bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do loss functions impact the performance of graph neural networks?
Authors: Duarte Gabriel Jonas , Pereira Tamara Arruda , Nascimento Erik Jhones , Mesquita Diego , Souza Junior Amauri Holanda
Published: November 2021

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have become the de facto approach for supervised learning on graph data.To train these networks, most practitioners employ the categorical cross-entropy (CE) loss. We can attribute this largely to the probabilistic interpretability of models trained using CE, since it corresponds to the negative log of the categorical/softmax likelihood.We can attribute this largely to the probabilistic interpretation of CE, since it corresponds to the negative log of the categorical/softmax likelihood.Nonetheless, recent works have shown that deep learning models can benefit from adopting other loss functions. For instance, neural networks trained with symmetric losses (e.g., mean absolute error) are robust to label noise. Nonetheless, loss functions are a modeling choice and other training criteria can be employed — e.g., hinge loss and mean absolute error (MAE). Perhaps surprisingly, the effect of using different losses on GNNs has not been explored. In this preliminary work, we gauge the impact of different loss functions to the performance of GNNs for node classification under i) noisy labels and ii) different sample sizes. In contrast to findings on Euclidean domains, our results for GNNs show that there is no significant difference between models trained with CE and other classical loss functions on both aforementioned scenarios.
Sorghum extract: Phytochemical, proximate, and GC-MS analyses
Authors: Ajani Olayinka , Owoeye Taiwo Felicia , Akinlabu Kehinde Deborah , Bolade Oladotun , Aribisala Oluwatimilehin , Durodola Bamidele
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Sorghum is available cereal seeds of African origin belonging to the Poaceae family. However, its metabolites and proximate composition have not studied well, which led to the under-utilization of this cereal. This research aimed to investigate the classes of phytochemical and proximate compositions of sorghum extract in order to assess its nutraceutical potential for food chemistry and dietary formulations.

Study objects and methods. We studied the sorghum seed oil extract obtained with the help of a Soxhlet extractor. Sorghum was purchased in Ota, Nigeria. The bioactive compounds were identified by standard methods of phytochemical screening, the nutritional content was investigated with proximate analysis, and the secondary metabolites in the sorghum extract were determined using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Result and discussion. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and quinones in the sorghum extract. The oil yield obtained was 11.00 ± 0.18%. The proximate analysis revealed 5.94% moisture content, 3.05% ash, 0.20% crude fiber, 11.00% fat, 5.54% protein, and 74.27% carbohydrates. The selected physicochemical parameters measured in the sorghum extract included cloud point (0.40°C), specific gravity at 25°C (0.81), and refractive index (1.46). The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, stigmasterol, 8-dodecen-1-ol, acetate, (Z)-, vitamin E, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, which accounted for about 85% in the sorghum composition. Other constituents, presented at lower amounts, included 12-heptadecyn-1-ol, 1H-Imidazole-5-ethanamine, 1-methyl-, and cyclononene.

Conclusion. The findings of this study revealed high nutritive potential of sorghum, which make it a rich source of energy for humans and animals.
Grinding Mills in the Life of the Russian Peasantry of the Post-Reform Period
Authors:   Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History of the Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Krivonozhenko Alexander F. , Zakharova Ekaterina V. ,   Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History of the Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Litvin Yulia V. ,   Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History of the Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2021

Grinding mills were a routine attribute of the economic life of the peasantry, being an indispensable stage in the process of making bread. Yet these structures are hardly ever specifically researched by historians and anthropologists. This paper examines the socio-economic role of mills in the life of peasants of the early 20th century in Karelia. The study is based on the analysis of archival statistical data from the agricultural census of 1916 as well as on ethnographical and toponymical materials, which allows for a comprehensive examination of the object. The study has identified the number of mills in Karelia at the beginning of the 20th century. It also analyses the conditions that contributed to the effectiveness of functioning of these peasant farm buildings. It has been found that the mill craft in Karelia was the second (after blacksmithing) small-scale peasant production in terms of its economic benefit. At the same time, this type of economic activity was not the main source of income in those farms where they existed. The miller remained primarily a peasant farmer, but the level of prosperity of his economy was higher than that of other peasants. The sources used for the research have also enabled to trace the negative effects of crises in agriculture in Karelia during World War I on the flour milling business. A special attention in the paper is devoted to the mythological worldview of peasants. The analysis of the corpus of Karelian- and Russian-language toponymic data has confirmed the important role of grinding mills in the setup of the region’s peasant economy.
Cultural Layer in the Stone Age Sites of Northeastern Siberia
Authors:   Institute of the History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pitulko Vladimir V.
Published: November 2021

The phenomenon of the cultural layer is a fundamental concept of archaeology and the main object of study in the practice of field research. Despite this, its definition, surprisingly, still remains undeveloped. The widely known classical definition leaves many important questions unanswered. Thus, what about the horizon, formed in the past by redeposition of material, especially if this is not obvious? Can the bone-bearing horizon (for example, bone deposit of the mammoth “graveyard”) definitely human-created but lacking (completely or almost completely) of formal artifacts be regarded as a cultural layer? What about areas of primary archaeological contexts, the elements of which retain their original structure and interconnection, but have lost their original spatial position along with the block of matrix sediments? In similar cases, except for burial structures, the concept of culture-bearing deposits, representing a specific geological formation, will be much more universal. Then culture-bearing deposits are deposits locally enriched with traces of past human activities (artifacts, technological waste, biological remains, structures, i. e., cultural remains sensu lato) as a result of the transfer and accumulation of matter in the process of lithogenesis. It should be emphasized that up to 65 % of the territory of Russia is the permafrost area, while that of the former permafrost zone was significantly larger and included currently unfrozen areas. The culture-bearing deposits of the Stone Age sites of the Late Pleistocene age represented in these regions undoubtedly experienced the impact of cryogenic processes. The study of the Stone Age sites in Eastern Siberia provides the richest opportunities and material for the development of this issue.
Seeing like a Starving State: The Soviet Political Economy of Death in the Blockade of Leningrad
Authors:   University of Richmond, Hass J. K. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Lomagin N. A. ,   European University at St. Petersburg,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: November 2021

State elites and officials “see” their polities and societies through ideological and symbolic lenses that shape what they seek and perceive as they devise policies. But what happens to that sight and vision during moments of challenge and duress, and with what effect on policies? This article uses the example of the Blockade of Leningrad to begin an exploration of this subject. The pre-war Soviet state and Communist Party had a “double vision”, seeing Soviet society as an object for utopian plans and projects (a “high modernist” vision), and as an amorphous source of constant potential risk (e. g. counter-revolution). Extreme duress and challenges to survival from the Blockade challenged both facets of this double vision. What began to emerge was a more pragmatic vision centered on maintaining state authority and political order. We use state perception of and policies towards death and, as an extension, defending (civilian) life. Brief explorations of how state elites and officials perceived death, disposal labor (coping with corpses), and life (mothers) reveals a more realistic pragmatism, less deferent to ideology, beginning to emerge. We conclude that this points to a possible “Blockade Bolshevism” as a shifting formula of rule and possibilities of a “NEP reboot” lost to high Stalinism after the war.
Was Lev Trotsky the leader in the Petersburg Soviet of Workers’ Deputies in 1905?
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Strekalov I. N.
Published: November 2021

The article reexamines the role of famous revolutionary and Social Democrat L. D. Trotsky in the Petersburg Soviet of Workers’ Deputies. One claim in the scholarly literature is that Trotsky was the leader of the Soviet, but this is based on his or someone else’s memoirs. This article analyzes this position: first, memoirs about the thesis on Trotsky’s prominent role as speaker during meetings of the Soviet, and the argument about Trotsky’s support in the Soviet; also, the question about the rating of the formal chairman of the Soviet, G. S. Khrustalev-Nosar, is discussed. This examination is based on archival documents: records of the interrogations of participants of the Soviet’s meetings written between the end of 1905 and the spring of 1906; letters written by Trotsky (mostly in the pre-revolutionary period); and the works of G. S. Khrustalev-Nosar. Analytic and comparative methods suggest that these sources are more objective than memoirs written many years after 1905 and in another historical context. The article concludes that Trotsky’s role in the Petersburg Soviet is exaggerated: memoirs are subjective or analyzed only from one point of view, and sources closest to the time show that Trotsky was a participant and even the prominent speaker in Soviet meetings, but he did not find wide ideological support there. The formal chairman of the Soviet, G. S. Khrustalev-Nosar, had enough authority, denying the claim that Trotsky was the one and only leader of the Soviet.
Soviet Women in the Years of the “Khrushchev’s Thaw” in English Language Publications
Authors:   Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushkareva N. L. , Zhidchenko A. V. ,   Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2021

The article assesses the results of studies of everyday lives of Soviet women in the 1950s–1960s in Anglo-American historiography, in which a problematic field has developed with its own boundaries, plots and search tasks, and a well-established range of sources. The peculiarity of Western scholars’ views of this issue were of considerable importance for biographical interviews, the stories of women who remember that time. (In contrast to Russian historiography, foreign scholars used an anthropological approach to study women’s history much earlier.) The authors define more clearly the successes of foreign scholars in the study of Soviet women’s history in the 1960s, as well as controversial assessments and prospects. Considered chronologically and sequentially, the assessments of Soviet life in the publications of English-speaking scholars revealed their strong dependence on the American model of everyday life for the corresponding period. The consumption system and social protection of the population, which grew sharply after the Second World War in Western countries, became the ideal that guided these scholars during the entire second half of the twentieth century. In such a comparison, Soviet women’s lives in conditions of constant deficits of goods and services, as well as other problems and shortcomings of the Soviet economic model, always seemed to be a losing battle. In the 2000s, this ideal model of American everyday life, with which scholars did not directly compare women’s everyday lives in the USSR, but which between the lines manifested itself as a standard, turned out to be somewhat squeezed by the desire to positively evaluate the achievements of Soviet social policy and the gains that it provided for women.
The So-Called Faceted Palace (1433) and the Architecture of Novgorod from the Middle of the 15th to the First Quarter of the 16th Century
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Antipov Ilya V.
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the history of Novgorodian architecture in the middle of the 15th to the first quarter of the 16th century. In 1433, one of the key events in the history of Novgorodian architecture took place — the German and local builders constructed the Faceted Palace commissioned by the archbishop Eufimiy II on the Vladychny Dvor. The article focuses on two interconnected problems: 1) did the German master builders continue to work on the Archbishop’s Court after 1433; 2) did the Faceted Palace influence the architecture of Novgorod in the middle of the 15th to the first quarter of the 16th century? An analysis of available written sources and the results of research bear no evidence of the presence of the German builders in Novgorod later than 1433. Several new features in Novgorod edifices in the middle — second half of the 15th century should be interpreted as traces of the influence the Faceted Palace had upon the later Novgorodian architecture. Most likely the German Builders returned overseas upon completing the Archbishop’s Palace and never came back to Rus. Overall, the 15th century Brick Gothic architecture influenced the Novgorod architecture of the middle — second half of the 15th century: new construction and decorative features in one way or another are connected with the architecture of the Faceted Palace that appeared in the edifices of the 1440–1460s. However, not all the striking features of the outstanding Palace of the Archbishop are reflected in buildings of the middle — second half of the 15th century.
Once Again about Simulation of Scientific Activity in the Humanities
Authors:   State Institute for Art Studies, Kononenko Evgenii I.
Published: November 2021

This work is inspired by the article “Local Humanities and Education in Front of the Third Millennium Challenges” by B.G. Sokolov. He discussed the “local challenges” generated by “integration” and “optimization” that have nothing to do with the scientific process, and about simulation actions as the expected response to these challenges. The author considers typical ways of simulating the scientific process, leading to an increase in the quantitative parameters of reports, but not contributing to an increase in scientific knowledge (artificial increase in publication activity; defense of frankly weak qualifying works, including dissertations; imitation pseudoscientific conferences; “omnivorous” paid journals; blurring the lines between genres of work in pursuit of funding). The proliferation of simulation mechanisms that do not contradict normative documents testifies to the loss of the qualitative criteria necessary for the self-preservation of science. The use of regulatory instruments provided for by the current bureaucratic acts is also formal, and often overtly simulated. In fact, many of the identified “challenges” are not “local”, inherent exclusively to Russian science. In addition, as the practice of recent years shows, the problems and consequences of the simulation of scientific work are well understood by domestic scientists who are trying to draw attention to anomalies and develop mechanisms to counter their manifestations (activity of Dissernet and ASEP), which indicates the existence of an “initiative from below”. The author believes that the activity of the professional community of art historians and critics can become a model in restoring regulatory mechanisms for the humanities. The criteria for the quality of scientific work and traditions of criticism that have survived in this community will not replace the imposed quantitative parameters, but can reduce the reputation losses of the Russian humanitarian science.
The specificity of historical-philosophical research in the Humanities
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Lvov Alexander A.
Published: November 2021

In interdisciplinary contemporary science, knowledge is obtained from a close collaboration of specialists with various competences. Philosophy appears to be effective in clarifying the meaning of concepts, discerning the normative and the empirical, determining whether the differences in the positions of the participants depend on how they use words or the essence of the argument. Philosophers actively help to develop various fields of the humanities and social sciences and they are in demand in the sciences. They admit themselves that the history of philosophy is the unifying factor for all the areas, although the areas of their research are diverse. The article considers the question of whether it is possible to talk about a specific influence exerted by professional historians of philosophy on other disciplines. Restricted to the humanities, it traces the streams that exist in the dialogue between the humanities and historical-philosophical studies, and also considers what contribution the historians of philosophy make in the field of historical sciences, in various areas of political research, in gender studies, anthropology, theology and religious philosophy, as well as the articulation of practical philosophy as a way of life. Despite the fact that the history of philosophy is thought of as an auxiliary discipline, the contribution of the historians of philosophy to the development of related and indirectly related fields of scholarship is significant: they reconstruct the genealogy of meaning and as a result, the concepts or ideas are clarified within their native cultural environment.
Examination of the Cameroon DHS data to investigate how water access and sanitation services are related to diarrhea and nutrition among infants and toddlers in rural households
Authors: Dharod Jigna M. , Nounkeu Carole Debora , Paynter Lauren , Labban Jeffrey D. , Sastre Lauren R.
Published: November 2021

Undernutrition among children is a significant issue in rural areas in Cameroon, with diarrhea being one of the major contributing risk factors. To gain a better understanding of the risk factors of diarrhea, the main objective of this epidemiological study was to examine associations between water access and sanitation service with diarrhea, diet diversity, and anemia among infants and toddlers in rural households in Cameroon. The study involved household- and individual-level data of 2,129 rural-dwelling infants and toddlers from the Demographic and Health Survey database. About one-third of infants and toddlers were experiencing diarrhea, with higher odds among those who lived in households with limited water service (p = 0.028). The odds of having diarrhea were 50% higher among infants and toddlers when households did not have sanitation facilities (p = 0.007). The lack of improved water and sanitation was also associated with a low intake of various food groups among older infants and toddlers. The prevalence of anemia was high, but no significant differences were seen by water and sanitation services. The achievement of SDG #6 will help address undernutrition and achieve other SDGs, including improving health and wellbeing.
Adsorption of cadmium ions from simulated battery wastewater by polyethylene polyamine-modified activated carbon
Authors: Wang Baoying , Lan Jingming , Pu Junli , Liu Xiu , Gong Bolin
Published: November 2021

The objective of this work was to study the treatment of wastewater containing cadmium ions (Cd2+). Activated carbon (AC) was modified with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and polyethylene polyamine (PEPA). The structure and morphology of the modified AC was characterized. The effect of pH on adsorption was investigated, and the binary competitive adsorption and the reusability of the modified AC were studied. Subsequently the modified AC was used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+ from wastewater. The adsorption capacity of optimized modified AC was 9.7 times that of unmodified AC. Kinetic adsorption curves were in accordance with pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the isothermal curves were in accordance with the Langmuir equation. The results indicate that the AC has potential in the treatment of the wastewater containing Cd2+ discharged from chemical plants during battery manufacturing.
Detection of Melanogenesis and Anti-Apoptosis-Associated Melanoma
Factors: Array CGH and PPI Mapping Integrating Study
Authors: Yin Shang-Jun , Qian Guo-Ying , Yang Jun-Mo , Lee Jinhyuk , Park Yong-Doo
Published: November 2021

Background:

We investigated melanogenesis- and anti-apoptosis-related melanoma factors
in melanoma cells (TXM1, TXM18, A375P, and A375SM).

Objective:

To find melanoma associated hub factor, high-throughput screening-based techniques integrating
with bioinformatics were investigated.

Methods:

Array CGH analysis was conducted with a commercial system. Total genomic DNAs prepared
individually from each cell line with control DNA were properly labeled with Cy3-dCTP and
Cy5-dCTP and hybridizations and subsequently performed data treatment by the log2 green (G;
test) to red (R; reference) fluorescence ratios (G/R). Gain or loss of copy number was judged by
spots with log2-transformed ratios. PPI mapping analysis of detected candidate genes based on the
array CGH results was conducted using the human interactome in the STRING database. Energy
minimization and a short Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation using the implicit solvation model
in CHARMM were performed to analyze the interacting residues between YWHAZ and YWHAB.

Results:

Three genes (BMP-4, BFGF, LEF-1) known to be involved in melanogenesis were found
to lose chromosomal copy numbers, and Chr. 6q23.3 was lost in all tested cell lines. Ten hub genes
(CTNNB1, PEX13, PEX14, PEX5, IFNG, EXOSC3, EXOSC1, EXOSC8, UBC, and PEX10) were
predicted to be functional interaction factors in the network of the 6q23.3 locus. The apoptosis-associated
genes E2F1, p50, BCL2L1, and BIRC7 gained, and FGF2 lost chromosomal copy numbers
in the tested melanoma cell lines. YWHAB, which gained chromosomal copy numbers, was predicted
to be the most important hub protein in melanoma cells. Molecular dynamics simulations for
binding YWHAB and YWHAZ were conducted, and the complex was predicted to be energetically
and structurally stable through its 3 hydrogen-bond patterns. The number of interacting residues is
27.

Conclusion:

Our study compares genome-wide screening interactomics predictions for melanoma
factors and offers new information for understanding melanogenesis- and anti-apoptosis-associated
mechanisms in melanoma. Especially, YWHAB was newly detected as a core factor in melanoma
cells.
Development of an Autoinducible Plasmid for Recombinant Protein
Production
Authors: Chae Young Kee , Kim Hakbeom
Published: November 2021

Background:

The production of recombinant proteins in E. coli involves such factors as
host strains, expression vectors, culture media, and induction methods. The typical procedure to
produce heterologous proteins consists of the following: (1) insertion of the target gene into a suitable
vector to construct an overexpression plasmid, (2) transformation of a strain specialized for
protein production with the constructed plasmid DNA, (3) growth of the host in a suitable medium
and induction of the protein production at a right moment, and (4) further growth to get the maximum
yield. There are hurdles involved in each of these steps, and researchers have developed
many materials or methods, which often require special recipes or procedures.

Objective:

To eliminate the special requirements for recombinant protein production by using readily
available materials. Also to save time and effort in the routine protein production work.

Method:

We started with a vector capable of producing a target protein fused to the C-terminus of
the maltose-binding protein (MBP). The mCherry (red fluorescent protein) gene was fused to
MBP. It acted as a reporter in the initial screening procedure. The original lethal gene (barnase)
was replaced with sacB. We chose 3 stationary phase promoters and made hybrids of them by mixing
halves from each one. The T5 promoter was replaced with these stationary phase promoters or
their hybrids. The best plasmid was selected by the color intensity of the cell pellet. MBP and GST
genes were inserted in the place of sacB, and their production yields were compared with the original
plasmid in the conventional way of expression.

Results:

We constructed an expression plasmid with an autoinducible promoter working in a host
that was not specially designed for protein production and in a TB medium that did not contain any
secret ingredient, nor was it difficult to prepare unlike Studier’s defined medium. This plasmid also
contains a color indicator that turns red when protein production is successful. We tested our system
with the maltose-binding protein (MBP) and the glutathione S-transferase (GST), and showed
that both proteins were produced to a level comparable to what the commercial medium and/or the
specialized strain yielded.

Conclusion:

We developed a plasmid equipped with an autoinducible promoter, a hybrid of the
two promoters which were activated at the stationary phase. This plasmid does not need a special
E. coli strain nor a sophisticated nor an expensive medium. It produces an intense red (or pink) color,
which can be used as an indicator of a successful production of the target protein and as a predictive
measure of the amount of the produced target protein. We speculate that this plasmid will
have its greatest advantage when growing cells at low temperatures, which would inevitably take a
long time.
Histone Modifications and their Role in Epigenetics of Cancer
Authors: Zaib Sumera , Rana Nehal , Khan Imtiaz
Published: November 2021

:

Epigenetic regulations play a crucial role in the expression of various genes
that are important in the normal cell function. Any alteration in these epigenetic mechanisms
can lead to the modification of histone and DNA, resulting in the silencing or enhanced
expression of some genes causing various diseases. Acetylation, methylation, ribosylation,
or phosphorylation of histone proteins modifies its interaction with the DNA,
consequently changing the ratio of heterochromatin and euchromatin. Terminal lysine residues
of histone proteins serve as potential targets of such epigenetic modifications. The
current review focuses on the histone modifications, and their contributing factors; the
role of these modifications on metabolism leads to cancer, and methylation of histone in
cancer affects the DNA repair mechanisms.
Nanocarriers Loaded with Oxygen to Improve the Protection of the Heart to be
Transplanted
Authors: Penna Claudia , Trotta Francesco , Cavalli Roberta , Pagliaro Pasquale
Published: November 2021

:

In the case of serious cardiovascular diseases, such as refractory heart failure, heart transplantation is
the only possible intervention. Currently, the modes of organ transport in hypothermic cardioplegic solution do
not allow the implantation of the heart beyond 4-5 hours from the explant. The heart being an organ with a
greater consumption of oxygen and high metabolism than the brain, its transport in hypothermic cardioplegic solutions
presents critical issues in terms of time and conservation. An ambitious goal of many researchers and
clinicians is to minimize the hypoxia of the explanted heart and extend the permanence time in cardioplegic solution
without damage from hypoxia. Adequately oxygenating the explanted organs may extend the usability
time of the explanted organ. This challenge has been pursued for years with approaches that are often expensive,
risky, and/or difficult to use. We propose to consider oxygenated nanocarriers releasing oxygen for a long
time. In this way, it will also be possible to use organs from distant countries with respect to the recipient, thus
exceeding the canonical 4-5 hours tolerated up to now. In addition to the lack of oxygen, the transplanted organ
can undergo the accumulation of catabolites due to the lack of perfusion during transport. Therefore, nanocarriers
can also be perfused in adequate solution during organ transportation. A better oxygenation improving the
postoperative recovery of the transplanted heart will improve the recipient's quality of life.
MiR-582-5p Attenuates Neonatal Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy by
Targeting High Mobility Group box 1 (HMGB1) through Inhibiting Neuroinflammation
and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Guang , Xue Zhimin , Zhao Yuan
Published: November 2021

Background:

MiR-582-5p has been demonstrated to protect against ischemic stroke.
However, its implication in the progression of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
has not been explored.

Methods:

In this study, we used an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to investigate
the protective effect of miR-582-5p on PC12 cells. OGD-induced inhibition of cell viability
and promotion of cell death was assessed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were utilized to examine the levels of inflammatory
cytokines. The effects of miR-582-5p on OGD-induced oxidative injury were assessed by the determination
of oxidative stress indicators. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay and gain-offunction
assay were used to determine the mechanism of miR-582-5p in OGD-induced cell injury.

Results :

The expression of miR-582-5p was reduced upon OGD treatment in PC12 cells. Overexpression
of miR-582-5p inhibited OGD-induced PC12 cell injury by regulating cell viability, apoptosis,
inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. MiR-582-5p targeted and negatively regulated
high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). MiR-582-5p presented protective effects on OGD-induced
PC12 cell injury by targeting HMGB1.

Conclusion:

Our results indicated that miR-582-5p ameliorates neuronal injury by inhibiting apoptosis,
inflammation, and oxidative stress through targeting HMGB1.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Its Chemistry, Nutritional Composition, Toxicity,
and Anticancer Properties
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Abu-Izneid Tareq , Thiruvengadam Muthu , Imran Muhammad , Olatunde Ahmed , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Bawazeer Saud , Naz Saima , Shirooie Samira , Sanches-Silva Ana , Farooq Umar , Kazhybayeva Galiya
Published: November 2021

:

The current review discuss the chemistry, nutritional composition, toxicity, and biological
functions of garlic and its bioactive compounds against various types of cancers via different anticancer
mechanisms. Several scientific documents were found in reliable literature and searched in
databases viz Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Research Gate were carried
out using keywords such as “garlic”, “garlic bioactive compounds”, “anticancer mechanisms of garlic”,
“nutritional composition of garlic”, and others. Garlic contains several phytoconstituents with
activities against cancer, and compounds such as diallyl trisulfide (DATS), allicin, and diallyl disulfide
(DADS), diallyl sulfide (DAS), and allyl mercaptan (AM). The influence of numerous garlic-
derived products, phytochemicals, and nanoformulations on the liver, oral, prostate, breast, gastric,
colorectal, skin, and pancreatic cancers has been studied. Based on our search, the bioactive
molecules in garlic were found to inhibit the various phases of cancer. Moreover, the compounds
in this plant also abrogate the peroxidation of lipids, activity of nitric oxide synthase, epidermal
growth factor (EGF) receptor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), protein kinase C, and regulate cell
cycle and survival signaling cascades. Hence, garlic and its bioactive molecules exhibit the aforementioned
mechanistic actions, and thus, they could be used to inhibit the induction, development,
and progression of cancer. The review describes the nutritional composition of garlic, its bioactive
molecules, and nanoformulations against various types of cancers, as well as the potential for developing
these agents as antitumor drugs.
Recent Progress in Oleanolic Acid: Structural Modification and Biological
Activity
Authors: Wang Wang , Li Yutong , Li Yan , Sun Dejuan , Li Hua , Chen Lixia
Published: November 2021

Natural products have been proven as the main source of biologically active compounds, which are potentially useful for drug development. As one of the most studied pentacyclic triterpenes, oleanolic acid (OA) exhibits a broad range of biological activities and serves as a good scaffold for the development of novel derivatives that could be vital in drug discovery for various ailments. Till now, many of its derivatives with multiple bioactivities have been prepared through chemical modifi-cation. This review summarizes the recent reports of OA derivatives (2016-present) and their biologi-cal effects and action mechanisms in vitro and in vivo models, and discusses the design of novel and potent derivatives.
Advances in PPARs Molecular Dynamics and Glitazones as a Repurposing
Therapeutic Strategy through Mitochondrial Redox Dynamics against
Neurodegeneration
Authors: Durai Priya , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Ramachandrappa Hemanth Vikram Poola , Krishnan Prakash , Gudur Pranesh , Raghavendra Nulgumnalli Manjunathaiah , Ravanappa Prashantha Kumar Bommenahally
Published: November 2021

:

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) activity has significant implications
for the development of novel therapeutic modalities against neurodegenerative diseases. Although
PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ nuclear receptor expressions are significantly reported in the
brain, their implications in brain physiology and other neurodegenerative diseases still require extensive
studies. PPAR signaling can modulate various cell signaling mechanisms involved in the
cells contributing to on- and off-target actions selectively to promote therapeutic effects as well as
the adverse effects of PPAR ligands. Both natural and synthetic ligands for the PPARα, PPARγ, and
PPARβ/δ have been reported. PPARα (WY 14.643) and PPARγ agonists can confer neuroprotection
by modulating mitochondrial dynamics through the redox system. The pharmacological effect of
these agonists may deliver effective clinical responses by protecting vulnerable neurons from Aβ
toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Therefore, the current review delineated the ligands’
interaction with 3D-PPARs to modulate neuroprotection, and also deciphered the efficacy of numerous
drugs, viz. Aβ aggregation inhibitors, vaccines, and γ -secretase inhibitors against AD; this
review elucidated the role of PPAR and their receptor isoforms in neural systems, and neurodegeneration
in human beings. Further, we have substantially discussed the efficacy of PPREs as potent
transcription factors in the brain, and the role of PPAR agonists in neurotransmission, PPAR gamma
coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial dynamics in neuroprotection during AD conditions.
This review concludes with the statement that the development of novel PPARs agonists may benefit
patients with neurodegeneration, mainly AD patients, which may help mitigate the pathophysiology
of dementia, subsequently improving overall the patient’s quality of life.
Thiophene Ring-opening Reactions III: One-Pot Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of 1,3,4-Thiadiazoline–Benzothiazolo[3,2-b]pyridazine Hybrids†
Authors: Abdullah Ahmad H. , Zahra Jalal A. , Sabri Salim S. , Awwadi Firas F. , Abadleh Mohammed M. , Abdallah Qasem M. , El-Abadelah Mustafa M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

The preparation of model 6-chloro-5-nitrothieno[2,3-c]pyridazines incorporating (2'-halo-5'-nitrophenyl) entity is described. Interaction of these substrates with N'-(aryl)benzothiohydrazides, in the presence of triethylamine, followed a formal [4+1] annulation, furnishing the respective 1,3,4-thiadiazoline–benzothiazolo [3,2-b]pyridazine hybrids directly. This one-pot synthesis implies thiophene ring-opening and two consecutive intramolecular cyclizations. The structures of the synthesized new hybrids are supported by MS, NMR, and IR spectral data and further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These hybrids exhibit antiproliferative activity with notable selectivity against solid tumor cell lines (IC50: 4-18 μM).

Aims:

This study aimed at exploring the scope and applicability of thiophene ring-opening reaction towards the synthesis of new thiadiazoline–[fused]tricyclic conjugates.

Background:

α-Chloro-β-nitrothienopyridazine underwent ring-opening upon reacting with N'-(aryl)benzothiohydrazides generating 1,3,4-thiadiazoline–benzothiazolo[3,2-b]pyridazines.

Objective:

This new thiophene ring-opening reaction is applied to the one-pot synthesis of thiadiazoline–benzothiazolo[3,2-b]pyridazine couples.

Method:

A direct interaction of α-chloro-β-nitrothienopyridazine with N'-(aryl)benzothio-hydrazide at room temperature for 1-2 h occurred.

Result:

α-Chloro-β-nitrothieno[2,3-c]pyridazines are suitable substrates for the facile synthesis of thiadiazoline–benzothiazolo[3,2-b]pyridazine hybrids.

Conclusion:

This novel ring-opening reaction proceeds via formal [4+1] annulation and provides a versatile approach to various conjugated and/or fused five-membered heterocycles.
Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Review of Complications and Management
Authors: Huda Mohammed S.B. , Jaffar Farah , Laycock Kate
Published: November 2021

Background:

Pre-gestational diabetes can pose significant risk to the mother and infant,
thus requiring careful counselling and management. Since Saint Vincent’s declaration in 1989, adverse
maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preeclampsia, perinatal mortality, congenital anomalies,
and macrosomia, continue to be associated with type 1 diabetes. Although pregnancy is not considered
an independent risk factor for the development of new onset microvascular complications, it is
known to exacerbate pre-existing microvascular disease. Strict glycaemic control is the optimal management
for pre-existing type 1 diabetes in pregnancy, as raised HbA1C is associated with increased
risk of maternal and fetal complications. More recently, time in range on Continuous Glucose
Monitoring glucose profiles has emerged as another useful evidence-based marker of fetal outcomes.

Objective:

This review summarises the complications associated with pre-gestational type 1 diabetes,
appropriate evidence-based management, including preparing for pregnancy, intrapartum
and postpartum care.

Methods:

A structured search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed
articles about complications and management guidelines on pre-gestational type 1 diabetes
were selected and critically appraised.

Results:

One hundred and twenty-three manuscripts were referenced and appraised in this review,
and international guidelines were summarised.

Conclusion:

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recurring themes in the literature
pertaining to type 1 diabetes in pregnancy: maternal and fetal complications, microvascular disease
progression, and an overview of current guideline-specific management.
Research Progress on Pulverized Coal Concentration Detection Device
Authors: Wu Yun-Tao , Wang Tian-Hu , Hua Jin , Sun He-Yuan
Published: November 2021

Background:

Pulverized coal detection is an indispensable detection measure in the coal
industry. The current detection devices can be divided into two types: invasive and non-invasive.
The coal dust detection methods and devices based on acoustics, optics, and electricity have been
extensively studied. In order to achieve a high-efficiency online detection scheme, improving the
accuracy and stability of the detection means is the primary goal of the research.

Objective:

The general problems and characteristics of coal dust detection device design are summarized,
as well as recent technological developments and the need for online testing to predict future
research trends.

Methods:

The current typical detection devices are classified according to the detection principle
and whether they invade the target, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages according to the device
performance and application scenarios.

Results:

It has a beneficial effect on the design of the pulverized coal concentration detection device.

Conclusion:

The paper summarizes and analyzes several representative coal concentration detection
device patents in recent years. Then it points out advantages and main problems. On this basis, the
main development direction of the coal dust concentration detection device in the future is discussed.
Research work at the Center for Personalized Precision Medicine of Tuberculosis (cPMTb)
Authors: Cho Yong-Soon , Shin Jae-Gook
Published: November 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide and South Korea has the highest incidence and mortality rate of the disease of all the OECD countries. Professor Jae-Gook Shin is a pharmacologist based at the Center for Personalized Precision Medicine of Tuberculosis (cPMTb),
which was established based on the premise of adopting a personalised approach to TB prevention and treatment. A key focus for Shin and his collaborators is personalised precision treatment and monitoring of TB patients, with 67 professors and clinicians from 20 clinical research cohort sites
in the Republic of Korea involved in this pursuit. cPMTb has 30 years' personalised precision medicine R&D experience behind it. In their work, the researchers are using model-informed precision dosing to allow for the initial dose suggestion and then a dose adjustment during treatment
for TB. Their personalised approach involves the use of epidemiological and clinical information, biochemical testing and genetic profiles of individuals. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of treatment and also reduce adverse drug reactions. A 'bench-to-bedside' approach is taken, with
cPMTb's central laboratory facilitating in vitro and in vivo drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) studies as well as genotyping. This has meant that the researchers have been able to validate the role of NAT2 and SLCO1B1 variants in the cPMTb cohort. The team has
been successful in establishing a hollow fibre infection model for TB research and will expand this work to support personalised dosing using clinical isolates.
Research on the development of alternatives to animal testing for pharmaceutical products and international standardisation
Authors: Kojima Hajime
Published: November 2021

Scientists are working to develop new and innovative alternatives to animal testing that don't rely on the use of animals. Takao Ashikaga, Hajime Kojima and Yoko Hirabayashi are part of JaCVAM which works to promote the use of alternatives to animal testing. The goal is to replace,
reduce or refine (3Rs) the use of animal under International harmonization. Hirabayashi is also the representative of a research group that is funded by the AMED and the representative of a research group funded by the MHLW. A challenge the researchers are facing in their quest to ensure the
welfare of experimental animals and also ensure the safety of various pharmaceutical and chemicals is the lack of biomarkers to more accurately predict toxicity for regulatory acceptance. This means that without animal testing more costly and complex non-animal methods are required and presents
a barrier to the adoption of non-animal methods for international standerisation. As such, there is a need to develop an easy way to obtain a lot of information. Hirabayashi and the team are working on the development of AI that can be used to evaluate the safety of different compounds. The
researchers are developing in vitro assays such as ordinary 2-dimensional culture, 3-dimensional culture including organoids or spheroids, reporter gene assay and organ-on-a chip; and in silico assays such as computer toxicology using QSAR and Read Across. The researchers hope that their innovative
work will contribute to the 3Rs, benefiting animal welfare for regulatory use.
Iron-based intermetallic particles formation in Al-Zn-Si alloy through powder metallurgy route
Authors:   College of Engineering, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, et al. Khaliq
Published: November 2021

Corrosion of the steel products is one of the significant challenges which is managed by coating with Al-Zn-based alloys. The Galvalume alloy (Al-55%, 43.5%-Zn, Si-1.5%) is coated on steel strips via a hot-dipping process. The dissolution of iron (Fe) from steel strips and the formation of Fe-based intermetallic particles is an inevitable phenomenon during the hot-dip coating process. These intermetallic particles are a primary source of massive bottom dross build-up in the coating pot and metal spot defects in the coated steel products. Therefore, it is important to investigate the formation of Fe-based intermetallic particles. In this study, Fe-based intermetallic particles are produced via the powder metallurgy route. High energy ball milling was used for mechanical alloying of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), silicon (Si), and zinc (Zn) powders. Optimized ball milling conditions were identified after a series of trials. After cold pressing, the mechanically alloyed samples (pellets) were sintered at various conditions in a high vacuum sintering furnace. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDS) were used for the analysis of raw material, mechanically alloyed powders, and sintered pellets. It is concluded that the mechanical alloying of 6h and cold pressing at 9 tons for 30 min is sufficient to produce a dense compact material. It was found that Fe-based intermetallic particles were successfully fabricated which were α-AlFeSi. However, intermetallic particles similar to those found in the bottom dross of the coating pot are difficult to fabricate through the powder metallurgy route due to the volatilization of Zn during the sintering process.
Широкополосная ЭПР-спектроскопия кристалла SrY-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-:Ho-=SUP=-3+-=/SUP=-
Authors: Шакуров Г.С. , Малкин Б.З. , Батулин Р.Г. , Киямов А.Г.
Published: November 2021

EPR spectra of impurity Ho3+ ions in oriented SrY2O4 single-crystals are registered at the temperature 4.2 K in the frequency range from 70 to 180 GHz. The results of measurements evidence for the substitution of Ho3+ ions for the Y3+ ions at the structurally nonequivalent sites R1 and R2 with the local Cs point symmetry. The values of g-factors, hyperfine structure constants and the energy gaps berween the ground and the first excited non-degenherate crystal-field sublevels of the ground 5I8 multiplet are determined. The observed specific features of the ground states of Но3+ ions (non-Kramers doublets with the zero-field splittings of 4.30

and 1.67 cm-1) open a possibility to identify transitions in optical spectra of SrY2O4:Ho and inelastic neutron scattering spectra of SrHo2O4 crystals.