bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Movement and storage of nematocysts across development in the nudibranch Berghia stephanieae (Valdés, 2005)
Authors: Goodheart Jessica A , Barone Vanessa , Lyons Deirdre C.
Published: January 2022

Background
Intracellular sequestration requires specialized cellular and molecular mechanisms allowing a predator to retain and use specific organelles that once belonged to its prey. Little is known about how common cellular mechanisms, like phagocytosis, can be modified to selectively internalize and store foreign structures. One form of defensive sequestration involves animals that sequester stinging organelles (nematocysts) from their cnidarian prey. While it has been hypothesized that nematocysts are identified by specialized phagocytic cells for internalization and storage, little is known about the cellular and developmental mechanisms of this process in any metazoan lineage. This gap in knowledge is mainly due to a lack of genetically tractable model systems among predators and their cnidarian prey.
Results
Here, we introduce the nudibranch Berghia stephanieae as a model system to investigate the cell, developmental, and physiological features of nematocyst sequestration selectivity. We first show that B. stephanieae, which feeds on Exaiptasia diaphana, selectively sequesters nematocysts over other E. diaphana tissues found in their digestive gland. Using confocal microscopy, we document that nematocyst sequestration begins shortly after feeding and prior to the formation of the appendages (cerata) where the organ responsible for sequestration (the cnidosac) resides in adults. This finding is inconsistent with previous studies that place the formation of the cnidosac after cerata emerge. Our results also show, via live imaging assays, that both nematocysts and dinoflagellates can enter the nascent cnidosac structure. This result indicates that selectivity for nematocysts occurs inside the cnidosac in B. stephanieae, likely in the cnidophage cells themselves.
Conclusions
Our work highlights the utility of B. stephanieae for future research, because: (1) this species can be cultured in the laboratory, which provides access to all developmental stages, and (2) the transparency of early juveniles makes imaging techniques (and therefore cell and molecular assays) feasible. Our results pave the way for future studies using live imaging and targeted gene editing to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in nematocyst sequestration. Further studies of nematocyst sequestration in B. stephanieae will also allow us to investigate how common cellular mechanisms like phagocytosis can be modified to selectively internalize and store foreign structures.
Druggable proteins influencing cardiac structure and function: implications for heart failure therapies and cancer related cardiotoxicity
Authors: Schmidt Amand , Bourfiss Mimount , Alasiri Abdulrahman , Chopade Sandesh , Puyol-Anton Esther , Vugt Marion van , Laan Sander van der , Riele Anneline ter , Velthuis Birgitta , Franceschini Nora , Ruijsink Bram , Hingorani Aroon , Harst Pim van der , Gross Christian , Clarkson Chris , Henry Albert , Lumbers R , Bis Joshua , Asselbergs Folkert , Setten Jessica van , Finan Chris
Published: January 2022

Dysfunction of either the right or left ventricle can lead to heart failure (HF) and subsequent morbidity and increased mortality. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 16 measurements of biventricular function and structure obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We then used aggregated data from three independent plasma proteome GWAS, and performed cis-Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify proteins with a likely causal effect on biventricular traits. The subset of proteins with a robust CMR effect were prioritized through linkage with mRNA expression from the Human Protein Atlas, protein interaction data from IntAct, drug compound information from the British national formulary and ChEMBL, and by identifying plasma proteins with robust effects on HF, atrial fibrillation, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), or coronary heart disease. In total, 33 plasma proteins were prioritised, including 25 proteins that were druggable by either an approved or developmental compound. Fifteen proteins could be mapped to compounds with a known cardiovascular indication or side-effect, including repurposing candidates with a causal effect on DCM and/or HF: IL18, IL18R, I17RA, GPC5, LAMC2, PA2GA, CD33, and SLAF7. We additionally found that 13 of the 25 druggable proteins (52%, 95%CI 0.31; 0.72) could be mapped to a compound with an oncological indication or side-effect. To further inform drug development, we performed a drug-target MR phenome-wide scan of these 33 prioritized proteins on 56 clinically relevant traits. We have identified a prioritized set of plasma proteins influencing biventricular traits, providing indispensable leads to facilitate drug development and drug repurposing for cardiac diseases, and explaining observed cardiotoxicities of several targets exploited for the treatment of cancer.
Modified Extended Object Tracker for Lidar Data using Random Matrix Model
Authors: Li Peng , Chen Cheng , You Congzhe , Qiu Junda
Published: January 2022

Random Matrix (RM) model is a typical extended objectmodeling method, and has been widely used in extended object tracking. However, the existing RM based filters usually under a assumption that the measurements obey Gaussian distribution, which may lead to the decrease of accuracy when the filter applied to Lidar system. This paper proposed a new observation model and used it to modified a RM smoother by considering the characteristics of Lidar data. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieved better performance compared with the original RM tracker in Lidar system.
Prediction Medical Vaste Utilizing Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms: A Case from Turkey
Authors: Devrim-İçtenbaş Burcu , rouyendegh babak daneshvar
Published: January 2022

It is an important task to predict medical waste (MW) estimation accurately for effective Waste Management System (VMS). The main aim of this study was to compare three ensemble machine learning algorithms to predict medical waste for İstanbul which is the biggest city in Turkey. There exists new machine learning (ML) algorithms called Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms that have shown significant success in other disciplines yet have not been examined for MW. To bridge the literature gap, in this study, for the first time, a total of three ensemble machine learning algorithms: Random Forests (RF), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) and AdaBoost are developed to predict MW generation. To employ this study. 17-years real data were obtained from İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Department Open Data Portal with the input variables namely number of hospitals, number of bed available at the hospital, crude birth rate and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 80% of the total database being used for developing the models, whereas the rest 20%  were used to validate the models In order to compare their performances, 5-fold cross-validation was applied and performance measures (MAE,RMSE and R-squared) were calculated in this study .Of the ensemble models, the RF model provided better performance than those of other models with RMSE, MAE, and R 2 of 1194.2, 898.12, 0.95, respectively, whereas the second best GBM accuracy with RMSE, MAE, and R 2 1290.76, 1160.43, 0.94, respectively. Although, CatBoost was interpreted as the efficient model for small datasets among the Machine Learning algorithms, was poorest accuracy with RMSE, MAE, and R 2 of 3349.57,2698.4,0.61. In addition, the findings revealed that GDP and number of hospitals were the most important inputs for the predicting MW generation using ensemble machine learning algorithms. These results will helpful for decision makers regarding both planning and designing medical waste management systems in the future facilities in the sense of sustainable management.
Particle Densities of Horticultural Substrates
Authors: Bartley Paul C. , Amoozegar Aziz , Fonteno William C. , Jackson Brian E.
Published: January 2022

The heterogeneity of horticultural substrates makes basic physical characteristics, such as total porosity and particle density, difficult to estimate. Due to the material source, inclusion of occluded pores, and hydrophobicity, particle density values reported from using liquid pyknometry, vary widely. Gas pycnometry was used to determine the particle density of coir, peat, perlite, pine bark, and wood substrates. Further precision was examined by gas species and separation by particle size. The calculated particle densities for each material determined by He, N2, and air were relatively constant and varied little despite the species of gas used. Particle size affected the measured particle density of perlite and pine bark but was minimal with coir, peat, and wood. Reducing the particle size removed more occluded pores and the measured particle density increased. Given the small variability, the use of particle density values obtained by gas pycnometry provides repeatable, precise measurements of substrate material total porosity.
Foliar Nutrition of Serianthes nelsonii Seedlings as a Conservation Tool
Authors: Marler Thomas E.
Published: January 2022

Conservation of the endangered Serianthes nelsonii is constrained by lack of research. Transplanted containerized plants die in the competitive in situ environment. This study determined if foliar applications of nutrient solution could replace edaphic fertilizer applications for mitigating competition for soil nutrients. Weekly sprays with 0.1× Hoagland solution were compared with weekly drenches of 0.5× Hoagland solution. Plants receiving edaphic or foliar nutrition were not different in height, and height growth was 72% above that of control plants. Similar results were obtained for stem diameter and leaf number. Leaf nutrient concentrations were not different for the two nutrition treatments, but stem nutrient concentration differences were dependent on the element. Stem copper, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc concentrations were not different for edaphic vs. foliar nutrition. Contrarily, stem boron, calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese concentrations were greater in plants receiving edaphic nutrients. The results indicate nutritional needs of recently out-planted plants may be supplied directly to leaves to mitigate below-ground competition for nutrient resources.
SADC and ECOWAS’S peace and security architecture preparedness and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Joseph Juliet Eileen
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic remains a global security threat, as the result of the emerging and exacerbated security challenges that have impacted on the national security policies of various regional economic communities (RECs). This study analyses SADC and ECOWAS’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic under their respective existing peace and security structures and explores if both RECs, SADC and ECOWAS have been efficient. This article discusses the Southern African and West African security setting, how its security architecture emerged and whether it has been successful in overcoming the security ramification in the region under the Covid-19 pandemic. Coincidentally, both SADC and ECOWAS have been confronted with existing and emerging human security threats, such as increased poverty, inequality, and the spread of diseases, such as Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic, a non-traditional security threat, has exposed how RECs, such as SADC and ECOWAS, respond to non-traditional and emerging security threats, suggesting for the transcendence of their security architecture that caters equally for non-military and emerging human security threats, alike military threats. This article explores the regional security experiences, challenges, and responses of both the SADC and ECOWAS under the Covid-19 pandemic.
The role of Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in higher education teaching: a higher education provided at basic education standard
Authors: Sebola Mokoko Piet
Published: January 2022

The paper investigates the role of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges in the provision of higher education in South Africa. The Technical Vocational Education Training Colleges are classified with universities as providers of higher education in South Africa’s education system under the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system. The status of a Technical Vocational Education Training College as an institution of higher learning is very questionable, however, many scholars do not prefer to enter that terrain of the argument. In this paper I argue that the TVET colleges do not seem to clearly fit the profile of institutions, offering higher education in South Africa. Higher education institutions, such as Traditional universities, Universities of Technology and Private universities, have certain standards of competencies, adhered to promote students to the next level of knowledge, which are similar, but highly different from TVET colleges’ promotion standards. The TVET Colleges are governed primarily through the Continuing Education Act, while the Universities are governed through the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, which is a clear separation of their educational mandates. The paper argues that TVET Colleges are not institutions of higher learning and are not capable of providing education at the level of higher learning, considering the academic competencies in the sector and the level of knowledge, expected to be produced. They are indeed self-styled Basic education institutions, operating wrongfully as institutions of higher learning in the South African Higher education band. The paper concludes that if TVET colleges are to be transformed into institutions of higher learning, all standards of competencies of both students and staff will have to be overhauled to fit the level of expertise to produce a higher education graduate, fitting the standard of an independent graduate.
The scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) on women plaguing South Africa
Authors: Yesufu Shaka
Published: January 2022

Despite the existence of a constitutional legal framework, criminal sanctions to address violent behaviour by men are not enough. The killing of women by men has reached a disproportionate crescendo in South Africa. It is critical, that as a society we denounce the continuation of this trend and address the underlying causes of violent masculinity and physical abuse against women. Social norms, religious and traditional values, patriarchy, and gender relationships contribute to dominant notions of masculinity, which eventually undermine women's inalienable right of existence. Developing strategies to mitigate against intimate partner Gender-Based Violence is imperatively needed to curb these physical attacks on women. The purpose of this article is to highlight some forms and the causes of Gender-Based Violence, the impact of it, and with aim of finding lasting solutions to it. Some of the findings of the author are, first, religion has played a fundamental role to perpetuate gender-based Violence on women over time. Second, a clear understanding of different types of Gender-Based Violence is needed by both men and women in society before. Gender-Based Violence if not controlled and eliminated can lead to femicide as we have seen in South Africa in recent years. Third, more protective laws for women need to be properly implemented within our criminal justice process. Tougher and stiffer punishment for perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence is needed to curb the scourge of femicide, plaguing us in South Africa.
Examining Science Process Skills Tests: A Case of Turkey
Authors: SIBIÇ Okan , ACAR ŞEŞEN Burçin
Published: January 2022

One of the main goals of science education is to make students gain science process skills. Thus, it is significant to measure whether students gain those skills or not. For this purpose, various tests have been produced and used in various studies. This study aims to examine science process skills tests which have been used in the theses produced in the field of science education from the perspectives of the originality, question types used, and the science process skills measured in the tests, and the number of questions for each measured science process skill. Within the scope of this meta-synthesis study, 82 master’s theses and 34 doctoral dissertations from Turkey were analyzed. The findings indicate that science process skills were measured with multiple-choice tests, and only in smaller number of studies, original tests were developed for the corresponding study. It was also discovered that some science process skills were measured more frequently than others. As a result of the study, some suggestions were provided.
Standard Setting in Academic Writing Assessment through Objective Standard Setting Method
Authors: FİŞNE Fatima Nur , SATA Mehmet , KARAKAYA Ismail
Published: January 2022

Performance standards have important consequences for all the stakeholders in the assessment of L2 academic writing. These standards not only describe the level of writing performance but also provide a basis for making evaluative decisions on the academic writing. Such a high-stakes role of the performance standards requires the enhancement of objectivity in standard setting procedure. Accordingly, this study aims to shed light upon the usefulness of Objective Standard Setting (OSS) method in specifying the levels of proficiency in L2 academic writing. On the basis of the descriptive research design, the sample of this research includes the examinees and raters who were student teachers at the university level. Essay task and analytical writing scoring rubric were employed as the data collection tools. In data analysis, OSS method and two-step cluster analysis were used. The analysis results of OSS method based on many-facet Rasch measurement model (MFRM) outline the distribution of the criteria into the levels of proficiency. Also, the main findings in OSS method were validated with two-step cluster analysis. That is, OSS method may be practically used to help the stakeholders make objective judgments on the examinees’ target performance.
Item Removal Strategies Conducted in Exploratory Factor Analysis: A Comparative Study
Authors: ACAR GÜVENDİR Meltem , ÖZER ÖZKAN Yeşim
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study is to examine how the practice of different item removal strategies during exploratory factor analysis (EFA) phase of scale development change the number of factors, factor loadings, explained variance ratio, and reliability values (α and ω) explained. In the study, data obtained from 379 university students were used for the development of a 46-item scale. As the first item removal strategy, crossloading items on two factors and where the difference between factor loadings was less than .10 were identified. Then, items were removed one by one, starting with the item with the least difference between the loadings on the factors. As the second strategy, the items that loaded on two factors and where the difference between factor loadings was less than .10 were found, and these items were removed from the scale as a whole. As the third strategy, the items that gave high loading on more than two factors and where the difference between these factors was less than .10 were identified. The item removal process was started with these items. The study results show that the factor numbers obtained using three different strategies during the item removal process of EFA were the same; however, the number of items on the scale, the explained variance ratio, and the total scale, and reliability values differed. Furthermore, the items in the factors were not all the same. The study results underscore the importance of theoretical competence in the scale development process.
PENGARUH MEDIA SOSIAL, BRAND INFUENCER DAN KESADARAN MEREK TERHADAP MINAT BELI DI MARKETPLACE SHOPEE PADA SAAT PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Herdioko Jonathan , Karisma Carmel Verona
Published: January 2022

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh sosial media, brand influencer, dan kesadaran merek terhadap minat beli di Marketplace Shopee pada saat pandemi Covid-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode survey. Jumlah sampel pada penelitian ini sebanyak 157 responden yang tersebar di tiga wilayah antara lain Indonesia Bagian Barat, Indonesia Bagian Tengah, dan Indonesia Bagian Timur, pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa secara parsial variabel media sosial tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli, variabel brand influencer berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli, variabel kesadaran merek berpengaruh terhadap minat beli. Asal daerah sebagai pemoderasi variabel brand influencer dan kesadaran merek tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli. Pendapatan sebagai pemoderasi variabel brand influencer dan kesadaran merek tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli. Kata Kunci: Media Sosial, Brand Influencer, Kesadaran Merek, Minat Beli  ABSTRACT This research is aimed to acknowledge the effects of social media, brand influencer, and brand awareness towards Shopee Marketplace buying intention during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research uses the quantitative approach by survey. There were 157 samples used and they came from the three regions of Indonesia. The purposive sampling method was used in this research. The results of this study indicate that partially, the social media variable has no significant effect on buying interest, the brand influencer variable has a significant effect on buying interest, the brand awareness variable has an effect on buying interest. Regional origin as a moderating variable for social media and brand awareness has no significant effect on buying interest. Income as a moderating variable for brand influencers and brand awareness has no significant effect on buying interest. Keyword: Social Media, Brand Influencer, Brand Awareness, Buying Interes
Morgawr and the Folkloresque: (A study of a whopping fish tale)
Authors: James Ronald
Published: January 2022

The Morgawr is a sea monster that is reputed to swim along the southern coast of Cornwall, Britain's far south west peninsula. It draws on the belief held by many that prehistoric creatures survive, thriving in deep waters. Unlike many cryptids that derive from a foundation of folk tradition, the Morgawr began as a hoax. Originally part of a prank in 1976, stories of the cryptid have evolved, attracting enthusiasts in Cornwall, but also internationally thanks to the Internet. The creation of the Morgawr and then its subsequent development as an expression of folklore allows for a consideration of how it fits into the idea of the folkloresque, a term advanced by Foster and Tolbert to describe cultural expressions that draw on folklore for inspiration, mimicking tradition but representing something that is distinct. While folk traditions are the bedrock of the folkloresque, the two are distinct. In the case of the Morgawr, a faux tradition seems to have inspired genuine belief.
Stvaralaštvo hrvatskih skladateljica u udžbenicima Glazbene kulture
Authors: Krnić Marijo , Silić Ani
Published: January 2022

Glazbena djela skladateljica važan su, ali nedovoljno obrađen segment glazbeno-povijesne baštine te u nedovoljnoj mjeri zastupljen element suvremene glazbene kulture. Djeca se s djelima skladateljica u prvom redu upoznaju u okviru osnovnoškolske nastave glazbe. U radu je prikazano istraživanje kojemu je cilj bio utvrditi zastupljenost djela skladateljica namijenjenih za slušanje i pjevanje u udžbenicima za Glazbenu kulturu koji su u uporabi u Hrvatskoj, a posebno djela hrvatskih skladateljica. U istraživanju je analiziran 21 udžbenik triju hrvatskih nakladničkih kuća. Rezultati ukazuju na to da su u udžbenicima
najviše zastupljena djela skladatelja, potom tradicijske skladbe, dok su djela skladateljica zastupljena u bitno manjoj mjeri. Autori predlažu
revidiranje popisa djela za slušanje i pjevanje u udžbenicima za Glazbenu kulturu kako bi se u njih u većoj mjeri uvrstilo stvaralaštvo domaćih i stranih skladateljica.
The Third Dose of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Why and for Whom?
Authors: Borruto Franco , Comparetto Ciro
Published: January 2022

The authors of this brief commentary give an update on the results of the last studies on the antibody response to the so-called “booster” administration of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoronaVirus (CoV)-2 vaccines, with particular reference to the new “omicron” variant. A brief overview of the immunological response to this infection is also provided, with the advise that a serological test before the third dose of the vaccine is not recommended, as stated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dynamics of fluctuations in quantum simple exclusion processes
Authors: Bernard Denis , Essler Fabian , Hruza Ludwig , Medenjak Marko
Published: January 2022

We consider the dynamics of fluctuations in the quantum asymmetric simple exclusion process (Q-ASEP) with periodic boundary conditions.
The Q-ASEP describes a chain of spinless fermions with random hoppings that are induced by a Markovian environment. We show that fluctuations of the fermionic degrees of freedom obey evolution equations of Lindblad type, and derive the corresponding Lindbladians. We identify the underlying algebraic structure by mapping them to non-Hermitian spin chains and demonstrate that the operator space fragments into exponentially many (in system size) sectors that are invariant under time evolution. At the level of quadratic fluctuations we consider the Lindbladian on the sectors that determine the late time dynamics
for the particular case of the quantum symmetric simple exclusion process (Q-SSEP). We show that the corresponding blocks in some cases correspond to known Yang-Baxter integrable models and investigate
the level-spacing statistics in others. We carry out a detailed analysis of the steady states and slow modes that govern the late time behaviour and show that the dynamics of fluctuations of observables is described in terms of closed sets of coupled linear differential-difference equations. The behaviour of the solutions to these equations is essentially diffusive but with relevant deviations, that at sufficiently late times and large distances can be described in terms of a continuum scaling limit which we construct. We numerically check the validity of this scaling limit over a significant range of time and space scales. These results are then applied to the study of operator spreading at large scales, focusing on out-of-time ordered correlators and operator entanglement.
Analyzing the career development barriers faced by rural women in India
Authors: Khan Sania
Published: January 2022

In India, one of the most populous countries in the world, women make up approximately half of the country’s population. While most of Indian women hold the highest educational degrees and enter the workforce almost in every sector, rural women are lagging behind in their career development. The study was aimed at investigating the factors that inhibit and challenge rural women to progress in their career development. The study was conducted in two folds of data collection. The first fold is qualitative data using interviews with 10 rural women and their analysis using thematic analysis, and the second fold is quantitative research and data collection from 148 rural women using a semi-structured survey questionnaire based on the identified themes and analyzed using SPSS. The findings of the study illustrated various barriers related to personal, social, family, economic, and infrastructure issues. Respondents spoke about several challenges they face with not having support to continue their higher studies. Eighty-five percent of rural women demonstrated they are suppressed in society due to gender stereotypes and are predominantly overburdened with family responsibilities. Furthermore, the study recommends significant implications for Indian women and the government from a global perspective.
2-(Pyridin-4yl)benzothiazole and Its Benzimidazole-Analogue: Biophysical and in silico Studies on Their Interaction with Urease and in vitro Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activities
Authors: Pereira Camila , de Lyra Ana , Oliveira Breno , Nascimento Igor , da Silva-Júnior Edeildo , de Aquino Thiago , Sisto Francesca , Figueiredo Isis , Martins Felipe , Modolo Luzia , Santos Josué , de Fátima Ângelo
Published: January 2022

In this study, the interaction between benzothiazole (BTA, concentration of a drug required for 50% inhibition in vitro (IC50) = 0.77 mM) and benzimidazole (BIA, IC50 = 2.14 mM) with urease was quantitatively assessed, using UV-Vis, molecular fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The results showed that both compounds interact with urease by a static fluorescence quenching mechanism with a non-fluorescent complex formation. The main forces responsible for stabilizing the supramolecular complex between BTA and urease were hydrophobic while, for BIA, van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main ones. Urease conformation changes due to the interaction process were analyzed by circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence. Besides, a competitive assay with substrate and inhibitors was used to evaluate the preferential urease site of interaction with BTA and BIA. Our experimental and theoretical studies supported that both, BTA and BIA, are mixed-inhibitors of ureases with a slight preference to the active site of such enzymes. Finally, both BTA and BIA showed to possess anti-H. pylori (one reference strain and six clinical isolates) activity, presenting minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 38-150 and 20-164 μM, respectively. The urease inhibitors omeprazole and hydroxyurea showed MIC values in the range of 46-185 μM and 1683-> 3366 μM, respectively.
Water quality analysis of old and new Phuleli Canal for irrigation purpose in the vicinity of Hyderabad, Pakistan
Authors: Panhwar Muhammad Yousif , Panhwar Sallahuddin , Keerio Hareef Ahmed , Khokhar Nadar Hussain , Shah Sabab Ali , Pathan Nasreen
Published: January 2022

Irrigation-water quality plays an important role in agriculture productivity. In this study, water quality of the old and new Phuleli canal located in Hyderabad, Pakistan, was characterized for irrigation purpose. Water samples were collected from four different locations of both the old and new Phuleli canal. Twelve different irrigation-water quality standards were assessed under the study: pH, Electricity Conductivity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Sodium adsorption ratio, Fecal Coliforms. The results showed that the Electricity Conductivity ranges from 910–3,090 MS/cm, Potassium 13–112 mg/l, BOD 61–285 mg/l, COD 97–361 mg/l and Fecal Coliforms 400–2,350 MPN/100 ml concentrations in water of both canals were higher than the National Environmental Quality Standards permissible limits. It was found that the water quality parameters were higher than the permissible pollution level of canal water for the use of irrigation in agriculture.
Multifaceted Applications of Genetically Modified Micro-organisms: A Biotechnological
Revolution
Authors: Basarkar Vasavi , Govardhane Sharayu , Shende Pravin
Published: January 2022

Background:

Genetically modified micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi are novel
approaches used in the field of healthcare due to better efficacy and targeted delivery in comparison to conventional
approaches.

Objectives:

This review article focuses on the applications of genetically modified micro-organisms in the
treatment of cancer, obesity and HIV infection. The gut microbiome causes metabolic disorders, however, the
use of genetically modified bacteria alters the gut microbiota and delivers therapeutically effective drugs in the
treatment of obesity.

Methods:

Enhancement of the therapeutic activity of different micro-organisms is required for multiple treatments
in cancer, diabetes, etc., by incorporating their fragments into the microbial filaments with the help of
genetic modification approaches. Various methods like amelioration of NAPE synthesis, silica immobilization,
polyadenylation and electrochemical are used to integrate the strain into the bacteria and engineer a live virus
with a peptide.

Results:

The development of novel microbial strains using genetic modifications over core strains offers higher
precision, greater molecular multiplicity, better prevention from the degradation of microbes in atmospheric
temperature and significant reduction of side effects for therapeutic applications. Moreover, genetically modified
micro-organisms are used in multidisciplinary sectors like generation of electricity, purification of water,
bioremediation process, etc., indicating the versatility and scope of genetically engineered microbes.

Conclusion:

The bioengineered micro-organisms with genetic modifications proved to be advantageous in various
conditions like cancer, diabetes, malaria, organ regeneration, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. This article
provides insight into various applications of genetically modified microbes in different sectors with their implementation
for regulatory approval.
Fish Gelatin: Current Nutritional, Medicinal, Tissue Repair Applications, and as a
Carrier of Drug Delivery
Authors: Soliman Amro M. , Teoh Seong Lin , Das Srijit
Published: January 2022

Gelatin is obtained via partial denaturation of collagen and is extensively used in various industries.
The majority of gelatin utilized globally is derived from a mammalian source. Several health and religious concerns
associated with porcine/bovine gelatin have been reported. Therefore, gelatin from a marine source is
widely being investigated for its efficiency and utilization in a variety of applications as a potential substitute
for porcine/bovine gelatin. Although fish gelatin is less durable and possesses lower melting and gelling temperatures
compared to mammal-derived gelatin, various modifications have been reported to promote its rheological
and functional properties to be efficiently employed. The present review describes in detail the current
innovative applications of fish gelatin involving the food industry, drug delivery, and possible therapeutic
applications. Gelatin bioactive molecules may be utilized as carriers for drug delivery. Due to its versatility,
gelatin can be used in different carrier systems, such as microparticles, nanoparticles, fibers, and hydrogels. The
present review also provides a perspective on the other potential pharmaceutical applications of fish gelatin,
such as tissue regeneration, antioxidant supplementation, and antihypertensive and anticancer treatments.
Short Amphiphiles or Micelle Peptides May Help to Fight Against
COVID-19
Authors: Manna Sounik , Chowdhury Trinath , M. Mandal Santi , Choudhury Sujata Maiti
Published: January 2022

Background:

COVID-19 is a worldwide threat because of the incessant spread of SARS-CoV-2 which urges the development of suitable antiviral drug to secure our society. Already, a group of peptides have been recommended for SARS-CoV-2, but not yet established. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus with hydrophobic fusion protein and spike glycoproteins.

Methods:

Here, we have summarized several reported amphiphilic peptides and their in-silico docking analysis with spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2.

Result:

The result revealed the complex formation of spike protein and amphiphilic peptides with higher binding affinity. It was also observed that PalL1 (ARLPRTMVHPKPAQP), 10AN1 (FWFTLIKTQAKQPARYRRFC), THETA defensin (RCICGRGICRLL) and mucroporin M1 (LFRLIKSLIKRLVSAFK) showed the binding free energy more than -1000 kcal/mol. Molecular pI and hydrophobicity are also important factors of peptides to enhance the binding affinity with spike protein of SARS-CoV-2

Conclusion:

In the light of these findings, it is necessary to check the real efficacy of amphiphilic peptides in-vitro to in-vivo experimental set up to develop an effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 peptide drug, which might help to control the current pandemic situation.
Microbial Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and their Application
Authors: Chowdhury Neehasri Kumar , Choudhury Reshma , Gogoi Bhoirob , Chang Chung-Ming , Pandey Ramendra Pati
Published: January 2022

Background:

Nanoparticles play a very important role in our daily lives and have a wide range of applications in agriculture and biology, such as antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. Among them are gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that are highly complex and are widely used. In recent years gold nanoparticles have attracted much attention because of their optical properties, electron-ic, physicochemical, and surface Plasmon resonance (SPR). Gold plated nanoparticles, similar to metal nanoparticles, have many unusual chemical and physical properties due to the effects of their quantum size and location compared to other iron or metal atoms. Gold nanoparticles can be used in pharmaceutical products such as antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents, targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs, biosensors, biocatalysis, bioremediation modification of toxic chemicals exposing the soil and atmosphere, dye reduction, etc. Yet such methods are expensive and out of harmony with nature. In that account, the microbes-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles recently changed rap-idly when pure microbes becoming ac-friendly, non-toxic, and biocompatible as physiological and chemical methods. This document aims to review the progress made in recent years with the fusion of gold nanoparticles. The microbial source includes bacteria, algae fungi. These works motivate people how to apply and synthesize gold nanoparticles. This review also focuses on the process of classification of gold nanoparticles, structures, and their use in the development of various require-ments.

Objective:

The main goal is to study gold nanoparticles and their application in the future.

Methods:

We studied different research papers, reviewed papers from “Google Scholar”, “NCBI”, “PubMed”, “Science Direct” made.
Conclusion: Metal nanoparticles are

Conclusion:

Metal nanoparticles are suitable for many emerging technologies. Understanding the microorganisms found in nature because the fusion of gold nanoparticles is required.
Biodegradable Polymers and their Applications: A Review
Authors: Bhovi Venkatesh K. , Melinmath Sulochana P. , Gowda Ranjith
Published: January 2022

Polymers have an endless scope due to their flexibility, amendment, and modification with the organic and inorganic compounds. There is an intense competition between natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers concerning biodegradability and compatibility with modern technology. Biodegradable polymers play a significant role in sustaining humanity on the earth due to nonenvironmental hazards. These polymers play a crucial role in biomedicine technology, such as tissue engineering, preparation of different scaffolds, drug delivery systems, industrial sector, agriculture, and food packaging. Here, we probed on various applications, challenges, and the limitations of biodegradable polymers in life.
Structure-Based Drug Design and Development of Novel Synthetic Compounds
with Anti-Viral Property against SARS-COV-2
Authors: Tendulkar Reshma , Chouhan Aasma , Gupta Avika , Chaudhary Aaliya , Dubey Chandani , Shukla Sushil
Published: January 2022

Background:

Structure, drug design, drug development, flavonoids, SARS-CoV-2, antiviral.

Objective:

The antiviral activity of various compounds of the flavonoid class was checked against
SARS-COVID-19 using diverse tools and software.

Method:

From the flavonoid compound class, 100 synthetic compounds with potential antiviral activity
were selected and improved for screening and induced fit docking, which was reduced to 25 compounds
with good docking scores and docking energies. In addition to the apparent match of the molecule
with the shape of the binding pocket, a full analysis of the non-covalent interactions in the active
site was assessed.

Results:

Compounds nol26, fla37-fl40, an32, an39 showed a maximum docking score, which shows
essential interactions for a tight bond. Now, all compounds are synthetic with beneficial drug-like
properties.

Conclusion:

During the docking study, an increased lipophilic interaction of compounds due to the
presence of chlorine in nol26, fla37-fl40, an32, an39 was discovered. fla37-fla40 can be investigated
as lead molecules against SARS-COV-2 in futuristic drug development.
Chiral NADH Model: Design, Synthesis, Asymmetric Reduction Reaction,
and Fluorescence Characteristics
Authors: Bai Cui-Bing , Zhang Lei-Yang , Wang Nai-Xing , Yan Zhan , Wu Yue-Hua , Xu Bao-Cai , Liu Ning , Wang Bo-Zhou , Tomasic Vesna
Published: January 2022

A new type of NADH model compound, which has six asymmetric carbon centers, has
been synthesized by an efficient and convenient method. We used NADH models combined with
enzymes in the asymmetric reduction. It was the first time that dehydrogenase combined with
NADH models instead of inorganic catalysts, such as MgCl2, was used in the asymmetric reduction.
Furthermore, the experimental results showed that the new NADH model has the strongest
fluorescence emission properties compared to previously reported models.
A Study on Synthesis of Chalcone Derived -5- Membered Isoxazoline and
Isoxazole Scaffolds
Authors: Bendi Anjaneyulu , Singh Lakhwinder , Bhardwaj Sakshi
Published: January 2022

Chalcone-derived isoxazole scaffolds remain the central focus due to their greater
biological, clinical, and pharmacological properties. The present study reviews the synthesis
of various chalcone derived - 5- membered isoxazoline and isoxazole scaffolds with the
available literature until 2021.
Adenosine Blood Level: A Biomarker of White Matter Damage in Very
Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Colella Marina , Panfoli Isabella , Doglio Matteo , Cassanello Michela , Bruschi Maurizio , Angelis Laura C. De , Candiano Giovanni , Parodi Alessandro , Malova Mariya , Petretto Andrea , Morana Giovanni , Tortora Domenico , Severino Mariasavina , Maghnie Mohamad , Buonocore Giuseppe , Rossi Andrea , Baud Oliver , Ramenghi Luca A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Very low birth weight infants are at risk of developing periventricular white matter lesions. We previously reported high blood adenosine levels in premature infants and infants with low birth weight. We asked whether blood adenosine levels could be related to the vul-nerability of the maturing white matter to develop lesions. The present study aims at finding a bi-omarker for the early detection of brain white matter lesions that can profoundly influence the neu-rodevelopmental outcome, whose pathophysiology is still unclear.

Methods:

Dried blood spots were prospectively collected for the newborn screening program and adenosine concentration measurements. Fifty-six newborns who tested four times for blood adeno-sine concentration (at days 3, 15, 30, and 40 post-birth) were included in the program. All infants underwent brain MRI at term equivalent age. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were studied with Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) at 12±2 months corrected age.

Results:

Blood adenosine concentration increased over time from a median of 0.75 μM at Day 3 to 1.46 μM at Day 40. Adenosine blood concentration >1.58 μM at Day 15 was significantly associat-ed with brain white matter lesions at MRI (OR (95 % CI) of 50.0 (3.6-688.3), p-value < 0.001). A moderate negative correlation between adenosine at 15 days of life and GMDS at 12 ± 2 months corrected age was found.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest a potential role for blood adenosine concentration as a bi-omarker of creberal white matter lesions in very low birth weight infants.
Clinical Evaluation of Exertional Dyspnea in Adult Pectus Excavatum Patients
Authors: Houle Mateo C. , Sjulin Tyson J. , McInnis Ian C. , Walter Robert J. , Morris Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Evaluation of patients with pectus excavatum has primarily been focused and, especially
the pediatric population who undergoes surgical correction of sternal defects mainly for cosmetic
reasons combined with exercise-limiting symptoms. The extent of cardiopulmonary improvement
in this population based on cardiac imaging, pulmonary function testing, and cardiopulmonary exercise
testing may be highly variable. There is no current consensus on the limitations of cardiopulmonary
impairment or potential improvement from surgical repair in pediatric patients. Limited data
have been published in the medical literature on the evaluation of adults with pectus excavatum
who may also present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Adult patients with exercise limitation
and pectus excavatum may present with exertional dyspnea, chest discomfort, palpitations/tachycardia,
exercise-induced wheezing, and use of bronchodilators for asthma-like symptoms. While numerous
published review articles outline clinical evaluation and surgical treatment for younger patients,
comprehensive evaluation for these adult patients has not been fully elucidated. There is no
current consensus on the underlying cause of cardiopulmonary impairment in adult patients or their
potential improvement from surgical repair. This review focuses on the recommended evaluation
of adult patients to discern the potential cardiopulmonary limitations to exercise due to pectus excavatum,
especially in physically fit adults, such as active-duty military personnel. Two illustrative
cases are presented to describe the complexity of the evaluation for adult patients and the potential
need for surgical correction.
Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in Pregnancy: A Review
Authors: Majewska Agata , Stanirowski Paweł , Wielgoś Mirosław , Bomba-Opoń Dorota
Published: January 2022

Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy is one of the most common complications of pregnancy
and is generally diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Nevertheless, clinical symptoms
of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy in some cases do not match the clinical manifestations of
GDM. It is suspected that 1-2 % of women diagnosed with GDM are misdiagnosed maturity-onset
diabetes of the young (MODY). MODY often has a subclinical course; thus, it is challenging for
clinicians to aptly diagnose monogenic diabetes in pregnancy. Proper diagnosis is crucial for the
effective treatment of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. Many studies revealed that misdiagnosis of
MODY increases the rate of complications for both mother and fetus. This literature review reports
the current knowledge regarding diagnosis, treatment, and complications of the most common
types of MODY in pregnancy.