bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Problems of Antibiotic Therapy in Ophthalmology and the Perspective Ways of Solution. Literature Review
Authors: Ponomarev V. O. , Kazaykin V. N. , Ponomarev O. P.
Published: December 2020

To date, the problem of interaction between humans and the surrounding microbiome continues to grow in the human population, which is expressed in the so-called crisis of antibiotic resistance. Microorganisms, being pathogens of infectious diseases, no longer have guaranteed pharmacological barriers that can stop their reproduction, which means that they continue to claim thousands of lives every year. This phenomenon is associated with many reasons, such as the presence of mobile genetic elements in bacteria that perform the function of horizontal gene transfer, responsible for their resistance to antibiotics. Mutational microevolution changes in the genotype of a bacterial cell can lead to the development of uncontrolled polyresistance. Also, the combination of micro-and macroevolutionary changes in the external signs of the pathogen determines the system of factors of aggression, invasion, protection and adaptation. Other factors causing antibioticoresistance include overuse of antibiotics and self-nominations during periods of self-medication, antibiotics and medical staff in subclinical doses, too short treatment courses, and sometimes their function in the absence of indications for therapy, the extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture. A number of preventive measures that could significantly affect the crisis of antibiotic resistance are being actively worked out at the state level and include programs to reduce the free circulation of antibiotics, optimize therapeutic regimes, improve diagnostic measures for the verification of pathogens, prevent the spread of infections, optimize interaction between pharmaceutical companies and registration organizations, stimulate investment and public-private partnership, and of course the international initiative on systemic interaction. This paper examines the cause-and-effect relationships that can have a direct impact on the resolution of the crisis of antibiotic resistance, which can be traced in the historical context and up to the present time, as well as describes modern promising scientific and technical directions that can give humanity a new «Golden bullet» against pathogens, in particular the use of artificial fluorophores-quantum dots.
Our Experience of Nutraceutical Effects in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Yanchenko S. V. , Malyshev A. V. , Sakhnov S. N. , Balayan A. S. , Sergienko A. A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose: to assess the possibilities of ophthalmonutraceuticals using in age-related macular degeneration (AND) patients.

Patients Methods. The study included 35 patients (68.3 ± 6.3 years old; 15 men, 20 women) with AMD (AREDS-2 and AREDS-3 categories). As an ophthalmic nutraceutical, a biological active supplement was used, included vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxantine, cooper, selenium (Retinorm; 3 capsules per day with meals). The observation period was 12 months (6 courses of therapy). There were the main control points: examination at study entry and examination at study completion. All those observed patients were underwent standard ophthalmological examination; fundus state photo registration (Nidek); OCT (Opto-Vue). The significance of a possible increase in the proportion of AREDS-3–4 AMD category patients was assessed using the Pearson γ2 test. An additional criterion was the maximum corrected visual acuity (MCVA) stabilization. The mean and its standard deviation (M ± s) were calculated, the significance of differences was assessed using the Wilcoxon’s t-test.

Results. The study was completed in 33 patients. In 2 eyes a transition of AMD from the AREDS-2 to AREDS-3 category was recorded (an increase in the number and size of druses, with the appearance of large druses). The increase in the proportion of patients with the AREDS-3 AMD category was statistically insignificant (γ2 = 0.267; p = 0.606). In no case was there a transition to the AREDS-4 category. In the vast majority of those who completed the study (31 eyes; 93.9 %), the manifestations of AMD were stable, which, taking in account the chosen criterion, allows us to consider nutraceutical support to be affective. MCVA during the observation period also remained stable with a slight, but statistically insignificant tendency to its increase (from 0.72 ± 0.07 to 0.75 ± 0.09; t = 37.5, p > 0.05). One patient was excluded from the study after 6 months of observation due to development of an allergic skin reaction (presumably to the components of a nutraceutical). In the vast majority of patients (97.1%), no significant side effects of therapy were observed, the nutraceutical regimen was comfortable. One more patient was excluded from the study (after 3 months) due to his failure to appear for next follow-up examination.

Conclusion. The use of Retinorm ophthalmonutraceutical can stabilize the manifestations of AMD (AREDS-2–3) in 93.9 % of patients with follow-up periods of up to 12 months. Repeated courses of therapy in 97.1 % of patients are not accompanied by significant side effects, and the regimen for taking ophthalmonutraceuticals is characterized by patients as comfortable.
A SIMULATION STUDY ON NEUROMUSCULAR FACTORS AFFECTING CONSECUTIVE MOTOR UNIT ACTION POTENTIAL WAVESHAPE
Authors: SAVAŞ Kamil , GÖKÇE Yasin , TRIGUEROS Armando , YARAŞ Nazmi
Published: December 2020

Quantification of consecutive motor unit potential (MUP) is used to diagnose and monitor the progress of neuromuscular pathologies in clinical applications. In this study, a detailed motor unit simulation was conducted to reveal and understand the factors affecting MUPs. Using a volume conductor model and real muscle parameters, normal and pathologic MUPs were created. The shape changes observed in consecutive MUPs, called jiggle, are calculated with a quantification method. Increased jitter duration and re-innervation percentage commonly observed during motor unit loss increase the jiggle value proportionally. Moreover, increasing fiber density changing different regions of a muscle bundle decreases the jiggle value. The blocking phenomena generally observed in re-innervated fibers affects the jiggle value similar to jitter duration. But, higher blocking levels (50%) of re-innervated motor fiber do not have an effect on jiggle value as lower levels of blocking (20%). In conclusion, simulation of pathological MUPs showed that it is useful for clinicians to understand the progress of a neuromuscular pathology and the factors affecting consecutive MUP wave shape.
Front Cover
Authors: Ohio Academy of Science The
Published: December 2020

No abstract available.
Sensitivity of Extracellular Vesicles from Human Blood Serum to Various Detergents
Authors: Yakovlev A.A. , Druzhkova T.A. , Guekht A.B. , Gulyaeva N.V.
Published: December 2020

Blood exosomes and microvesicles, collectively known as small extracellular vesicles (sEV), are vesicles about 100-150 nm in size. Small EV are involved in various aspects of signaling in the body; in addition, they can serve as markers of various pathologies. For biochemical studies, vesicle solubilization is often required. We tested the ability of various detergents to dissolve membranes of the sEV. Small EV were isolated from the blood serum of healthy volunteers by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-2B and tried to solubilize them using the anionic detergent DOC (sodium deoxycholate), non-ionic detergent Brij 35 (polyoxyethyleneglycol dodecyl ether), zwitterionic detergent CHAPS (3 - [(3-chloramidopropyl) dimethylammonio] -1-propanesulfonate), and cationic detergent CTAB (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide). The concentration of sEV in the solution was determined by dynamic light scattering. We find DOC is the most effective for sEV solubilization.
Digitalization of Agriculture Sector in Japan
Authors: Kostyukova K. S.
Published: December 2020

Purpose: this article includes the review of the Japanese policy on the digital transformation transformation of the agricultural sector, description and analysis of the implementation cases, as well as identification of obstacles to achieve the expected results.

Methods: the study uses the methods of structural, comparative and systems analysis and the principle of formal logic. The article is based on the analysis of scientific and analytical materials devoted to the problem of research. The factual basis is the framework documents of the Cabinet of Japan, media, reports of Japanese research institutes.

Results: the article provides a brief review and analysis of the Japanese public of digital transformation of the agricultural sector, provides some cases, summarizes the interim results of the measures taken, identifies problematic factors that prevent the achievement of the expected results. The hypothesis is put forward about the key role of the government in the process of developing new standards for the digital transformation.

Conclusions and Relevance: Japan agricultural sector is facing a severe labor shortage. The situation is expected to get worse in the next 5 years. The Japanese government expects that digital technologies and autonomous equipment will compensate for the lack of labor on farms, as well as provide a new stage in the development of the traditional agricultural sector. However, the digitalization of agriculture sector is not limited to the introduction of the latest technology, but also involves the development of new safety rules for the use of robotic tractors, unmanned aerial vehicles, improving farmers ICT education, and standardizing new agricultural terms. However, despite the promise of using digital technologies, the high cost of new equipment and the complexity of its use is a significant obstacle to the digitalization of agriculture in Japan. The study of the features of the digital transformation of the Japanese agricultural sector is very important for the effective implementation of industry projects that exist today in Russia.
Violencia, corporalidad y simbolismo en la novela gráfica memorialista protagonizada por mujeres
Authors: Artime Carmela , Gatell Montse , Iribarren Teresa
Published: December 2020

Este trabajo propone una lectura, encuadrada en la intersección entre los estudios de la memoria y de género, de dos novelas gráficas españolas: Cuerda de presas (2005), de Fidel Martínez y Jorge García, y El ala rota (2016), de Antonio Altarriba y Kim. Con el fin de subvertir los relatos de memoria histórica androcéntricos hegemónicos, ambas construyen el espacio político y social de las mujeres durante la Guerra Civil y el franquismo y se hacen cargo de su representación simbólica. Mediante el análisis de diferencias y contactos entre los elementos narrativos de la literatura escrita y los propios del medio gráfico, se demostrará que el impacto determinante del poder patriarcal y de la violencia machista en las trayectorias vitales de las mujeres se representa a través de la corporalidad femenina, persiguiendo activar una respuesta ética por parte del lector. El discurso hermenéutico persigue una finalidad didáctica: siguiendo la pedagogía crítica, se argumentará que las obras ilustran hasta qué punto las relaciones de poder intervienen en la construcción del conocimiento y cómo la literatura gráfica puede ser un instrumento de oposición y subversión de estas relaciones desiguales, propiciando, en este caso, la rehabilitación de un imaginario femenino agentivo.
Cruzando El puente del troll, de Neil Gaiman: de la literatura al cómic
Authors: Pina Arraba Álvaro
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se estudia la adaptación de la literatura al cómic a partir del caso concreto de El puente del troll, un relato de Neil Gaiman que Colleen Doran ha ilustrado más de veinte años después de la publicación del primero. En primer lugar, se contextualiza el fenómeno de la adaptación como parte de un entramado socioeconómico en el que ambas producciones (adaptada y adaptación) se retroalimentan. Se hace, no obstante, especial hincapié en distinguir los rasgos de un medio y los del otro incluso cuando el cómic de Doran vierte el texto original de Gaiman de manera íntegra. En segundo lugar, se atiende a los rasgos intersemióticos que se desprenden de la adaptación, a fin de examinar la transposición de los distintos elementos de un medio al otro. Así, se presta especial atención a la yuxtaposición de la palabra y la imagen, a la metáfora y, sobre todo, a la transmisión de las emociones en el marco de una fábula de carácter alegórico. Se concluye que el trasvase semiótico pleno es inviable en la medida en que se trata de dos medios distintos, si bien los constituyentes de la ficción (historia, personajes, escenarios) son en esencia los mismos.
ULUSLARARASI MEDENİ ve SİYASİ HAKLAR SÖZLEŞMESİ’nin ve AVRUPA İNSAN HAK ve ÖZGÜRLÜKLERİ SÖZLEŞMESİ’nin EXTRATERRITORIAL UYGULANMASI
Authors: ARSAVA Ayşe Füsun
Published: December 2020

Uluslararası Medeni ve Siyasi Haklar Sözleşmesi ve Avrupa İnsan

Hak ve Özgürlükleri Sözleşmesi insan haklarının korunması bakımından

en önemli sözleşmeler olarak kabul edilmektedir. Sözleşmelerin

lâfzına göre sözleşmelerin korunmasından istifade etmenin önkoşulu

sözleşme tarafı devletlerin egemenlik yetkilerine tabi olmaktır. Devletler

ancak günümüzde kendi egemenlik alanları dışında da tasarrufta

bulunmaktadır. Devletlerin egemenlik alanları dışındaki tasarruflarının

yol açtığı insan hakları ihlâllerinden sorumlu tutulma kriterleri

Uluslararası Adalet Divanı’nın, Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi’nin

ve BM İnsan Hakları Komitesi’nin kararlarında ve görüşlerinde yer

almaktadır. Makalede söz konusu kriterler eleştirisel bir yaklaşımla

değerlendirilmektedir.
Research on the Effect of Marketing Mix on the Competitive Advantage: A Study of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Bole Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: you tang Zhang , Mesfin Hagos
Published: December 2020

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises are the backbone of every major economy, and empirical studies prove that small firms are more efficient and innovative in their operation, product development and marketing policies. The aim of this study is to highpoint the significant of the marketing mix (product, price, place, and promotion) on attaining the competitive advantage in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the Addis Ababa city Administration Ethiopia. This journal states the significance of competitive advantage in attaining marketing goals and ahead of the satisfaction of customers by using marketing mix concept. A descriptive analysis approach is used to analyses the collected data about the level of impact of the marketing mix (product, price, place, and promotion), on the competitive advantage of the SME sector in Addis Ababa. The data have been collected through the use of a questionnaire that is distributed to SMEs in the Addis Ababa city Administration rendering to the City government of Addis Ababa job and enterprise development bureau creation. There were 200 SMEs selected randomly; though, only 150 questionnaires were managed because of missing data. Based on the data analysis, the results show that all of marketing mix elements (product, price, place, and promotion) have a significant impact on realising competitive advantage in the case of Addis Ababa City SMEs (p- value for all marketing mix elements is less than α =0.05). The foremost viable component when it comes to accomplishing competitive advantage is the price. The SME sector in Addis Ababa should develop its product’s quality, distribution channels, and promotion policies to face the local and international competitors. The marketing mix and competitive advantage represent a relatively new orientation in Addis Ababa City SME sector.
Reducing Physical Aggression in High School Students in KwaZulu-Natal: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Taylor Myra , Sartorius Benn , Naidoo Saloshni , Vries Hein de
Published: December 2020

Youth violence is of public health and social concern. A South African cluster randomized trial (434 grade 10 students, 16 schools), used the Integrated Model for Behavior Change conceptual framework to implement a 20 module classroom-based intervention program. The study contributes to the literature and used a strong analytical technique since mixed effects linear regression assessed the impact of the intervention on physical violence endpoints and other socioeconomic confounders/factors. The intervention reduced students' experiencing physical violence compared to controls and social pressure for this, yet no differences were found for hitting others. Our results support findings that school programs against violence can reduce students' experience of physical violence, but translation of these findings to reduce the actual hitting of others may need further approaches and/or more time.
Deployment Experiences and Suicidal Behaviors Related to Interpersonal Violence Perpetration Among Army National Guard Soldiers
Authors: Griffith James , J.Bryan Craig
Published: December 2020

An issue of major policy interest in the U.S. military has been interpersonal violence (IPV), especially relative to the frequent and lengthy deployments of U.S. service members to Iraq and Afghanistan. Lacking, however, are estimates of perpetrators of IPV, in particular, for reservists who have been 30% of the ground combat force. In the present study, Army National Guard soldiers (N= 4,567 in 50 company-sized units) responded to questions about deployment and combat, IPV, and suicidal behaviors. Over a tenth (12.2%) of the soldiers reported having done any aggressive behaviors toward significant others or children during postdeployment. More lengthy and repeated deployments were associated with perpetration of IPV. Having killed or wounded someone and having experienced some form of combat trauma were much more strongly associated with IPV perpetration. Suicidal behaviors were associated with having committed IPV, with the greatest risk associated with suicide attempts. Findings are discussed in terms of underlying mechanisms of both IPV perpetration and suicidal behaviors.
Healthcare Utilization Patterns Among Children With a History of Child Protective Services Investigations
Authors: Carr Christian L. , McLeigh Jill , Roman Heidi , Fults Jessica B. , Gonzalez Jennifer Reingle , Sanders Corron , Clutter Michiko Otsuki , Tsai Ray , Jetelina Katelyn K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Examine whether children with a prior child protective services (CPS) investigation had different healthcare utilization compared to children without a history of CPS investigations.

Methods

The Children's Health Assessment and Planning Survey assessed 6,492 primary caregivers of children ages 0–17 years residing in North Texas in 2015. Caregivers reported prior CPS investigations and child healthcare utilization (emergency department [ED] use, unmet medication needs, and unmet medical care needs).

Principle Findings

A total of 408 (5%) caregivers reported their child had a CPS investigation. Children with CPS investigations had greater odds of visiting the ED (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.5) and not receiving necessary medical care (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.8) compared to children without a CPS investigation.

Conclusions

Prior CPS investigation was associated with disparities in receipt of necessary medical care and ED utilization for children.
Ta’līm al-Lugah al-‘Arabiyyah min Khilâl Qudroh al-Qirâah al-Qur’ân wa Kitâbatih Laday at-Tholabah bi Madrasah al-Mutawassithah fī Kalimantan as-Syarqiy
Authors: PIMADA Luluk HUMAIRO
Published: December 2020

The research's goal is to find out the Arabic learning process is based on the ability to read and write the Koran, and what factors influence the learning process of Arabic with the ability to read and write the Koran in students at the Madrasah Tsanawiyah level in the East Kalimamtan. The research isa descriptive qualitative research that tries to describe the process of learning Arabic by using the ability to read and write the Qur'an, the research subjects are 20 educators from the Madrasah Tsanawiyah Institute in the East Kalimamtan. The research instrument was observation, questionnaire, and documentation, data analysis using the Miles and Hubberman Model. The results of the study are the ability to read and write the Koran has an important role in learning Arabic, and one of the abilities that must be possessed by students because this ability is the initial capital in learning Arabic, if students have the ability to read and write the Koran then learning Arabic will be easier to learn and teach.

Keywords: Arabic Learning, al-Qur’an Learning, Ability of Reading, and Ability of Writing
Existence EXISTENCE OF NAHT METHOD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTEMPORARY ARABIC LANGUAGE
Authors: Islamy Athoillah
Published: December 2020

One of the impacts of the development of science and technology is that it occurs in the development of various languages. This also happened to various terminology in Arabic. This study aims to find the significance of naht in the formation of various modern Arabic terminologies. This research is a qualitative research in the form of literature review. The data source of this research is various literatures on the study of naht in the formation of various terminologies in contemporary Arabic. The method of this research is qualitative descriptive analysis method. This study concludes that naht is a method of decapitation and summation of two or more words into one term (words). The existence of the naht pattern can provide great urgency related to the adaptation of Arabic in the development of language in the current modern global era, which can give birth to various new Arabic terminology.
The Stoichiometric Uniqueness of Multiple Chemical Reaction Systems in Chemical Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Catalysis – Contributions of Professor Ilie Fishtik
Authors: Povar Igor
Published: December 2020

The main scientific achievements of great significance accomplished by Professor Ilie Fishtik at the University of Iowa and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in several fields of the physical chemistry as chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and heterogeneous catalysis were revealed and briefly analysed. Fundamental equations of chemical thermodynamics within the De Donder (stoichiometric) approach were reformulated in terms of a special class of chemical reactions, called as response reactions. Using this approach, the unusual behaviour of chemical equilibrium systems, to interpret the apparent contradictions to Le Chatelier principle and to discover hitherto unnoticed thermodynamic identities, was rationalised. The stabilities of chemical species were formulated in terms of a certain class of stoichiometrically unique chemical reactions and their thermochemical characteristics. A completely new approach for the generation and simplification of kinetic mechanisms for complex reaction systems was developed and applied. Based on a new type of reaction networks, referred to as reaction route graphs, a systematic method of analysis and reduction of a microkinetic mechanism was established and employed.
Principal Determinants of Aquatic Macrophyte Communities in Least-Impacted Small Shallow Lakes in France
Authors: Labat Frédéric , Thiébaut Gabrielle , Piscart Christophe
Published: December 2020

Small Shallow Lakes (SSL) support exceptionally high and original biodiversity, providing numerous ecosystem services. Their small size makes them especially sensitive to anthropic activities, that causes a shift to dysfunctional turbid states and induces loss of services and biodiversity. In this study we investigated the relationships between environmental factors and macrophyte communities. Macrophytes play a crucial role in maintaining functional clear states. Better understanding factors determining the composition and richness of aquatic plant communities in least-impacted conditions may be useful to protect them. We inventoried macrophyte communities and collected chemical, climatic and morphological data from 89 least-impacted SSL widely distributed in France. SSL were sampled across four climatic ecoregions, various geologies and elevations. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed a clear separation of four macrophyte assemblages strongly associated with mineralisation. Determinant factors identified by db-RDA analysis are, in order of importance, geology, distance from source (DIS, a proxy for connectivity with river hydrosystems), surface area, climate and hydroperiod (water permanency). Surprisingly, at country-wide scale, climate and hydroperiod filter macrophyte composition weakly. Geology and DIS are the major determinants of community composition, whereas surface area determines floristic richness. DIS is identified as determinant in freshwater lentic ecosystems for the first time.
An Adaptive and Resilient Islanding Approach for Power System Considering Secondary Collapses
Authors: Kaka Sanaullah , Xia Mingchao , Hussain Mazhar , Meer Ali Raza , Kumar Shubash
Published: December 2020

The power system vulnerability leads to faults and the severity of the fault may lead to prolonged load-shedding. The power system needs to be configured in extreme failure scenarios for protecting the network from further contingencies and prolonged load-shedding. Distributed generation resources (DGs) can be useful to form intentional islands after faults to maintain the continuity of power supply to loads based on their weightage during faulty periods and to reduce overall load shedding duration. Power system is bound to collapses and secondary collapse in the formed island is possible. This research represents a novel method of impedance based path finding for intentional islanding, which adapts itself with the changes in the demands, DGs outputs or further severities during restoration period. In this adaptive islanding approach, network adjusts itself with the changes in either the load demands or renewable DGs outputs and rearranges the restoration plan by curtailing or adding some of the loads through controllable switches. Further a secondary collapse in the existing island is studied by injecting multiple faults at various positions of the network to validate the system resilience to cope with severities. A short-term load forecasting approach is used to predict changes in load demands and variations in DG outputs during the islanding scheme. During the restoration period, these variations are tracked and the islands are modified accordingly. In order to minimize the overall generation cost by using less fuel, an economical approach is used in the selection of controllable DGs. The proposed approach is formulated as a multi-objective, that incorporates several operational constraints and simulation is carried out using the modified IEEE 69-bus distribution system to assess the efficacy of the proposed model.
Time Evolution of TGF-Producing Storms Using ERA5, GPS and Geostationary Satellites Observations
Authors: Tiberia Alessandra , Mascitelli A. , D’Adderio Leo Pio , Federico Stefano , Marisaldi Martino , Porcù Federico , Realini Eugenio , Gatti Andrea , Ursi Alessandro , Fuschino Fabio , Tavani Marco , Dietrich Stefano
Published: December 2020

In this article we report the first investigation over time of the atmospheric conditions around TGFs occurrence, using GPS sensors in combination with geostationary satellite observations and ERA5 reanalyses data. The goal is to understand which characteristics are favourable to the development of these events and to investigate if any precursor signals can be expected. A total of 9 TGFs, occurred at a distance lower than 45 km from a GPS sensor, were analysed and two of them are shown here as an example analysis. Moreover, the lightning activity, collected by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) was used in order to identify any links and correlations with TGF occurrence and PWV trends. The combined use of GPS and the stroke rate trends identified, for all cases, a recurred pattern in which an increase of PWV is observed on a timescale of about two hours before the TGF occurrence that can be placed within the lightning peak. The temporal relation between the PWV trend and TGF occurrence is strictly related to the position of GPS sensors in relation to TGF coordinates. The life cycle of these storms observed by geostationary sensors, described TGFs producing clouds as intense with a wide range of extensions and, in all cases, the TGF is located at the edge of the convective cell. Furthermore, the satellite data give an added value in associating the GPS water vapor trend to the convective cell generating the TGF. The investigation with ERA5 reanalyses data showed that TGFs mainly occur in convective environment with not exceptional values with respect to the monthly average value of parameters measured in the same location. Moreover the analysis showed the strong potential of the use of GPS data for the troposphere characterization in areas with complex territorial morphology. This study provided indications on the dynamics of convective systems linked to TGFs and will certainly help refine our understanding on their production highlights a potential approach through the use of GPS data to explore the lightning activity trend and the TGFs occurrence.
Addressed Fiber Bragg Sensors for Vibration Diagnostics of Complex Objects
Authors: Kuznetsov A. , Lipatnikov K. , Sakhabutdinov A. , Morozov O. , Karimov K.
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of a study of the concept of address fiber Bragg structures in the problem of vibration control. The mathematical model of measuring transformation is presented; the experimental study of a vibration diagnostics system based on Address Fiber Bragg Gratings is carried out; the quantitative and qualitative comparative assessment with electronic accelerometers is made; the gain by an order of magnitude in some parameters is shown.
Activation of Microbiota Sensor- Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Signaling Ameliorates Amyloid-Β Induced Neurotoxicity by Modulating Proteolysis/Senescence Axis
Authors: Razazzan Atefeh , Karunakar Prashantha , Mishra Sidharth , Sharma Shailesh , Jain Shalini , Yadav Hariom
Published: December 2020

Gut microbiota and its metabolites like short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are linked with pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)- a debilitating public health problem in older adults. However, strategies to beneficially modulate gut microbiota and its sensing signaling pathways remain largely unknown. Here, we screened, validated and established the agonists of free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) signaling, which senses beneficial signals from SCFAs produced by microbiota in the gut. We demonstrated that inhibition of FFAR2 signaling increases amyloid-beta (Aβ) stimulated neuronal toxicity. Thus, we screened FFAR2 agonists, using in-silico library of more than 144,000 natural compounds, and 15 compounds were selected based on binding with FFAR2 agonist sites. Further, cell culture toxicity and FFAR2 stimulatory experiments demonstrated that Fenchol (a natural compound commonly present in basil) was potent FFAR2 agonist in neuronal cells. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that Fenchol protects Aβ-stimulated neurodegeneration in FFAR2 dependent manner. In addition, Fenchol reduced AD like phenotypes such as Aβ-accumulation and, learning and memory behaviors in Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans. Fenchol increased Aβ-clearance by increasing proteasome/lysosome activity and reduced senescence in neuronal cells. These results demonstrated that the inhibition of FFAR2 signaling promotes Aβ-induced neurodegeneration, while activating it by Fenchol as a natural agonist reverse it by promoting Aβ-clearance and reducing cellular senescence; thus stimulation of FFAR2 signaling can be a therapeutic approach to prevent/ treat AD.
Viremia and Interaction of Endothelial Cells, Erythrocytes, Leukocytes and Platelets in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19: A Closer Look at Proposed Mechanisms
Authors: Hayden Melvin
Published: December 2020

Abstract: Viremia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is often only discussed in passing and there are very few references detailing its structural mechanisms. In addition to viremia in the classic closed cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is discussed in relation to a possible “lympho-viremia”. The cells that comprise each of these separate but interacting systems will be examined and include endothelial cells, erythrocytes, leukocytes (monocytes/monocyte-derived macrophages and resident tissue macrophages) (lymphocytes) (neutrophils) and thrombocytes -platelets. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been identified in multiple extrapulmonary target organs at autopsy in those with severe COVID-19 requiring intensive care. Vulnerable COVID-19 patients may suffer from multiple storms including viral/virion storm, redox storm, cytokine storm and thrombo-embolic storm. Therefore, it is important that the possible mechanisms of viremia be explored in greater detail and how these mechanisms might affect intravascular blood components, extracellular tissue interstitium and organ structural remodeling and function. While the co-morbidity of T2DM does not increase the risk of acquiring COVID-19, it is commonly accepted that T2DM increases the risk for COVID-19 admissions to hospitals, assisted ventilation, morbidity and mortality. Importantly, the co-existence of T2DM and COVID-19 may have synergistic detrimental outcomes.
Effects of Surface Protein Adsorption on the Distribution and Retention of Intratumorally Administered Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Terracciano Rossana , Zhang Aobo , Butler E. Brian , Demarchi Danilo , Hafner Jason H. , Grattoni Alessandro , Filgueira Carly S.
Published: December 2020

Heterogeneous distribution of delivery or treatment modalities within the tumor mass is a crucial limiting factor for a vast range of theranostic applications. Understanding the interactions between a nanomaterial and the tumor microenvironment will help to overcome challenges associated with tumor heterogeneity as well as the clinical translation of nanotheranostic materials. This study aims to evaluate the influence of protein surface adsorption on gold nanoparticle (GNP) biodistribution using high resolution Computed Tomography (CT) preclinical imaging in C57BL/6 mice harboring Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) tumors. LLC provides a valuable model for study due to its highly heterogenous nature which makes drug delivery to the tumor challenging. By controlling the adsorption of proteins on the GNP surface, we hypothesize that we can influence the intratumoral distribution pattern and particle retention. We performed an in vitro study to evaluate the uptake of GNPs by LLC cells and an in vivo study to assess and quantify the GNP biodistribution by injecting concentrated GNPs citrate stabilized or passivated with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) intratumorally into LLC solid tumors. Quantitative CT and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) results both confirm the presence of particles in the tumor 9 days post-injection (n=8 mice/group). Significant difference is highlighted between citrate-GNP and BSA-GNP groups (**p < 0.005, Tukey’s multiple comparisons test), confirming the protein corona of GNPs modifies intratumoral distribution and retention of the particles. In conclusion, our investigations show that the surface passivation of GNPs influences the mechanism of cellular uptake and intratumoral distribution in vivo highlighting the spatial heterogeneity of the solid tumor.
“Not Alone in Loneliness”: A Qualitative Evaluation of a Programme Promoting Social Capital Among Lonely Older People in Primary Health Care
Authors: Coll-Planas Laura , Rodríguez-Arjona Dolors , Pons-Vigués Mariona , Nyqvist Fredrica , Puig Teresa , Monteserín Rosa
Published: December 2020

Loneliness is a frequent negative feeling among older people. A programme aimed at alleviating loneliness among older people by promoting social capital, i.e. social support and participation, was conducted in primary health care centres in Spain. We aimed to explore participants’ experiences of loneliness and social participation before the programme, perceived programme effects and contextual influences. A descriptive-interpretative qualitative design was used. 41 persons were included comprising older people, health and social care professionals, and volunteers. Data were collected through three focus groups, 36 semi-structured interviews and participant-observation of the intervention. A thematic content analysis was applied. Older persons with diverse profiles of loneliness and participation decreased their loneliness, increased their knowledge and participation in local community assets, and developed companionship, a sense of belonging, peer support and friendship. Their mental wellbeing increased and participants could deal better with health or family problems. An empowerment process was observed. However, loneliness persisted among some widowed participants and health and social vulnerabilities hampered some impacts. Conflicts and exclusion were occasional unintended effects. The promotion of social capital in ageing to alleviate loneliness involves complex processes interrelated with health and socio-economic factors. Future programmes should be adapted to local contexts and participants’ characteristics.
Is it Possible that Cells have had More than One Origin?
Authors: Farias Sávio , Jose Marco , Prosdocimi Francisco
Published: December 2020

Cells occupy a prominent place in the history of life on planet Earth. The central role of cellular organization is observed by the fact that “cellular life” is often used as a synonym for life itself. Thus, most characteristics used to define cells overlap with the ones used to define life. Notwithstanding, new scenarios about the origin of life are bringing alternative views to describe how cells may have evolved from the open biological systems named progenotes. Here, using a logical and conceptual analysis, we re-evaluate the characteristics used to infer a single origin for cells. We argue that some evidences used to support cell monophyly, such as the presence of elements from both the translation mechanism and the universality of the genetic code, actually indicate a unique origin for all “biological systems”, a term used to define not only cells, but also virus and progenotes. Besides, we present evidence that at least two biochemical pathways as important as (i) DNA replication and (ii) lipid biosynthesis may not homologous between Bacteria and Archaea. The identities observed between the proteins involved in those pathways along representatives of these two ancestral Domains are too low to indicate common genic ancestry. Altogether these facts can be seen as an indication that cellular organization has possibly evolved two or more times and that LUCA (the Last Universal Common Ancestor) might not have existed as a cellular entity. Thus, we aim to consider the possibility that different strategies acquired by biological systems to exist, such as viral, bacterial and archaeal were originated independently from the evolution of different progenote populations.
A Review on Present Scenario of COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Rejaur , Sajib Emran Hossain , Chowdhury Ishtiak Malique , Banik Anik , Bhattacharya Rahul , Ahmed Hasan
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been showing a speedy growth in the number of infected patients with a remarkable mortality rate, thus it has become a worldwide public health concern. From March 8, 2020, the disease was confirmed to start spreading in Bangladesh. Since then, people got infected so exponentially that the country positions at the list of top infected countries in the world. Therefore, the objective of this comprehensive review was representing overall scenario of COVID-19 in different sectors of Bangladesh, particularly prioritizing the health sector. Up to 14 September 2020, 339,332 confirmed cases and 4,759 deaths were reported. An alarming fact is that while the global mutation rate of coronavirus is 7.23 % in average, the rate is 12.6 % in Bangladesh. Although the government ruled preventive strategies such as nationwide lockdown, social distancing, contact monitoring, quarantine and isolation, it was difficult to implement those due to lack of public awareness, inappropriate attitudes and so on. Moreover, the overburdened healthcare system had a weak response at initial stage because of insufficient healthcare facilities. Consequently, this pandemic affected severely almost all the important sectors of the country, specifically the economy, agriculture and health sectors. Hence, focusing on healthcare system as well as maintaining social distance and other essential precautions can limit the spread of infection and help to alleviate the severity of the pandemic.
Prevalence and Predictors of Zinc Deficiency among Children and Non-Pregnant Women in Nepal: Analysis of Nepal Micronutrients Status Survey 2016
Authors: Mehata Suresh , Tamang Man Kumar , Parajuli Kedar Raj , Rayamajhee Binod , Yadav Uday Narayan , Mehta Ranju Kumar , Singh Dipendra R.
Published: December 2020

Zinc deficiency, a common malnutrition in children and women is a global public health problem.Burden of zinc deficiencyis more in countries with low meat and high cereal food consumption like Nepal. Nationally representative data on zinc status in Nepal is lacking at present. This study analysed the data from the recent Nepal National Micronutrient status survey 2016(NNMSS-2016) to determinethe prevalence of zinc deficiency and associated risk factors among children aged 6-59 months (n=1462) and non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years(n=1923) from three ecological zones, Hill, Terai, and Mountainof the country. Venous blood was collected from the participants to measure micronutrients such as zinc, markers of anaemia, vitamin A, and markers of inflammation. Stool was collected to assessthe soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Helicobacterpylori infection. Socio-demographic, household and other relevant information were collected by a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of zinc deficiency among the participants.The overall zinc deficiency in children was found to be 22.9% while it was higher in non-pregnant women (24.7%). Predictors associated with zinc deficiency among enrolled children in the study were,living in rural areas (AOR=2.25, 95% CI, [1.13, 4.49]),occurrence of diarrhoea during the two weeks preceding the survey (AOR=1.57, 95% CI, [1.07, 2.30]), household wealth quintile (AOR= 0.48, 95% CI,[0.25, 0.92]) and vitamin A status (AOR=0.49, 95% CI,[0.28, 0.85]. Risk factors associated with zinc deficiency among the non-pregnant women were being underweight (AOR=1.60, 95% CI,[1.15, 2.23]), fever occurrence during two weeks preceding the survey (AOR=1.45, 95% CI,[ 1.06, 1.99]), H. pylori in the stool (AOR=1.32, 95% CI, [1.03, 1.70]), being rich (AOR=0.64, 95% CI,[0.42, 0.98]) and being in the risk of folate deficiency (AOR=0.60, 95% CI,[0.37, 0.96]). We conclude that community focused intervention programs including health and nutrition counselling and livelihood opportunities focusing groups at high-risk may improve the zinc status in Nepal.
Hibiscus Anthocyanins Can Selectively Modulate Estrogen Receptor Activity with Favorable Toxicology: a Computational Analysis
Authors: Laskar Yahyea Baktiar , Laskar Monjur Ahmed , Mazumder Pranab Behari , Talukdar Anupam Das
Published: December 2020

The estrogen hormone receptor (ER) mediated gene expression mainly regulate the development and physiology of primary and secondary reproductive system alongside bone-forming, metabolism and behaviour. Over-expressed ER is associated with several pathological conditions and play a key role in breast cancer occurrence, progression and metastasis. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. or roselle is a rich source of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds including anthocyanins and reportedly have strong estrogenic activity. To validate these findings, we have investigated the estrogen receptor binding affinity and safety of some previously recorded polyphenols using a suite of computational methods. Our investigation showed the estrogen-receptor binding potential of Pelargonidin, Delphinidin, Cyanidin, and Hibiscetin are more efficient than popular breast cancer drugs, Tamoxifen and Raloxifene, with favourable toxicological parameters and low half maximal inhibitory concentration. This is the first report to investigate the phytochemical basis of estrogenic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Modeling and Molecular Dynamics of the 3D Structure of the HPV16 E7 Protein and Its Variants
Authors: Bello-Rios Ciresthel , Montaño Sarita , Garibay-Cerdenares Olga Lilia , Araujo-Arcos Lilian Esmeralda , Leyva-Vázquez Marco Antonio , Illades-Aguiar Berenice
Published: December 2020

The oncogenic potential of high-risk HPVs is focused on producing the E6 and E7 oncoproteins responsible for disrupting the control of the cell cycle. Epidemiological studies propose the presence of the N29S and H51N variants of the HPV16 E7 protein as a significant association with cervical cancer. It has been suggested that changes in the amino acid sequence of E7 variants may affect the oncoprotein 3D structure; however, this remains unknown. Analysis of the structural differences of the HPV16 E7 protein and its variants (N29S and H51N) was performed through homology modeling and structural refinement by molecular dynamics simulation. We propose for the first time a 3D structure of the E7 reference protein and two of its variants (N29S and H51N) and conclude that the mutations induced by the variants in N29S and H51N have a significant influence on the 3D structure of the E7 protein of HPV16, which could be related to the oncogenic capacity of this protein.
Nexus Between PI3K/AKT and Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Authors: Khatpe Aditi , Adebayo Adedeji , Herodotou Christopher , Kumar Brijesh , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: December 2020

Signaling from estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and its ligand estradiol (E2) is critical for growth of ~70% of breast cancers. Therefore, several drugs that inhibit ER functions are in clinical use for decades and new classes of anti-estrogens are continuously being developed. Although a significant number of ER+ breast cancers respond to anti-estrogen therapy, ~30% of these breast cancers recur, sometimes even after 20 years of initial diagnosis. Mechanism of resistance to anti-estrogens is one of the intensely studied disciplines in breast cancer. Several mechanisms have been proposed including mutations in ESR1, crosstalk between growth factor and ER signaling, and interplay between cell cycle machinery and ER signaling. ESR1 mutations as well as crosstalk with other signaling networks lead to ligand independent activation of ER thus rendering anti-estrogens ineffective, particularly when treatment involved anti-estrogens that do not degrade ERa. As a result of these studies, several therapies that combine anti-estrogens that degrade ER with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors targeting growth factor signaling or CDK4/6 inhibitors targeting cell cycle machinery are used clinically to treat recurrent ER+ breast cancers. In this review, we discuss nexus between ER-PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways and how understanding of this nexus has helped to develop combination therapies.