bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MUCOADHESIVE TABLETS OF NORFLOXACIN CONTAINING NATURAL POLYMER
Authors:   Rohit Bisht, Rana Ritesh
Published: January 2022

The present investigation deals with development and evaluation of mucoadhesive gastroretentive tablet of Norfloxacin using natural polymer from Tamrind seed polysaccharide
MEDICINE STORAGE TRENDS & PRACTICES: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors:   Madiha Malik, Hussain Azhar
Published: January 2022

Medicines are useful for provision of better health among consumers. Safe use of medicines is still a major issue for healthcare system in developing countries [1]. Medicines are stored at home during or after their use. It is a common practice that consumers take medicines from pharmacies for treating their various forms of illness at home [2].
CALIBRATING HYDROGELS FOR DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICS
Authors: Pathak Kamla
Published: January 2022

In the past decade, depot systems for tissue engineering, cell therapy, biomedical research, and therapeutic proteins, have been extensively investigated. Hydrogels offer an interesting platform for sustained delivery of biologicals as these can be readily formulated with limited impact on their integrity and stability.
The Completion of Terrorism According to the Indonesian Positive Law
Authors: Suatmiati Sri , Rani Febrina Hertika
Published: January 2022

In positive law, completion of  terrorism in Indonesia solved through Penal Policy/Policies of criminal law by issuing and publishing various legal products, a Substitute Regulation of Law (Perpu) No. 1 of 2002 regarding the eradication of criminal acts of terrorism, reinforced into Law Act No. 15 of 2003 the Government is also issuing Substitute Regulation of Law (Perpu) No. 2 of 2002 regarding the enactment of the Substitute Regulation of Law (Perpu) No. 1 in 2002 reinforced into Law Act No.16 of 2003 and Law Act No. 9 of 2013 regarding the prevention and eradication of criminal acts of Terrorism Financing, until forming the anti terror units from both the indonesian army forces, police or non governmental institutions. Police (Densus 88) as the main actor of law enforcement and disruption network of terror along with the Attorney General and justice system.
Reformulation of Indonesian Human Rights Courts Competence in the Context of Ius Constituendum
Authors: Sanjaya Aditya Wiguna
Published: January 2022

Crime of aggression and war crimes are not regulated in the competence of Human Rights Courts in Indonesia, in this case indicates that in positive law of Indonesia especially Act Number 26 of 2000 indicates the existence of legal issues which is legal vacuum on that matter needed solution through academic study as the purpose of this research. The methodology used in this research is a normative juridical research method that is focused on studying the application of rules or norms in positive law. In the study of normative jurisprudence, activities to elaborate the law are not required data support or social facts, because normative legal science does not recognize data or social facts, only known for legal material, so to explain the law or to find meaning and give value of the law is only used the concept of law and the steps taken are normative steps. The results of this study indicate that the Indonesian Human Rights Court has not been able to work independently because there is still influence from outside tribunal which is the International Criminal Court.
Role of Financial Service Authorities on Legal Protection of The Sharia Banks Customers in Indonesia
Authors: Astutik Sri
Published: January 2022

Sharia Bank  is a bank that runs its business activities based on sharia principles, in the collection of funds and the distribution of funds, in order to serve the needs of society and improve the standard of living of the people. Various banking problems,  such  as not yet optimal protection of consumer financial services (bank customers), therefore it is necessary to supervise the operational banking activities. The purpose of bank supervision is to protect the interest of the savers who entrust their funds to the bank. Based in Law Number 21 of 2011 on the Authority of Financial Services, the arrangement and supervision of financial institutions becomes the authority of the Financial Services Authority. This supervision is also applied to banks with sharia  principles. In this paper will discuss  the Financial Services Authority oversight in the application of the principle of legal protection for customers in sharia banks.
Leadership and Governance: A Case of Cattle Rustling as a Security Threat in Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Mohammed Bashir
Published: January 2022

Since the beginning of this political dispensation, Nigeria has suffered a lot from bad leadership with most of its leaders not concentrating on the welfare and security of its citizens because of corruption. Poor leadership undermines the legitimacy of democratic values and tolerance from the leaders and other stakeholders. However, the link between leadership and security challenges in Nigeria was analysed. Qualitative method of data collection was adopted, and secondary data was used. The paper found that cattle rustling as a security threat Nigeria was a product of bad leadership in Nigeria. The paper concludes that, until good leadership devoid of corruption, religious and ethnic interest is put in place, transparency and accountability in all aspect of governance is maintained, cattle rustling will be the order of the day.
Field Demonstration of the Impact of Fractures on Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide Injectivity, Propagation, and Degradation
Authors: Sagyndikov Marat , Seright Randall , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt , Ogay Evgeni
Published: January 2022

During a polymer flood, the field operator must be convinced that the large chemical investment is not compromised during polymer injection. Furthermore, injectivity associated with the viscous polymer solutions must not be reduced to where fluid throughput in the reservoir and oil production rates become uneconomic. Fractures with limited length and proper orientation have been theoretically argued to dramatically increase polymer injectivity and eliminate polymer mechanical degradation. This paper confirms these predictions through a combination of calculations, laboratory measurements, and field observations (including step-rate tests, pressure transient analysis, and analysis of fluid samples flowed back from injection wells and produced from offset production wells) associated with the Kalamkas oil field in Western Kazakhstan. A novel method was developed to collect samples of fluids that were back-produced from injection wells using the natural energy of a reservoir at the wellhead. This method included a special procedure and surface-equipment scheme to protect samples from oxidative degradation. Rheological measurements of back-produced polymer solutions revealed no polymer mechanical degradation for conditions at the Kalamkas oil field. An injection well pressure falloff test and a step-rate test confirmed that polymer injection occurred above the formation parting pressure. The open fracture area was high enough to ensure low flow velocity for the polymer solution (and consequently, the mechanical stability of the polymer). Compared to other laboratory and field procedures, this new method is quick, simple, cheap, and reliable. Tests also confirmed that contact with the formation rapidly depleted dissolved oxygen from the fluids—thereby promoting polymer chemical stability.
Experimental Study on Diverter Transport Through Perforations in Multicluster Fracturing of Horizontal Well
Authors: Yuan Lishan , Zhou Fujian , Li Minghui , Yang Xuda , Cheng Jiaqi , Wang Bo
Published: January 2022

Temporary plugging and diverting fracturing of the horizontal well is the primary option to promote production for tight reservoirs. Successful entry of diverters into the perforation is the basis and prerequisite for effective plugging. However, the transport behavior of the diverter during multicluster fracturing remains unclear. In this paper, we build a large-scale diverter transport experimental system, capable of conducting experiments with large flow rates and high pressures. The concerned factors include the injection rate, perforation flow ratio (PFRO), fluid viscosity, and perforation angle. The results show that the diverter transport effect is significantly different because of different flow distribution among perforations. Also, the diverter can enter the perforation only when the flow rate of the perforation reaches a certain value. In addition, the minimum critical PFRO has an “oblique L-shaped” relationship with the injection rate. Although it is difficult for the diverter to enter the perforation on the high side of the horizontal wellbore, increasing the viscosity of the carrying fluid or using a multidensity mixed diverter can effectively solve this problem. Furthermore, the field case shows that the experimentally obtained diverter transport pattern can be applied to the field to predict the location of the diverter and improve the temporary plugging effect. The findings of this work lay a theoretical foundation for subsequent temporary plugging and diverting fracturing control.
A New Approach for Spherical Fuzzy TOPSIS and Spherical Fuzzy VIKOR Applied to the Evaluation of Hydrogen Storage Systems
Authors: Sharaf Iman Mohamad
Published: January 2022

This study proposes a new perspective of the TOPSIS and VIKOR methods using the recently introduced spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs) to handle the vagueness in subjective data and the uncertainties in objective data simultaneously. When implementing these techniques using SFSs, two main problems might arise that can lead to incorrect results. Firstly, the reference points might change with the utilized score function. Secondly, the distance between reference points might not be the largest, as known, among the available ratings. To overcome these deficiencies and increase the robustness of these two methods, they are implemented without utilizing any reference points to minimize the effect of defuzzification and without measuring the distance to eliminate the effect of distance formulas. In the proposed methods, when using an SFS to express the performance of an alternative for a criterion, this SFS per se can be viewed as a measure of proximity to the aspired level. On the other hand, the conjugate of the SFS can be viewed as a measure of proximity to the ineffectual level. Two practical applications are presented to demonstrate the proposed techniques. The first example handles a warehouse location selection problem. The second example evaluates hydrogen storage systems for automobiles with different types of data (crisp, linguistic variables, type 1 fuzzy sets). These data are transformed to SFSs to provide a more comprehensive analysis. A comparative study is conducted with earlier versions of TOPSIS and VIKOR to explicate the adequacy of the proposed methods and the consistency of the results.
Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy as Support for Mental Health Concerns in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jenkins Amber , Kearney Lauren , Kendall George , Kannis-Dymand Lee
Published: January 2022

Background
Perinatal mental illness is prevalent and can be associated with poorer health outcomes for mother and fetus if untreated. Mindfulness is a contemporary approach to managing mental health concerns; however, little is known about the effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Interventions during pregnancy, especially within the context of peer support.
Methods
A systematic review was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were included. All articles were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist.
Results
Of the 2053 records initially identified, 21 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies demonstrated modest improvements in perinatal mental illness, particularly when interventions were adapted to meet the unique needs of women in the prenatal period. Comparison was difficult, due to high heterogeneity and methodological limitations. No studies explored peer support as a therapeutic mechanism and maternal-fetal bonding was not a measured in any studies.
Conclusion
Mindfulness-based group interventions designed to meet the needs of perinatal women require further research, with larger sample sizes, more rigorous methodology and greater demographic diversity required. Additionally, value could be afforded in exploration of how group support affects any change mechanisms within the participants and include maternal fetal bonding as a measured outcome.
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Antillean Manatees (Trichechus Manatusmanatus)
Authors: Melo Fábio Lopes , Bezerra Bruna , Luna Fabia Oliveira , Barragan Nahir Alejandra Navarrete , Arcoverde Rodrigo Moraes Loyo , Umeed Rebecca , Lucchini Karen , Attademo Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer
Published: January 2022

For two years, the world has been experiencing a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Non-human animals are susceptible to the virus, including marine mammals. Here we aimed to test Antillean manatees, Trichechus manatus manatus, for the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). We collected samples from 19 individuals kept under the responsibility of the Brazilian centre for research and conservation of aquatic mammals (ICMBio/CMA). We analysed the samples through RT-PCR and RT-LAMP-PCR and found that two of the 19 manatees tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Such a result led to a new biosecurity protocol in the ICMBio/CMA to avoid potential human-manatee coronavirus contamination, showing how we can use simple genetic tools to improve the care and conservation of manatees.
Psychosocial Stress and Cannabinoid Drugs Affect Acetylation of α-tubulin (K40) and Gene Expression in the Prefrontal Cortex of Adult Mice
Authors: Tomas-Roig Jordi , Ramasamy Shyam Sundar , Zbarsky Diana , Havemann-Reinecke Ursula , Hoyer-Fender Sigrid
Published: January 2022

The dynamics of neuronal microtubules are essential for brain plasticity. Vesicular transport and synaptic transmission, additionally, requires acetylation of α-tubulin, and aberrant tubulin acetylation and neurobiological deficits are associated. Prolonged exposure to a stressor or consumption of drugs of abuse, like marihuana, lead to neurological changes and psychotic disorders. Here, we studied the effect of psychosocial stress and the administration of cannabinoid receptor type 1 drugs on α-tubulin acetylation in different brain regions of mice. We found significantly decreased tubulin acetylation in the prefrontal cortex and the dorsal striatum in stressed mice. The impact of cannabinoid drugs on stress-induced microtubule disturbance was investigated by administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 and/or antagonist rimonabant. In both, control and stressed mice, the administration of WIN55,212-2 significantly increased the tubulin acetylation in the prefrontal cortex whereas administration of both cannabinoid drugs acted antagonistically indicating a cannabinoid receptor type 1 mediated effect. The analysis of gene expression in the prefrontal cortex showed a consistent expression of ApoE attributable to either psychosocial stress or administration of the cannabinoid agonist. Additionally, ApoE expression inversely correlated with acetylated tubulin levels when comparing controls and stressed mice treated with WIN55,212-2 whereas rimonabant treatment showed the opposite.
Clinical Characteristics of Vulnerable Populations Hospitalized and Diagnosed with COVID‑19 during Second Wave in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Authors: Kochen Silvia , Yacobitti Alejandro , Otero Lisandro , Arruabarrena Valeria Doldan , Marmol Florencia del , Vallejos Virginia , Cavalli Federico , Azcarate Sandra , Paz Andrea , Morcos Lucas Ojeda , Erbetta Ilda , Rzepeski Mariela , Gallastegui Matias , Weiss Ilda , Rodera Beatriz , Ricci Carolina , Salgado Pablo , Arano Juan , Lage Sergio
Published: January 2022

There are a few in Argentina publications regarding the presentation of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalized and emergency care in vulnerable populations that compares the first and second wave, and it has few reports in developing countries. The objective is to determine whether in the care of vulnerable patients, to succeed against COVID-19, multiple public health tools and interventions necessary to minimize morbidity and mortality. The study is a prospective cohort investigation of 3028 patients during second wave with lab-confirmed COVID-19, who required any of the Health Centers response from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. In a previous publication, our group analyzed the situation of hospitalized patients during the first wave in the same region, "Southeast Network" (SN), Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA). SN with 1.8 million inhabitants residing in urban and rural areas. A total of 14 health centers with different levels of care complexity provide care to patients in the region. The information of each patient with COVID-19 evaluated by SN, was incorporated in an Epidemiological Dashboard. The investigation was designed and reported with consideration of observational studies in epidemiology. A total of 57.9% patients were men, and the mean age (SD) was 52.1 (13.5) years. Sixty four percent patients with pre-existing diseases, most frequent hypertension and diabetes, but diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease presented higher risk. A total of 24.7% were hospitalized in Intensive Therapy Unit. The mortality of the cohort was 22.9%. Mortality was higher for patients aged 65 or more, and for those had some pre-existing disease. But, it was a slightly more than double that in the first wave, it is possible mainly due to the fact that more than doubled of patients in Second wave required hospitalization in ITU, compared to First wave. The patients presented greater severity of their medical condition at the time of their hospitalization. These findings were similar to those reported by other authors. Another possible cause of the high number of patients in the period studied is due to the fact that most of the hospitalized population had not been vaccinated. The health system was able to respond to the demand.
Diversity of Epiphytic Bacterial Communities on Male and Female Porphyra Haitanensis
Authors: Zhibo YANG , Jun CHEN , Shuai SHANG , Jing WANG , Song XUE , Xuexi TANG , Hui XIAO
Published: January 2022

PurposeEpiphytic bacteria play an important role in macroalgae growth, development, and morphogenesis. However, epiphytic bacterial communities on male and female macroalgae have not been reported. Porphyra haitanensis is one of the main economic macroalgae.In order to explore the similarities and differences of epiphytic bacterial community structure between male and female macroalgae of Porphyra haitanensis.MethodsWe investigated the composition, diversity of epiphytic bacterial communities between male and female Porphyra haitanensis by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing.ResultsThe divergences of bacterial community compositions occurred between males and females. Both males and females had their unique bacterial microbiota, such as, Armatimonadetes and Rokubacteria are the unique phyla of male Porphyra haitanensis, Chlamydiae is a unique phylum of female Porphyra haitanensis. The epiphytic bacteria on both male and female Porphyra haitanensis have the similar predictive functions, but they also have their own specific functions, respectively.The specific functions of epiphytic bacteria on female Porphyra haitanensis were sulfite_respiration, nitrogen_fixation, nitrate_ammonification, chlorate_reducers and anoxygenic_photoautotrophy_S_oxidizing. Conclusions﻿This study provides a basis for exploring the mechanism of epiphytic bacterial communities on dioecious algae and are of great significance for further understanding the relationships between epiphytic microbial communities and the sex of algae.
Role of the P2X7 Receptor in the Osteogenesis of Heterotopic Ossification of the Achilles Tendon
Authors: Cheng Shi , Zhang Siqi , Yan Jinglong , Lv Songcen
Published: January 2022

Background
Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to a painful and complex disease. HO occurs in the setting of persistent systemic inflammation and appears in flare-ups during inflammation, following injury. In the recent research, the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is tightly involved in the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells under the inflammatory conditions. The ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated ion channel expressed in the majority of stem cells. However, the function of P2X7R in the pathological formation of HO is unclear. Here, this paper hypothesizes that in the model of Achilles tendon ectopic ossification, P2X7R is overexpressed in tendon-derived stem cells and promote osteogenesis of tendon-derived stem cells under inflammatory conditions.
Methods
The tenotomy puncture and burn injury-induced HO model was constructed. The qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of P2X7R at the site of injured Achilles tendon where HO occurs. Achilles tendon stem cells (SCs) from control group and experimental group sources were cultivated separately under inflammatory conditions. The cells from the two groups were cultured for osteogenic analysis. In addition, a specific antagonist of P2X7R, BBG was used to detect whether reversed the above process. At last, BBG was used to intervene in animal models of heterotopic ossification.
Results
Under inflammatory conditions, P2X7R expression of the Achilles tendon and osteogenic capability of SCs is higher in heterotopic ossification group (HOG) than in other two groups. The P2X7R expression was positive correlated with the capacity of osteogenesis of SCs. BBG can inhibit osteogenic differentiation and subsequent bone formation in the P2X7R overexpress of SCs. BBG impeded the heterotopic bone formation in animal model.
Conclusions
P2X7R is one of the crucial mediators in the formation of the HO, blocking which may represent a potential therapeutic target for HO.
Taste and Smell Functions in Long-term Survivors after Childhood Medulloblastoma/CNS-PNET
Authors: Tanem Kristine Eidal , Stensvold Einar , Wilberg Petter , Skaare Anne B. , Singh Preet Bano , Brandal Petter , Herlofson Bente Brokstad
Published: January 2022

Purpose Our aim was to investigate taste and smell functions in survivors, with a minimum of 2 years follow-up time, after treatment of childhood medulloblastoma/CNS-PNET. Methods This cross-sectional study included 40 survivors treated ≤ 20 years of age. Taste strips with four concentrations of sweet, sour, salt, and bitter were used to assess taste function in all participants. Score from 0-16; ≥ 9 normogeusia, < 9 hypogeusia, and complete ageusia which equals no sensation. No sensation of a specific taste quality equals ageusia of that quality. Thirty-two participants conducted smell testing using three subtests of Sniffin’ sticks; threshold, discrimination, and identification. Together they yield a TDI-score from 1-48; functional anosmia ≤ 16.00, hyposmia >16.00 - < 30.75, normosmia ≥ 30.75 - < 41.50, and ≥ 41.50 super smeller. Results were compared with normative data. Survivors subjectively rated their taste and smell functions using a numerical rating scale (NRS) score 0-10. Results Forty survivors with a mean follow-up of 20.5 years, 13 (32.5 %) were diagnosed with hypogeusia, nine (22.5 %) of these being ageusic of one or more taste qualities. Seventeen (53 %) of 32 participants were diagnosed with hyposmia. Comparing survivors with hyposmia to those with normosmia, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found in TDI-score and in all the subtests. The mean NRS score of subjective ratings of functions were high.Conclusion Our study showed impaired taste and smell functions in long-term survivors of childhood MB/CNS-PNET using objective measurements. However, subjective ratings did not reflect objective findings.
Structural dynamics of AAA+ ATPase Drg1 and mechanism of benzo-diazaborine inhibition
Authors: Gao Ning , Ma Chengying , Wu Damu , Chen Qian
Published: January 2022

The AAA+ ATPase Drg1 is a ribosome assembly factor in yeast, and functions to release Rlp24, another assembly factor, from the pre-60S particle just exported from nucleus to initiate its further cytoplasmic maturation. Being a type II AAA+ protein with two ATPase domains (D1 and D2), its activity in ribosome assembly can be inhibited by a drug molecule diazaborine. In human, mutations of Drg1 homologue has been linked to a disease condition called epilepsy, hearing loss, and mental retardation syndrome. Although the general structure of Drg1 hexamer was recently reported, its complete structure and dynamic conformational rearrangements driven by ATP-hydrolysis are poorly understood. Here, we report a comprehensive structural characterization of Drg1 hexamers in different nucleotide-binding and benzo-diazaborine treated states. Our data show that Drg1 hexamers transits between two extreme conformations, characterized by a planar or helical arrangement of its six protomers. By forming covalent adducts with the ATP molecules in the active centers of both D1 and D2, benzo-diazaborine locks Drg1 hexamers in a more symmetric and non-productive conformation. In addition, we obtained the structure of a mutant Drg1 hexamer (Walker B mutations) with a polypeptide trapped in the central channel, representing a 3D snapshot of its functional, substrate-processing form. Conserved pore loops on the ATPase domains of Drg1 form a spiral staircase to interact with the substrate through a sequence-independent manner. These results suggest that Drg1, similar as Cdc48/p97, acts as a molecular unfoldase to remodel pre-60S particles, and benzo-diazaborine inhibits both the inter-protomer and inter-ring communication to disable the conformational cycling of Drg1 protomers required for the unfolding activity.
The Effects and Mechanisms of Action of TC-G 1008, GPR39 Agonist, in Animal Models of Seizures and Epilepsy
Authors: Doboszewska Urszula , Socala Katarzyna , Pieróg Mateusz , Nieoczym Dorota , Sawicki Jan , Szafarz Małgorzata , Gaweł Kinga , Rafalo-Ulińska Anna , Wyska Elżbieta , Esguerra Camila V. , Szewczyk Bernadeta , Maćkowiak Marzena , Młyniec Katarzyna , Nowak Gabriel , Sowa Ireneusz , Wlaź Piotr
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose: The G-protein coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) may be activated by zinc ions. Activation of GPR39 was suggested as a novel pharmacological strategy for treating seizures. Experimental approach: We utilized a specific agonist of GPR39, TC-G 1008, and the nonspecific agonist, zinc chloride and a variety of models of acute seizures or a chronic model of epilepsy which were induced in non-genetically modified mice, GPR39 knockout mice or in zebrafish larvae. We examined total serum zinc (by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) as well as intracellular zinc ([Zn2+]I) (by Zinpyr-1 staining) concentrations and the expression of selected proteins (by Western blot) which are associated with GPR39 signaling in the hippocampus. Key results: Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that TC-G 1008 is brain penetrant. TC-G 1008 decreased the seizure threshold in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) threshold test, but it increased the seizure threshold in the 6-Hz induced seizure threshold test. The behavioral effects of TC-G 1008 and MES or 6-Hz seizure were accompanied by alterations in hippocampal [Zn2+]I. TC-G 1008 increased the mean duration of EEG discharges in response to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in zebrafish larvae and facilitated the development of PTZ kindling in mice. Using GPR39 knockout mouse line, generated by the CRISPR-Cas-9 method, we showed that GPR39 is a target for TC-G 1008 regarding PTZ-induced epileptogenesis. Conclusion and implications: Our in vivo data obtained using TC-G 1008 generally argue against GPR39 activation as a therapeutic strategy for alleviating seizures/epilepsy.
The Effects of Short-term Pm 2.5 Exposure on Pulmonary Function Among Children With Asthma——A Panel Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhou Ji , Lei Ruoyi , Xu Jianming , Li Peng , Ye Xiaofang , Yang Dandan , Yang Sixu , Yin Yong , Zhang Renhe
Published: January 2022

BackgroundFine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 mm (PM2.5) has been reported to be an important risk factor for asthma. Our study was designed to evaluate the relationship between air PM2.5 and lung function among children with asthma in Shanghai, China. MethodsFrom 2016 to 2019, a total of 70 Chinese children aged 4 to 14 in Pudong, Shanghai were recruited for this panel study. Upon entry to the group, questionnaire was used to collect basic information, and the lung function covering forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were carried out for each child more than two times during follow-up. Meanwhile, the simultaneous daily air atmospheric pollutants and meteorological data were collected. The linear mixed effect (LME) model was used to assess the relationship between air pollutants and lung function adjusting other covariates like sex, age, season and so on. ResultsA significantly negative association was found between PM2.5 level and lung function in children with asthma. In the single-pollutant model, the largest effect of PM2.5 on lung function were found on lag 0-2, FVC and FEV1 decreased by 0.91% [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.75, -0.07] and 1.05% (95% CI: -2.09, 0.00) for every 10 mg/m3 increase of PM2.5. In the multi-pollution model (adjusted PM2.5+SO2+O3), the maximum effect of PM2.5 on FVC and FEV1 also appeared on lag 0-2, FVC and FEV1 decreased by 1.57% (95% CI: -2.69, -0.44) and 1.67% (95% CI: -3.05, -0.26) for every 10 mg/m3 increase of PM2.5, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, boys, children and hot season more were sensitive. ConclusionThe short-term exposure of ambient PM2.5 is a risk factor for the lung function of children with asthma, particularly in boys, preschoolers (<6 years old) and in the hot season.
Mutations at Codon 641 of Exon 16 of EZH2 in Circulating Tumor DNA: A Biomarker for Relapse in Patients With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Treated With the R-CHOP Scheme.
Authors: Díaz-Chávez José , Gutiérrez-Hernández Olga , Taja-Chayeb Lucia , Gutiérrez-Chavarría Sindy , Aviles-Salas Alejandro , Candelaria Myrna
Published: January 2022

Background: The epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), methylates H3K27, resulting in transcriptional silencing. The mutation at Y646 amino acid in the EZH2 gene is mutated in up to 40 % of B-cell lymphomas. Methods: We compared the presence of exon 16 EZH2 mutations in tumor samples and ctDNA in a prospective trial. The mutations were determined by sanger sequencing, and by ddPCR. We also evaluated the impact of these mutations on response, relapse, and survival. Results: One hundred and thirty-eight cases were included. Ninety-eight were germinal center, and twenty had EZH2 mutations. Mean follow-up (IQR 25-75) was 23 (7- 42) months. The tumor samples were considered the standard of reference. Considering the results of the mutation in ctDNA by Sanger sequencing, the sensibility (Se) and specificity (Sp) were 52 % and 99 %, respectively. After adding the ddPCR analysis, the Se and Sp increased to 95 and 100 %, respectively. After bivariate analysis, only the presence of double-hit lymphoma (p=0.04), or EZH2 mutations were associated with relapse. The median PFS (95 % Interval confidence) was 27.7 (95 % IC: 14-40) vs 44.1 (95 % IC: 40-47.6) months for the mutated vs wt patients. Conclusions: The ctDNA is usefull to analyse EZH2 mutations, which have an impact in PFS.
One Bat’s Waste is Another Man’s Treasure: A DNA Metabarcoding Approach for the Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Using Bat Faeces
Authors: Curran Thomas , Browett Samuel , O'Neill David , O'Hanlon Aidan , O'Reilly Catherine , Harrington Andrew , McDevitt Allan , O'Meara Denise
Published: January 2022

Arthropod populations are constantly changing due to changes in climate and the globalisation of trade and travel. Effective and diverse monitoring techniques are required to understand these changes. DNA metabarcoding has facilitated the development of a broad monitoring method to sample arthropod diversity from environmental and faecal samples. In this study, we applied DNA metabarcoding to DNA extracted from bat faecal pellets of Rhinolophus hipposideros, the lesser horseshoe bat in Ireland, a highly protected bat species of conservation concern in Europe. From as few as 24 bat faecal pellets, we detected 161 arthropod species, spanning 11 orders, including 38 pest species of which five were determined to be priority pests, highlighting important ecosystem services. We also report the identification 14 species not previously reported in Ireland, but upon further investigation found that many of these are likely misidentified due to inadequacies in the genetic reference database. For the first time, we were able to use non-invasively collected bat samples to examine the role of sex in the diet of bats and found that the male and female diets did not differ significantly. However, sampling location did explain variation within the diet, highlighting how landscape features influence arthropod composition and diversity. We discuss the current limitations of the methodology in Ireland, how these can be overcome in future studies, and how this data can be used for biodiversity monitoring and informing conservation management of protected bat species.
Development of “NEC-SD-LAMP,” a New Non-Electrified Infectious Diseases Testing Method
Authors: Kimura Yusuke , Ikeuchi Masashi
Published: January 2022

Here, non-electric-control SalivaDirect loop-mediated isothermal amplification (NEC-SD-LAMP), which can detect infections by analyzing viral gene expression in saliva without electrical control systems, was developed. In this method, viral genes are purified from saliva using SalivaDirect, and gene expression is analyzed by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) by adding water to the device, and the results can be visually confirmed. Melting palmitic acid maintains the optimal temperature for the LAMP reaction, as the temperature of palmitic acid is maintained at 62.9°C, its melting point. By taking advantage of the proximity of this melting point to the optimal temperature for LAMP, it is possible to perform LAMP without electricity. Using this method, adenovirus DNA was detected in saliva. Furthermore, the detection limit was 2 copies per µL, indicating that it is possible to detect viral infections in saliva even before the onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The Effect of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Endometrial Receptivity in Infertile Patients with Adenomyosis
Authors: Long Ling , Zhou Ling , Zhu Jing , He Xuan
Published: January 2022

Objective: Adenomyosis (AM) is an important cause of female infertility, and its disease mechanism remains unclear. This study preliminarily investigated the expression of endometrial receptivity markers homeobox A10 (HOXA10) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in infertile patients with AM and described the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on it. Methods: In vivo, tissues were obtained from the infertile female AM patient group (AG group, n=10) and healthy control group (CG group, n=11). The expression of HOXA10 and LIF in the two groups was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting. In vitro, primary cells were extracted and cultured from the two groups, and the expression of HOXA10 and LIF protein was detected by western blotting. Then the AG cells were treated with 15, 30, and 60 mW/cm2 of LIPUS for 7 days (20 min/day), and detected the cell adhesion rate. Finally, treat the AG cells with 30mW/cm2 LIPUS for 7 days (20 min/day), and detect the expression level of ICAM-1 in the cell supernatant by ELISA. The AG cells was treated with 30 mW/cm2 LIPUS for 4 days (20 min/day), and the expression levels of HOXA10 and LIF were detected by western blotting, RT-PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: In vivo, IHC staining showed that HOXA10 and LIF proteins were mainly localized in endometrial epithelial cells. Both IHC and western blot showed that the levels of HOXA10 and LIF in the AG group were significantly lower than those in the CG group (P<0.01, P<0.05). In vitro, the expression levels of HOXA10 and LIF protein in the AG cell was significantly lower than those in the CG cell (P<0.001). Then, the cell adhesion ability of the 30 and 60 mW/cm2 groups was higher than that of the 15 mW/cm2 group after LIPUS treatment. Finally, The concentration of ICAM-1 in the supernatant of AG cells treated with LIPUS was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01), and the AG cells were treated with 30 mW/cm2 LIPUS for 4 days (20 min/day), the protein and mRNA expression levels of HOXA10 and LIF were higher than those of the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The reduction of HOXA10 and LIF may be one of the reasons for the decreased endometrial receptivity in AM. The LIPUS promoted the adhesion and the expression of HOXA10 and LIF of EEECs from the AM group, thereby increasing endometrial receptivity.
DD-KARB: Data-Driven Compliance to Quality by Rule Based Benchmarking
Authors: Besharati Mohammad Reza , Izadi Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Rather than proof and logical evaluation, benchmarking can be used for compliance assessment. Naturally, a set of benchmarks can shape an applied solution to compliance assessment. This paper proposes the KARB solution system, i.e. preventing compliance anomalies through rule-based benchmarking. In fact, rule-based benchmarking means evaluating an under-compliance system with its symbolic specification and using a set of symbolic rules (on the behalf of the semantic logic of evaluation). A case study was conducted to demonstrate and analyze the KARB solution. The IR-QUMA study (Iranian Survey on Quality in Messenger Apps) was then conducted to evaluate the quality of some messenger applications. According to the evaluation results, the hybrid DD-KARB method (with a combination of semantics-awareness and data-drivenness) is more effective than solo methods and can compute a somehow good estimation for the messenger application user quality scores. Therefore, DD-KARB can be considered a method for quality benchmarking in this technical context.
Rethinking of The Zone of Proximal Development: The Role of Parental Engagement in Children's Language Learning Skills
Authors: Akbari Elham
Published: January 2022

The present research investigated the efficacy of parent engagement in children's learning and achievement in the English language. It is emphasized that adult guidance in foreign language learning cannot necessarily play an influential role in children's zone of proximal development (ZPD). It seems that parents or adults should enjoy relative linguistic skills, while in Vygotsky's theory, there is ambiguity over some concepts such as adult guidance characteristics.The statistical society consisted of sixty Iranian children ranging from 9 to 10, divided randomly into three groups of experimental 1, experimental 2, and control. Children received face-to-face education while Telegram was used for their parents. The research results showed significantly more learning, skill training, parent involvement, and shared activities between children and parents in the experimental1 and experimental 2 groups compared to the control group. Moreover, a positive correlation is found between parent involvement and children's achievement in all three groups. The results also showed that parents' involvement and teaching involvement, and language skills had the most influence on parents' involvement. Furthermore, teaching engagement to parents had the most significant influence on children's activities. In addition, children's activities and language skill training had the most influence on their learning.
b-value of what? Complex behavior of the magnitude distribution during and within the 2016–2017 central Italy sequence
Authors: Herrmann Marcus , Piegari Ester , Marzocchi Warner
Published: January 2022

The Magnitude–Frequency-Distribution (MFD) of earthquakes is typically modeled with the (tapered) Gutenberg–Richter relation. The main parameter of this relation, the b-value, controls the relative rate of small and large earthquakes. Resolving spatiotemporal variations of the b-value is critical to understanding the earthquake occurrence process and improving earthquake forecasting. However, this variation is not well understood. Here we present unexpected MFD variability using a high-resolution earthquake catalog of the 2016–2017 central Italy sequence. Isolation of seismicity clusters reveals that the MFD differs in nearby clusters, varies or remains constant in time depending on the cluster, and features an unexpected b-value increase in the cluster where the largest event will occur. These findings suggest a strong influence of the heterogeneity and complexity of tectonic structures on the MFD. Our findings raise the question of the appropriate spatiotemporal scale for resolving the b-value, which poses a serious obstacle to interpreting and using the MFD in earthquake forecasting.
Somatic Embryogenesis In Rosa Chinensis CV. ‘Parson’s Pink China’
Authors: Cai Yanfang , Tang Lintao , Chen Haixia , Li Yufan , Liu Rong , Chen Jiren
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the effects of explant type, plant growth regulator concentration, callis status, medium conversion time, and medium tilt on the growth of rose somatic embryos. The results showed that Rosa chinensis cv. ‘Parson’s Pink China’ leaves could induce normal embryogenic calli but petioles could not. When the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid concentration was 3.0 mg/L, the callis induction rate was the highest in the embryo proliferation medium (EP medium) supplemented with 0.5mg/L kinetin, and white and reddish-brown translucent calli were the main type of embryogenic calli induced. As the culture time in EP medium was extended, the relative induction rate for secondary embryos and multicotyledon secondary embryos gradually increased when transferred to embryo maturation medium (EM medium), but the induction rate for somatic embryos decreased. Placing the EM medium at an angle of 45° made the somatic embryos germinate faster and the germination rate was also higher. The germination buds produced by the somatic embryos with two cotyledons showed the fastest germination and greatest survival rates. The results of this experiment will help improve somatic embryo regeneration rates and explore new ways of regeneration, and lays the foundation for further optimization of the somatic embryo genetic transformation system.
Spatial and molecular profiling of the classic Hodgkin lymphoma microenvironment reveals an immunosuppressive mononuclear phagocyte network
Authors: Stewart Benjamin , Fergie Martin , Young Matthew , Jones Claire , Sachdeva Ashwin , Blain Alex , Bacon Chris , Rand Vikki , Ferdinand John , James Kylie , Mahbubani Krishnaa , Hook Liz , Jonas Nicolaas , Coleman Nicholas , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Collin Matthew , Clatworthy Menna , Behjati Sam , Carey Christopher
Published: January 2022

Although a lymph node infiltrated by classic Hodgkin lymphoma is mostly composed of non-neoplastic immune cells, the malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg cells (HRSC) successfully suppress an anti-tumor immune response, to create a cancer-permissive microenvironment. Accordingly, unleashing the dormant immune cells, for example by checkpoint inhibition, has been a central focus of recent therapeutic advances for this disease. Here, we profiled the global immune cell composition of normal and diseased lymph nodes by single-cell RNA sequencing, as a basis for interrogating the immediate vicinity of HRSC, first regionally and then at cellular resolution. Our analyses revealed specific immune cells and functional states associated with HRSC. Most prominently, we discovered a non-random spatial association of immunoregulatory mononuclear phagocytes positioned around HRSC, which express the immune checkpoints PD-L1, TIM-3, and the tryptophan-catabolizing protein IDO1. These findings provide a basis for rational targeting and activation of the anti-tumor immune response in classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Restructuring of emergent grain boundaries at free surfaces – an interplay between core stabilization and elastic stress generation
Authors: Zhang Xiaopu , Wang Mengyuan , Wang Hailong , Upmanyu Moneesh , Boland John
Published: January 2022

Scanning tunneling microscopy and numerical calculations are used to study the structure and relaxation of grain boundaries at the surface of planar nanocrystalline copper (111) films and bicrystals. We show that the strong energetic preference for boundary cores to lie along close-packed planes introduces a restructuring that rotates adjoining grains and generates elastic stresses in the triple junction region. The interplay of this stress field and the core stabilization determines the length scale of the restructuring and controls the shape and magnitude of the displacement field around the triple junction. Depending on the in-plane angle, restructured boundaries can extend to depths of ~ 15 nm with the associated elastic stress fields extending to even greater depths. These results point to a new mechanism of boundary relaxation at surfaces that is expected to play an important role in grain coalescence and stress evolution in growing films.
On Channel Estimation and Power Control for Multi-cell Multi-path Massive MIMO TDD System
Authors: AMADID Jamal , Belhabib Abdelfettah , Boulouird Mohamed , Hassan Moha M’Rabet , Zeroual Abdelouhab
Published: January 2022

Some more practical channels that model the networks in a real environment is the multi-path communication channels. In order to investigate these communications channels. This work addressed Channel Estimation (CE) in the Uplink (UL) phase for a multi-cell multi-user massive multipleinput multiple-output (M-MIMO) system that studies multi-path communication between each user and its serving Base Station (BS). We suppose that the network operates under Time-Division Duplex (TDD) protocol. We studied and analyzed the multi-path channels and their benefit over CE since it presents a more realistic channel that displays a real propagation circumstance. on the flip side, we evaluated the CE quality using ideal MinimumMean Square Error (MMSE). This latter relies on an impractical property that can be explicated since the MMSE estimator considers foreknowledge on Large-Scale Fading (LSF) coefficients of interfering users. Thus, the suggested estimator is introduced to overcome this issue, where the suggested estimator tackled this problem and presented result asymptotic approaches to the performance of the MMSE estimator. Besides, we considered a more real communication in which the multi-path channels are either realized using Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) only or using both Line-of-Sight (LoS) and NLoS path depending on the distance at which the user is located from his serving BS. Otherwise, in numerous scenarios, users at the cell edge are strongly affected by Pilot Contamination (PC). Hence, we introduced a Power Control (PoC) policy so that the users at the cell edge are less affected by the PC problem. In the simulation results segment, the analytic and simulated results are introduced to assert our theoretical study.