bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal relationships between gout and hypertension: a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation study with coarsened exposures
Authors: Lai Benjamin , Yu Huang-Ping , Chang Yu-Jing , Wang Liang-Chin , Chen Che-Kai , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael , Chang Shang-Hung , Hsu Jun-Te , Yu Kuang-Hui , Kuo Chang-Fu
Published: April 2022

Objectives Observational studies have demonstrated associations between gout and hypertension, but whether they are causal remains unclear. Our work aims to determine the causal relationship between gout and hypertension.Methods We obtained genetic information from the Taiwan Biobank including 88347 participants and 686439 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A novel model of Mendelian randomisation (MR) with coarsened exposures was used to examine the causality between liability of gout on hypertension and vice versa using 9 SNPs associated with gout and 16 SNPs associated with hypertension. The binary exposure (gout/hypertension) was visualized as a coarsened approximation of a latent continuous trait. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and polygenic risk score (PRS) methods were used to estimate effect size. The analysis was performed with and without adjustments for covariates.Results Of the 88,347 participants, 3,253 (3.68%) had gout and 11,948 (13.52%) had hypertension (men, 31.9%; mean age 51.1 [SD, 11.1] years). In unadjusted models, MR analysis showed significant positive causal effect of gout on hypertension in both the IVW method (relative risk [RR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.20; p = 4 ´ 10-4) and the PRS method (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03–1.21; p = 0.0063). The direction and effect size were similar before and after covariate adjustment. The causal effect of hypertension on gout was not statistically significant.Conclusions In this study, we showed that gout has a causal effect on hypertension, but hypertension does not have a causal effect on gout. Adequate management of gout may reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
Structural and functional brain changes in patients with classic trigeminal neuralgia: A combination of voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional MRI study
Authors: Liu Hao , Hou Haiman , Li Fangfang , Zheng Ruiping , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang , Han Shaoqiang
Published: April 2022

Background
Brain structural and functional abnormalities have been separately reported in patients with classic trigeminal neuralgia (CTN). However, whether and how the functional deficits are related to the structural alterations remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anatomical and functional deficits in CTN patients and explore their association.
Methods
Thirty-four CTN patients and twenty-nine age-, gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All subjects underwent structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning and neuropsychological assessments. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was applied to characterize the alterations of gray matter volume (GMV). The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) method was used to evaluate regional intrinsic spontaneous neural activity. Further correlation analyses were performed between the structural and functional changes and neuropsychological assessments.
Results
Compared to the HCs, significantly reduced GMV was revealed in the right hippocampus, right fusiform gyrus (FFG), temporal-parietal regions (the left superior/middle temporal gyrus, left operculo-insular gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, right inferior temporal gyrus) in CTN patients. Increased functional activity measured by ALFF were observed mainly in the limbic system (the bilateral hippocampus and bilateral parahippocampal gyrus), bilateral fusiform gyrus, basal ganglia system (the bilateral putamen, bilateral caudate, and right pallidum), left thalamus, left cerebellum, midbrain, and pons. Moreover, the right hippocampus and FFG were the overlapped regions with both functional and anatomical deficits. Furthermore, GMV in the right hippocampus was negatively correlated with pain intensity, anxiety, and depression. GMV in the right FFG was negatively correlated with illness duration. The ALFF value in the right FFG was positively correlated with anxiety.
Conclusion
Our results revealed concurrent structural and functional changes in CTN patients, indicating that the CTN is a brain disorder with structural and functional abnormalities. Moreover, the overlapping structural and functional changes in the right hippocampus and FFG suggested that anatomical and functional changes might alter dependently in CTN patients. These findings highlight the vital role of hippocampus and FFG in the pathophysiology of CTN.
Roxadustat activates thyroid hormone receptors α and β at clinically relevant concentrations
Authors: Morita Koji , Uchino Takuya , Edo Naoki , Uno Kenji , Tsukamoto Kazuhisa , Ishikawa Toshio
Published: April 2022

Purpose
A few previous basic and clinical reports implied that roxadustat, a drug recently approved for treating renal anemia, might activate thyroid hormone receptors (TRα and TRβ). We thus investigated the direct effects of roxadustat on intact TRα and TRβ in vitro.
Methods
U2OS, MCF-7, COS-7 and Caco-2 cells were transiently transfected with a firefly luciferase reporter plasmid highly responsive to activation of TRα and TRβ, along with a plasmid overexpressing either TRα or TRβ. Transfected cells were incubated for 3 h in 100% thyroid hormone-stripped fetal bovine serum (FBS) with or without either roxadustat or triiodothyronine (T3). Also, transfected U2OS cells were placed for 3 h in 100% unprocessed normal adult human serum with or without the addition of either roxadustat or T3. Cell lysates were measured for firefly luciferase activities.
Results
Roxadustat induced firefly luciferase activities when added at clinically achievable serum concentrations in TRα- or TRβ-transfected U2OS, MCF-7, COS-7 and Caco-2 cells placed in thyroid hormone-deprived FBS. The induction was comparable to or greater than that observed with T3 added at normal or even supranormal serum concentrations. Roxadustat also increased firefly luciferase activities in TRα- or TRβ-transfected U2OS cells in adult human serum.
Conclusions
Roxadustat does activate TRα and TRβ at clinically relevant concentrations. Physicians prescribing roxadustat should be aware of its thyromimetic activity.
Quality Assessment of Screen Content Images Based on Convolutional Neural Network Considering Binocular Visual Mechanism
Authors: Chang Yongli , Li Sumei , Liu Anqi , Jin Jie
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a dual-pathway convolutional neural network (CNN) considering binocular visual mechanism is proposed to simulate the perceiving characteristics from binocular vision. Because the different sensitivity of retinal photoreceptor cells to RGB colors and the characteristics of human visual attention are more important in binocular vision mechanism, an attention module is used to weight the RGB channels and theirs patial position on each channel. Meanwhile, considering that 3D convolution can learn inter-frame information well, we use 3D convolution to extract the correlation features between RGB channels. Furthermore,considering the importance of optic chiasm in human visual system (HVS), a new cross-method is design to simulate the optic chiasm. Besides, since the characteristics of multi-scale and multi-level are indispensable to perception of any objects, a new multi-scale and multi-level feature fusion (MSMLFF) module is constructed to extract the perceptual features at different scales andlevels. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art SCIs quality assessment methods.
Differences in the microbiota of oral rinse, lesion, and normal site samples from patients with mucosal abnormalities on the tongue
Authors: Shitozawa Yawaka , Haro Kaoru , Ogawa Midori , Miyawaki Akihiko , Saito Mitsumasa , Fukuda Kazumasa
Published: April 2022

The oral microbiota associated with mucosal diseases, including oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders, have been extensively analyzed at the phylum and genus levels. However, the details of the oral microbiota remain unclear at the species and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) levels. We aimed to determine differences in the microbiota of oral rinse, lesion, and normal site samples of patients with mucosal abnormalities on the tongues. Oral samples were obtained from 10 patients with oral mucosal abnormalities. Alpha and beta diversity at the OTU and genus levels of the microbiota samples were analyzed using OTUs clustered with 99.6% similarity based on 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained using the Sanger method. At the OTU level, the microbiota of the lesions were the least diverse but were different from those of the normal site and oral rinse samples. The OTUs corresponding to Streptococcus infantis, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Prevotella scopos were suggested to contribute to the differences between the microbiota of the lesions and normal sites. At the genus level, no significant differences between these microbiota were observed. In conclusion, strict OTU-level microbiota analysis might be able to discriminate lesions from normal sites of patients with mucosal abnormalities.
Specific detection of Tirmania pinoyi in roots of artificially infected several perennial Cistaceae by Nested-PCR
Authors: Sheibani Masoud , Jamali Samad
Published: April 2022

Truffle farming does not exist in Iran, and no formal studies have been conducted on its culture. For commercial production of Tirmania pinoyi, it is necessary to accurate detection of it in the roots of the host plants. In this study, for the first time, mycorrhizal association of T. pinoyi with several perennial Cistaceae including Helianthemum lippii, H. almeriense, Cistus albidus, and Cistua ladanifer were investigated. In all plant species inoculated with Tirmania pinoyi, an ectendomycorrhizal association with varying degrees of sheath development was observed. Our results shows that H. lippii is suitable plant host for Tirmania pinoyi, and mycorrhization rate and the relative mycorrhizal dependency (RMD) in this native plant was about 90% and 57.85%, respectively, and higher than the other three plant species. The effect of the mycorrhizal fungus on host growth (root weight, root height, shoot weight, shoot height, plant height, and plant weight) was statistically significant compared to non-inoculated plants. To detect the roots colonized by T. pinoyi, a PCR based diagnostic method was developed with the species-specific primer pairs FTiPi and RTiPi designed from the sequence of the internal transcribed space regions (ITS1 and ITS2). The specificity of the primers was verified by PCR analysis of DNA from T. pinoyi specimens and other desert truffles. The method detected T. pinoyi in artificialy infected root plants, and no cross-reactions were observed with any other tested desert truffles. This species-specific PCR method is suitable for quick, simple, and reliable detection of T. pinoyi mycorrhizas.
Integrated Photonic SWAP Gates for Qudits and Qubit Registers
Authors: Ehrhardt Max , Tschernig Konrad , Heinrich Matthias , Guzmán-Silva Diego , Christodoulides Demetrios , Busch Kurt , Szameit Alexander , Perez-Leija Armando
Published: April 2022

Advances in quantum information science are closely related to our ability to prepare, manipulate, and measure the states of multiple quantum bits (qubits). To this end, quantum gates are the key components by which specific operations over individual and multiple qubits are implemented. In the context of quantum optics, qubits can be encoded in any degree of freedom of a multi-photon state, e.g. polarization, frequency or spatial configuration. The faithful reciprocal exchange of information between two qubits, a so-called SWAP, is one of the fundamental operations that underpin modern quantum architectures. Here, we present a novel method realizing multiple-qubit SWAP operations over several qubits, without relying on any other gates, in an integrated-photonic setting. In principle, our approach allows for the implementation of SWAP operations with unity efficiency regardless of the number of involved qubits. Further, we discuss how this approach can be applied to qudits. Our findings provide a powerful new functional element for the design of compact quantum-photonic circuitry.
Switching from a continuous to discontinuous phase transition under the quenched disorder.
Authors: Nowak Bartlomiej , Sznajd-Weron Katarzyna
Published: April 2022

Discontinuous phase transitions occurs to be particularly interesting from a social point of view because of their relationship to social hysteresis and critical mass. In this paper, we show that the replacement of a time-varying (annealed, situation-based) disorder by a static (quenched, personality-based) one can lead to a change from a continuous to a discontinuous phase transition. This is a result beyond the state of art, because so far numerous studies on various complex systems (physical, biological and social) have indicated that the quenched disorder can round or destroy the existence of a discontinuous phase transition. To show the possibility of the opposite behavior, we study a multistate q-voter model, with two types of disorder related to random competing interactions (conformity and anticonformity). We confirm, both analytically and through Monte Carlo simulations, that indeed discontinuous phase transitions can be induced by a static disorder.
Letter of Credit Margin and Informational Pitfall
Authors: Ahmed Fakrul
Published: April 2022

The study tries to find the relationship between the client’s financial statement variables and the margin loan provided to the clients. The data has been collected from the period of 2005–2020 observing 1254 clients of 18 banks in Bangladesh. A strong informational pitfall effects the margin loan application and approval process in the banking industry. Information from the clients’ financial statements has been used to regress and identify the correlation between the financial strength of the borrower and banks loan approval amount. Pooled ordinary least square regression and random effect model has been used to conduct the analysis. The variables are linearized using the log transformation and to conduct a simulation seven model transformation has been done to figure out the ideal model scenario.
Do Founders Attribute Their Success to Skill or Luck?
Authors: Lough Benjamin J
Published: April 2022

This study analyses transcripts derived from 183 podcast interviews that ask successful entrepreneurs whether luck or skill and hard work account for their success. It quantitatively disaggregates founders’ answers to this standard question based on differences in their gender, race, and country of origin. Qualitative analysis further considers the degree to which founders’ perspectives might be associated with an internalised locus of control and their social positioning, alongside their identities and belief systems. Findings indicate differences across gender, but no strong evidence of difference was evident by race and geography. Thematic analysis of transcripts revealed several additional determinants that founders attributed to their success. By investigating the lived experiences of successful founders disaggregated by gender, race, and geography, this study sheds light on how diverse founders attribute their success to various internal and external forces.
Identification and validation of methylated PENK gene for early detection of bladder cancer using urine DNA
Authors: Oh TaeJeong , Lim Eunkyung , Bang Bo Ram , Lee Justin Junguek , Na Yong Gil , Shin Ju Hyun , Lim Jae Sung , Song Ki Hak , An Sungwhan
Published: April 2022

Background:Early detection of bladder cancer (BCa) offers patients a favorable outcome and avoids the need for cystectomy. Development of an accurate and sensitive noninvasive BCa diagnostic test is imperative. DNA methylation is an early epigenetic event in the development of BCa. Certain specific aberrant methylations could serve as useful biomarkers. The aim of this study was to identify methylation biomarkers for early detection of BCa.Methods:CpG methylation microarray analysis was conducted on primary tumors with varying stages (T1 - T4) and paired nontumor tissues from nine BCa patients. Bisulfite-pyrosequencing was performed to confirm the methylation status of candidate genes in tissues and urine sediments (n = 51). Among them, PENK was selected as a potential candidate and validated using an independent set of 169 urine sediments (55 BCa, 25 benign urologic diseases, 8 other urologic cancers, and 81 healthy controls) with a quantitative methylation-specific real time PCR (mePENK-qMSP). All statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc software version 9.3.2.0.Results:CpG methylation microarray analysis and stepwise validation by bisulfite-pyrosequencing for tissues and urine sediments supported aberrant methylation sites of the PENK gene as potential biomarkers for early detection of BCa. Clinical validation of the mePENK-qMSP test using urine sediment-DNA showed a sensitivity of 86.5% (95% CI: 71.2 – 95.5%), a specificity of 92.5% (95% CI: 85.7 – 96.7%), and an area under ROC of 0.920 (95% CI: 0.863 – 0.959) in detecting Ta high-grade and advanced tumor stages (T1-T4) of BCa patients. Sensitivities for Ta low-grade, Ta high-grade, T1 and T2-T4 were 55.6%, 83.3%, 88.5%, and 100%, respectively. Methylation status of PENK was not correlated with sex, age or stage, while it was associated with the tumor grade of BCa.Conclusions:In this study, we analyzed the comprehensive patterns of DNA methylation identified that PENK methylation possesses a high potential as a biomarker for urine-based early detection of BCa. Validation of PENK methylation confirms that it could significantly improve the noninvasive detection of BCa.
Study of Physico-Chemical Properties and Growth Dimension Augmentation of Barium Succinate Single Crystals Grown by Slow Evaporation Technique
Authors:   Post Graduate and Research Department of Physics, St. John’s College, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli 627 002, Tamil Nadu, India, D. S. Christy , Shajan X. Sahaya ,   Centre for scientific and applied research, PSN College of Engineering and Technology, Tirunelveli 627 152, Tamil Nadu, India, C. K. Mahadevan ,   CSIR Emeritus Scientist, Department of Physics, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: April 2022

Slow evaporation method was adopted to grow barium succinate (BS) single crystals for the first time and diamond shape crystals were successfully synthesised with dimension 14 mm3 × 17 mm3 × 4 mm3. Single crystal x-ray diffraction studies show that the crystal system is monoclinic. Powder x-ray diffraction studies confirmed the crystallinity of the grown BS crystal. From energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis the presence of barium metal was confirmed. The functional group of the BS crystal was confirmed from fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum. The crystals were found to be hydrated and thermally stable up to 150°C. BS crystal possesses good transmittance in the wavelength range 250 nm–1200 nm and it is non-linear optical (NLO) active material. The BS crystals have mechanical softness and normal dielectric behaviour.
The Methodological Quality of Experimental STEM Education Articles Published in Scholarly Journals from 2014 to 2020
Authors: AVCU Ramazan , AVCU Seher
Published: April 2022

Experimental studies have a considerable impact on the educational policies and practices of many countries. In Turkey, policymakers are planning to initiate a STEM education reform in K-12 schools based on experimental studies. However, the methodological flaws in these studies may lead to biased outcomes and may mislead the STEM education community. Despite the importance of methodological quality, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies that investigate the methodological quality of experimental STEM education articles published in scholarly journals. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a methodological review to examine the methodological quality of experimental STEM education articles published in refereed Turkish journals from 2014 to 2020. During the targeted period, we located 68 articles. We analyzed these articles by developing a coding framework. We found that the selected articles suffer seriously from various methodological flaws. We discuss the findings in light of the literature on methodological quality and suggest ways to improve the rigor of the experimental designs used. Ultimately, we discuss some implications for authors, journals editors, policymakers, and curriculum developers.
An Analysis of Differential Bundle Functioning in Multidimensional Tests Using the SIBTEST Procedure
Authors: ÖZDOĞAN Didem , KELECİOĞLU Hülya
Published: April 2022

This study aims to analyze the differential bundle functioning in multi-dimensional tests with a specific purpose to detect this effect through differentiating the location of the item with DIF in the test, the correlation between the dimensions, the sample size, and the ratio of reference to focal group size. The first 10 items of the test that is comprised of 30 items were acknowledged as the bundle. The data in line with the parameters were generated via SAS program as two categories (1-0) and multidimensional through an extended 2PL model. Differential bundle functioning was detected via the SIBTEST procedure. The results of the study were interpreted according to the criteria of the power rate and the type I error. When the results were reviewed, the analysis of the bundle revealed that the more the correlation between the two dimensions increased, relatively the less the power rates became. It was observed that the power rates, which were obtained according to two different sample sizes in the study, increased as the sample size increased. Another result as to the SIBTEST's power for detecting DIF was the highest when the ratio of reference to focal group size was equal. According to the results of the type I error rate, the error rate was observed to be relatively decreasing as the correlation between the dimensions increased and it was observed to be increasing as the sample size increased. Also, the highest error rate was obtained when the ratio of the samples was equal.
Becoming Cholgueros: An archaeology of the 18th–20th centuries in the Chonos archipelago of Western Patagonia (Chile)
Authors: Reyes Omar , Nuevo-Delaunay Amalia
Published: April 2022

This article discusses the archaeological record of occupations associated with the extraction of coastal resources during the late 18th to early 20th centuries in the Chonos Archipelago (43°50’–46°50’S, Patagonia, South America). The characteristics of its occupation by Creole/European groups known as Cholgueros have not yet been archeologically addressed. Cholgueros occupations originated intensely over short periods of time and specialised in the extraction of primary coastal resources for the canned food industry. They are composed of large accumulations of unfragmented, uncompacted, and nonstratigraphic shells of a small number of species of mollusks of commercial value, such as Mytilus. Intertidal management areas are also recorded on these sites, such as stone corrals and boatyard or rock clearance areas to prevent boats from hitting intertidal stones. Due to the reduced time scale of formation of these sites they are sensitive to frequent coastal geomorphological changes and therefore sedimentary witnesses to regional coastal dynamics. The analysis of the Cholgueros sites’ evidence broadens our knowledge on coastal use in history, thus allowing us to understand the long timescale of human occupation of the area.
A Breath of Ea: Submergent Strategies for Deepening the Hawaiian Diaspora
Authors: Ahia Mahealani , Johnson Kahala
Published: April 2022

Kanaka Maoli diasporic transmotions have often been imagined as diluted impersonations of Hawaiian indigeneity that fluctuate between settler elimination and Native perpetuation. When interpreted solely by the ebb and flow of this conflict, Hawaiian diasporaneity can be problematically perceived as entirely dependent on settler removal and on-islander permanence for fathomability. This torrential relation between settlers and on-islanders can produce a dialectic that drags the off-islander beneath undercurrents of invasion and resistance, attempting to drown the ea of the diaspora in its depths. In this article, we ask how the settler and on-islander tidalectic might be transformed through unsettling memories of movement that draw Hawaiian indigeneity into the depths of the diaspora. In exploring this question, we suggest that the conception of Hawaiian diasporaneity need not be limited by the antagonism between settler removal and on-island permanence. We argue instead that Hawaiian diasporaneity can be traced to our cosmogonic genealogy chant He Kumulipo and the submergent strategies and adaptations our pre-human ancestors used to navigate the sea, land, and sky for millions of years.
Water purification using an eco-friendly adsorbent
Authors: Hassan Maali Alamjad , Samaka Isra'a Sadi
Published: April 2022

The literature has proved the high efficiency of activated carbon in removing a wide range of pollutants from water; however, the high cost of industrial types of activated carbon is one of the barriers to the wide application of this efficient adsorbent. Therefore, this study aims at the development of a new type of activated carbon from the Schanginia/sp plant (Schanginia activated carbon (SAC)) and the possibility of using it as a biosorbent for the removal of methylene blue dye (MBD) from water. The SAC was subjected to characterisation analysis, including the surface area (SBET), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) before using it to remove the MBD. Furthermore, the efficacy of SAC was investigated in batch experiments, taking into account the effects of several experimental factors, namely pH of the solution, contact duration, SAC dose, and MBD concentration. The results showed the maximum uptake of MBD was 33.34 mg/g, and the Langmuir model is suitable to reproduce the optimum biosorption. In conclusion, the obtained results proved the applicability of SAC for the removal of MBD from water.
O Consumo de Bebida Alcoólica entre Mulheres Brasileiras
Authors: Silva Maria Isabel Félix da , Pachú Clésia Oliveira
Published: April 2022

Resumo

A ingestão de bebida alcoólica se apresenta como comportamento socialmente aceito e integrado a diversas culturas. Assim, o álcool diferencia-se das demais drogas por ser uma droga lícita, fato que compromete o seu enfrentamento enquanto um problema de saúde pública, atrelado a inúmeros prejuízos sociais. Objetivou-se investigar as causas que culminam para o consumo de bebida alcoólica entre mulheres brasileiras, por meio de uma revisão integrativa. Trata-se de estudo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado mediante busca nas bases de dados SciELO Brasil, LILACS e PubMed. Utilizou-se os termos “consumo abusivo” AND “álcool” AND “mulheres” e “consumo abusivo” OR “álcool” AND “mulheres”, como estratégias de busca. Como critério inclusivo, adotou-se artigos que abordassem o consumo de álcool entre mulheres, publicados entre 2010 e 2020, e excluídos os desenvolvidos fora do Brasil ou não se achavam disponíveis em texto completo, além, dos repetidos nas bases de dados. Obteve-se um retorno de 1.348 artigos, tendo sido 14 incluídos para leitura prévia a fim de identificar quais estudos se ajustariam aos objetivos da pesquisa. Destes, 9 foram selecionados para integrar o presente estudo. Identificou-se prevalência de consumo entre mulheres jovens, e múltiplos fatores associados. Fatores como sexo, idade, nível socioeconômico, nível de escolaridade, histórico de álcool na família, as características do lugar onde residem, motivações de ordem emocional, aparecem implicados no comportamento de ingestão de álcool nesse público. Faz-se necessário novos estudos para oportunizar discussões mais aprofundadas no que concerne ao consumo de álcool nessa população específica.

Palavras-chave: Álcool; Alcoolismo feminino; Saúde pública.
Da Servidão Humana: notas sobre a presença da relação homem-natureza nas disposições relativas às ciências naturais da BNCC e na Lei de Educação Ambiental
Authors: Novaes da Fraga Frederico , Borborema Chaché Cristiane , Reinalda Barreto de Rangel Moreira Cavalcanti Irenilda
Published: April 2022

O dilema sobre o que é a relação entre o homem e a natureza remonta aos primórdios do pensamento ocidental. As primeiras incursões filosóficas nesse tema de que se tem notícia tinham a preocupação de compreender o que era esta matéria de que os homens são feitos e na qual vivem: esses filósofos discutiram as origens da matéria, sua composição e dinâmica, temas preponderantes antes de serem suplantados pelo interesse voltado ao humano, característico do projeto socrático. O interesse pela natureza não é abandonado, mas continua nas obras dos pensadores, desde os medievais aos homens de ciência, intelectuais, cientistas e pesquisadores. Esses homens estão no protagonismo do desenvolvimento da cultura científica. Este trabalho faz uma leitura da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação, juntamente com a Base Nacional Curricular Comum, ligada a ela, e da Lei de Educação Ambiental, buscando identificar, em suas disposições, quais os elementos se referem às ciências naturais e de que forma se coadunam com a dinâmica da difusão do conhecimento representada pela Espiral da Cultura Científica e como percebem a relação homem-natureza. Este trabalho conclui que esses documentos trazem recomendações sobre aspectos da relação homem-natureza, no sentido de a educação formal se preocupar com a disponibilização de rudimentos para que o indivíduo compreenda sua relação com o seu entorno, qual a sua influência nele e de que modo pode proceder para que suas atitudes não sejam deletérias para com seus contemporâneos e com as gerações vindouras, enquanto a não-formal cumpre o papel de dar continuidade a essa formação, mantendo-o atualizado quanto ao estado das discussões e aos fatos novos, ensejando uma ação mais consciente eficiente ante o sistema da natureza.
SCREENING SYNTHETIC PEPTIDE LIBRARIES WITH TARGETS BOUND TO MAGNETIC BEADS
Authors: Fassina Giorgio , Rosaria Bellitti Maria , Cassani Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Immobilization of target molecules on magnetic beads has been evaluated for the screening of resin-bound synthetic peptide libraries. Selection of peptide-beads recognizing the target molecule is easily and quickly accomplished in the presence of a magnetic field. Bead complexes are easily dissociated under pH extremes, allowing easy peptide characterization.
THE ROLE OF THE ARGININE RESIDUE IN THE STABILIZATION OF MUCIN CORE TYPE I-βTURNS
Authors: Tendler Saul J B , Scanlon Martin J. , Price Michael  R
Published: April 2022

The MUC-1 core related peptides have a propensity to form a type I 13-tum about the region PDTR. Recently a computational investigation has identified that this tum may be stabilized by a salt-bridge interaction between the D and R residues. N.m.r. studies on the peptides APDTXPAPG(X=R,I ,L) however indicate that the R residue, and therefore the salt-bridge, is not a prerequisite for such 13-tum formation.
α-Helical Propensities of Amino Acids in the Hydrophobic Face of an Amphipathic α- Helix
Authors: Zhou Nian  E. , Monera Oscar  D. , Kay Cyril  M. , Hodges Robert  S.
Published: April 2022

The α-helical propensity of the 20 amino acids was determined using as a test model, an amphipathic α--helical peptide that is small, monomeric and non-interacting. Amino acid substitutions were made at a "guest" site, centrally located in the non-polar face and surrounded by a uniform environment. The α--helical propensity scale generated using this model system is complete and represents the intrinsic a-helical propensity in the absence of intra- and interchain side-chain interactions.
Change in the pH-Profile of Escherichia coli Phosphofructokinase with Adenosine-5'-0-(3-Thiotriphosphnte) (ATP-γS) as a Substrate
Authors: AUZAT Isabelle , LE  BRAS Gisele , GAREL Jean-Renaud
Published: April 2022

With the analog adenosine-5'-0-(3-thiotriphosphate) (A TP-γS) instead of ATP as a substrate, the catalytic rate-constant kcat of the allosteric phosphofructokinase from Escherichia coli becomes independent of pH between pH 6 and pH 9 instead of following the ionization of a group of pK=7. This marked change in the pH-dependence of kcatt could be due to the lower pK of the y-thiophosphate of ATP-γS as compared to that of they-phosphate of ATP or to a change in rate-limiting step.
Mechanistic Insights and Docking Studies of Phytomolecules as Potential Candidates
in the Management of Cancer
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Kumar Dinesh , Shri Richa , Kumar Suresh
Published: April 2022

Background:

Cancer is a leading risk of death globally. According to the World Health Organization,
it is presently the second most important disease that causes death in both developing and developed countries.
Remarkable progress has been made in the war against cancer with the development of numerous novel
chemotherapy agents. However, it remains an immense challenge to discover new efficient therapeutic potential
candidates to combat cancer.

Objective:

The majority of the currently used anticancer drugs are of natural origins, such as curcumin, colchicine,
vinca alkaloid, paclitaxel, bergenin, taxols, and combretastatin. Concerning this, this review article presents
the structure of the most potent molecules along with IC50 values, structure-activity relationships, mechanistic
studies, docking studies, in silico studies of phytomolecules, and important key findings on human cancer
cell lines.

Methods:

A viewpoint of drug design and development of antiproliferative agents from natural phytomolecules
has been established by searching peer-reviewed literature from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Springer,
Science Direct, and Web of Science over the past few years.

Result:

Our analysis revealed that this article would assist chemical biologists and medicinal chemists in
industry and academia in gaining insights into the anticancer potential of phytomolecules.

Conclusion:

In vitro and in silico studies present phytomolecules, such as curcumin, colchicine, vinca alkaloids,
colchicine, bergenin, combretastatin, and taxol encompassing anticancer agents, offerings abundant sanguinity
and capacity in the arena of drug discovery to inspire the investigators towards the continual investigations
on these phytomolecules. It is extremely expected that efforts in this track will strengthen and grant some
budding cancer therapeutics candidates in the near future.
Prevalence of Risk Factors Associated with Intimate Partner Violence in Women of Reproductive Age from South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Mhelembe Talani , Ramroop Shaun , Habyarimana Faustin
Published: April 2022

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a primary health concern in both developing and developed countries. Even though some countries are intervening through awareness campaigns to boost IPV knowledge, the high prevalence remains a concern. This study's main objective was to assess IPV factors utilizing the generalized additive mixed model (GAMM).

Methodology:

The current research used datasets from the 2016 South Africa and Uganda Demographics and Health Surveys involving a total of 8514 and 18506 women, respectively. GAMM was used to examine the data. The result assessed if a woman has experienced some form of intimate violence or not.

Results:

This study found that 26.93% and 32.25% of women from South Africa and Uganda, respectively, have experienced intimate partner violence. Additionally, the results from this work using GAMM showed the following independent variables as significant risk factors of IPV: age of the woman's partner, marital status, region where the woman lives, age of the woman, media exposure, size of the family, polygamy, wife-beating attitude, sex of the household head, wealth index, pregnancy termination status, body mass index, marital status, cohabitation duration, partner's desire for children, partner's education level, woman's working status, woman's income compared to partner's income, and the person who usually decide on what to do with the woman's earnings.

Conclusion:

The study shows that socioeconomic and demographic variables are significant factors that can be used in policy development and contingency plans when tackling intimate partner violence. The results of this study can assist general health workers and organizations responsible for gender monitoring in the two countries in developing successful strategies to reduce intimate partner violence against women.
Potential of Streptomyces Strains Isolated from Soils as Biocontrol Agents
Against Fusarium Species
Authors: Amanizadeh Azam , Afshari Setareh Agha Kuchak , Bonjar Gholam Hosein Shahidi , Mosavi Seyyed Amin Ayatollahi
Published: April 2022

Background:

Fusarium species are significant plant and human pathogens. Current chemical
agents against them are limited by their side effects and developed resistance, requiring an alternative
way to overcome this problem.

Objective:

We aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of Streptomyces strains isolated from soil samples
against Fusarium species.

Methods:

Totally 250 samples were collected. Morphological and physiological characterizations of the
isolates were investigated. All isolates were evaluated to test their antifungal activity against Fusarium
oxysporum and Fusarium solani. Molecular identification of active Streptomyces isolates was conducted
using the 16S rRNA gene.

Results:

Fifty Streptomyces isolates were obtained. Among them, two strains showed the most antagonistic
effect against Fusarium species. According to the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, these
isolates were identified as Streptomyces rochei.

Conclusion:

The obtained results of this study indicated that S. rochei could use as a potent source of
bioactive compounds with antifungal activity.
Topical Nanostructured Lipid Carriers of Alpha-mangostin and Resveratrol
for Synergistic Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Samprasit Wipada , Vasarach Chitralada , Opanasopit Praneet , Sriamornsak Pornsak , Chamsai Benchawan
Published: April 2022

Background:

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are interesting lipid-based carrier
systems for enhancing the penetration of drugs through the skin after topical administration.

Objective:

Dual drug-loaded NLCs of alpha-mangostin (M) and resveratrol (R) to enhance antioxidant
activity were developed for topical delivery.

Methods:

The efficacy of a combination of M and R was evaluated in terms of the antioxidant activity. M and R were loaded into the NLCs using a high shear homogenization and ultrasonication process. The particle size, zeta potential, and physical properties of the NLCs were observed. The M and R loading efficiency as well as release patterns were examined using Franz diffusion cells. Moreover, the antioxidant efficacy and in vitro cytotoxicity in the normal human fibroblast (NHF) of the NLCs were evaluated as well.

Results:

The efficacy of a combination of M and R was evaluated in terms of the antioxidant
activity. M and R were loaded into the NLCs using a high shear homogenization and ultrasonication
process. The particle size, zeta potential, and physical properties of the NLCs were observed.
The M and R loading efficiency, as well as release patterns, were examined using Franz
diffusion cells. Moreover, the antioxidant efficacy and in vitro cytotoxicity in the normal human
fibroblast (NHF) of the NLCs were evaluated as well.

Conclusion:

The M and R loaded NLCs were attractive systems for the synergistic antioxidant
activity for topical application.
Curcumin Modulates the Expression of PPARα, CPT1, and MCAD to
Prevent Lipid Metabolism Alterations in the Hearts of Mice Fed with an
HFD
Authors: Meléndez-Salcido Cecilia G. , Vargas-Ortiz Katya , Silva-Gaona Oscar G. , León-García María C. , Macías-Cervantes Maciste H. , Ramírez-Emiliano Joel , Pérez-Vázquez Victoriano
Published: April 2022

Background:

Consuming a high-fructose diet (HFD) contributes to obesity, dyslipidemia,
and cardiovascular diseases. It has been proposed that curcumin modulates lipid metabolism,
and it has a potential beneficial effect in the context of cardiometabolic diseases, although it has
not been demonstrated.

Objective:

This article evaluates the effect of curcumin on the expression of the PPARα, CPT1,
MCAD, VLCAD, and ACAA2 genes in the hearts of mice fed with an HFD.

Methods::

Four groups of male C57BL/6 mice (n = 6) were treated for 15 weeks as follows: 1)
standard diet (C), 2) standard diet + 0.75% (w/w) curcumin (C+Cur), 3) standard diet + 30% (w/v)
fructose (F), and 4) standard diet + 0.75% (w/w) curcumin + 30% (w/v) fructose (F+Cur). Bodyweight
gain, glucose, and the overall serum cholesterol levels were measured after the treatment.
The expression of PPARα, MCAD, VLCAD, ACAA2, and CPT1 was assessed by Western blot in
mice hearts.

Results:

Our data showed that a curcumin treatment induced a higher expression of PPARα and
ACAA2, whereas it decreased CPT1 and MCAD expression in the hearts of mice fed with an
HFD. However, it did not affect VLCAD expression.

Conclusion:

Curcumin regulated PPARα, CPT1, and MCAD expression and increased that of
ACAA2. This suggests a possible therapeutic use to prevent the alterations of mitochondrial fatty
acid metabolism in the hearts of mice fed with an HFD.
Collaborative Governance in the Optimization of Tax Revenue: Case Study in Yogyakarta
Authors: Arsandi Sanda
Published: April 2022

Yogyakarta Regional Tax Office always has difficulty satisfying tax revenue targets year by year. For example, Yogyakarta’s DGT could not meet the revenue target in the last three years, while DGCE always exceeded the target. Reflecting on this condition, Yogyakarta Regional Tax Office needs help from other agencies in the form of collaborative governance that might help them achieve the set targets. Meanwhile, there is a lot of research on Collaborative Governance, but robust generalizations to link theory and practice are still being sought. In order to complement between theory and practice of collaboration, this study discusses the implementation of Collaborative Governance for optimizing state revenues by conducting case studies at the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE) in Yogyakarta. The qualitative method was used with data acquisition through interviews and literature studies. Based on the results, it was found that Collaborative Governance in Yogyakarta is following the Emerson, Nabatchi, and Balogh framework (2012) since it has several system contexts and strong drivers. Resource Conditions and Socio-Economic Conditions are the system context behind the collaboration between the two agencies. Meanwhile, Leadership, Dependence, and Uncertainty are the drivers that trigger Collaborative Governance. Furthermore, by using data matching, the researcher identified the potency of tax revenue from the bonded zone that could be elaborated in Yogyakarta. Finally, we identified several obstacles and challenges to implementing Collaborative Governance in Yogyakarta and formulated practical and theoretical recommendations for them.
Identifying Cases of Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) in the United States: Development and Validation of a Natural Language Processing Method
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Duffy Jonathan , Liu In-Lu Amy , Sy Lina S , Navarro Ronald A , Kim Sunhea S , Ryan Denison S , Chen Wansu , Qian Lei , Mercado Cheryl , Jacobsen Steven J
Published: April 2022

Background

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) accounts for more than half of all claims received by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. However, due to the difficulty of finding SIRVA cases in large health care databases, population-based studies are scarce.

Objective

The goal of the research was to develop a natural language processing (NLP) method to identify SIRVA cases from clinical notes.

Methods

We conducted the study among members of a large integrated health care organization who were vaccinated between April 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, and had subsequent diagnosis codes indicative of shoulder injury. Based on a training data set with a chart review reference standard of 164 cases, we developed an NLP algorithm to extract shoulder disorder information, including prior vaccination, anatomic location, temporality and causality. The algorithm identified 3 groups of positive SIRVA cases (definite, probable, and possible) based on the strength of evidence. We compared NLP results to a chart review reference standard of 100 vaccinated cases. We then applied the final automated NLP algorithm to a broader cohort of vaccinated persons with a shoulder injury diagnosis code and performed manual chart confirmation on a random sample of NLP-identified definite cases and all NLP-identified probable and possible cases.

Results

In the validation sample, the NLP algorithm had 100% accuracy for identifying 4 SIRVA cases and 96 cases without SIRVA. In the broader cohort of 53,585 vaccinations, the NLP algorithm identified 291 definite, 124 probable, and 52 possible SIRVA cases. The chart-confirmation rates for these groups were 95.5% (278/291), 67.7% (84/124), and 17.3% (9/52), respectively.

Conclusions

The algorithm performed with high sensitivity and reasonable specificity in identifying positive SIRVA cases. The NLP algorithm can potentially be used in future population-based studies to identify this rare adverse event, avoiding labor-intensive chart review validation.
Explaining the Varying Patterns of COVID-19 Deaths Across the United States: 2-Stage Time Series Clustering Framework
Authors: Megahed Fadel M , Jones-Farmer L Allison , Ma Yinjiao , Rigdon Steven E
Published: April 2022

Background

Socially vulnerable communities are at increased risk for adverse health outcomes during a pandemic. Although this association has been established for H1N1, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19 outbreaks, understanding the factors influencing the outbreak pattern for different communities remains limited.

Objective

Our 3 objectives are to determine how many distinct clusters of time series there are for COVID-19 deaths in 3108 contiguous counties in the United States, how the clusters are geographically distributed, and what factors influence the probability of cluster membership.

Methods

We proposed a 2-stage data analytic framework that can account for different levels of temporal aggregation for the pandemic outcomes and community-level predictors. Specifically, we used time-series clustering to identify clusters with similar outcome patterns for the 3108 contiguous US counties. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explain the relationship between community-level predictors and cluster assignment. We analyzed county-level confirmed COVID-19 deaths from Sunday, March 1, 2020, to Saturday, February 27, 2021.

Results

Four distinct patterns of deaths were observed across the contiguous US counties. The multinomial regression model correctly classified 1904 (61.25%) of the counties’ outbreak patterns/clusters.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that county-level patterns of COVID-19 deaths are different and can be explained in part by social and political predictors.