bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CULTURAL INFLUENCE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT TOWARDS THE DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS LEVELS (CASE STUDY)
Authors: Azwin Khalifatul , Muin Muhamad Fathul
Published: April 2020

The student’s mental health has been a global issue. Students from various regions in Indonesia are more likely to be affected by mental health disorders caused by encountering an unfamiliar environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of culture shock and social support on depression, anxiety, and stress that is experienced. This research is a cross-sectional study using primary data taken from Polytechnic of Statistics students in the academic year of 2018/2019. The questionnaire refers to DASS-21, MOS Social Support, and 12 cultural concussion items formed by Taft and Mumford. The data obtained were analyzed by the PLS-SEM method. The results found that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress experienced by students are 25.36%, 58.41%, and 17.20%, respectively. In addition, the high occurence of culture shock makes the depression, anxiety and stress experienced increased. Conversely, there was no significant effect between social support and culture shock, depression, anxiety, and stress. The high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress experienced by students have a negative impact. All related parties are expected to help overcome students' mental health disorders.
PENGGUNAAN METAFORA DALAM LIRIK LAGU EBIET G. ADE ALBUM PERJALANAN DAN IMPLIKASINYA PADA PEMBELAJARAN SEMANTIK BAHASA INDONESIA
Authors: Mahajani Tri , Dwiastuti Sri Rahayu , Mukodhas Mukodhas
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTThe research is aimed at describing the use of metaphors and finding out its implications in the song lyrics of Ebiet G. Ade from the album of Perjalanan to semantic learning of Indonesian language. The research uses analytical descriptive method with structuralism and propositional approaches. The technique of data collection is done by using note taking. The data of metaphor is analyzed using content analysis. The result shows that the album of Perjalanan from Ebiet G. Ade, consisting of nine songs, has 40 metaphors used to describe the thought and meaning about love among humans and their life covering happiness, sadness, and imagination. The use of metaphors is also to describe humans, life, feelings, suffering, sadness, and anxiety. Metaphors are also used for describing natural phenomena, societys life, social relations among humans and the description of the world. The description of humans and God relationship is also there, using complex metaphors. The analysis of metaphors use in the song lyrics of Ebiet in the album of Perjalanan can improve students vocabulary enrichment and its meaning. Hence there is an implication to semantic learning of Indonesian language. Keywords: Metaphors, Song lyrics, implication
BIMBINGAN ORANG TUA DENGAN DISIPLIN SISWA
Authors: Novita Lina , Agustina Anisa
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTAThis study applied associative quantitative approach and correlational study on parents guidance as the free variable and students discipline as the bound variable. The main objective of this study is to investigate the strengths or weaknesses of the correlation between parents guidance and students discipline. The subject of this study was students of VB and VC classes from Ciampea 01 State Elementary School Bogor Regency, Even Semester, 2016/2017 Study Year, which were 90 students in total and 47 respondents were taken as samples. The validation of parents guidance and students discipline instruments was done through Microsoft Excel program with Pearson Product Moment formula. Meanwhile, instruments reliability was counted through Alpha Cronbach formula. The studys hypothesis instrument validation was done through a simple regression analysis with ? = -25,02 + 1,35X which means that the functional correlation is significant. In this study, each ascension of parents guidance unit will increase 1,35 unit of students discipline. The simple correlation trial states that (rxy) is 0,97 which means that the correlation between two variables is very strong, while the coefficient of determaination (r2) is 0,95 which means that parents guidance gives 95% contribution to students discipline. The rest 5% is determined by other factors. Based on the results of study above, it can be concluded that there is a positive correlation between parents guidance and students discipline.Keywords : Parents Guidance and Students Discipline
PERAN PENTING KEPEMIMPINAN DAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI DALAM MENCIPTAKAN ANGGOTA ORGANISASI YANG MEMILIKI ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR
Authors: Karmila Nita
Published: April 2020

ABSTRAKPeran penting kepemimpinan dan budaya organisasi dalam menciptakan anggota organisasi yang memiliki Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). Artikel ini menjelaskan pentingnya kepemimpinan dalam membangun budaya organisasi yang kondusif sehingga melahirkan seluruh anggota organisasi yang memiliki perilaku-perilaku kewargaan yang optimal sehingga mampu membawa keberhasilan organisasi. Artikel ini dipaparkan berdasarkan kajian pustaka pada beberapa literatur yang membahas terkait perilaku-perilaku organisasi. Keberhasilan organisasi tidak bisa lepas dari peran pemimpinan yang menjalankan fungsi kepemimpinannya dengan baik sehingga tercipta budaya organisasi yang optimal dalam membentuk perilaku kewarganegaraan anggota organisasi dalam kemajuan lembaga.Kata Kunci: Kepemimpinan, Budaya Organisasi, Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Study on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Ink and Its Effects on the Heat Dissipation for the LED Lamps
Authors: Lin Ah-Der , Yu Wen-Kai , Poon Sian Zheng , Chen Cheng-Yi , Hsu Chao-Ming
Published: April 2020

This study explored the application of nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG) ink to the coating of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps for the thermal management. Unlike the general solutions of graphene, the NDG ink used in this study was tuned with high electrical resistance and quietly suitable for the application of the LED lamp coating, which prevented the short circuit problem; besides, the NDG ink also provided a high heat dissipation effect to improve the performance of the LED lamp. The investigation of adhesion and resistance for the NDG ink were conducted by the cross-cut test and the four-point probe resistance measurement, respectively. Three types of LED lamps including the original lamp, fin-removed lamp, and NDG-ink coated (NGC) lamp were tested for the actual operating temperature distribution by K-type thermal couples and for the lumens by the integrating sphere. The results showed that the heat dissipation of the NGC lamp was better than that of the original lamp. In addition, the inspections for the properties of NDG powder were also performed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. According to the inspectional results, the NDG powder had a percentage of nitrogen of about 3.8% by XPS, a surface roughness Rq of 0.9 nm by AFM, and over ten layers by Raman analysis. It showed that the NDG powder in this study belonged to the type of multi-layer graphene.
3D Cell Culture-Based Global miRNA Expression Analysis Reveals miR-142-5p as a Theranostic Biomarker of Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Long-Course Treatment
Authors: Kunigenas Linas , Stankevicius Vaidotas , Dulskas Audrius , Budginaite Elzbieta , Alzbutas Gediminas , Stratilatovas Eugenijus , Cordes Nils , Suziedelis Kestutis
Published: April 2020

Altered expression of miRNAs in tumor tissue encourages the translation of this specific molecular pattern into clinical practice. However, the establishment of a selective biomarker signature for many tumor types remains an inextricable challenge. For this purpose, a preclinical experimental design, which could maintain a fast and sensitive discovery of potential biomarkers, is in demand. The present study suggests that the approach of 3D cell cultures as a preclinical cancer model that is characterized to mimic a natural tumor environment maintained in solid tumors could successfully be employed for the biomarker discovery and validation. Subsequently, in this study, we investigated an environment-dependent miRNA expression changes in colorectal adenocarcinoma DLD1 and HT29 cell lines using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. We detected a subset of 16 miRNAs differentially expressed in both cell lines cultivated in multicellular spheroids compared to expression levels in cells grown in 2D. Furthermore, results of in silico miRNA target analysis showed that miRNAs, which were differentially expressed in both cell lines grown in MCS, are involved in the regulation of molecular mechanisms implicated in cell adhesion, cell-ECM interaction, and gap junction pathways. In addition, integrins and platelet-derived growth factor receptors were determined to be the most significant target genes of deregulated miRNAs, which was concordant with the environment-dependent gene expression changes validated by RT-qPCR. Our results revealed that 3D microenvironment-dependent deregulation of miRNA expression in CRC cells potentially triggers essential molecular mechanisms predominantly including the regulation of cell adhesion, cell–cell, and cell–ECM interactions important in CRC initiation and development. Finally, we demonstrated increased levels of selected miR-142-5p in rectum tumor tissue samples after neoadjuvant long course treatment compared to miR-142-5p expression levels in tumor biopsy samples collected before the therapy. Remarkably, the elevation of miR-142-5p expression remained in tumor samples compared to adjacent normal rectum tissue as well. Therefore, the current study provides valuable insights into the molecular miRNA machinery of CRC and proposes a potential miRNA signature for the assessment of CRC in further clinical research.
Properties of 2 mol% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia–Alumina–Cerium Hexaaluminate Composites
Authors: Kern Frank
Published: April 2020

Yttria stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) has become a standard material in a variety of biomedical and mechanical engineering applications due to its high strength and toughness. In order to obtain improved properties in terms of strength, hardness and low temperature degradation resistance second phases, typically alumina are added. In this study an alumina toughened zirconia recipe with 20 vol% alumina in a 2Y-TZP matrix was modified by progressive substitution of alumina by up to 10 vol% cerium hexaaluminate (CA6). Samples were produced by hot pressing. The cerium hexaaluminate was synthesized in situ by reduction of tetravalent ceria and reaction sintering with alumina at 1450 °C. The materials reach attractive 4-point bending strength values of greater than 1170–1390 MPa at a fracture resistance of 6.4–7 MPa√m. Vickers hardness is slightly reduced from 1405 HV10 to 1380 HV10 with increasing CA6 fraction. Results show that substitution of alumina by low amounts CA6 does not lead to drastic changes in the mechanical properties. Hardness is slightly reduced while strength reaches a flat maximum at 4 vol% CA6 substitution. The toughness slightly declines with CA6 addition which is caused by reduced transformability of the tetragonal zirconia phase despite a slight coarsening of the matrix observed upon CA6 addition.
The Role of Nest Depth and Site Choice in Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change on an Oviparous Reptile
Authors: Czaja Rebecca A. , Scholz Amanda L. , Figueras Miranda P. , Burke Russell L.
Published: April 2020

Climate change is likely to have strong impacts on oviparous animals with minimal parental care, because nest temperature can impact egg development, sex, and survival, especially in the absence of mitigation via parental care. Nesting females may compensate for increasing temperatures by altering how, when, and where they nest. We examined the factors determining nest depth and site choice as well as the effects that nest depth and location have on nest temperature and hatching success in the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). We found that nest depth was not correlated with nesting female size, egg characteristics, or daily temperatures. Nest temperatures and hatching success were correlated with different environmental and nest characteristics between 2004, a cool and wet year, and 2005, a hot and dry year. Females selected nests with lower southern overstory vegetation in 2005. These results suggest that nest depth and location can play an important yet varying role in determining nest temperature and hatching success in more extreme warm and dry environmental conditions and, therefore, may mitigate the impacts of climate change on oviparous reptiles. However, we found minimal evidence that turtles choose nest locations and depths that maximize offspring survival based on short-term environmental cues.
Intraspecific Behavioral Variation Mediates Insect Prey Survival via Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Toscano Benjamin J. , Lichtenstein James L. L. , Costa-Pereira Raul
Published: April 2020

Conspecific individuals often exhibit behavioral differences that influence susceptibility to predation. Yet, how such trait differences scale to affect prey population regulation and community structure remains unclear. We used an 8 day field mesocosm experiment to explore the effects of intraspecific prey behavioral trait variation on survival in an herbivorous insect community. We further manipulated spider predator composition to test for top-down context-dependence of behavioral effects. Insect prey behavioral trait variance influenced survival through both direct (i.e., variation among conspecifics) and indirect (i.e., variation among heterospecifics) mechanisms. The behavioral variance of two prey species, Philaenus and Orchelimum, directly reduced their survival, though for Philaenus, this direct negative effect only occurred in the presence of a single spider predator species. In contrast, the survival of Scudderia was enhanced by the behavioral trait variance of the surrounding insect community, an indirect positive effect. Taken together, these results emphasize the importance of accounting for intraspecific variation in community ecology, demonstrating novel pathways by which individual-level behavioral differences scale to alter population and community level patterns.
Disparities in Hepatitis B Vaccine Coverage by Race/Ethnicity: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016
Authors: Bhuiyan Azad R. , Kabir Nusrat , Mitra Amal K. , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi , Payton Marinelle
Published: April 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common form of viral hepatitis and remains a global public health problem, even though the HBV vaccine is available. HBV leads to chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. This study aimed to identify disparities in HBV vaccine coverage with the serological test by race/ethnicity, adjusting for gender and age. In this study, 5735 adult participants were included, obtaining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2015–2016. Proc survey frequency, bivariate- and multivariate logistic regression in the weighted sample were performed due to the complex survey design of NHANES. Data were analyzed using SAS, version 9.2.4. The overall prevalence of HBV vaccine coverage was only 23.3% (95% CI: 20.7%, 25.9%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, data showed that Mexican Americans (OR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.86) and African Americans (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56, 0.84) had lower vaccine coverage compared to Whites. Females had (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.85) higher vaccine coverage compared to men. Older age groups (30–49 years) (OR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.52) and age group ≥ 50 years (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.14, 0.23) had lower vaccine coverage compared to younger adults aged 18–29 years.
Fractional Model for a Class of Diffusion-Reaction Equation Represented by the Fractional-Order Derivative
Authors: Sene Ndolane
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes the analytical solution for a class of the fractional diffusion equation represented by the fractional-order derivative. We mainly use the Grunwald–Letnikov derivative in this paper. We are particularly interested in the application of the Laplace transform proposed for this fractional operator. We offer the analytical solution of the fractional model as the diffusion equation with a reaction term expressed by the Grunwald–Letnikov derivative by using a double integration method. To illustrate our findings in this paper, we represent the analytical solutions for different values of the used fractional-order derivative.
The Relationship between in-Vehicle Technologies and Self-Regulation among Older Drivers
Authors: Svancara Austin M. , Villavicencio Leon , Kelley-Baker Tara , Horrey William J. , Molnar Lisa J. , Eby David W. , Mielenz Thelma J. , Hill Linda , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Strogatz David , Li Guohua
Published: April 2020

The study sought to understand the relationship between in-vehicle technologies (IVTs) and self-regulatory behaviors among older drivers. In a large multi-site study of 2990 older drivers, self-reported data on the presence of IVTs and avoidance of various driving behaviors (talking on a mobile phone while driving, driving at night, driving in bad weather, and making left turns when there is no left turn arrow) were recorded. Self-reports were used to identify whether avoidance was due to self-regulation. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to determine whether the presence of a particular IVT predicted the likelihood of a given self-regulatory behavior after controlling for other factors. Results suggest that the presence of Integrated Bluetooth/Voice Control systems are related to a reduced likelihood of avoiding talking on a mobile phone while driving due to self-regulation (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.29–0.47). The presence of a Navigation Assistance system was related to a reduced likelihood of avoiding talking on a mobile phone while driving (OR= 0.65, 95% CI = 0.50–0.84) and avoiding driving at night due to self-regulation (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.64–1.00). Present findings suggest in-vehicle technologies may differently influence the self-regulatory behaviors of older drivers.
Determination of Material and Failure Characteristics for High-Speed Forming via High-Speed Testing and Inverse Numerical Simulation
Authors: Psyk Verena , Scheffler Christian , Tulke Marc , Winter Sven , Guilleaume Christina , Brosius Alexander
Published: April 2020

In conventional forming processes, quasi-static conditions are a good approximation and numerical process optimization is the state of the art in industrial practice. Nevertheless, there is still a substantial need for research in the field of identification of material parameters. In production technologies with high forming velocities, it is no longer acceptable to neglect the dependency of the hardening on the forming speed. Therefore, a method for determining material characteristics in processes with high forming speeds was developed by designing and implementing a test setup and an inverse parameter identification. Two acceleration concepts were realized: a pneumatically driven one and an electromagnetically driven one. The method was verified for a mild steel and an aluminum alloy proving that the identified material parameters allow numerical modeling of high-speed processes with good accuracy. The determined material parameters for steel show significant differences for different stress states. For specimen geometries with predominantly uniaxial tensile strain at forming speeds in the order of 104–105/s the determined yield stress was nearly twice as high compared to shear samples; an effect which does not occur under quasi-static loading. This trend suggests a triaxiality-dependent rate dependence, which might be attributed to shear band induced strain localization and adiabatic heating.
Towards Determining Biosignature Retention in Icy World Plumes
Authors: Bywaters Kathryn , Stoker Carol R. , Batista Do Nascimento Nelio , Lemke Lawrence
Published: April 2020

With the discovery of the persistent jets of water being ejected to space from Enceladus, an understanding of the effect of the space environment on potential organisms and biosignatures in them is necessary for planning life detection missions. We experimentally determine the survivability of microbial cells in liquid medium when ejected into vacuum. Epifluorescence microscopy, using a lipid stain, and SEM imaging were used to interrogate the cellular integrity of E. coli after ejected through a pressurized nozzle into a vacuum chamber. The experimental samples showed a 94% decrease in visible intact E. coli cells but showed a fluorescence residue in the shape of the sublimated droplets that indicated the presence of lipids. The differences in the experimental conditions versus those expected on Enceladus should not change the analog value because the process a sample would undergo when ejected into space was representative. E. coli was selected for testing although other cell types could vary physiologically which would affect their response to a vacuum environment. More testing is needed to determine the dynamic range in concentration of cells expected to survive the plume environment. However, these results suggest that lipids may be directly detectable evidence of life in icy world plumes.
Riccati Technique and Asymptotic Behavior of Fourth-Order Advanced Differential Equations
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Dassios Ioannis
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we deal with the oscillation of fourth-order nonlinear advanced differential equations of the form r t y ‴ t α ′ + p t f y ‴ t + q t g y σ t = 0 . We provide oscillation criteria for this type of equations, and examples to illustrate the criteria.
On a New Result on the Ratio Exponentiated General Family of Distributions with Applications
Authors: Bantan Rashad A. R. , Jamal Farrukh , Chesneau Christophe , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we first show a new probability result which can be concisely formulated as follows: the function 2 G β / ( 1 + G α ) , where G denotes a baseline cumulative distribution function of a continuous distribution, can have the properties of a cumulative distribution function beyond the standard assumptions on α and β (possibly different and negative, among others). Then, we provide a complete mathematical treatment of the corresponding family of distributions, called the ratio exponentiated general family. To link it with the existing literature, it constitutes a natural extension of the type II half logistic-G family or, from another point of view, a compromise between the so-called exponentiated-G and Marshall-Olkin-G families. We show that it possesses tractable probability functions, desirable stochastic ordering properties and simple analytical expressions for the moments, among others. Also, it reaches high levels of flexibility in a wide statistical sense, mainly thanks to the wide ranges of possible values for α and β and thus, can be used quite effectively for the real data analysis. We illustrate this last point by considering the Weibull distribution as baseline and three practical data sets, with estimation of the model parameters by the maximum likelihood method.
Nonlocal Integro-Differential Equations of the Second Order with Degeneration
Authors: Kozhanov Aleksandr I.
Published: April 2020

We study the solvability for boundary value problems to some nonlocal second-order integro–differential equations that degenerate by a selected variable. The possibility of degeneration in the equations under consideration means that the statements of the corresponding boundary value problems have to change depending on the nature of the degeneration, while the nonlocality in the equations implies that the boundary conditions will also have a nonlocal form. For the problems under study, the paper provides conditions that ensure their well-posedness.
An Improved Criterion for the Oscillation of Fourth-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Ruggieri Marianna , Scapellato Andrea
Published: April 2020

The main purpose of this manuscript is to show asymptotic properties of a class of differential equations with variable coefficients r ν w ‴ ν β ′ + ∑ i = 1 j q i ν y κ g i ν = 0 , where ν ≥ ν 0 and w ν : = y ν + p ν y σ ν . By using integral averaging technique, we get conditions to ensure oscillation of solutions of this equation. The obtained results improve and generalize the earlier ones; finally an example is given to illustrate the criteria.
Non-Clinical Variables Influencing Cesarean Section Rate According to Robson Classification
Authors: Strambi Noemi , Sorbi Flavia , Bartolini Gian Marco , Forconi Chiara , Sisti Giovanni , Seravalli Viola , Di Tommaso Mariarosaria
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives: The incidence of cesarean section (CS) has progressively increased worldwide, without any proven benefit to either the mother or the newborn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CS rates and both clinical and non-clinical variables, while applying the Robson classification system. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of pregnant women delivering at a tertiary care hospital between 2012 and 2017, either under public or private healthcare. The overall CS rate, and the elective and non-elective CS rate, divided by classes of Robson, were determined. The rate of vaginal deliveries and CSs was compared between the public and private setting. The distribution of incidence of non-elective CSs and their main indications were analyzed between daytime and nighttime. Results: 18,079 patients delivered during the study period: 69.2% delivered vaginally and 30.8% by CS. Robson class 5 was the most frequent (23.4%), followed by class 2B (16.8%). Of the 289 private practice deliveries, 59.2% were CSs. The CS rate was significantly higher in private compared to public practice: 59.2% and 30.4%, respectively (OR 3.32, 95% CI 2.62 ± 4.21). When only considering elective CSs, a statistically significant difference was found in Robson class 5 between private and public practice, with the latter having more CSs (94.2% and 83.8%, respectively (p = 0.046)). The rate of non-elective CS was significantly lower during nighttime than during daytime (17.2% vs. 21.5%, p < 0.01). During daytime, the higher incidence of CS occurred between 4:00 and 4:59 pm, and during nighttime between 9:00 and 9:59 pm. Failed induction was significantly more common as an indication to CS during daytime when compared to nighttime (p = 0.01). Conclusions: This study identified two non-clinical variables that influenced the CS rate: the type of healthcare setting (private vs. public) and the time of the day. We believe that these indications might be related more to the practitioner attitude, rather than objective delivery complications.
Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Providing Self-Care Recommendations for the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors: Suaidi Muhammad Taufik , Wong Poh Kuan , Mohd Tahir Nurul Ain , Chua Eng Wee
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) comprises a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that affect women of reproductive age. The distress caused by PMS often leads to self-medication, and many over-the-counter or non-prescription products are available for relieving PMS symptoms. The choice of a suitable product should be based on advice from a health professional, such as a community pharmacist. Hence, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malaysian community pharmacists in providing self-care recommendations for the management of PMS. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from September to November 2018 using a self-administered questionnaire. The respondents were community pharmacists working in Kuala Lumpur and were chosen from a list of Type A license holders in the city. Results: We achieved a response rate of 79% and included 181 questionnaires in the final analysis. Of the 181 respondents, most of them (76.8%; n = 139) had medium to good levels of knowledge of PMS. Likewise, most of the respondents (78.5%; n = 142) had positive attitudes toward their role in PMS management. Having taken courses on managing minor illnesses in women substantially enhanced their levels of knowledge of (p = 0.002), but not their attitude towards, PMS management. Among the PMS-relieving products, the most commonly recommended products were ibuprofen (79%; n = 143), mefenamic acid (74.5%; n = 135), and naproxen (66.9%; n = 121), which are well known for their anti-inflammatory effect. This suggests that the respondents based their product choice on sound evidence. Conclusions: Community pharmacists can play an important role in the management of PMS. In future work, a larger sample can be assembled to obtain more insight into the readiness of community pharmacists to help women in self-managing PMS and establish a specialized service to this end.
Predictors of Cardiovascular Events in Hypertensive Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Tasić Ivan , Kostić Svetlana , Stojanović Nikola M. , Djordjević Dragan , Bogdanović Dragan , Deljanin Ilić Marina , Lović Milan , Stoičkov Viktor , Aleksandrić Srdjan
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives: A long-term therapeutic strategy in hypertensive patients equally depends on measured arterial blood pressure values and total determined cardiovascular risk. The aim of the adequate hypertensive patient treatment is both the reduction in arterial blood pressure and the reduction of all preexisting modifiable risk factors, prevention of target organs damage, and adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine independent predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular (CV) risk, and whether the modifiable risk factors could affect long-term prognosis in the studied population. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 142 hypertensive patients (65% females), mean age 63.1±8 years, with high CV risk. Each participant was followed for 6.2 years. Results: During the follow-up period, the incidence of non-fatal and fatal CV events was 19.7%, CV mortality 7%, and total mortality 9.9%. Our multivariate analysis showed that plaques in both carotid arteries (p = 0.042), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.042) and cholesterol at the beginning of the study (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CV events. Patients’ age (p = 0.009), intima-media thickness (p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.042) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CV mortality, and age (p = 0.007) and cholesterol (p = 0.002) were independent variables significantly associated with increased total mortality rates. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the main predictors of adverse CV events in high-risk hypertensive patients were years of age, cholesterol levels, diabetes, intima-media thickness, and carotid arteries plaques.
Pleural Solitary Fibrous Tumors—A Retrospective Study on 45 Patients
Authors: Savu Cornel , Melinte Alexandru , Posea Radu , Galie Niculae , Balescu Irina , Diaconu Camelia , Cretoiu Dragos , Dima Simona , Filipescu Alexandru , Balalau Cristian , Bacalbasa Nicolae
Published: April 2020

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to study the type, the clinical presentation, and the best diagnostic methods for pleural solitary fibrous tumors (PSFTs), as well as to evaluate which is the most appropriate treatment, especially as PSFTs represent a rare occurrence in the thoracic pathology. Material and Method: A retrospective study was conducted on a group of 45 patients submitted to surgery between January 2015 and December 2019. In most cases, the diagnosis was established through imaging studies—thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan with or without contrast—but also using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans when data from CT scans were scarce. All patients were submitted to surgery with curative intent. Results: Most patients included in this study were asymptomatic, with this pathology being more common in patients over 60 years of age, and more common in women. The occurrence of malignant PSFT in our study was 17.77% (8 cases). All cases were submitted to surgery with curative intent, with a single case developing further recurrence. In order to achieve complete resection en bloc resection of the tumor with the chest wall, resection was performed in two cases, while lower lobectomy, pneumectomy, and hemidiaphragm resection, respectively, were needed in each case. Postoperative mortality was null. Conclusion: Thoracic CT scan remains the most important imagistic investigation in diagnosing. MRI is superior to thoracic CT, especially in cases that involved the larger blood vessels within the thorax, spinal column, or diaphragm. Complete surgical resection is the gold standard in treatment of PSFT, and the prognosis in benign cases is very good.
Binding-Site Match Maker (BSMM): A Computational Method for the Design of Multi-Target Ligands
Authors: Zhou Jinming , Wu Jian Hui
Published: April 2020

Multi-target ligand strategies provide a valuable method of drug design. However, to develop a multi-target drug with the desired profile remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a computational method binding-site match maker (BSMM) for the design of multi-target ligands based on binding site matching. BSMM was built based on geometric hashing algorithms and the representation of a binding-site with physicochemical (PC) points. The BSMM software was used to detect proteins with similar binding sites or subsites. In particular, BSMM is independent of protein global folds and sequences and is therefore applicable to the matching of any binding sites. The similar sites between protein pairs with low homology and/or different folds are generally not obvious to the visual inspection. The detection of such similar binding sites by BSMM could be of great value for the design of multi-target ligands.
Atypical Lindenane-Type Sesquiterpenes from Lindera myrrha
Authors: Duong Thuc-Huy , Beniddir Mehdi A. , Trung Nguyen T. , Phan Cam-Tu D. , Vo Van Giau , Nguyen Van-Kieu , Le Quynh-Loan , Nguyen Hoang-Dung , Le Pogam Pierre
Published: April 2020

Two new lindenane sesquiterpenes were obtained from the roots of Lindera myrrha. These compounds were structurally elucidated by HRMS data, extensive NMR analyses, and comparison between experimental and theoretical 13C-NMR data. Myrrhalindenane A is the first monomeric seco-d lindenane displaying a non-rearranged, cyclohexanic C-ring. Myrrhalindenane B is the second occurrence of an angular lindenane-sesquiterpene related to a C6-C7 lactonization.
Gentiana lutea Extract Modulates Ceramide Synthesis in Primary and Psoriasis-Like Keratinocytes
Authors: Gendrisch Fabian , Nováčková Anna , Sochorová Michaela , Haarhaus Birgit , Vávrová Kateřina , Schempp Christoph M. , Wölfle Ute
Published: April 2020

Gentiana lutea is a bitter herb that is traditionally used to improve gastric disorders. Recently, we have shown that Gentiana lutea extract (GE) also modulates the lipid metabolism of human keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the role of GE on ceramide synthesis in human primary keratinocytes (HPKs) and psoriasis-like keratinocytes. We could demonstrate that GE increased the concentrations of glucosylceramides and the ceramide AS/AdS subclass without affecting the overall ceramide content in HPKs. The expression of ceramide synthase 3 (CERS3) and elongases (ELOVL1 and 4) was reduced in psoriasis lesions compared to healthy skin. Psoriasis-like HPKs, generated by stimulating HPKs with cytokines that are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis (IL-17, TNF-α, IL-22 and IFN-γ) showed increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and increased expression of DEFB4A, as well as decreased expression of ELOVL4. The treatment with GE partly rescued the reduced expression of ELOVL4 in psoriasis-like HPKs and augmented CERS3 expression. This study has shown that GE modulates ceramide synthesis in keratinocytes. Therefore, GE might be a novel topical treatment for skin diseases with an altered lipid composition such as psoriasis.
COVID-19, Chloroquine Repurposing, and Cardiac Safety Concern: Chirality Might Help
Authors: Lentini Giovanni , Cavalluzzi Maria Maddalena , Habtemariam Solomon
Published: April 2020

The desperate need to find drugs for COVID-19 has indicated repurposing strategies as our quickest way to obtain efficacious medicines. One of the options under investigation is the old antimalarial drug, chloroquine, and its analog, hydroxychloroquine. Developed as synthetic succedanea of cinchona alkaloids, these chiral antimalarials are currently in use as the racemate. Besides the ethical concern related to accelerated large-scale clinical trials of drugs with unproven efficacy, the known potential detrimental cardiac effects of these drugs should also be considered. In principle, the safety profile might be ameliorated by using chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine single enantiomers in place of the racemate.
Coordination Polymers Based on a Biphenyl Tetraphosphonate Linker: Synthesis Control and Photoluminescence
Authors: Firmino Ana D. G. , Mendes Ricardo F. , Ananias Duarte , Barbosa Jéssica S. , Tomé João P. C. , Almeida Paz Filipe A.
Published: April 2020

In this work, we used the rigid tetrapodal organic linker, [1,1′-biphenyl]-3,3′,5,5′-tetrayltetrakis(phosphonic acid) (H8btp), for the preparation of two lanthanide–organic framework families of compounds: layered [Ln7(H5btp)4(H5.5btp)2(H6btp)2(H2O)12]∙23.5H2O∙MeOH [where Ln3+ = Eu3+ (1Eu) and Gd3+ (1Gd)], prepared using microwave-irradiation followed by slow evaporation; 3D [Ln4(H3btp)(H4btp)(H5btp)(H2O)8]∙3H2O [where Ln3+ = Ce3+ (2Ce), Pr3+ (2Pr), and Nd3+ (2Nd)], obtained from conventional hydro(solvo)thermal synthesis. It is shown that in this system, by carefully selecting the synthetic method and the metal centers, one can increase the dimensionality of the materials, also increasing structural robustness (particularly to the release of the various solvent molecules). Compound 1 is composed of 2D layers stacked on top of each other and maintained by weak π–π interactions, with each layer formed by discrete 1D organic cylinders stacked in a typical brick-wall-like fashion, with water molecules occupying the free space in-between cylinders. Compound 2, on the other hand, is a 3D structure with small channels filled with crystallization water molecules. A full solid-state characterization of 1 and 2 is presented (FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy, thermogravimetric studies, powder X-ray diffraction and thermodiffractometry). The photoluminescence of 1Eu was investigated.
Characterization and Biological Activities of Seed Oil Extracted from Berberis dasystachya Maxim. by the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Method
Authors: Han Lijuan , Han Qingqing , Yang Yongjing , Wang Honglun , Wang ShuLin , Li Gang
Published: April 2020

Characterization of the structure and pharmacological activity of Berberis dasystachya Maxim., a traditional Tibetan medicinal and edible fruit, has not yet been reported. In this study, central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction conditions of B. dasystachya oil (BDSO) using the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction method, and the results were compared with those obtained by the petroleum ether extraction (PEE) method. The chemical characteristics of BDSO were analyzed, and its antioxidant activity and in vitro cellular viability were studied by DPPH, ABTS, reducing power assay, and MTT assay. The results showed that the maximum yield of 12.54 ± 0.56 g/100 g was obtained at the optimal extraction conditions, which were: pressure, 25.00 MPa; temperature 59.03 °C; and CO2 flow rate, 2.25 SL/min. The Gas chromatography (GC) analysis results showed that BDSO extracted by the SC-CO2 method had higher contents of unsaturated fatty acids (85.62%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (57.90%) than that extracted by the PEE method. The gas chromatography used in conjunction with ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) results showed that the main volatile compounds in BDSO were aldehydes and esters. BDSO also exhibited antioxidant ability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, normal and cancer cells incubated with BDSO had survival rates of more than 85%, which indicates that BDSO is not cytotoxic. Based on these results, the BDSO extracted by the SC-CO2 method could potentially be used in other applications, e.g., those that involve using berries of B. dasystachya.
Multivalent Ions as Reactive Crosslinkers for Biopolymers—A Review
Authors: Wurm Florian , Rietzler Barbara , Pham Tung , Bechtold Thomas
Published: April 2020

Many biopolymers exhibit a strong complexing ability for multivalent ions. Often such ions form ionic bridges between the polymer chains. This leads to the formation of ionic cross linked networks and supermolecular structures, thus promoting the modification of the behavior of solid and gel polymer networks. Sorption of biopolymers on fiber surfaces and interfaces increases substantially in the case of multivalent ions, e.g., calcium being available for ionic crosslinking. Through controlled adsorption and ionic crosslinking surface modification of textile fibers with biopolymers can be achieved, thus altering the characteristics at the interface between fiber and surrounding matrices. A brief introduction on the differences deriving from the biopolymers, as their interaction with other compounds, is given. Functional models are presented and specified by several examples from previous and recent studies. The relevance of ionic crosslinks in biopolymers is discussed by means of selected examples of wider use.
A Trisbenzimidazole Phosphoramidite Building Block Enables High-Yielding Syntheses of RNA-Cleaving Oligonucleotide Conjugates
Authors: Zellmann Felix , Göbel Michael W.
Published: April 2020

The RNA cleaving catalyst tris(2-aminobenzimidazole) when attached to the 5’ terminus of oligonucleotides cuts complementary RNA strands in a highly site-specific manner. Conjugation was previously achieved by the acylation of an amino linker by an active ester of the catalyst. However, this procedure was low yielding and not reliable. Here, a phosphoramidite building block is described that can be coupled to oligonucleotides by manual solid phase synthesis in total yields around 85%. Based on this chemistry, we have now studied the impact of LNA (locked nucleic acids) nucleotides on the rates and the site-specificities of RNA cleaving conjugates. The highest reaction rates and the most precise cuts can be expected when the catalyst is attached to a strong 5’ closing base pair and when the oligonucleotide contains several LNA units that are equally distributed in the strand. However, when placed in the 5’ position, LNA building blocks tend to diminish the specificity of RNA cleavage.
Differentiation of South African Game Meat Using Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy and Hierarchical Modelling
Authors: Edwards Kiah , Manley Marena , Hoffman Louwrens C. , Beganovic Anel , Kirchler Christian G. , Huck Christian W. , Williams Paul J.
Published: April 2020

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combined with multivariate data analysis techniques, was used to rapidly differentiate between South African game species, irrespective of the treatment (fresh or previously frozen) or the muscle type. These individual classes (fresh; previously frozen; muscle type) were also determined per species, using hierarchical modelling. Spectra were collected with a portable handheld spectrophotometer in the 908–1676-nm range. With partial least squares discriminant analysis models, we could differentiate between the species with accuracies ranging from 89.8%–93.2%. It was also possible to distinguish between fresh and previously frozen meat (90%–100% accuracy). In addition, it was possible to distinguish between ostrich muscles (100%), as well as the forequarters and hindquarters of the zebra (90.3%) and springbok (97.9%) muscles. The results confirm NIR spectroscopy’s potential as a rapid and non-destructive method for species identification, fresh and previously frozen meat differentiation, and muscle type determination.
A Top-to-Bottom Luminescence-Based Chronology for the Post-LGM Regression of a Great Basin Pluvial Lake
Authors: Munroe Jeffrey , Walcott Caleb , Amidon William , Landis Joshua
Published: April 2020

We applied luminescence dating to a suite of shorelines constructed by pluvial Lake Clover in northeastern Nevada, USA during the last glacial cycle. At its maximum extent, the lake covered 740 km2 with a mean depth of 16 m and a water volume of 13 km3. In the north-central sector of the lake basin, 10 obvious beach ridges extend from the highstand to the lowest shoreline over a horizontal distance of ~1.5 km, representing a lake area decrease of 35%. These ridges are primarily composed of sandy gravel and rise ~1.0 m above the alluvial fan surface on which they are superposed. Single grain luminescence dating of K-feldspar using the pIRIR SAR (post-infrared infrared single-aliquot regenerative dose) protocol, corroborated by SAR dating of quartz, indicates that the highstand shoreline was constructed ca. 16–17 ka during Heinrich Stadial I (Greenland Stadial 2, GS-2), matching 14C age control for this shoreline elsewhere in the basin. The lake regressed rapidly during the Bølling/Allerød (GI-1), before the rate of regression slowed during the Younger Dryas interval (GS-1). The lowest shoreline was constructed ca. 10 ka. Persistence of Lake Clover into the early Holocene may reflect enhanced monsoonal precipitation driven by the summer insolation maximum.
Tendency to contact general practice instead of self-care: a population vignette study
Authors: O'Cathain Alicia , Simpson Rebecca , Phillips Miranda , Dickson Jon M
Published: April 2020

Background

Demand for general practice in the UK is higher than supply. Some patients seek appointments with GPs for minor illnesses rather than self-care.

Aim

To identify the characteristics of people with a tendency to contact GPs rather than self-care.

Design & setting

A national survey of the British adult population was undertaken in 2018, which included vignettes.

Method

Two vignettes focused on illness in adults: half of responders completed a vignette about cough and sore throat for 3 days, and the other half completed a vignette about diarrhoea and vomiting for 2 days. Logistic regression was undertaken to identify characteristics associated with contacting GPs compared with dealing with the problem themselves, calling NHS 111, or contacting another service, including a pharmacist.

Results

The response rate was 42%, with 2906 responders. Responders were twice as likely to select ‘contact GP’ for the diarrhoea and vomiting vignette than for the cough and sore throat vignette (44.7% versus 21.8%). Factors associated with tendency for GP contact included being aged >75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 3.2); from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities (OR 2.1, 95% CI = 1.5 to 3.0); feeling overwhelmed by unexpected health problems (OR 1.4, 95% CI = 0.99 to 2.1); lower health literacy (OR 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0 to 1.4); and believing that general practice is not overused (OR 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1 to 1.7).

Conclusion

Type of symptom, personal characteristics, and population beliefs about general practice utilisation explain the tendency to contact GPs for minor illness amenable to self-care.