bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in plumage density, plumage mass and feather morphology in the world’s northernmost land bird
Authors: Nord Andreas , Holje Vidar , Judik Benjamin , Folkow Lars P. , Pap Péter L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The Svalbard ptarmigan is the year-round resident terrestrial bird in the high Arctic. While the physiological and morphological adaptations permitting its winter endurance are reasonably well understood, it remains unknown how the conspicuous moult from a greyish brown summer- to a white winter plumage, and any underlying changes in plumage structure and feather morphology, contributes to seasonal acclimatisation. Thus, using standard morphometric techniques, we, firstly, measured seasonal change in plumage and feather characteristics in six body regions. We then investigated if winter plumage traits differ between first-winter and older birds, because differential plumage acclimatisation has been suggested as an explanation for why young Svalbard ptarmigan lose more heat in winter. Plumage feather density (i.e., feathers × cm-2) and mass density (i.e., mg feathers × cm-2) was higher in winter, particularly on the head and feet where individual feathers were also heavier, longer, and downier. Seasonal changes in other regions (back, tarsi) indicated acclimatisation primarily to resist wear and wind. First-winter and older birds had similar feather density. However, mass density in the young birds was significantly lower in all but one body region (back) since individual feathers weighed less. This can explain previous observations of higher heat loss rates in first-winter birds. Our study suggests that plumage acclimatisation contributes to optimising winter phenotypes, both through higher insulative capacity and by improved resistance to harsh weather. The extent of these adaptations may be balanced by the time or energy available for feather growth, exemplified here by inferior insulation in first-winter birds.
Remote Sensing for Assessing the Ecological and Socio-Economic Impacts of Forest Fire Severity in Kozan District, Turkey
Authors: Ibrahim Sa'ad , KOSE Mustafa , Adamu Bashir , Jega Idris Mohammed 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Monitoring the ecological and socio-economic impacts of wildfires using traditional approaches requires significant financial resources, time, and sampling expertise. However, not only are resources scarce, but the spatial and temporal extent of forest fires may make it impractical to assess large areas over time. As a result, fire monitoring initiatives are often not realized. This makes the remote sensing approach an intriguing option for fire protection managers and decision makers due to its ability to measure large areas and its temporal capabilities. In this study, burn spectral indices derived from Landsat 8 (difference normalized vegetation index (dNDVI) and difference normalized burn ratio (dNBR)) were used to assess the ecological and socio-economic impacts of forest fire based on an existing land use land cover dataset. The relationships between estimated fire severity/area and, environmental and anthropogenic factors were also evaluated. The results show that more than 700 hectares of forest and other land use categories were burnt. Fires adversely affect high forests, thickets, degraded forests, and most cultivation and rural areas. The study also shows a moderate positive relationship between burn severity and pre-fire vegetation (R2 = 0.48 and R2 = 0.49 for dNDVI and dNBR, respectively). This result suggests, that fuel amount is the main driver of burn severity during the fire season in this particular ecosystem. Topography has been shown to affect the fire behavior in the study area, where fires occurred primarily on elevations averaging 400-800 meters above mean sea level. In addition, there is a weak positive relationship between population density and burnt area. This is typical of certain areas where fire increases with increasing population density, and falls when the burning exceeds a threshold. This study has shown that Landsat 8 data-derived burn spectral indices (dNDVI and dNBR) have a high potential for the spatial analysis of wildfire. The study recommends an improvement in the application of remote sensing to detect, monitor, and assess fire extent and patterns. These in return will protect and improve lives and properties for sustainable development.
Ascertaining the Prevalence of Heart Malformations in Neonates: A Novel Clinically Approved Solution
Authors: Bordbar Arash , Kashaki Mandana , Vafapour Maryam , Sepehri Amir A. , Partovi Elaheh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Screening for critical congenital heart defects should be done as early as possible and is essential to save lives and reduce the incidence of undetected adult congenital heart diseases. Over 50% of neonates with heart malformations remain unrecognized at birth. Accurate screening for congenital heart malformations is achievable using a certified and internationally patented digital intelligent phonocardiography machine. This study aimed to assess the actual incidence of newborn heart defects in a well-baby nursery and evaluate digital intelligent phonocardiogram screening for critical congenital heart defects.
Methods: We conducted the “Neonates Cardiac Monitoring Research Project” (ethics approval number: IR-IUMS-FMD. REC.1398.098) at the Shahid Akbarabadi Maternity Hospital. This study is a retrospective analysis of screening congenital heart malformation in 840 neonates. Randomly, 840 neonates from the well-baby nursery underwent standard clinical examinations at birth and digital intelligent phonocardiogram examination in a double-blinded format. A pediatric cardiologist performed echocardiography for each neonate classified as abnormal using the intelligent machine or routine medical examinations. If a follow up was demanded by the pediatric cardiologist, the neonate was considered as having a congenital heart malformation and the cumulative incidence proportion was calculated accordingly.
Results: The incidence of heart malformations in the well-baby nursery was 5%, and 44% of neonates with heart malformations were unrecognized at birth based on the standard medical examination results, including those with critical congenital heart defects (CCHD). An intelligent phonocardiogram recognized 100% of neonates with heart malformations.
Conclusion: We accurately and cost-effectively screened for congenital heart malformations in all neonates in our hospital using a digital intelligent phonocardiogram. We detected neonates with CCHD and congenital heart defects using an intelligent machine; these could not be detected using standard medical examinations. In addition, the intelligent machine interpreted innocent murmurs as healthy heart sounds.
Pik Turbo Orta Göbeğinin Alüminyum Alaşımından Üretilmesi
Authors: UYULGAN Bahadır 
Published: September 2022

The goal of this research is to make an aluminum alloy center housing for a turbocharger, which is currently built of cast iron, in order to minimize weight in the car sector. The use of aluminum alloy instead of cast iron to manufacture a turbocharger's central housing is expected to result in a 60 percent weight reduction.
It was determined in the investigation that A242 aluminum alloy might be utilized in place of cast iron. The turbo mid-hub, which is comprised of A242 aluminum alloy, was then heat treated and hardness tested. The finite element approach was used to examine the temperature distribution of the part.
As a result of the aging experiment, the solution temperature and duration were kept constant, and the most acceptable aging temperature and time for the turbocharger cental hausing were identified as 190°C, 234 minutes, as a consequence of the aging heat treatments done at different temperatures. The hottest spots of the turbocharger central hausing built from A242 alloy and cast iron, according to the temperature distribution study, are 153°C in the aluminum alloy section and 233°C in the cast iron component.
Jelly formulated with different carbohydrate profiles: Quality evaluation
Authors: Plotnikova Inessa , Magomedov Gazibeg , Zharkova Irina , Miroshnichenko Elena , Plotnikov Viktor 
Published: September 2022

Jelly is a popular confectionery product but it has a high content of easily digestible sugars, namely 70–85%. Therefore, modern confectioners are trying to develop new formulations of jelly with reduced sweetness and sugar content. One of the ways to achieve that is to use starch syrup instead of white sugar. Another benefit of starch syrup is that it can slow down the drying and staling of jelly.
We studied three types of starch syrup (low-conversion, confectionery, high-conversion), glucose-fructose syrup, and sugar-free jelly samples based on them. Jelly based on sugar and confectionery syrup was used as the control sample. The main quality indicators were analyzed against standard values; the sensory parameters were determined by the descriptor-profile analysis; and water activity was measured by using a HygroPalm Rotronic hygrometer. The microbiological safety of the experimental jelly samples was assessed after 12 weeks of their storage in plastic containers.
The sample based on confectionery syrup had the most optimal profile, with moderate sweetness and taste richness, good jelly-like texture, viscoelasticity, plasticity, a color similar to that of the control, and no effect of wetting or stickiness. The samples based on starch syrup had a 1.4–2.4-fold decrease in easily digestible sugars and a 1.9–3.4-fold increase in polysaccharides, compared to the control. During storage, the samples based on high-conversion starch syrup and glucose-fructose syrup were less likely to dry out than the others, with their water activity decreasing to a greater extent. The microbiological analysis after storage showed the absence of pathogenic microorganisms and coliform bacteria in three out of the four jelly samples.
Using various types of starch syrup and glucose-fructose syrup instead of white sugar allows for a greater range of jelly types with different carbohydrate profiles and a longer shelf life.
Polythiophene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/nitrate reductase deposited glassy carbon electrode (GCE/PTH/MWCNT/NR): a novel biosensor for the detection of nitrate in aqueous solution
Authors: Umar Mohammad Faisal , Nasar Abu , Inamuddin  
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In the present investigation, a novel biosensor (GCE/PTH/MWCNT/NR) based on the nanocomposite of polythiophene (PTH) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) immobilized by nitrate reductase (NR) was designed and made on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). PTH and its composite with MWCNT were prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization. The structural features and surface morphologies of the composites were investigated by the standard analytical techniques, namely, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Measurements of the electrochemical performance and electrocatalytic activity of GCE/PTH/MWCNT/NR were carried out by cyclic voltammetry at different scan rates (20–100 mV s−1) in artificially polluted water containing nitrate ions. This laboratory-developed bio-electrode attained a maximum current density of 5.12 mAcm−2 at a scan rate of 100 mVs−1 for 8.0 mM sodium nitrate solution.
Heterologous Prime-boost Vaccination Using Adenovirus and Albumin
Nanoparticles as Carriers for Human Papillomavirus 16 E7 Epitope
Authors: Ghanaat Momeneh , Kaboosi Hami , Negahdari Babak , Fattahi Esmail , Malekshahi Ziba Veisi 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Nanocarriers are these days considered an attractive approach in cancer
immunotherapy owing to their ability to deliver antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for
stimulating robust immune cells against the tumor.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to construct nanocomplexes using two nanocarriers with
negative surface charge, adenovirus (Ad) and human serum albumin nanoparticle (HSA-NP), and
coat their surface with a modified and positively-charged HPV16 E7 MHC-I specific epitope to assess
their anti-tumor effects in a TC-1 mouse model.

Methods:
After the construction of Ad and HSA-NP, their complexes with HPV16 E7 MHC-I specific
epitope were characterized by zeta potential and dynamic light scattering. Then, the cellular
immunity and CTL responses in immunized mice were assessed by measuring the levels of IL-10
and IFN-γ and the expression of CD107a, a marker of CTL response, as well as tumor inhibition.

Results:
The zeta potential and dynamic light scattering results showed that incubation of the oppositely-
charged nanocarriers and MHC-I specific epitope led to the formation of nanocomplexes in
which the surface charge of nanocarriers was changed from negative to positive with minimal
changes in the particle size. We demonstrated that the nanocomplex platforms in heterologous primeboost
regimens generate significantly higher E7-specific IL-10, IFN-γ, and CTL responses. Moreover,
the heterologous nanocomplex regimens, Alb/Pep-Ad/Pep and Ad/Pep-Alb/Pep, significantly
suppressed the growth of TC-1 tumors in vivo compared with mice receiving homologous regimens
and naked nanocarriers.

Conclusion:
The heterologous nanocomplexes might serve as an effective vaccine strategy against
HPV-induced cervical cancer.
Phylogenetic and Structural Analysis of Bacterial Nitrilases for the Biodegradation
of Nitrile Compounds
Authors: Salwan Richa , Sharma Vivek , Das Surajit 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Microbial nitrilases play a vital role in the biodegradation of nitrilecontaining
pollutants, effluent treatments in chemical and textile industries, and the biosynthesis of
Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) from tryptophan in plants. However, the lack of structural information limits
the correlation between its activity and substrate specificity.

Methods:
The present study involves the genome mining of bacteria for the distribution and diversity
of nitrilases, their phylogenetic analysis and structural characterization for motifs/ domains, followed
by interaction with substrates.

Results:
Here, we mined the bacterial genomes for nitrilases and correlated their functions to hypothetical,
uncharacterized, or putative ones. The comparative genomics revealed four AcNit, As7Nit,
Cn5Nit and Cn9Nit predicted nitrilases encoding genes as uncharacterized subgroups of the nitrilase
superfamily. The annotation of these nitrilases encoding genes revealed relatedness with nitrilase hydratases
and cyanoalanine hydratases. At the proteomics level, the motif analysis of these protein sequences
predicted a single motif of 20-28 aa, with glutamate (E), lysine (K) and cysteine (C) residues
as a part of catalytic triad along with several other residues at the active site. The structural analysis of
the nitrilases revealed geometrical and close conformation in the form of α-helices and β-sheets arranged
in a sandwich structure. The catalytic residues constituted the substrate binding pocket and exhibited
the broad nitrile substrate spectra for aromatic and aliphatic nitriles-containing compounds.
The aromatic amino acid residues Y159 in the active site were predicted to be responsible for substrate
specificity. The substitution of non-aromatic alanine residue in place of Y159 completely disrupted
the catalytic activity for indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN).

Conclusion:
The present study reports genome mining and simulation of structure-function relationship
for uncharacterized bacterial nitrilases and their role in the biodegradation of pollutants and xenobiotics,
which could be of applications in different industrial sectors.
Gene Therapy Cargoes Based on Viral Vector Delivery
Authors: Lundstrom Kenneth 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
Viral vectors have proven useful in a broad spectrum of gene therapy applications due to their possibility to accommodate foreign genetic material for both local and systemic delivery. The wide range of viral vectors has enabled gene therapy applications for both acute and chronic diseases. Cancer gene therapy has been addressed by delivery of viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, and suicide genes for destruction of tumors. Delivery if immunostimulatory genes such as cytokines and chemokines has also been applied for cancer therapy. Moreover, oncolytic viruses specifically replicating in and killing tumor cells have been used as such for tumor eradication or in combination with tumor killing or immunostimulatory genes. In a broad meaning, vaccines against infectious diseases and various cancers can be considered as gene therapy, which has been highly successful not the least for development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. Viral vector-based gene therapy has also demonstrated encouraging and promising results for chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia. Preclinical gene therapy studies in animal models have demonstrated proof-of-concept for a wide range of disease indications. Clinical evaluation of drugs and vaccines in humans has showed high safety levels, good tolerance, and therapeutic efficacy. Several gene therapy drugs such as the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, lentivirus-based treatment of SCID-X1 disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease, and adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed.
Advances on Epigenetic Drugs for Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Skouras Panagiotis , Markouli Mariam , Strepkos Dimitrios , Piperi Christina 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
Pediatric malignant brain tumors represent the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths
in childhood. The therapeutic scheme of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has improved patient
management, but with minimal progress in patients’ prognosis. Emerging molecular targets and mechanisms
have revealed novel approaches for pediatric brain tumor therapy, enabling personalized medical
treatment. Advances in the field of epigenetic research and their interplay with genetic changes
have enriched our knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity of these neoplasms and have revealed
important genes that affect crucial signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. The great potential
of epigenetic therapy lies mainly in the widespread location and the reversibility of epigenetic alterations,
proposing a wide range of targeting options, including the possible combination of chemoand
immunotherapy, significantly increasing their efficacy. Epigenetic drugs, including inhibitors of
DNA methyltransferases, histone deacetylases and demethylases, are currently being tested in clinical
trials on pediatric brain tumors. Additional novel epigenetic drugs include protein and enzyme inhibitors
that modulate epigenetic modification pathways, such as Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET)
proteins, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), AXL, Facilitates Chromatin Transcription (FACT),
BMI1, and CREB Binding Protein (CBP) inhibitors, which can be used either as standalone or in
combination with current treatment approaches. In this review, we discuss recent progress on epigenetic
drugs that could possibly be used against the most common malignant tumors of childhood, such as
medulloblastomas, high-grade gliomas and ependymomas.
Alkaline Methanolysis and Octylamine Addition Products of Dehydrocostus
Lactone Isolated from Echinops kebericho Root
Authors: Gashu Minbale 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
Dehydrocostus lactone is biosynthesized in Saussurea lappa (commonly known as costus), Echinops kebericho, and E. amplexicaulis. Since reports described the compound as a bioactive metabolite, many analogues were synthesized to evaluate the structure-activity relationship. In this study, two new analogues of the active principle were synthesized to compare their mycelial growth inhibition potential against two plant pathogens, namely, Fusarium species causing root rot/wilt of faba bean and Phytophthora infestans triggering potato late blight in Ethiopia. Structural changes at the lactone ring of the synthesized compounds led to a decrease in growth inhibition diameter, which describes the role of the α-methylene-γ-lactone moiety in determining the observed bioactivity. The chemical structures of the two new compounds are elucidated using spectroscopic analysis and reported for the first time.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Potential Zinc Metallodrugs Drug Discovery:
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Spike/ACE2 Inhibitors
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho P. , Tapala Kgaugelo C. , Clayton Hadley S. 
Published: September 2022

Background:
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-
2) variants with novel spike protein mutations has been shown to be influencing the epidemiological
and clinical aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:
Due to studies showing various dietary benefits of zinc as a viral replication inhibitor as
well as an immunity enhancer, organometallic complexes incorporating zinc ions can be ideal antiviral
candidates due to their structural variation and diverse stereochemistry.

Methods:
In silico studies were conducted for the virtual screening of zinc complexes with SARSCoV-
2 and host proteins to explore their effect on viral entry and replication activity. Molegro Virtual
Docker along with AutoDock was used for the identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor
complexes from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). Molecular dynamics (MD), density
functional theory (DFT), chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity
properties (ADMET) were used to support the findings from virtual screening.

Results:
In correlation with SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and spike receptorbinding
domain bound with ACE2 docking results, the compound (bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole)-
bis(2-furoato)-zinc(ii)) (CSD code ECOZAA) occurs to be a potential metal complex SARS-CoV-2
receptor inhibitor. The compound ECOZAA was observed (in silico binding affinity = -
179.29kcal/mol) to behave better than the clinically approved drug Remdesivir (in silico binding
affinity = -62.69kcal/mol) against SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The large HOMO-
LUMO gap for the ECOZAA compound is an indication of the low chemical reactivity as well
as the great kinetic stability of the compound.

Conclusion:
Thus, this study highlights the potential use of zinc metal complexes as SARS-CoV-2
viral entry and replication inhibitors.
Comparing the Effects of Pregabalin and Clonidine on Postoperative Pain
in Tonsillectomy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Sane Shahryar , Vash Rahman Abbasi , Rahmani Nazila , Talebi Hadi , Golabi Parang , Kalashipour Farid , Heidari Poneh , Hatami Mohammad-Foad , Haki Behzad Kazemi , Morwati Shabnam 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures. This study
compared the effect of Pregabalin and Clonidine on postoperative pain in adult patients undergoing
elective tonsillectomy.

Methods:
This randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial was conducted among 92
patients aged 20 to 50. The clonidine group (C) was given 150 μg of clonidine tablet 90 minutes
before surgery, and the pregabalin group (P) was given 300 mg of pregabalin tablet 90 minutes
before surgery. The results were analyzed by SPSS 25, and statistical analysis consisted of chisquare,
T-test, and χ2 tests, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
The mean pain score and analgesic consumption scores in the pregabalin group were lower
than in the clonidine group. According to the t-test, there was a significant difference between the
two groups regarding pain score and analgesic consumption (p <0.05). Hemodynamic variation in
both groups had no significant differences (p >0.05).

Conclusion:
The present study showed that pregabalin reduced postoperative pain and analgesic
consumption more effectively than clonidine.

Clinical Trial Registration Number:
IRCT20160430027677N19.