bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of FGF21 and GDF15 with mitochondrial dysfunction in children living with perinatally-acquired HIV: A cross-sectional evaluation of pediatric AIDS clinical trials group 219/219C
Authors: Gojanovich Greg S. , Jacobson Denise L. , Broadwell Carly , Karalius Brad , Kirmse Brian , Geffner Mitchell E. , Jao Jennifer , Van Dyke Russell B. , McFarland Elizabeth J. , Silio Margarita , Crain Marilyn , Gerschenson Mariana ,   for the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study
Published: December 2021

Background

In persons living with HIV, mitochondrial disease (MD) is difficult to diagnose, as clinical signs are non-specific with inconsistent patterns. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) are mitokines elevated in MD patients without HIV, and associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities in adults living with HIV. We assessed relationships of these biomarkers with MD in children living with perinatally-acquired HIV infection (CPHIV).

Setting

Cross-sectional study of CPHIV from Pediatric ACTG 219/219C classified by Mitochondrial Disease Criteria (MDC) that defines scores 2–4 as “possible” MD.

Methods

Each case with MDC equaling 4 (MDC4; n = 23) was matched to one randomly selected control displaying no MDC (MDC0; n = 23) based on calendar date. Unmatched cases with MDC equaling 3 (MDC3; n = 71) were also assessed. Plasma samples proximal to diagnoses were assayed by ELISA. Mitokine distributions were compared using Wilcoxon tests, Spearman correlations were calculated, and associations with MD status were assessed by conditional logistic regression.

Results

Median FGF21 and GDF15 concentrations, respectively, were highest in MDC4 (143.9 and 1441.1 pg/mL), then MDC3 (104.0 and 726.5 pg/mL), and lowest in controls (89.4 and 484.7 pg/mL). Distributions of FGF21 (paired Wilcoxon rank sum p = 0.002) and GDF15 (paired Wilcoxon rank sum p<0.001) differed in MDC4 vs MDC0. Mitokine concentrations were correlated across all participants (r = 0.33; p<0.001). Unadjusted odds ratios of being MDC4 vs MDC0 were 5.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–25.92] for FGF21 and 3.5 (95%CI: 1.19–10.25) for GDF15. Relationships persisted after covariate adjustments.

Conclusion

FGF21 and GDF15 levels may be useful biomarkers to screen for CPHIV with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Mangrove crab intestine and habitat sediment microbiomes cooperatively work on carbon and nitrogen cycling
Authors: Tongununui Prasert , Kuriya Yuki , Murata Masahiro , Sawada Hideki , Araki Michihiro , Nomura Mika , Morioka Katsuji , Ichie Tomoaki , Ikejima Kou , Adachi Kohsuke
Published: December 2021

Mangrove ecosystems, where litter and organic components are degraded and converted into detrital materials, support rich coastal fisheries resources. Sesarmid (Grapsidae) crabs, which feed on mangrove litter, play a crucial role in material flow in carbon-rich and nitrogen-limited mangrove ecosystems; however, the process of assimilation and conversion into detritus has not been well studied. In this study, we performed microbiome analyses of intestinal bacteria from three species of mangrove crab and five sediment positions in the mud lobster mounds, including the crab burrow wall, to study the interactive roles of crabs and sediment in metabolism. Metagenome analysis revealed species-dependent intestinal profiles, especially inNeosarmatium smithi, while the sediment microbiome was similar in all positions, albeit with some regional dependency. The microbiome profiles of crab intestines and sediments were significantly different in the MDS analysis based on OTU similarity; however, 579 OTUs (about 70% of reads in the crab intestinal microbiome) were identical between the intestinal and sediment bacteria. In the phenotype prediction, cellulose degradation was observed in the crab intestine. Cellulase activity was detected in both crab intestine and sediment. This could be mainly ascribed toDemequinaceae, which was predominantly found in the crab intestines and burrow walls. Nitrogen fixation was also enriched in both the crab intestines and sediments, and was supported by the nitrogenase assay. Similar to earlier reports, sulfur-related families were highly enriched in the sediment, presumably degrading organic compounds as terminal electron acceptors under anaerobic conditions. These results suggest that mangrove crabs and habitat sediment both contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycling in the mangrove ecosystem via these two key reactions.
Assessment of the performance of nonfouling polymer hydrogels utilizing citizen scientists
Authors: Hansen Niko , Bryant Adriana , McCormack Roslyn , Johnson Hannah , Lindsay Travis , Stelck Kael , Bernards Matthew T.
Published: December 2021

To facilitate longer duration space travel, flight crew sickness and disease transmission amongst the crew must be eliminated. High contact surfaces within space vehicles provide an opportunity for bacterial adhesion, which can lead to biofilm formation or disease transmission. This study evaluates the performance of several nonfouling polymers using citizen science, to identify the best performing chemistry for future applications as bacteria resistant coatings. The specific polymer chemistries tested were zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), and polyampholytes composed of [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride and 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (TMA/CAA), or TMA and 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate (TMA/SA). Each polymer chemistry is known to exhibit bacteria resistance, and this study provides a direct side-by-side comparison between the chemistries using a citizen science approach. Nearly 100 citizen scientists returned results comparing the performance of these polymers over repeat exposure to bacteria and 30 total days of growth. The results demonstrate that TMA/CAA polyampholyte hydrogels show the best long-term resistance to bacteria adhesion.
Systematic segmentation method based on PCA of image hue features for white blood cell counting
Authors: Garcia-Lamont Farid , Alvarado Matias , Cervantes Jair
Published: December 2021

Leukocyte (white blood cell, WBC) count is an essential factor that physicians use to diagnose infections and provide adequate treatment. Currently, WBC count is determined manually or semi-automatically, which often leads to miscounting. In this paper, we propose an automated method that uses a bioinspired segmentation mimicking the human perception of color. It is based on the claim that a person can locate WBCs in a blood smear image via the high chromatic contrast. First, by applying principal component analysis over RGB, HSV, and L*a*b* spaces, with specific combinations, pixels of leukocytes present high chromatic variance; this results in increased contrast with the average hue of the other blood smear elements. Second, chromaticity is processed as a feature, without separating hue components; this is different to most of the current automation that perform mathematical operations between hue components in an intuitive way. As a result of this systematic method, WBC recognition is computationally efficient, overlapping WBCs are separated, and the final count is more precise. In experiments with the ALL-IDB benchmark, the performance of the proposed segmentation was assessed by comparing the WBC from the processed images with the ground truth. Compared with previous methods, the proposed method achieved similar results in sensitivity and precision and approximately 0.2% higher specificity and 0.3% higher accuracy for pixel classification in the segmentation stage; as well, the counting results are similar to previous works.
Victimizations and surviving of workplace violence against waitresses in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Zewude Bewunetu , Habtegiorgis Tewodros
Published: December 2021

Women are obliged to take on vulnerable forms of employment that fail to protect their basic labor rights. Exposure to workplace violence is especially high for those women who work within the agriculture, the hotels, restaurants and catering, the transport as well as the manufacturing sectors. In this context, we explored workplace violence against women working as waitresses in various hotels, restaurants, cafeterias and grocery stores of Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was undertaken with descriptive and exploratory study designs. Qualitative data were collected by using in-depth interview method in which 16 waitresses were interviewed. Data were voice recorded, transcribed, and analyzed searching themes and patterns in the data. While we found that waitresses are highly exposed to workplace violence, the level of exposure to the violence varies across various circumstances, including working in large and small towns, the situation of the owners/supervisors, public’s insight of the position, waitresses’ ability to speak the local language, the role of the waitresses, customers’ behavior and the specific context in which waitresses work. Waitresses were generally exposed to all forms of violence including spitting, throwing objects, simple physical assault, touching on private parts, and intimidation, among which verbal abuse and emotional exploitations are found to be the most common. Furthermore, the results revealed that though waitresses rarely experienced violence from female customers, the most common perpetrators involved in the practice were males. Amid widespread exposure of waitresses to all forms of workplace violence, ignorance, mostly motivated by fear of losing one’s job, has been the common way waitresses respond to the violence. The study implies the vulnerability state of waitresses partly due to lack of adequate awareness regarding the rights and obligations expected of an employee when working in such organizations. This is again exacerbated by the lack of formal employment procedures in such organizations. Therefore, awareness creation and supervisory activities are expected from the media, workers’ and social security office of the government, police and other concerned bodies.
Antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility of extracts from Cryptocarya species
Authors: Zoccolotti Jacqueline de Oliveira , Cavalheiro Alberto José , Tasso Camilla Olga , Ribas Beatriz Ribeiro , Ferrisse Túlio Morandin , Jorge Janaina Habib
Published: December 2021

This study evaluated the efficacy of Cryptocarya spp extracts on biofilm of Candida albicans and its biocompatibility. Mature biofilm of C. albicans was formed on denture base acrylic resin samples and the fungicidal effect of the extracts was evaluated by Alamar Blue® assay, counting colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Cytotoxicity of extracts from Cryptocarya species was evaluated by AlamarBlue® assay, using normal oral keratinocytes (NOK) cells. In additional, Analysis of plant extracts by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS) was performed. The results showed significant reduction in the cellular metabolism and in the number of CFU/mL of C. albicans (p<0.05). The concentration of 0.045 g/mL completely inhibited the number of CFU/mL. Regarding cytotoxicity, all extracts decreased cell viability compared to the control group. CLSM analysis showed predominance of live cells, but with a great difference between the groups. Antimicrobial activity of extracts from Cryptocarya on C. albicans biofilm was confirmed. However, all extracts showed toxicity on NOK cells.
Enhancing neural markers of attention in children with ADHD using a digital therapeutic
Authors: Gallen Courtney L. , Anguera Joaquin A. , Gerdes Molly R. , Simon Alexander J. , Cañadas Elena , Marco Elysa J.
Published: December 2021

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by diminished attentional control. Critically, these difficulties are related to negative consequences in real-life functioning both during development and into adulthood. There is now growing evidence that modulating the underlying neural circuits related to attention can improve behavior and brain function in children with ADHD. We have previously shown that game-based digital therapeutics targeting a key neural marker of attention–midline frontal theta (MFT)–yield positive effects on attentional control in several populations. However, the effects of such digital therapeutics in children with ADHD and no other comorbidities has not been yet examined. To address this gap, we assessed a sample of 25 children with ADHD (8–12 years old) on neural, behavioral, and clinical metrics of attention before and after a 4-week at-home intervention on an iPad targeting MFT circuitry. We found that children showed enhancements on a neural measure of attention (MFT power), as well as on objective behavioral measures of attention and parent reports of clinical ADHD symptoms. Importantly, we observed relationships between the neural and behavioral cognitive improvements, demonstrating that those children who showed the largest intervention-related neural gains were also those that improved the most on the behavioral tasks indexing attention. These findings provide support for using targeted, digital therapeutics to enhance multiple features of attentional control in children with ADHD.

Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT03844269) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844269.
MHC class I antigen cross-presentation mediated by PapMV nanoparticles in human antigen-presenting cells is dependent on autophagy
Authors: Possamaï David , Hanafi Laïla-Aïcha , Bellemare-Pelletier Angélique , Hamelin Katia , Thébault Paméla , Hébert Marie-Josée , Gagnon Étienne , Leclerc Denis , Lapointe Réjean
Published: December 2021

Nanoparticles made of the coat protein of papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) and a single-strand RNA were previously shown to be an efficient antigen presentation system for the trigger of cellular immunity. Engineering of PapMV nano with a cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope was previously shown activating specific T lymphocytes through a proteasome-independent major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) cross-presentation. In this study, we provide new insights into the mechanism of the MHC-I cross-presentation mediated by PapMV nanoparticles. We demonstrate that PapMV nanoparticles do not require the transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP), but rather depend on lysosome acidification and cathepsin S protease activity for presentation of the T cell epitope. We have also linked the induction of autophagy with this vacuolar MHC-I cross-presentation process. Interestingly, autophagy is induced in antigen-presenting cells after PapMV nanoparticles exposure and inhibition of autophagy reduce MHC-I cross-presentation. This study demonstrates that autophagy is associated with TAP- and proteasome-independent MHC-I cross-presentation. A deeper understanding of the autophagy-dependent MHC-I cross-presentation will be useful in designing vaccination platforms that aim to trigger an efficient cytotoxic T lymphocyte response.
Tweezepy: A Python package for calibrating forces in single-molecule video-tracking experiments
Authors: Morgan Ian L. , Saleh Omar A.
Published: December 2021

Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) instruments (e.g., magnetic and optical tweezers) often use video tracking to measure the three-dimensional position of micron-scale beads under an applied force. The force in these experiments is calibrated by comparing the bead trajectory to a thermal motion-based model with the drag coefficient,γ, and trap spring constant,κ, as parameters. Estimating accurate parameters is complicated by systematic biases from spectral distortions, the camera exposure time, parasitic noise, and least-squares fitting methods. However, while robust calibration methods exist that correct for these biases, they are not always used because they can be complex to implement computationally. To address this barrier, we present Tweezepy: a Python package for calibrating forces in SMFS video-tracking experiments. Tweezepy uses maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to estimate parameters and their uncertainties from a single bead trajectory via the power spectral density (PSD) and Allan variance (AV). It is well-documented, fast, easy to use, and accounts for most common sources of biases in SMFS video-tracking experiments. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of Tweezepy’s calibration scheme, including a review of the theory underlying thermal motion-based parameter estimates, a discussion of the PSD, AV, and MLE, and an explanation of their implementation.
The role of Leishmania GP63 in the modulation of innate inflammatory response to Leishmania major infection
Authors: Chan Aretha , Ayala Jose-Mauricio , Alvarez Fernando , Piccirillo Ciriaco , Dong George , Langlais David , Olivier Martin
Published: December 2021

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasiteLeishmaniaand is known to affect millions of individuals worldwide. In recent years, we have established the critical role played byLeishmaniazinc-metalloprotease GP63 in the modulation of host macrophage signalling and functions, favouring its survival and progression within its host.Leishmania majorlacking GP63 was reported to cause limited infection in mice, however, it is still unclear how GP63 may influence the innate inflammatory response and parasite survival in an in vivo context. Therefore, we were interested in analyzing the early innate inflammatory events uponLeishmaniainoculation within mice and establish whetherLeishmaniaGP63 influences this initial inflammatory response. Experimentally,L.majorWT (L.majorWT),L.majorGP63 knockout (L.majorKO), orL.majorGP63 rescue (L.majorR) were intraperitoneally inoculated in mice and the inflammatory cells recruited were characterized microscopically and by flow cytometry (number and cell type), and their infection determined. Pro-inflammatory markers such as cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles (EVs, e.g. exosomes) were monitored and proteomic analysis was performed on exosome contents. Data obtained from this study suggest thatLeishmaniaGP63 does not significantly influence the pathogen-induced inflammatory cell recruitment, but rather their activation status and effector function. Concordantly, internalization of promastigotes during early infection could be influenced by GP63 as fewerL.majorKOamastigotes were found within host cells and appear to maintain in host cells over time. Collectively this study provides a clear analysis of innate inflammatory events occurring duringL.majorinfection and further establish the prominent role of the virulence factor GP63 to provide favourable conditions for host cell infection.
Madre de religiosos, abuela de santos
Authors: Elipe Soriano Jaime
Published: December 2021

Las nobles que tuvieron el rol de amantes de personalidades políticas relevantes apenas han sido tratadas por la historiografía hispana. El presente trabajo aborda las relaciones familiares que sostuvo doña Ana de Gurrea (ca. 1475-1528), concubina durante casi dos decenios del arzobispo de Zaragoza don Alonso de Aragón. A diferencia de otros personajes similares del renacimiento europeo, su incidencia política fue casi inexistente así como el nulo interés en acrecentar las posiciones de su familia de origen. Sin embargo, vivió volcada en el cuidado de sus 4 hijos y la atención a sus nietos. Mediante el empleo de variadas fuentes archivísticas, se reconstruyen las relaciones de esta noble con su familia. Se trata figura fundamental para conocer las relaciones sociales generadas por esta peculiar familia y constatar la necesidad de futuras investigaciones sobre este tema
Traducción y geografías del interés en la temprana Ilustración hispana
Authors: Iñurritegui Rodríguez José María
Published: December 2021

El artículo analiza el específico programa de traducción conducido por la familia Abreu en la temprana Ilustración hispana. Ese programa puede parecer un elemento insignificante ante la inundación de traducciones a la que entonces se asiste en aquel contexto. Pero lo que aquí se plantea es que, por el contrario, el mismo era muy novedoso en el plano de los lenguajes políticos y no menos indicativo de la pervivencia en la cultura hispana, pese a esa inundación, de unas capacidades selectivas en la práctica de la traducción. Novedoso, porque constituía la tentativa más ambiciosa hasta entonces ensayada para explorar la posibilidad de recepción del discurso que desde mediados del siglo anterior venía figurando al interés de los estados como el soberano efectivo del orden internacional. E indicativo de la vigencia de unas facultades selectivas en el despliegue de la traducción porque la raíz que infundía el programa era justamente la detección de una variante de esa retórica política que, al tiempo de capacitar a la monarquía para intentar revertir su posición subsidiaria en el orden de Utrecht, resultaba compatible con su tradición moral católica
reforma de la administración fiscal de Lerena
Authors: Dubet Anne
Published: December 2021

La instrucción de contadores publicada por el ministro de Hacienda Pedro de Lerena en enero de 1788 se leyó como un complemento técnico a la reforma fiscal (1785-1787) que lo precedió, aunque se notó que también pretendía reducir el poder de los intendentes de provincias. El artículo se propone reconstruir su significado político sacando partido de los comentarios que la tentativa de aplicación de la reforma en cinco provincias de Castilla suscitó entre sus promotores y sus oponentes. Destaca la promoción de una ambiciosa reorganización de los cuadros territoriales de una administración que sería a la vez más ilustrada, equitativa y razonable y más poderosa frente a individuos y cuerpos
fango y la Armada
Authors: García Hurtado Manuel Reyes
Published: December 2021

En la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII Ferrol, una pequeña población costera del Noroeste, se transforma en un importante centro demográfico, tecnológico e industrial naval por la decisión en 1726 de que allí se ubicara la capital del Departamento Marítimo del Norte. Para poder desempeñar todas las funciones que conllevaban esta condición fue preciso construir un arsenal, un astillero y una ciudad. Todos estos elementos pivotan sobre el espacio marino en el que se debían resguardar los navíos de línea de la flota: la dársena. Analizamos los trabajos que se llevaron a cabo para moldear el fondo de la ría de Ferrol y permitir que el corazón del arsenal reuniera las características exigidas por los ingenieros, así como el papel desempeñado por los principales protagonistas que intervinieron en esta empresa durante cincuenta años
Analytical Performance of Low Noise Amplifier Using Single-Stage Configuration for ADS-B Receiver
Authors: Hidayat M. Reza , Pazaesa Ilham , Prini Salita Ulitia
Published: December 2021

Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is an equipment of a radar system to reach difficult areas. For radar applications, an ADS-B requires a low noise amplifier (LNA) with high gain, stability, and a low noise figure. In this research, to produce an LNA with good performance, an LNA was designed using a BJT transistor 2SC5006 with DC bias, VCE = 3 V, and current Ic = 10 mA, also a DC supply with VCC = 12 V, to achieve a high gain with a low noise figure. The initial LNA impedance circuit was simulated using 2 elements and then converted into 3 elements to obtain parameters according to the target specification through the tuning process, impedance matching circuit was used to reduce return loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) values. The LNA sequence obtains the working frequency of 1090 MHz, return loss of -52.103 dB, a gain of 10.382, VSWR of 1.005, a noise figure of 0.552, stability factor of 0.997, and bandwidth of 83 MHz. From the simulation results, the LNA has been successfully designed according to the ADS-B receiver specifications.
LARVAE AND ADULTS OF ASCAROPS SP. (NEMATODA: SPIROCERCIDAE) COLLECTED FROM THE STOMACH OF MAXOMYS WHITEHEADI (RODENTIA: MURIDAE) IN KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA
Authors: Hasegawa Hideo , Dewi Kartika
Published: December 2021

Third-stage larvae and adults of spiruroid nematodes were found from the stomach wall and stomach lumen, respectively, of Maxomys whiteheadi (Rodentia: Murinae) captured in Bukit Soeharto, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Close observation using light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that it belongs to the genus Ascarops (Nematoda: Spirocercidae), possibly to Ascarops strongylina (Rudolphi, 1819). It is presumed that this species is parasitic in wild boars, Sus barbatus, in the forest of Kalimantan, and utilizes the murine as a paratenic host, in which it usually remains as third larval stage but can occasionally develop to adult stage.
RECORDS OF PRAYING MANTIDS (INSECTA: MANTODEA) FROM TWO AREAS OF CENTRAL KALIMANTAN, AND NOTES ON BORNEAN ODONTOMANTIS AND HIERODULA
Authors: Bragg Philip Edward
Published: December 2021

Results are presented for a collection of praying mantids from two different habitats in Kalimantan Tengah: an area of peat-swamp forest and an area of hill forest. Forty-one specimens are recorded, representing 20 species; this is the first such collection to be recorded from Kalimantan after more than 70 years. Photographs are included for a number of species, concentrating on species which have not previously been illustrated. Some issues with the Bornean Odontomantis are highlighted and a key to Bornean species is provided. The status of O. micantula Beier, 1937 is clarified, the syntypes are located, and the species is illustrated; the synonymy of O. planiceps and O. javana is questioned. Some historical issues relating to Bornean members of Hierodula are reviewed; the synonymy of H. athene Rehn, 1909 and H. hybrida Burmeister, 1838 and H. venosa (Olivier, 1792) is considered doubtful. Issues with identification of H. venosa and H. vitrea (Stoll, 1813) leave their presence in Borneo questionable.
LIST OF LAND SNAILS IN JAVA AND SEVERAL ADJACENT ISLANDS
Authors: Nurinsiyah Ayu Savitri
Published: December 2021

The malacofauna of Java has been most studied among the Indonesian islands, but the list of land snails in the area remains outdated. This study presents an updated check list of land snails in Java and its adjacent islands. This list is a compilation data from field work in Java conducted in 2013-2016, records from various museums in Europe and Indonesia, collections from private collectors, data from citizen sciences, and literatures. In total, 263 land snail species were recorded in Java and its adjacent islands. The number comprises of 36 families i.e. Subclass Neritimorpha (2 families), Caenogastropoda (6 families), and Heterobranchia (28 families). About 40% are species endemic to Java and among them have restricted distribution to certain areas. In addition, 5% or 13 introduced species were recorded in Java.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of (Z)-2-(4-((5-((1-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)methylene)-
2,4-dioxothiazolidin-3-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-N-phenylacetamides
Authors: Rathod Ashokbhai R. , Galachar Kapil Kumar , Pashavan Chandan Kumar , Korgaokar Sushil S. , Naliapara Yogesh T.
Published: December 2021

In current times, researchers adopted the click chemistry approach for the synthesis of various druglike
molecules by using a few reliable, feasible, practical and selective chemical transformations via
click formation. In present work, we focussed on the most triazole clubbed thiazolidine-2,4-dione
derivatives as the most promising motifs for broad biological application. A total of fifteen (CF-4a-o)
derivatives were synthesized and well characterized with various analytical techniques.
A Gift of Good Health from Mother Nature: Presenting
Moringa oleifera, a Plant with Multiple Anticancer Activities
Authors: Das Sarma Madhushree
Published: December 2021

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a multifarious beneficial tree and widely cultivated in the
tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. All parts of this plants are edible and used as a
plentiful source of phytochemicals with high nutritional values. Since antiquity, this plant was
recognized as a panacea for the treatment of several ailments in ethnomedicinal system. In last few
decades, this fact is further reconfirmed by various scientific research works in which the plant was
found to show broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inammatory,
antiurolithic, antimicrobial, anangesic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiproliferative, hepatoprotective,
cardioprotective, etc. Different parts of this plant exhibited significant inhibitory activity against a
variety of cancer cells at moderate to low concentrations and also possess low toxicity in normal cells.
This review mainly focuses a brief overview on the anticancer profile of this wonderful tree.
Zr-Catalyzed Microwave Assisted Functionalization of Alkyne and Nitroalkene
Authors: Pawar Prakash S. , Gorshetwar Sandip D. , Kamble Atul D. , Chavan Jotiram K. , Chougale Gurunath G. , Patil Minakshi V. , Karpe Satish M.
Published: December 2021

Water and zirconium(IV) as catalyst were found to be effective in the transformation of terminal
aromatic alkyne to aromatic methyl ketone in the microwave. This terminal alkyne hydration reaction
proceeded in excellent yield with Zr(cp)2Cl2. The reaction was moved efficiently in presence of electron
donating or electron withdrawing substituent on aromatic ring. An eco-friendly synthesis of aldehyde
by oxidative cleavage of nitroalkene was developed with Zr(cp)2Cl2 catalyst and water in microwave.
in silico Modeling of Curcumin Based Sulfonamides Inhibitors of the Human
trans-Membrane Carbonic Anhydrase Isozyme, hCA IX by CoMSIA
Authors: Dixit Sarvesh Datta , Singh Shalini
Published: December 2021

Carbonic anhydrases, hCAs IX and XII are applied as the markers of progression of the disease in
many oxygen deficient tumours and their specially manoeuvred inhibition is directly related to
containing the growth of both primary tumours and tumour growth of secondary nature. Ligand-based
quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies were carried out on curcumin related,
sulphonamide derivatives as inhibitors of human trans-membrane carbonic anhydrase isozyme, hCA
IX by comparative molecular field similarity analysis (CoMSIA) implemented through the SYBYL
package. The capacity of the model to predict coveted compound was evaluated using test set of three
compounds. The best model created was found to be of choice as it showed a r2 value of 0.811 and a
cross validated coefficient q2 value of 0.617 in tripos CoMSIA hydrophobic region. Results of the
present study indicated that hydrophobic region factors play an important role in carbonic anhydrase
hCA IX inhibition for compounds.
Perbedaan Kualitas Hidup pada Remaja Talasemia Mayor dengan Gizi Kurang dan Gizi Baik menggunakan Instrumen PedsQL
Authors: Putranto Kurniawan Adi , Salimo Harsono , Riza Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Latar belakang. Remaja dengan penyakit kronis sering mengalami penurunan kualitas hidup. Talasemia beta mayor merupakan kelainan herediter autosomal resesif yang disebabkan karena tidak adanya atau berkurangnya sintesis rantai β-globin dan membutuhkan waktu berobat yang lama. Kondisi tersebut dapat memengaruhi kualitas hidup.Tujuan. Menganalisis pengaruh status gizi terhadap kualitas hidup pasien remaja dengan talasemia mayor.Metode. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif analitik dengan desain studi cross sectional. Remaja talasemia mayor usia 10-18 tahun yang berkunjung ke poliklinik hematologi RS Dr. Moewardi dari bulan Desember 2020 – Januari 2021 dan memenuhi kriteria inklusi diikutsertakan dalam penelitian. Pasien diminta mengisi penilaian kualitas hidup menggunakan PedsQL.Hasil. Sebanyak 34 remaja talasemia dengan usia 10-18 tahun mengikuti penelitian ini, terdiri dari 17 gizi baik dan 17 gizi kurang. Terdapat perbedaan kualitas hidup pada gizi kurang dan gizi baik. Sebanyak 76% pada kelompok gizi kurang mengalami penurunan kualitas hidup dan 47% pada kelompok gizi baik. Sebagian besar remaja talasemia mayor mengalami penurunan kualitas hidup pada domain emosi dan secara total pada penilaian kualitas hidup.Kesimpulan. Terdapat perbedaan kualitas hidup pada remaja talasemia mayor dengan gizi kurang dan gizi baik. Domain emosi merupakan penurunan kualitas hidup yang paling terdapat perbedaan.
DYNAMICS OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BERRIES OF INTRODUCED CULTIVARS AND FORMS OF CRANBERRIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF CENTRAL SIBERIAN BOTANICAL GARDEN SB RAS
Authors: Gorbunov Aleksey Borisovich , Kukushkina Tat'yana Abdulkhailovna
Published: January 2022

The aim of the work was study of the variability of fruit chemical composition of O. palustris (2 samples) and O. macrocarpus (6 samples) cultivars and forms introduced in CSBG depending on the conditions of the year. Biochemical research of the content of dry substance, ascorbic acid, sugars, titratable acidity, anthocyanins, pectins, protopectins and catechins in berries of these samples were conducted. The chemical composition was analyzed by conventional methods.

O. palustris surpasses O. macrocarpus in the content of ascorbic acid and titratable acidity, but is inferior to it in the accumulation of anthocyanins, pectins and protopectins. In comparison with the studied samples of both species, the native O. palustris accumulates the greatest amount of ascorbic acid and the least amount of sugars. The early cultivars of O. macrocarpus exceeds the mid-season cultivars and are close to late-maturing ones in terms of ascorbic acid content. The difference in the accumulation of other ingredients in the fruits of both O. palustris and O. macrocarpus is not statistically significant. According to the chemical composition of berries, O. palustris and O. macrocarpus are promising for introduction in the South of Western Siberia.
Effect of Locust Invasion and Mitigation Using Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study of North Sindh Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Nasar , Shao Zhenfeng , Altan Orhan
Published: December 2021

This study comprises the identification of the locust outbreak that happened in February 2020. It is not possible to conduct ground-based surveys to monitor such huge disasters in a timely and adequate manner. Therefore, we used a combination of automatic and manual remote sensing data processing techniques to find out the aftereffects of locust attack effectively. We processed MODIS -normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI ) manually on ENVI and Landsat 8 NDVI using the Google Earth Engine (GEE ) cloud computing platform. We found from the results that, (a) NDVI computation on GEE is more effective, prompt, and reliable compared with the results of manual NDVI computations; (b) there is a high effect of locust disasters in the northern part of Sindh, Thul, Ghari Khairo, Garhi Yaseen, Jacobabad, and Ubauro, which are more vulnerable; and (c) NDVI value suddenly decreased to 0.68 from 0.92 in 2020 using Landsat NDVI and from 0.81 to 0.65 using MODIS satellite imagery. Results clearly indicate an abrupt decrease in vegetation in 2020 due to a locust disaster. That is a big threat to crop yield and food production because it provides a major portion of food chain and gross domestic product for Sindh, Pakistan.
Augmented Sample-Based Real-Time Spatiotemporal Spectral Unmixing
Authors: Ding Xinyu , Wang Qunming
Published: December 2021

Recently, the method of spatiotemporal spectral unmixing (STSU ) was developed to fully explore multi-scale temporal information (e.g., MODIS –Landsat image pairs) for spectral unmixing of coarse time series (e.g., MODIS data). To further enhance the application for timely monitoring,
the real-time STSU( RSTSU) method was developed for real-time data. In RSTSU, we usually choose a spatially complete MODIS–Landsat image pair as auxiliary data. Due to cloud contamination, the temporal distance between the required effective auxiliary data and the real-time data to be
unmixed can be large, causing great land cover changes and uncertainty in the extracted unchanged pixels (i.e., training samples). In this article, to extract more reliable training samples, we propose choosing the auxiliary MODIS–Landsat data temporally closest to the prediction time.
To deal with the cloud contamination in the auxiliary data, we propose an augmented sample-based RSTSU( ARSTSU) method. ARSTSU selects and augments the training samples extracted from the valid (i.e., non-cloud) area to synthesize more training samples, and then trains an effective learning
model to predict the proportions. ARSTSU was validated using two MODIS data sets in the experiments. ARSTSU expands the applicability of RSTSU by solving the problem of cloud contamination in temporal neighbors in actual situations.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE DIVIDENDOS E VALOR DE EMPRESAS LISTADAS NA B3
Authors: De Amorim Gabriel , Lima Nilton César , Brunozi Júnior Antônio Carlos
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: Pela tendência dos mercados de ações internacionais sugere-se que empresas que não distribuem dividendos são mais bem avaliadas pelo mercado do que empresas que efetuam uma pequena distribuição de lucros, enquanto as empresas com maiores distribuições de dividendos são melhor avaliadas. Esse cenário na literatura foi descrito como Relação em “Formato J”. De posse desse aspecto de mercado, este estudo objetivou identificar se há a existência do “Formato J” na relação entre dividendos e valor das empresas no mercado de capitais brasileiro.
Método: Dividiu-se uma amostra de 3.556 observações de 271 empresas, no período de 1996 a 2018, entre empresas não pagadoras de dividendos (DIV0) e pagadoras de dividendos, sendo essas últimas divididas em cinco grupos classificados de acordo com o dividendo distribuído (DIV1 a DIV5). Realizou-se a análise do formato da relação através das medianas dos grupos e os testes estatísticos para se estabelecer a relação estatística entre o dividendo distribuído e o valor das empresas (q de Tobin).
Resultados: Foi constatado que o mercado brasileiro não apresenta o “Formato J”. Dessa forma, as empresas não pagadoras de dividendos apresentaram piores valores do que aquelas que distribuíram dividendos aos acionistas - sendo que apresentaram melhores valorizações as empresas que distribuíram maiores volumes de lucros aos detentores de ações. Adicionalmente, confirmou-se a relevância dos dividendos no valor das empresas no mercado brasileiro.
Contribuições: O trabalho avança na discussão de dividendos e valor de empresas no Brasil ao propor uma nova abordagem estatística ao tema, categorizando empresas por suas políticas distintas de distribuições de lucro e evidenciando a clientela pró-dividendos no mercado brasileiro.
DETERMINANTES ORÇAMENTÁRIOS, POLÍTICOS E SOCIOECONÔMICOS DA SUCESSÃO POLÍTICO-PARTIDÁRIA: EVIDÊNCIAS SOBRE O COMPORTAMENTO ELEITORAL EM MUNICÍPIOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Rocha Tiago Carneiro da , Araújo Juliana Maria de , Brunozi Júnior Antônio Carlos
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: apesar das ações para a intensificação da governança, da transparência e da accountability, existem ainda tendências de os governantes manipularem resultados fiscais, orçamentários e/ou utilizarem informações políticas e socioeconômicas para direcionarem suas ações em benefício próprio, principalmente visando as suas reconduções ao cargo ou de seus partidos. Com isso, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a interveniência de aspectos orçamentários, políticos e socioeconômicos na reeleição de gestores e na recondução de partidos nos municípios brasileiros.
Método: coletaram-se dados dos municípios brasileiros com população acima de 100 mil habitantes para os ciclos eleitorais de 2004, 2008, 2012 e 2016. Os dados foram submetidos a Regressão Logística com dados em painel.
Resultados: a probabilidade de reeleição do gestor municipal ou a recondução do seu partido ao cargo é influenciada por fatores relacionados aos eleitores que premiam aqueles prefeitos que realizam mais investimentos municipalmente, melhorando a qualidade de vida populacional, que possibilitam a minimização das desigualdades através da transferência direta de renda e que tenham maiores chances de estabelecimento de cooperação entre as demais esferas de governo por meio do alinhamento partidário.
Contribuição: a contribuição teórica é de que a assimetria informacional, as escolhas públicas que envolvem a influência de elementos humanos e institucionais, e a percepção pelo eleitor da justiça social, são fatores em conjunto que explicam a sucessão político-partidária. Como contribuição prática, discorre-se que administradores públicos podem se utilizar do aparato estatal para benefícios próprios – levando a influenciar o voto do eleitor – que não exerce a participação social e/ou não se utiliza das informações públicas e disponíveis para o conhecimento adequado da gestão e governança municipal.
A Bibliometric Study of Papers Published in Library and Information Science Research during 1994 2020
Authors: Garg K. C. , Singh Rahul Kumar
Published: January 2022

The paper analysed 699 papers published in Library & Information Science Research (LISR) during the period of 1994-2020. Google Scholar was used to obtain the number of citations received by these papers until April 30, 2021. The study examined the geographical distribution of published articles and also identified prolific institutions and authors. The study examined the impact of output of countries, institutions and authors using citation per paper (CPP) and i-10 index as indicators of impact. The study also examined the pattern of growth and identified the highly cited papers. Based on the analysis of data it is observed that maximum articles were published during the three years block of 2015-2017. The geographical distribution of output indicates that 51 countries contributed the 699 papers. Highest number of papers was contributed by authors from the USA though it had a low value of CPP in comparison to Norway and Finland. Among the institutions, Florida State University (USA) topped the list. However, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA had the highest value of CPP. During the period of study, 1,389 papers received 74,061 citations, of which only 41 (3 %) articles remained uncited.
Special issue editorial: Methods to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 research
Authors: T Gagnon Keith , Huang Vera
Published: December 2021

This special issue of Journal of Biological Methods presents methods related to SARS- CoV-2 research in responding to the current global COVID-19 pandemic.
Modelling Precipitable Water Vapour (PWV) Over Nigeria from Ground-Based GNSS
Authors: Swafiyudeen Bawa , Sa'i Usman Ibrahim , Adamu Bala , Zailani Abubakar Aliyu , Musa Adamu Abubakar , Nura Shehu
Published: December 2021

Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) over the past and present time has shown a great potential in the retrieval of the distribution of water vapour in the atmosphere.  Taking the advantage of the effect of the atmosphere on GNSS signal as they travel from the constellation of satellite to ground-based GNSS receivers such that information (water vapour content) about the atmosphere (mostly from the troposphere) can be derived is referred to as GNSS meteorology. This paper presents the spatiotemporal variability of Precipitable Water Vapour (PWV) retrieved from ground–based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations over Nigeria for the years 2012 to 2013. In this paper, the GNSS data were processed using GAMIT (ver. 10.70). The GNSS PWV were grouped into daily and monthly averages; the variability of the daily and monthly GNSS PWV were compared and validated with the daily and monthly PWV from National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and monthly Rainfall data for the study years respectively. The results revealed that the spatiotemporal variability of PWV across Nigeria is a function of geographic location and seasons. The result shows that there is temporal correlation between GNSS PWV, NCEP PWV and rainfall events. The research also affirms that GNSS PWV could be used to improve weather forecasting/monitoring as well as climate monitoring.
A tridimensional view of the Hispanic Health Paradox: Its relationship with faith, the enclave theory, and familism
Authors: Hem-Lee-Forsyth Shivaughn , Sandoval Bibiana , Bryant Hanna
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the "Hispanic (American) Health Paradox," the juxtaposition of Hispanics’ longer lifespan than the average American amid numerous inequities regarding social determinants of health. Hispanic Americans endure multiple health disparities with a higher incidence and prevalence of chronic conditions. They also experience multiple psychosocial and physical health challenges, including higher rates of food insecurity, poverty, segregation, discrimination, and limited or no access to medical care. Nevertheless, Hispanics enjoy better physical well-being and lower mortality rates when compared to non-Hispanics in the United States (Ruiz et al., 2021). This project aims to analyze the sources of this group’s biosocial advantages and resilience, allowing them to have a longer lifespan amidst their lower health status and increased risk for chronic conditions. It explores the political and social justice implications of these inequities. It also examines the strategies to close the gap on Latinos' current health care disparities via public policy aspects of federal and state legislature. A narrative review method was utilized to examine the existing literature on this paradoxical effect. Keywords based on Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) used to search resources for relevant studies included: Hispanic health paradox (health paradox, immigrant paradox), ethnic minorities (Latinos, LatinX), health disparities (disproportionate health, health inequities), social justice (healthcare stakeholders, health inequities solutions, inequities recommendations), mental health, physical health, and co-morbidities.  A quality assessment of full-text peer-reviewed articles yielded 80 articles to compile this narrative review. The research revealed that, despite glaring disparities in social determinants of health, Hispanic Americans have overall experienced better health outcomes through a culture that emphasizes spirituality, community support, and strong family ties.
Evaluation of Eye Lens Dose Reduction Technics in Head CT
Authors: Bangassi Thierry Narcisse Kouagou , Samba Odette Ngano , Thierens Hubert , Njock Moïse Godfroy Kwato
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to find the best protocol to reduce the X-ray dose to the eye lens during head diagnostic computed tomography (CT) without decreasing image quality in the organs of interest according to the type of scanner. The lens of the eye is one of radiosensitive tissues in the body. Radiation induced cataract has been demonstrated among staff involved in interventional procedures using X-rays. This study compares the absorbed dose and image quality of several dose reduction technics to the eye lens during head CT exam namely bismuth shielding, organ-based dose modulation, tube current modulation, tube voltage modulation and the combination of a number of these techniques. Compared to the reference scan (Fixed tube current without bismuth shielding), the dose to the eye lens was reduced by 29.91% with bismuth shield, 14.55% with tube current modulation, 37.76% with tube current modulation and bismuth shield. The combination of organ-based dose modulation with tube voltage modulation reduced the dose by 44.93% that of tube current modulation with tube voltage modulation reduced by 19.03% and that of tube current modulation with tube voltage modulation and shield by 46.73%.

The combination of organ-based dose with tube voltage modulation provided superior image quality than that of tube current modulation with tube voltage modulation and shield while similarly reducing dose to the eye lens.