bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycation end-products specific auto-antibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail-2440, Saudi Arabia, Ali Khan Mohd Wajid
Published: August 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, which is highly inflammatory. Compared to a healthy control group, SLE patients exhibit a higher concentration of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and a lower concentration of receptors for AGEs (RAGE) in serum, however, the exact aetiology is still unclear. In the present study, non-enzymatic glycation induced modification of human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied by biophysical techniques. Glycated HSA (G-HSA) was used as an antigen, and serum autoantibody levels were estimated in SLE and normal humans (NH) against it, using direct binding ELISA and competitive inhibition ELISA. Compared to N-HSA, remarkable structural modifications were observed in G-HSA. Modified HSA also showed increased pentosidine fluorescence (213.7 ± 13.4 AU). Glycation of HSA induced a conversion of α-helix and random coil to β-sheet and β-turns. Serum immuno assays results exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) higher binding of G-HSA with serum autoantibodies from SLE patients when compared with native HSA (N-HSA). Furthermore, competitive ELISA results showed significantly (p < 0.001) high percent inhibition of serum IgG from SLE patients with modified antigen. Chronic inflammation with excessive oxidative stress in SLE patients could be a possible reason for structural alterations in blood proteins, generating highly immunogenic unique new-epitopes. These in turn induce the generation of specific autoantibodies against G-HSA that may serve as a potential biomarker for SLE pathogenesis.
Molecular docking analysis of fluoroquinolones and other natural and synthetic compounds with the HCV NS3 helicase
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi-Pakistan, Ul Haq Ahtesham
Published: August 2022

It is of an interest to document the molecular docking analysis of fluoroquinolones and other natural and synthetic compounds with the HCV NS3 helicase. Data shows that three fluoroquinolones interacted with the NS3 helicase in the catalytic region, targeting some of the amino acids known to play a crucial role in NS3 helicase activity. Similarly, binding energy shows that the fluoroquinolones were comparable to the thiazolpiperazinyl derivatives, while superior to several of the synthetic and natural derivatives. The results show three fluoroquinolones to be potent helicase inhibitors that can be repurposed as supplemental therapy against HCV especially in cases non-responsive to DAAAs.
Knowledge of rabies among rural community in Chengalpet district, India
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India, Bharani Kamini
Published: August 2022

The objective of the present study is to assess the knowledge about rabies among the general population of a rural area in Chengalpet district of Tamilnadu. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 participants belonging to Paranur village of Chengalpattu district. A pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to gather information on socio-demographic factors, knowledge about rabies, treatment-seeking behavior, and anti-rabies vaccine use among participants with history of dog bite. Among the 361 participants, only 49.5 % were aware of local wound-management procedures, despite the fact that 68% had sufficient knowledge about rabies. The present study highlights. significant association between knowledge regarding rabies with demographic variables such as gender, age, education and occupation Although more than half of the study population had adequate knowledge on rabies, one-fourth of them had no knowledge on first-aid treatments or vaccines at the time of dog bite. This study highlights the need to promote knowledge regarding wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis at the event of a dog bite.
FASTK family of genes linked to cancer
Authors:   Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Poonamallee High Road, Chennai, Tamilnadu - 600077, India, Ramasubramanian Abilasha
Published: August 2022

Fas Activated Serine/Threonine Kinase (FASTK) family is a protein family encoded in the nuclear genome that spans the mitochondria and executes numerous functions, and consists of FASTK, the founding member along with 5 homologous proteins FASTKD1-5. Up regulation of FASTK family members have not only been implicated in tumour progression and invasion but also in increased resistance to chemotherapy proven by their knockdown leading to increased sensitivity to drugs. Thus, this review reports the implication of FASTK proteins in cancer and hence provides a scope to emphasise the role of these proteins in Oral Cancer.
Molecular docking analysis and dynamics simulation of salbutamol with the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzyme
Authors:   Department of pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq, Abdulhameed Odhar Hasanain
Published: August 2022

The monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzyme is linked with Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, it is of interest to document the molecular docking analysis and dynamics simulation of salbutamol, a well-known β2-adrenoceptor agonist, with the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzyme for further consideration in drug design and development.
A review on hypo-cholesterolemic activity of Nigella sativa seeds and its extracts
Authors:   Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRMC & RI), Porur, Chennai- 600116, India, Uma Maheswari Karmegam
Published: August 2022

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a popular therapeutic herb in many parts of the world. It is widely used in traditional medical systems such as Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of folkloric use in many medicinal and culinary systems. The seeds of N. sativa have long been used to treat a variety of illnesses and disorders. Studies on N. sativa and its therapeutic potential have been investigated. This includes anti-diabetic, anticancer, immune-modulatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, and several others. Nigella sativa contains thymoquinone. This is a bioactive component of the essential oil with medicinal benefits. Therefore, it is of interest to report a comprehensive data on the therapeutic usefulness of N. sativa in hypo-cholesterolemic activity.
Genomic signatures of protease and reverse transcriptase genes from HIV-1 subtype C isolated from first-line ART patients in India
Authors:   ICMR-National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Agra, Uttar-Pradesh, India, Barik Sushanta Kumar
Published: August 2022

Genomic signatures of the protease and reverse transcriptase gene of HIV-1 from HIV infected North Indian patients who were under ART from 1 to ≤ 7 years were analyzed. The DNA from plasma samples of 9 patients and RNA from 57 patients were isolated and subjected to amplification for the protease and reverse transcriptase gene of HIV-1 subtype C. Then sequencing was carried out following the WHO dried blood spot protocol. The drug resistance mutation patterns were analyzed using the HIV Drug Resistance Database, Stanford University, USA. Lamivudine-associated drug-resistance mutations such as M184V/M184I, nevirapine-associated drug resistance mutations Y181C and H221Y, and efavirenz-associated drug resistance mutations M230I were observed in reverse transcriptase gene of archived DNA of two HIV-1 infected patients. No mutation was observed in the remaining 7 patients. Various computational tools and websites like viral epidemiological signature pattern analysis (VESPA), hyper mutation, SNAP version 2.1.1, and entropy were utilized for the analysis of the signature pattern of amino acids, hyper mutation, selection pressure, and Shannon entropy in the protease and reverse transcriptase gene sequences of the 9 archived DNA, 56 protease gene and 51 reverse transcriptase gene from the HIV-1 DNA amplified sequences of RNA. The HIV-1 Subtype-C (Gene bank accession number: AB023804) and first isolate HXB2 (Gene bank accession number: K03455.1) was taken as reference sequence. The signature amino acid sequences were identified in the protease and reverse transcriptase gene, no hyper mutation, highest entropy was marked in the amino acid positions and synonymous to non-synonymous nucleotide ratio was calculated in the protease and reverse transcriptase gene of 9 archived DNA sequences, 56 protease and 51 reverse transcriptase gene sequences of HIV-1 Subtype C isolates.
Distribution of HCV genotypes and HCV RNA viral load in hepatitis infected patients of Kolar region, Karnataka, India
Authors:   Sri. Devaraj Urs Medical College, SDUMC, Kolar, Karnataka, India, Kaur Devinder
Published: August 2022

Decisions and disease progression prediction, understanding the distribution of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype and its association with viral load is significant for treatment. Therefore, it is of interest to document the distribution pattern of HCV genotypes and their association with viral load among HCV infected patients in Kolar, Karnataka. Seventy-four HCV-positive patients and not on antiviral therapy were enrolled from R.L. Jalappa hospital in Kolar, Karnataka. Blood samples were taken and demographics were recorded. HCV RNA was isolated after plasma was separated. qPCR was performed to measure the viral load, and RT-PCR was performed to determine the genotype. Genotype 3 was the prevalent (n=11, 40.7%) followed by genotype 4 (n=8, 29.6%), 2 (n=6, 22.2%), 1 (n= 13.7%), and mix (n=1, 13.7%). The median viral load of genotype 3 was a 2,87,835 IU/mL (IQR 10, 780-3, 71, 66) , genotype 2 was 81,030 IU/mL (IQR 66,495-95,565), genotype 4 was 43, 410 IU/mL (IQR 38, 355-48, 465) belongs to viral load less than 8,00,000 IU/mL. The median viral load genotype 3 was a 1, 05, 19, 500 IU/mL (IQR 49, 37, 250-2, 36, 71, 500), genotype 2 was 2,55,99,000 IU/mL ( IQR 2,00,10,000-32,725,500), genotype 4 was 1,67,40,000 IU/mL (IQR 1,45,50,000-17,493,000) belonging to viral load more than 8,00,000 IU/mL category. A correlation between genotype and viral load was observed (p =1.5x10-12), of which genotype 3 showed a high viral load. Thus, HCV genotypes 1 2, 3, 4, and mixed genotype was observed in the patients studied. HCV genotype was associated with viral load in patient plasma. This data finds use in the treatment and prevention of hepatitis C in Kolar, Karnataka.
Psychological impact and stress factors among Ha’il medical students post COVID19 pandemic
Authors:   College of Medicine, University of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, Alzedany Sukaina Kamal
Published: August 2022

The current COVID-19 pandemic frightfully threatened the whole world, and people in different countries were demanded to be quarantined due to possible contact with the infection. High mortality rate, the spread of COVID19 and the propagation of fake news in social media programs created fear and anxiety among majority of society especially, medical students. One of the most essential changes during the covid-19 was the termination of teaching lectures in physical presence and its replacement by virtual online lectures. Circumstances like these have negative impact on the mental health of medical students. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on medical students’ learning and the effect of distressing situation they experienced, psychological and educational variables specifically during return to physical attendance in college and the impact of these variables of probably affecting factors like age, gender, marital status, transition of preclinical years to clinical years. A Cross-sectional study was completed among medical students at UOH, KSA. The data are collected by distributing an online questionnaire. Statistical analysis has been done with Microsoft Power BI. 14.82% of 5th year female participants were unable to stop worrying for different things while 10.54% of male participant were in the 1st year. Large numbers of students who have increased the number of times they wash their hands are found in med3 and med4 while 27.92% agree and 29.05% strongly agree of whole years of study. 45.29% of students were having mental pressure before online session due to internet connection while 51.55% had decreased motivation since the shift to online learning. Data shows that highest numbers of participants who were having past illness and anxious were in age group 21-23 in both male and female. The majority of students was having fear toward returning in physical presence and preferred not to have on- college education. Hence, it is recommended to encourage students and reduce stress by providing with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) course.
Immediate and antecedent causes of mortality in hospitalised Indian patients with COVID-19
Authors:   Department of General Medicine, Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, India, 500032, Keerthi BY
Published: August 2022

It is of interest to assess the immediate and antecedent causes of mortality amongst adult COVID-19 infected patients with or without comorbidities admitted in an exclusive COVID-19 hospital was conducted the between August 2020 to May 2021. The immediate and antecedent causes were collected from the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD). Remaining data was extracted from the hospital’s record. ICMR protocol was used to grade severity of illness at admission into mild, moderate and severe categories. Clinical status during hospitalisation and most recent radiographic and laboratory data were used to assess disease progression and outcome. This study includes data from 571 people, who died at our centre between August 2020 and May 2021. Patients registered without any co-morbidity were 146 with mean age of 57.53 years; (33/146) were females and (110/46) males. Hypertension (274, 47.99%) was found in a moderately large number of patients followed by diabetes (225, 39.4%) and anaemia (199, 34.6%). Increase in risk of mortality of COVID-19 was found maximum in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (72.33%), followed by secondary infections (6.83%). Mortality recorded in this study was mainly in males of older age (50 years and above) with at least one co-morbidity. Anaemia was also prevalent amongst these patients and considered as an independent factor for mortality. Hence, recording of comorbidities and haemoglobin levels may help as a guideline to develop risk stratification and management of patients with COVID-19 to reduce overall mortality.
Linking co-expression modules with phenotypes
Authors:   Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar 824236, India, Kumar Rakesh
Published: August 2022

The method for quantifying the association between co-expression module and clinical trait of interest requires application of dimensionality reduction to summaries modules as one dimensional (1D) vector. However, these methods are often linked with information loss. The amount of information lost depends upon the percentage of variance captured by the reduced 1D vector. Therefore, it is of interest to describe a method using analysis of rank (AOR) to assess the association between module and clinical trait of interest. This method works with clinical traits represented as binary class labels and can be adopted for clinical traits measured in continuous scale by dividing samples in two groups around median value. Application of the AOR method on test data for muscle gene expression profiles identifies modules significantly associated with diabetes status.
Knowledge on added sugar content in food labels among adult out-patient clinic visitors at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Riyadh, KSA
Authors:   Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, KSA -11481, Sudersanadas Kavita
Published: August 2022

Consumption of added sugars is reported as an etiological factor for high prevalence of diet-related diseases. Food labels of food products indicate the presence of added sugars. Knowing the different terms used to describe added sugars helps people to avoid food products rich in added sugars. Therefore, it is of interest to assess consumer knowledge about the added sugar terms on food labels. A study was conducted among 215 visitors of a tertiary care hospital outpatient clinic during July-September 2020.The data for this prospective cross-sectional study was collected by using online Google form. Adult visitors of both genders were selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Demography and knowledge of the added sugars were collected. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Mean (± SD), median, and Inter quartile Range (IQR), and Pearson Chi-square test were used. A "p" value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority (96.7%) of the study participants was Saudi nationals with a median (IQR) age of 28 (23, 38). Most (68.37%) of the respondents were undergraduates. Physical inactivity (37.21%) and incidence of obesity (25.58%), and lifestyle diseases (15.40%) were reported. The chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between gender and knowledge of added sugars (χ2 = 69.85; p<0.05). Females (69.41%) have more knowledge about added sugars than males. These findings support the notion that there is a lack of knowledge about added sugar terms on the nutrition labels, which might contribute to the prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable chronic illnesses.
Comparative structural and functional analysis of the PGU1 protein from Saccharomyces bayanus with other Saccharomyces species
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, S.V.University, Tirupati 517 502, India, Vidyasagar Chennupati
Published: August 2022

An endo-poly-galacturonase (PGU1) gene product is responsible for the pectolytic activity in Saccharomyces bayanus. Therefore, it is of interest to document the comparative structural and functional analysis of the PGU1 protein from Saccharomyces bayanus with those in other Saccharomyces related species. The molecular docking analyses of pectin with the different homology models of PGU1 protein from several Saccharomyces species are reported.
Effect of rifampicin combination-regimens against multi-drug resistant strains in North India
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia, Rafeeq Misbahuddin M
Published: August 2022

It is well-acknowledged that ‘combination therapy’ of antibiotics is indispensable for the treatment of patients suffering from serious bacterial infections. Therefore, it is of interest to collect data from the in vitro tests using ‘rifampicin-cefotaxime’ and ‘rifampicin-tetracycline’ combination regimens against multi drug resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains of nosocomial source in order to determine the effectiveness of the combination therapy. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for cefotaxime, tetracycline and rifampicin antibiotics were found to be comparatively high for each of the antibiotics when given individually. However, carefully prepared combination-regimens exhibited significant inhibitory effect on the same bacterial isolates. DNA fragmentation study confirmed that ‘rifampicin-cefotaxime’ and ‘rifampicin-tetracycline’ combination-regimens could cause breakage of the bacterial DNA. Thus, we show that combination-regimens namely, ‘rifampicin-cefotaxime’ and ‘rifampicin-tetracycline’ were found to be capable of maintaining rifampicin susceptibility in the E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains. However, this susceptibility was not maintained by only rifampicin. More data using animal model experiments are needed for confirming and deriving translational benefits from these findings in future.
H-FABP as a diagnostic marker for early detection of young myocardial infarction among Indians
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry Index Medical College, Malwanchal University Indore, India, Jaiswal Anoop
Published: August 2022

It is of interest to document the point-of-care test using heart-type fatty-acid binding protein (H-FABP) in comparison with CK-MB, Troponin T and hsCRP. This is a more sensitive and specific cardiac biomarker than cTnT and CK-MB, and it has a higher diagnostic effectiveness for detecting early acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The case-control study enrolled 220 participants (110 myocardial infarction patients as cases and 110 healthy subjects as control) > 18 years of either sex after ethical clearance and informed consent form. The study conducted was conducted in the OPD and IPD of Medicine and Biochemistry Department at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College and Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh; Index Medical College & Hospital, Malwanchal University, India. The amount of H-FABP, CKMB and cTnT was measured using the Sandwich ELISA method and hs-CRP was evaluated using the immune-turbidimetry method. H-FABP correlation with selected markers (CK-MB, hs CRP and TnT) and CK-MB was significant. A positive correlation (r=0.2 to 0.29) was found when H-FABP was compared with CK-MB (p<0.05). Similar positive correlation was found in CK-MB with cTnT. H-FABP is a useful cardiac marker for the early diagnosis of young AMI and thus prediction of myocardial injury is possible. H-FABP compared with CK-MB showed positive correlation. CK-MB with cTnT also showed statistically significant relation. Thus, H-FABP and CK-MB, as well as the correlation between CK-MB and TnT, reflects utility in early-stage diagnosis of myocardial injury.
Coronary dominance among the Indian aborted fetal hearts
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, Banas Medical College & Research Institute, Palanpur, Gujarat, India, Khokhariya Ashish
Published: August 2022

Increasing incidences of myocardial infarction and decreasing age at which they are occurring has forced many researchers to do in depth study pertaining to the anatomical variations in the vascular pattern of heart. Coronary dominancy of the heart will determine whether the territory of the heart supplied by the posterior inter ventricular artery will receive blood from right coronary artery or left coronary artery or both. Present study was conducted to explore the variations in the coronary dominant pattern in the aborted human fetal hearts. Right and left coronary arteries in 30 aborted human fetal hearts were thoroughly dissected from their commencement from the corresponding aortic sinus till their termination. The coronary dominance was determined on the basis of origin of posterior inter ventricular artery. We found 60 % cases of right coronary dominance, 36.66 % cases of left coronary dominance and 3.33 % cases of balanced coronary dominance/ coronary co-dominance. Data shows variations in the vascular dominancy pattern of heart can be critically important for the cardiac surgeons, cardiologists as well as interventional radiologists while performing investigational or operative procedures.
Parental knowledge, awareness and acceptance of silver diamine treatment among patients from Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors:   Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India, Jabin Zohra
Published: August 2022

Silver diamine fluoride has emerged as a non invasive effective therapy for arresting active carious lesions. Therefore, it is of interest to assess parental knowledge, awareness and acceptance of SDF. A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted among 62 parents visiting the Department of Pedodontics along with their children in Modinagar. A 15 item pre-validated questionnaire was used to record baseline characteristics of child’s parents and their knowledge, awareness and acceptance of SDF for their child for prevention of dental caries. 80.6% participants were aware that SDF is painless procedure whereas majority of the participants were not sure about whether placement of filling required post SDF treatment (48.4%), SDF treatment be done outside dental clinic (61.3%), and about any agents that reduce SDF staining (64.5%). Majority 71% participants were aware about SDF treatment's side effects, 90.3% aware whether their child experienced teeth blackening after SDF treatment and 83.9% aware about whether SDF treatment immediately relieves the child's pain. 90.3% preferred SDF treatment, 83.9% opted for SDF treatment despite of its tooth blackening effects. A statistically significant association was found between SDF acceptance and age of their child. There is a lack of knowledge about SDF among the study participants emerging a need for proper education to them when they visit a dental setting with their child. Although it causes discolouration of teeth post SDF treatment, still parents are willing to accept SDF as a treatment modality for their child’s oral health.
Awareness on mosquito borne diseases among urban & rural population in Northern Gujarat
Authors:   Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat - 384315, India, Mahalakshmi B
Published: August 2022

It is of interest to examine the awareness and precautions of urban and rural residents on a number of mosquito-borne diseases (MBD). A sample of 300 adult people (Rural 150+Urban 150) was selected from Mahesana district of North Gujarat. Majority of samples (47.3 %) had average, 16% poor and 36.7% had good level of awareness in urban areas. In rural areas majority of the samples (40.67%) had average, 28%poor and 31.33% had good level of awareness. (67.3%) urban population were using mosquito repellent liquids and creams and (68.6%) of rural population were using mosquito net. Data shows that both urban and rural populations have moderate awareness on Mosquito Borne Diseases and majority is taking precaution towards these conditions. Data also revealed that there is no significant difference between urban & rural population’s precaution measures against Mosquito borne diseases.
Molecular docking analysis of beta-lactamase from Salmonella species with eicosane
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Muthayammal College of Arts & Science, Namakkal, Tamilnadu, India, Nagasinduja V
Published: August 2022

beta-lactamases of Salmonella Sp. belongs to a group of enzymes produced by bacteria which break the beta-lactam ring to inactivate the betalactam antibiotic. Therefore, it is of interest to document the molecular docking analysis of beta-lactamase from Salmonella species with eicosane. Hence, we document the molecular docking analysis data of beta-lactamase from Salmonella species with eicosane.
Correlation of inflammatory cytokines and uric acid levels in coronary artery disease with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical college and Hospitals , Salem, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Salem -636 308, Tamilnadu, India, Selvakumar D
Published: August 2022

Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as well as uric acids have been considered as predictors of severe outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) associated with hypertension (HTN) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Anthropometric parameters were recorded and measured the levels of major risk factors in 80 patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease with and without Type 2 diabetes mellitus and 40 healthy controls were included. Comparison were performed by classifying the study subjects into 3 groups namely- Group I: Controls (n=40); Group II: HTN, CAD without T2DM(n=40); and Group III: HTN,CAD with T2DM(n=40).The values of BMI, weight, SBP, DBP were greater in patients with T2DM CAD group when compared to without diabetes group. Data shows that there is a positive correlation between IL-6, hs-CRP and uric acid concentrations and are statistically significant. The evaluated high levels of inflammatory cytokines and uric acids in hypertensive CAD patients with diabetes might be helpful in the diagnosis of patients at greater risk.
Rate and oscillatory switching dynamics of a multilayer visual microcircuit model
Authors: Hahn Gerald , Kumar Arvind , Schmidt Helmut , Knösche Thomas R , Deco Gustavo
Published: August 2022

The neocortex is organized around layered microcircuits consisting of a variety of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal types which perform rate- and oscillation-based computations. Using modeling, we show that both superficial and deep layers of the primary mouse visual cortex implement two ultrasensitive and bistable switches built on mutual inhibitory connectivity motives between somatostatin, parvalbumin, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide cells. The switches toggle pyramidal neurons between high and low firing rate states that are synchronized across layers through translaminar connectivity. Moreover, inhibited and disinhibited states are characterized by low- and high-frequency oscillations, respectively, with layer-specific differences in frequency and power which show asymmetric changes during state transitions. These findings are consistent with a number of experimental observations and embed firing rate together with oscillatory changes within a switch interpretation of the microcircuit.
Soil microbial community and physicochemical properties together drive soil organic carbon inCunninghamia lanceolataplantations of different stand ages
Authors: Yuan Ye , Li Juan , Yao Liang
Published: August 2022

Carbon sequestration in forest soil is critical for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and slowing down global warming. However, little is known about the difference in soil organic carbon (SOC) among different stand ages and the relative importance of biotic and abiotic variations such as soil microbial community and soil physicochemical properties in the regulation of SOC in forests. In the present study, we measured the SOC of the topsoil (0-10 cm) in Chinese subtropicalCunninghamia lanceolataplantations of three different stand ages (young plantation of 6 years, middle-aged plantation of 12 years, and mature plantation of 25 years). We further measured microbial community composition by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and soil organic carbon physical fractions by wet sieving and density floating as well as other physicochemical properties. The effects of the main impact factors on SOC were investigated. The results showed that: the middle-aged plantation had significantly higher SOC (10.63 g kg−1) than the young plantation (5.33 g kg−1), and that of the mature plantation (7.83 g kg−1) was in between. Besides, the soil total PLFAs and all the functional groups (i.e., bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, Gram-positive bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria) of PLFAs were significantly higher in the middle-aged plantation than in the young plantation and the mature plantation. Soil physicochemical properties, including physical fractions, differed among plantations of the three stand ages. Notably, the proportion of organic carbon protected within microaggregates was significantly higher in the middle-aged plantation (40.4%) than those in the young plantation (29.2%) and the mature plantation (27.8%), indicating that the middle-agedCunninghamia lanceolataplantation had stronger soil organic carbon stability. Both soil microbial community and physicochemical properties exerted dominant effects on SOC and jointly explained 82.7% of the variance of SOC among different stand ages. Among them, total and all the functional groups of PLFAs, nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen, and organic carbon protected within microaggregates had a significant positive correlation with SOC. These results highlight the important role of soil biotic and abiotic factors in shaping the contents of SOC in forests of different stand ages. This study provides a theoretical basis for forestry management and forest carbon cycling models.
A survey of researchers’ code sharing and code reuse practices, and assessment of interactive notebook prototypes
Authors: Cadwallader Lauren , Hrynaszkiewicz Iain
Published: August 2022

This research aimed to understand the needs and habits of researchers in relation to code sharing and reuse; gather feedback on prototype code notebooks created by NeuroLibre; and help determine strategies that publishers could use to increase code sharing. We surveyed 188 researchers in computational biology. Respondents were asked about how often and why they look at code, which methods of accessing code they find useful and why, what aspects of code sharing are important to them, and how satisfied they are with their ability to complete these tasks. Respondents were asked to look at a prototype code notebook and give feedback on its features. Respondents were also asked how much time they spent preparing code and if they would be willing to increase this to use a code sharing tool, such as a notebook. As a reader of research articles the most common reason (70%) for looking at code was to gain a better understanding of the article. The most commonly encountered method for code sharing–linking articles to a code repository–was also the most useful method of accessing code from the reader’s perspective. As authors, the respondents were largely satisfied with their ability to carry out tasks related to code sharing. The most important of these tasks were ensuring that the code was running in the correct environment, and sharing code with good documentation. The average researcher, according to our results, is unwilling to incur additional costs (in time, effort or expenditure) that are currently needed to use code sharing tools alongside a publication. We infer this means we need different models for funding and producing interactive or executable research outputs if they are to reach a large number of researchers. For the purpose of increasing the amount of code shared by authors, PLOS Computational Biology is, as a result, focusing on policy rather than tools.
Gas chromatography (GC) fingerprinting and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharide from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC
Authors: Yang Pei , Zhai Yang , Ma Yan , Mao Beibei , Wang Fengshan , Li Li , Luan Lijuan , Liu Yuhong
Published: August 2022

This research aimed to establish the gas chromatography (GC) fingerprints and examine the immunomodulatory activity of the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum polysaccharides. In this study, the preparation conditions were optimized by the response surface method (RSM). GC is an effective and sensitive technique employed to measure the composition of monosaccharides; the GC fingerprints of total polysaccharides from 10 batches of the rhizome of M. dauricum (tMDP) were established, and chemometrics methods were adopted to examine the differences and similarities of tMDP from distinct regions. The similarity evaluation illustrated that the polysaccharides derived from the rhizome of M. dauricum from different origins were highly similar. The results of principal components analysis (PCA) illustrated that all the tMDPs may be integrated into one group within the 95% confidence interval, but the rhizome of M. dauricum from different origins could also be distinguished in the plot of PCA scores. Then, the major bioactive fraction MDP was purified and obtained by column chromatography. Our previous study showed that MDP exhibited significant immunomodulatory activity, but the mechanism of the in vitro immunomodulatory activity of MDP is unclear. The macrophage activation induced by MDP was abolished when Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling was knocked down by the TLR4 inhibitor. Furthermore, western blot analysis illustrated that MDP activated RAW264.7 cells through MAPKs and NFκB pathways induced by TLR4. This research offers a theoretical foundation for quality control and additional study as a potential immunomodulator of MDP.
Quality pathology assessment in historic buildings – case of the “basilica and convent of San Francisco”
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, PERU Peru, Regalado M. , Santa María E. ,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, PERU Peru, Gutierrez A. ,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, PERU Peru, Syón D. ,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, PERU Peru, Altamirano J. ,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, PERU Peru, Villanes L. ,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, PERU Peru, Rojas M. ,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería Peru
Published: August 2022

The purpose of the present paper is to set forth a methodology proposal for assessing quality pathologies (aesthetic and superficial) in historic buildings located in the city center of Lima (Peru), in order to identify the pathologies having the strongest impact on the overall quality of the structure, as well as their main causes. As a study case, the methodology is applied to the “Basilica and Convent of San Francisco”, which allowed concluding that fissures are the pathologies that most affect the structure and earthquakes, and external vibrations are the main causes thereof
Influence of the cure procedure on the properties of Polymer-Modified Cement Mortars (PMCM)
Authors:   Departamento de Gestión de la Construcción, Universidad Católica del Norte, Barreto G. , Alves A. ,   State University of Londrina Brazil, Galobardes I. ,   Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Morocco, Schwantes-cezario N. ,   State University of Londrina Brazil, Toralles B. M. ,   State University of Londrina Brazil
Published: August 2022

To study the influence of the curing procedure polymer-modified cement mortars (PMCM) were realized in two stages. In stage 1, PMCM with different percentages of PVA (5, 10, and 15%) were produced considering two times of PVA addition in the mix (3 and 6 minutes) evaluating the fresh and the hardened state. Stage 2, focuses on analyses of different cure procedures: dry, wet, and two types of intermittent cure (dry/wet and wet/dry) by compressive, tensile strength, water absorption, and dynamic modulus of elasticity. In stage 1, the mixtures produced with 10 and 15% of PVA were selected for their results. Regarding the time of addition of the PVA to the mix, the results obtained do not show significant differences when the samples were produced with the two times. Then the addition time of 3 minutes is considered optimal, for manufacturing efficiency. In stage 2, the results show that the cure influences the performance of the PMCM, wherein the M1 cure showed the best results in the mechanical properties (justified by the correct hydration of the cement). In general, the incorporation of polymer reduced the absorption of water and the dynamic modulus of elasticity, thus contributing to producing more durable materials.
Performance of a UHPFRC overlay in the rehabilitation of a typical asphalt pavement structure
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Colombia, Meléndez A. , Peña L. ,   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Colombia, Vacca H. ,   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Colombia, Alvarado Y. ,   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Colombia
Published: August 2022

This study determine the mechanical performance of a 40 mm thick overlay using UHPFRC (Ultra High-Performance Concrete) as the outer surface for restoring a flexible pavement structure. A 30 m long test section was built, divided into two 15 m sections. Section 1 was restored with a 60 mm overlay of Hot Mix Asphalt -HMA- and Section 2 was restored with a 40 mm overlay of UHPFRC without intermediate transverse joins. The two sections were instrumented with pressure cells in order to evaluate the vertical load in the inner fiber of each restoration layer. The mechanical properties of the materials were evaluated, the structural modeling was carried out with the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) and the Bisar 3.0 software. The structural modeling showed an 82% increase in the lifecycle for the section restored with UHPFRC. The functional evaluation of the rehabilitated structures was carried out considering parameters as: friction, percentage of cracking, rutting, international roughness index -IRI- and smoothness.
MRI Evaluation of Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis in Post COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shirahatti Siddappa Ramappa , Prashanth KS , Palled Eranna , Sudhakar RC
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Mucormycosis is the common cause of invasive fungal sinusitis in post Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patient. Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection with a death rate of >50%. Early detection is critical for determining the amount of infection dissemination, as medical and surgical intervention can reduce death and morbidity. Aim: To evaluate the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings of Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) in the post COVID-19 patients to detect the extent of the disease and complications. Materials and Methods: This was the retrospective cross- sectional analysis of medical records of 93 patients admitted from 1st June 2021 to 31st July 2021 in tertiary care centre with documented history of COVID-19 infection with clinically suspected and histopathologically confirmed ROCM retrieved for the study. Radiological findings such as involvement of Paranasal Sinus (PNS), intracranial extension, extrasinus extension, orbit, brain parenchyma, perineural extension in ROCM were recorded. Results: Records of total 93 patients (65 males and 28 females; aged between 20-80 years) were studied. The MRI findings revealed, the most common sinus involved was ethmoid sinus (n=92, 98.92%) followed by maxillary (n=90, 96.77%), sphenoid (n=76, 81.72%) and frontal sinus (n=61, 65.59%). There was an involvement of infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossa (n=73, 78.49%), orbit (n=58, 62.36%), cavernous sinus (n=22, 23.65%), Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) (n=12, 12.90%), cranial nerves (n=6, 6.45%), brain parenchyma (n=22, 23.65%) and skull base (n=1, 1.07%). MRI showed T2 isointense to hypointense mucosal thickening and heterogeneous postcontrast enhancement as the most common finding. The mucosa was hypointense on T1W images in all cases (100%). Hypo to isointense components in thickened hyperintense mucosa on T2W images was seen in 77 cases (82.79%). Thickened hyperintense mucosa on T2W images was seen in rest of the 16 (17.20%) cases. Conclusion: In clinically suspected post COVID-19 ROCM cases with typical imaging features (like mucosal thickening with hypointense components on T2W images, demonstration of spread beyond the sinus walls and presence of angioinvasion), even before microbiology or histopathology establish the diagnosis, empirical antifungal medication might be initiated. MRI plays important role in the evaluation of extent of the disease and planning treatment.
Incomplete Hippocampal Inversion in Normal Individuals- A Retrospective Observational Study using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Govardhanan . , Vasanthan S Ratna , Rajarajan . , Jawahar .
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Hippocampal inversion is a normal process that happens between 11 and 21 weeks of gestation. In some individuals the process is incomplete and is termed as Incomplete Hippocampal Inversion (IHI). There are differing observations recorded, of its incidence in normal individuals- from as high as 17% to nil making it difficult to come to a conclusion as to whether IHI is a normal anatomical variant or a marker of a wide spread disorder in brain. Aim: To determine the incidence of IHI in the hippocampus of individuals who don’t suffer from any form of epilepsy and for whom Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain has been performed and seen to be normal. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary centre using T1fl 3D, check globally isovoxel 0.86 mm images of the brain and incidence of IHI in normal individuals without seizures for whom MRI brain was normal otherwise was calculated. The MRI images of a total of 197 individuals qualified for the study. Analysis was done by four Radiologists using subjective visual criteria. Results: It was seen that 1.015-1.52% was the incidence of IHI in otherwise normal MRI brain in present study. A 1.52% is the incidence placing a study classified as partial IHI under IHI and 1.015% not placing it under IHI. All were unilateral, on left side. Conclusion: The results of present study point that there was very less incidence of IHI in normal individuals. Such a less incidence will make it difficult to suggest that IHI is a normal anatomical variant. Present study also encountered potential pitfalls with the use of T1 weighted 3 Dimensional (3D) images to determine of presence or absence of IHI.
Clinicoradiological Evaluation of Trigeminal Neurovascular Loops: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Eastern India
Authors: Rautray Prabhat Nalini , Samanta Maheswar , Singh Mamata , Swain Basanta Manjari
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Several lesions may affect trigeminal nerve from the nucleus to peripheral branches causing facial pain, called trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Neurovascular compression (NVC) of the trigeminal nerve is the primary cause of TN, usually occurring at the root entry zone but is known to occur in both symptomatic and asymptomatic nerves. Aim: To evaluate trigeminal neurovascular loops (NVLs) clinico- radiologically and to know the association between the shortest distance of loop as well as the severity of compression with clinical symptoms. Materials and Methods: This is a Retrospective cohort study conducted in March 2020 after collecting data from January 2017 to January 2020 in a tertiary care center of Eastern India. All the patients, detected with trigeminal NVLs by Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging were evaluated clinically (from records) & radiologically and an association is drawn between the distance of the loop, the severity of compression with symptoms. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 24.0. Result: Among 103 cases studied, the symptomatic and asymptomatic loops were 76 & 27. In symptomatic group, males and females were 48 (63%) and 28 (36.8%) respectively with mean age of 56 years with male:female ratio in symptomatic group of 76 cases was 1.7:1. Left-sided presentation and pain in the maxillary area were found in 39 (51.3%) and 33 (43.4%) cases. Sharp/electric current like/ lancinating pain was present in 72 (94.7%) case. Triggering factors and spontaneous onset pain were presentations in 70 (92%) and 76 (100%) cases. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed NVLs with a just contact to the nerve in all asymptomatic (27/27,100%) and most symptomatic cases (57/76, 75%). The superior cerebellar artery was found to be the most common vessel involved (59/76, 77.6%). Proximal and bilateral NVLs were found in 62 (82.89%) and 27 (35.9%) cases of symptomatic nerves. Severe NVC was only present in symptomatic nerves in 19 (25%) cases. Conclusion: Typical clinical features of trigeminal neuralgia include male preponderance, lancinating pain on maxillary area of left face. Compression by NVLs are most common cause of TN, among which Superior cerebellar artery is most common culprit vessel. Severe neurovascular compressions are more symptomatic. All neurovascular compressions are not always symptomatic.