bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Variation Affecting MPV and PLT count in association with development of Ischemic Stroke and its Subtypes
Authors: Ludhiadch Abhilash , Sulena Sulena , Singh Sandeep , Chakraborty Sudip , Sharma Dixit , Kulharia Mahesh , Singh Paramdeep , Munshi Anjana
Published: December 2022

Background
Platelets play a significant role in pathophysiology of ischemic stroke since they are involved in the formation of intravascular thrombus after erosion or rupture of the atherosclerotic plaques. Platelet (PLT) count and Mean platelet volume (MPV) are the two significant parameters that affect functions of the platelets.
Methods
In the current study MPV and PLT count was evaluated using flow cytometry and cell counter. SonoClot analysis was carried out to evaluate Activated Clot Timing (ACT), Clot Rate (CR) and Platelet Function (PF). Genotyping was carried out GSA and Sanger sequencing and expression analysis was carried out using RT-PCR. In silico analysis was carried out using GROMACS tool and UNAFold. The interaction of significant proteins with other proteins was predicted using STRING database.
Results
96 genes were analyzed and a significant association of THPO (rs6141) and ARHGEF3 (rs1354034) was observed with the disease and its subtypes. Altered genotypes were associated significantly with increased MPV, decreased PLT count and CR. Expression analysis revealed a higher expression in patients bearing the variant genotypes of both the genes. In silico analysis revealed that mutation in THPO gene leads to the reduced compactness of protein structure. mRNA encoded by mutated ARHGEF3 gene increases the half-life of mRNA. The two significant proteins interact with many other proteins especially the ones involved in the platelet activation, aggregation, erythropoiesis, megakaryocyte maturation, and cytoskeleton rearrangements suggesting that they could be important player in determination of MPV values.
Conclusions
In conclusion the current study demonstrated the role of higher MPV affected by genetic variation in the development of IS and its subtypes. The results of the current study also indicate that higher MPV can be used as a biomarker for the disease and altered genotypes and higher MPV can be targeted for better therapeutic outcomes.
Global, regional, and national burden of neonatal sepsis and other neonatal infections, 1990-2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Li Jing , Xiang Lingling , Chen Xinsi , Li Siyu , Sun Qian , Cheng Xiuyong , Hua Ziyu
Published: December 2022

Objectives
To provide an overview of the global, regional, and national incidence and mortality of neonatal sepsis and other neonatal infections (NS) and their change trends from 1990 to 2019, based on the data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study.
Methods
Annual incident cases, deaths, age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and their percentage changes of NS during 1990–2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study.
Results
Globally, the incident cases of NS increased by 14.33% from 5.18 million in 1990 to 5.92 million in 2019, and the deaths decreased by 13.29% from 242,460 in 1990 to 210,250 in 2019. In the globe, the ASIR of NS per 100,000 population increased by 14.34% from 85.21 in 1990 to 97.43 in 2019, and the ASMR decreased by 11.84% from 3.97 in 1990 to 3.5 in 2019.
Conclusions
Increasing trends in incidence and decreasing trends in mortality of NS were observed worldwide from 1990 to 2019. More robust epidemiological research and effective health strategies are urgently needed to reduce the disease burden of neonatal sepsis worldwide.
Expression of cytochrome P450 and esterase genes involved in permethrin resistance in larvae and adults of Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Ramkumar Govindaraju , Muthusamy Ranganathan , Narayanan Mathiyazhagan , Kweka Eliningaya J.
Published: December 2022

Mosquitoes are the important vectors of several arthropod diseases, which remain a prioritized domain for epidemiology research. Mosquito vector control strategies have classically relied on adult management using chemical insecticides like synthetic pyrethroids. The indiscriminate and non-judicial practice of pesticides has caused tolerance of mosquito population to insecticides of choice. The evolvement of tolerance relies on the expression of few orinterplay of many gene products, belonging to cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase and glutathione superfamily. The present investigation involves the expression pattern of six cytochrome P450 and five esterase candidate genes CYP6M2, CYP6AA7, CYP6Z2, CYP9J34, CYP6BTQ6B7, CYP6AE14 and α-Esterase, Esterase B1, Neuroactin, KM234968, KM234962 in larval and adults Culex quinquefasciatus permethrin resistance strain. Results found expression of the genes CYP6AA7 by 10 folds in larval PerRes and an adult, the expression was only 4.5 folds (P < 0.001; F-73.85), while CYP6M2remains unchanged (P > 0.05; F-0.2496). Esterase gene was 9.0 folds over-expressed in larva and 2.5 folds in adults (P < 0.001; F-27.75). Based on the expression profile the present study suggests that the cytochrome P450CYP6A and esterase gene family may contribute metabolic resistance to permethrin in larval and adult Cx. quinquefasciatus strain.
Quantifying the effect of diammonium phosphate replacing fused calcium magnesium phosphate on soil acidification rate in sugarcane fields based on conservative ion cycling
Authors: Xie Rulin , Zeng Yan , Zhu Xiaohui , Peng Jiayu , Hao Tianxiang , Huang Jinsheng
Published: December 2022

Background and aim
In recent years, diammonium phosphate (DAP) has gradually replaced fused calcium magnesium phosphate (FCMP) as the main source of phosphorus in sugarcane fields in China. This substitution tended to accelerate soil acidification. We aim to quantify the effect of DAP replacing FCMP on soil acidification rate (SAR) by using conservative ion cycling.
Methods
A 3-yr experiment in a sugarcane field was performed. We use conservative ions to assessed conservative alkalinity (CA), and CA was defined by subtracting the sum of the charges of conservative anions (SO42− and Cl−) from the sum of the charges of conservative cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+). SAR was assessed by the input and output of CA.
Results
CA loss and H+ production have a significant positive correlation. In sugarcane field, CA was output from topsoil by 7.1 to 8.9 kmolc ha–1 yr–1 through leaching and sugarcane harvesting, which continuously acidified the topsoil. Among them, sugarcane removal and leaching contributed 62–66% and 34–38%, respectively. The CA input by deposition alleviated 7.7–9.7% of the CA output. When the FCMP application rate was 500 kg ha–1 yr–1 on average, fertilization alleviated 105.8% of the CA output. When FCMP was replaced by DAP, the SAR increased by 7.4 kmolc ha–1 yr–1.
Conclusions
Replacing FCMP with DAP changes conservative ion cycling, causes the soil to lose more CA, and increases the SAR in sugarcane fields in China. Its subsequent impact on sugarcane production requires further attention.
Suitability of Acacia decurrence Fiber Morphology For Pulp and Paper Making In Ethiopia
Authors: Abara Lamesa , Gebeyehu Daniel
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the fiber properties of Acacia decurrence as a alternative raw material quality evaluation for pulp and paper production. Trees from an even-aged stand with a similar stem diameter class were selected randomly. Wood discs were cross cut systematically from a log at the bottom (10%), middle (50%), and top (90%) position along the merchantable height, as well as a block of wood (2cmx2cmx2cm), was taken from pith to periphery: at near pith (10%), middle(50%), and near bark (90%) of disk radius. Fiber properties were determined, and their change with tree height and distance from the pith to the bark were evaluated. The fiber length, fiber width, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness were measured while the derived fiber values were computed from the measured fiber dimensions. All the data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the overall means were 1.37mm, 39.60µm, 9.68µm, 1.93µm, 0.39, 35.38, 24.82, and 0.09 for fiber length, fiber width, lumen diameter, cell wall thickness, Runkle ratio, slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and wall coverage ratio, respectively. A.decurrence was found to fulfill most of the derived fiber values for pulp and paper production, as any part of the tree portion along tree heights and from the pith to the periphery can be utilized for pulp and paper production.
Spatial differentiation and driving factors of the high-quality development of undertakings for the aged of China
Authors: Peng Rong , Huang Jianhang , Deng Xueqin , Wang Yingying
Published: December 2022

Background: Promoting the high-quality development (HQD) of undertakings for the aged is an important action to proactively respond to the rapid population aging in China. This study analyzes spatial differentiation and driving factors of the HQD of China’s undertakings for the aged.
Methods: Based on a quantitative indicator system consisting of financial security, elder care services, health care service and older adults’ social participation, the HQD levels of 31 Chinese provincial administrative regions during 2013-2019 are measured by using the entropy weight method. Spatial panel regression models are used to analyze the impact of population aging, economic development and digital technology on the HQD of undertakings for the aged.
Results: The comprehensive level of the HQD slightly increases from 0.209 in 2013 to 0.222 in 2019, and the overall level is low. The HQD of the eastern region is the highest (0.293), followed by the western region (0.212), and the central region is the lowest (0.153). The high-high clustering type is mainly distributed in the eastern region; the low-low clustering type is mainly distributed in the western and central regions. Economic development and digital technology have significant positive effects while population aging has significant negative effects on the HQD of undertakings for the aged.
Conclusion: There is a significantly spatial differentiation in the HQD of China’s undertakings for the aged. In order to promote the HQD of undertakings for the aged, it is necessary to identify development gaps through making HQD evaluation and to focus on the indicators that are critical in maintaining sustainable economic development and to develop digital technology in order to get rid of those gaps.
The early bat catches the moth –relationship between Salix flowers, Orthosia moths and the barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber 1774)
Authors: Apoznański Grzegorz , Carr Andrew , Gelang Magnus , Kokurewicz Tomasz , Rachwald Alek
Published: December 2022

We present the results of a study which describes the relationship between the western barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus a highly specialised moth predator and its prey – moths of the genus Orthosia, another selective animal known to converge around a dominant producer of pollen and nectar in early spring – willow trees Salix sp.. In order to describe this trophic relationship we conducted acoustic recordings at five paired sites (willow / control tree), in proximity to known barbastelle hibernation sites (Natura 2000: PLH080003 & PLH200014) beginning mid-March 2022 after the first willow blossom sighting. Our study confirms a connection between willow trees and barbastelles during early spring as their activity around them was significantly higher than control sites. We also explore the relative abundance of barbastelles over time finding that activity levels around willows first increases, before decreasing from the night of the first recorded bat, while the activity of non-moth specialist bats remains consistent. We show decreasing importance of willows as other species blossomed attracting alternative prey. This newly described relationship should influence current conservation measures aimed at barbastelles.
WITHDRAWN: Agaricus blazei extract FA2bβ enhances the sensitivity of K562/ADR cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: wang dongping , ge wanwen , sun yanqing
Published: December 2022

The acidic RNA protein complex FA2bβ, isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), has proapoptotic effects and antiproliferative potency in several cancers. In the present study, we explored whether FA2bβ can boost the sensitivity of adriamycin (ADR) to multidrug-resistant chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) K562/ADR cells. A bioinformatics search identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for enrichment analyses. The synergistic antiproliferative effect of FA2bβ and ADR was investigated using a CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell apoptosis rate, cell cycle and autofluorescence intensity of ADR. Western blotting was used to analyse the mechanism of anti-leukaemia action. There was a synergistic effect of FA2bβ and ADR on the chemosensitivity of K562/ADR cells, showing increased apoptosis and intracellular ADR in K562/ADR cells but downregulated P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and mTOR. FA2bβ improved the sensitivity of ADR to MDR K562/ADR cells, perhaps by regulating the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway and downregulating P-gp. These results suggest that FA2bβ may be a combination therapy for CML in the future.
The selection of a hydrophobic 7-phenylbutyl-7-deazaadenine-modified DNA aptamer with high binding affinity for the Heat Shock Protein 70
Authors: Mulholland Catherine , Jestrabova Ivana , Sett Arghya , Ondrus Marek , Sykorova Veronika , Manzanares Lorena , Simoncik Oliver , Muller Petr , Hocek Michal
Published: December 2022

Hydrophobic 7-phenylbutyl-7-deaadenine-modified DNA aptamers were selected against the Heat Shock Protein 70 via PEX and magnetic bead-based SELEX. After 9 rounds of selection, the pool was sequenced and a number of candidates were identified. Following initial screening, two modified aptamers were chemically synthesised in-house and their binding affinity analysed by two methods, bio-layer interferometry and fluorescent-plate-based binding assay. The binding affinities of the modified aptam,ers were compared with that of their natural counterparts. The resulting modified aptamers bound with higher affinity (low nanomolar range) to the Hsp70 than their natural sequence (> 5 µM) and hence have potential for applications and further development towards Hsp70 diagnostics or even therapeutics.
Pilot-scale bioethanol production from the starch of avocado seeds using a combination of dilute acid-based hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Caballero-Sanchez Luis , Lázaro-Mixteco Pedro Eduardo , Vargas‐Tah Ana Alejandra , Castro‐Montoya Agustín Jaime
Published: December 2022

Background
A processing methodology of raw starch extraction from avocado seeds (ASs) and a sequential hydrolysis and fermentation bioprocess in just a few steps was successfully obtained for the bioethanol production by a single yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain and this research was also to investigate the optimum conditions for the pretreatment of biomass and technical procedures for the production of bioethanol. It successfully resulted in high yields and productivity of all the experiments from the laboratory scale and the pilot plant. Ethanol yields from pretreated starch are comparable with those in commercial industries that use molasses and hydrolyzed starch as raw materials.
Results
Before the pilot-scale bioethanol production, studies of starch extraction and dilute sulfuric acid-based pretreatment was carefully conducted. The amount of starch extracted from dry and fresh avocado seed was 16.85 g ± 0.34 g and 29.79 ± 3.18 g of dry starch, representing a yield of ∼17 % and 30 %, respectively. After a dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of starch, the released reducing sugars (RRS) were obtained and the hydrolysate slurries containing glucose (109.79 ± 1.14 g/L), xylose (0.99 ± 0.06 g/L), and arabinose (0.38 ± 0.01 g/L). The efficiency of total sugar conversion was 73.40 %, with a productivity of 9.26 g/L/h. The ethanol fermentation in a 125 mL flask fermenter showed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Fali, active dry yeast) produced the maximum ethanol concentration, pmax at 49.05 g/L (6.22% v/v) with a yield coefficient, Yp/s of 0.44 gEthanol/gGlucose, a productivity or production rate, rp at 2.01 g/L/h and an efficiency, Ef of 85.37%. The pilot scale experiments of the ethanol fermentation using the 40-L fermenter were also successfully achieved with essentially good results. The values of pmax, Yp/s, rp, and Ef of the 40-L scale were at 50.94 g/L (6.46% v/v), 0.45 gEthanol/gGlucose, 2.11 g/L/h, and 88.74%, respectively. Because of using raw starch, major by-products, i.e., acetic acid in the two scales were very low, in ranges of 0.88–2.45 g/L, and lactic acid was not produced, which are less than those values in the industries.
Conclusion
The sequential hydrolysis and fermentation process of two scales for ethanol production using the combination of hydrolysis by utilizing dilute sulfuric acid-based pretreatment and fermentation by a single yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain is practicable and feasible for realistic and effective scale-up strategies of bioethanol production from the starch of avocado seeds.
Maritime transport disruption risk for EU islands under a changing climate
Authors: Zittis George , Ahrens Bodo , Obermann-Hellhund Anika , Giannakis Elias , Risto Danny , Gamez Miguel Agulles , Jorda Gabriel , Peña Mónica Quesada , Rodríguez Veronica Lora , Sauret Jose Luis Guersi , Lionello Piero , Briche Elodie , Collignan Julie , Grätz Matthias , Arikas Damian , Stylianou Constantinos , Neophytou Haris , Serghides Despina
Published: December 2022

Maritime Transport is a vital sector for global trade and the world economy. Particularly for islands, there is also an important social dimension introduced since island communities strongly rely on the sector for connection with the mainland and transportation of goods and passengers. Furthermore, islands are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change, as sea-level rise and extreme events are expected to induce severe impacts. Such hazards are anticipated to also affect the operations of the Maritime Transport sector, either in port infrastructures or ships en route. The present study is an effort to comprehend better and assess the future risk of Maritime Transport disruption in six European islands and archipelagos and aims at supporting regional to local policy and decision-making. We employ state-of-the-art regional climate datasets and the widely used Impact Chain approach to identify the different components that might drive such risks. Larger islands (e.g., Corsica, Cyprus, and Crete) are found to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change on maritime operations. Our findings also highlight the importance of adopting a low-emission pathway since this will keep the risk of Maritime Transport disruption similar to present levels, with an even slightly decreased risk for some islands because of enhanced adaptation capacity and advantageous demographic changes.
High heritability for thermal tolerance in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
Authors: Benfey Tillmann J. , Gonen Serap , Bartlett Charlotte B. , Garber Amber F.
Published: December 2022

Rising temperatures due to anthropogenic climate change pose a threat to wild Atlantic salmon populations in their natural habitat and to farmed populations during their major growth phase in coastal (seawater) net pens. While tremendous gains have been made in farmed salmon production through artificial selection programs, these have not considered the improvement of high-temperature tolerance. We therefore used two thermal challenge protocols to examine variation among families in a commercial salmon breeding program: a rapid temperature increase using loss of equilibrium as the endpoint (critical thermal maximum; CTmax) and a slower increase with mortality or morbidity as the endpoint (incremental thermal maximum; ITmax). High estimated heritability values were obtained for both (h² = 0.47 and 0.40, respectively), meaning that improved high-temperature tolerance should be attainable for farmed salmon through artificial selection. Furthermore, given that farmed salmon are not many generations removed from wild, this also suggested that wild populations may have some capacity to adapt to increasing temperatures brought about by climate change. However, we found no genetic or phenotypic correlations between CTmax and ITmax, and only weak (or no) genetic and phenotypic correlations between them and other traits predicted to influence thermal tolerance (body size and condition factor, ventricle size, and hematocrit).
The Strain Gradient Viscoelasticity Full Field Solution of Mode-III Crack Problem
Authors: Ding Kuanjie , Lin Zhongya , Wei Yueguang
Published: December 2022

The size effect and viscosity effect are both noticeable at the micro-/nano-scale. In the present work, the strain gradient viscoelastic solution of mode-III crack in an infinite quasi-brittle advanced material is proposed based on the strain gradient viscoelasticity theory by using Wiener-Hopf method. The solutions of the gradient-dependent viscoelastic crack problem are obtained directly by using the correspondence principle between the strain gradient viscoelasticity and strain gradient elasticity in Maxwell standard linear solid model. In this model, the stress near the crack tip is time-dependent and size-dependent. Besides, the stress near the crack tip is larger than that which is in gradient elasticity theory. The location and the value of maximum stress change with time,which differs from the case in strain gradient elasticity theory.The time that normalized stress take to stabilize also changes with the changing of with distances from the crack tip. When viscoelasticity is neglected or time tends to infinity, the strain gradient viscoelasticity theory can be reduced to the classical strain gradient elasticity theory.
Hly176B, a low-salt tolerant halolysin from the haloarchaeon Haloarchaeobius sp. FL176
Authors: Zhang Shenao , Chen Feilong , Ke Juntao , Hao Yuling , Pan Ruru , Hong Tao , Dai Yongpei , Chen Shaoxing
Published: December 2022

Extracellular proteases of haloarchaea are adapted to function at high concentrations of NaCl, and could find useful applications in industrial or biotechnological processes where hypersaline conditions are desired. The diversity of extracellular proteases produced by haloarchaea is largely unknown, although the genomes of many species have been sequenced and are publicly available. In this study, a gene encoding the extracellular protease Hly176B from the haloarchaeon Haloarchaeobius sp. FL176 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The catalytic triad Asp-His-Ser was confirmed via site-directed mutagenesis, indicating that Hly176B belongs to the class of serine proteases (halolysin). Unlike previously reported extracellular proteases from haloarchaea, Hly176B remained active in almost salt-free solution for a relatively long time. In addition, Hly176B displayed good tolerance to some metal ions, surfactants and organic solvents, and exerts its highest enzyme activities at 40 °C, pH 8.0 and 0.5 M NaCl. Therefore, this study enriches our knowledge of extracellular proteases, and also expands their applications in various industrial uses.
"Fruits of our past karma": A qualitative study on knowledge about congenital anomalies among women in Pune district, India
Authors: Kar Anita , Dhamdhere Dipali , Medhekar Aishwarya
Published: December 2022

Background
Congenital anomalies are distressing events when a fetal anomaly is detected during pregnancy, or the infant is born with a disability. Maternal health services in India do not provide information on these disorders as a part of routine activities.
Objective
To understand women’s knowledge on causes, prevention, abortion rights, attitudes towards disability, knowledge on medical care, rehabilitation and welfare services with the goal of identifying contents of birth defects education resources.
Methods
Qualitative descriptive design. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 24 women from Pune district. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify emergent themes.
Results
Three themes emerged. Firstly, knowledge on congenital anomalies was limited. These conditions were discussed generally with other adverse pregnancy experiences, and with reference to children with disabilities. Secondly, pregnancy termination for conditions considered to be untreatable was majorly advocated. Directive counseling for pregnancy termination was common. Thirdly, stigmatizing attitudes were responsible for children with disabilities being considered a burden, for maternal blaming, and for stigma and isolation of families. Knowledge on rehabilitation was limited.
Conclusions for practice
Participants lacked knowledge on these conditions. Three target groups and contents for birth defects education were identified. Women’s resource would include knowledge on preconception and antenatal opportunities for reducing risks, available medical care, and legal rights. Parents resources would provide information on treatment, rehabilitation, legal provisions and rights of disabled children. Resources for general community would include information on these disorders, as well as disability sensitization messages to ensure inclusion of children with congenital disabilities.
Investigation of oncolytic effect of recombinant Newcastle disease virus in primary and metastatic oral melanoma
Authors: Supaporn Numpadit , Ito Chiaki , Nakaya Takaaki , Hagiwara Katsuro
Published: December 2022

Malignant melanoma is aggressive cancer with a high rate of local invasiveness and metastasis. Currently, the treatment options for patients with advanced-stage and metastatic oral melanoma are limited. A promising treatment option is oncolytic viral therapy. This study aimed to evaluate novel therapies for malignant melanoma using a canine model. Oral melanoma, which frequently occurs in dogs is used as a model for human melanoma, was isolated and cultured and used for the evaluation of the tumor lytic effect induced by viral infection. We constructed a recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) that promotes the extracellular release of IFNγ from the virus-infected melanoma. The expression of oncolytic and apoptosis-related genes, the immune response by lymphocytes, and IFNγ expression were evaluated in virus-infected melanoma cells. The results showed that the rate of rNDV infection varied according to the isolated melanoma cells and the oncolytic effect differed between melanoma cells owing to the infectivity of the virus. The oncolytic effect tended to be greater for the IFNγ-expressing virus than for the GFP-expressing prototype virus. Additionally, lymphocytes co-cultured with the virus showed induced expression of Th1 cytokines. Therefore, recombinant NDV expressing IFNγ is expected to induce cellular immunity and oncolytic activity. This oncolytic treatment shows promise as a therapeutic approach for melanoma treatment once evaluated using clinical samples from humans.
Advanced oxidative decontamination of flax and its impacts on storage
Authors: Findlay Catherine , Singh Jaskirat , Nadimi Mohammad , Paliwal Jitendra
Published: December 2022

The metabolic actions of storage fungi and other microorganisms can cause spoilage and post-harvest losses in agricultural commodities, including flaxseed. These microbial contaminants are oxidized with hydroxyl radicals that are efficiently generated when ozone, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ultraviolet (UV) light react in an advanced oxidative process (AOP). The present work explores what we believe is the first application of an AOP technology to reduce mould on whole brown and yellow flaxseed. The impact of AOP on storage and quality parameters was assessed by measuring the fatty acid value (FAV), germination rate, moisture content (MC), and visible mould growth after 12 weeks of storage. At 30°C and 75% relative humidity (RH), the yellow decontaminated flaxseed showed a 31% decrease in the number of seeds with visible mould without any adverse effect on germination rate, FAV and MC. In contrast, the same AOP treatment created an insignificant decrease in mould in stored brown flaxseed, at the cost of decreasing the germination rate and increasing FAV. Adverse effects of AOP on brown flaxseed were not readily apparent but became measurable after storage. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was utilized to explore the rationale behind the different reactions of flaxseed varieties to AOP. The corresponding results indicated that the tolerance of yellow flaxseed to AOP might be related to its richness in olefins. The authors believe that technologies that harness advanced oxidative processes open new horizons in decontamination beyond ozone alone and towards increasing the shelf life of various agri-food products.
Quality Control Study for Piston Rings Using Pareto Analysis
Authors: Bhumarker Amit , Singh Abhishek
Published: December 2022

The manufacturing factor in the piston ring-shaped contact has drawn significant attention over the years, as seen by the numerous papers that have been written about it recently. The current manifestation conception addresses the requirements for a manufactured organization in order to create it successfully and efficiently, and it's more along the lines of a protective category. Modern manufacturing is extremely difficult, and it puts a firm's ability to provide in the shortest timeframe at the lowest possible cost without compromising the quality of the product being manufactured to the test. Organizations should use their resources to the greatest extent possible and reduce non-value-added tasks to the greatest extent possible in order to operate efficiently. An organization must implement all necessary measures to increase production capacity and decrease waste; as a result, critical factors like setup time, tool life, machine breakdown time, etc. must be carefully studied and monitored in order to carry out improvement actions and boost machine productivity. Tools for quality control are particularly helpful in identifying and evaluating the critical elements affecting productivity. To increase the overall production of the several piston ring manufacturing operations, a thorough investigation needed to be carried out. In Nashik, Maharashtra, India, Perfect Circles India Limited has performed the comprehensive work.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA-382 promotes osteogenesis in osteoblast via regulation of SLIT2
Authors: Su Hairong , Yang Yulan , Lv Wanchun , Li Xiaoli , Zhao Binxiu
Published: December 2022

Background:
Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic skeletal disorder with increased bone fragility. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), have multi-lineage differentiation ability, which may play important roles in osteoporosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of hBMSCs-derived miR-382 in osteogenic differentiation.
Methods: The miRNA and mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes between persons with high or low bone mineral density (BMD) were compared. Then we collected the hBMSCs-secreted sEV and examined the dominant components. The over-expression of the miR-382in MG63 cell and its progression of osteogenic differentiation were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot and alizarin red staining. The interaction between miR-382and SLIT2 was confirmed by dual luciferase assay. The role of SLIT2 was also confirmed through up-regulation in MG63 cell, and the osteogenic differentiation-associated gene and protein were tested.
Results: According to bioinformatic analysis, a series of differential expressed genes between persons with high or low BMD were compared. After internalization of hBMSC-sEV in MG63 cells, we observed that the ability of osteogenic differentiation was significantly enhanced. Similarly, after up-regulation of miR-382 in MG63 cells, osteogenic differentiation was also promoted. According to the dual luciferase assay, the targeting function of miR-382 in SLIT2 was demonstrated. Moreover, the benefits of hBMSC-sEV in osteogenesis was abrogated through up-regulation of SLIT2.
Conclusion: Our study provided evidence that miR-382-contained hBMSC-sEV held great promise in osteogenic differentiation in MG63 cells after internalization by targeting SLIT2, which can be served as molecular targets to develop effective therapy.
Stability and Hopf bifurcation on an immunity delayed HBV/HCV model with intra- and extra-hepatic coinfection and saturation incidence
Authors: Song Bing , Zhang Yuru , Sang Yuan , Zhang Long
Published: December 2022

A hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) epidemic model with intra- and extra-hepatic coinfection, immune delay and saturation incidence, as well as antiviral therapy is proposed in this paper. The existence of equilibria (infection-free, immune-free and immune-activated), the basic reproduction numbers, i.e., R0, R1, are given respectively, by which the criteria on (local and global) stability of above equilibria are established. Furthermore, if the immune delay τ>τ0, the existence of Hopf bifurcation is obtained at the immune-activated equilibrium E*. Finally, the theoretical results are demonstrated by numerical simulations. We derive that the immune delay and intra- and extra-hepatic coinfection have significant influence on the transmission of HBV/HCV, could cause more complicated dynamics at E* from stability to unstablity untill bifurcation, which greatly increases the difficulty of disease control. While effective antiviral therapy could evidently decrease the spread of HBV/HCV.
Molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses support recognition of a new species of Vincetoxicum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from eastern Thailand
Authors: Kidyoo Aroonrat , Kidyoo Manit
Published: December 2022

An unknown Vincetoxicum species has recently been discovered in northeastern Thailand. It is a twiner that resembles in its morphology and ecology V. flexuosum var. flexuosum, a variable species widely occurring from tropical Asia to Australia. Comprehensive morphological examination showed that despite similarities in growth habit, leaf shape, branching of the inflorescence and flower colour, these two taxa exhibit substantial differences in both vegetative and reproductive traits that clearly distinguish one from the other, particularly shape of the flower bud and indumentum on the corolla lobes. In addition, we also evaluated phylogenetic relationships based on DNA sequence data for ITS, trnT-L, trnL, and trnL-F markers of this new Vincetoxicum sp. with congeners (including, inter alia, new sequences of V. flexuosum var. flexuosum and also those of V. flexuosum var. tenuis, the other variety occurring in Thailand). The analyses demonstrated that the new Vincetoxicum sp. is not closely related to the taxa recognized as V. flexuosum. The new species was instead retrieved as sister to a clade containing the African taxa, V. caffrum, V. lycioides and V. fleckii. Therefore, integrated analyses of morphology and molecular phylogeny revealed Vincetoxicum sp. to be a well-defined species clearly distinct from V. flexuosum, as well as from all other known congeners. The morphological similarity between the new Vincetoxicum sp. and V. flexuosum var. flexuosum likely resulted from convergence, leading to various taxonomic complications. We here describe it as a new species, V. sangyojarniae, sp. nov., and provide a detailed description, illustration, photographs, and comparison to the morphologically similar V. flexuosum var. flexuosum. A preliminary taxonomic reconsideration of the infraspecific taxa under V. flexuosum is also suggested.
A Data-driven Analysis and Optimization of the Impact of Prescribed Fire Programs on Wildfire Risk in Different Regions of the United States
Authors: Jose Esther , Agarwal Puneet , Zhuang Jun
Published: December 2022

In the current century, wildfires have shown an increasing trend, causing a huge amount of direct and indirect losses in society. Different methods and efforts have been employed to reduce the frequency and intensity of the damages, one of which is implementing prescribed fires. Previous works have established that prescribed fires are effective at reducing the damage caused by wildfires. However, the actual impact of prescribed fire programs are dependent on factors such as where and when prescribed fires are conducted. In this paper, we propose a novel data-driven model studying the impact of prescribed fire as a mitigation technique for wildfires to minimize the total costs and losses. This is applied to states in the U.S. to perform a comparative analysis of the impact of prescribed fires from 2003-2017 and to identify the optimal scale of the impactful prescribed fire programs. The fifty U.S. states are classified into categories based on impact and risk levels. Measures that could be taken to improve different prescribed fire programs are discussed. Our results show that California and Oregon are the only severe-risk U.S. states to conduct prescribed fire programs that are impactful at reducing wildfire risks, while other southeastern states such as Florida maintain fire-healthy ecosystems with very extensive prescribed fire programs. Our research provides a novel model and insights for wildfire management.
Comparison of the results of the modified and classical bimedial recession in infantile esotropia
Authors: BEĞENDİ Diğdem , DURANOĞLU Yaşar
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Bi-medial rectus recession, which can also be performed using a hang-back technique, is one of the surgical treatment options for infantile esotropia (IE). This study has modified the surgical approach, with outcomes compared to the traditional hang-back technique.
Methods
The bi-medial recession was performed with a modified hang-back technique in 120 IE patients and with a traditional hang-back technique in 88 cases. Surgical outcomes were reviewed and compared retrospectively.
Results
The patients in the two groups were compared in terms of surgery time, inferior oblique weakening surgery, and the presence of refractive error. The differences between pre-operative deviation degrees and post-operative first-month, sixth-month, and first-year deviation degrees were all statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
This modified novel technique aims to avoid unwanted muscle movement in the horizontal and vertical axes and a gap in the middle of the recessed muscle, as seen in the traditional hang-back technique. Further, the modified technique resulted in less over- and under-correction as well as alphabetic pattern deviation.
Comparison of in vitro Antifungal Activity Methods Using Aeromonas sp. BHC02 Chitinase, Whose Physicochemical Properties were Determined as Antifungal Agent Candidate
Authors: Yilmaz Gulesme , CADIRCI Bilge
Published: December 2022

Biological control to prevent fungal plant diseases offers and alternative approach to faciliate sustainable agriculture. Since inhibition of chitinolytic fungal cell walls synthesis is a target for antifungal agents, chitinases are one of the biocontrol agents. This study, it was aimed to investigate isolating a new bacterium from fluvial soil as a chitinase source and the antifungal activity of the characterized chitinase. During planning the in vitro antifungal activity, three common methods were preferred and compared. The bacterium with the highest chitinase activity was identified as Aeromanas caviae by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Following the determination of the optimum enzyme production time, the enzyme was partially purified, and the physicochemical parameters of the enzyme were investigated. It was determined that the partially purified chitinase showed antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium sp. This study also conclude that the results of the antifungal activities depend on the method used. And all fungal chitins cannot be degraded with a chitinase. Depending on the variety of chitin, some fungi can be more resistant. In this context, it is necessary to conduct a detailed study on the chitins in the cell wall of the fungi.
A Methodology Framework for Bipartite Network Modeling
Authors: Liew Chin Ying , Labadin Jane , Kok Woon Chee , Eze Monday Okpoto
Published: December 2022

The graph-theoretic based studies employing bipartite network approach mostly focus on surveying the statistical properties of the structure and behavior of the network systems under the domain of complex network analysis. They aim to provide the big-picture-view insights of a networked system by looking into the dynamic interaction and relationship among the vertices. Nonetheless, incorporating the features of individual vertex and capturing the dynamic interaction of the heterogeneous local rules governing each of them in the studies is lacking. The methodology in achieving this could hardly be found. Consequently, this study intends to propose a methodology framework that considers the inﬂuence of heterogeneous features of each node to the overall network behavior in modeling real-world bipartite network system. The proposed framework consists of three main stages with principal processes detailed in each stage, and three libraries of techniques to guide the modeling activities. It is iterative and process-oriented in nature and allows future network expansion. Two case studies from the domain of communicable disease in epidemiology and habitat suitability in ecology employing this framework are also presented. The results obtained suggest that the methodology could serve as a generic framework in advancing the current state of the art of bipartite network approach.
Development of an Educational Program in Rational Drug Use by Primary Care Pharmacists toward Village Health Volunteers’ Literacy: A Preliminary Study in Rural Northern Areas of Thailand
Authors: Lertphanithit Sunthiwat , Panya Rujira , Maneemai Ong-art
Published: December 2022

Adequate rational drug use (RDU) literacy of village health volunteers (VHVs) is essential for community health. This study aimed to develop and examine the effects of educational program by primary care pharmacist on RDU literacy among VHVs. This study was one-group pre-test-and-post-test study carried out at Sawang Arom Health Promotion Hospital, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao province, Thailand. The educational program was designed based on health literacy theory. The primary outcome was RDU literacy score. The Rational Drug Use Literacy Scale was used to assess the RDU literacy score. Sixty VHVs were recruited into the study via purposive sampling. The results demonstrated that most of participants were female (n=54, 90.0%). Approximately 70% (n=43) were over the age of 50, and 80% (n=48) were had educational level under grade 9. The mean RDU literacy scores in pre-test and post-test were 18.85 ± 5.25 and 23.93 ± 2.15, respectively (p<0.001). Considering by aspects, it was found that the mean scores in compliance to the instructions on a medicine label (p<0.001), health advertising assessment (p<0.001), proper drug selection and utilization (p<0.001), and medical term comprehension (p=0.006) were statistical significantly higher than pre-test. Health information accessibility score was not significantly different from the baseline (p=0.766). In conclusion, this pharmacist-developed educational program demonstrated effectively improved RDU literacy among VHVs. It may be advantageous to use this program in other areas.
Comparing RNA extraction methods to face the variations in RNA quality using two human biological matrices
Authors: Ortega-Pinazo Jesús , Serrano-Castro Pedro Jesús , Martínez Beatriz , Pinto-Medel María Jesús , Gómez-Zumaquero Juan Miguel , Lago-Sampedro Ana , García-Díaz Beatriz , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Ferro Pedro
Published: December 2022

Nucleic acids, RNA among them, are widely used in biomedicine and biotechnology. Because of their susceptibility to degradation by RNases, the handling and extraction process of RNA from cells and tissues require specialized personnel and standardized methods to guarantee high purity and integrity. Due to the diversity of techniques found in the market, a comparative study between different RNA extraction methods is useful to facilitate the best choice for the researcher or in research service platforms such as biobanks to see the traceability of the samples. In this study, we have compared seven different RNA extraction methods: manual (TRIzol™), semiautomated (QIAGEN™, Bio-Rad, Monarch®, and Canvax™), and fully automated (QIAcube™ and Maxwell®) processes, from two biological matrices: human Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results showed marked differences in the RNA quality and functionality according to the method employed for RNA extraction and the matrix used. These data contribute to facilitating researchers or research service platforms in decision-making practices and emphasize the relevance of the selection of the RNA extraction method in each experimental procedure or traceability study to guarantee both quality standards and its reproducibility.
Synthesis of Polycardanol Using BF3.O(C2H5)2 as Initiator: Influence of Polymerization Conditions on Reaction Products
Authors: Martins Maximiliano , Aversa Thiago , da Silva Carla Michele , da Silva Edilson , Lucas Elizabete
Published: December 2022

Cardanol acts to stabilize asphaltene particles in crude oil, but its derivative polycardanol, synthesized with BF3.O(C2H5)2 as initiator, exhibits divergent behavior, acting as both asphaltenes stabilizer and flocculant. This behavior could be related to structural differences in polycardanol samples. Therefore, in this work, we study the influence of some polymerization conditions (monomer purity, initiator concentration, and reaction time) on the structures and molar masses of the reaction products, and the reaction conversion. The materials were characterized by size‑exclusion chromatography and hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance. When reacting with distilled cardanol, the conversion, the molar mass, and the homogeneity of structures increased as increasing initiator concentration in the range tested (1-3% m/m). For both monomers (different purity degrees), when using a lower initiator concentration (1% m/m), the product contained a larger amount of unreacted monomer and different structures were obtained due to the occurrence of rearrangements. The presence of triolefinic molecules in the monomer provoked crosslinked structures for higher initiator concentration (2-3% m/m). This study elucidated the differences among the reaction products of polycardanol.
Gestión toponímica vinculada a la cartografía en Andalucía (España)
Authors: Borrego María Teresa Garrido , Lozano Cristina Torrecillas
Published: December 2022

La gestión toponímica vinculada a la cartografía dentro de un organismo cartográfico administrativo presenta muchas oportunidades y, desde 1985, en el Instituto de Estadística y Cartografía de Andalucía se han ido aprovechando para llegar a la definición del actual Nomenclátor Geográfico de Andalucía. Se presenta un resumen de dicha gestión, valorando los principales aciertos y dificultades en el inventario, normalización, verificación, mantenimiento y difusión de la toponimia en estos años. Cabe destacar la colaboración en proyectos vinculados a otros productos cartográficos, la reutilización de diversas bases georreferenciadas, la exigencia de su mantenimiento y difusión web, como también la ampliación de su modelo de datos o la necesidad de trabajos colaborativos interinstitucionales para el uso consensuado de la toponimia normalizada u oficial.