bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico binding affinity analysis of microplastic compounds on PET hydrolase enzyme target of Ideonella sakaiensis
Authors: Duru Chidi Edbert , Duru Ijeoma Akunna , Enyoh Christian Ebere 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The world today is faced with the humongous challenge of removing the numerous plastic wastes in our environment. Efforts in the removal or remediation of these materials from the ecosystem are presently at the budding stage. Some researchers have shown that certain bacterial enzymes have the ability to hydrolyze and further degrade these plastic compounds. In this study, the ability of PET hydrolase enzyme to hydrolyze polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate was investigated in silico.

Results
The binding affinity values of polycarbonate (− 5.7 kcal/mol) and polyethylene terephthalate (− 5.2 kcal/mol) on the enzyme targets were the highest and showed that they are likely to be efficiently hydrolyzed by this bacteria in the environment. The binding affinity of polyvinylchloride was the lowest (− 2.2 kcal/mol) and suggested that it would show resistance to hydrolysis by the PET hydrolase enzyme.

Conclusion
The findings from this study showed that PET hydrolase enzyme from Ideonella sakaiensis could be efficient in the hydrolysis of plastic wastes composed mainly of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate.
Assessment of the antibacterial effect of Khaya senegalensis on some Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Dougnon Victorien , Hounsa Edna , Koudokpon Hornel , Agbodjento Eric , Afaton Anny , Sintondji Kevin , Klotoe Jean Robert , Segbo Julien , Baba-Moussa Lamine 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The matter of antimicrobial resistance evokes the urgency to explore alternatives to the antibiotics traditionally used for microbial infections. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of the antibacterial effect of Khaya senegalensis liable for bacterial strains responsible for diarrheal infections.

Results
The data collected indicate that the bacterial strains tested (Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp.) were sensitive to the extracts of Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A.Juss. (aqueous and hydro-ethanol) to varying degrees. The hydro-ethanolic extract was active on all strains with a MIC of 25 mg/mL coupled with a bactericidal effect. The aqueous extract was only active on the Salmonella spp. strain. Membrane permeability test data show that Khaya senegalensis extracts affect the bacterial strains tested by attacking the stability of their outer membrane. This potential indicated by the high percentage of membrane destabilization of the bacteria is significantly (p < 0.05) better than that of cefixime used as a reference.

Conclusion
This study revealed that Khaya senegalensis destroys Gram-bacteria by attacking the stability of their cytoplasmic membrane. These data provide for the first time the mode of action of Khaya senegalensis extracts concerning their antibacterial activity.
Photosynthetic characteristics of cotton are enhanced by altering the timing of mulch film removal
Authors: ZHANG Zhanqin , ZHANG Li , TIAN Haiyan , NIU Yuan , YANG Xiangkun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The photosynthetic parameters of cotton plants may be modified by the timing of film removal during their growing period. This study was undertaken during 2015–2017 in Xinjiang, China, to determine to what extent the film mulching removal time, 1 and 10 days before the first irrigation and 1 day before the second irrigation after seedling emergence, influenced cotton’s photosynthetic characteristics. The control group (CK) was film-mulched throughout the growth stages.

Results
The results suggested the following: (1) Removing mulching-film within 50 days since seedling emergence had adverse effects on soil temperature and moisture. (2) Film-removal before the first or second irrigation after emergence improved the net photosynthetic rate in cotton’s later flowering stage and its transpiration rate in mid and later flowering stages while enhancing the actual electron transport rate (ETR) and maximum electron transfer rate (ETRmax) between cotton photosystems I and II. (3) Film-removal treatment also increased cotton plants’ tolerance to high irradiation after emergence, the trend was more pronounced in the early flowering stage in wetter years. (4) Leaf area index (LAI) of cotton was reduced in the film-removal treatment for which the least accumulation of dry matter occurred in a drought year (i.e., 2015). (5) Film removal caused a yield decrease in the dry year (2015), and the earlier the film was removed, the more seriously the yield decreased. Removing mulching film before the second irrigation could increase the yield of XLZ42 in the rainy year (2016) and the normal rainfall year (2017). Early film removal can increase the yield of XLZ45 in the rainy year (2016).

Conclusions
Collectively, our study’s experimental results indicate that applying mulch film removal at an appropriate, targeted time after seedling emergence had no adverse effects on soil moisture and temperature, and improved the photosynthetic performance of cotton, thus increased cotton yield and fiber quality, but no significant difference was reached.
A unique case of black choledocholithiasis: a video-based case review in the Pancreato-Biliary Division–Endoscopy Unit of National Liver Institute (NLI)
Authors: Alhaddad Omkolsoum , Elsabaawy Maha , Hendy Olfat , Kamal Ahmed , Elshazly Helmy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Black gall stones are consistently described in relation to haem turnover and hemolytic disorders. Black gall stones are also a frequent presentation in cirrhotic patients, principally due to hemolysis-related hypersplenism.

Case presentation
Herein, we present a case of an average built 83-year-old lady who was suffering from biliary-type abdominal episodes of pain. Neither clinical nor laboratory evidence of overt biliary obstruction, cholangitis, or pancreatitis was detected. Sonographic examination revealed the presence of calcular gall bladder with many small stones, dilated common bile duct (CBD), and biliary radicles, along with homogenous average-sized liver, average-sized spleen with normal echogenicity and no focal lesions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed with wide papillotomy which was surprisingly followed by a drift of innumerable intensely black small stones.

Conclusion
In aged population, absence of the full-blown clinical syndrome in relation to complicated CBD stones should not exclude endoscopic intervention.
Cervical Cancer Treatment in HIV-Positive Patients: A Survey of Treatment Practices in India
Authors: Mohanty Samarpita , Gurram Lavanya , Chopra Supriya , Mahantshetty Umesh , Grover Surbhi 
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE Chemoradiation remains a challenge in women living with HIV (WLWH) and cervical cancer primarily because of concerns regarding immune status. With limited literature available to help guide the management of these patients, clinical practices among oncologists are variable across India. Hence, we conducted a survey among radiation oncologists in India to assess the patterns of current practices of treating cervical cancer with chemoradiation in WLWH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions related to the treatment of cervical cancer in WLWH was distributed to radiation oncologists at two national conferences in India. RESULTS The questionnaire was distributed to 105 radiation oncologists, and 90 (85.7%) responses were received. 95.5% of respondents reported that patients with advanced cervical cancer constituted the majority of their practice. Chemoradiation was reported as the most common modality of planned treatment. Ninety-four percentage of respondents reported that they referred patients to an antiretroviral therapy clinic before starting definitive treatment. The majority of respondents (68%) do not plan for concurrent chemotherapy if CD4 counts were < 200 cells/mm3. As many as 50% of respondents reported that they would only start antiretroviral therapy when CD4 counts drop. Poor social support (37.6%), concurrent infections during treatment (28.2%), acute toxicities (21.2%), and poor nutrition (13%) were cited as the most common reasons for treatment interruption in cervical cancer patients with HIV. CONCLUSION This survey highlights the prevalent inconsistencies in treatment protocols employed by radiation oncologists in India for the management of locally advanced cervical cancer in WLWH. It also reflects the need for social and nutritional support to help improve compliance and thereby improve outcomes in these patients.
Fat Cell Size: Measurement Methods, Pathophysiological Origins, and Relationships With Metabolic Dysregulations
Authors: Ye Run Zhou , Richard Gabriel , Gévry Nicolas , Tchernof André , Carpentier André C 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe obesity pandemic increasingly causes morbidity and mortality from type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and many other chronic diseases. Fat cell size (FCS) predicts numerous obesity-related complications such as lipid dysmetabolism, ectopic fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disorders. Nevertheless, the scarcity of systematic literature reviews on this subject is compounded by the use of different methods by which FCS measurements are determined and reported. In this paper, we provide a systematic review of the current literature on the relationship between adipocyte hypertrophy and obesity-related glucose and lipid dysmetabolism, ectopic fat accumulation, and cardiovascular disorders. We also review the numerous mechanistic origins of adipocyte hypertrophy and its relationship with metabolic dysregulation, including changes in adipogenesis, cell senescence, collagen deposition, systemic inflammation, adipokine secretion, and energy balance. To quantify the effect of different FCS measurement methods, we performed statistical analyses across published data while controlling for body mass index, age, and sex.
Intracardiac hemodynemics, fibroblast growth factor-2 and oxyproline levels with mitral valve prolapse in combination with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nikolenko Olena , Korzh Oleksii 
Published: June 2021

The purpose. The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of basic echocardiographic parameters, fibroblast growth factor-2 and free and peptide-bounding oxyproline indicators in young patients with mitral valve prolapse, type 1 diabetes mellitus and the combination of both indications.Materials and methods. 93 patients between 19 and 33 years old with either mitral valve prolapse, type 1 diabetes and the combination of both indications were examined. There are 24 people with diagnosed mitral valve prolapse, 33 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and mitral valve prolapse and 36 patients with the monomorbid type 1 diabetes mellitus. The establishment of the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse implemented by echocardiographic criteria L. Freed et al. (2002). The concentration of fibroblast growth factor-2 in blood plasma was determined by the enzyme immunoassay using a Quantikine reagent kit (Human FGF basic Immunoassay), manufactured by R&D Systems, Inc. (USA) and expressed in pg/ml. Free and peptide-bounding oxyproline as the markers of connective tissue metabolism were determined by the method of P. N. Sharaev and expressed in µmol/L.Results. In patients with mitral valve prolapse and ype 1 diabetes mellitus, the higher values of l left ventricular posterior wall thickness and intraventricular septum have been revealed in comparison with the groups of patients with monomorbid mitral valve prolapse and ype 1 diabetes mellitus. Fibroblast growth factor-2 was higher in group with combination of both indications, where it was [23.7 ± 0.25] pg/ml compared to the control group [14.20 ± 0.22] pg/ml (p <0.01). There was also a significant difference in the levels of fibroblast growth factor-2 between group with either mitral valve prolapse [15.33 ±0.24] pg/ml and combination of mitral valve prolapse and type 1 diabetes [23.71 ±0.25] pg/ml (p<0.01). The level of peptide-bound oxyproline, just as the level of free oxyproline, significantly increased in patients with comorbid pathology, compared to the control group: [16.06 ±1.54] µmol/l versus [8.7 ±0.81] µmol/l (p<0.01) respectively. Conclusions. The most significant differences in the indices of intracardiac hemodynamics, fibroblast growth factor-2 and free and peptide-bounding oxyproline compared with control were observed in patients with combination of mitral valve prolapse and type 1 diabetes, which may indicate the influence of diabetic metabolic processes on further structural changes in the mitral valve.
Legal factors of employment of seafarers
Authors: Pidpala Iryna 
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the study of legal regulation of the employment of sailors. Employment is an independent procedure that implies a job acceptance and includes a certain number of actions as a candidate for the post and shipowner. Installed, the specificity of marine hiring requires special conditions and regulation of labor relations, including the norms of domestic legislation and international. Depending on the position, a certain number of qualified documents that have been checking are established. Feature when taking a sailor to work Captain's coordination.
Quality of life of civilian persons with adaptation disorders who have experienced psycho-social stress under the conditions of military conflict
Authors: Likholetov Y. O. 
Published: June 2021

The objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality of life of civilians who have experienced psychosocial stress in a military conflict, and justify the differentiation of therapeutic approaches in providing specialized medical care. Materials and methods. Clinical, psychopathological and psychodiagnostic methods were used. Three groups were formed. They included 109 persons experienced psychosocial stress during military conflict. The first group (G1) consisted of fallen servicemen wives (n=6); group 2 (G2) included mothers, fathers and wives of unaffected combatants who returned to peaceful life (n=71); 32 internally displaced persons (12 men and 20 women) were included to group 3 (G3). The survey was conducted in accordance with the principles of bioethics and deontology. Results. All the persons were diagnosed with mental disorders of the F43.2 cluster - adaptive disorders. It has been revealed that the lowest scores in most spheres of life, both individual and integrated, had IDPs. Low scores of IDPs may show both a conscious and an unconscious desire to draw attention to their psychological and social problems, as this group is the least socially protected and receives the least social support from the state. The attitude of society to this group is also ambiguous, in contrast to the attitude to combatants and their family’s members. This can have a significant impact on the self-esteem of QLI primarily related to social functioning. QLI in all areas did not differ significantly between relatives of the fallen and relatives of unaffected combatants, which gives grounds to consider them as the same in QLI characteristics. The ratio of QLI in different areas in these groups was different, which indicates the complexity and multifactorial impact of different factors on the assessment of QLI in combatants’ relatives and IDPs. The features identified should be taken into account when developing treatment-and-rehabilitation and preventive measures for these contingents.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of some compounds for purulent wounds treatment
Authors: Mishyna Marina M. , Burov Andrey N. , Vekshyn Vitaliy A. , Grabovetskaya Evgeniya R. 
Published: June 2021

Results of in vitro studies of antimicrobial compounds effect on clinical strains Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing purulent inflammation of open wounds are considered in the article. Activity of the compounds was determined according to the inhibition of the microorganisms growth by means of agar well diffusion method. Nisin and silver nitrate are shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, while such classical antiseptics as ectericide and colloidal silver were inactive.
Role of the neuroendocrine complex in immunotropic effects of nitrogenous metabolites in rats
Authors: Kuchma Igor , Gozhenko Anatoliy , Flyunt Igor-Severyn , Ruzhylo Sofiya , Kovalchuk Galyna , Zukow Walery , Popovych Igor 
Published: June 2021

Background. We have previously shown that nitrogenous metabolites have immunomodulatory effects, both suppressor and enhancing, both in healthy rats and in humans exposed to pathogenic influences. The immunomodulatory effect of bilirubin is probably mediated through aryl hydrocarbon receptors, and uric acid through TL- and adenosine receptors of immune cells. The question of mediators of the immunomodulatory action of urea and creatinine remains open. We hypothesized the mediating role of mediators of the autonomic nervous system and adaptive hormones. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between the parameters of nitrogenous metabolites and the parameters of the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems, on the one hand, and between neuroendocrine and immune parameters - on the other hand. Material and methods. Experiment was performed on 60 healthy female Wistar rats. The plasma levels and urinary excretion of the nitrogenous metabolites, HRV and endocrine (corticosterone, triiodothyronine and testosterone plasma levels, calcitonin, parathyroid and mineralocorticoid activities, the thickness of glomerular, fascicular, reticular and medullar zones of adrenals) parameters as well as parameters of immunity were determined. Results. According to the results of canonical correlation analysis, the modulating effects of nitrogenous metabolites on neuroendocrine parameters are quite pronounced and almost identical in terms of bilirubin (R=0,603), creatinine (R=0,602), uric acid (R=0,599) and urea (R=0,586). Taken together, nitrogenous metabolites determine neuroendocrine parameters by 71,5% (R=0,845; χ2(84)=179; p<10-6). Triiodothyronine, fascicular and medullar areas of the adrenal glands, vagal tone and calcitonin activity were the most susceptible to nitrogenous metabolites. In turn, neuroendocrine parameters determine the parameters of immunity, subject to exposure to nitrogenous metabolites, by 95,8% (R=0,979; χ2(264)=405; p<10-6). Conclusion. Previously identified immunomodulatory effects of nitrogenous metabolites are realized, perhaps, through the factors of the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems.
Methods of assessing body composition and anthropometric measurements – a review of the literature
Authors: Pawlak Angelika , Ręka Gabriela , Olszewska Anna , Warchulińska Joanna , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina 
Published: June 2021

Introduction and purpose Body composition assessment is an important element in determining the health of the body, which enables us to estimate the percent content of particular tissues in the body. Measured parameters include the amount of adipose tissue, muscle, bone tissue, and hydration. The aim of the study is to present a differentiation of methods of assessing body composition and anthropometric measurements after analysis of 29 scientific publications from Pubmed and Google Scholar.A brief description of the state of knowledgeBioelectrical impedance analysis, densitometry, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and air displacement plethysmography are methods that enable us to assess body composition and hydration. These methods differ from each other in equipment which is used, accuracy, test price, and technique of measurement. The differences in the accuracy of measurements result from the lack of correlation between the methods given. Skinfold thickness, body mass index, waist to hip circumference ratio, and growth charts in children are methods of assessing anthropometric measurements. The research shows the use of individual methods of assessing body composition and methods of anthropometric measurements among different age groups.Conclusions There are many devices and methods for measuring body composition and for anthropometric measurements, which can be used in different age groups. They are important in assessing human growth, development, and health status and can be used in clinical practice.
On-chip four-mode (de-)multiplexer on thin film lithium niobate–silicon rich nitride hybrid platform
Authors: Liu Yang , Huang Xingrui , Li Zezheng , Guan Huan , Yu Zhiguo , Wei Qingquan , Fan Zhongchao , Han Weihua , Li Zhiyong 
Published: June 2021

A four-mode (de-)multiplexer with transverse electric field light (

T
E

0

−

T
E

3

) is experimentally demonstrated on a thin film lithium niobate–silicon rich nitride hybrid platform. Enabled by cascaded asymmetrical directional couplers, a (de-)multiplexer with low insertion loss (0.38 dB to 1.6 dB) and low cross talk (

−

18.46

d
B

to

−

20.43

d
B

) is obtained at 1550 nm. All channels have cross talk

<

−

16

d
B

from 1480 nm to 1580 nm. The transmission of

4
×
50

Gbps on–off keying signals is experimentally achieved on the proposed (de-)multiplexer. Experimental results show that the proposed (de-)multiplexer is a promising approach to enhance the transmission capacity in thin film lithium niobate based photonics integrated circuits.
Effect of mupirocin for Staphylococcus aureus decolonization on the microbiome of the nose and throat in community and nursing home dwelling adults
Authors: Roghmann Mary-Claire , Lydecker Alison D. , Shardell Michelle , DeBoy Robert T. , Johnson J. Kristie , Zhao LiCheng , Hittle Lauren L. , Mongodin Emmanuel F. 
Published: June 2021

Objective
To characterize the microbial communities of the anterior nares (nose) and posterior pharynx (throat) of adults dwelling in the community and in nursing homes before and after treatment with intranasal mupirocin.

Methods
Staphylococcus aureus-colonized adults were recruited from the community (n = 25) and from nursing homes (n = 7). S. aureus colonization was confirmed using cultures. Participants had specimens taken from nose and throat for S. aureus quantitation using quantitative PCR for the nuc gene and bacterial profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing over 12 weeks. After two baseline study visits 4 weeks apart, participants received intranasal mupirocin for 5 days with 3 further visits over a 8 week follow-up period.

Results
We found a decrease in the absolute abundance of S. aureus in the nose for 8 weeks after mupirocin (1693 vs 141 fg/ul, p = 0.047). Mupirocin caused a statistically significant disruption in bacterial communities of the nose and throat after 1 week, which was no longer detected after 8 weeks. Bacterial community profiling demonstrated that there was a decrease in the relative abundance of S. aureus (8% vs 0.3%, p<0.01) 8 weeks after mupirocin and a transient decrease in the relative abundance of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the nose (21% vs 5%, p<0.01) 1 week after mupirocin.

Conclusions
Decolonization with mupirocin leads to a sustained effect on absolute and relative abundance of S. aureus but not for other bacteria in the nose. This demonstrates that a short course of mupirocin selectively decreases S. aureus in the nose for up to 8 weeks.