluva , Panati Kalpana , Subramani Parasuraman Aiya , Tatireddigari Venkatramana Reddy Arva , Narala Venkata Ramireddy
Published: September 2022

Immunologists have long considered inflammation to be a two-edged sword. Short-term inflammation can be beneficial, but long-term chronic inflammation is damaging. Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cancer have recently been added to the never-ending list of inflammatory diseases. The nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is involved in inflammation and obesity. Clinicians employed PPAR-γ agonists, both synthetic and natural, to treat disorders such as obesity and T2D without fully understanding the biochemical features and potential adverse effects. This is one of the reasons for the controversy surrounding the thiazolidinedione class of medicines, including rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. Nonetheless, various natural PPAR-γ ligands, including endogenous physiological ligands, are discovered regularly around the world. This review aims to summarise the physiochemical properties and possible antiinflammatory actions of ligands discovered in nature. Future research in this area should be supported in order to find improved commercial PPAR-γ ligand anti-inflammatory products.
Effect of Dispersed Aqueous Droplet Volume Fraction on the Rheology and Structure of Water-in-oil Emulsions Stabilized with Fat Crystals
Authors:   Ryerson University, Hislop Veronica , Rousseau Derick ,   Ryerson University
Published: September 2022

High-calorie foods such as margarine and butter consist of fat crystal-stabilized emulsions comprising a dispersed aqueous phase stabilized by a 3D matrix of fat crystals. The objective of this study was to investigate how the rheology and structure of fat crystal-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions are affected by the aqueous droplet volume fraction in which there is little interaction between the dispersed and continuous phases. Emulsions at water loads containing up to 40 wt% were prepared with a continuous phase consisting of a mixture of soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), which limits interactions between dispersed droplets and the continuous fat crystal network. Results showed that presence of water up to 10 wt% resulted in a higher rigidity whereas increasing water content from 10 wt% to 40 wt% reduced it. Via polarized light microscopy, the emulsions showed evidence of network stabilization given the presence of a fat crystal network around the dispersed aqueous phase. The outcomes of this study further contribute to the knowledge base underpinning the contribution of dispersed droplets on the consistency of fat crystal-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions.
Tuning Suspension Rheology in Hybrid Capillary Suspension-oleogels for Edible Oil Structuring
Authors:   Ryerson University, Simoes Selvyn , Rousseau Derick ,   Ryerson University
Published: September 2022

Awareness surrounding the negative health effects of saturated fat continues to result in their removal from processed foods. One of the key tools to structure oil is oleogelation, which relies on the formation of a self-assembled crystalline or fibrillar network that entraps liquid oil and results in a viscoelastic material. Yet, a significant impediment to the uptake of oleogelation by the food industry is the stability of oleogels once food dispersions such as powders are incorporated within them. Here, we propose the development and characterization of a hybrid method for structuring edible oils that relies not only on oleogelation, but also on the use of capillary suspensions. For particles suspended in an edible oil, the addition of a small amount of water can lead to the formation of capillary bridges between particles which greatly hinders particle sedimentation and results in a gelled state with solid-like properties. Our focus is on the combination of wax oleogels made with hexatriacontane and capillary suspensions consisting of surface-modified glass beads with a range of hydrophobicities. The compositions tested consist of ca. 33 wt% particles, up to 15 vol% water, up to 2 wt% wax with the remainder being canola oil. We demonstrate that surface molecular interactions play an important role in capillary network formation, morphology, wax crystallization and oleogelation. We show that particle polarity dictates the required volume of water needed to form sample-spanning capillary networks. Hydrophobic particles cause hexatriacontane to crystallize at higher temperatures without altering crystallinity. The hybrid materials possess tunable elasticity corresponding to the amount of added water, while the firmness of the material is controlled by the wax content. This study shows that by tailoring the composition of the hybrids, we can develop materials with a library of textures that range from pourable materials to self-supporting gels.
Comparing Physical Stability of Ultrasound and Pickering Emulsion Fortified with Vitamin D
Authors:   Inonu University, Uluata Sibel , Avci Seymanur ,   Inonu University, Durmaz Gokhan ,   Inonu University
Published: September 2022

"Vitamin D is one of the important fat-soluble vitamins for human health. The fact that this vitamin is much lower or higher than needed creates some problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized fortification as the most effective and safest method to meet the daily requirements of Vitamin D, addressing malnutrition. However, it has numerous difficulties such as loss during processing and storage during food fortification. In recent developments in nanotechnology, microencapsulation technique such as emulsion has great potential to design efficient nanomaterials with desired functionality for fortifying potentiators such as vitamin D. In this study, the effect of emulsifier type and different oil types on the formation and stability of emulsions was determined by measuring the changes in droplet properties (size and charge) under pH, salt and temperature conditions. Emulsion fortified with vitamin D was prepare by using oil phase (linseed, sunflower and MCT oil), emulsifier (pea and lentil protein) with ultrasonication and pickering emulsion method. The mean particle diameter of the pea protein-linseed oil-water emulsions formed using the ultrasonication method was 0.21 µm and the droplet charge was -37.3 mV. In the Pickering emulsion method, the mean particle diameter was 0.17 µm and the droplet charge was -26.75 mV. Also, particle size were 0.24, 22.14, 0.15 µm and particle charge were 24.60, -19.65, -27.80 mV at pH 3, 5 and 7, respectively. In addition, the particle size of pickering emulsion did not dramtically change at 30˚C and 90˚C temperatures and at 100 mM and 500 mM salt concentrations. As a result, pickering emulsion was physically more stable than ultrasound emulsion. This study was supported by Inonu University Scientific Research Projects Unit with The Project number :FYL-2021-2355"