bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulbospongiosus Muscle Frecuency Activity is Modified by Sucrose Consumption During Pregnancy-lactation and Postweaning Offspring Male Rats
Authors: Rodriguez-Antolín Jorge , Santacruz Saret Dávila , Corona-Quintanilla Dora , Velázquez-Orozco Verónica , Martínez-Gómez Margarita , Castelán Francisco , Cuevas-Romero Estela , Toledo Leticia Nicolás
Published: August 2022

Disorders of perineal musculature, as the bulbospongiosus muscle (Bsm), could cause male sexual dysfunctions, such as premature ejaculation. We determined the effect of sucrose water consumption during pregnancy-lactation and postweaning on the Bsm frequency during the urethrogenital reflex (UGR), which simulates erection and ejaculation, in adult male rat offspring. Twelve female rats were mated and grouped in control mothers consumed tap-water and sucrose mothers consumed sucrose-water during pregnancy-lactation. Male pups were weaned and assigned into four groups (n = 12 each): those from control mothers who continued drinking tap-water (CM–CO group) or sucrose-water (CM–SO group) until adult life, and those from sucrose mothers who drank tap-water (SM–CO group) or continued drinking sucrose-water (SM–SO group) until adult life. We analyzed Bsm electromyograms during penile stimulation and UGR in male rat offspring (n = 6; each group). We analyzed the frequency of the Bsm through Fourier Transform. Other males rat offspring (n = 6; each group) were killed and was collected the Bsm and processed into histological analysis. Two-way ANOVA followed by posthoc tests, considering P ≤ 0.05 significant difference. The results showed that the consumption of sucrose-water during critical stages increases significantly the frequency of Bsm during the UGR of the CM-SO, SM-CO and SM-SO. Also, the consumption of high-sugar diets changes the morphological arrangement of the Bsm. Our results suggest that a combination of a high-sugar diet during pregnancy, lactation, and post-weaning changes the Bsm morpho-physiology and could cause male sexual dysfunctions.
PIV visualization of flow pattern in left heart ventricle model with double valve replacement
Authors: Harikrishnan Satheesh Kumar , Sharma Shailendra D.
Published: August 2022

The present study elucidates the flow features evolving within the ventricle of a beating left heart model with two mechanical heart valves (MHVs) fixed in mitral and aortic positions. This configuration represents the clinical case of double valve replacement (DVR). Two types of MHVs were used – bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV) and mono-leaflet mechanical heart valve (MMHV). Leaflets of MHVs in the mitral position were aligned to mimic closely that of the anatomical mitral valve, whereas in the aortic position their alignment was varied in two different orientations. A 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to explore flow details in the mid-coronal plane of the left ventricle (LV) for 50 cardiac cycles. The heartbeat was simulated at the rate of 60 cycles per minute maintaining the ejection fraction of 45%. In BMHV cases, both the orientations of the aortic valve (AV) produced entirely different non-physiological flow patterns. But in MMHV cases both the orientations of the aortic valve produced flow patterns similar to the physiological flow patterns. The LV contraction during systole exhibited a strong dependence on the AV orientation. Energy loss (EL) due to viscous dissipation, obtained from the strain rate, shows that phase-wise distribution over a complete cardiac cycle is affected by the AV orientation, but the net integrated values show only a marginal difference for BMHV whereas a significant difference for MMHV. Based on the findings, this study suggests that consideration of the AV orientation is important for better LV performance in the DVR conditions and hence for post-surgical cardiac health.
Diverse skill of seasonal dynamical models in forecasting South Asian monsoon precipitation and the influence of ENSO and IOD
Authors: Stacey J , Salmon K , Janes T , Colman A , Colledge F , Bett P E , Sriniva G , Pai D S
Published: August 2022

The South Asia Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) issues seasonal tercile precipitation forecasts to provide advance warning of anomalously dry or wet monsoon seasons in South Asia. To increase objectivity of the SASCOF seasonal outlook, the World Meteorological Organisation recommends using a multi-model ensemble combining the most skilful dynamical seasonal models for the region. We assess the skill of 12 dynamical models at forecasting seasonal precipitation totals for 1993–2016 for the southwest (July-September) and northeast (October-December) monsoon seasons at both regional and national levels for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, using identical forecast periods, hindcast initialisation months and domain used at the SASCOF. All models demonstrate positive skill when regionally averaged, especially for the southwest monsoon season, noting considerable spatial differences. Models demonstrate highest skill in areas with strong ENSO teleconnections in the observations, e.g., central/north India and Nepal during the southwest monsoon, and Afghanistan and north Pakistan during the northeast monsoon. Models with higher skill typically simulate an exaggerated ENSO teleconnection. Model skill is especially low in northwest India and northeast of the region during the southwest monsoon, e.g., Bangladesh (despite high precipitation totals) coinciding with a weak ENSO teleconnection. The IOD teleconnection is less pronounced in the SW monsoon season, whereas the spatial pattern for the NE monsoon season closely resembles that of ENSO. Due to the high variability in model skill, we recommend including all models in the multi-model ensemble for the basis of the SASCOF forecast but discounting poorly performing models at the national level.
Equity in vaccine coverage in Uganda from 2000 to 2016: Revealing the multifaceted nature of inequity.
Authors: Ssebagereka Anthony , de Broucker Gatien , Ekirapa-Kiracho Elizabeth , Kananura Rornald Muhumuza , Driwale Alfred , Mak Joshua , Mutebi Aloysius , Patenaude Bryan
Published: August 2022

Background
This study analyses vaccine coverage and equity among children under five years of age in Uganda based on the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) dataset. Understanding equity in vaccine access and the determinants is crucial for the redress of emerging as well as persistent inequities.
Methods
Applied to the UDHS for 2000, 2006, 2011, and 2016, the Vaccine Economics Research for Sustainability and Equity (VERSE) Equity Toolkit provides a multivariate assessment of immunization coverage and equity by (1) ranking the sample population with a composite direct unfairness index, (2) generating quantitative measure of efficiency (coverage) and equity, and (3) decomposing inequity into its contributing factors. The direct unfairness ranking variable is the predicted vaccination coverage from a logistic model based upon fair and unfair sources of variation in vaccination coverage. Our fair source of variation is defined as the child’s age – children too young to receive routine immunization are not expected to be vaccinated. Unfair sources of variation are the child’s region of residence, and whether they live in an urban or rural area, the mother’s education level, the household’s socioeconomic status, the child’s sex, and their insurance coverage status. For each unfair source of variation, we identify a “more privileged” situation.
Results
DPT3 and MCV1 coverage and equity – two vaccines indicative of performance – improved significantly since 2000, from 49.7–76.8% and 67.8–82.7%, respectively, and there are fewer zero-dose children: from 8.4–2.2%. Improvements in retaining children in the program so that they complete the immunization schedule are more modest (from 38.1–40.8%). Except for MCV1, the main drivers for the lack of vaccination shifted from supply-side factors (e.g., availability of vaccines at clinics, disparities between regions) to more demand-side factors – primarily maternal education.
Conclusion
The past two decades have seen significant improvements in vaccine coverage and equity, thanks to the efforts to strengthen routine immunization and ongoing SIA such as the Family Health Days. While maintaining the regular provision of vaccines to all regions, efforts should be made to alleviate the impact of low maternal education and literacy on vaccination uptake.
UAV and Relay Cooperation Based on RSS for Extending Smart Environments Coverage Area in B5G
Authors: Saif Abdu , Dimyati Kaharudin , Noordin Kamarul Ariffin , Alsamhi Saeed Hamood , Mosali Najmaddin Abo , Gupta Sachin Kumar
Published: August 2022

In smart environments, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used as mobile base stations to deliver services to monitoring areas. However , smart devices are located outside of the UAV coverage area. Therefore, the combination of UAV and relay hops can be used to increase the coverage area to devices outside of the UAV coverage. Signal strength plays a vital role in identifying the coverage area of UAVs. This paper examines the Received Signal Strength (RSS) of the cooperation UAV and relay for improving wireless coverage and establishing large-scale communication in smart environments in Beyond the fifth Generation (B5G). The findings show that UAV cooperation can increase wireless coverage through relay hops from Device to Device (D2D). Received signal strength has significantly. enhanced the cooperation of UAV and relay to extend the smart environment coverage area. Finally, multihop D2D helps increase UAV spectrum efficiency and RSS in different environment coverage scenarios.
Natural regeneration of drylands and associated pathways to human health outcomes: perspectives from rural households
Authors: Murage Peninah , Asenga Ayoub , Tarimo Angelina , Njung'e Tabby , Zaan Thijs van der , Chiwanga Faraja
Published: August 2022

Land degradation and climate change are intertwined global challenges, their implications on human health is driven by unsustainable use of natural resources which results to loss of vital ecosystem services. Although exploitation of natural resources has benefited human-wellbeing, it has also resulted to catastrophic degradation of landscapes, acutely affecting populations living in the most fragile ecosystems. Landscape restoration is widely advocated to reverse degradation, however, implementation has outpaced research on impact, particularly with regards to human-health outcomes. This study documents perspectives of rural communities living in dryland and demonstrates a novel application of ecosystem services framework to conceptualise the pathways to health. The analysis of group discussions show how Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) can reverse decades of land degradation with cascading benefits on climate change resilience and multiple health outcomes linked to heat adaptation, sustained food and nutritional security, improved air and water quality, income diversification and gender equality.
Parental and community views on determinants of sexual abuse of adolescent girls with disabilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Khobair , Islam Md. Nazrul , Rahman Md. Hafizur , Alam S.M. Shafiul , Mustary Tarana , Pasa Kamal
Published: August 2022

Adolescent girls with disabilities are more susceptible to sexual abuse, according to studies conducted around the world. Adolescent girls with disabilities had roughly double the lifetime risk of sexual assault compared to non-disabled girls. Current evidence is empirically limited and there is an urgent need to explore the underlying causes of sexual abuse to disable girls from a local perspective. By leaving the underlying determinants of sexual abuse to disable girls unexplored, it may further exacerbate vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants that influence sexual abuse of adolescent girls with disabilities from the perspective of their parents and the wider community. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among parents of victims and different community groups in five localities of Rajshahi district. Four themes were developed from interviews with participants including victimization, perpetration, vulnerability and risk, and protection of adolescent girls with disabilities. Emerging sub-themes were defined as determinants of sexual abuse. Victimization was perceived with victim centered determinants including disable girl’s physical disability, misunderstandings about inappropriate behavior and inability to report an abuse. The household centered determinants were poverty with limited social capacity of family, maternal unawareness and low level of education, and inability to access legal aid. Participants selected determinants of perpetration, including offender’s economic and political power, opportunities to negotiate after abuse, and inappropriate touching sometimes treated as permissive care. The two main determinants cited that increase the vulnerability and risk of sexual abuse were poor living arrangements and living away from biological parents. As recommendation, emphasis was placed on ensuring strong family connections with disable girls for protection and social support from relatives and neighbors as well as fostering empathy among all.
Failure energy evolution of coal-rock combination with different inclinations
Authors: YU Yongjiang , Liu Jingjing , Yang Yuntao , Wang Pengbo , Wang Zhenmeng , Song Zhiyuan , Liu Jiaming , Zhao Shangqing
Published: August 2022

In order to study the energy evolution characteristics and damage mechanism of coal-rock assemblages with different inclination angles in the process of deformation and damage under different circumferential pressures. The test results show that: the damage of the specimens is mainly caused by bevel shear damage and tensile damage; the deformation and damage of the coal rock assemblage are distributed as a negative exponential function of the inclination angle, and the change of the surrounding pressure has a significant effect on the energy; based on the brittleness index value of the coal rock assemblage, the evolution of the brittleness index and Based on the brittleness index values, the evolution law between the brittleness index and the inclination angle and the surrounding pressure of coal rock assemblage is explored, and the mechanism of the change of inclination angle in the deformation and damage of coal rock assemblage with different inclination angles on the plastic yielding degree, energy dissipation level, crack extension and fracture speed in the pre-peak stage is revealed.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward Food Safety among Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ali Md. Taif , Mahmud Sultan , Mohsin Md , Mian Ashraf Uddin , Islam Ariful , Ahmed Fee Faysal
Published: August 2022

Background
Foodborne diseases are a preventable but under-reported public health issue. These illnesses are a public health concern and contribute significantly to healthcare costs. People must understand how their knowledge, attitudes, and practices affect food safety and how they can reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This study aimed at investigating knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward food safety among Bangladeshi students.
Methods
The research is based on a cross-sectional anonymous online survey that took place from January 1st to February 15th, 2022. Participants in this survey had to be at least 8th-grade students enrolled in Bangladeshi institutions. Upon description of the study's aim, the questionnaire's concept, assurances regarding respondents' confidentiality, and the study's voluntary nature, informed consent was taken from each participant before starting the survey. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and logistic regression were used to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students and identify factors affecting them.
Results
A total of 777 students participated in the study, the majority of them were male (63.96%) and aged between 18–25 years (60%). Almost half of the respondents were at the undergraduate level and less than half of the participants (45%) lived with their families. Among the participants, around 47% had adequate knowledge, 87% had favorable attitudes, and only 52% had good practices toward food safety. Female students, students having a food safety course/training, and students whose mothers were educated had significantly higher knowledge of food safety. Besides, students at higher education levels, students having a food safety course/training, and students with educated mothers displayed significantly higher odds of possessing favorable attitudes toward food safety. Similarly, female students, having a food safety course/training, students at higher education levels, and students with educated mothers were significantly associated with good practices toward food safety among students.
Conclusion
The study shows that students in Bangladesh lack knowledge of food safety and have poor practices toward food safety. For the student population of Bangladesh, more systematic and targeted food safety education and training are required.
Stability Analysis of Caputo Fractional Order Viral Dynamics of Hepatitis B Cellular Infection
Authors: Opoku Michael O. , Wiah Eric N. , Sackitey Albert L. , Essel Emmanuel K. , Okyere Eric , Moore Stephen E.
Published: August 2022

We present a Caputo fractional order mathematical model that describes the cellular infection of Hepatitis B virus and the immune response of the body. We study the existence of unique positive solutions, and the local and global stability of the virus free and endemic equilibria. Finally, we present numerical results using the Adam-type predictor-corrector iterative scheme.
Bladder calculi and hypertension: 4-year single-center study in Southern Hunan, China
Authors: Xiao Zijian , Qin Long , Zhang Jian , Zhang Hu , Yi Xuan , Li Mingyong
Published: August 2022

Objective
The characteristics of bladder calculi and their correlation with hypertension in Southern Hunan, China were analyzed retrospectively to guide the prevention and treatment of bladder calculi and hypertension.
Materials and methods
A retrospective cohort study of medical records was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China from December 2017 to December 2021. The subjects were patients over 14 years old who were diagnosed with bladder calculi by imaging examination and whose calculi were removed. Analysis was conducted on the patients’ basic characteristics and calculus composition, characteristics, and relationship with hypertension.
Results
A total of 352 cases of bladder calculi were enrolled. The age ranged from 15 years to 89 years with an average of (65.56 ± 11.94) years. Most of the respondents came from rural areas (61.4%). Calcium oxalate was the main component of the stones. Calcium oxalate and carbonate apatite were the most common mixed stones, and pure uric acid was the most common single stone. The pure uric acid stones were significantly larger than the pure calcium oxalate stones (P < 0.05). In addition, 26.1% of the patients with bladder calculi experienced hypertension. Binary logistic regression showed that hypertension was an independent risk factor for bladder calculi (B = 2.584, OR = 1.685, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The management of bladder calculi in Southern Hunan can be guided by local demographic data. Hypertension may be one of the independent risk factors for bladder calculi.
Evaluation of impact factors of articles in scientific open access journals in Türkiye
Authors: ALAV Orhan
Published: August 2022

In this study, the phonographic view of the acceleration of scientific publishing in Türkiye has been revealed with TÜBİTAK/DergiPark data and the values of the measurements of the impact factors of scientific journals have been sampled with the SOBIAD Index data. SOBIAD Index dataset was used in the study. Using the "full count" research method, the data were analyzed by providing access to the entire mass, which is the research population, based on purpose-oriented descriptive analysis. In the calculation of the impact factors of the articles in the SOBIAD index, multiple parameters such as the total number of citations of the articles in the journal, citation comparison (percentage) and area-weighted citation impact, new metric joint values and the similarity criteria in the content evaluation were determined. In the study, the measurement and evaluation standards of international impact factor measuring institutions (WOS-SSCI, Google Scholar, Eigenfactor Metrix and Elsevier/Scopus Index) were also used. According to the results of the research, while the average value of the impact factors of scientific journals in Türkiye is 0.19, this is seen as 6,19 in WOS-SSCI. With the research, the examination of the impact factors of scientific journals and articles in Türkiye was presented as an original review through the SOBIAD index sample. In order to increase the quality and impact factor of journal/article in academic publishing in Türkiye, qualified growth is required rather than quantitative growth.
Activity driven transport in harmonic chains
Authors: Santra Ion , Basu Urna
Published: August 2022

The transport properties of an extended system driven by active reservoirs is an issue of paramount importance, which remains virtually unexplored. Here we address this issue, for the first time, in the context of energy transport between
two active reservoirs connected by a chain of harmonic oscillators. The couplings to the active reservoirs, which exert
correlated stochastic forces on the boundary oscillators, lead to fascinating behavior of the energy current and
kinetic temperature profile even for this linear system.
We analytically show that the stationary
active current (i) changes non-monotonically as the activity of the reservoirs are changed, leading to a negative differential conductivity (NDC), and (ii) exhibits an unexpected direction reversal at some finite value of
the activity drive. The origin of this NDC is traced back to the Lorentzian frequency spectrum of the active
reservoirs. We provide another physical insight to the NDC using nonequilibrium linear response formalism
for the example of a dichotomous active force. We also show that despite an apparent similarity of the kinetic
temperature profile to the thermally driven scenario, no effective thermal picture can be consistently built in
general. However, such a picture emerges in the small activity limit, where many of the well-known results are
recovered.
Virtual Screening Based on Ligand and Structure with in vitro Assessment of Neolignans against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Maia Mayara , Andrade Rodrigo , Sousa Julyanne , Sousa Natália , Rodrigues Gabriela , Menezes Renata , Silva Marcelo , Tavares Josean , Rodrigues Klinger , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus
Published: August 2022

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, occurs most commonly in Latin America. As the treatment is highly toxic and ineffective in the chronic phase of the disease, alternative treatments are needed. Through quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling (QSAR) analysis using ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening methods, we predicted the trypanocidal potential of 47 neolignans against three targets, the enzymes cruzain, trypanothione reductase, and sterol 14-alpha demethylase. A combined analysis allowed for the selection of potent inhibitors against Trypanosoma cruzi. Of these compounds, two were isolated and shown to inhibit the growth of epimastigotes at concentrations of 9.64 and 8.72 μM, and trypomastigote forms at 4.88 and 2.73 μM. Therefore, the compounds (2R, 3R)-2,3-dihydro-2‑(4‑methoxyphenyl)- 3-methyl-5-(E)-propenylbenzofuran (46) and ottomentosa (47) may be a good option of growth inhibitors for the parasite stages and warrant additional study.
(RETRACTED) Taboo of Madura Women: Patriarchal Construction in Madurese Tradition
Authors: Musa Dahniar Th. , Rupita Rupita , Niko Nikodemus
Published: August 2022

Reason for Retraction (February 18th, 2022):This paper is retracted by the editors due to publication ethics misconduct by authors. The article is plagiarism from another author (plagiarism for authorship).
Measuring sustainability of Russian largest companies
Authors:   Faculty of Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Verenikin Alexei O. , Makhankova Natalia A. ,   Central Bank of Russian Federation, Verenikina Anna Y. ,   Faculty of Economics, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Published: August 2022

Prolonged and uncertain sustainable development routes provoke an urgent need for companies, investors and counterparties for assessment of efficiency of pursued business strategies, opportunity costs and long run benefits. However a unified algorithm is lacking and it makes compatible and impartial assessment of business performance rather complicated. The study develops and applies an automated adaptive methodology for calculating the integral indicator of company sustainability based on the generalized modified principal component analysis. The study is based on data from 23 Russian companies with maximum disclosure of sustainability indicators. The companies’ integral indicators generate sustainable development rating. It can be updated automatically with a new wave of the companies’ financial and non-financial reports. The proposed algorithm exceeds alternative methods of comparison of business models based on principles of sustainable development because it does not assume any expert assessments of companies’ activities and provides distinct ranking of companies. In contrast to the traditional principal component analysis the method developed in the article avoids any loss of variation of the initial data. Decomposition of the integral indicator identifies financial, socio-economic and environmental determinants for companies’ sustainability. The study examines the relationship between the ownership and management structure of the company and its achievements on sustainable development path.
Analysis of green total factor productivity in OECD and BRICS countries: based on the Super-SBM model
Authors: Sun Xiangxiang
Published: August 2022

To address the conflict between environmental constraints and fast economic growth, as well as to coordinate green growth strategies between developing and developed countries, improving green total factor productivity (GTFP) is an important way to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation and get rid of the problems of environment and resources. Therefore, it is significant to analyze and compare the GTFP of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and BRICS (i.e. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. By applying the Super-SBM model, our study analyzes the distribution characteristics and the evolving trend of GTFP. The empirical results indicate that: (1) The GTFP of BRICS countries has significantly improved, but there is still a significant gap compared with OECD countries. (2) Brazil, Luxembourg and Norway's GTFP values are higher than others. (3) Among the BRICS countries, Brazil exhibits the highest value and China has the minimum value, which was far ahead in energy consumption and PM2.5. (4) In the analysis of OECD countries, Hungary displays the lowest average value and Luxembourg has the highest average value. As such, some policy implications improve green and low-carbon development.
Determination of ice production in a natural river: a case study in the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River
Authors: Hou Zhixing , Wang Jun , Sui Jueyi , Zhang Baosen , Zhang Fangxiu
Published: August 2022

In the present study, ice production in a natural river reach has been studied by means of the thermodynamic theory regarding the heat flux between ice, air, riverbed, and water. The heat transfer coefficient and equivalent total heat flux were determined for different periods during winter. The characteristics of variation and distribution of ice production in the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River (IMRYR) were studied in combination with the change of heat flux. A model for describing the temporal–spatial variation of ice production for the IMRYR has been developed. The ice production process of the IMRYR from 2017 to 2021 was simulated using the proposed model, and the simulation results were in good agreement with those of the measurements. Results of the analysis showed that when the total ice production in the Bayangaole gauging station reaches 3.18 × 107 m3, a freeze-up process in this river reach is likely to occur. The influence degree of each variable on the ice production was in the following descending order: water surface area, air temperature, radiation, and flow. Particularly, a change of 20% of the water surface area will lead to a 11.48% change in the final calculated result of ice production.
Hybrid Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor: An Effective Strategy for
Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wu Jiyong , Nie Jing , Luan Yepeng , Ding Yanjiao
Published: August 2022

Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) has proven to be an effective strat-egy for cancer therapy. To date, five histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been approved for cancer treatment, and numerous others are undergoing clinical trials. An agent that can simultaneously and effectively inhibit two or more targets may offer greater therapeutic benefits over single-acting agents in preventing resistance to treatment and po-tentiating synergistic effects. A prime example of a bifunctional agent is the hybrid HDACi. Representative classes of reported hybrid HDACis are reviewed here to shed light on the design of novel hybrid HDACis for cancer therapy.
Research Progress in Pharmacological Mechanisms, Structure-Activity
Relationship and Synthesis of Sartans
Authors: Wang Ye-Fan , Ren Xin-Yue , Zhang Wen , Rao Guo-Wu
Published: August 2022

The sartans are a new class of antihypertensive drugs as angiotensin II receptor
blockers which possess plenty of advantages in treating hypertension and related
pathologies. This review describes the clinical treatment, side effects, and potential therapeutic
effects of sartans from 1995 to date. The synthesis, structural-activity and molecular
docking with Angiotensin Type 1 receptor of imidazole derivatives, benzimidazole
derivatives and other compounds are also described. With a clear Structure-Activity Relationship
and abundant pharmacological effects, some types of novel Angiotensin Type 1
receptor antagonists are emerging gradually for further research in the meantime.
Aptamer-based Biosensors: Promising Sensing Technology for Diabetes
Diagnosis in Biological Fluids
Authors: Khoshbin Zahra , Shakour Neda , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Butler Alexandra E. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2022

Diabetes is a chronic disease state in which the pancreas fails to secrete sufficient
insulin, resulting in an elevation of blood glucose levels. As one of the most prevalent
diseases worldwide, diabetes is recognized as a global health concern that, if undiagnosed
or untreated, can lead to serious and life-threatening complications, such as kidney
failure, cardiovascular disease and diabetic retinopathy. Despite progress in the diagnosis
of diabetes, limitations still exist with current analytical techniques, and, therefore, the development
of precise sensing devices for on-site, real-time detection of diabetes is needed.
Biosensors have contributed significantly to the field of diabetes healthcare, due to
their cost-effectiveness, portability, ease of use, and rapid assay time. Recently, there has
been a preference for the utilization of aptamers over antibodies in designing biosensors.
Aptasensors, biosensors made with aptamers, offer potential in the diagnosis of diabetes.
Aptamers, due to having lower molecular weight, low price, and stability over a wide
temperature range and pH range, their in vitro synthesis, and the ability to refold after being
removed from denaturing conditions compared to antibodies, have some distinctive
characteristics as well as diverse types, such as optical FNA-based biosensors, colorimetric
biosensors, fluorescent biosensors and electrochemical FNA-based biosensors. With
this in mind, we highlight the recent developments and novel perspectives in the field of
aptasensor design to quantitatively monitor diabetes biomarkers. Finally, some results are
highlighted to offer a basis for the future design of aptasensor kits for diabetes diagnosis.
Isorhamnetin: A Novel Natural Product Beneficial for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Li Wen-Qing , Li Jing , Liu Wen-Xiu , Wu Liu-Jun , Qin Jun-Yuan , Lin Zi-Wei , Liu Xin-Yu , Luo Shi-Yan , Wu Qing-Hua , Xie Xiao-Fang , Peng Cheng
Published: August 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a severe threat to human beings with increasing morbidity and mortality. Isorhamnetin (Iso) shows multiple bioactivities, especially in the cardiovascular system. A literature retrieval strategy was conducted in databases of PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Baidu Scholar, with keywords defined as “Isorhamnetin”, “cardiovascular diseases”, “pharmacological effects”, “phytochemistry”, “pharmacokinetics”, “clinical application” and “toxicity”. The language is restricted to Chinese and English, and publish date ranges from January 2011 to September 2021. So far, Iso has been isolated and identified from several natural medicines, including Hippophae rhamnoides L., Ginkgo biloba L. and Typha angustifolia L., etc. The effects of Iso on CVD at least refer to such pharmacological properties as anti-atherosclerosis, reducing blood fat, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, endothelial protection, antithrombosis, antiplatelet aggregation, myocardial protection and anti-hypertension. Iso could inhibit the activities of CYPs in liver microsomes and suppress hepatocyte injury in vitro, however, no toxicity was observed in vivo. Taken together, Iso has a wide range of positive effects on CVD with safe and multiple pharmacological activities on the cardiovascular system, and may be an ideal candidate drug for the prevention and treatment of CVD and need further studies, especially on clinic use. Therefore, the present review summarizes the recent progress in phytochemistry, pharmacology, and mechanisms of action and provides a reference for future studies of Iso.
Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older
Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial
Authors: Malaguarnera Giulia , Catania Vito Emanuele , Bertino Gaetano , Chisari Laura Maria , Castorina Maria , Bonfiglio Claudia , Cauli Omar , Malaguarnera Michele
Published: August 2022

Background:

The elderly is characterized by a gradual decline in body function, which represents the clinical situation called "frailty". Prefrailty is the intermediate stage between frailty and the robust condition. L-carnitine (LC) plays an important role in energy production from long-chain fatty acids in mitochondria and its serum level is lower in prefrail and frail subjects.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in pre frail older patients.

Methods:

We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. 92 subjects were selected from May 2009 to July 2017 in a randomized, observational, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. ALCAR (oral 1.5 g/bis in die - BID) or placebo group.

Results:

After the treatment, only the treated group displayed a decrease in C reactive protein (CRP) p<0.001, an increase in serum free carnitine and acetyl carnitine (p<0.05), in Mini Mental state (MMSE) p<0.0001 and 6-walking distance (p<0.0001); ALCAR group vs. placebo group showed a decrease in HDL cholesterol and in CRP (p<0.01), an increase in MMSE score (p< 0.001) and in 6-walking distance (p<0.001)

Conclusions:

ALCAR treatment delays the incidence and severity of onset in prefrail subjects of degenerative disorders of the elderly, with improvement in memory and cognitive processes.
Dendrobium officinalis Six Nostrum Promotes Intestinal Urate Underexcretion
via Regulations of Urate Transporter Proteins in Hyperuricemic
Rats
Authors: Ge Hongzhang , Jiang Zetian , Li Bo , Xu Peiyao , Wu Hansong , He Xinglishang , Xu Wanfeng , Huang Zhi , Xiong Taoxiu , Wang Ping , Lv Guiyuan , Chen Suhong
Published: August 2022

Background:

Dendrobium officinalis six nostrum (DOS) can be prepared by adding Dendrobium officinalis into Simiao Wan in accordance with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and other previous findings. Our previous study has shown that DOS treatment can lead to a marked decrease in serum UA (SUA) level. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of DOS on intestinal UA excretion in hyperuricemia and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

DOS was administered intragastrically to hyperuricemic rats induced by oral administration of HX and PO for 7 weeks. The SUA level, fecal UA and XOD activity were detected. The expressions of UA transporters (ABCG2, GLUT9, and PDZK1), CNT2, and tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and claudin-1) in the intestine were assayed by IHC staining. The serum LPS and DAO levels were detected by ELISA kits. The intestinal histological changes were assessed using H&E staining.

Results:

DOS treatment decreased the SUA level while markedly increased the fecal UA level by 28.85%~35.72%. Moreover, DOS effectively up-regulated the expression of ABCG2 and PDZK1 and down-regulated the expression of GLUT9 in the intestine. DOS markedly decreased the serum LPS level by 21.4%~32.1% and DAO activity by 12.3%~19.7%, which in turn ameliorate the intestinal pathology. As a result, it could protect intestinal barrier function, as indicated by the increase of villus height (V), the reduction of the crypt depth (C), and the elevation of V/C ratio. It also increased the expression of ZO-1 and claudin-1. In addition, DOS significantly down-regulated the expression of CNT2, which reduced purine nucleoside transportation from the intestine into the blood, and inhibited XOD activity, leading to the decrease of UA production.

Conclusion:

DOS had anti-hyperuricemic effects via regulation of intestinal urate transporters and could protect intestinal barrier function by restoring the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1.
Mimusops elengi (Bakula) Gelatinolytic Protease and its Plasmin-like
Action on the Blood Clot
Authors: Achar Raghu Ram , Gowda Nirmala Gollarahalli Sannappa , Raju Nithya Rani , Silina Ekaterina , Stupin Victor
Published: August 2022

Background:

Mimusops elengi, popularly known as Bakula in Ayurvedic Medicine, is a member of
the Sapotaceae family. Concerning the traditional and Ayurvedic medicinal use of Mimusops elengi leaves,
especially in wound healing and oral care, the plausible presence of proteolytic activity in an aqueous Mimusops
elengi leaf extract was investigated in our study.

Method:

Mimusops elengi Gelatinolytic Protease was named after fractioning the extract. The Zymogram assay
validated the gelatin specificity. The effect of MEGP on the wound healing process was investigated using
a different assay.

Result:

The presence of protease with gelatinolytic & caseinolytic activity at 62.53±1.43 U/h and 15.31±0.64
U/h, respectively. The aqueous enzyme fraction was named Mimusops elengi Gelatinolytic Protease (MEGP).
The specificity of gelatin was confirmed by zymogram. Gelatinolytic activity of MEGP was also higher than
that of trypsin at 27.96±0.38 U/h. MEGP was 49.14±1.61 % inhibited by PMSF, indicating the predominant
presence of serine proteases. The optimal pH and temperature for MEGP were found to be 8 and 37°C, implying
that it is an alkaline protease. MEGP dissolved the blood clot at a rate of 8.41±1.04 U/h, which is higher
than the trypsin clot-dissolving rate of 1.027±0.04 U/h. The plasma clot hydrolytic capacity is confirmed when
MEGP hydrolyzes alpha-polymer subunits in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

This investigation shows that MEGP has a plasmin-like activity that possesses a significant role
in clot disintegration and other wound ailments, warranting its use in traditional Indian medicine.
Recent Developments in Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Pachuau Lalduhsanga , Nath Ranjita
Published: August 2022

Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) have been touted to be among the materials of the 21st
century. It is an emerging biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterial with unique physicochemical
properties adaptable to various surface modifications. The characteristics and properties
of CNCs are now understood to depend upon the source of the cellulose and the conditions of its
isolation. Over the past decade, CNCs with various morphologies, including rod, ribbon, needle
shapes, spherical, square, block and rectangular shapes with unique surface properties, have been
synthesized. Studies have shown that surface and morphological properties of CNCs have substantial
control over the rheology, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake, which ultimately influence its
purposive biomedical applications. The objective of the current survey is to analyze the advances
made in the shape-controlled synthesis and fabrication of CNCs morphology and review the influence
such morphological variations have on its functionality in biomedical fields.
The Role of RNA m6A Modification in Cancer Glycolytic Reprogramming
Authors: Zhou You , Huang Tao , Jiang Jingting , Li Yuanqi , Huang Hao , Wu Shaoxian
Published: August 2022

As one of the main characteristics of neoplasia, metabolic reprogramming provides nutrition
and energy to enhance cell proliferation and maintain environment homeostasis. Glycolysis is one
of the most important components of cancer metabolism and the Warburg effect contributes to the
competitive advantages of cancer cells in the threatened microenvironment. Studies show strong links
between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and metabolic recombination of cancer cells. As the
most abundant modification in eukaryotic RNA, m6A methylation plays important roles in regulating
RNA processing, including splicing, stability, transportation, translation and degradation. The aberration
of m6A modification can be observed in a variety of diseases such as diabetes, neurological diseases
and cancers. This review describes the mechanisms of m6A on cancer glycolysis and their applications
in cancer therapy and prognosis evaluation, aiming to emphasize the importance of targeting
m6A in modulating cancer metabolism.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Inhibits Ubiquitination and Degradation
of p53 and Blocks Cervical Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Cong , Shi Zhongxiu , Long Qingqing , Cheng Zhiying , He Shan , Dong Jiahui , Liu Tao , Wang Chengcheng
Published: August 2022

Background:

In high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-positive cervical
cancer, E6-associated protein (E6AP), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, mediates the ubiquitination
and proteasomal degradation of the tumor suppressor p53. Here, we addressed the
question of whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural product mainly derived
from propolis, can disrupt the interaction between E6AP and p53, inhibit ubiquitination
degradation of p53 and exhibit anti-cervical cancer activity.

Methods:

The ability of CAPE to inhibit growth and to induce apoptosis was shown in
HR-HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines by performing CCK-8, colony formation and
TUNEL assays. Apoptosis-related proteins were tested by western blotting. Coimmunoprecipitation,
ubiquitination assay and protein stability assay were carried out to determine
whether CAPE can disrupt the E6AP-p53 interaction and inhibit ubiquitination degradation
of p53.

Results:

Our results showed that CAPE inhibits the growth of HR-HPV-positive cervical
cancer cells and induces the activation of apoptosis-related pathways. Importantly, CAPE
inhibits E6AP expression and disrupts the interaction between E6AP and p53. It inhibits
the ubiquitination of p53 and promotes its stabilization.

Conclusion:

In summary, CAPE has a therapeutic effect on HPV-positive malignant
cells, so further studies are needed to assess its clinical application.
Preparation of β-CD-Vitexin Microspheres and their Effects on SW480
Cell Proliferation
Authors: Ding Chengshi , Deng Yanmei , Zhang Kai , Li Shumeng , Wang Deya , Tian Zhongjing , Kang Meiling , Zhang Yingxia , Ma Jing
Published: August 2022

Objective:

In order to overcome the insolution and low bioavailability of the vitexin in vivo, β-cyclodextrin-vitexin (β-CD–vitexin) microspheres were prepared, and their effects on the proliferation of SW480 cells were observed.

Methods:

Scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and release rate analysis were used to identify the formation of β-CD–vitexin microspheres. MTT assay was used to detect the effect of β-CD–vitexin microspheres on tumor cell proliferation at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to observe the effect of β-CD–vitexin microspheres on the apoptosis of SW480 cells. The mRNA expression of p53 gene was measured by qPCR.

Results:

β-CD–vitexin microspheres were successfully prepared. SW480 cell proliferation was inhibited by 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/mL of β-CD–vitexin microspheres in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the mechanism of proliferation inhibition was related to cell apoptosis caused by the upregulated expression of p53 gene.

Conclusion:

The preparation of β-CD–vitexin sustained release microspheres is feasible, and β-CD–vitexin microspheres have potential anti-colorectal cancer value.
Phosphoserine Aminotransferase 1: A Metabolic Enzyme Target of
Cancers
Authors: Chen Yuping , Yang Xue , Li Chaojie
Published: August 2022

Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) catalyzes 3-phosphohydroxylpyruvate and glutamate
into 3-phosphoserine and α-ketoglutamate. It integrates metabolic pathways critical for cell proliferation,
survival, migration and epigenetics, such as glycolysis, de novo serine synthesis, citric acid
cycle and one-carbon metabolism. The level of this enzyme has been disclosed to be closely related to
the occurrence, progression and prognosis of cancers like non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer,
esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, etc. Via metabolic catalyzation, PSAT1 offers anabolic
and energic supports for these tumor cells, affecting their proliferation, survival, autophagy, migration
and invasion. Such functions also influence the epigenetics of other noncancerous cells and
drive them to serve tumor cells. Moreover, PSAT1 exerts a non-enzymatic regulation of the IGF1
pathway and nuclear PKM2 to promote EMT and cancer metastasis. Genetically manipulating PSAT1
alters tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. This paper reviews the role and action mechanism of
PSAT1 in tumor biology and chemotherapy as well as the regulation of PSAT1 expression, exhibiting
the perspective for PSAT1 as a new molecular marker and target for cancer diagnosis and treatment.