bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The patients’ perspective on the burden of idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Witry Max , Kindler Christine , Weller Johannes , Linder Andreas , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: May 2021

Background:
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without evidence of a tumor or any other underlying cause. Headache and visual disturbances are frequent complaints of IIH patients, but little is known about other symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the patients’ perspective on the burden of IIH.
Methods:
For this cross-sectional study, we developed an online survey for patients with IIH containing standardized evaluations of headache (HIT-6), sleep (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale) and depression (MDI) in relation to BMI, lumbar puncture opening pressure (LP OP) and treatment.
Results:
Between December 2019 and February 2020, 306 patients completed the survey. 285 (93%) were female, mean age was 36.6 years (± 10.8), mean BMI 34.2 (± 7.3) and mean LP OP at diagnosis was 37.8 cmH2O (± 9.5). 219 (72%) of the participants were obese (BMI ≥ 30); 251 (82%) reported severe impacting headaches, 140 (46%) were suffering from sleep disturbances and 169 (56%) from depression. Higher MDI scores correlated with higher BMI and increased sleep disturbances. Patients with a normalized LP opening pressure reported less headaches, less sleep disturbances and less depression than those with a constantly elevated opening pressure.
Conclusion:
In addition to headaches and visual disturbances, sleep disturbances and depression are frequent symptoms in IIH and contribute to the patients’ burden. Structured questionnaires can help to identify IIH patients’ needs and can lead to personalized and better treatment.
Unconventional reconciliation path for quantum mechanics and general relativity
Authors: Yuguru Samuel
Published: May 2021

Physics in general is successfully governed by quantum mechanics at the microscale and principles of relativity at the macroscale. Any attempts to unify them using conventional methods have somewhat remained elusive for nearly a century up to the present stage. Here in this study, a classical gedanken experiment of electron-wave diffraction of a single slit is intuitively examined for its quantized states. A unidirectional monopole field as quanta of the electric field is pictorially conceptualized into 4D space-time. Its application towards quantum mechanics and general relativity in accordance with existing knowledge in physics paves an alternative path towards their reconciliation process. This assumes a multiverse at a hierarchy of scales with gravity localized to a body into space. Principles of special relativity are then sustained along inertia frames of extra dimensions within the proposed model. Such descriptions provide an approximate intuitive tool to examine physics in general from alternative perspectives using conventional methods and this warrants further investigations.
The polymorphism nt 76 in exon 2 of SC is more frequent in Whites than in Blacks
Authors: Fuchisawa A. , Lomas-Francis C. , Hue-Roye K. , Reid M.E.
Published: May 2021

The Scianna blood group system comprises seven antigens encoded by alternative forms of SC. The SC gene also has two polymorphisms in the leader sequence, at nucleotides 54 (C/T, silent) and 76 (C/T, 26His/Tyr) in exon 2, which are not involved in expression of blood group antigens. The nucleotide change at position 76 has an Nla III restriction enzyme site; thus, DNA samples from 100 Caucasians and 100 African Americans were analyzed for the SC nucleotide 76 change. DNA from Caucasian and African American donors was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the restriction enzyme Nla III. In selected samples, sequencing of exon 2 was performed. PCR-RFLP results for samples from 100 donors (mostly Caucasian) and 100 African American donors (400 alleles) showed the nucleotide 76T variant had a prevalence of 25 percent in Whites and 5 percent in African Americans. In 11 samples (2 C/C, 3 C/T, and 6 T/T) sequencing of exon 2 confirmed the presence of the expected nucleotides at position 76. The allele frequency in Caucasians was 0.75 for nt76C and 0.25 for nt76T. In African Americans, the frequencies were, respectively, 0.95 and 0.05.
Immunohematology

2009;25:18–19.
Development and validation of a fluorescent microsphere immunoassay for anti-IgA
Authors: Rumilla K.M. , Winters J.L. , Peterman J.M. , Jedynak E.A. , Homburger H.A.
Published: May 2021

Anti-IgA may cause anaphylactic transfusion reactions in IgA-deficient individuals. Testing for IgG anti-IgA is useful to identify persons at risk. This report describes an immunoassay for anti-IgA that uses polyclonal IgA coupled to fluorescent microspheres as an immunosorbent. Anti-IgA is detected by phycoerythrin-labeled anti-IgG. The assay is calibrated in arbitrary units by use of a serum that contains anti-IgA. Dose-response studies with sera that contain anti-IgA showed positive responses at dilutions up to 32-fold greater than the dilution used to test patients’ samples. Inhibition studies with purified IgA and IgA-deficient serum showed no inhibition with IgA-deficient serum and complete inhibition with soluble IgA. Clinical tests performed in more than 90 assays had a CV of 13.6 percent for measurements of an internal positive control. The fluorescent immunoassay method is rapid, reproducible, and sensitive to low concentrations of IgG anti-IgA.
Immunohematology

2009;25:24–28.
A simple screening assay for the most common JK*0 alleles revealed compound heterozygosity in Jk(a–b–) probands from Guam
Authors: Wester E.S. , Gustafsson J. , Snell B. , Spruell P. , Hellberg Å. , Olsson M.L. , Storry J.R.
Published: May 2021

The Jk(a–b–) phenotype results from alterations in the JK gene and is characterized by absence of the RBC urea transporter in the cell membrane. The frequency of Jk(a–b–) varies among populations, but this phenotype is most commonly found in people of Polynesian and Finnish descent. Although rare, Jk(a–b–) individuals present a clinical challenge because anti-Jk3 is produced readily in response to transfusion and pregnancy, and Jk(a–b–) blood is not routinely available. Identification of Jk(a–b–) patients and donors is most often performed serologically. However, ten JK*0 alleles have been identified, and this information can be used in DNA-based typing. We selected five JK*0 alleles that had been encountered by our reference laboratory in two or more samples from unrelated individuals and designed an allele-specific primer PCR assay for use as an initial screening tool. After in-house validation, we tested genomic DNA from a family: a mother and her two sons referred to us for genetic investigation of their Jk(a–b–) phenotypes. Two different nucleotide substitutions, –1g>a in intron 5 (IVS5) and 956C>T in exon 10, originally associated with Polynesian and Indian/African populations respectively, were identified in the family. The mother and one son were compound heterozygotes, and the second son was homozygous for IVS5– 1g>a. We conclude that the effort to design and validate such a screening assay was cost-efficient when compared with DNA sequencing costs. Furthermore, selection of the more common JK*0 mutations was a practical approach that resulted in rapid identification of the genetic bases behind the Jk(a–b–) phenotypes in this unusual family. Although an obvious target for eventual inclusion into high-throughput genotyping platforms for clinical diagnostic services, current systems are very limited. Our approach provides a simple and inexpensive method for the identification of these rare alleles.
Immunohematology 2009;25:165–169.
Molecular studies of DO alleles reveal that JO is more prevalent than HY in Brazil, whereas HY is more prevalent in New York
Authors: Castilho L. , Baleotti W. , Tossas E. , Hue-Roye K. , Ribeiro K.R. , Lomas-Francis C. , Charles-Pierre D. , Reid M.E.
Published: May 2021

Because of the scarcity of anti-Hy and anti-Joa, hemagglutination typing for the Dombrock blood group system antigens, Hy and Joa, is not feasible. The molecular bases associated with these antigens have been determined, making it possible to distinguish HY and JO from wild-type DO. This provides a tool to predict the probable phenotype of patients and to screen for antigen-negative donors. PCR-RFLP assays and a microchip assay were used to determine the frequency of HY and JO alleles in donors from Brazil and New York. DNA from random Brazilian donors, 288 by PCR-RFLP and 599 by the bead array method (BeadChip, BioArray Solutions, Warren, NJ), was tested to determine 323G/T (HY+/HY–) and 350C>T (JO+/JO–) single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In New York, 27,226 donors who self-identified as being African American were tested by hemagglutination with anti-Gya. Nonreactive and weakly reactive samples were tested by PCR-RFLP for the same alleles as listed above. In Brazil, 30 (3.4%) of the samples were JO/DO and 13 (1.4%) were HY/DO. In New York, of the samples that had HY or JO alleles, 14 were homozygous HY/HY, 132 were heterozygous HY/DO, 13 were heterozygous HY/JO, 14 were heterozygous JO/DO, and 3 were homozygous JO/JO. These results show that in donors from Brazil, JO (30 alleles) is more than twice as prevalent as HY (13 alleles), whereas in donors from New York, HY (173 alleles) was more than five times more common than JO (33 alleles).
Immunohematology

2008;24:135–137.
The O2
allele: questioning the phenotypic definition of an ABO allele
Authors: Yazer M.H. , Olsson M.L.
Published: May 2021

There are three main alleles in the ABO blood group system, A, B, and O. The former two alleles encode glycosyltransferases resulting in the wild-type A and B phenotypes, whereas the latter allele does not encode a functional enzyme owing to a frameshift polymorphism in the majority of cases. Thus the group O phenotype is the absence of A or B sugars. More than 15 years ago the O2
allele was described; this allele did not feature the usual crippling 261delG polymorphism, which up to that point was the hallmark of an allele encoding group O, but instead had several other nucleotide polymorphisms that reduced or eliminated the activity of its resulting protein. The classification of this type of allele as encoding group O has been called into question of late as some individuals with an O2 allele appear to have a weak A phenotype. Others with the same allele do not demonstrate any A antigens on their RBCs but might be involved in reverse typing discrepancies. Even within the same pedigree these alleles do not necessarily produce a consistent phenotype. This paper will summarize the detailed biochemical and population-based evidence both for and against the O2
allele’s ability to create A antigens or the absence of anti-A in plasma.
Immunohematology

2008;24:138–147.
DNA-based assays for patient testing: their application, interpretation, and correlation of results
Authors: Lomas-Francis C. , Depalma H.
Published: May 2021

DNA analysis for the prediction of RBC phenotype has broad implication in transfusion medicine. Hemagglutination testing, long the gold standard for immunohematology testing, has significant limitations. DNA analysis affords a useful addition to the arsenal of methods used to resolve complex serologic investigations. This report discusses the interpretation of results obtained by DNA analyses and their correlation with serologic results. Some current applications to resolve serologic problems encountered in patient testing are reviewed and case studies are presented to demonstrate the power of combining DNA analysis with hemagglutination.
Immunohematology

2008;24:180–190.
A novel study of association between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the human carbohydrate blood groups
Authors: Perry H.E , Franklin R.A. , Bray S.J , Lo M.K. , Svensson L.A.C. , Henry S.M.
Published: May 2021

Previous studies of association of ABO blood groups with gonorrhea have shown contradictory results. Despite the interdependencies of ABO, Lewis, and secretor systems, none of the previous studies examined the combined effect of these systems on their proposed association with gonorrhea. This study attempted to redress that and used genotyping in addition to RBC phenotyping to determine correct tissue phenotypes. Samples from 131 gonorrhea-positive individuals and from 175 gonorrhea-negative individuals were typed for ABO and Lewis using routine antisera. Secretor and Lewis genotyping was performed to ensure accurate determination of ABO and Lewis phenotypes. Chi-square and probability values were used to examine whether there is an association of ABO, Lewis, and secretor systems with gonorrhea infection. Neither single nor combined statistical analysis of data sets yielded a significant association of ABO, Lewis, and secretor phenotypes with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Nevertheless, this study is an example of the approach that should be taken when examining microbial associations with ABO antigens, in turn influenced by coexpression and modification by the interdependent systems of Lewis and secretor, in mucosal tissues.
Immunohematology

2007; 23:100–104.
Transfusion practices for patients with sickle cell disease at a major academic medical center
Authors: Afenyi-Annan A. , Bandarenko N.
Published: May 2021

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a tertiary-care, academic university hospital and a major referral center for patients across the state of North Carolina. This 700-bed, Level 1 trauma center transfuses more than 22,000 RBC units to patients annually. Clinical services and areas of the hospital which rely most heavily on transfusion support for their activities are transplantation (bone marrow and solid organ), hematology, critical care (medical and surgical intensive care units), cardiothoracic surgery, pediatrics, the operating room, the emergency department, labor and delivery, dialysis, and outpatient services. UNC is recognized for its expertise in coagulation, transfusion medicine, and hematology, particularly in sickle cell disease (SCD). The sickle cell center at UNC, which began in 1980 and continues today, in conjunction with our neighboring institution, Duke University Medical Center, is designated as part of a National Institutes of Health comprehensive sickle cell center. Several of the physicians are dedicated to the care of pediatric and adult patients with SCD, as well as to research on transfusion management of these patients and recruitment of African American blood donors. This article describes the practices of this institution for transfusion management of patients with SCD, as well as some of its efforts related to this challenging area of transfusion medicine.
Immunohematology

2006;22:103–107.
Novel molecular basis of an Inab phenotype
Authors: Hue-Roye K. , Powell V.I. , Patel G. , Lane D. , Maguire M. , Chung A. , Reid M.E.
Published: May 2021

The Cromer blood group system consists of ten high-prevalence and three low-prevalence antigens carried on decay-accelerating factor (DAF). DAF is found in the cell membranes of RBCs, granulocytes, platelets, and lymphocytes and is widely represented in other body tissues. Sequence analyses of DNA were performed on a blood sample from a 91-year-old Japanese woman whose serum contained an alloantibody to a high-prevalence antigen in the Cromer blood group system (anti-IFC). A blood sample from her daughter was also studied. Sequence analysis revealed a substitution of 508C>T in exon 4 of DAF in the proband. The proband’s daughter was heterozygous for 508C/T. This study describes an Inab phenotype in which the 508C>T nonsense mutation is predicted to change arginine at amino acid residue 136 to a stop codon. This change is in SCR 3 of DAF. This study reports on the molecular basis of a new proband with the Inab phenotype who had no history of intestinal disorders.
Immunohematology

2005;21:53–55.
Severe hemolytic anemia due to auto anti-N
Authors: Immel C.C. , McPherson M. , Hay S.N. , Braddy L.R. , Brecher M.E
Published: May 2021

Auto anti-N is infrequently encountered and, in most reported cases, does not cause clinical hemolysis. This case reports an auto anti-N associated with severe hemolytic anemia (Hb = 2.7 g/dL) in a 6-year-old Caucasian girl with a history of vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Upon admission, she was found to have a metabolic acidosis, secondary to her severe anemia, with abnormal liver function tests. As in three other case reports, the autoimmune hemolytic anemia resolved, with disappearance of the auto anti-N, after corticosteroid therapy.
Immunohematology

2005, 21:63–65.
Analysis of SERF in Thai blood donors
Authors: Palacajornsuk P. , Hue-Roye K. , Nathalang O. , Tantimavanich S. , Bejrachandra S. , Reid M.E.
Published: May 2021

The Cromer blood group system consists of nine high-prevalence and three low-prevalence antigens carried on decay-accelerating factor (DAF). We recently described one of these Cromer high-prevalence antigens, SERF, the absence of which was found in a Thai woman. The lack of SERF antigen in this proband was associated with a substitution of nucleotide 647C>T in exon 5 of DAF, which is predicted to be a change of proline to leucine at amino acid position 182 in short consensus repeat (SCR) 3 of DAF. This study reports on PCR-RFLP analysis of the SERF allele with BstNI restriction endonuclease on more than one thousand Thai blood donor samples. One new donor homozygous (647T) and 21 donors heterozygous (647C/T) for the SERF allele were found. Among this cohort of random Thai blood donors, the SERF allele frequency was 1.1 percent. Thus, like other alleles in the Cromer blood group system, SERF is found in a certain ethnic group.
Immunohematology

2005, 21:66–69.
Case report: immune anti-D stimulated by transfusion of fresh frozen plasma
Authors: Connolly M. , Erber W.N. , Grey D.E
Published: May 2021

FFP has occasionally been reported to generate an immune response to RBC antigens (e.g., anti-D and anti-Fya). The Council of Europe requires that each unit of FFP have less than 6 × 109/L RBCs. However, there is considerable variation internationally in the method of production and the level and assessment of RBC contamination of FFP. This study reports the case of a 63-year-old group B, D– man who received multiple transfusions of D– blood products over a 4-month period. Seven months later the patient’s antibody screen remained negative and he was transfused with seven units of D– RBCs and six units of FFP, four of which were D+. Two months later anti-D, -E, and -K were detected in his plasma. Although the anti-E and anti-K could have resulted from transfusion of antigen-positive RBCs, the anti-D could have resulted only from transfusion of the D+ FFP. The D status of FFP is currently not considered when selecting products for transfusion even though the D antigen is highly immunogenic and the level of RBC contamination of FFP is not always known. This case highlights that transfusion of FFP is a stimulus for RBC antibodies and that when a patient has had a recent transfusion of FFP, consideration should be given to obtaining a sample for pretransfusion testing within 3 days before a scheduled RBC transfusion. In addition, the D status of FFP should be considered before administering FFP to premenopausal D– women.
Immunohematology

2005;21:149–51.
Chukochenite, (Li0.5Al0.5)Al2O4, a new lithium oxyspinel mineral from the Xianghualing skarn, Hunan Province, China
Authors: Rao Can , Gu Xiangping , Wang Rucheng , Xia Qunke , Cai Yuanfeng , Dong Chuanwan , Hatert Frédéric , Hao Yantao
Published: May 2021

Chukochenite, (Li0.5Al0.5)Al2O4, is a new mineral species from the Xianghualing skarn, Hunan Province, southern China. It occurs as subhedral to euhedral crystals up to 200 μm across in the green rock of Xianghualing skarn, closely associated with fluorite, phlogopite, chrysoberyl, margarite, chlorite, ferronigerite-2N1S, and zinconigerite-2N1S. The crystals are colorless and transparent with a vitreous luster. Chukochenite is brittle with irregular fracture, has a Mohs hardness of 8, and shows light red fluorescence under 253.7 nm UV radiation and light green fluorescence under 365 nm UV radiation. The calculated density is 3.771 g/cm3. Chukochenite is optically biaxial (–) with α = 1.79(2), β = 1.82(2), and γ = 1.83(2) (589 nm). The calculated 2V is 60°, with the optical orientations X, Y, and Z parallel to the crystallographic a, b, and c, respectively. Electron microprobe analysis (Li by LA-ICP-MS) yielded in wt% Al2O3 80.70, Fe2O3 8.16, Li2O 3.68, ZnO 3.25, MnO 2.49, MgO 1.70, Na2O 0.11, CaO 0.08, TiO2 0.02, K2O 0.01, and Cr2O3 0.01 (total 100.24 wt%), giving an empirical formula [(Li0.355Al0.138Na0.005Ca0.002)Σ0.5(Al0.145Fe0.147+3Mg0.061Zn0.058Mn0.051Si0.001)Σ0.463]Al2O4 on a basis of 4 O atoms per formula unit. Chukochenite is orthorhombic, Imma, a = 5.659 (1), b = 16.898 (1), c = 7.994 (1) Å, V = 764.46 (8) Å3, and Z = 12. The nine strongest lines of powder XRD [d in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 2.405 (53) (231); 1.996 (29) (260); 1.535 (77) (303); 1.413 (100) (264); 1.260 (52) (2 12 0); 1.068 (36) (1 13 4); 1.039 (61) (503); 0.999 (59) (008); and 0.942 (35) (3 13 4). Chukochenite has a framework structure of spinel with low symmetry (orthorhombic Imma) due to the ordering of Li cations over octahedrally coordinated sites, which has not been previously reported for synthetic (Li0.5Al0.5) Al2O4. This structure type is based on a framework of AlO4 tetrahedra, AlO6, and LiO6 octahedra. AlO6 edge-sharing octahedra form chains along the a axis. AlO6 octahedra and LiO6 octahedra in a 2:1 ratio share edges, forming octahedral chains along b. These octahedral chains are connected by AlO4 tetrahedra and each corner of an AlO4 tetrahedron shares with three AlO6 octahedra or two AlO6 + one LiO6 octahedra. The discovery of chukochenite adds a new perspective on the cation ordering and the mechanism of luminescence and magnetism in (Li0.5Al0.5)Al2O4.
Oxygen isotope heterogeneity of olivine crystals in orogenic peridotites from Songshugou, North Qinling Orogen: Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications
Authors: Yu Hong , Zhang Hong-Fu , Zou Haibo , Xu Ji-Feng
Published: May 2021

Olivine grains from Songshugou mylonitized peridotite massif record δ18O both lower and higher than in pristine mantle samples in North Qinling Orogen, Central China. Olivines from dunites exhibit large variations in δ18O (4.03–7.07‰), and some porphyroclasts display negative correlations between δ18O and forsterite content {Fo; [100×Mg/(Mg+Fe2+)]}. The porphyroclast cores have low-δ18O values, indicating that they formed in the oceanic lithospheric mantle prior to subduction. We attribute low-δ18O values to seawater-peridotite interaction under high-temperature conditions. The porphyroclast rims and small olivines exhibit high-δ18O values. These features suggest that high-δ18O olivines formed during mylonitization in the exhumation process. Olivines reacted with 18O-rich melt/fluids released from subducted altered oceanic basalts and continental sediments at low temperature (<610–680 °C). The 18O-rich melt/fluids selectively affected porphyroclast rims and small olivine grains. Unlike the olivines in the dunites, the olivines and orthopyroxenes in the harzburgites show limited variations in δ18O (4.21–5.45‰ and 5.5–5.8‰, respectively), due to orthopyroxene exchange with melt/fluid at a slower rate than the coexisting olivine. The preservation of the low-δ18O signature in olivines indicates a short residence time (<20 Ma) for subducting peridotites to mantle depths.
Dispersed solar still for effective desalination using montmorillonite nanoparticles for sturdy clean water yield
Authors: Baskaran V. , Saravanane R.
Published: May 2021

Direct Solar Steam Generation (DSSG) system is an emerging technique in the field of desalination for yielding sustainable clean water. This investigation propagates through the use of nanoscale absorbers (montmorillonite) for sturdy desalination because of their excellent photo thermal conversion of nanoparticles. The solar absorber was dispersed in sea water in liquid type rather than fixed or floating type. Nanoparticles of chemical composition were employed by the researchers from starting to the present day, which includes carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, etc., Inspired by nature and keeping in mind an eco-friendly technique, here we considered montmorillonite clay nanoparticles of natural origin. The experiment was conducted for an operational period of 14 days with a yield of 5.33–6.45 kg/m2/day with an evaporation rate of 0.70, 1.42 and 4.47 kg/m2.hr under 1-, 2- and 4-sun irradiance. The clean water output parameters was validated with WHO standards to satisfy potable water characteristics. The water characteristics before desalination for turbidity, pH, and Cl–, Na+ and TDS were found to be 48.50, 8.7, and 18,400, 12,120, 20,400 mg/L respectively; after desalination they were found to be 0.30, 6.65, 12, 4.5 and 52 mg/L respectively. This work focuses on current water scarcity problem and suggest a way to survival by using naturally available, low cost material.
Sewage: from liability to asset, the shoalhaven REMS project. Australia's largest regional waste water re-cycling scheme that has greatly reduced effluent discharge to sensitive waterways and helped increase dairy farm productivity. An overview of this comparatively simple project after 20 years of initial operation, REMS stages 1A + 1B
Authors: Fleeting David , Wright Ian
Published: May 2021

An overview of the REclaimed Water Management Scheme (REMS), Stages 1A & 1B undertaken by Shoalhaven Water, the water utility of Shoalhaven City Council, NSW, Australia, after its first twenty years of operation. REMS is one of the largest recycled effluent projects undertaken by a local government in Australia. REMS utilises tertiary treated re-claimed sewage water from the urban centres and utilises it, in lieu of potable water, for agricultural and sports field irrigation, while diverting discharge away from sensitive waterways. The REMS project was initiated to address three primary issues: Public outcry over sewage discharge into sensitive Bay/River/Ocean environments including Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven River. To assist the Dairy industry though providing resistance to drought. To upgrade the sewerage system to enable development and address the demands of a greatly increased population. This paper places the scheme in the context of an integrated Water Utility and Local Government body, engaging stakeholders in extensive consultation, and embarking on a large project designed to have significant Environmental and Economic outcomes, culminating in an integrated multi-plant capture, treatment and distribution system. The project is focussed upon agricultural use of recycled water that has wide support public support, and benefits to both the Dairy farmers and Oyster farmers of the region. The paper examines REMS' success, its future expanded capabilities, and its application as a scalable model elsewhere.
Recent Advances in Fe-MOF Compositions for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhong Yuyu , Liu Weicong , Rao Congying , Li Baohong , Wang Xiaoxiong , Liu Dong , Pan Ying , Liu Jianqiang
Published: May 2021

Background:

To date, number of new and attractive materials have been applied
in drug delivery systems (DDDs) to improve the efficiency of the treatment of cancers.
Some problems like low stability, toxicity and weak ability of targeting have hampered
most of materials for further applications in biomedicine. MIL(MIL = Materials of
Institute Lavoisier), as a specific subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) owns
more advantages than other subclass MOFs, such as better biodegradability and lower cytotoxicity.
However, until now, systematic -s and analyses of Fe-based MIL on medical
applications are rarely though the majority of documents discussed one research branch
of the porous materials MOFs.

Discussion:

In this review, we have focussed mainly on the latest studies of applications,
including bioimaging, biosensing, and antibacterial and drug delivery on Fe-based MIL.
The existing shortcomings and future perspectives of the rapidly growing biomedical applications
of Fe-based MIL materials addressing dosage and loading strategies issues are
also discussed briefly, and further studies with the use of different therapies will be of
great interest.

Conclusion:

This article reviews the Fe-based MOFs design and biomedical application,
including biosensing, bioimaging, antibacterial agent, and drug delivery in recent years.
Viral Entry Inhibitors Targeting Six-Helical Bundle Core against
Highly Pathogenic Enveloped Viruses with Class I Fusion Proteins
Authors: Pu Jing , Zhou Joey Tianyi , Liu Ping , Yu Fei , He Xiaoyang , Lu Lu , Jiang Shibo
Published: May 2021

Type Ⅰ enveloped viruses bind to cell receptors through surface glycoproteins to initiate infection or undergo receptor-mediated endocytosis and initiate membrane fusion in the acidic environ-ment of endocytic compartments, releasing genetic material into the cell. In the process of membrane fusion, envelope protein exposes fusion peptide, followed by an insertion into the cell membrane or endosomal membrane. Further conformational changes ensue in which the type 1 envelope protein forms a typical six-helix bundle structure, shortening the distance between viral and cell membranes so that fusion can occur. Entry inhibitors targeting viral envelope proteins, or host factors, are effective antiviral agents and have been widely studied. Some have been used clinically, such as T20 and Mara-viroc for human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) or Myrcludex B for hepatitis D virus (HDV). This review focuses on entry inhibitors that target the six-helical bundle core against highly pathogenic en-veloped viruses with class I fusion proteins, including retroviruses, coronaviruses, influenza A viruses, paramyxoviruses, and filoviruses.
A Decade’s Review of miRNA: A Center of Transcriptional Regulation of Drugmetabolizing Enzymes and Transporters under Hypoxia
Authors: Duan Yabin , Zhu Junbo , Yang Jianxin , Gu Wenqi , Bai Xue , Liu Guiqin , Xiangyang Li
Published: May 2021

Background:

Hypoxia has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and metabolism,
which contributes to potential changes in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
However, hypoxia can also alter the expression of microRNA (miRNA), thereby regulating drug-metabolizing enzymes,
transporters, and ADME genes, such as hypoxia-inducible factor, inflammatory cytokine, nuclear receptor,
etc. Therefore, it is crucial to study the role of miRNA in the regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters
under hypoxia.

Methods:

A systematic review of published studies was carried out to investigate the role of miRNA in the regulation
of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters under hypoxia. Data and information on expression changes in
miRNA, drug-metabolizing enzymes, and transporters under hypoxia were analyzed and summarized.

Results:

Hypoxia can up or down-regulate the expression of miRNA. The effect of hypoxia on Cytochrome P450
(CYP450) is still a subject of debate. The widespread belief is that hypoxia decreased the activity and expression of
CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A1 and increased those of CYP3A6 and CYP2D1 in rats. Hypoxia increased
the expression of a multidrug resistance-associated protein, breast cancer resistance protein, peptide transporter,
organic cation transporter, and organic anion transporter. miRNA negatively regulated the expression of drugmetabolizing
enzymes and transporters.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review indicated that miRNA plays a key role in the expression changes of drugmetabolizing
enzymes and transporters under hypoxia.
How Zinc-Binding Systems, Expressed by Human Pathogens, Acquire Zinc from the Colonized Host Environment: A Critical Review on Zincophores
Authors: Remelli Maurizio , Bellotti Denise , Rowińska-Żyrek Magdalena
Published: May 2021

Some transition metals, like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc,
required for the biosynthesis of metalloenzymes and metalloproteins, are essential micronutrients
for the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms. Among the
defenses put in place by the host organism, the so-called “nutritional immunity” consists
of reducing the availability of micronutrients and thus “starving” the pathogen. In the
case of metals, microorganisms can fight the nutritional immunity in different ways, i.e.
by directly recruiting the metal ion or capturing an extracellular metalloprotein or also
through the synthesis of specific metallophores which allow importing the metal in the
form of a chelate complex. The best known and most studied metallophores are those directed
to iron (siderophores), but analogous chelators are also expressed by microorganisms
to capture other metals, such as zinc. An efficient zinc recruitment can also be
achieved by means of specialized zinc-binding proteins. A deep knowledge of the properties,
structure and action mechanisms of extracytoplasmic zinc chelators can be a powerful
tool to find out new therapeutic strategies against the antibiotic and/or antifungal resistance.
This review aims to collect the knowledge concerning zincophores (small
molecules and proteins in charge of zinc acquisition) expressed by bacterial or fungal microorganisms
that are pathogenic for the human body.
Effect of Rat Bone Marrow Derived-Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Granulocyte Differentiation of Mononuclear Cells as Preclinical Agent in Cellbased Therapy
Authors: Fathi Ezzatollah , Azarbad Sheyda , Farahzadi Raheleh , Javanmardi Sara , Vietor Ilja
Published: May 2021

Background:

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), as a collection of hematopoietic
and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are capable of producing all blood cell lineages. The use of
cytokines, growth factors or cells capable of secreting these factors will help in stimulating the proliferation
and differentiation of these cells into mature cell lines. On the other hand, MSCs are multipotent
stromal cells that can be differentiated into various cell lineages. Moreover, these cells can control
the process of hematopoiesis by secreting cytokines and growth factors. The present study aimed to
investigate the effect of BM-derived MSCs on the differentiation of MNCs based on the assessment of
cell surface markers by flow cytometry analysis.

Methods:

For this purpose, the MNCs were purified from rat BM using density gradient centrifugation.
Thereafter, they were cultured, expanded, and characterized. Next, BM-derived-MSCs were cocultured
with MNCs, and then were either cultured MNCs alone (control group) or co-cultured MNCs
with BM-derived-MSCs (experimental group). Finally, they were collected on day 7 and subjected to
flow cytometry analysis for granulocyte markers and ERK protein investigation.

Results:

It was found that the expression levels of CD34, CD16, CD11b, and CD18 granulocyte
markers as well as protein expression of ERK have significantly increased in the experimental group
compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it can be concluded that MSCs could affect the granulocyte differentiation of
MNCs via ERK protein expression, which is a key component of the ERK signaling pathway.
Novel Self-micro Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Safe Intramuscular Delivery with Improved Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Jain Subheet Kumar , Panchal Neha , Singh Amrinder , Thakur Shubham , Shahtaghi Navid Reza , Sharma Surbhi , Guleria Akshay
Published: May 2021

Background:

Diclofenac Sodium (DS) injection is widely used in the management of
acute or chronic pain and inflammatory diseases. It incorporates 20% w/v Transcutol-P as a solubilizer
to make the stable injectable formulation. However, the use of Transcutol-P in high concentration
leads to adverse effects such as severe nephrotoxicity, etc. Some advancements have resulted
in the formulation of an aqueous-based injectable but that too used benzyl alcohol which is reported
to be toxic for human use.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop an injectable Self-Micro Emulsifying Drug Delivery System
(SMEDDS) as a novel carrier of DS for prompt release with better safety and efficacy.

Methods:

A solubility study was performed with different surfactants and co-surfactants. The conventional
stirring method was employed for the formulation of SMEDDS. Detailed in vitro characterization
was done for different quality control parameters. In vivo studies were performed using
Wistar rats for pharmacokinetic evaluation, toxicological analysis, and analgesic activity.

Results:

The optimized formulation exhibited good physical stability, ideal globule size (156±0.4
nm), quick release, better therapeutics, and safety, increase in LD50 (221.9 mg/kg) to that of the
commercial counterpart (109.9 mg/kg). Furthermore, pre-treatment with optimized formulation reduced
the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema by 88±1.2% after 4 h, compared to 77±1.6% inhibition
with commercial DS formulation. Moreover, optimized formulation significantly (p<0.05) inhibited
the pain sensation in the acetic-acid induced writhing test in mice compared to its commercial
equivalent with a better pharmacokinetic profile.

Conclusion:

The above findings confirmed that liquid SMEDDS can be a successful carrier for the
safe and effective delivery of DS.
Inebilizumab-cdon: USFDA Approved for the Treatment of NMOSD (Neuromyelitis
Optica Spectrum Disorder)
Authors: Ali Faraat , Sharma Kamna , Anjum Varisha , Ali Asad
Published: May 2021

:

Inebilizumab-cdon (Uplizna™) was currently approved by the United States Food and
Drug Administration (USFDA) for the treatment of NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder).
It was developed by Viela Bio (Nasdaq: VIE) USA. Inebilizumab-cdon (formerly MEDI-551)
is a humanized antibody, which induces CD19 + B cell depletion by increasing antibody-dependent
cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and cell phagocytosis (ADCP) of effector cells. Various clinical
trials exhibit its safe and effective pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. In June 2019,
Viela Bio submitted Biologics License Application (BLA) to the FDA based on the findings obtained
from the N-Momentum trial. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of
Inebilizumab-cdon leading to this approval for the treatment of advanced NMOSD.
Bisphenol A as a Factor in the Mosaic of Autoimmunity
Authors: Lazurova Zora , Lazurova Ivica , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: May 2021

:

The population worldwide is largely exposed to bisphenol A (BPA), a commonly used
plasticizer, that has a similar molecular structure to endogenous estrogens. Therefore, it is able to
influence physiological processes in the human body, taking part in pathophysiology of various endocrinopathies,
as well as, cardiovascular, neurological and oncological diseases. BPA has been
found to affect the immune system, leading to the development of autoimmunity and allergies, too.
In the last few decades, the prevalence of autoimmune diseases has significantly increased that
could be explained by a rising exposure of the population to environmental factors, such as BPA.
BPA has been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases and also
organ-specific autoimmunity (thyroid autoimmunity, diabetes mellitus type 1, myocarditis, inflammatory
bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, encephalomyelitis etc), but the results of some studies
still remain controversial, so further research is needed.
Hábeas Data Financiero: Identificación del marco jurisprudencial y normativo en Colombia.
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Flórez Vizcarra Martina , Flórez Vizcarra Martina ,   Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Valencia Vega Herbert Orlando ,   Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa
Published: May 2021

El avance que ha tenido la globalización durante los últimos años ha sido verdaderamente rápido y en gran parte esto se debe a los procesos tecnológicos que han hecho que las barreras entre los diferentes países se rompa. Las tics han influido de una manera tanto positiva como negativa, ya que es bueno que los países crezcan y se forta-lezcan cada día más pero estos corren tambien diversos riesgos, como lo es en este caso el sector financiero con el cuidado y manejo de los datos personales, ya que estos están expuestos al buen o mal manejo que las personas encargadas de este tratamiento le quieran dar. Cabe aclarar que este avance tecnológico y de comunicación sí ha hecho que la producción, crecimiento y desarrollo del país sea cada vez mayor y mucho más rápido pero no deja de ser un riesgo para las personas. Un aspecto que es importante a tener en cuenta y que hace referencia al ries-go que pueden padecer, es que las empresas tanto públicas como privadas al tener libre acceso a la información económica de las personas, manipulan y tergiversan la información como quieren sin ningún consentimiento del titular, lo que en cierta forma perjudica tanto la vida privada como los derechos humanos de las personas. Ante-riormente en Colombia no existía una norma que protegiera los datos personales de las personas, pero hasta el año 1991 se logran implementar varios mecanismos de protección como lo es el derecho a la intimidad personal, el buen nombre y el Habeas Data, implementado en la carta política del artículo 15. La presente investigación quiere indagar y a la vez dar a conocer todo lo relacionado con el Habeas Data, tocar aspectos tales como: marco jurisprudencial, normatividad, evolución, leyes, autonomía de la norma, además de los parámetros establecidos por la Corte Constitucional Colombiana
Modelo productivo de papa (Solanum tuberosum L.) de la variedad Tuquerreña para el departamento de Boyacá
Authors: Espitia Malagón Eduardo María , Álvarez Bernal Jorge Humberto , Preciado Mongui Íngrid Marcela , Sánchez León Germán David , Uribe Gaviria Andrés Felipe , Rodríguez Borray Gonzalo Alfredo , Lasso Paredes Zahara Lucía , Valbuena Benavides Raúl Iván , Soto Suárez Mauricio , Vásquez-Urriago Ángela Rocío , Polo Murcia Sonia Mercedes
Published: May 2021

Este modelo productivo busca poner a disposición del público una compilación sobre el conocimiento generado alrededor de la variedad y deja abierta la puerta para que futuros trabajos llenen la información faltante. El documento se divide en diez capítulos, en los que se describen los aspectos más relevantes y característicos del sistema productivo. En primer lugar, se describe el entorno ambiental en el que se desarrolla el cultivo, así como la botánica y la taxonomía de la variedad. Luego se detallan los procesos de producción de semilla y propagación y las exigencias edafoclimáticas para el desarrollo de las plantas. Se describe el manejo del recurso suelo, así como los sistemas de siembra, las prácticas culturales y el manejo integrado de plagas y enfermedades. Finalmente, se compila la información sobre cosecha, postcosecha e indicadores económicos.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de extractos naturales en el proceso de coagulación floculación de aguas crudas, con fines de potabilización
Authors: Benjumea-Hoyos Carlos Augusto , Toro Martínez Manuela , Luna Marin Valerya
Published: May 2021

El presente estudio permitió por medio de ensayos de jarras, evaluar la eficiencia de los extractos naturales de Zea mays (Maíz), Aloe vera (Sábila) y Citrus sinensis (Naranja) para disminuir los valores de turbidez en aguas crudas con fines de potabilización y su efecto en el pH y la conductividad. Esto con el fin de investigar alternativas viables que permitan mejorar la calidad del agua cruda y que sean de fácil acceso para comunidades marginales; el uso de extractos naturales en el proceso de potabilización de aguas y en específico en la remoción de turbidez permite evaluar la capacidad de estos en relación con los compuestos químicos convencionales utilizados en dicho proceso. En este sentido, se obtuvo una remoción en la turbidez del 85% con los extractos de maíz y sábila; y del 69% con el extracto de naranja. Los resultados obtenidos dejan ver los beneficios de utilizar extractos naturales en los procesos de tratamiento de aguas, el fácil acceso a la materia prima requerida, su bajo costo, producción mínima de lodos inocuos debido a la no presencia de sales metálicas y su aporte a reducir el uso de coagulantes químicos, serían aportes importantes en la disminución de impactos ambientales asociados a los riesgos que este tipo de lodos convencionales podrían provocar.
COVID-19 data analysis using HJ-Biplot method: A study case
Authors: Tenesaca-Chillogallo Franklin , Amaro Isidro R.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is a new viral disease declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020. This highly infectious disease, caused by the virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has shown a different impact on young individuals, old individuals, and people with other health conditions. In this study, we aim to identify the different relationships between COVID-19 with other health complications. Additionally, our purpose is to ordinate the ages of individuals according to COVID-19 affection. For this, we apply the HJ-Biplot along with Cluster multivariate analysis techniques to a data set of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, Pneumonia, smoking Habits, Diabetes, Obesity, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma, Immunosuppression, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Problems, Chronic Renal Insufficiency, and other health problems. The data set that we use in this work was obtained from the Mexico Government website. This exploratory research illustrates that COVID-19 disease presents different relationships with other health problems and individuals. For example, this viral disease is highly correlated with Hypertension, Diabetes, smoking habits, and Obesity health conditions. Other high correlations are found among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cardiovascular problems, Pneumonia, Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Hypertension, and Diabetes. Also, the ordination of individuals according to COVID-19 affection shows us that 60 to 89 years old people are highly affected by this disease. Furthermore, we identify the formation of two clusters of individuals.
On the one hand, the first Cluster is formed by old individuals highly affected by many diseases. On the other hand, the second Cluster is formed mainly by young individuals lowly affected by this study's health problems. Identifying COVID-19 correlated health conditions and the age of the most affected individuals is crucial to the correct handle of the pandemic.