bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward New Antileishmanial Compounds: Molecular Targets for Leishmaniasis Treatment
Authors: Istanbullu Huseyin , Bayraktar Gulsah
Published: February 2022

The leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites—Leishmania sp. Leishmaniasis is classified among the 20 neglected diseases by WHO. Although the disease has been known for more than 120 years, the number of drugs used for the treatment is still limited to 5–6. The first-line drugs against leishmaniasis are pentavalent antimonials, which were introduced to the treatment 70 years ago—despite all their side effects. Molecular targets are becoming increasingly important for efficacy and selectivity in postgenomic drug research studies. In this chapter, we have discussed potential therapeutic targets of antileishmanial drug discovery such as pteridine reductase (PTR1), trypanothione reductase (TR), N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), trypanothione synthetase (TryS), IU-nucleoside hydrolase, and topoisomerases, enzymes and their inhibitors reported in the literature.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Focus on Indian Perspective
Authors: Pandey Praful , Biswas Ahitagni , Baghmar Saphalta , Patekar Mukesh , Kumar Sahoo Ranjit
Published: February 2022

Early suspicion, withholding steroids, stereotactic biopsy, and high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) are essential for the treatment of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) making its management in lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) challenging. Novel radiological methods, clinician awareness about the disease, and utilization of drugs like thiotepa and ibrutinib which can be given on an outpatient basis may allow better management of these patients in resource-poor settings. Combined with a late presenting demographic, this results in poorer outcomes in the Indian subcontinent as compared to its western counterparts. In this review, we summarize the currently available data on PCNSL in the Indian subcontinent. We also review the current standard of care for PCNSL and present potential modifications or research areas that may potentially improve outcomes in LMIC.
Applications of Simulation Codes Based on Monte Carlo Method for Radiotherapy
Authors: Mergen Knoll Iury , Quevedo Ana , Salomón Alva Sánchez Mirko
Published: February 2022

Monte Carlo simulations have been applied to determine and study different parameters that are challenged in experimental measurements, due to its capability in simulating the radiation transport with a probability distribution to interact with electrosferic electrons and some cases with the nucleus from an arbitrary material, which such particle track or history can carry out physical quantities providing data from a studied or investigating quantities. For this reason, simulation codes, based on Monte Carlo, have been proposed. The codes currently available are MNCP, EGSnrc, Geant, FLUKA, PENELOPE, as well as GAMOS and TOPAS. These simulation codes have become a tool for dose and dose distributions, essentially, but also for other applications such as design clinical, tool for commissioning of an accelerator linear, shielding, radiation protection, some radiobiologic aspect, treatment planning systems, prediction of data from results of simulation scenarios. In this chapter will be present some applications for radiotherapy procedures with use, specifically, megavoltage x-rays and electrons beams, in scenarios with homogeneous and anatomical phantoms for determining dose, dose distribution, as well dosimetric parameters through the PENELOPE and TOPAS code.
Immunoinformatics and Computer-Aided Drug Design as New Approaches against Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases
Authors: Othman Aljahdali Mohammed , Habibur Rahman Molla Mohammad , Ahammad Foysal
Published: February 2022

Infectious diseases are initiated by small pathogenic living germs that are transferred from person to person by direct or indirect contact. Recently, different newly emerging and reemerging infectious viral diseases have become greater threats to human health and global stability. Investigators can anticipate epidemics through the advent of numerous mathematical tools that can predict specific pathogens and identify potential targets for vaccine and drug design and will help to fight against these challenges. Currently, computational approaches that include mathematical and essential tools have unfolded the way for a better understanding of newly originated emerging and re-emerging infectious disease, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment option of specific diseases more easily, where immunoinformatics plays a crucial role in the discovery of novel peptides and vaccine candidates against the different viruses within a short time. Computational approaches include immunoinformatics, and computer-aided drug design (CADD)-based model trained biomolecules that offered reasonable and quick implementation approaches for the modern discovery of effective viral therapies. The essence of this review is to give insight into the multiple approaches not only for the detection of infectious diseases but also profound how people can pick appropriate models for the detection of viral therapeutics through computational approaches.
Aflatoxins and Fumonisins Contamination of Maize in Bangladesh: An Emerging Threat for Safe Food and Food Security
Authors: Jannat Muhtarima , Mostafa Masud Md. , Nusrat Mushfika , Bashar Samrin , Mahjabin Mita Mamuna , Iqbal Hossain Muhammad , Zahangir Alam Md. , Yeasmin Sabina , Rashidul Islam Md.
Published: February 2022

Maize (Bhutta) is one of the important growing cereal crops in Bangladesh. Toxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus and Fusarium infect stored maize grains. Enzyme-linked immusorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine total aflatoxins and fumonisins contamination in stored maize grains collected from 15 Bangladeshi maize-producing areas. The highest total concentration of aflatoxins (103.07 µg/kg) and fumonisin (9.18 mg/kg) was found in Chuadanga and Gaibandha, whereas the lowest was detected for aflatoxins (1.07 µg/kg) and (0.11 mg/kg) in Dinajpur and Cumilla, respectively. The findings clearly demonstrated that aflatoxin concentrations in samples from six regions and fumonisin concentrations in samples from 10 regions were beyond the regulatory limit of aflatoxin (10 ppb) and fumonisin (1 ppm), respectively, as set by European Union (EU). However, a positive correlation between aflatoxins with toxigenic A. flavus, and fumonisins with toxigenic Fusarium spp. was observed. The fungi associated with maize grains were identified by sequencing of ITS regions. Moreover, toxigenic A. flavus was confirmed using primers specific to nor, apa2, omtA and primer FUM1 for F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum. Since the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority has not authorized any precise regulation limits for maize mycotoxin contamination, these results will serve as a benchmark for monitoring mycotoxin contamination in maize and also to develop globally practiced biocontrol approach for producing safe food and feed.
Parenteral Nutrition Modeling and Research Advances
Authors: Kumari Roshan , M. Henry Lydia , F. Pierre Joseph
Published: February 2022

Parenteral nutrition (PN) provides nutritional support intravenously to individuals who have gastrointestinal (GI) failure or contraindication to enteral feeding. Since the initial development of PN, researchers have developed specialized formulas with complete macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to support patients’ metabolic needs. These formulas prevent malnutrition and optimize patient health, especially under long-term feeding circumstances. Although PN is commonly used and essential in preterm and malnourished patients, complications associated with PN feeding include gastrointestinal defects, infection, and other metabolic abnormalities such as liver injury and brain related disorders. In this chapter, we highlight an overview of PN and its association with abnormalities of microbiome composition as well as with gastrointestinal (GI), immune, hepatic, and neuronal disfunction. Within the gut, PN influences the number and composition of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) cells, altering adaptive immune responses. PN also modulates intestinal epithelium cell turnover, secretions, and gut barrier function, as well as the composition of the intestinal microbiome leading to changes in gut permeability. Collectively, these changes result in increased susceptibility to infection and injury. Here, we highlight animal models used to examine parenteral nutrition, changes that occur to the major organ systems, and recent advancement in using enteric nervous system (ENS) neuropeptides or microbially derived products during PN, which may improve GI, immune cell, hepatic, and neuronal function.
Titanium Dioxide: Advancements and Thermal Applications
Authors: Raza Shah Tayyab , Zhou Chao , Muhammad Ali Hafiz
Published: February 2022

Distinctive characteristics of titanium dioxide such as high refractive index, overwhelmingly high melting and boiling point, high toughness, and hardness, photocatalytic nature, ability to absorb or reflect UV-rays, DeNox catalyst, nontoxicity, inert behavior, etc., have brought about the massive use of TiO2 in a variety of conventional as well as advanced engineering applications. Broad commercial utilization of titanium dioxide in products including paints, anti-air pollutants, cosmetics, skincare and sunblock, pharmaceuticals, surface protection, building energy-saving, etc., accounts for its multibillion dollars market worldwide. Titanium dioxide carries unique thermal and optical characteristics and therefore has gained significance as a potential candidate for advanced applications such as clean hydrogen fuel harvesting, photoelectric solar panels, photothermal conversion, treatment of exhaust gases from combustion engines and power plants, thermal energy storage, thermal management of electronic devices and photovoltaics, and nano-thermofluids. This chapter presents a brief insight into some of the noteworthy characteristics and a comprehensive overview of advanced thermal applications of TiO2.
A Short Review of Hematopoietic Transplantation for AL Amyloidosis
Authors: Danylesko Ivetta
Published: February 2022

AL amyloidosis is an uncommon disease with variable clinical presentations; as such, it is often initially unrecognized and diagnosis is therefore frequently delayed. As a result of diagnosis at a point in their disease when patients often have significant end-organ damage, aggressive therapy with major toxicities can be extremely challenging. Nonetheless, clinical data have been accumulating over the past several decades that have demonstrated that patients who were taken to high-dose therapy—typically using single-agent L-phenylalanine mustard—with autologous hematopoietic rescue, have a dramatically improved overall survival than otherwise. In this chapter, the critical clinical data that demonstrate this, and the risk-adjusted approach to optimize the outcome for patients, are reviewed.
The Impacts of Air Pressure Differences on Microclimatic Wind Comfort among Low-Rise Buildings in the Historical Urban Landscape of the Bay of Kotor Region, Montenegro
Authors: Yasa Enes , Özdemir Kadir
Published: February 2022

Urban design and urban form can affect ventilation potential by causing flow turbulences around and at the top of buildings, which result in higher wind velocity. The air velocity is either increased or decreased by building blocks, and the solar energy is trapped in the urban canyons formed by buildings on both sides of the streets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of building orientation and forms, and street orientations in terms of pedestrian- level microclimatic within the dense structure of the city of the case study area, which is considered the historical texture of the Montenegro region. The another aim was to answer the questions on the relation of the prevailing wind with the wind behavior in the built-up area. This is a multidisciplinary study between urban architecture, and urban physics. The data collection analysis and its interpretation are the numerical part of the study. When the results of the analyses on all prevailing wind directions and flows are examined in detail, building layouts can be revised and optimized to allow sufficient pressure on the facades of buildings with the lowest pressure values around each group of buildings. Otherwise, buildings with insufficient wind flow and therefore buildings with low-pressure values will exposed the insufficient natural ventilation performance.
Utilization of Fintech Applications during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Olgu Akdeniz Özlem
Published: February 2022

At the beginning of 2020, a new disease (Covid-19) has emerged and expanded swiftly all around the world. Currently, we are still living in unprecedented times in which we should have social distance from one another and mostly work from home to diminish the spreading speed of the Covid-19. While we are experiencing these limitations, businesses and organizations are expected to work without having any disruptions. At this point, entering new technologies into our lives was inevitable and in fact, these new technologies have helped us to eliminate the challenges caused by the precautions with fewer flaws. Even though Fintech applications have numerous advantages, nothing comes without its drawbacks. The empirical analysis in this chapter aims to evaluate selection of best Fintech-based investments in the Turkish banking sector with an application of a hybrid DANP-fuzzy TOPSIS technique. Empirical findings of the analysis indicate that Strategy 2 has the best rank among the alternatives, followed by Strategy 1 and Strategy 3, whilst Strategy 4 has the weakest importance among the strategy preferences. Our findings suggest that policy makers/bank managers should focus more to direct Fintech investments firstly to lending services followed by payment systems.
Healthy Lifestyle, Autonomic Nervous System Activity, and Sleep Status for Healthy Aging
Authors: Sato Miki , Betriana Feni , Tanioka Ryuichi , Osaka Kyoko , Tanioka Tetsuya , Schoenhofer Savina
Published: February 2022

With the super-aging society, it is important to pay attention to the quality of life of older people so that they can face healthy aging. Lifestyle, particularly exercise, autonomic nervous system activities, and sleep status are factors that affect the quality of aging. This chapter explores how those three variables are related and what strategies can be employed to maintain and enhance these variables to prepare. (1) The combination of healthy lifestyles, adequate physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, moderate alcohol consumption, and nonsmoking were related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. (2) For older people, being physically active is important to the improvement of their physical and mental functions and keeping them independent and mobile. The increasing HRV after exercise might be caused by increasing vagal tone and decreasing sympathetic activity. (3) To reach healthy aging, people should maintain the proper function of autonomic balance activities. This is important because slowing down the decline in sympathetic status might delay many geriatric complaints. (4) To achieve healthy aging, maintaining a healthy sleep is essential. Thus, the key to a lifestyle that facilitates healthy aging is a balance of regular physical exercise and adequate sleep, which mediates and is mediated by autonomic nervous system activity.
The Significance of Blockchain Governance in Agricultural Supply Networks
Authors: Paul Kramer Michael , Bitsch Linda , H. Hanf Jon
Published: February 2022

Firms in the agri-food sector have started implementing blockchain technology to both provide transparency over the supply chain transactions and to make trust attributes visible to consumers. Besides the well-known public blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, private- and consortium-type blockchain platforms exist. The latter ones are being operated in the agri-food ecosystem contributing to the vertically cooperated supply networks that are coordinated by a focal firm. Stakeholders’ attitude and behavioral intentions toward the use of the blockchain technology impact their use behavior. The results show that permissioned blockchain governance mechanisms with consensus and incentives to motivate stakeholders are lacking in private and consortium blockchains. This study closes a research gap as understanding how the stakeholder management approach can compensate for the lack of consensus mechanisms can provide managerial guidance toward the development of an effective stakeholder management strategy, which eventually can be provided for a competitive advantage. As there is little research on the role of blockchain as a novel governance mechanism, this research will contribute to the scholarly discussion toward a common understanding.
Indicators of Banking Fragility of Participation Banks in Turkey
Authors: Aytaç Emin Ayşegül
Published: February 2022

This study examines the significant variables of banking fragility of participation banks in Turkey. For this aim, a model is constructed by employing probit model over the time period 2008 and 2018. The results suggest that asset growth, capital adequacy ratio, financing to total deposits ratio (FDR), return on asset and cost to income ratio are significant banking level indicators of the banking fragility of participation banks in Turkey.
Revision of Training Models on Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access: Presentation of an Animal Model
Authors: López Álvarez J.M. , Pérez Quevedo O. , Alonso-Graña López-Manteola S. , Naya Esteban J. , Loro Ferrer J.F. , Lorenzo Villegas D.L.
Published: February 2022

Simulation has been defined as the representation of something as real. It is necessary for performing the ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation technique correctly. The use of training models for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures: improves the quality of care for patients; decreases stress level that it can produce the realization of a new technique directly on the patient and; can be used as many times as the model is reproduced, also serving as a method for the resolution of some problems that may appear related to the in vivo technique. The evidence shows that simulation plays an important role in the acquisition of skills to perform invasive procedures. The use of ultrasound in vascular accesses whether peripheral or central, arterial, or venous, improves the success rate in the canalization and reduce the complications derived from the technique in certain critical situations (coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, obesity, etc.) specially in pediatric patients given the variability of depth and diameter of its vessels with respect to the adult population. To facilitate learning in the technique of echoguided puncture, a training model is presented that is easily reproducible, economical and with a high fidelity in relation to the punctures performed on the patient.
Innovation Leadership in the 21st Century
Authors: AlAhmari Fatimah
Published: February 2022

It is a well-known fact that innovation is hard to execute without convincing people of new ideas. It is not something that can come about without collaborations. How then do we create an atmosphere where creativity and ideas lead to innovations within the organizations? The answer lies in innovation leadership. Innovation leadership is a conception and manner that consolidates different leadership styles to motivate people to generate creative ideas, outcomes, and services. This chapter will assist you in understanding who an innovation leader is. It will help you explore different theories of innovation leadership like the Path-Goal theory and Leader-Member Exchange theory, followed by different strategies that innovation leaders have adopted over the years. This will shed light on some of the leadership styles that have emerged commonly in entrepreneurs and how it has helped them build their empire, for instance, directive, supportive, and participative leadership. The chapter will end on the best practice recommendations that research has proven are the most effective for being an effective leader and bringing about innovation in your organization.
Importance of Organizational Tacit Knowledge: Barriers to Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Yao Lartey Peter , Shi Junguo , Jaladi Santosh Rupa , Owusu Afriyie Stephen , Akolgo Gumah Isaac , Husein Mansuur , Binta Maci Bah Fatoumata
Published: February 2022

This chapter incorporates the relevance of tacit knowledge and highlights some major barriers to knowledge sharing. Knowledge transfer is action through which; information, skills, expertise and experience is exchanged among people in an organization and it is a valuable and tangible asset for creating sustainability, performance and competitive advantage. From what is currently known, knowledge sharing activities occur generally with the support of knowledge systems designed by the board and knowledge managers. It is suggested that technology is one of the tools that support knowledge sharing, though other factors exist, such as organizational culture, trust, leadership and management philosophy, incentives and internal control systems. In this study, the researchers explore possible knowledge sharing opportunities and associated barriers, starting from top management to employees. The main purpose of this chapter is to look at how tacit knowledge affects organizational success. The chapter also covers ways to promote knowledge transfer in order to improve organizational performance and innovation. The discussion elaborated on the significance of tacit knowledge in a way that previous literature does not. It is emphasized that, from a resource-based view, businesses gain competitive advantage when they value and retain their existing tacit knowledge, as explicit knowledge is already known to everyone. According to the study, important variables such as corporate culture, individual employees, technology, and organizational internal factors are potential hurdles that must be examined to minimize the impact on organizational learning.
Properties of Additively Manufactured Deposits of Alloy 718 Using CMT Process Depending on Wire Batch and Shielding Gas
Authors: Zinke Manuela , Burger Stefan , Juettner Sven
Published: February 2022

Wire + arc additive manufacturing (WAAM®) is a versatile, low-cost, energy-efficient technology used in metal additive manufacturing (AM). This process uses arc welding to melt a wire and form a three-dimensional (3D) object using a layer-by-layer deposit. In the present study, the effect of heat input and shielding gas during CMT-WAAM welding on cooling time, mechanical properties at room temperature, and macro- and microstructure was investigated based on different part geometries (wall, block) using two S Ni 7718 wire batches. The heat input and consequently the cooling rate were varied by changing the wire feed and the travel speed. As expected, increasing the heat input leads to higher cooling times. Due to the 2D-heat conduction, the thin walls cool significantly slower than the multi-pass block welds. Nevertheless, the influence on mechanical properties is only marginal. Both the AM batch of S Ni 7718 with the lower Nb/C and the multi-pass block welds with the higher thermomechanical reactions exhibit a high susceptibility to unacceptable seam defects, such as hot cracks or lacks of fusion. But even the standard batch causes hot cracks. An influence of the shielding gas on microstructure, mechanical properties, and occurrence of the seam defects cannot be detected.
Aflatoxins
Authors: A. Ramadan Nadeem , A. Al-Ameri Hadeel
Published: February 2022

The aflatoxin producing fungi Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nomius, although they are also produced by other species of Aspergillus as well as by Emericella spp.(Telemorph). There are many types of aflatoxins, but the four main ones are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2, while aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and M2 (AFM2) are the hydroxylated metabolites of AFB1 and AFB2. Aflatoxin B1, which is a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen, which presumptively causes cancer by inducing DNA, adducts leading to genetic changes in target liver cells. Cytochrome-P450 enzymes to the reactive intermediate AFB1–8, 9 epoxide (AFBO) which binds to liver cell DNA, resulting in DNA adducts, metabolize AFB1 Ingestion of contaminated food is the main source of exposure to aflatoxins, which adversely affect the health of both humans and animals. The compounds can cause acute or chronic toxic effects of a teratogenic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, immunotoxic or hepatotoxic character. You can reduce your aflatoxin exposure by buying only major commercial brands of food and by discarding that look moldy, discolored, or shriveled.
Correlation Between the E-learning Attitude and Academic Achievement of Medical Students in Clinical Levels
Authors: Daryazadeh Saeideh , Yavari Maryam , Madani Seyed-Ramin , Taghavi-Ardakani Abbas , Azadchahr Mohammad Javad , Shayeghi Farshad
Published: February 2022

Background: E-learning is an essential application of information and communication technology, which is emphasized in facilitating teaching-learning activities and the use of online resources. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between e-learning attitudes and academic achievement in medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 154 residents, interns, and clerkships at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran in 2020. Data were collected using two standard questionnaires, and the students' grade point average (GPA) was considered as their academic achievement. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 26 using descriptive statistics (frequency tables) and inferential statistics (independent t-test, ANOVA, and correlation-coefficient) at the significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: The students’ attitude toward e-learning was considered favorable with the score estimated at 77.5. However, the students’ attitude toward e-learning had no significant correlation with their academic achievement (P = 0.169). Conclusions: Given the satisfaction of the students with e-learning, we could use the capacities and strengths of e-learning to ensure the quality of learning in medical education. Furthermore, these capacities could be employed to overcome the barriers and limitations of traditional education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Autopsy Histopathologic Cardiac Findings in 2 Adolescents Following the Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
Authors: Gill James R. , Tashjian Randy , Duncanson Emily
Published: February 2022

Context.—

Myocarditis in adolescents has been diagnosed clinically following the administration of the second dose of an mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective.—

To examine the autopsy microscopic cardiac findings in adolescent deaths that occurred shortly following administration of the second Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 dose to determine if the myocarditis described in these instances has the typical histopathology of myocarditis.

Design.—

Clinical and autopsy investigation of 2 teenage boys who died shortly following administration of the second Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 dose.

Results.—

The microscopic examination revealed features resembling a catecholamine-induced injury, not typical myocarditis pathology.

Conclusions.—

The myocardial injury seen in these postvaccine hearts is different from typical myocarditis and has an appearance most closely resembling a catecholamine-mediated stress (toxic) cardiomyopathy. Understanding that these instances are different from typical myocarditis and that cytokine storm has a known feedback loop with catecholamines may help guide screening and therapy.
Irrigação de hortaliças por agricultores familiares: uma análise física, química e microbiológica da água
Authors: Silva Ítallo Jesus , Carvalho Graziele Wolff de Almeida , Vitor Everson Henrique da Silva , Alves Deilson de Almeida , Abreu Caique Menezes de
Published: February 2022

A agricultura irrigada proporciona um acréscimo de produtividade nos sistemas agrícolas, no entanto, há necessidade de se observar tanto a quantidade, quanto a qualidade da água disponível, pois a qualidade da água a ser utilizada pode inviabilizar os produtos agrícolas e a segurança alimentar, acarretando contaminações e problemas no sistema de irrigação. Os índices de qualidade da água fornecem uma forma simples de analisar e compreender a real situação, a fim de tomar as medidas necessárias para evitar contaminação e perdas da qualidade da água irrigada na produção. Por tanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as principais variáveis físico-químicas (turbidez, sólidos totais e pH) e microbiológicas (coliformes termotolerantes) que definem a qualidade da água para irrigação de hortaliças consumidas cruas oriundas de agricultura familiar, as amostras de água foram coletadas em duas réplicas em cada propriedade. Os resultados das análises foram comparadas com a Resolução n° 357/05 do CONAMA, para águas de Classe 1, que são destinadas a irrigação de hortaliças consumidas cruas. Para melhor caracterização da qualidade da água foi feita uma correlação de Pearson (r) para analisar a relação entre os parâmetros físicos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que com exceção do pH, as demais variáveis não apresentaram risco de dano ao sistema de irrigação e a qualidade da água irrigada.
Evaluation of healing following frenectomy
Authors:   Saveetha Dental College and Hospital Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai-600077, Tamil Nadu, India, Binti Zaaba Nurul Afiqah Amani
Published: February 2022

Aberrant frenum attachment would cause plaque accumulation and malalignment of teeth. It can be managed by frenotomy or frenectomy methods, through a conventional surgical technique or laser technique. Therefore, it is of interest to compare frenectomy healing surgical and laser techniques. Data from 51 outpatients and post-operative healing of frenectomy was assessed by Landry’s healing score index using 3 weeks postoperative photographs followed by statistical analysis. Based on the healing score index, the laser technique showed better outcomes than the surgical technique. Moreover, the association between the management of high frenal attachment and the healing score index was found to be statistically significant.
Comparative plastome data analysis of Dendrosicyos socotranus and Corallocarpus boehmii
Authors:   Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh-11451, Saudi Arabia, Ajmal Ali Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Comparison of the Dendrosicyos socotranus and Corallocarpus boehmii (tribe Coniandreae, family Cucurbitaceae) plastome data was of interest. Data on RNA, tRNA, GC%, plastome size, CDS and pseudogene were tabulated for the two species. The total length of 1,57,380 bp and 1,58,744 bp which includes LSC, SSC, IRa, and IRb, while their GC content was 37.1% and 37% respectively. The variation in the length of genes e.g. ndhD, ndhI, rpl22, rpoC2, rps16, rps19, rps8, ycf1and ycf2 noted. Data help to document the genetic differences between usual (climber) with those of tree cucurbits.
Male infertility is not liked with HSF1, HSF2 and UBE2I gene polymorphisms among Indian subjects
Authors:   Department of Urology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, U.P., India, Gangwar Pravin Kumar
Published: February 2022

We analysed the polymorphisms at rs78202224 (C/A) for HSF1 gene, rs139496713 (C/T) and rs45504694 (C/A) for HSF2 gene and rs116868327 (G/A) for UBE2I gene in 547 infertile cases (non-obstructive azoospermia = 464, asthenozoospermia = 83) and 419 proven fertile controls of similar age group and ethnicity. SNP genotyping was done using AgenaMassARRY platform (Agena Bioscience, CA). Common, heterozygous, rare genotypes and allelic frequencies were analysed using dominant, recessive and co-dominant models. Data shows no significant association between HSF1, HSF2 polymorphisms and male infertility. However, under dominant (GG vs GA+AA) and co-dominanat (GG vs GA) model, polymorphism at the rs116868327 (G/A) locus in UBE2I gene was found to be linked with asthenozoospermia in males with a significant odd-ratio of 6.91 (confidence interval at 95% was 1.52-31.46; p=0.017). Moreover, frequency of rare allele was higher (2.4%) compared to controls (0.4%). Thus, this data showed a significant risk of developing asthenozoospermic condition in males (Odds ratio= 6.75; Confidence interval at 95%= 1.50-30.49; P= 0.018]. Hence, more number of genotyping studies along with the functional assay in multiple cohorts is needed to validate potential variants associated with male infertility.
Phylogenetic and modelling analysis of purple acid phosphatase 18 (SiPAP18) from Setaria italica
Authors:   Department of Botany, CSSR and SRRM Degree College, Kamalapuram, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh-516219, India, Reddy Chinreddy Subramanyam
Published: February 2022

Purple acid phosphatases belong to metallo-phosphatase family. Intracellular phosphatases are crucial for phosphorus (P) distribution in the cell and are highly induced in phosphorus-deprived conditions in the soil. Disparate PAP isoforms exist within discrete subcellular compartments in Setaria italica and their expression in P deprived conditions fosters phosphorus amelioration. We isolated the SiPAP18 gene and developed the homology SiPAP18 protein model based on the crystal structure of the Kidney bean PvPAP (PDB ID: 2QFP) as template (sequence similarity 42.7%) using Modeller 9.12 with adequate validation. Structure model analysis shows the significance of five conserved signatures with seven metal-paired amino acid residues during P-deprivation induced phosphorus amelioration.
Two theorems on square numbers
Authors:   Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Tho Nguyen Xuan
Published: February 2022

We show that if a is a positive integer such that for each positive integer n, a+n^2 can be expressed x^2+y^2, where x,y\in \mathbb{Z}, then a is a square number. A similar theorem also holds if a+n^2 and x^2+y^2 are replaced by a+2n^2 and x^2+2y^2, respectively.
Conformational decoupling in acid-sensing ion channels uncovers mechanism and stoichiometry of PcTx1-mediated inhibition
Authors: Heusser Stephanie A , Borg Christian B , Colding Janne M , Pless Stephan A
Published: February 2022

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are trimeric proton-gated cation channels involved in fast synaptic transmission. Pharmacological inhibition of ASIC1a reduces neurotoxicity and stroke infarct volumes, with the cysteine knot toxin psalmotoxin-1 (PcTx1) being one of the most potent and selective inhibitors. PcTx1 binds at the subunit interface in the extracellular domain (ECD), but the mechanism and conformational consequences of the interaction, as well as the number of toxin molecules required for inhibition, remain unknown. Here, we use voltage-clamp fluorometry and subunit concatenation to decipher the mechanism and stoichiometry of PcTx1 inhibition of ASIC1a. Besides the known inhibitory binding mode, we propose PcTx1 to have at least two additional binding modes that are decoupled from the pore. One of these modes induces a long-lived ECD conformation that reduces the activity of an endogenous neuropeptide. This long-lived conformational state is proton-dependent and can be destabilized by a mutation that decreases PcTx1 sensitivity. Lastly, the use of concatemeric channel constructs reveals that disruption of a single PcTx1 binding site is sufficient to destabilize the toxin-induced conformation, while functional inhibition is not impaired until two or more binding sites are mutated. Together, our work provides insight into the mechanism of PcTx1 inhibition of ASICs and uncovers a prolonged conformational change with possible pharmacological implications.
A guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) mediated brake on photosynthesis is required for acclimation to nitrogen limitation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Romand Shanna , Abdelkefi Hela , Lecampion Cécile , Belaroussi Mohamed , Dussenne Melanie , Ksas Brigitte , Citerne Sylvie , Caius Jose , D'Alessandro Stefano , Fakhfakh Hatem , Caffarri Stefano , Havaux Michel , Field Ben
Published: February 2022

Guanosine pentaphosphate and tetraphosphate (together referred to as ppGpp) are hyperphosphorylated nucleotides found in bacteria and the chloroplasts of plants and algae. In plants and algae artificial ppGpp accumulation can inhibit chloroplast gene expression, and influence photosynthesis, nutrient remobilization, growth, and immunity. However, it is so far unknown whether ppGpp is required for abiotic stress acclimation in plants. Here, we demonstrate that ppGpp biosynthesis is necessary for acclimation to nitrogen starvation in Arabidopsis. We show that ppGpp is required for remodeling the photosynthetic electron transport chain to downregulate photosynthetic activity and for protection against oxidative stress. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ppGpp is required for coupling chloroplastic and nuclear gene expression during nitrogen starvation. Altogether, our work indicates that ppGpp is a pivotal regulator of chloroplast activity for stress acclimation in plants.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index in Infertility Patients vs Normal Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sinha Manisha B , Hussain Nighat , Agrawal Sarita
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Infertility is a major problem among married couples. The male factor contributes to around 30-40% of all cases of infertility. With advancing age, reducing sperm count may magnify the problem. The awareness of qualitative change along with quantity is important for people seeking advice in infertility. Aim: To find the prevalence of sperm DNA fragmentation with Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test. Materials and Methods: The present study was prospective cross-sectional study which carried out on semen sample given for routine checkup in department during the period from August 2017 to August 2018. A total of 180 couples, including 88 infertile couples and 92 couples with known fertility were enrolled in the study. Sperm Count and sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) were calculated and determined by SCD test by kit method. Comparison between groups was done according to distribution of data using Mann-Whitney rank sum (two tailed) statistical test. Results: Among 180 subjects, (88 cases and 92 control) no significant difference in the age was found. The sperm count was not significantly different in cases (group of men of infertile couple) and controls (group of men of proven fertility). The highest value for DFI was 27% in controls and 97% in cases. Statistically significant difference was found in DFI (p=0.008) in both groups. DFI and sperm count showed negative correlation both in cases and controls with a correlation coefficient 0.213 (p-value <0.001) and 0.754 (p-value <0.005) respectively. A significant difference was observed in the median value of sperm DFI of men of infertile couple as compared to men of fertile couple. Conclusion: On comparing, significant difference was observed in the median value of sperm DFI in infertile couple. Sperm DFI at cut-off value 27% has higher diagnostic significance. SCD method is simple, easiest and standard tool to assess DFI.
Student’s and Lecturer’s Perception Related to the Use of Latin Terms in Anatomy during COVID Pandemic: A Pre-Eliminary Study Conducted in a Christian Based Private Medical School
Authors: Novelyn Silphia , Angreni Frisca , Sunarti Lusia Sri , Daroedono Ekarini , Siagian Forman Erwin , Putra Prahastya
Published: February 2022

Aims: to evaluate Student’s and Lecturer’s Perception Related to the use of Latin Terms in Anatomy.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta-Indonesia, May-September 2021.

Methodology: Using electronic questionaire based study which distributed to students and lecturers by using popular social media named Whatsapp™

Results: 708 students and 49 lecturers responded our survey. most of our student respondents found it difficult to learn Latin terms due to language limitation, most of our students need Latin for medical terms to be taught in other medical courses more specifically and the majority of lecturers emphasize that a good understanding of nomenclature or medical terms in Latin will support them in studying topics in other medical field.

Conclusion: Teaching Anatomy and its Latin terms is difficult and challenging but also there is opportunity to modify it using thematic virtual anatomy or any other digital platform
Application of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model and Weighted Markov Chains on Forecasting Under-Five Mortality Rates in Nigeria
Authors: Ugoh Christogonus Ifeanyichukwu , Amaeze Osuji George , Henry Nwankwo Chike , Nwabueze Nneka Chidinma , Ifeanyi Anabike Charles , Godson Muoneke Izuchukwu
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to obtain the best model that will be used to predict Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) between Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and Weighted Markov Chains (WMC). The annual dataset of U5MR in Nigeria for the period 1980-2019 is obtained from the official website of World Bank. The descriptive statistics and the unit root test for the stationarity of data were carried on the data series. ARIMA was modelled to U5MR using the techniques of Box-Jenkins while WMC was modelled using the techniques of k-means cluster analysis, Chi-Square, and Correlation. The best ARIMA model was obtained using Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) while the best forecast model was obtained using Theil’s U Statistics and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). U5MR attained stationarity after third differencing under ARIMA model dynamics. ARIMA(0,3,2) is considered the best ARIMA model with BIC of -2.679, and was selected as the best forecast model with Theil’s U Statistic of 0.000014 and MAPE of 0.174336%. The fitted model was used to make out-sample forecast for the period 2020-2030, which showed a steady decline. The findings of this paper will help in establishment and implementation health policies.
Corporate Governance Mechanisms and the Practice of Sustainability Activities in Nigeria
Authors: Bala Sani Abdulrahaman , Abdulsalam-Ka’oje Nasiru , Auwal Babangida Mohammed
Published: February 2022

The paper examined the determinants of sustainability practice (SP) in Nigerian. Two main dimensions of the factors influencing sustainability practice were investigated. First, company characteristics, proxied by firm size (FSIZE), dividend per share (DIPS), Tobin’s-Q (TOBQ), type of industry (IDTY), and profit after tax margin (NPTM). Secondly, the board characteristics, proxied by disclosure of board roles and function (DBRF), chairman roles in the board (DCRB), board members appointment date (BADT), shareholders engagement policy (DISS), and board meetings with attendance records (DMBM). The content analysis approach was introduced to extracted relevant data from 270 annual reports of the sample companies between 2011 and 2020. The Global Initiative Reports GRI (G4) index was used to examine these annual reports. The panel regression result exerts that all of the elements of board characteristics are important determinants of SRP in Nigeria. This suggests that factors related to the identity of companies might influence the disclosure for SRP, particularly when the disclosure is voluntary. Whereas, the proxies of the company characteristics except for DIPS, TOBQ, and IDTY are not important factors, which might be linked with the voluntary nature of sustainability practice in Nigeria. The results further reveal a low level of disclosure. The low rating and disclosure indicated that listed Nigerian firms are still behind when it comes to disclosing and reporting sustainability activities in line with the GRI-G4 guidelines. Therefore, the study is empirically and theoretically relevant, as it might be in need of investigating the commitments and contributions of Nigerian companies and institutions towards a sustainable world by 2030.
Different Heat Processing Methods on Flour Yield, Nutritional Composition and Acceptability of Jack Seed Flour-based Low-fat Functional Breadsticks
Authors: Ray Babu R. M. , Narasaiah T. Bala , Suresh Challa
Published: February 2022

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a popular tropical large fruit of the Moraceae family. The ripe bulbs are sweet delicious to eat besides a variety of preparations. The seeds are discarded as waste. The study was conducted with different heat processing methods like blanching (BL), roasting (RO) and pressure-cooking (PC) to know the flour yield on dry-milling, nutritional composition and its acceptable level. On milling maximum flour recovery of 93.30% (PC), 98.76% (RO) and 96% (BL) were observed. Among the minerals estimated (ICPMS) the potassium content of 9245.90 mg/kg, 7382.24mg/kg, 8232.31mg/kg in BL, RO and PC seed flours were reported. Magnesium content of 942.84 mg/kg, 775.32 mg/kg and 886.14mg/kg observed in BL, RO and PC flours, the highest sodium content of 243.69 mg/kg in PC, followed by 193.23 mg/kg and 46.44 mg/kg in RO and BL samples. Calcium content of 82.01 mg/kg, 60.48 mg/kg, 83.33 mg/kg was observed in BL, RO, PC flour samples were noticed. Iron (43.36 mg/100g BL, 20.10 mg/kg RO, 16.20 mg/kg PC), Aluminium (31.36 mg/kg BL, 16.69 mg/kg RO, 5.50 PC). Zinc (12.46 mg/kg BL, 10.18 mg/kg RO, 16.48 mg/kg PC), Manganese (4.80 mg/kg BL, 2.61 mg/kg RO, 3.81 mg/kg PC), Boron (6.25 mg/kg BL, 2.29 mg/kg RO, 3.46 mg/kg PC), Barium (2.37 mg/kg BL, 1.12 mg/kg RO, 1.88 mg/kg PC), Copper (4.86 mg/kg BL, 2.78mg/kg RO, 3.52mg/kg PC) etc., other elements in traces. The findings suggest that a maximum of 50% PC Jack seed flour was found accepted in the production of functional breadsticks having protein 9.78g/100g, carbohydrates 75.55g/100g and energy 405 K.cal/100g or as a functional food ingredient in different food products.
Effect of Some Organic Substances and Foliar Application of Nano-Silica on Physico-Chemical Soil Properties and Yield of Wheat in Salt Affected Soils
Authors: Rashed Saher H. , Sorour Sobhygh , Aelhag Dalia , Amer Megahed M.
Published: February 2022

Ensuring food security under climate change scenario requisites amending degraded soils and sustainably boost staple crops yield in a biologically viable way through effective plant nutrition management strategies. Two multi-year lysimeter experiments at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt, were conducted to investigate the impact of soil organic substances and foliar application of nano-Silica on  physico-chemical soil properties and yield of wheat in salt affected soils (2017/18 and 2018/19 winter seasons). The experiment was executed in split plot with three replicates having organic substances (Molas (M),Compost tea (CT), K-humate (KH), M+CT, M+KH, CT + KH, M+CT+KH and control treatment in main plots while sub plots had foliar application of (tab water  and nano-Silica).The results showed that physico-chemical properties (bulk density, porosity , cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium percentage  etc.) and fertility (availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium ) of the soil were significantly influenced by all organic substances, however co-application of molas+K-humate+compost tea remained unmatched. The same treatment combination also remained effective in boosting Nitrogen and protein in grain along with wheat yield during both seasons. With foliage applied nano Silica remained superior by recording the highest yield attributes and grain yield of wheat. Therefore, it is inferred that co-application of organic substances and foliage applied of nano-Silica could be developed as an effective approach to restore and conserve the soil and increase wheat productivity in salt affected soils environment arid and semi-arid regions.