bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The process of monitoring the current condition of oil recovery at the production fields in Western Kazakhstan
Authors: Moldabayeva Gulnaz , Suleimenova Raikhan , Akhmetov Sairanbek , Shayakhmetova Zhanar , Suyungariyev Gabit
Published: September 2021

The problems of improving the technology aimed at reducing the volume of associated water production and increasing oil recovery from partially flooded deposits is very urgent. This paper discusses topical problems of further effective development of depleted oil fields to increase their final oil recovery on the example of the oil field in Western Kazakhstan. The methods of bottomhole zone treatment implement a deflecting effect on filtration flows. Therefore, this method includes a wide range of geological and technical measures: down-spacing; water production restraining; conformance control of injectivity profiles; forced production; all types of mechanical, thermochemical and thermal technologies. Geological and statistical models are proposed for diagnosing wells for a premature increase of water production using factor analysis calculations for base production and Hall plots. The degree of temperature influence of the primary components of the compounds on the rheology, filtration characteristics, and stability of inverted emulsions was determined. The classification of oil loss factors was carried out based on the results of downhole analysis and oil production losses were determined. Geological and statistical models for well diagnostics for premature increase in water production were built using factor analysis calculations for base production and Hall plots.
Reseña de: De la Escosura Balbás, María Cristina – Duce Pastor, Elena – González Gutiérrez, Patricia – Rodríguez Alcocer, María del Mar – Serrano Lozano, David (eds.): Blame it on the Gender. Identities and transgressions in Antiquit
Authors: Iriarte Asarta Unai
Published: September 2021

Reseña de: De la Escosura Balbás, María Cristina – Duce Pastor, Elena – González Gutiérrez, Patricia – Rodríguez Alcocer, María del Mar – Serrano Lozano, David (eds.): Blame it on the Gender. Identities and transgressions in Antiquity, Oxford, BAR Publishing, 2020, 107pp., ISBN: 978-1-4073-5734-8.
Rusaddir-Akros: una valoración del antiguo enclave de Melilla
Authors: Gil Orduña Enrique
Published: September 2021

La antigua Rusaddir ha sido objeto de una intensa investigación desde el descubrimiento y excavación del Cerro de San Lorenzo por parte de Rafael Fernández de Castro entre los años 1908-1916. A partir del rescate de una necrópolis con características únicas en el Mediterráneo antiguo, la identificación de referencias literarias en escritos clásicos y el descubrimiento de nuevas realidades arqueológicas en Melilla la Vieja, la antigua Rusaddir se ha convertido en un tema de reconsideración en el mundo académico, el cual trata de buscar su lugar y significancia histórica a partir de una labor historiográfica y arqueológica que ha dado sus frutos durante los últimos años. Rusaddir ha quedado, así, identificada como un asentamiento portuario en la Mauritania occidental que, en un momento dado, superó un determinado umbral de visibilidad arqueológica gracias a una serie de circunstancias en época romana alto-imperial que permitieron la integración económica y comercial de la ciudad en el Círculo del Estrecho.
Reseña de: Le Bohec, Yann: La vie quotidienne des soldats romains à l’apogée de l’Empire, 31 avant J.-C. – 235 après J.-C.
Authors: Perea Yébenes Sabino
Published: September 2021

Reseña de: Le Bohec, Yann: La vie quotidienne des soldats romains à l’apogée de l’Empire, 31 avant J.-C. – 235 après J.-C., Paris, Éditions Tallandier, 2020, 335 pp., ISBN: 979-10-210-4024-3.
In search of Shakespeare and Austen: travels in time and place
Authors:   , Wardle Janice
Published: September 2021

This thesis comprises six published works, preceded by four sections which provide context for the publications, and summarise their significance. The overall project is to examine an aspect of the engagement between contemporary culture and the figures of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen: a set of contemporary texts, including theatre productions, films, novels, and television dramas, which attempt to connect the present-day audience to the personal identities, and the historical worlds, of these two authors. The project explores the imaginative journeys that such works attempt, critically examining and appraising their techniques, particularly focusing on how the idea of travel between moments of time and/or place shapes these adaptations, as well as investigating how the engagement with the authors can be framed as acts of literary tourism. This exploration broadens, at points, into a more general discussion of the inherent excitement, and inherent jeopardy, of imagined and reported travel in time and place, including encounters in the experienced spaces of theatre, cinema and culturally significant sites. At a theoretical level, the thesis draws upon previous research in relevant fields, especially those of adaptation, and literary tourism. It also reflects upon the paradox of popular and commercial fascination with the lives and personalities of canonical authors, in spite of influential moves in recent decades to challenge the canon and to decry interest in authorial motives and intentions. The focus on the idea of place and time travel in this study offers an innovative framework within which to investigate both the production of these texts and their consumption by readers and viewers. Such travels in search of the author are shown to help us to interrogate central questions in adaptation studies around the authenticity and fidelity of texts and performance. The chief aim of the thesis, however, is not to provide an all-embracing theory, but to bring out the sheer complexity of the phenomena it discusses, and to analyse and illuminate these complexities.
Existential crisis? UK journalists make sense of their professional practice
Authors:   , Subryan Mark
Published: September 2021

The digital landscape has had some of the most profound impacts on the journalism profession. Social media has bridged the gap between journalists and audiences. Online journalism has led to rounds of downsizing, slowed hiring processes, and corporate mandates for immediate publication that challenge the traditional perspectives of journalists. Added to this are several 21st century controversies, such as the phone hacking scandal and criticism of journalism’s responses to tragedies, it is evident that UK journalists face significant challenges to their practice. This research aims to understand how journalists make sense of their daily professional lives amid contemporary challenges to practice. Specifically, it investigates what journalists believe they do on a daily basis, how they view their readers, and how they defend themselves against allegations of unethical practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 journalists who represented a broad cross-section of practitioners in the UK. These journalists came from the national tabloid, regional, and freelance sectors of the UK journalism landscape. A thematic analysis revealed that journalists still articulate knowledge claims of their field based on traditional epistemic values attached to western democratic ideals despite challenges from the digital landscape revealing a different reality. Audiences have become commodified, which has furnished journalists with an ambivalent outlook on their readers. Contrary to public perceptions of what is morally challenging, journalists see assignments that push ethical boundaries as a normal part of their practice. The results highlighted three ways in which journalists make sense of their practice in the contemporary era: judgment, which plays an important role in newsmaking decisions, ethical practices, and storytelling; traditional epistemic views to make articulated knowledge claims about practice, and; validation of practice, their identity, and to emphasise the value they bring to journalism that is based on their articulated knowledge, informed traditions, and shared repertoire of knowledge.
Panpsihizam: odgovor na nepostojeći problem?
Authors: Galić Miroslav
Published: September 2021

U radu ćemo razmatrati neke od novijih argumenata u korist panpsihizma, a naročito argumente koje zastupa Filip Gof, kao i razloge zbog kojih je ovaj pristup ne samo neodrživ, već i neutemeljen. Panpsihizam, kao oblik onto-epistemičkog filozofskog pogleda na svijet, ponovo dobija na zamahu nakon Čalmersovog postavljanja „teškog problema svijesti“ (Chalmers, 1995). Polazeći od toga da fizikalizam i emergentizam ne mogu objasniti pojavu svijesti, novi panpsihizam će dovesti u pitanje otkrića nauke, ne samo neuro-nauke već i same fizike. Kritika koja se na ovakav način upućuje prirodnoj nauci ne predstavlja produktivan doprinos razumijevanju fenomena svijesti, te bismo željeli pokazati da, uprkos svim problemima koji slijede iz razmatranja svijesti, odgovor na to kako je svijest moguća ipak prije može doći iz pravca filozofskih istraživanja koja ozbiljno uzimaju u obzir domete savremene nauke, nego li ovako postavljenog panpsihizma.
Јевреји у Вишеграду (1878 – 1914)
Authors: Лужија Стојанка
Published: September 2021

У раду ћемо на основу необјављених и објављених историјских извора покушати да реконструишемо живот вишеградских Јевреја на размеђу XIX и XX вијека. Будући да у српској историографији, до сада, о вишеградској јеврејској заједници у периоду 1878 – 1914. није пиисано. Вишеград је и прије аустроугарске окупације (1878) имао велику улогу као гранично подручје, царинарница и важно трговачко чвориште. Након 1878. године његов гео-стратешки значај још је више дошао до изражаја. Први попис становништва, који су окупационе власти провеле 1879. године, биљежи да је у самом граду живјело свега 37 Јевреја, односно нешто више од 3% укупног градског становништва. Током 80-их година XIX вијека масовнији талас унутрашњих миграција довео је до повећања броја Јевреја у вишеградској чаршији. Притиснути економским недаћама они су кренувши из Сарајева према истоку, своје уточиште, између осталог, нашли и у Вишеграду. Углавном орјентисани на трговачку дјелатност у значајној мјери су утицали на привредно унапређење Вишеграда и његове шире околине. У духовном погледу били су везани за сефардску вјерску општину, која је била и њихов заступник у односу према властима.
Analysis of the current state of public passenger transport in the area of Dubrovnik
Authors:   Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, Brčić Davor , Radulović Božo ,   University of Zagreb Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences
Published: September 2021

Public transport is of great importance for the development of urban and suburban areas, so high importance is attached to the analysis of the current situation in order to identify certain shortcomings and room for improvement. The area of Dubrovnik is of a specific character, apart from its location along the coast, it has the character of a very attractive tourist centre. This paper will present the results of the analysis of the organization of public transport in this area and present certain conclusions from it.
Western diet shifts immune cell balance
Authors: Bergey Christina M
Published: September 2021

The immune cells of macaques fed a Western-like diet adopt a pro-inflammatory profile.
Genome-scale identification of plant defensin (PDF) family genes and molecular characterization of their responses to diverse nutrient stresses in allotetraploid rapeseed
Authors: Liu Ying , Hua Ying-peng , Chen Huan , Zhou Ting , Yue Cai-peng , Huang Jin-yong
Published: September 2021

Plant defensins (PDFs), short peptides with strong antibacterial activity, play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. However, there are few systematic analyses on PDFs in Brassica napus. Here, bioinformatics methods were used to identify genome-wide PDFs in Brassica napus, and systematically analyze physicochemical properties, expansion pattern, phylogeny, and expression profiling of BnaPDFs under diverse nutrient stresses. A total of 37 full-length PDF homologs, divided into two subgroups (PDF1s and PDF2s), were identified in the rapeseed genome. A total of two distinct clades were identified in the BnaPDF phylogeny. Clade specific conserved motifs were identified within each clade respectively. Most BnaPDFs were proved to undergo powerful purified selection. The PDF members had enriched cis-elements related to growth and development, hormone response, environmental stress response in their promoter regions. GO annotations indicate that the functional pathways of BnaPDFs are mainly involved in cells killing and plant defense responses. In addition, bna-miRNA164 and bna-miRNA172 respectively regulate the expression of their targets BnaA2.PDF2.5 and BnaC7.PDF2.6. The expression patterns of BnaPDFs were analyzed in different tissues. BnaPDF1.2bs was mainly expressed in the roots, whereas BnaPDF2.2s and BnaPDF2.3s were both expressed in stamen, pericarp, silique, and stem. However, the other BnaPDF members showed low expression levels in various tissues. Differential expression of BnaPDFs under nitrate limitation, ammonium excess, phosphorus starvation, potassium deficiency, cadmium toxicity, and salt stress indicated that they might participate in different nutrient stress resistance. The genome-wide identification and characterization of BnaPDFs will enrich understanding of their molecular characteristics and provide elite gene resources for genetic improvement of rapeseed resistance to nutrient stresses.
Physical and Sensory Properties of Bread Made with Wheat and Fermented Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) Flours
Authors: Alabi B. E. , Adejuyitan J. A. , Abioye V. F.
Published: September 2021

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the effect of fermented finger millet flour supplementation in wheat on the physical and sensory properties of bread.

Methodology: Finger millet grains were cleaned, washed and fermented in deionized water for 72 h at room temperature (27±2oC), with sampling at every 24 h interval. Fermented grains were washed, drained, dried (65oC, 4 h), milled and sieved (<250 µm) to produce Fermented Finger Millet Flour (FFMF). Composite flour was formulated by supplementing wheat flour with Fermented Finger Millet Flour (FFMF) at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % (w/w), and used to produce bread samples. Physical (Oven spring, loaf weight, loaf volume and specific volume) and sensory (crust colour, crumb colour, aroma, texture, taste, mouth feel and overall acceptability) properties of the bread samples were determined.

Results: Physical properties showed less oven spring, loaf volume and specific loaf volume and increased loaf weight with increased FFMF replacement. The sensory analysis showed significant differences (p<0.05) between 100% wheat bread and FFMF supplemented samples in all the determined sensory properties. It was concluded that fermentation period of 24-48 h, and substitution of 5-10% FFMF into wheat gave the bread samples with the best overall acceptability.
Microbiological Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Sold in the Markets of Korhogo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Mathurin Yao Konan , Ollo Kambire , Dezay Yoro Thierry , Safiatou Traore , Koffi-Nevry Rose
Published: September 2021

Aims: The present work is part of a sanitary quality control of market garden products in Korhogo. The objective of this study was to know the microbiological quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) sold on the markets of the city of Korhogo.

Place and Duration of Study: The analyses were carried out at the microbiology laboratory of Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University during the months of October, November and December 2020.

Methodology: Germs such as molds, yeasts, mesophilic aerobic germs, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Clostridium were tested and enumerated on 40 tomato samples from the markets of Haoussabougou, Koko, Sinistré and the big market according to conventional microbiology methods.

Results: The average loads of molds and yeasts range from 1.2x104 to 6x105 CFU/g. The average loads of mesophilic aerobic germs vary from 2.3x104 to 2.3x105 CFU/g. The highest loads recorded for Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms were 3.1x104 CFU/g and 1.5x104 CFU/g respectively. Escherichia coli (4x101 CFU/g) was isolated only from tomatoes collected in Haoussabougou. As for the Clostridium genus, it was not detected on all the tomatoes analyzed.

Conclusion: In general, the microbial loads of the analyzed samples are higher than the accepted norm. Thus, the tomatoes sold on the markets of the city of Korhogo have an unsatisfactory microbiological quality. It is advisable to clean, disinfect and rinse these tomatoes carefully with drinking water before consuming them raw.
Dietary Practices of Health Professionals during Working Hours in a Tertiary Referral Teaching Hospital In Ghana: A Neglected Vulnerable Group
Authors: Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana Naa Atsreh , Amoasi Deborah , Setorglo Jacob
Published: September 2021

Aim: Generally, it is assumed that health professionals are knowledgeable about healthy eating and as such studies aimed at assessing their dietary practices and the factors that influence these practices have been largely neglected. These studies are important because the dietary habits of healthcare professionals (HCPs) can have an impact on their well-being, health status and even their work output. Largely, there is a dearth of information about the dietary practices of HCPs during working hours. This study was aimed at assessing the dietary practices of HCPs during working hours at a referral teaching hospital in Ghana.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study in which a questionnaire was administered to 320 HCPs.

Methodology: A questionnaire was administered to the HCPs in the hospital after obtaining informed consent (written) from the HCPs. The questionnaire solicited information about their socio-demographics, dietary practices and nutritional knowledge. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and proportions.

Results: Approximately 13.1%, 47.5% and 39.4% were underweight, normal weight and overweight respectively. Carbonated beverages, baked foods and fried foods were consumed four (4) or more times in a week by more than half of the HCPs because they were regarded as convenience foods which could be eaten while working. About 76.9%, 52.8% and 58.4% skipped their breakfast, lunch and supper meal respectively at least once in the past one (1) week before the study.

Conclusions: The findings reveal concerns about the unhealthy dietary habits and basic nutrition knowledge gaps among the surveyed HCPs. Most HCPs skipped breakfast and ate a lot of unhealthy foods such as carbonated beverages, baked foods and fried foods frequently during working hours. Recommendations made include the need for hospital management to provide canteens that serve healthy meals for HCPs at their job sites. There is also the need for management to organize the work-schedules of HCPs in order to manage their workloads in a manner that enables them have adequate breaktimes to access and eat healthy foods while at work.
Characterization and Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Yeast from Fermented Sorghum and Maize Products for use as Starter Culture
Authors: Ayodeji Oluwatosin Charles , Titilayo Afolabi Folake , Musliu Abdulkadir
Published: September 2021

This study focused on the isolation, Characterization and screening of lactic acid bacteria and yeast for use as starter culture in order to eradicate the problem of excessive microbial contamination and the presence of mycotoxins.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the predominant microorganisms isolated from the samples collected. The isolates were screened for their ability to produce enzymes and metabolites. Lactic acid bacteria produce a variety of antimicrobial compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl on them as a natural competitive means to overcome other microorganism sharing the same niche. They were also screened for their ability to withstand some physiological stress like acid tolerance, temperature, salt concentration and antibacterial activity; the isolates produced significant values of enzymes and, antimicrobial metabolites. The antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus plantarum is mainly attributed to the low pH due to Lactic acid production. The antimicrobial activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae appears to be mainly due to the competition with the other microorganisms. In addition, depletion of Oxygen and production of CO2, competition for nutrients and the production of antimicrobial substances could have been responsible for the overall antimicrobial activity of both cultures. According to the results obtained, both lactic acid bacteria and yeast proved to be a good source of starter culture.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pavithra S. , Lavanya S. , Vaishnavi P. , Rosario A. Rakesh , A Priyadharshini , Ahalya S. P.
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 is a pathogenic virus that caused a pandemic outbreak in December 2019. The impact of this virus may be severe in the patients having co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, cardiovascular disease, etc.

Aim and Objectives: This study Aims in Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on Diabetic and Hypertensive patients as well as COVID-19 patients without any co-morbidities. Objective of this is to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and its risk factors (diabetes and hypertension) and to evaluate whether the severity of the symptoms in COVID-19 patients is due to comorbidities or past medications.

Methodology: A Retrospective study was conducted in SRM Hospital (Medical Records Department) for a period of 3 Months with the study population 670 at the age group of 25, known case of Diabetes and Hypertension. Cases of Pregnant women are excluded from the study. The patients were grouped into 4 categories 1) control group (patient without any co-morbidities) 2) diabetic patients 3) Hypertensive patient 4) Diabetic+Hypertension patient and studied their prescribing pattern by collecting the past medication history.

Results and Discussion: There is a significant decrease in a lymphocyte in covid-19 Type 2 diabetic patients in our study. These results suggest that different mechanism exists for hypertension and diabetes mellitus as risk factors for covid-19. It is also known that these patients have impaired immune response to many infections [30]. In our retrospective study, we collected 670 covid-19 cases. It consists of 12.5% of diabetic patients and 6.6% of hypertensive patients. This study compared COVID-19 patients without any comorbidity (neither Type 2 diabetes mellitus nor hypertension) with covid- 19 patients with comorbidities (Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension). COVID-19 patients with T2DM have an increased level of D-dimer compared to non-T2DM patients. Conclusion: Diabetic and hypertensive patients affected with COVID-19 are low in our study. Out of the total study population, only 12.5% are diabetic, 6.56% are hypertensive, and 9.25% were both diabetic and hypertensive. But when comparing in terms of severity, hypertensive and diabetic patients have severe effects than the control patients. In simpler terms, not every person who has diabetes and hypertension are affected with COVID-19, but those who were affected by COVID-19 showed more severity than the patients who don't have any comorbidities
Audit of the Wheat Pill Cases at Medicolegal Clinic Mayo Hospital Lahore
Authors: Zahra Kanwal , Shahid Maryam , Aslam Waqas , Butt Usman Shahid , Zahra Nida
Published: September 2021

Objective: To determine the audit of wheat pill cases at medicolegal clinic of Mayo Hospital Lahore.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (medicolegal clinic), King Edward Medical University Lahore. This audit was of 9 months from September 2020 to May 2021. Patients presented at emergency department with attempt of wheat pills poisoning of all age groups and both genders were included. Cases were diagnosis via history of wheat pills consumption by the relatives. All the cases were given primary recovery and were shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Data was collected on monthly basis form September 2020 to May 2021. All the data was collected via study proforma.

Results: Total 49 wheat pill cases were observed during 9 months, their mean age was 29.26±12.68 years. Out of all 51.0% were males and 49.0% were females. Labourer males and housewives were most common 34.7% and 40.8% respectively. Frequency of wheat pill cases were high in months of September, October and May. At the time of admission 59.2% cases were seen conscious, 36.7% were semiconscious and 4.1% were unconscious. Out of all 59.2% were died.

Conclusion: This study observed that the wheat pills are highly toxic with the quick and high mortality rate. Strict legislations are recommended to the sale control of these pills all over the country.
Association between Chewable Tobacco Consumption and Oral Hygiene Habits on Periodontal Health
Authors: Memon Moomal , Shaikh Shazia , Siddiqui Muhammad Ilyas , Memon Sikander Munir , Anwar Aosaf , Ishaque Eshnawar
Published: September 2021

Aims: To determine the pattern of chewable tobacco habits, to assess the oral hygiene habits among patients visiting dental OPD and to determine the association of oral health maintenance and chewable tobacco with severity of periodontal disease.

Study Design: It was a comparative cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Dental Outpatient Department, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad and Jamshoro for six months from 1st February 2020 to 31st July 2020.

Methodology: A total of 362 subjects were selected by non-probability sampling technique. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect the data. Questionnaire forms was close and open ended. The investigator checked the patients, under the supervision of the OPD specialist and classified the periodontal health status. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS v.22) was used for data analysis.

Results: A total of 362 subjects, (84.5%) male and (15.5%) females were included in the study with the mean age 34.9 and SD ± 11.7. A highly significant association was found between chewable tobacco consumption and oral hygiene habits on periodontal health (p=<0.001) and statistically significant difference was found between the scores of measure of probing depth and loss of attachment for male and females (p=<0.001).

Conclusion: Periodontal diseases and poor oral hygiene have been diagnosed in all consumers of chewable tobacco. Usage of various types of chewing tobacco has been found to exacerbate the condition by developing pocket formation, bleeding on the probe, and inducing gingival recession as well.
Serum Calcium Levels in Preeclampsia
Authors: Khidri Feriha Fatima , Riaz Hina , Naz Farah , Almas . , Uqaili Arsalan Ahmed , Naz Roohi , Ali Faiza Kamran
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To determine the serum calcium levels in mild and severe preeclampsia and compare it with normal pregnancy.

Methods: It was a comparative cross sectional study. Thirty five normotensive pregnant women, n=30 women with mild preeclampsia and n=70 with severe preeclampsia were recruited at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hospital. The serum calcium was measured and levels were compared among three groups. The data was analysed on SPSS v. 20.

Results: The gestational age was more in the normal pregnancy compared to mild and severe preeclampsia (38.7±2.1 vs 36.7±3.6 and 36.2±2.8, p-value=0.0002). The calcium concentration was less in the both groups of preeclampsia i.e., 8.41± 0.96 mg/dl in mild and 8.02± 0.77 mg/dl in severe preeclampsia vs 9.2± 0.32 mg/dl in normal pregnant women, (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: We found lower levels of serum calcium in preeclampsia, suggesting its possible role in pathogenesis. Further studies to investigate the potential role of dietary supplementation of micronutrients during pregnancy are recommended.
Female Students Preferences for Different Pharmacy Departments in Research Project Course
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: September 2021

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate female pharmacy students preferences for different pharmacy departments in research project course in Al-Kharj.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study that included the response of the fifth year female students in the college of pharmacy in Al-Kharj in 2020. The students ranked the pharmacy departments according to their preferences. Female pharmacy students in Al-kharj were included. Female students in other colleges and male students were excluded from the study.

Results: More than half of the respondents had a high grade of 4 or more out of 5 (53.85%). Most of the students (58.97%) choose a research project in clinical pharmacy department (51.28% select clinical pharmacy as a first choice and 7.69% as a second choice). Most of the students who selected clinical pharmacy department as a first choice had a high grade (80 % of the students had a grade of 3.5 or more out of 5).

Conclusion: Most of the female students choose a research project in clinical pharmacy department this results is rational because generally a high percentage of pharmacy students plan to work in hospitals after graduation. So, research training is important for pharmacy students to improve their ability to solve drug therapy problems, counsel patients and communicate efficiently with health care professionals.
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress in Patients with Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Shaikh Farheen , Lakhan Hazooran , Memon Khalil Ahmed , Sarah Bibi , Ansari Shafaq , Shah Tazeen , Ahmer Arslan
Published: September 2021

Objective: To determine the effect of CoQ10 supplementation in reduction of oxidative stress by index marker, Malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxidase dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in patients with pre-eclampsia. 

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry LUMHS, Jamshoro. During the period of January 2018 to June 2018. Total 200 pregnant women were recruited and divided into two groups. 50 females were normotensive pregnant women as a control group, 150 were pre-eclamptic patients as case group. Obstetric history, clinical data was gathered and then 5ml of blood sample was collected from each patient. The blood samples were taken before and after a 3 months’ supplementation to analyse Malondialdehyde (MDA). The CoQ10 was evaluated by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx were performed on UV- spectrophotometer. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 22. Student t­test was used for analysed of continuous variables.

Results: The pre-eclamptic women treated with CoQ10 supplementation the plasma CoQ10 levels and MDA, SOD and CAT levels increased marked after 3 months(p<0.001). But the Glutathione Peroxidase was insignificant results as compared with controls (p=0.057).

Conclusion: The present study reflects that supplementation of CoQ10 decreased the oxidative stress and also helpful in improving the health of mother as well of her foetus by increase antioxidant activity.
Factors Influencing Food Selectivity and Food Preferences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rashid Amna , Iftikhar Nayab , Badar Syeda Asfara , Masood Fahad , Rehman Iqra
Published: September 2021

Aims: To determine the Food Preferences and factors influencing food selectivity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from parents of children with Autism by using a questionnaire. Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan.

Results: In sample of 68 children 22 (32.4%) were female and 46 (67.6%) were male. Out of 68 children, 55(80.8%) liked rice ,40(58.8%) liked junk food, 41(60.2%) liked bread, 38(55.8%) liked crunchy food and 36(53%) liked fruits. Out of 68 children 32(47%) didn’t need certain silverware or temperature to eat food, 33(48%) didn’t prefer to sit with specific person or chair at meals, 31(.5%) didn’t show any behavior like crying and screaming, 30(44.1%) didn’t refuse food if not in a presentable way and 30(44.1%) disagreed to eat single food three times.

Conclusion: This study significantly shows that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has some food preferences. They like to eat soft food like rice and bread rather than churchy one, they like fruits, vegetable, junk food. They show behaviors like throw food while eating and refuses to self-feed. They prefer to watch TV or any electronic device at mealtime. Due to their sensory issues they refuse to taste new food. The result indicates that autistic child has food preferences and they show limited acceptance towards food.
From Lithium‐Metal toward Anode‐Free Solid‐State Batteries: Current Developments, Issues, and Challenges
Authors: Heubner Christian , Maletti Sebastian , Auer Henry , Hüttl Juliane , Voigt Karsten , Lohrberg Oliver , Nikolowski Kristian , Partsch Mareike , Michaelis Alexander
Published: September 2021

The development of rechargeable batteries with high‐energy density is critical for future decarbonization of transportation. Anode‐free Li‐ion batteries, using a bare current collector at the anode side without any excess of Li, provide the highest volumetric energy density (>1500 Wh L−1) among all possible cell configurations. Furthermore, elimination of the anode material coating reduces material consumption and greatly simplifies cell production, which in turn lowers costs. Although significant progress has been made recently by the application of modified current collectors, optimized cycling parameters and improved liquid electrolytes, insufficient efficiencies, and dendritic growth during lithium plating lead to poor cycle life of typically less than 100 cycles as well as safety issues. Alternatively, very recent studies have demonstrated anode‐free solid‐state batteries that combine the benefits of high energy anode‐free cell configuration and solid‐state systems with high safety, exceeding 1000 cycles. This review provides an overview of recent developments toward anode‐free solid‐state batteries and highlights the current issues and challenges in this nascent field. It is concluded that, although major challenges remain at the present, the lessons learned in the fields of liquid electrolytes and solid‐state lithium metal batteries can accelerate the development of anode‐free solid‐state batteries of practical relevance.
An Organic Nanotherapeutic Agent Self‐Assembled from Cyanine and Cu (II) for Combined Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Xi Dongmei , Yang Mingwang , Sun Wen , Peng Xiaojun , Fan Jiangli
Published: September 2021

Although the combination of photothermal/chemodynamic therapy (PTT/CDT) based on various inorganic nanomaterials has promising anticancer effects, poor biocompatibility and biodegradability of inorganic nanoplatforms pose obstacles to their use in clinic. On the contrary, nanoscale metal−organic particles are considered to be a promising platform because of their biocompatibility and efficient metabolism. Herein, HA@Cy‐Cu NPs are prepared using the coordination‐driven assembly of cyanine dyes with Cu2+ ions. HA@Cy‐Cu NPs demonstrate excellent synergistic PTT/CDT, a high photothermal conversion efficiency (43%), and enhanced photostability. Moreover, Cu2+ in the NPs can be reduced to Cu+ by glutathione (GSH) and can transform H2O2 to •OH, which down‐regulates intracellular GSH levels and up‐regulates significant oxidative damage. Therefore, promising in vivo tumor ablation is observed at a low dose of HA@Cy‐Cu, suggesting that the combination of PTT/CDT greatly improved the antitumor performance. HA@Cy‐Cu can further improve organic nano‐systems for anti‐tumor therapy by integrating PTT and CDT.
Hydrophilicity and Hydrophobicity Control of Plasma‐Treated Surfaces via Fractal Parameters
Authors: Piferi Cecilia , Bazaka Kateryna , D'Aversa Debora L. , Di Girolamo Rocco , De Rosa Claudio , Roman H. Eduardo , Riccardi Claudia , Levchenko Igor
Published: September 2021

It is still problematic to define a direct relationship between specific properties of a nanostructured surface (e.g., wettability) and its morphology. Not surprisingly, scientists continue to explore en masse the cut‐and‐try method. In this work, new insights are presented into the correlation of functional properties of the complex nanocomposites with their morphological characteristics. Using polyethylene‐terephthalate (PET) as a model material due to its importance and wide use in experiments, super‐hydrophilic nanocomposites amenable to be used in a variety of industrial applications are first developed, by exposing PET samples to oxygen plasma under controlled conditions. The morphology of the surfaces is confirmed using AFM and SEM techniques, and wettability in air and its oleophobic properties in water using contact angle and roll‐off measurements. Next, different analytical tools such as Minkowski connectivity (Euler‐Poincaré characteristic), Hough distributions and 2D FFT are applied to study ordering, connectivity, and fractal characteristics of the samples. It is concluded that fractal dimension, along with ordering and connectivity, are among the major characteristics of the nanocomposite that determine many important physical and chemical properties of the functional nanomaterials, and the fractal dimension could be a target morphological feature to inform the design of fabrication technology.
Highly Emissive Layers based on Organic/Inorganic Nanohybrids Using Aggregation Induced Emission Effect
Authors: Phelipot Jonathan , Ledos Nicolas , Dombray Thomas , Duffy Matthew P. , Denis Mathieu , Wang Ting , Didane Yahia , Gaceur Meriem , Bao Qinye , Liu Xianjie , Fahlman Mats , Delugas Pietro , Mattoni Alessandro , Tondelier Denis , Geffroy Bernard , Bouit Pierre‐Antoine , Margeat Olivier , Ackermann Jörg , Hissler Muriel
Published: September 2021

Fluorescent nanohybrids, based on π‐extended hydroxyoxophosphole ligands grafted onto ZnO nanoparticles, are designed and studied. The restriction of the intramolecular motions of the organic fluorophore, through either aggregates’ formation in solution or processing into thin films, forms highly emissive materials due to a strong aggregation induced emission effect. Theoretical calculations and XPS analyses were performed to analyze the interactions between the organic and inorganic counterparts. Preliminary results on the use of these nanohybrids as solution‐processed emissive layers in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) illustrate their potential for lighting applications.
Natural Hyperbolic Dispersion with Anisotropic Epsilon‐Near‐Zero and Epsilon‐Near‐Pole in Squaraine Molecular Film
Authors: Kim Minjae , Choi Kyu Ri , Lee Yeon Ui , Heinrich Benoît , Ko Soo Young , Mathevet Fabrice , Ribierre Jean‐Charles , D'Aléo Anthony , Wu Jeong Weon , Placide Virginie
Published: September 2021

Epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) optical material has been employed in a number of novel linear and nonlinear optical applications, owing to the vanishing polarization upon an incident optical wave. In a uniaxial medium possessing hyperbolic energy–momentum dispersion of optical wave, ENZ can take place at ordinary and extraordinary permittivities. Organic thin films presenting a lamellar structure have been reported to exhibit a transverse negative hyperbolic dispersion with ENZ at ordinary permittivity. Here, organic thin film with ENZ at extraordinary permittivity is demonstrated. Newly synthesized polymethine dye (i.e., squaraine indolenine triethyleneglycol molecule) self‐organizes to form a layered structure in a pristine film, and both transverse negative and positive hyperbolic dispersions are observed at visible wavelengths. Analysis of tens‐nanometer‐thick pristine film shows that both ENZ and epsilon‐near‐pole (ENP) occur at longitudinal as well as transverse component of dielectric permittivity. Optical characterization of squaraine pristine film is presented, and the importance of transverse positive hyperbolic dispersion in such monolithic thin film is discussed.
Hepatokine Pregnancy Zone Protein Governs the Diet‐Induced Thermogenesis Through Activating Brown Adipose Tissue
Authors: Lin Jun , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Dong Meng , Liu Xiaomeng , Shen Qiwei , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Hanlin , Ye Rongcai , Zhou Huiqiao , Yan Chunlong , Yuan Shouli , Wu Xiangnan , Chen Li , Wang Yanfang , He Min , Tao Yi , Zhang Zhaoyun , Jin Wanzhu
Published: September 2021

Intermittent fasting (IF), as a dietary intervention for weight loss, takes effects primarily through increasing energy expenditure. However, whether inter‐organ systems play a key role in IF remains unclear. Here, a novel hepatokine, pregnancy zone protein (PZP) is identified, which has significant induction during the refeeding stage of IF. Further, loss of function studies and protein therapeutic experiment in mice revealed that PZP promotes diet‐induced thermogenesis through activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Mechanistically, circulating PZP can bind to cell surface glucose‐regulated protein of 78 kDa (GRP78) to promote uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression via a p38 MAPK‐ATF2 signaling pathway in BAT. These studies illuminate a systemic regulation in which the IF promotes BAT thermogenesis through the endocrinal system and provide a novel potential target for treating obesity and related disorders.
Toward Simultaneous Achievement of Outstanding Durability and Photoelectrochemical Reaction in Cu2O Photocathodes via Electrochemically Designed Resistive Switching
Authors: Kim Dong Su , Kim Young Been , Choi Ji Hoon , Suh Hee Won , Lee Hak Hyeon , Lee Kun Woong , Jung Sung Hyeon , Kim Jeong Jae , Deshpande Nishad G. , Cho Hyung Koun
Published: September 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells using Cu2O, semiconductor photoabsorbers passivated by protection layers, show a trade‐off between high photocurrent and stability because of the thickness of the energy band transport along the conduction band. Based on nanofilaments with non‐volatile metal‐like current flow characteristics in resistance‐change memory devices, a strategically advanced conducting filament transport mechanism for vigorous and robust PEC operation is proposed. The breakdown‐like electrochemical forming behavior effectively occurs with a rapid increase in current at ≈2 V (vs RHE). The fundamental properties of filaments, such as diameter, density, and conductivity, are controlled by varying the artificial compliance currents. This process does not require any top electrodes that obstruct light‐harvesting and the injection of photo‐charges into electrolytes or individual forming process with point‐by‐point sweeping, and provides electrochemical forming sites with homogeneous and dense distribution. Additionally, some photocorrosive sites that induce photocurrent degradation are passivated by the preferential photoelectrodeposition of co‐catalysts. From the electrochemical filament forming process and selective Pt‐photoelectrodeposition on filaments, the Cu2O/AZO/TiO2 photocathodes exhibit an unprecedented photocurrent density of ≈11.9 mA cm−2 and open‐circuit potential of 0.73 V and produce vigorous hydrogen and oxygen evolutions for over 100 h, even when the TiO2 passivation film exceeds 100 nm in thickness.
Electrolytes Polymerization‐Induced Cathode‐Electrolyte‐Interphase for High Voltage Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Jixiang , Liu Xiang , Wang Yian , Zhou Xinwei , Weng Lutao , Liu Yuzi , Ren Yang , Zhao Chen , Dahbi Mouad , Alami Jones , Ei‐Hady Deia Abd , Xu Gui‐Liang , Amine Khalil , Shao Minhua
Published: September 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) based on LiNixCoyMn1‐x‐yO2 (NCM) cathode materials have been widely commercialized, because of their high energy density, favorable rate performance, and relatively low cost. However, with increased Ni content to further increase their energy density, their cycling stability deteriorates dramatically and thus fails to meet the commercial application requirements. The artificial cathode‐electrolyte‐interphase (CEI) is a promising approach to solve this problem. Here, a robust CEI is fabricated through in situ polymerization of ethylene carbonate induced by aluminum isopropoxide (AIP). By adding 1 wt.% AIP in a commercial electrolyte, the capacity retention of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2||Li cell at 1 C rate has been significantly increased from 80.8% to 97.8% with a highly reversible capacity of 176 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles. AIP can be also used as an additive during the slurry‐making process, enabling a reversible capacity of 170 mA h g−1 for LiCoO2 after 200 cycles even at a high charge cut‐off voltage of 4.6 V. It is confirmed that the in situ formed CEI layer can prevent the cathodes from cracking and reduce the irreversible phase transformation.
Proinflammatory CD20+ T Cells are Differentially Affected by Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics
Authors: Quendt Corinna , Ochs Jasmin , Häusser‐Kinzel Silke , Häusler Darius , Weber Martin S.
Published: September 2021

The frequency of CD20+ T cells was reported to be increased in several inflammatory conditions. We report that in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), CD20+ T cells display a distinct proinflammatory phenotype with pathogenic properties. Anti‐CD20 treatment virtually extinguished CD20+ T cells, which might explain its broad effectiveness. Dimethyl fumarate dampened activity of differentiated CD20+ T cells, whereas fingolimod reduced their abundance only as part of its overall T cell suppressive capacity. Natalizumab increased the frequency of CD20+ effector T cells. Widely used MS therapeutics affect this proinflammatory T cell subset with assumed pathogenic potential in a surprisingly differential manner. ANN NEUROL 2021 ANN NEUROL 2021;90:834–839
Parameters Influencing Gene Delivery Efficiency of PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticles: Experimental and Modeling Approach
Authors: Dogan Nihal Olcay , Bozuyuk Ugur , Erkoc Pelin , Karacakol Alp Can , Cingoz Ahmet , Seker-Polat Fidan , Nazeer Muhammad Anwaar , Sitti Metin , Bagci-Onder Tugba , Kizilel Seda
Published: September 2021

Experimentation of nanomedicine is labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and requires costly laboratory consumables. Constructing a reliable mathematical model for such systems is also challenging due to the difficulties in gathering a sufficient number of data points. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are indicated as an efficient approach in nanomedicine to investigate the cause‐effect relationships and predict output variables. Herein, an ANN is adapted into plasmid DNA (pDNA) encapsulated and PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles cross‐linked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) to investigate the effects of critical parameters on the transfection efficiencies of nanoparticles. The ANN model is developed based on experimental results with three independent input variables: 1) polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight, 2) PEG concentration, and 3) nanoparticle concentration, along with one output variable as a percentage of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, which refers to transfection efficiency. The constructed model is further validated with the leave‐p‐out cross‐validation method. The results indicate that the developed model has good prediction capability and is influential in capturing the transfection efficiencies of different nanoparticle groups. Overall, this study reveals that the ANN could be an efficient tool for nanoparticle‐mediated gene delivery systems to investigate the impacts of critical parameters in detail with reduced experimental effort and cost.