bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postpartum alterations following inflammation in rat pregnancy: a discovery proteomic analysis
Authors: Ushida Takafumi , Kotani Tomomi , Moriyama Yoshinori , Hindmarch Charles C T , Cotechini Tiziana , Imai Kenji , Nakano-Kobayashi Tomoko , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Graham Charles H
Published: March 2021

Women with a history of preeclampsia have an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular and metabolic disease. While aberrant inflammation during pregnancy is associated with the development of preeclampsia, whether maternal inflammation increases the risk of disease later in life is unclear. Using a rat model we determined whether aberrant inflammation in pregnancy alters the levels of plasma proteins associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in the postpartum period. Pregnant rats were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline on gestational days 13.5–16.5 to induce inflammation. Non-pregnant controls consisted of age-matched female rats subjected to similar administration of LPS or saline. Examination of the proteomic profile of plasma collected 16 weeks after delivery or from non-pregnant controls using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed 100 differentially expressed proteins. Moreover, we identified 188 proteins in pregnant rats, of which 49 were differentially expressed in saline- vs LPS-treated dams. Of the 49 proteins regulated by LPS, 28 were pregnancy specific. PANTHER classification software, DAVID database and Ingenuity Pathways analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins in pregnant saline vs LPS-treated rats are associated with alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism and atherosclerosis, all of which may contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. Results from proteomic and pathway analyses were validated by immunoassay of three serum proteins selected a priori and by assessment of serum metabolites. This discovery study demonstrates that aberrant inflammation during pregnancy results in long-lasting postpartum physiological alterations known to be associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Reducing Opioid Doses Prescribed From a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Bryl Amy W. , Demartinis Nicole , Etkin Marc , Hollenbach Kathryn A. , Huang Jeannie , Shah Seema
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND:

Opioid overdose and abuse have reached epidemic rates in the United States. Medical prescriptions are a large source of opioid misuse. Our quality improvement initiative aimed to reduce opioid exposure from the pediatric emergency department (ED). Objective was to reduce opioid doses prescribed weekly from our ED by 50% within 4 months.

METHODS:

Three categories of interventions were implemented in Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles: guidelines and education, electronic medical record optimization, and provider-specific feedback. Primary measures were opioid doses prescribed weekly from the ED and opioid doses per 100 ED visits. Process measures were opioid prescriptions, opioid doses per prescription, and opioid prescriptions for unspecified abdominal pain, headache, and viral upper respiratory infection. Balancing measures were phone calls and return visits for poor pain control in patients prescribed opioids and reports of poor pain control in call backs to orthopedic reduction patients. We used statistical process control to examine changes in measures over time.

RESULTS:

Opioid doses decreased from 153 to 14 per week and from 8 to 0.7 doses per 100 ED visits in 10 months, sustained for 9 months. Opioid prescriptions, opioid doses per prescription, and prescriptions for unspecified abdominal pain, headache, and viral upper respiratory infection decreased. Phone calls and return visits in patients prescribed opioids did not increase. There were 2 reports of poor pain control among 152 orthopedic reduction patients called back.

CONCLUSIONS:

We decreased opioid doses prescribed weekly from the pediatric ED by 91% while minimizing return visits and reports of poor pain control.
Famous mathematician, outstanding person of XXI century
Authors: Bojtsun L.G. , Rybnikova T.I.
Published: March 2021

Famous mathematician, outstanding person of XXI century.
On degree of approximation of non-periodic function by Voronoi means of its Fourier integral
Authors: Bojtsun L.G. , Deordiieva A.O.
Published: March 2021

The theorem on the degree of approximation to a function $f(x) \in L(-\infty; \infty)$ by Voronoi means of its Fourier integral, as well as a theorem on the degree of approximation to a function $g(x) = \frac{1}{\pi} \int\limits_0^{\infty} \frac{f(x+t) - f(x-t)}{t} dt$ by the Voronoi means of its conjugate Fourier integral of a function $f(x)$, is proved.
Evaluación experimental del comportamiento de elementos prefabricados de concreto (baldosas horizontales y columnas), bajo la aplicación de cargas perpendiculares al plano de la pared
Authors: Villalobos Francisco , Bogantes Sánchez Víctor Andrey
Published: March 2021

En esta investigación se estudió el sistema prefabricado de columnas y baldosas con cargas uniformemente distribuidas perpendiculares al plano de la pared. Para esto, se construyó una pared a escala natural conformada por dos paños de baldosas, viga solera y una cimentación de concreto. Se aplicó carga al sistema mediante bolsas de aire para generar una presión uniforme en la pared.El principal resultado es la comprobación experimental de que las columnas son el elemento crítico de diseño en el sistema prefabricado de columnas y baldosas. Se logró demostrar también que los requisitos de resistencia establecidos en INTE C131:2019 son adecuados para que el sistema resista cargas de viento y sismo de manera segura.
Pressure distribution on rolling-slide contact problem
Authors: Koça Odhise , Sulejmani Anis , Dhoska Klodian
Published: March 2021

In this paper the generalized model of contact of two plan bodies that roll and slide or just roll is presented. The analytical solution of the correct distribution of pressure in the contact is realized in the presence of the normal compressive force, which realizes the contact, as well as of the force pair or of a tangential force. This model can be used on sprocket teeth due to sliding rolling or rolling itself on the gear pole. The results obtained have been experimentally confirmed by many researchers as well as by the damage that the wheels actually suffer from the teeth.
GOVERNANÇA CORPORATIVA E CONEXÕES POLÍTICAS NAS PRÁTICAS ANTICORRUPÇÃO
Authors: KOPROWSKI SIRLENE , KREIN VIVIANE , MAZZIONI SADY , MAGRO CRISTIAN BAÚ DAL
Published: March 2021

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo é analisar se mecanismos específicos de governança corporativa e as conexões políticas influenciam a evidenciação voluntária de práticas anticorrupção em empresas listadas na [B]3. O índice de evidenciação foi obtido a partir da relação do número de citações das palavras-chave com o número de páginas dos relatórios de sustentabilidade. A análise foi realizada por meio de regressão linear múltipla e considerou 740 observações dos exercícios de 2016 e 2017. Os resultados indicaram que o tamanho e o percentual de membros externos no Conselho de Administração (CA), auditoria big four, tamanho do comitê de auditoria e a participação acionária do governo influenciaram positivamente os níveis de evidenciação de práticas anticorrupção. Por sua vez, a presença de políticos no CA conduz para aumento da assimetria informacional ao revelar menor nível de divulgação, que, na sua extensão, representa menor compromisso com as práticas anticorrupção.
The Effect of US-China Tariff Hikes: Differences in Demand Composition Matter
Authors: Reyes-Heroles Ricardo , Singer Charlotte T. , Van Leemput Eva
Published: March 2021

In this note, we estimate the economic effects of the increases in tariffs between China and the USA since the beginning of 2018, taking into account the investment channel. As of the bilateral Phase One agreement in early 2020, the United States has raised tariffs on about $335 billion of Chinese goods and China has raised tariffs on about $120 billion of US goods.
A Molecular Approach for the Detection and Quantification of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Infestation in Stored Wheat Flour
Authors: Negi Aditi , Anandharaj Arunkumar , Kalakandan Sureshkumar , Rajamani Meenatchi
Published: March 2021

Research background. The presence of insect fragments is one of the major constrains in stored food commodities and cause considerable loss in the quality of the produce. The management of the pest is viewed as a huge challenge in food processing industry. Conventionally, the detection of Tribolium castaneum in the food processing industry is carried out by acid hydrolysis and staining methods that are time consuming and lack precision.

Experimental approach. Considering the importance of a quick and effective method, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-based approach was developed and elucidated in this study. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene was identified as a target due to the abundance in the pest. Specific primers were designed against the target gene by Primer Premier software for amplification in qPCR.

Results and conclusions. This method is capable of detecting all the ontogenic stages of T. castaneum in stored wheat flour. Earlier experiments had demonstrated that about 20 µg of DNA can be obtained from 2.2 mg of insects. To quantify the infestation levels, the cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained from known samples were subjected to regression analysis and expressed as adult equivalents. In the unknown samples, the infestation was calculated as 1.74 and 0.046 adult insects in 5 g of wheat flour. The maximum permissible limit of insect fragments in flour is 75 insect fragments or approx. 3 adults per 50 g of flour as per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hence, by adopting this new method, it is possible for the warehouse operators to arrive at a decision to proceed with efficient management practices were wheat flour is stored. Also, this method can be ratified by government agencies associated with international business to ascertain whether the wheat flour meets the standards set by the respective country before subjecting to foreign trade.

Novelty and scientific contribution. This study is the first of its kind in the detection and quantification for T. castaneum in milled products. So far only conventional methods have been employed to assess the presence of the pest and manual counting of fragments is practiced to quantify the infestation levels. The developed qRT-PCR method is faster, more reliable and can be employed in milling industries, bakery industries, food processing plants and foreign trade units for critical detection and quantification T. castaneum pest infestation.
Bazı çevresel atıkların ve doğal liflerin kompozitlerde kullanılabilirliği
Authors: BORAN TORUN Sevda
Published: March 2021

Ekonomik ve çevreye duyarlı kompozit malzemeler üretmek gelişmiş ve gelişmekte olan ülkelerin öncelikleri arasında yer almaktadır. Çevre kirliliğini minimize edecek çalışmalar yapılarak doğal kaynakların daha etkin kullanımı sağlanacaktır. Atıkların geri dönüşümü ile ekonomik kazancın yanı sıra sürdürülebilir bir kalkınma hedeflenmektedir. Atık motor yağı, atık bitkisel yağ ve atık gazete kâğıdı lifleri de bu kapsama girmektedir. Bu derlemede atıkların kompozitlerde kullanılması ile hem ülkemize katma değer sağlanacak hem de çevresel açıdan kaliteli ürünlerle iç ve dış piyasada rekabet gücümüzü arttıracak tamamen atıktan üretilmiş bir kompozit üretimi gibi çevresel bir yaklaşım sunulmuştur. Bu çalışma ile atıkların nasıl değerlendirilmesi hususu tartışılarak mevcut problemlerin çözümünü hedefleyen çevre dostu bir ürün kazandırılması zorunluluğu gelecekteki çevreye duyarlı araştırma çalışmalarına ilgi duyanlara ışık tutacaktır.
A Review on Rotating Biological Contactors
Authors: Waqas Sharjeel , Bilad Muhammad Roil
Published: March 2021

Rotating biological contactors (RBC) is a wastewater treatment process that provides a both acceptable effluent quality and organic removal efficiency at a comparatively very low costs. It is highly attractive due to simplicity of operation, low sludge production, small foot-print, low maintenance, and low operational cost. Complete nitrification/denitrification can be achieved by varying the disk submergence level and operating the process under both anaerobic/anoxic conditions in a single unit. In this review, pros and cons of RBC are discussed in detail along with the factors affecting its performances. Organic and hydraulic loading and hydraulic retention time are the main parameters followed by additional parameters such as rotational speed, media, disk submergence, dissolved oxygen level, influent and effluent characteristics, and step-feeding in affecting the performance of an RBC system. RBC has shown promising results for the removal of biodegradable matter, nitrogen and phosphorous removal. The approaches for hybridization of biological processes to improve their overall performance are also review. Such success story is assess so explore possibility of developing RBC based hybrid processes. Hybrid RBC can be form from in-combination with other processes for minimizing energy requirements and maximizing the efficiency of the system.
Third Version of Weak Orlicz–Morrey Spaces and Its In-clusion Properties
Authors: Masta Al Azhary , Fatimah Siti , Taqiyuddin Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Orlicz–Morrey spaces are generalizations of Orlicz spaces and Morrey spaces which were first introduced by Nakai. There are  three  versions  of  Orlicz–Morrey  spaces.  In  this  article,  we discussed  the  third  version  of  weak  Orlicz–Morrey  space, which is an enlargement of third version of (strong) Orlicz– Morrey space. Similar to its first version and second version, the third version of weak Orlicz-Morrey space is considered as  a  generalization  of  weak  Orlicz  spaces,  weak  Morrey spaces,  and  generalized  weak  Morrey  spaces.  This  study investigated  some  properties  of the third  version of weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces, especially the sufficient and necessary conditions for inclusion relations between two these spaces. One of the keys to get our result is to estimate the quasi- norm of characteristics function of open balls in ℝ.
Improvement of methods for monitoring mechanical properties and reliability of steel rod fasteners
Authors: Ivchenko A. V.
Published: March 2021

The analysis of testing methods for steel rod fasteners in accordance with GOST ISO 898-1-2014 has been performed. It is shown that the control of mechanical properties according to this standard is sometimes ineffective, which leads to the destruction of products during the installation of metal structures. This can be explained by the imperfection of existing control methods, as well as by the fact that when testing fasteners, the technology of their manufacture and preparation for use is not taken into account. Other methods of monitoring the mechanical properties of rod fasteners, both delivery at the manufacturer and input at the consumer, have been proposed and tested, which should be carried out on the basis of new developments in product testing, taking into account the technology from manufacture and use, as well as taking into account the phenomena of deformation aging. The new methods imply the assessment of the plastic properties of full-size products, control of the impact work using special semi-natural samples, control of the tendency to brittle fracture taking into account the structural state of the threaded section of the product, and control of the tendency to deformation aging. All the proposed methods simplify the testing process and increase the reliability of the control of the mechanical properties and reliability of steel rod fasteners.
General concept of determining the parameters of non-mining walls of ultra-deep diamond deposits development open pits
Authors: Zyryanov I. V. , Akishev A. N. , Bokiy I. B. , Sherstyuk N. M.
Published: March 2021

A specific feature of open pit mining of diamond deposits in Western Yakutia is the construction of the open pits in the zone of negative ambient temperatures, which includes thick permafrost rock mass, and which is at the same time complicated by the influence of cryogenic processes on deformation of pit wall benches. The paper presents the comparative analysis of strength characteristics in frozen and thawed rocks, stability of benches during mining, the general geomechanical approach to the determination of parameters of non-mining walls of the ultra-deep open pit diamond mines, and the parameters of nonmining walls and benches. Optimization of open pit wall configuration should primarily be based on the maximum utilization of the strength properties of frozen rocks in combination with the development of new approaches, calculation schemes and methods for assessing stability of open pit walls and benches of unconventional design, including the non-mining vertical benches. The main design characteristic that determines the parameters of open pit walls is the structural tectonic relaxation coefficient, which specifies the calculated value of cohesion in rock mass. For the diamond deposits, the values of the structural relaxation coefficient were obtained in a series of field tests and back calculations. Full-scale tests were carried out both during exploration operations in underground mines and in open pits. The accuracy of determining the values of the structural relaxation coefficient in the range of 0.085–0.11 is confirmed by the parameters of non-mining walls in an open pit mine 385–640 m deep, with overall slope angles of 38–55° and a steeper H 0.35–0.5 lower part having the slope angle of up to 70° with average strength characteristics of 7.85–11.84 MPa and the internal friction angle of 28.1–37.4°. Using the natural load-bearing capacity of rock mass to the full advantage, which the values of the structural relaxation coefficient of deposits show, allows optimization of open pit wall slope design and minimization of stripping operations.
The best available technologies as an efficient solution for coal stevedore companies
Authors: Myaskov A. V. , Shmelev V. S. , Sevostyanova E. V.
Published: March 2021

The development of the world economy has led not only to the acceleration of urbanization and globalization, but also to the need to improve pr oduction to meet environmental standards. The main task assigned to companies is to reduce the pollution on the environment while increasing capacity and developing production. Companies must find positive solutions to urban and social problems, control the environmental impact and prevent damage. World ports are also dependent on these trends. When handling coal, the environm ent becomes polluted with coal dust, which ad versely affects health of people in seaport towns and conditions higher social tension. The best solution in this regard is coal handling in enclosed spaces, which is hazardous with spontaneous ignition of coal. On the g round of the advanced international experience reviewed, the coal stevedore companies are to use the best available technologies and modernized engineering solutions. Adherence to this trend enabl es stevedores to comply with the environmental regulations, as well as to enhance their technical and economic potential.
Environmental impacts of disposal methods used for solid waste and its processing products
Authors: Yasinskaya A. V.
Published: March 2021

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and tailings storage facilities of mining enterprises often operate in similar hydrogeological conditions and have similar requirements for their design, operation, and closure. Therefore, the examination data set obtained for MSW landfills may also be used when assessing the environmental impact of waste disposal facilities in the mining industry. The body of data collected for such landfills contains certain information that is rarely studied for tailings storage facilities of mining and processing enterprises. These include the influence of hydrological conditions on the processes occurring within the landfill, regularities of sediment infiltration and leaching, the composition of the filtrate released, migration of pollutants outside the waste disposal facility, and formation and monitoring of gas emissions. Thermal recycling and composting were selected as the MSW handling technologies studies. The data on the joint disposal of MSW and related incineration ash, MSW-based compost and the municipal solid waste itself are presented. Studies on the consequences of joint waste disposal for the environmental impact of landfills are analyzed. The above analysis established that extraction of recyclable components from MSW for reuse or energy use would reduce the volume of MSW entering the disposal sites; biological or thermal treatment of MSW for the purpose of neutralization and volume reduction would reduce both the volume of MSW entering the disposal sites and the related biological hazard; and combined disposal of MSW with products of biological or thermal decontamination of MSW would lower the biological hazard of disposal. The study was carried out under the grant issued by the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 19-79-10114).
Escritoras en lengua italiana (1880-1920). Renovación del canon literario
Authors: Giacobbe Giuliana Antonella
Published: March 2021

Reseña de A. Cagnolati
El Facundo de Sarmiento: problematizar la obra desde sus ediciones póstumas
Authors: Fernandez Hernan
Published: March 2021

En este artículo me propongo estudiar, desde la historia intelectual y la historia del libro, la trayectoria como publicación del Facundo de Domingo F. Sarmiento. Particularmente apunto a sumar conocimientos sobre un aspecto específico: examinando cómo luego del deceso del sanjuanino dicha obra fue apropiada por diferentes operaciones editoriales que buscaron adaptarla a los nuevos requerimientos intelectuales. Mi trabajo avanza sobre elementos explorados con escaso detenimiento hasta el momento, tales como los cambios aplicados al Facundo en tiempos póstumos al autor y los modos en que estas variaciones afectaron su recepción.
Cultural Adaptations of the Standard EMDR Protocol in Five African Countries
Authors: Mbazzi Femke Bannink , Dewailly Anne , Admasu Kalkidan , Duagani Yvonne , Wamala Kizito , Vera Aquila , Bwesigye Dismas , Roth Gisela
Published: March 2021

Since 2007, mental health workers in sub-Saharan Africa have been trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This qualitative study used an Afrocentric design with thematic analysis to investigate adaptations to the EMDR standard protocol that make it culturally relevant for African clients. Participants were 25 EMDR therapists (three male, age range 32–60 years, x̄ = 44) from five African countries, who practiced EMDR for 1–11 years (x̄ = 7). All answered a survey questionnaire, eight participated in a focus group discussion, and two provided a supervision notes analysis. Participants found EMDR a useful and beneficial therapy and preferred it over other therapies because of its nonnarrative nature and quick results. We identified four areas in which African therapists consistently made adaptations to the standard protocol: wording of the protocol text, cultural expression of thoughts and emotions, stimulation choice, and simplification of quantitative scales. Based on the study results, we make numerous recommendations for cultural adaptions to the EMDR protocol. These include language changes to take into account the clients' “we oriented” communication; cultural interpretations of positive and negative thoughts and events; adding cultural activities such as dance, music, and religious practices as resourcing exercises; using hand gestures or the pictorial faces scale instead of ordinal scales; and using tapping for bilateral stimulation instead of eye movements, which were sometimes seen as “witchcraft.” The relevance of the findings for EMDR practice and training are discussed. We recommend that African researchers further study the acceptability, use, and effectiveness of EMDR in their countries.
Modern trends in identification of causative agents in infective endocarditis
Authors: Kotova E. O. , Domonova E. A. , Kobalava Zh. D. , Karaulova J. L. , Pisaryuk A. S. , Balatskiy A. V. , Akimkin V. G.
Published: March 2021

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with infectious endocarditis are limited by the high frequency of cases with an unknown etiology and imperfection of microbiological (cultural) methods. To overcome these problems new approaches to the identification of infectious endocarditis pathogens were introduced, which allowed achieving certain positive results. However, it should be noted that despite the wide variety of diagnostic tools currently used, there is no ideal method for etiological laboratory diagnosis of infectious endocarditis. The article discusses the features and place of immunochemical, molecular biological (MALDI-TOF MS, real-time PCR, sequencing, in situ fluorescence hybridization, metagenomic methods, etc.), immunohistochemical methods, and their advantages and limitations.
Lithospheric Deformation and Active Tectonics of the NW Himalayas, Hindukush, and Tibet
Authors: Jadoon Ishtiaq A. K. , Ding Lin , Jadoon Saif-ur-Rehman K. , Bhatti Zahid I. , Shah Syed T. H. , Qasim Muhammad
Published: March 2021

The Himalayan Mountain System (HMS) and the Tibetan Plateau (TP) represent an active mountain belt, with continent-continent collision. Geological and geophysical (seismological modeling, seismic reflection, and gravity) data is reviewed herein for an overview of the lithospheric deformation and active tectonics of this orogen. Shallow crustal deformation with dominance of thrusting along the margins of the TP is interpreted with normal faulting in the center and strike-slip deformation with the lateral translation of blocks, over a wedge of ductile deformation. The seismicity is the linear concentration over the margins of the orogen to ~20 km depth with exception of the Hindukush and Pamir having seismicity to 300 km depth with an interpretation of sinking Indian and Asian lithospheres. The lithospheric structure is represented by mechanically weak surfaces representing décollement to 15 km depth over the basement, low-velocity zone (LVZ) at ~20 km, the Moho at ~40-82 km, and the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) at 130-200 km depth. The décollement, termed as the Himalayan Mountain Thrust (HMT), is inferred to be rooted at the base of the Moho in central Tibet. Along this fault, brittle crustal deformation is interpreted to ~15-20 km depth, with brittle-ductile deformation along LVZ and ductile slip with crustal duplexing along the lower crust. The mantle lithosphere of the Indian plate is inferred as duplicated with the wedging of the Asian mantle lithosphere. The active tectonics of the TP is proposed to follow the mechanics of thrusting, similar to the foreland deformation of the mountain belts and accretionary prisms.
Study of Lactate, Vitamin D and Nucleated Red Blood Cells for Early Prediction of Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Thabet ahmed , Soliman Mohamed , Abdel-Aziz Alyaa
Published: March 2021

Objective and backgroundPerinatal asphyxia is a serious medical condition in which there is a lack of oxygen or blood flow during, or even after the labor process. So this study aimed to study serum blood levels of Lactate, vitamin D and count of Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBCs) per 100 White Blood Cells (WBCs) as early biological predictors of Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) after birth Asphyxia. MethodsA cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on 20 neonates with HIE comprising the cases (APGAR ≤ 5) and another 20 neonates representing the control group with their age, sex, and weight matched, admitted to NICU from March 2020 to the end of September 2020. Venous blood samples for lactate, vitamin D and nucleated RBCs were drawn after birth and sent for analysis. Sarnat score was used to assess the severity of HIE. ResultsVenous blood levels of lactate and nucleated red blood cells per 100 white blood cells (NRBC/100 WBC) counts were significantly higher in HIE neonates than in the control group with a highly significant difference (P-value <0.001). While serum Vitamin D was significantly lower in the HIE group than in the control (P-value <0.001). ConclusionSerum lactate level, vitamin D level and NRBCs/100 WBCs might be used as biomarkers in the early prediction of HIE.
‘Preparation and characterization of a novel mucoadhesive carvedilol nano-sponge: a promising platform for buccal antihypertensive delivery’
Authors: Sallam Nahed Mohamed , Sanad Rania Abdel-Basset , Ahmed Mahgoub Mohamed , Khafagy EL Sayed Abdu , Ghorab Mamdouh Mostafa , Gad Shadeed
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Carvedilol (CRV) is a non-selective beta-blocker used for hypertension treatment, angina pectoris, and heart failure. Oral administration of CRV showed poor bioavailability (25%), which may be due to exposure to the first-pass metabolism. Buccal delivery was used to boost its bioavailability.Methods: In this study carboxymethylcellulose/hydroxypropyl cellulose (CMC/HPC) composite buccal sponge enriched with CRV bilosomes was developed. Bilosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration-sonication technique by applying a 32 -factorial design.Results: BL9 possessed the highest desirability value (0.861) and therefore, it was chosen as an optimal bilosomes. It exhibited a spherical shape with 217.2 nm, 87.13% entrapment efficiency, and a sustained release of CRV up to 24h. Consecutively, BL9 was incorporated in a CMC/HPC gel and lyophilized for 24 h to obtain a CMC-HPCL9 bilosomal sponge to enhance CRV buccal delivery. Morphological analysis of the prepared sponge with improved swelling showed a porosity of 67.58 percent. The in vivo assessment of rats indicates that the CMC-HPC/BL9 sponge enhances systolic/diastolic blood pressure, lipid profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, and heart biomarkers with improved heart tissue quality.Conclusion: These results strongly encourage the use of this novel CMC-HPC/BL9 composite buccal sponge for the management of hypertension.
Modified Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension with A 5 Arm Mesh in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery.
Authors: Akbaba Eren
Published: March 2021

Background: The LLS procedure is a laparoscopic technique used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP), performed with a T-shaped synthetic mesh graft. The posterior compartment is repaired by using a second mesh or a second procedure like posterior colporrhaphy in the LLS procedure. In laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) surgery, we want to repair the defect of the posterior compartment in addition to the apical and anterior compartment by using a 5-arm mesh instead of a T-shaped synthetic mesh graft. In this study, we aim to report clinical results of surgeries performed POP repair with a 5-arm mesh.Method: Data from 37 patients who underwent LLS surgery by using a 5-arm mesh with a diagnosis of advanced stage (≥ stage 3) POP and the defect of the posterior compartment were retrospectively analyzed. The postoperative examination included grading and measurement of the POP-Q stage. Surgical outcomes were reported in pursuance of the International Urogynecological Association recommendations. The results of measurements and examinations, the reoperation rates, the erosion rates, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and complications were recorded. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: There was a significant improvement in POP-Q ≤ −1 score in all treated compartments with an overall objective cure rate of 95.3% for the apical compartment, 86.1% for the anterior compartment, and 91.1% for the posterior compartment. The mean operative time was 96.27±15.81 minutes. The mean length of hospitalization was 2±0.82 days. A significant improvement was observed in symptoms of the vaginal bulge, urinary urgency, incomplete voiding, urinary frequency after surgery. Also, an improvement occurred in defecation symptoms of patients after POP repair. While 13 of the patients (35.1%) were sexually active preoperatively, this rate was determined to be 59.4% (n=22) postoperatively. De novo stress urinary incontinence developed in 7 patients (18.9%) postoperatively. The POP-related quality-of-life score (PQOL) improved significantly after surgery.Conclusion: İn advanced stage POP patients undergoing laparoscopic lateral suspension procedure using a 5-arm mesh, damaged compartments including the posterior compartment can be repaired without the need for an additional procedure and the recurrence rate can be reduced.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Nb Doped TiO2/reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Over Rhodamine B Dye Under Visible Light Illumination
Authors: Prabhakarrao N. , Lakshmi K.V. Divya , Divya G. , Jaishree G. , Raju Imandi Manga , Alim Shaik Abdul , Tirukkovalluri Siva Rao
Published: March 2021

The present study discusses the synthesis of Nb doped TiO2/reduced Graphene Oxide (GO) intercalated nanocomposites via sol-gel route at a lower temperature by using different loading amounts of GO (1 to 10 wt%). The synthesized composite materials were further characterized by copious instruments such as X-ray Diffractometer, UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, BET surface area analysis, Raman and FT-Infrared Spectroscopy. The experimental results stated that the Nb doped TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the surface of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) with an interfacial linking bond between TiO2 and rGO. Later, the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye using produced materials under visible light irradiations was examined. These results reveal that Nb doped TiO2/rGO nanocomposites exhibited better photocatalytic performance than Nb doped TiO2 for the removal of Rhodamine B dye. However, among all, the nanocomposite having 5% of GO content achieves the highest degradation rate for Rhodamine B dye approximately 98% under visible light exposure. Overall, the unique properties such as electron accepting and transporting properties of GO in the nanocomposites help to enhance photocatalytic activity by minimizing the charge carrier’s recombination rate.
Vermicompost Assisted Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil in Madaka District, Nigeria Using Melissa officinalis L (Lemon balm) and Sida acuta (Stubborn weed)
Authors: aransiola sesan abiodun , Ijah Udeme Joshua Joshia , Abioye Olabisi Peter , Bala Jeremiah David
Published: March 2021

This research was designed to clean-up through an environmentally friendly techniques, a polluted environment of Madaka District of Shikira. Physicochemical properties of the soil were done using standard methods. Chicken dropping vermicompost (CDV) and goat manure vermicompost (GMV) were produced by standard method to assist the phytoremediation process with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Canonical discriminant functions of the heavy metals were done. For the first location (AK) the plant parts of M. officinalis L mopped up heavy metals, the concentration of Cd, As, Pb in plant parts varied from 0.007 to 0.33 mg/kg, As from 0.09 to 4.39 mg/ kg and Pb from 0.07 to 10.35 mg/kg respectively while the concentration of heavy metals in S. acuta parts had Cd, As, Pb varied from 0.002 to 0.43 mg/kg, As from 0.27 to 3.79 mg/ kg and Pb from 1.68 to 10.7 mg/kg respectively. The second location (AM) also had the two plants mopping up heavy metals at different concentrations. the concentration of Cd, As, Pb in M. officinalis L parts varied from 0.03 to 0.41 mg/kg, As from 0.65 to 4.65 mg/ kg and Pb from 1.93 to 11.49 mg/kg respectively while the concentration of heavy metals in S. acuta parts had Cd, As, Pb varied from 0.06 to 0.66 mg/kg, As from 0.68 to 4.64 mg/ kg and Pb from 1.53 to 11.53 mg/kg respectively. Melissa offinalis L and Sida acuta were found most suitable for phytoextraction of sites contaminated with Cd, As and Pb because both of them have their bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF) and biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) to be ˃1 while both were also scored as phytostabilizer because they have BCF ˃1 and TF ˂1. Soil structural changes pre and post remediation were determined through x-ray fluorescence (XRF spectroscopy) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses.
Effect of Biostimulants on Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomatoes Grown in Fertile and Stressed Soils
Authors: Turan Metin , Yildirim Ertan , Ekinci Melek , Argin Sanem
Published: March 2021

Plant biostimulants are microorganisms (PGPR) and/or products obtained from different organic substances that positively affect plant growth and efficiency and reduce the negative effects of abiotic challenges. Effects of biostimulants on the plant growth, yield, mineral content, antioxidant enzyme activity, H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), sucrose, and proline contents of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme L.) grown in soils with two different characteristics were investigated during a pot study under greenhouse conditions. Soil I was a fertile routinely vegetable-cultivated soil. Soil II had high salinity, high CaCO3 content, and low organic matter content. Commercial biostimulant products Powhumus® (PH), Huminbio Microsense Seed® (SC), Huminbio Microsense Bio® (RE), and Fulvagra® (FU) were used as seed coatings and/or drench solutions. All biostimulant treatments improved the plant growth and yield compared with the control in both soils. All biostimulant applications were more effective in soil II than in soil I. RE was the most effective application for mineral content in soil I, whereas FU was the most effective in soil II. Antioxidant activity, H2O2, MDA, and proline contents were decreased in both soils when biostimulants were used compared with the control. Peroxide (POD) activity was greater with SC1 in soil II. The RE treatment increased the sucrose content in soil II. In conclusion, single and combined use of high-purity fulvic acid and PGPR had positive effects on the growth of cherry tomato in fertile soil and under stressed conditions.
Variation of Phenolic and Pigment Composition Depending on Soil Type in Three Serpentinovag Plant Species
Authors: CEKİC Fazilet , ÖZDENİZ Ebru , KURT Latif , KELEŞ Yüksel
Published: March 2021

Serpentine soils are stressful for plant growth, due to nutrient deﬁciencies, especially Ca, low water-holding capacity, and high levels of heavy metals and Mg. Determination of biochemical differences of plants grown in serpentine and non-serpentine soil can contribute to understanding tolerance to serpentine soil. In this study, samples of three plant species (Alyssum sibiricum Willd., Salvia absconditiflora (Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham) Greuter & Burdet and Centaurea urvillei DC. subsp. stepposa Wagenitz) were compared in terms of the composition of phenolic compounds and chloroplast pigments. Higher amounts of phenolic compounds were measured in serpentine soil-grown forms of all three species. Total soluble phenolic content, in samples grown in serpentine and non-serpentine soil, respectively, S. absconditiflora 731.8 - 161.7, C. urvillei 121.0-49.7 and A. sibiricum 50.2- 47.3 µg g-1 DW). It was determined that the amount of chlorophyll a was higher in the serpentine soil grown forms of all three species while the amount of chlorophyll b was variable. In plants grown in serpentine soil, β-carotene values are higher than non-serpentine forms. Total xanthophyl values are also parallel with β-carotene findings, but lower. The ﬁndings in the present study show that antioxidant compounds such as phenolics and carotenoids may play a role in the stress tolerance of plants growing in serpentine habitats.
Interfaces de Conocimiento entre Investigadores y Campesinos Entorno a los Recursos Naturales: Los Ensayos Científicos a Campo en el Caso de La Majada, Lavalle, Mendoza
Authors: Tonolli Alejandro Javier , Torres María del Rosario Laura
Published: March 2021

Un grupo de investigadores que trabajan en las áreas temáticas de forrajes y producción animal dentro del Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones en Zonas Áridas (IADIZA-CCT CONICET Mendoza), además de realizar ensayos en parcelas experimentales ubicadas en las instalaciones del instituto, desarrollan ensayos a campo en los sistemas productivos de los campesinos del NE de Mendoza. En este artículo se analizan la situación de interface que supone el encuentro de campesinos e investigadores, haciendo hincapié en la descripción de las continuidades/discontinuidades e interpenetraciones de conocimiento técnico que se dan en la mencionada situación y las características de las mismas. Se destaca como principal hallazgo que las continuidades, discontinuidades e interpenetraciones en las interfaces observadas se expresan parcialmente solapadas, difusas y con cierto dinamismo temporal, siendo predominantes las continuidades e interpenetraciones por sobre las discontinuidades, las que se han ido transformando en interpenetraciones mediante procesos de aprendizajes no únicamente reflexivos. Sin embargo, lejos de tratarse de un proceso univoco y solo atado al tiempo, los vaivenes y las intensidades de cada una de estas situaciones expresan relaciones de poder entre los investigadores y los campesinos que se ponen de manifiesto en los condicionamientos y en las formas de aprendizaje (operativo/reflexivo).
Relación Mapuche y Naturaleza: Fundamentos Epistémicos para una Educación Ambiental en Contextos Interculturales
Authors: Beltrán-Veliz Juan Carlos , Tereucán Angulo Julio Cesar , Pérez Morales Sergio Hernán , Klenner Loebel Maura Paulina
Published: March 2021

La escuela en contextos mapuche, funciona sistemáticamente para reproducir y perpetuar la cultura occidental eurocéntrica, provocando que persista una visión reduccionista, fragmentada y deshumanizante del estudiante sobre la forma de comprender la realidad. En efecto, quedan excluidas las formas de pensar, conocer y comprender la relación entre el mapuche y la naturaleza. Se propuso el objetivo: Develar descriptivamente los fundamentos epistémicos que subyacen a la relación entre el mapuche y la naturaleza. Este estudio, se enmarcó en el paradigma interpretativo, situado en el enfoque metodológico cualitativo, de alcance descriptivo denso, en base a la teoría fundamentada constructivista. Las técnicas que se emplearon para recolectar los datos, fueron la entrevista en profundidad y grupo focal. Los principales resultados develan que el az-mapu, es un código ético y moral, pues regula el actuar y vivir del mapuche en vinculación con la naturaleza. Se observa el principio de reciprocidad, entendido como la correspondencia mutua entre la naturaleza y el mapuche, sustentada en el respeto, solidaridad, empatía, cuidado y amor. Asociado a lo anterior, se aprecia el küme mogen el cual representa el modo de vida del mapuche, el que se da bajo una relación equilibrada, desde la forma de pensar y actuar sobre la base del respeto entre mapuche y la otredad y, especialmente con la naturaleza, desde una perspectiva espiritual y material. Se concluye que los fundamentos epistémicos: az-mapu, reciprocidad y küme mogen, constituyen un aporte sólido para la educación ambiental, en contextos educativos interculturales, dado que promueven el desarrollo armónico de la persona en el aspecto físico, cognitivo, actitudinal, afectivo, espiritual y material, con la finalidad de que mantenga un comportamiento adecuado hacia la naturaleza. Esto contribuiría  a mitigar los problemas que son parte de la crisis ambiental.
Análise da Paisagem na Avaliação de Ambientes de Proteção em Bacia Hidrográfica do Sudeste Brasileiro
Authors: De Medeiros Gerson Araujo , Marques Bruno Vicente , Filho Afonso Peche , Fengler Felipe Hashimoto , De Moraes Jener Fernando Leite
Published: March 2021

O presente estudo avaliou os ambientes de proteção na bacia hidrográfica sub-tropical do rio Jundiaí-Mirim, incluindo seus fragmentos florestais e entorno. Os fragmentos florestais foram avaliados por meio de indicadores visuais da paisagem, em um plano de amostragem de 91 pontos distribuídos ao longo de toda a bacia. Um Índice de Eficiência da Paisagem (IEP) permitiu classificar o território da bacia hidrográfica conforme o grau de perturbação ambiental. O valor médio de IEP atingiu 38%, indicando a degradação dos ambientes de proteção da bacia, pelo uso e ocupação do solo, predominando a agricultura e a pecuária, além de um processo de urbanização crescente. Foram determinadas cinco áreas com escala de complexidade crescente de gestão, frente aos impactos ambientais observados. A metodologia de avaliação ambiental por meio da análise da paisagem se mostrou uma alternativa viável para auxiliar na elaboração de planos de gestão ambiental de bacias hidrográficas.
Synthesis of Some Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives as Anticancer Agent
and Evaluation for CDK2 Inhibition Activity
Authors: El-Hameed Rania Helmy Abd , Fatahala Samar Said , Sayed Amira Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

Background:

Thiobezimidazoles reveal various pharmacological activities due to similarities with many natural and synthetic molecules, they can easily interact with biomolecules of living systems.

Objective:

A series of substituted 2-thiobezimidazoles has been synthesized .Twelve final compounds were screened for in vitro anti-cancer activities against sixty different cell-lines.

Methods:

The spectral data of the synthesized compounds were characterized. Docking study for active anticancer compounds and CDK2/CyclinA2 Kinase assay against standard reference; Imatinib were performed.

Results:

Two compounds (3c&3l) from the examined series revealed effective antitumor activity in vitro against two-cancer cell lines (Colon Cancer (HCT-116) and Renal Cancer (TK-10). The docking study of synthesized molecules discovered a requisite binding pose in CDK-ATP binding pocket. 3c &3l were promoted in the CDK2/CyclinA2 Kinase assay against standard reference Imatinib.

Conclusion:

Against all tested compounds ; two compounds 3c &3l were found active against two types of cell-lines.