Favorable Parameters Research Articles

COVID-19 and seasonal influenza infection outcomes in the ICU: a retrospective comparison study.

To compare the characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to COVID-19 or influenza- associated pneumonia. We conducted a two-center retrospective study on patients admitted to the ICU due to either COVID-19 associated pneumonia (CAP) or influenza-associated pneumonia (IAP). Baseline characteristics, therapy during hospitalization and clinical outcomes were assessed. Our study included 86 patients admitted to the ICU. Twenty-four patients (28%) had IAP and 62 patients (72%) had CAP. Those with IAP had more comorbidities of cardiac disease (p=0.005) and chronic obstructive lung disease (p=0.03) compared to those with CAP. Non-invasive ventilation was used significantly more in patients with IAP (p=0.001). The use of neuromuscular blockade was significantly higher in CAP patients (p=0.001). CAP patients had less favourable ventilation parameters. PEEP was significantly higher in those with CAP on the first day of admission (p=0.002). There was no difference in mortality (p=0.61) between the groups. Patients admission to the ICU with CAP had less comorbidity than those with IAP. Patients with CAP had poorer ventilatory parameters patterns, requiring more aggressive ventilation and ECMO support. The overall mortality did not differ significantly between the groups.

Dietary Fats, Minerals and Semen Quality and Quantity among Men Attending a Fertility Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Background: At least 50% of infertile couple's problems are related to male factor infertility and in many patients; nutritional problems have been related to decreased sperm quality. Thus, the present study aims to examine the association of dietary fat and mineral intake with semen quantity and quality.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 infertile men in Isfahan Infertility and Fertility Center, Iran. Dietary intake of all patients was evaluated by validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and semen analysis was performed by standard protocol. Linear and quartile regression were used to determine the association of dietary fat and mineral intake with semen related factors.
 Results: There was a positive association between the sperm total count with iron (Fe) (Ptrend = 0.03), zinc (Zn) (Ptrends= 0.02), and selenium (Se) (Ptrend = 0.001). Men in the highest quartile of Zn and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) had higher sperm density (P < 0.05). Levels of Zn and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in participant's diet were also negatively related to DNA damage (Ptrend = 0.01 for Zn and Ptrend = 0.04 for DHA). Higher intake of saturated fatty acid (SFA) was associated with lower sperm density (Ptrend = 0.02) and higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was associated with higher sperm totality (Ptrend = 0.02).
 Conclusion: In this preliminary cross-sectional study, diets containing higher amounts of Fe, Zn, Se, MUFA, and DHA and lower amounts of SFA were associated with more favourable semen quality parameters.

Key Role Effect of Samarium in Realizing Zero Thermal Quenching and Achieving a Moisture-Resistant Reddish-Orange Emission in Ba3LaNb3O12:Sm3.

The strategy to enhance phosphor stability against thermal quenching and moisture conditions will contribute to controlling the feature of phosphor-converted white-light-emitting diodes (pc-WLEDs). Herein, an effective strategy is achieved with the incorporation of Sm3+ ions, and a robust reddish-orange emission (no thermal quenching up to 498 K) is obtained based on Ba3LaNb3O12 as a host. In light of excitation by near-ultraviolet irradiation at 408 nm, Ba3LaNb3O12:Sm3+ gives rise to a typical signal ascribed to the 4G5/2 → 6HJ/2 (J = 5, 7, 9, and 11) transitions of Sm3+ ions. The concentration quenching effect is observed when the Sm3+ content exceeds 10%, and the quenching mechanism is caused by electronic dipole-dipole interactions. Based on the narrow emission curves, a very high color purity (92.4%) could be recorded. The Sm3+ substitution at the Ba2+/La3+ site leads to a rigid structural lattice and abundant electron-trapping centers for the Sm3+ ions, which will be responsible for the zero-thermal-quenching phenomenon. In addition, oleic acid (OA) is selected to form a hydrophobic covering surface structure to protect Ba3LaNb3O12:Sm3+, which can assist in improving the moisture resistance. The most favorable parameters concerning the warm-light emission (a high general color rendering index, Ra, of 85.7 and a low correlated color temperature, CCT, of 4965 K) can be achieved in pc-WLEDs containing an OA-modified sample. Moreover, its luminous efficiency, LE, can maintain 82.9% of its initial value after 120 h under controlled environmental conditions of 85 °C and 85% humidity. These results pave a new way to optimize the sample as a potential candidate for red-emitting materials.

Immobilization of Polymers to Surfaces by Click Reaction for Photocatalysis with Recyclability.

A surface-bound photocatalyst offers advantages of reusability and recyclability with ease. While it can be immobilized by spin coating or drop-casting, a more reliable and durable method involves the formation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a suitable surface using designer molecules. In this paper, we report devising a practical, durable, and recyclable photocatalytic surface using immobilized polytriazoles of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP). While the SAM formation techniques were utilized for superior results, conventional coatings of polymers on surfaces were performed for comparison. Different methods confirmed efficient immobilization and high grafting density for the SAM technique. Computational models suggested favorable energy parameters for active materials. Photocatalytic studies were performed using both immobilized polymers and polymers in solution for comparison. These findings are important for understanding various physicochemical characteristics of polytriazole-functionalized surfaces.

Kinetics of serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels and their connection to outcomes in community-acquired sepsis

Introduction and objective: Community-acquired sepsis is a life-threatening systemic reaction to infection starting 72 hours within hospital admittance. Data concerning kinetics of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels during disease progression are sparse. Our aim was to analyze kinetics of CRP and PCT among adults with community-acquired sepsis. Methods: We analyzed data of consecutive patients hospitalized with community-acquired sepsis at our centre during 2016. Sepsis was defined according to ACCP/SCCM criteria, community-acquisition was ascertained by a priori exclusion criteria. CRP and PCT values of days 1–14 were collected. Primary outcomes were in-hospital all-cause mortality, intensive care unit admission, secondary outcomes were septic source and the causative microorganism. Absolute (ΔabsCRP, ΔabsPCT) and relative (Δ%CRP, Δ%PCT) differences were calculated between values at the time of diagnosis and control values within 24 hours of empirical antimicrobial therapy initiation. Results: 193 patients were included. In-hospital all-cause mortality was 13.9%, intensive care unit admittance was 25.9%. Patients who died had significantly smaller median Δ%PCT decrements (–7.7 ± 127.9% vs. –45.7 ± 88.8%, p = 0.01), compared to survivors. During hospital stay, daily absolute values of PCT on days 2–14, while those of CRP on days 5–14 were significantly higher among patients who died. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit also had smaller median Δ%PCT decrements (–19.6 ± 72.5% vs. –49.8 ± 100.8%, p = 0.01), compared to non-admitted patients. Calculated parameters did not show significant correlations with septic focus or causative microorganisms. Discussion, conclusion: Our findings suggest that specific fluctuations of CRP and PCT are observable, and Δ%PCT might be a favourable parameter for outcome prediction among adults with community-acquired sepsis.

Hyaluronic acid in rheumatic disorders of the periarticular soft tissues: a brief descriptive review

Periarticular soft tissue disorders (PSTD) are typical manifestation of immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases, primarily spondyloarthritis. However, in real clinical practice, physicians involved in the management of patients with musculoskeletal diseases often have to deal with "non-systemic" PSTD resulting from trauma, physical exertion, or degenerative processes associated with endocrine, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. PSTD causes acute and chronic pain, significant impairment of function and deterioration in the quality of life. The treatment of this pathology is complex and includes non-drug methods, painkillers and local injection therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) drugs occupy an important place in this treatment. Their use is pathogenetically justified, because when the tendon and enthesis are involved, the internal environment (intercellular matrix) change, and its basis is natural hyaluronate, which provides the viscoelastic properties of biological structures, as well as regulates metabolism, proliferative and immune processes. A relatively low molecular weight HA drug (530–730 kDa) has favorable rheological parameters, anti-inflammatory and anabolic potential, which makes it the drug of choice for local injection therapy of PSTD. This review briefly presents data on the pathogenesis of PSTD and the advisability of HA drugs use for its therapy, as well as the evidence base for the use of HA (530–730 kDa) in various types of ligamentous apparatus lesions.

Landing of the asteroid probe with three-legged cushioning: Planar asymmetric dynamics and safety margin

The probes landing on the surfaces of the asteroids can increase the scientific return of the exploration missions and also promote the development of deep space resources. Because of its excellent applicability to the uneven terrain and a lighter configuration than the four-legged mechanisms, the three-legged cushioning mechanisms are suitable for dissipating the impact energy and then quickly stabilizing the probe attitude when the probe lands on the micro-gravitational surfaces of the asteroids. Research on the landing dynamics of the probe facilitates to the design of the landing-cushioning mechanism and the optimization of its configuration, as well as the assessment of the landing safety. Comparing with the previous extensive related literature focusing on landing dynamics of the probes assisted by the four-legged cushioning mechanisms, this paper studies creatively the planar dynamics considering the asymmetric characteristic and the leg-leg coupling to understand the landing process of the asteroid probe with the three-legged cushioning mechanism and thereby to optimize the configuration of cushioning mechanism and assess safety margin of the landing. According to the touchdown status, the asymmetric landing modes are classified and the coupling issue in the construction of the landing models is explained. Consequently, two types of dynamics models describing the two-stages touchdown cushioning process of the probe are established. Then, five significant configuration factors of the cushioning mechanism are extracted, and their values combinations are designed according to the Taguchi orthogonal method. On this basis, the maximum safe landing attitude angles of the probe are solved by using these values combinations as the input conditions under the dangerous situations in different landing modes. The range analysis and nonlinear fitting methods are employed to discuss the influence of the configuration factors on the landing safety margin, and the favorable parameter values of the configuration factors are determined. Next, the influence of the ground obstacle on the landing safety margin and several methods to improve the margin are researched. Finally, the complete attitude changes of the probe in two representative landing cases are analyzed. The results studied in this paper can contribute to configuration optimization of the three-legged cushioning mechanisms and safety assessment of the legged probes landing on the asteroids, as well as to provide a reference for discussing the leg-leg coupling issue received less attention in landing dynamics of the probes with the four-legged cushioning mechanisms.

Producing gold nugget simulants using copper alloys

Today the imitations of gold nuggets are highly promising materials in conceptual jewelry design. The manufacturing technology of these materials is based on melted brass casting in a cooling liquid. The purpose of this research is to identify the most favorable technological processes to obtaining high-quality simulants of gold nuggets. The article presents the results of the experimental studies of CW508L brass. The most favorable technological parameters have been identified. They include the melt temperature up to 970±5 °C and use of water with the temperature not higher than 20–25 °C as a cooling liquid. Adherence to the specifications allows to obtain the casts, which superficially resemble natural gold nuggets found in alluvial gold deposits. The casts’ intricate shape and uneven relief providing this resemblance are due to the specific crystallization conditions of brass that differ from the crystallization conditions under conventional casting. The research involved the analysis of the chemical composition of the alloy samples before tests and the samples obtained after casting. After processing the alloy has featured an insignificant decrease in the zinc percentage, and an increase in the impurity content (silica, sulfur, iron, and chrome). The metallographic analysis of the initial sample of CW508L brass has shown a single-phase microstructure that is a solid solution of zinc substitution by copper. The similar study of the casts obtained in the experiment has shown the presence of a β-phase in their structure (along with an α solid solution) that is a CuZn-based solid solution having a positive effect on brass mechanical properties. This microstructure is typical of the alloys undergone accelerated cooling that qualitatively changes the process of melt converting into a solid substance.

Changes in referral pathway and phenotypic status of patients diagnosed with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis during the past 20 years

Abstract Background Diagnostic and therapeutic advances have led to much increased awareness of transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Purpose We sought to characterise the impact of this on referral practice, cardiac phenotype at diagnosis and specifically to determine whether patients are now being diagnosed at an earlier stage in their disease process. Methods We studied 1845 patients diagnosed with ATTR-CA at the National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) from 2002–2021, all of whom underwent deep clinical phenotyping and follow-up. Results Analysis by 5-year quartiles revealed a substantial incremental increase in patients diagnosed with ATTR-CA (35 vs 260 vs 704 vs 846), which was associated with greater proportions of patients referred following advanced cardiac imaging (referrals following cardiac magnetic resonance and bone scintigraphy: 3% vs 44% vs 67% vs 76%; P<0.001). Over time, median duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis diminished from 36-months between 2002–2006 to 12-months between 2017–2021 (P<0.001) and a greater proportion of patients presented with milder disease across the 5-yearly quartiles (NAC stage 1: 40% vs 43% vs 44% vs 57%; P<0.001). The latter was associated with more favourable echocardiographic parameters of structure and function, including an incremental reduction in maximal left ventricular wall thickness (18.26mm vs 17.41mm vs 17.09mm vs 16.68mm; P=0.017). This was associated with improved survival in the overall population (2007–2011 vs 2012–2016: HR=1.65, 95% CI [1.33–2.06]; P<0.001 and 2012–2016 vs 2017–2021: HR =1.83, 95% CI [1.45–2.31]; P<0.001) and in each genotype (wtATTR, T60A and V122I). Despite a significant increase in the proportion of patients enrolled into clinical trials (0.0% vs 0.0% vs 2.6% vs 23.9%; P<0.001) and prescribed disease modifying therapy (5.7% vs 0.4% vs 4.8% vs 13.5%; P<0.001); the improved survival remained significant even after adjusting for clinical trials and disease modifying therapy (2012–2016 vs. 2017–2021: HR=1.65 95% CI [1.29–2.11], P<0.001). Conclusion Increased awareness and advances in cardiac imaging have been associated with a substantial increase in the diagnosis of ATTR-CA and at a progressively earlier stage of the disease, which has contributed to improved survival in recent years. These changes may have important implications for initiation and outcome of therapy. Given that ATTR-CA is now being diagnosed earlier, more data are needed to guide decisions on in whom and when to initiate treatment, and which treatments should be used at each disease stage. Furthermore, the changes in ATTR-CA phenotype at diagnosis urgently need to be factored into clinical trial design, given that pre-determined end-points based on trials performed in the past may no longer be appropriate, or at least sufficiently powered, or of adequate duration to evaluate efficacy of novel agents. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The effect of neighboring grain orientation on dislocation-grain interaction in Ti-5553 alloy

The accumulated dislocations are widely reported to be easily transmitted at low angle grain boundaries (GBs), while the associated mechanism at high angle GB needs further investigation. In this paper, the mechanisms associated with the interaction between GBs and 〈111〉 dislocations are investigated in Ti-5553 alloy with body-centered cubic structure. Slip traces transmitted into the neighboring grain or blocked by GBs are observed on the surface of the sample via secondary electron imaging. The corresponding slip system is determined with the combined use of EBSD-detected grain orientation and slip traces. The experimental results indicate that most slips can transfer at low angle GBs, while some slips can also transmit into the neighbor at high angle GBs. The misorientation angle of GBs is invalid to evaluate the mechanism induced by the interaction of dislocations with GBs. Crystallographic alignment-based analysis shows that slip transfer happens at GBs with favorable parameters of high geometric alignment ( m ′) and low residual Burgers vector magnitude (|∆ b |). The general relation of GB misorientation angle with m ′ and |∆ b | is established. The results indicate that low angle GBs always possess high m ′ and low ∆ b , while only some high angle GBs meet the requirement of large alignment parameters. This difference contributes to their preference of slip transfer. Finally, the orientations of best neighboring grains that are favorable for slip transfer are calculated, which is in agreement with the experimentally detected examples. • Dislocations can transmit at some high-angle grain boundaries with special orientations. • General effect of grain boundary misorientation angle on slip transmission is studied. • The best orientations of neighboring grains favorable for slip transmission are established for low- and high-angle GBs.

Analysis of the wood properties of Dicorynia guianensis Amsh. in the context of using in outdoor architecture

Analysis of the wood properties of Dicorynia guianensis Amsh. in the context of using in outdoor architecture. This article deals with the analysis angélique wood (Dicorynia guianensis Amsh.) properties to verify suitability for use in the arrangement of external architecture such as the construction of terraces. Particularly, tests included determination of hardness by the Brinell method and total and partial shrinkage. The presented characteristic of properties was complemented by the analysis of wood colour stability during exposition to natural weathering factors for six months. Changes of particular colour parameters (lightness L*, chroma C*, hue h) were determine as well as the total colour change ΔE*. The colour stability was examined on untreated wood surface as well as on wood finished with clear and colouring oils. It was found that the angélique wood belongs to the group of very heavy wood (specific gravity 807 kg/m3) and is characterized by the favourable technical parameters, primarily the high hardness (average hardness 45,64 MPa). Furthermore, the angélique wood is the wood of average shrinkage (average total shrinkage 14,37%). Dimensional stability does not differ from the properties of wood commonly and successfully used for wooden external construction. The results showed that during external exposition angélique wood became darker. Using wood surface protection preparations such as oils resulted in the slowing down the weathering processes effects.

Geometry, kinematics and synthesis of abnormal hourglass worm gearing with centering bearing contact and lower error sensitivity

The proposed abnormal hourglass worm gearing is a novel type of point-contact transmission that is insensitive to installation errors, has good meshing performance, favorable bearing contact and high manufacturing accuracy. Based on Differential Geometry and Gear Meshing Theory, the systematic meshing theoretical analysis and synthesis is carried out. By complementing concept of datum points and contact endpoints, the theory of tooth contact analysis (TCA) is developed, and the non-linear contact equation used to solve the momentary contact point is simplified into the equivalent form of one-variable by elimination method; A synthesis design is carried out from the desired meshing behavior, which allows more accurate acquirement of favorable parameter scheme; The influence of the contact trajectory direction on the eccentricity of the contact ellipse is further analyzed; The meshing performance with centering bearing contact and lower error sensitivity are demonstrated by tooth contact simulation. The described meshing theory and synthesis can also be applied effectively for other point-contact gearing.

HAZ, a novel peptide with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity

ObjectiveThe growing microbial resistance to antibiotics is a global public concern, which creates serious needs for newer antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are increasingly exploited in drug development as therapeutic candidates. Here, we aimed to design and characterize a novel peptide with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. MethodsHybridization and sequence modification approaches were used to design the novel peptide, named HAZ, aiming at optimizing the physicochemical parameters involved in antimicrobial activity. Peptide activities were assessed alone or combined with different selected antibiotics against various sensitive and drug-resistant bacterial strains. In addition, the hemolysis and the cytotoxic activities of HAZ peptide were evaluated on human red blood cells and epithelial adenocarcinoma cells (A549), respectively. ResultsHAZ peptide was sequentially modified to result in favored physicochemical parameters (helicity 95.24 %, hydrophobic ratio 47 %, and net charge of 8 + ). Functional assessment of HAZ revealed significant antimicrobial activity, with MIC values of 15 – 20 µM against tested bacterial strains. It also exhibited biofilm eradication activity at slightly higher concentrations. HAZ-antibiotics combinations exhibited a synergistic action mode that led to dramatic decrease in the MIC values for both HAZ peptide and the antibiotic. Such efficacy was accompanied with minimal hemolytic toxicity on human erythrocytes. Importantly, HAZ displayed promising anticancer activity against human lung cancer cells. ConclusionRationally-designed antimicrobial peptides offer promising alternatives to the current antibiotics for management of infectious diseases. HAZ peptide is a broad-spectrum AMP, and a promising candidate for antimicrobial and anticancer drug development.

EFFECTS OF CORE TRAINING ON SELECTED PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL FITNESS OF MALE MEDIUM FAST BOWLERS IN CRICKET

The purpose of the study was to explore effects of core training on selected physical and physiological parameters on male medium fast bowlers in cricket. Totally 10 medium fast bowlers were selected through purposive sampling aged 17-27 years. Before the twelve weeks core training program data were collected for Physical and Physiological variables, after the immediately completed of the training program again data were collected properly. Then compared pre- and post-values of all the parameters (p < 0.05), except aerobic power. . Significant differences were found in all other parameters in favour of EG (p < 0.05). As a result, it could be said that there are positive effects of core strength training on some physical and physiological parameters of male students who were between 14-16 years old. KEYWORDS: core training, aerobic power, anaerobic power, adolescents

Acridone Alkaloids: In-Silico Investigation Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that causes COVID-19 disease is still a major public health concern around the world. The main protease encoded by SARS-CoV-2 is a promising target for COVID-19 therapeutic development since it plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle. Repurposing known bioactive molecules is an effective strategy to fast-track the delivery of hits and leads in drug discovery. In this regard, this study assesses in-silico, 17 acridone-based alkaloids for their activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The quantum chemical computations imply that the acridone alkaloids will interact better in the active sites of the enzymes due to their low energy gap. They also have good oral bioavailability as rationalized by “no rule of five violation" and favorable pharmacokinetics parameters. From the docking results, many of the alkaloids displayed a higher binding affinity than nirmatrelvir, an authorised protease inhibitor. Compound 3 (5-hydroxynoracronycine alcohol), with the better binding affinities (6W63, − 7.094 kcal/mol; 5R82, − 5.839 kcal/mol) and unique structural features is a viable candidate that could be investigated further for development of a novel target specific chemotherapeutic agent to stop SARS-CoV-2 invasion.

Photobiomodulation in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a therapeutic modality that has gained increasing interest in neuroscience applications, including acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Its proposed mechanisms for therapeutic effect when delivered to the injured brain include antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence for the value of PBM in improving outcomes in acute TBI and presents a meta-analysis of the pre-clinical evidence for neurological severity score (NSS) and lesion size in animal models of TBI. A systematic review of the literature was performed, with searches and data extraction performed independently in duplicate by two authors. Eighteen published articles were identified for inclusion: seventeen pre-clinical studies of in vivo animal models and one clinical study in human patients. The available human study supports safety and feasibility of PBM in acute moderate TBI. For pre-clinical studies, meta-analysis for NSS and lesion size were found to favor intervention versus control. Subgroup analysis based on PBM parameter variables for these outcomes was performed. Favorable parameters were identified as: wavelengths in the region of 665 nm and 810 nm; time to first administration of PBM ≤4 h; total number of daily treatments ≤3. No differences were identified between pulsed and continuous wave modes or energy delivery. Mechanistic substudies within included in vivo studies are presented and were found to support hypotheses of antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative effects, and a modulation of cellular metabolism. This systematic review provides substantial meta-analysis evidence of the benefits of PBM on functional and histological outcomes of TBI in in vivo mammalian models. Study design and PBM parameters should be closely considered for future human clinical studies.

Studying of different supported metal catalysts for bio-JET production

Since 2011, the volume of passenger air transport grew nearly 7.5%/year, while freight air transport grew 3.6%/year regarding to the performed kilometers. The expansion of the aviation sector resulted increasing fuel consumption, too. The growing usage of fossil-based jet fuel results significant particle and carbon dioxide emissions, which causes remarkable environment pollution. This emission can only be reduced with using alternative jet fuels, especially those are originated from natural/waste fatty acid/-ester triglyceride sources. The aim of the experimental work was to compare industrially applied sulfide-state catalysts containing different transition metals from the aspect of catalytic conversion of mixtures of waste coconut oil and unrefined kerosene to produce jet fuel at various process parameters (temperature = 280–360 °C, liquid hourly space velocity = 1.0–3.0 h−1, pressure = 30 bar, hydrogen/hydrocarbon volume ratio = 600 Nm3/m3) in a continuous down-flow tubular reactor system. The obtained products contributes to decrease in particle and carbon dioxide emission of aircrafts due to their lower aromatic content. The smoke point of the products obtained at favorable process parameters was higher than 30 mm, while the requirement in ASTM D 1655 standard is minimum 25 mm.

New Myrtenal-Adamantane Conjugates Alleviate Alzheimer's-Type Dementia in Rat Model.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with memory impairment and other central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Two myrtenal–adamantane conjugates (MACs) showed excellent CNS potential against Alzheimer’s models. Adamantane is a common pharmacophore for drug design, and myrtenal (M) demonstrated neuroprotective effects in our previous studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the MACs’ neuroprotective properties in dementia. Methods: Scopolamine (Scop) was applied intraperitoneally in Wistar rats for 11 days, simultaneously with MACs or M as a referent, respectively. Brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, noradrenaline and serotonin levels, and oxidative brain status determination followed behavioral tests on memory abilities. Molecular descriptors and docking analyses for AChE activity center affinity were performed. Results: M derivatives have favorable physicochemical parameters to enter the CNS. Both MACs restored memory damaged by Scop, showing significant AChE-inhibitory activity in the cortex, in contrast to M, supported by the modeling analysis. Moderate antioxidant properties were manifested by glutathione elevation and catalase activity modulation. MACs also altered noradrenaline and serotonin content in the hippocampus. Conclusion: For the first time, neuroprotective properties of two MACs in a rat dementia model were observed. They were stronger than the natural M effects, which makes the substances promising candidates for AD treatment.

Pulmonary pathophysiology development of COVID-19 assessed by serial Electrical Impedance Tomography in the MaastrICCht cohort

Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection present with different lung compliance and progression of disease differs. Measures of lung mechanics in SARS-CoV-2 patients may unravel different pathophysiologic mechanisms during mechanical ventilation. The objective of this prospective observational study is to describe whether Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) guided positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels unravel changes in EIT-derived parameters over time and whether the changes differ between survivors and non-survivors. Serial EIT-measurements of alveolar overdistension, collapse, and compliance change in ventilated SARS-CoV-2 patients were analysed. In 80 out of 94 patients, we took 283 EIT measurements (93 from day 1–3 after intubation, 66 from day 4–6, and 124 from day 7 and beyond). Fifty-one patients (64%) survived the ICU. At admission mean PaO2/FiO2-ratio was 184.3 (SD 61.4) vs. 151.3 (SD 54.4) mmHg, (p = 0.017) and PEEP was 11.8 (SD 2.8) cmH2O vs. 11.3 (SD 3.4) cmH2O, (p = 0.475), for ICU survivors and non-survivors. At day 1–3, compliance was ~ 55 mL/cmH2O vs. ~ 45 mL/cmH2O in survivors vs. non-survivors. The intersection of overdistension and collapse curves appeared similar at a PEEP of ~ 12–13 cmH2O. At day 4–6 compliance changed to ~ 50 mL/cmH2O vs. ~ 38 mL/cmH2O. At day 7 and beyond, compliance was ~ 38 mL/cmH2O with the intersection at a PEEP of ~ 9 cmH2O vs. ~ 25 mL/cmH2O with overdistension intersecting at collapse curves at a PEEP of ~ 7 cmH2O. Surviving SARS-CoV-2 patients show more favourable EIT-derived parameters and a higher compliance compared to non-survivors over time. This knowledge is valuable for discovering the different groups.

Epidemiology studies of stem rot of groundnut caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc in Andhra Pradesh ​​

Stem rot in groundnut is one of the major diseases significantly affecting the crop yields leading to 10 to 25 per cent yield loss annually. Favourable weather parameters influence development and spread of the disease and the present study was conducted to quantify their role in disease development. Study conducted at Banavasi village of Yemmiganur in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2020 and 2021 to know the influence of weather parameters on stem rot disease progression and the relation between leaf spot and stem rot disease development using correlation and regression analysis. A positive correlation of the stem rot with weather parameters like T max, Rainfall, Relative Humidity in rabi, 2020, Relative humidity during rabi, 2021 and negative correlation with Tmin and Wind speed in rabi, 2020, and Tmax, Tmin and rainfall in rabi, 2021 was observed. A regression analysis of the data inferred that the weather parameters as a whole contribute about 66.00% and 60.00% to disease incidence in rabi 2020 and 2021 respectively, of these Tmax (62.37%) and Rainfall (26.12%) in rabi 2020 and Tmin and rainfall during rabi, 2021. Highest stem rot incidence was recorded in 4th standard week (22nd to 28th January) with a per cent disease incidence of 6.78 during rabi, 2020 and in 52nd standard week (24th to 31st December) with a percent disease incidence of 3.6 during rabi, 2021. Initiation of leaf spot has started early i.e., 48th standard week during rabi, 2020 and 49th standard week during rabi, 2021. A non-significant positive correlation between the stem rot and leaf spot in both the years reveal that the diseases developed were solely due to influence of weather parameters on the individual disease and both the diseases are not interrelated or interdependent in causing the other.