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This study aims to encapsulate Cosmos caudatus K. leaf extract in sodium alginate crosslinked with calcium chloride (CaCl2) as coating materials through freeze-drying. Antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the applicability of the microcapsules as antidiabetic medicines. Their characteristics, antioxidant activity, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were also examined. Results indicated that the concentration of sodium alginate and pH influenced the manufacturing process of the microcapsules. The highest EE was obtained at pH 6 and alginate concentration of 2% (w/v). The IC50 for the antioxidant activity of the microcapsules was 139.96 ± 1.094 µg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of irregular and spherical structures on the surface. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed new absorption bands at 1593.10 and 1427.59 cm-1, demexistening the existence of stretching vibrations of COO-. Absorption at 1024.14 cm-1 demonstrated C-C and C-O bond stretching vibrations in the sodium alginate--CaCl2 crosslinks. Fourier transform infrared spectrum analyses indicated that sodium alginate and CaCl2 formed chemical bonds, enabling microencapsulation. This study discovered that microencapsulation is a highly prospective and adaptable strategy for enhancing the medicinal use of plant extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bony fish Danio rerio (zebrafish) has become one of the important vertebrate model organisms in biomedical cancer research and is used, among other things, for the development of anticancer drugs using xenotransplantation approaches. The ex utero development of zebrafish, optically transparent tissues in the first month of growth, and the immature adaptive immune system during this period greatly facilitate the manipulation of embryos. For highly aggressive cancers where patient survival may be expected to be only a few months, a zebrafish xenograft assay may be the only appropriate method as it requires only four to seven days. Thousands of embryos can be implanted with biopsy tissue from a patient to produce zebrafish xenografts and to use them to screen a large number of drugs and compounds automatically to develop an effective treatment regimen for a specific patient. This review examines the advantages and disadvantages of the zebrafish model in oncology research. The main focus is on the use of zebrafish xenografts to study metastasis and to create avatars in personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting ferroelectricity at micro- and nanoscales is crucial for advanced nanomaterials and materials with complicated topography. Switching spectroscopy piezoresponse force microscopy (SSPFM), which involves measuring piezoelectric hysteresis loops via a scanning probe microscopy tip, is a widely accepted approach to characterize polarization reversal at the local scale and confirm ferroelectricity. However, the local hysteresis loops acquired through this method often exhibit unpredictable shapes, a phenomenon often attributed to the influence of parasitic factors such as electrostatic forces and current flow. Our research has uncovered that the deviation in hysteresis loop shapes can be caused by spontaneous backswitching occurring after polarization reversal. Moreover, we've determined that the extent of this effect can be exacerbated when employing inappropriate SSPFM waveform parameters, including duration, frequency, and AC voltage amplitude. Notably, the conventional 'pulse-mode' SSPFM method has been found to intensify spontaneous backswitching. In response to these challenges, we have redesigned SSPFM approach by introducing the positive up-negative down (PUND) method within the 'step-mode' SSPFM. This modification allows for effective probing of local piezoelectric hysteresis loops in ferroelectrics with reversible piezoresponse while removing undesirable electrostatic contribution. This advancement extends the applicability of the technique to a diverse range of ferroelectrics, including semiconductor ferroelectrics and relaxors, promising a more reliable and accurate characterization of their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological indices (TIs) can be used to forecast molecules' biological activity, physicochemical features, and toxicity. The use of topological indices and regression analysis can help us better understand drug behavior and contribute to the development of tailored drugs. This study investigates the predictive potential and efficacy of K-Banhatti and Zagreb type degree-based topological indices in quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) analysis of a comprehensive set of medications used for diabetes type-I and type-II disease. The K-Banhatti and Zagreb type degree-based topological indices are computed for 14 anti-diabetes drug molecules using edge/vertex partitioning techniques. By leveraging these topological indices, QSPR regression models are developed to predict the physicochemical properties of the understudy drugs. The results show that the values of these topological indices are highly correlated with certain physicochemical properties of the antidiabetes drugs. Furthermore, the comparative analysis revealed that, for all the considered properties except enthalpy of vaporization, Zagreb type indices outperform K-Banhatti indices with high predictive ability. Hence, it can be concluded that the Zagreb type indices are the best alternatives to theoretically predict the properties of anti-diabetes drugs. This theoretical analysis can help chemists in their right choice of the topological indices to theoretically predict the properties of anti-diabetes drugs without going into laborious experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production is low because of different environmental stresses. Salt stress significantly reduces lettuce growth and yield. Foliar application of ascorbic acid is considered as a possible way to mitigate the adverse salinity effects on plants. This current study investigated the effect of foliar spray of ascorbic acid (control, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/L) to mitigate negative effects of salinity (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl) in lettuce plants in 2019 and 2020. Salinity level of 200 mM NaCl significantly reduced growth and yield traits; i.e. leaf length and diameter, number of leaves, fresh plant weight, number of roots, root length and root dry weight and these traits increased under foliar application of ascorbic acid concentration of 400 mg/L. Two salinity levels (150 and 200 mM NaCl) × 400 mg/L ascorbic acid enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in lettuce plants. Peroxidase (POD) content increased in 200 mM NaCl and 400 mg/L ascorbic acid. Catalase (CAT) content increased in 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl and 400 mg/L ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid was significantly greater in 200 mM NaCl and 400 mg/L ascorbic acid. Phenolic content was the maximum in 200 mM NaCl and 300 mg/L and 400 mg/L ascorbic acid. Titratable acidity was higher in 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl and control of ascorbic acid. We conclude that ascorbic acid had potential to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity by reducing oxidative injury in agricultural crops especially lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a quantum circuit for a binary classification prediction algorithm using a random forest model. The quantum prediction algorithm is presented in our previous works. We construct a circuit and implement it using qiskit tools (python module for quantum programming). One of our goals is reducing the number of basic quantum gates (elementary gates). The set of basic quantum gates which we use in this work consists of single-qubit gates and a controlled NOT gate. The number of CNOT gates in our circuit is estimated by , when trivial circuit decomposition techniques give CNOT gates, where is the number of trees in a random forest model, is a tree height and is the length of attributes of an input object . The prediction process returns an index of the corresponding class for the input . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cadmium (Cd) toxicity significantly hindered horticultural plant growth and development. • Phytohormones mitigate Cd toxicity in plants. • Phytohormones regulate antioxidant defense system in plants. • Phytohormones upregulate secondary metabolites production in plants. Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely toxic heavy metal (HM) that poses significant threats to the growth and development of horticultural plants. The accumulation of Cd in plants can occur through root uptake or foliar absorption, leading to disturbances in various physiological and biochemical functions. Cd toxicity manifests in horticultural plants through several symptoms, including inhibited growth, chlorosis, necrosis, impaired photosynthesis, and disruptions in nutrient uptake and metabolism. Cd toxicity disrupt crucial metabolic function in plants including oxidative damage, DNA damage, and altering antioxidant enzyme activity. To mitigate the toxic effects of Cd in horticultural plants, a comprehensive approach is required. This approach encompasses various strategies, including effective management practices, utilization of phytohormones and traditional plant growth regulators, and the cultivation of Cd-tolerant cultivars. Implementing these measures has demonstrated promising outcomes in reducing Cd toxicity in horticultural plants. This review sheds light on the potential roles of different stress mitigants in alleviating Cd toxicity in horticultural plants. By employing these strategies, researchers and practitioners can contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient horticultural systems, ensuring the health and productivity of plants in the presence of Cd contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) often form a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TMA), providing conditions for cancer cells to thrive. CAFs may contribute to tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. However, clinical trials of treatment strategies targeting CAFs have largely failed. Moreover, there is evidence that CAFs are capable of inhibiting tumor development. The review considers the current data on the functional heterogeneity of CAFs and their bimodality in tumor development and progression. Understanding the tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting activities of CAFs can help to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Fold containing family B, member 1 (BPIFB1), or also known as LPLUNC1, C20orf114, is a member of the BPI/LBP/PLUNC protein family. BPIFB1 differential expression patterns have been reported in several cancers such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, in gastric cancer (GC) the role of BPIFB1 is not known, but the expression of the gene has been reported in the stomach co-expressing E-cadherin (CDH1) together with making mucin 5, tracheobronchial/gastric mucin type A and C (MUC5AC). To investigate the role of BPIFB1 in GC development and its interactions with CDH1 and MUC5AC, overexpression of the gene was induced in three different GC cell lines; AGS, HGC-27 and MKN-45. The present of BPIFB1 protein in a transfected GC cell line was detected through gel Lumio Green Detection. BPIFB1, CDH1 and MUC5AC expression were then performed via RT-PCR and quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) followed by statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). BPIFB1 expression was detected in all transfected cells with the highest in AGS with the p = 0.003 followed by MKN-45 with the p = 0.009 and HGC-27 with the p = 0.015. The expression of MUC5AC is upregulated in BPIFB1 transfected GC cells whereby the highest expression is observed in MKN-45 with the p = 0.05 followed by AGS with the p = 0.001 and HGC-27 with the p = 0.026. CDH1 expression is downregulated in all BPIFB1 transfected GC cells with the lowest expression found in HGC-27 with the p = 0.001 followed by AGS with the p = 0.003 and MKN-45 with the p = 0.004. Thus, induction of BPIFB1 overexpression in vitro in GC cells contributes to the decreased in CDH1 expression and increased in MUC5AC expression suggesting that BPIFB1 other than co-expressed in the gastric gland with the two genes also regulates gene expression. We found that the overexpression of BPIFB1 downregulated the expression of CDH1 and upregulated MUC5AC gene expression. This finding was supported by both RT-PCR and qPCR. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that BPIFB1 is differentially expressed in GC cell lines and regulate the expression of CDH1 and MUC5AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing multifunctional wound dressings capable of inducing rapid angiogenesis and with antibacterial activity would be attractive for diabetic and superficial wound healing. Hydrogels delivered from tubes have several desirable features -they are easy to apply, keep the wound moist, reduce the entry of microorganisms and avoid the need for painful dressing removal. Previously we reported that 2 deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) delivered from a variety of dressings is capable of promoting wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis. Alginate hydrogels are an ideal vehicle to deliver a bioactive agent capable of promoting wound healing. In this study we developed and evaluated a tube hydrogel capable of delivering 2dDR with the aim of achieving a stable, convenient to administer and biologically effective wound treatment. Further, we included the stabilizer 2-phenoxy ethanol which provided antimicrobial activity. We synthesized hydrogels by the Green method, using simple mixing of sodium alginate, propylene glycol, 2-phenoxy ethanol and 2dDR in water. FTIR (Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy) analysis confirmed an absence of undesirable chemical changes in the gel components, and SEM images of the freeze-dried gels showed porous structures. When 2dDR alginate gel (2dDR-SA hydrogel) was placed in PBS at 37°C, almost 92% of 2dDR was released within 7 days. When tested on cultured cells, 2dDR-SA hydrogels did not inhibit metabolic activity or proliferation, achieving up to 90 and 98% of control respectively over 7 days. 2dDR-SA hydrogel also showed anti-bacterial activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and MRSA which was attributable to the stabilizer 2-phenoxy ethanol in the hydrogel. Stimulation of angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane assay by 2dDR-SA hydrogel was found to be significant compared to the blank-SA. Wound healing potential was studied in full-thickness wounds in rats where acceleration of wound healing was seen. H&E staining of the wound tissue showed an enhanced number of blood vessels and re-epithelization, and a reduced number of inflammatory cells in 2dDR-SA treated animals compared to blank-hydrogels while Masson's trichrome staining showed increased collagen deposition. In summary we describe a convenient to apply hydrogel which has promise for use in a range of superficial skin wounds including applications in chronic wound care. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year study was carried out at Giza Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt during the summer seasons of 2018, 2019, and 2020 to evaluate the effect of low irrigation water levels on the productivity of corn and soybean under different solid and intercropping systems. This study included 18 treatments. Three levels of irrigation water (7140, 5712, and 4284 m3/ha) were expressed as 100 "ISa", 80 "ISb" and 60%"ISc", respectively. Six cropping systems that included alternating ridges 2:2 (Aa), mixed (Bb), solid corn ridges (Soca), solid corn beds (Socb), solid soybean ridges (Sosa), and solid soybean beds (Sosb). Corn cultivar S.C.132 (white grains) and soybean cultivar Giza 111 were used in this study. A split plot design in randomized complete blocks arrangement with three replications was used. All soybean and corn traits were negatively affected when received ISc. However, there were no significant differences between ISa and ISb for all soybean traits in all seasons. A significantly higher seed yield per hectare for soybean was recorded for solid plantings than for intercropping systems. Intercropping system Bb had high kernel weight and grain yield per hectare. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was increased by decreasing the applied irrigation water level from 7140 to 4284 m3/ha. The intercropping system Bb recorded high values of IWUE. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was not significantly affected by applied irrigation water levels, while intercropping system Bb recorded high LER in all seasons. Most interactions were significant throughout the seasons of the study. It can be concluded that intercropped soybean cultivar Giza 111 with corn in raised beds that received irrigation water of 5712 m3/ha recorded higher productivity values (IWUE and LER), as well as total and net returns, than the other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the benefits of using extruded feed (EF), against pelleted feed (PF) to guide cage culture investments in Great Lakes. Three out of six cages in the same farm had fish that were fed EF and the other half, belonging to a different farm had fish that were fed PF. The diets were similar in crude protein, lipid and energy content. However, the fiber content in PF was 4 times higher than that of EF. The fish fed on EF grew better (438.0 ± 7.4 g) than the fish fed on PF (220.8 ± 2.9 g). The cost of production for EF was about 26% lower than for PF, primarily because of better feed utilization. The load of P and N for PF diet was 59% and 29% higher, respectively, than when EF was used. Therefore, EF feed delivered better economic gains with lower environmental impact than PF feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of the infrastructure-led developments and urban–rural relations in Liangjiang New Area (Chongqing municipality), Lanzhou New Area (Gansu province) and Zhengbian New District (Henan province) reveals the complex and multifaceted interactions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with specific contexts and pre-existing trends. Far from depicting a homogenizing dynamic deriving from participation in a project often conceived in monolithic geopolitical and geoeconomic terms, the focus on spatial transformations emphasizes the need of nuanced and textured readings to embrace the diversity of urbanizations emerging along the BRI. Based on these situated and detailed descriptions, it is possible to place BRI developments in a critical comparative register, to develop alternative narratives and eventually to create a new shared language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of the molecular dynamics simulation of the deformation behavior of the graphene/Al composite. Morse potential parameters are considered and selected to describe interactions in the graphene/Al system. It is shown that the keeping at room temperature followed by the hydrostatic compression at 300 K and 600 K enables the preparation of strong composite materials. It is found that the graphene/Al composite formed at 600 K has the maximum strength limit and also demonstrates a high plasticity. It is revealed that due to a weak binding energy between graphene and Al during the deformation treatment, Al nanoparticles tend to coagulate. On the one hand, the occurrence of aluminum nanoparticles enhances the plasticity of the composite, but on the other hand, the composite is further destructed just on these nanoparticles. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the formation processes of composites based on crumpled graphene and Al nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally sustainable aquaculture depends on accurate understanding of the impacts of aquaculture‐derived organic matter (AOM) and the ability of aquaculture systems to absorb and dilute perturbations. To this end, the present study assessed the impacts of AOM from cage culture of Nile tilapia on the ecology of Lake Victoria, Kenya, using fish cages near Anyanga Beach in Siaya County from December 2018 to October 2019. Four locations were surveyed for organic loadings from cage cultures, located 0, 50, 150 and 500 m (as a control site) away from the cages. The cage aquaculture produced increased P and N concentrations near the cages and a decreased N:P molar ratio. These changes stimulated algal growth which, in turn, affected the water quality. The organic material accumulated on the bottom under the cages, increasing the benthic BOD (BOD, >10 mg/g), a sensitive indicator of the ecological footprint of the cage aquaculture. Further, the negative ORP observed in the benthic layer suggested anoxic bacterial metabolism, possibly causing build‐up of sulphides and methane. These changes altered the abundance and composition of both limnetic and benthic communities. At the beginning of the study, 22 zoobenthic taxa existed around the cages and 18 at the reference sites. Only 3 saprophilous taxa, chiefly gastropods (Physella spp.), bivalves (Sphaerium spp.) and oligochaetes (Tubifex spp.) were present at the cage site and 17 at the reference site at the end of the culture period. The Shannon diversity index exhibited a declining tendency with the length of culture period at the cage site, signifying a negative impact of aquaculture on biodiversity. The water quality recovery after cage disturbance is rapid (<4 months), noting there was no significant difference in the water quality recorded at the cage site and the other sampling sites after a fallow period of 4 months. However, the recovery of the sediment and meiofauna was far from complete at the end of this period. Moving the cages slightly (50–100 m) away from the former location may allow the benthic communities to recover and alleviate the problem. Further, the fallowing period, particularly for the Anyanga Beach site, should be extended from four to at least 5 months to allow for the environment to recover. With the rapid increase of cage fish farming in the African Great Lakes Region and with the potential for its occurrence in other lakes, there is a need to develop regulations to guide the industry, as well as the need for continuous monitoring of the environment, in order to provide information to guide investments and ensure sustainable cage farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions for the synthesis of modifiers based on acrylamide and acetic acid in order to obtain a lignosulfonate reagent for drilling fluids were determined. The ratios of the initial components and the temperature and the length of the process were varied in order to select the optimum conditions for synthesis of the modifier followed by dispersion of the sodium lignosulfonate in the mass. The particle size distribution was investigated in order to study the change in the structure of the sodium lignosulfonate macromolecule. The surface activity of the experimental samples was investigated by the stalagmometric method (the counting of drops). The effectiveness of the synthesized modifier and lignosulfonate reagent in regulation of the parameters of drilling mud was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a costing tool, the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Costing (C4P) tool, to estimate the comprehensive cost of cervical cancer primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in low- and middle-income countries. The tool was piloted in the United Republic of Tanzania, a country with a high incidence of cervical cancer with 62.5 cases per 100,000 women in 2020. This paper presents the costing tool methods as well as the results from the pilot in Tanzania.Methods: The C4P tool estimates the incremental costs of cervical cancer prevention and control programmes. It estimates the financial (monetary costs to the government) and economic costs (opportunity costs). For the pilot, the study team collected data on costs and programme assumptions for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of 14-year-old girls and scaling up of cervical cancer screening (visual inspection with acetic acid and HPV-DNA testing) and treatment for women for 2020-2024. Assumptions were made on how vaccination coverage would increase over the 5 years as well as developing additional screening and treatment capacity through health personnel training and infrastructure strengthening.Results: The total financial and economic costs of the comprehensive programme during 2020-2024 are projected to be US$68 million and US$124 million, respectively. The financial and economic costs of a fully immunized girl with HPV vaccine are estimated to be US$6.68 and US$17.31, respectively, while the costs per woman screened for cervical cancer are, on average, US$4.02 and US$5.83, respectively; US$6.44 and US$9.37 for pre-cancer treatment, respectively; and US$101 and US$107 for diagnosis of invasive cancer, respectively. The cost of treating and managing invasive cancer range from US$7.05 and US$7.83 for outpatient palliative care to US$800.21 and US$893.80 for radiotherapy, respectively.Conclusions: The C4P costing tool can assist national cervical cancer programmes to estimate monetary resources needed as well as opportunity costs of reducing national cervical cancer incidence through primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Onodi cell is defined as the posterior-most ethmoid cell. Haller cells are defined as infraorbital ethmoid cells. HRCT scanning provides excellent bone detail and accurate soft tissue mapping. The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of Haller cells and Onodi cells and to find variations in them on HRCT. Also to find co-relation between HRCT findings and Intra operative findings. A Hospital based prospective and cross-sectional study which included 30 patients above 15 years of age coming to ENT OPD with complaints related to sinonasal disease and polyposis;willing for HRCT followed by operative procedures. A total of 30 patients are included in the study. The mean age was found to be 38.70 ± 14.37. Prevalence of haller cells and onodi cells was 30% and 33.3% respectively. Statistical significance was found between association of haller cells with sinusitis. Intra-operative findings corresponded to 8 out of 9 HRCT findings (p-value = 0.001). We conclude that the actual prevalence of haller cell and onodi cell is best noted on HRCT-PNS and this holds a significant role in imparting thorough knowledge of the anatomical variations of PNS and hence preventing intraoperative complications due to presence of these variant cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article proves the ability of the entomopathogenic strain B. thuringiensis var. dendrolimus B-387 to high the constitutive production (3–12.5 U/mL) of extracellular chitosanase, that was found for the first time. The enzyme was purified in 94-fold by ultrafiltration, affinity sorption and cation-exchange chromatography and characterized biochemically. The molecular mass of the chitosanase determined using SDS-PAGE is 40 kDa. Temperature and pH-optima of the enzyme are 55 °C and pH 6.5, respectively; the chitosanase was stable under 50–60 °C and pH 4–10.5. Purified chitosanase most rapidly (Vmax ~ 43 µM/mL × min, KM ~ 0.22 mg/mL, kcat ~ 4.79 × 104 s−1) hydrolyzed soluble chitosan of the deacetylation degree (DD) 85% by endo-mode, and did not degrade colloidal chitin, CM-cellulose and some other glucans. The main reaction products of the chitosan enzymolysis included chitobiose, chitotriose and chitotetraose. In addition to small chitooligosaccharides (CHOs), the studied chitosanase also generated low-molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) with average Mw in range 14–46 kDa and recovery 14–35%, depending on the enzyme/substrate ratio and incubation temperature. In some cases, the chitosan (DD 85 and 50%) oligomers prepared using crude chitosanase from B. thuringiensis B-387 indicated higher antifungal and antibacterial activities in vitro in comparison with the initial polysaccharides. The data obtained indicate the good prospect of chitosanase B-387 for the production of bioactive CHOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanistic details of the tethered agonist mode of activation for the adhesion GPCR ADGRF5/GPR116 have not been completely deciphered. We set out to investigate the physiological importance of autocatalytic cleavage upstream of the agonistic peptide sequence, an event necessary for NTF displacement and subsequent receptor activation. To examine this hypothesis, we characterized tethered agonist-mediated activation of GPR116 in vitro and in vivo. A knock-in mouse expressing a non-cleavable GPR116 mutant phenocopies the pulmonary phenotype of GPR116 knock-out mice, demonstrating that tethered agonist-mediated receptor activation is indispensable for function in vivo. Using site-directed mutagenesis and species-swapping approaches, we identi- fied key conserved amino acids for GPR116 activation in the tethered agonist sequence and in extracellular loops 2/3 (ECL2/3). We further highlight residues in transmembrane 7 (TM7) that mediate stronger signaling in mouse versus human GPR116 and recapitulate these findings in a model supporting tethered agonist:ECL2 interactions for GPR116 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanistic details of the tethered agonist mode of activation for the adhesion GPCR ADGRF5/GPR116 have not been completely deciphered. We set out to investigate the physiological importance of autocatalytic cleavage upstream of the agonistic peptide sequence, an event necessary for NTF displacement and subsequent receptor activation. To examine this hypothesis, we characterized tethered agonist-mediated activation of GPR116 in vitro and in vivo. A knock-in mouse expressing a non-cleavable GPR116 mutant phenocopies the pulmonary phenotype of GPR116 knock-out mice, demonstrating that tethered agonist-mediated receptor activation is indispensable for function in vivo. Using site-directed mutagenesis and species-swapping approaches, we identified key conserved amino acids for GPR116 activation in the tethered agonist sequence and in extracellular loops 2/3 (ECL2/3). We further highlight residues in transmembrane 7 (TM7) that mediate stronger signaling in mouse versus human GPR116 and recapitulate these findings in a model supporting tethered agonist:ECL2 interactions for GPR116 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely employed in automobiles, mining operations, space applications, marine vessels and submarines, and defense or military applications. As an anode, commercial carbon or carbon-based materials have some critical issues such as insufficient charge capacity and power density, low working voltage, deadweight formation, short-circuiting tendency initiated from dendrite formation, device warming up, etc., which have led to a search for carbon alternatives. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) such as NiO as an anode can be used as a substitute for carbon material. However, NiO has some limitations such as low coulombic efficiency, low cycle stability, and poor ionic conductivity. These limitations can be overcome through the use of different nanostructures. This present study reviews the integration of the electrochemical performance of binder involved nanocomposite of NiO as an anode of a LIB. This review article aims to epitomize the synthesis and characterization parameters such as specific discharge/charge capacity, cycle stability, rate performance, and cycle ability of a nanocomposite anode. An overview of possible future advances in NiO nanocomposites is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature and concentration dependences of the chemical shift of the phenolic hydroxyl proton in 2,6-diisobornyl-4-methylphenol (1) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol (ionol, 2) were measured by 1H NMR spectroscopy in the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) solvents (diethyl ether, acetone, ethyl acetate). The equilibrium constants, K, of the formation of hydrogen-bonded phenol—solvent complexes were determined and the thermodynamic parameters ΔH° and ΔS° of the complexes were calculated. It was found that the K values of 1 are higher than those of 2 by a factor of about 1.3 in diethyl ether and by a factor of 1.8 in other solvents. The enthalpies of complexation of all systems studied lie in a narrow range of −(12.9−15.5) kJ mol−1. The results of density functional theory calculations of the complex structures suggest that low K values are due to effective shielding of the OH group in 1 by the isobornyl groups. Steric hindrances force the H atom to deviate from the aromatic ring plane to form a hydrogen bond with the O atom of the HBA solvent. The torsion angle α between the C-O-H plane and the ring plane is in the range of 57–70°. Steric hindrances created by the ortho-substituents in ionol are even more pronounced (α ≈ 90°). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by global spread of several lineages with evidence for increased transmissibility. Throughout the pandemic, Russia has remained among the countries with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, making it a potential hotspot for emergence of novel variants. Here, we show that among the globally significant variants of concern that have spread globally by late 2020, alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351) or gamma (P.1), none have been sampled in Russia before the end of 2020. Instead, between summer 2020 and spring 2021, the epidemic in Russia has been characterized by the spread of two lineages that were rare in most other countries: B.1.1.317 and a sublineage of B.1.1 including B.1.1.397 (hereafter, B.1.1.397+). Their frequency has increased concordantly in different parts of Russia. On top of these lineages, in late December 2020, alpha (B.1.1.7) emerged in Russia, reaching a frequency of 17.4% (95% C.I.: 12.0%-24.4%) in March 2021. Additionally, we identify three novel distinct lineages, AT.1, B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525, that have started to spread, together reaching the frequency of 11.8% (95% C.I.: 7.5%-18.1%) in March 2021. These lineages carry combinations of several notable mutations, including the S:E484K mutation of concern, deletions at a recurrent deletion region of the spike glycoprotein (S:Δ140–142, S:Δ144 or S:Δ136–144), and nsp6:Δ106–108 (also known as ORF1a:Δ3675–3677). Community-based PCR testing indicates that these variants have continued to spread in April 2021, with the frequency of B.1.1.7 reaching 21.7% (95% C.I.: 12.3%-35.6%), and the joint frequency of B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525, 15.2% (95% C.I.: 7.6%-28.2%). Although these variants have been displaced by the onset of delta variant in May-June 2021, lineages B.1.1.317, B.1.1.397+, AT.1, B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525 and the combinations of mutations comprising them that are found in other lineages merit monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic viability of tilapia cage culture in Lake Victoria was assessed using a profitability analysis model as the main decision support tool. One and five cages of 8 m3 (A), 62.5 m3 (B), and 471 m3 (C) were assessed. The break-even price (US$4.6 kg−1) for one cage of A appeared higher than the tilapia farm gate price in Kenya (US$3.5 kg−1), suggesting unprofitability of the venture. The decreased break-even price relative to increase in cage numbers showed economies of scale throughout the cage volume ranges. The longest payback period (PBP) for A (8 years) implied a risky venture. This was reaffirmed by an internal rate of return (IRR) of < 50% and negative Net present value (NPV) in the first two years of operations. The study affirmed the economic viability of operating large cage volumes (B or C) for Nile tilapia and for broader applicability to other Great Lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, some features of molecular dynamics simulation for evaluating the mechanical properties of a Ni/graphene composite and analyzing the effect of incremental and dynamic tensile loading on its deformation are discussed. A new structural type of the composites is considered: graphene network (matrix) with metal nanoparticles inside. Two important factors affecting the process of uniaxial tension are studied: tension strain rate (5 × 10 − 3 ps − 1 and 5 × 10 − 4 ps − 1 ) and simulation temperature (0 and 300 K). The results show that the strain rate affects the ultimate tensile strength under tension: the lower the strain rate, the lower the critical values of strain. Tension at room temperature results in lower ultimate tensile strength in comparison with simulation at a temperature close to 0 K, at which ultimate tensile strength is closer to theoretical strength. Both simulation techniques (dynamic and incremental) can be effectively used for such a study and result in almost similar behavior. Fabrication technique plays a key role in the formation of the composite with low anisotropy. In the present work, uniaxial tension along three directions shows a big difference in the composite strength. It is shown that the ultimate tensile strength of the Ni/graphene composite is close to that of pure crumpled graphene, while the ductility of crumpled graphene with metal nanoparticles inside is two times higher. The obtained results shed the light on the simulation methodology which should be used for the study of the deformation behavior of carbon/metal nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region of the BFO-BTO solid solution is studied by comprehensive macroscopic and local methods, focusing on the synthesis conditions that influence the final phase composition and functional response. The difference between the phase distribution and local switching behavior in two sets of the BFO-BTO solid solutions prepared with different applied pressures is revealed and attributed to the local chemical inhomogeneity forming due to certain differences in the solid-state sintering reactions. More homogeneous mixing of the polar and non-polar phases stimulates the non-polar-to-polar phase transition and widening the MPB region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Founded in memory of a Bangladeshi schoolboy who was stabbed to death in a racially motivated attack in 1986, the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust works to archive the life stories of racial and ethnic minority communities in Greater Manchester. The Trust is partnered with the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE (Race Archives and Community Engagement) Centre, a specialist library focusing on the history of race, ethnicity and migration. This roundtable with former and current trustees and Centre employees reflects on the impressive development of both Trust and Centre over the past two decades. Today housed in an attractive new space at Manchester Central Library, the Centre is a vital part of the University of Manchester library network and Archives+, a partnership of archival and local history organisations. Similarly, the Trust's public history programming now includes a wealth of oral history and archiving projects, the publication of multicultural children's books, the creation of anti‐racist curriculum resources in collaboration with local schools, and other community‐based events and exhibitions. However, these successes have been hard‐won and, at times, hotly contested. We discuss the challenges of developing the Centre's collections and visibility, the evolution of the Trust's public history programming, and their shared importance and future ambitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, conventional skin grafts, such as full-thickness, split-thickness, and pre-sterilized grafts from human or animal sources, have been at the forefront of skin wound care. However, these conventional grafts are associated with major challenges, including supply shortage, rejection by the immune system, and disease transmission following transplantation. Due to recent progress in nanotechnology and material sciences, advanced artificial skin grafts―based on the fundamental concepts of tissue engineering―are quickly evolving for wound healing and regeneration applications, mainly because they can be uniquely tailored to meet the requirements of specific injuries. Despite tremendous progress in tissue engineering, many challenges and uncertainties still face skin grafts in vivo, such as how to effectively coordinate the interaction between engineered biomaterials and the immune system to prevent graft rejection. Furthermore, in-depth studies on skin regeneration at the molecular level are still not fully understood; as a consequence, the development of novel biomaterial-based systems that interact with the skin at the core level has also been slow. This review will discuss (1) the biological aspects of wound healing and skin regeneration, (2) important characteristics and functions of biomaterials for skin regeneration applications, and (3) synthesis and applications of common biomaterials for skin regeneration. Finally, the current challenges and future directions of biomaterial-based skin regeneration will be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defects in two-dimensional structures as graphene can considerably affect their mechanical and physical properties. Therefore, a systematic study of the time evolution of the defect dynamics in graphene is of high importance. The dynamics of edge dislocation dipoles in planar graphene at high temperatures have been studied by means of molecular dynamics simulation. Different dislocation motion scenarios for dislocation dipoles with arm length from 0 to 30 Å are revealed. Among such dislocation dipoles are Stone–Wales defect, where dislocations are strongly interacting in a dipole. The processes of annihilation of dislocations in dipole depending on the arm length and temperature are discussed. It is found that for dislocation dipoles with arm length l > 16 Å annihilation can easily occur at high temperatures. The present work provides a detailed description of dislocation motion at high temperatures. [Display omitted] • The dynamics of the dislocation dipoles at high temperatures is studied by molecular dynamics. • Basic algorithms of the dislocation movement are revealed and de- scribed. • It is shown that temperature can facilitate dislocation movement, but only for dipoles with small dipole arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a congenital condition caused by a lack of heart development during the fetal stage. There is a notion that children with CHD have low nutritional status due to their condition. Nutritional input, energy requirements, dietary components, and prenatal circumstances impact a person's nutritional status. An analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach was used in this research. Data were obtained via medical records and questionnaires posed to the patients' guardians who had provided informed consent. The Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study was conducted on 62 subjects. There were 74.19% of subjects with acyanotic CHD and 25.81% with cyanotic CHD. 61.29 % of the subjects were exclusively breastfed for the first six months. The Chi-Square test revealed a relationship between breastfeeding and the nutritional status of children with CHD, with p = 0.0001 (p<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the significance of the type of CHD suffered by the subjects was 0.003 (p<0.05). There is a significant association between breastfeeding for the first six months and the type of CHD suffered by children with their nutritional status at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the positive impact of interactive virtual pathology slides in teaching pathology to undergraduate students. Materials & Methods: The study was conducted at Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad. The class of 3rd-year MBBS, comprising 111 students, was divided into two groups during two teaching modules. All students received online lectures prior to practical sessions. In the first module, one group was taught virtual slides through online interactive sessions, whereas the second group was taught the same set of slides, using light microscopy and glass slides. Both groups were assessed at the end of the module by an online test and their scores were compared. A similar exercise was repeated in the second module in which the control group became the test group to remove the selection bias. Questionnaire feedback was taken from students to get their perceptions. The results were compared by applying a t-test and the p-value was calculated. Results: The mean score of the test group (group-1) in the first module was 14.90 whereas the mean score of the control group (group-2) was 10.99. The t-test was applied, and the p-value calculated was significant (p=0.04). In the second module, the groups were flipped. The mean score of the test group (group-2) was 14.29 whereas the control group (group-1) was 10.09. The p-value was calculated which was again significant (p=0.04). The students gave their feedback through a questionnaire. Conclusion: Evidence shows that the microscopic practical skills achieved by virtual microscopy are comparable to or even better than those achieved by light microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of metal nanoparticles into novel carbon structures, such as crumpled graphene (CG), is a promising way to obtain a composite with better mechanical properties. Molecular dynamics simulation is used to investigate the deformation behavior of Ni–graphene composites, obtained by high‐temperature treatment, under uniaxial tension. The effect of temperatures between 1000 and 2000 K as well as the effect of nanoparticle size and anisotropy of the structure on the mechanical properties of the composite are studied. It is found that temperature from 1000 to 2000 K slightly affects the process of composite formation under hydrostatic compression. During the elastic regime of tension of the composite, the same values of Young's modulus are found for structures obtained at different temperatures. However, the ratio of nickel and carbon atoms considerably affects the mechanical properties under uniaxial tension: the less the number of Ni atoms, the higher the composite strength. Two of the three considered morphologies demonstrate close Young modulus and high strength. It is shown that the important advantage of the proposed structure is its homogeneity, which results in almost isotropic deformation. The obtained results open new prospects in using CG for composite fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dengue is a viral disease and it is spread to the world by mosquitos. It is now common in many parts of the world. The severe form of dengue fever with bleeding manifestations is called dengue hemorrhagic fever. Some of the Dengue fever patients developed a capillary leak during a critical period of illness. This study aims at determining the frequency of capillary leaks in admitted dengue fever patients in tertiary care hospitals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted over a period of one month from 1st October to 30th October 2019 at the department of Medicine Federal Government Polyclinic Post Graduate Medical Institute, Islamabad. This cross-sectional study comprised of 200 consecutive hospitalized (≥14 years of both gender) dengue fever patients. Results: Capillary leak syndrome was found in 75 patients with Dengue fever. All of them were Primary Dengue Patients. Both ascites and effusion were present in 31 patients. Ascites were only found in 25 patients, Pleural effusion bilateral in 7, Right-sided pleural effusion in 11, and Left-sided in 1 patient. Conclusion: It is concluded that capillary leak syndrome is common in dengue patients and its early diagnosis helps us in better management during a critical phase of illness with a better outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific features of the enzymatic degradation of chitosan with depolymerization degrees (DD) of 85 and 50% by microbial chitinases and chitosanases were studied in terms of the conversion degree, molecular-weight distribution (MWD), and antimicrobial activity of the generated reaction products. The enzyme complex produced by the strain B. thuringiensis B-387, which is characterized by high chitosanase production (>4.5 U mL–1), degraded the polymer to soluble, low molecular weight chitooligosaccharides (CHOs, Mw ≤ 2 kDa), along with a minor yield (~5%) of alkali-precipitated oligochitosans (Mw 2–16 kDa). The hydrolytic complexes produced by B. atrophaeus IB-33-1 and Cohnella sp. IB-P192, which mainly comprise chitinases (0.3–0.5 U mL–1), demonstrated the lowest rate and degree of chitosan (DD 85%) hydrolysis. The selection of an enzyme : substrate ratio in the range of 2–5 units/g (based on chitosanase) made it possible to reduce the hydrolysis depth of the initial polymer and to increase the yield of oligochitosans with a Mw of ~15–17 kDa to 30% for chitosan (DD 85%) depolymerization by the enzyme complex from B. thuringiensis B-387. The decrease in the bactericidal and fungicidal effect of the oligomers that formed during the destruction of chitosan with varying deacetylation degrees (DD 85% and 50%) by enzyme complexes displaying high chitosanase activity was, as a rule, more distinct than that achieved with the use of chitinases. However, in some cases, there were both nonspecific and specific enhancements of the antimicrobial action of hydrolytic products in comparison with the initial polymer, which was determined by individual sensitivity of bacterial and micromycetes strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold great promise in nanomedicine, yet their successful clinical translation has not been realized. Some challenges include effective AuNP targeting and delivery to improve modulation of immune cells of interest while limiting potential adverse effects. In order to overcome these challenges, we must fully understand how AuNPs impact different immune cell subsets, particularly within the dendritic cell and T cell compartments. Herein, we show that polyethylene glycol coated (PEG) gold nanorods (AuNRs) and PEG AuNRs covered with a thin layer of silver (AuNR/Ag) may enhance the immune response towards immune suppression or activation. We also studied the ability to enhance CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs in vitro using AuNRs functionalized with interleukin 2 (IL2), a cytokine that is important in Treg development and homeostasis. Our results indicate that AuNRs enhance different immune cells and that NP composition matters in immune targeting. This knowledge will help us understand how to better design AuNRs to target and enhance the immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the in-hospital outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention approach in a tertiary care cardiac center. Study Design: Retrospective observational descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019. Methodology: A total of 143 consecutive ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients presented to the ER within 24 hours of the onset of chest pain were included in this study. We included patients of both genders, aged >20 years and met the diagnostic criteria of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients with cardiogenic shock, puncture site infection were excluded from the study. Results: Average age of patients was 54.2 ± 12.7 years (min-max age=24-92 years). Majority 130 (90.9%) of cases were males, while 55 (38.5%) patients had diabetes, 52 (36.4%) were hypertensive, 38 (26.6%) were smokers, family history of CAD was found in 10 (7%) cases and 8 (5.6%) cases had prior percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft. Mostly 64.3% procedures were performed by trans-radial approach. Mean ± SD door-to-balloon time was 60.31 ± 29.8 minutes. About 72% patients received primary percutaneous coronary intervention within ≤60 min and 40 (28%) cases received primary percutaneous coronary intervention with door-to-balloon time >60 min. This study shown 100% success rate with zero mortality only one patient developed arrhythmia during procedure. Conclusion: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention through trans-radial approach was safe option with excellent success rates in terms of both morbidity & mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of induced magnetic fields on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). It investigates the growth kinetics, population doubling time (PDT), and expression of pluripotent markers (OCT4, Rex1, Sox2, and Nanog) in hUC-MSCs under direct and indirect magnetic field exposure. The results indicate that an MF with an intensity of 21.6 mT enhances the in vitro proliferation of hUC-MSCs. These findings hold potential to advance regenerative medicine applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relationship between home chaos and Self-regulation (effortful control) among young children including other dimensions of temperament (Surgency and Negative affect). Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted from January 2015 to September 2016 in Rawalpindi. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The sample consisted of 100 children (3-7 years) and their mothers. The sample was selected from different private and government schools. For children who were less than 4 years, the mothers were contacted at their homes directly. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data. To assess temperament and home chaos Children's Behavior Questionnaire Very Short Form (CBQ) and Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale (CHAOS)-Urdu Version were used respectively. To collect demographic information for sample selection according to sampling criteria the forms were sent to parents through children. Results: The results showed significant negative association between home chaos and children's effortful control ( = -.21*, p<.05), non-significant positive association between home chaos, negative affect( = .06, p>.05) and surgency ( = -.16, p>.05). Home chaos was also found to be a significant predictor of effort among children. In addition, it was found that gender moderated the relation between home chaos and effortful control. Boys get affected more than girls and show poor effortful control in chaotic homes [t (96) = 2.39, p<.05]. Conclusion: Home chaos is a significant predictor of effortful control, one dimension of temperament among young children. Boys showed fewer self-regulation skills in chaotic homes as compared to their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]