bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated IL-6 in Pre-Eclampsia Increases Neurite Growth and Mitochondrial Respiration in an in vitro Model of Neuronal Development
Authors: Barron Aaron , Manna Samprikta , McElwain Colm , Musumeci Andrea , McCarthy Fergus , O'Keeffe Gerard , McCarthy Cathal
Published: December 2021

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a common and serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, which affects 3-5% of first-time pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal exposure to PE is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in affected offspring, although the cellular and molecular basis of this are largely unknown. In this study we examined the effects of exposure to maternal serum from women with PE or a healthy uncomplicated pregnancy on the survival, neurite growth and mitochondrial function of SH-SY5Y cells. We report that cells exposed to PE serum exhibited increased neurite growth and mitochondrial respiration, two important neurodevelopmental parameters, compared to those treated with control serum. Levels of the pleiotropic cytokine IL-6 were significantly elevated in the PE sera, and cells exposed to PE serum displayed increased phospho-STAT3 levels which is a key intracellular mediator of IL-6 signalling. Finally, we show that treating these cells with IL-6 alone is sufficient to induce a similar neurite growth and respiratory phenotype to PE serum-exposed cells. This suggests that elevated IL-6 seen in maternal serum in PE may be responsible at least in part for its inducing increased neurite growth and mitochondrial respiration in SH-SY5Y cells. Overall, this study demonstrates that there are circulating factors in the serum of women with pre-eclampsia that affect neuronal development and oxygen consumption differently to that of a healthy uncomplicated pregnancy, and that immune dysregulation via elevated IL-6 may be important in mediating these effects.
Peptoniphilus Colimassiliensis sp. nov. and Peptoniphilus Urinimassiliensis sp. nov., Two New Species Isolated From Humans
Authors: Mbaye Babacar , LO Cheikh Ibrahima , Dione Niokhor , Benabdelkader Sarah , Alou Maryam Tidjani , Brahimi Samy , Armstrong Nicholas , Alibar Stéphane , Raoult Didier , Moal Valérie , Million Matthieu , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , FENOLLAR Florence
Published: December 2021

Strains Marseille-P3761 and Marseille-P3195 are representatives of two bacterial species isolated from human specimens. Strain Marseille-P3761 was isolated from the stool of a healthy volunteer, while strain Marseille-P3915 was cultivated from the urine of a kidney transplant recipient. Both strains are anaerobic Gram-positive cocci bacteria. Both are catalase-negative and oxidase-negative and grow optimally at 37°C in anaerobic conditions. They also metabolize carbohydrates such as galactose, glucose, fructose, and glycerol. The major fatty acids were hexadecanoic acid for both strains, Marseille-P3761 (38%) and Marseille-P3195 (31%). The highest DNA-DNA hybridization values of Marseille-P3761 and Marseille-P3195 strains when compared to their closest phylogenetic relatives were 52.3% and 56.4%, respectively. The morphological, biochemical, phenotypic and genomic characteristics strongly support that these strains are new members of the Peptoniphilus genus. Thus, we suggest that strains Marseille-P3761 (CSUR P3761 = CCUG71569) and Marseille-P3195 (CSUR P3195 = DSM 103468) are the type strains of two new Peptoniphilus species, for which we propose the names Peptoniphilus colimassiliensis sp. nov. and Peptoniphilus urinimassiliensis sp. nov., respectively.
Metabolomic Analysis of Skin Malodor-Associated Compounds and Structure-based Prediction of Acetolactate Synthase Selective Sulfonylurea Inhibitors
Authors: Huang Ryan Yuki
Published: December 2021

Bromhidrosis is characterized as a chronic condition related to malodor from the skin. The underlying etiology is from bacterial decompositions of glandular secretion products. However, specific pathways and metabolites for the disease are yet to be investigated. Here, twenty-eight metabolites, including fifteen major sweat constituents and thirteen compounds emitted from malodor-producing skin bacteria, were subjected to the metabometric analysis using Metaboanalyst. Different pathways in the butanoate metabolism revealed that acetolactate synthase (ALS) in skin Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) bacteria are catalyzing pyruvate to several malodor compounds like diacetyl. In the docking studies of the sulfonylurea-ALS interaction, five selected sulfonylureas, which originally were developed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2, showed different binding free energies (ΔG) from chlorimuron ethyl - a well-known ALS sulfonylurea inhibitor. Amongst five sulfonylureas, gliquidone and glisoxepide were found to have free energy differences that were lower than or equal to chlorimuron ethyl, revealing their high affinities to ALS. In the future, further investigations of gliquidone and glisoxepide against ALS in skin bacteria would be crucial in repurposing these two sulfonylureas as new anti-bromhidrosis drugs.
Dual mode of action of Talaromyces purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment to ameliorate alcohol induced liver toxicity in rats
Authors: Pandit Saritha Gopal , Mekala Krishna Prashanth Ramesh , Puttananjaiah Mohankumari H. , Peddha Muthukumar Serva , Dhale Mohan A
Published: December 2021

Talaromyces purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals. The alcohol feeding lead to free radical generation causing pathophysiological processes of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and alcoholic hepatitis. The T. purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment administered to rats ameliorated the ALD by scavenging ROS. The haematological analysis revealed the increased neutrophil circulation. The neutrophil infiltration was observed in the hepatocytes of the rats fed with pigment (600 mg/kg body weight). The increase in number of neutrophils help in the liver regeneration caused by alcoholic hepatitis. The dual mechanism of action of pigment, antioxidant and liver regeneration through neutrophil production is attributed to alleviate the ALD. These results suggested T. purpureogenus CFRM02 pigment represents a novel protective and therapeutic strategy against ALD.
Specimen Mammography for Intraoperative Margin Assessment in Breast Conserving Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Chen , Wang Kai-yue , Chen Hailang , Xu Yuhua , Pan Tao , Chen Yiding
Published: December 2021

Specimen mammography is one of the widely used intraoperative methods assessing margin status in breast conserving surgery. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of specimen mammography. Literature databases including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched prior to May 2020. 18 studies with a total of 1142 patients were included. Data was extracted to perform pooled analysis, heterogeneity testing, threshold effect testing, sensitivity analysis, publication bias analysis and subgroup analyses. The pooled weighted values were a sensitivity of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.45–0.64), a specificity of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.77–0.90), a DOR of 7 (95% CI, 4–11) and a pooled positive likelihood ratio of 3.6 (95% CI 2.4-5.3). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.75 (95% CI 0.71-0.78). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled specificity in the positive margin defined as tumor at margin subgroup was lower than the other positive margin definition subgroup (0.79 [95% CI: 0.66, 0.91] vs. 0.88 [95% CI: 0.81, 0.95], p = 0.01). Our findings indicated specimen mammography to be an accurate and intraoperative imaging technique for margin assessment in breast conserving surgery.
Pattern of Oral and Maxillofacial New Referrals During COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Nabil Syed , Mohd Nizar Muhammad Aiman , Rashdi Muhd Fazlynizam , Khoo Szu Ching , Hassan Muhammad Kamil , Hariri Firdaus
Published: December 2021

The study aimed to quantify the impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on new case referrals to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) service. The researchers retrospectively reviewed all new referrals received during a government-imposed 47-day lockdown period and a similar period pre-lockdown as a control group. The main outcome was the differences in the number of new case referrals between the two periods. The contributing clinical and demographic factors were also explored. Appropriate bivariate statistics were computed and the level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests. A total of 309 referrals were received during the study period. There was a reduction of new referrals due to the lockdown from five to two cases per day. There was a statistically significant reduction of cases referred from outpatient and emergency departments. There was also a statistically significant difference with regard to home address distance to the centre. Medically compromised and orofacial infection referrals were not affected by lockdown. The lockdown imposed due to the pandemic has significantly impacted the pattern of new OMS referrals. Referrals for orofacial infections, the medically compromised and inpatients were minimally affected by lockdown.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Aggregation Abilities of Probiotic Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus salivarius Against Oral Pathogens
Authors: Thayalan Darshyna Theena , Abdullah Rosmaliza , Md Noor Siti Suraiya , Mohamad Suharni
Published: December 2021

The antagonistic effect of probiotics against oral pathogens merits exploration because these bacteria are beneficial to the host’s health. The antimicrobial activity of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus salivarius, as well as L. casei and L. salivarius combination (1:1), was investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis using agar-well diffusion, auto-aggregation and coaggregation assays. L. salivarius cell-free supernatant (CFS) alone exhibited greater inhibitory effect against Streptococci spp. compared to L. casei CFS alone and the combination. However, no inhibition was observed for Candida spp. L. salivarius alone exhibited significantly stronger auto-aggregation than L. casei alone (p ≤ 0.05) and L. casei and L. salivarius combination. L. salivarius exhibited strong coaggregation ability with Candida spp., followed by Streptococci spp. while L. casei exhibited coaggregation only with Streptococci spp. However, L. casei and L. salivarius combination did not display any coaggregation with all strains. L. salivarius alone exhibited a stronger antagonistic effect on the tested organisms than L. casei alone or in combination. Based on the results, both probiotic strains showed good antimicrobial activities against oral pathogens and should be further studied for their human health benefits.
Masseter Muscle Activity in Orthodontically Treated Patients with a History of
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: An Electromyographic Study
Authors: Apridini Nisallina , Noerhadi Nia Ayu Ismaniati , Siregar Erwin
Published: December 2021

The present study aimed to evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of the masseter muscles in patients with a history of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) who received orthodontic treatment. In total, 22 participants aged 18–35 years old were included in this study. They were divided into the control group (patients without a history of TMJD [n = 11]) and the test group (those with a history of TMJD [n = 11]). Each participant underwent sEMG of the right and left masseter muscles at 5-s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Results showed that the TMJD group had a lower sEMG activity of masseter muscles at MVC than the non-TMJD group. However, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, t-test). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient test revealed a weak negative correlation between muscle activity on sEMG and history of TMJD (p > 0.05). In conclusion, orthodontically treated patients in TMJD group have reduced masseter muscle activity during MVC, compare to the non-TMJD group.
Isothermal Air Flow Investigation in Industrial Baking Oven of Different Impeller Locations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Approach
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Ismail Olawale Saheed , Awonusi Adetokunbo Andrew ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Akinoso Rahman ,   Department of Food Technology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Published: December 2021

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling was performed on a forced convection oven to investigate the isothermal airflow. Three oven design configurations based on their impeller location (back, side, and top wall) were compared with respect to their Turbulence Kinetic Energy (TKE) profile to determine the optimal configuration design for quick uniform baking. The air velocity was estimated from both experimental and modelling approaches at specific points in an oven with the back walled impeller. The CFD model was validated resulting in a calculation error of 30.34% of actual velocity which was mainly due to limitation in grid density and the turbulence modelling. The other two oven configurations were simulated and their average TKE data were extracted and compared. The third configuration (impeller at the top wall) was found to have the highest average TKE of 3.55 m2/s2 followed by the first configuration (impeller at the back wall) with 3.30 m2/s2 which provides a relatively uniform TKE distribution across the cavity. The findings show the significance of impeller placement in oven performance.
Phytochemical Screening of Selected Botanicals and their Effectiveness Against Maize Weevil (Sitophilus Zeamais Motsch.) at Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Susmita , Khanal Subodh , Khanal Dipak , Mishra Saroj Raj , Ghimire Sunil
Published: December 2021

Laboratory experiment was done to perform the phytochemical screening of six locally available botanicals (Azadirachta indica Juss, Artemisia dubia Wall, Lantana camara L, Parthenium hysterophorus L, Justicia adhatoda Linn. and Moringa oleifera L.) and their effectiveness to control the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) at Agriecology lab of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal. Seven treatments (leaf extract of A. indica, A. dubia, L. camara, P. hysterophorus. J. adhatoda and M. oleifera and distilled water as control) applied at 3 different doses (0.5, 1 & 2g/50g seeds) were arranged in CRD design with 3 replications. Result of mortality test of maize weevil revealed that, at highest concentration of L. camara powder (T17- 2g/50 gm seeds) mortality of maize weevil was observed up to 85% at 45 DAT. Whereas number of damaged grain was lowest in T17 (L. camara powder- 2g/50 gm seeds). The effectiveness of botanicals was found to increase with increasing the concentration. Besides that, Justicia adhatoda (2g/50g seeds) and Artemisia dubia (1g/50g seeds) were also found as good candidates to use for the control of Sitophilus zeamais. Qualitative tests done for the presence of various phytochemicals showed that Azadirachta indica Juss and Artemisia dubia Wall. were found to contain most of the tested metabolites among all botanicals. Most of those phytochemicals were extracted by the aqueous solution rather than other 3 menstrums used (acetone, methanol and petroleum ether). Similarly, quantitative test revealed that percentage of alkaloid was found 18.01%, 17.78%, 17.75%, 11.58%, 8.20%, 6.78% and flavonoid15.32%, 13.63%, 12.86%, 11.36%, 7. 51% 2.85% respectively in L. camara L. P. hysterophorus L., J. adhatoda Linn., M. oleifera L., A. indica Juss. and A. dubia Wall. Leaf extract of L. camera found to contain highest percentage of alkaloid (18.01%) as well as flavonoid (15.32%). So, it was concluded that locally available botanicals extract reach in alkaloid and flavonoid may have insecticidal property and could be use as grain protectant against the maize weevil in cost effective and eco-friendly manner. However, application at proper dose is necessary to maintain the efficacy at higher level.
A Comparative Study on Physical and Comfort Properties of Yarns and Hand-woven Fabrics Produced from Virgin and Recycled Fibers
Authors: Awgichew Dessalegn , Sakthivel Santhanam , Gedlu Mekdes , Bogale Meseret
Published: December 2021

Products produced from textile industries cannot meet the needs for human kind since the population of the world grows exponentially; due to this the recycling of textile materials has gained massive importance in textile and clothing sector. In this study, it was aimed to analyse recycled fibers effect on the yarn and hand loom fabrics as their proportion increases. For this purpose, OE rotor yarns produced by varying the recycled fibers proportion at 25%, 50, and 75% and compared with 100% virgin cotton yarns. The physical and mechanical properties of the yarns such as unevenness, imperfections, hairiness, breaking force, elongation, were measured by Uster Tester 4 SX, Uster Zweigle Hairiness Tester 5, and Uster Tensorapid 3. Then after hand loom fabrics with plain and twill fabrics are produced from produced yarns of different recycled fiber proportions. The effects of recycled fiber proportion on produced hand-woven fabric properties such as pilling, abrasion resistance and air permeability were also evaluated. Results showed that yarns and fabrics produced from recycled fibers blended with virgin cotton are suitable for applications where the strength of yarns and fabric are less critical, but where unevenness, imperfections and handle properties required thus, hand loom fabrics Produced can suitably used for home furnishing applications like table cover, curtains, wall covers and pillow cases.
LEGAL STATUS OF WORKERS WORKING IN THE BORDER ZONES OF NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Authors: KORKUSUZ Mustafa Halit
Published: December 2021

In the world, recently, the tendency to live in border regions, on the other side of the border and work in more economically developed neighbouring countries continues to increase. On the other hand, as a result of the increase in the border trade in the world, it is indisputable that there are additional employment opportunities, especially for the citizens of more developed countries. This situation for economically more developed neighbouring countries continues to increase. It is a fact that these workers suffer in practice because they are not citizens of the country they are working in. On the other hand, as a result of the increase in the border trade in the world, it is indisputable that there are additional employment opportunities, especially for the citizens of more developed countries. It is clear that border trade, which is a good advantage in providing employment, leads to employment of a large number of people due to the transportation of goods, or to run the businesses of hotels, restaurants, storage centres and customs establishments. Among the workers who have the right to work in the neighbouring country, even temporarily, on the grounds of foreignness; employers must comply with the "obligation of equal treatment" and "prohibition of discrimination" and other ILO standards. Otherwise, it may harm the universal gains of the employees achieved in the last century and provided by international agreements.
Third parties, which do not submit the self-permit requirements for the subject of dispute: special questions to doctrines and legal trends
Authors: Денис Михайлович Сибилёв
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the study of legislative changes in the institute of third parties that do not declare independent claims on the subject of the dispute that occurred in recent years. The issues of attracting third parties to a civil case on the initiative of the court, participation in the process of the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, and the availability of a time frame for third parties to enter the case are considered from a critical point of view.By the current legislation, third parties who do not declare independent claims regarding the subject matter of the dispute, are classified in the civil party. In the context of the modern edition of the CPC of Ukraine, they are considered one of the most important figures in the civil process, they belong to a circle of persons with legal interest in the resolution and consideration of civil cases.A scientific analysis of the legislative trends concerning the institution of third parties who do not declare independent claims on the subject of the dispute allows for significant comments regarding the legislative changes that have taken place in recent years, not all changes can be evaluated positively.Correction of the committed mistakes due to incorrect understanding of the legal personality of third parties who do not declare independent claims regarding the subject matter of the dispute, requires further legislative work.
Effect of Various Matrix Materials on Mechanical Properties of Basalt/Jute/Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites
Authors: KARAÇOR Berkay , ÖZCANLI Mustafa
Published: December 2021

In this research, the effect of different matrix materials (epoxy and vinylester) on the mechanical properties of Basalt, Jute, and Glass fiber-based hybrid composites were analyzed mechanically and morphologically. The mechanical test results were achieved by the Tensile test and Vickers hardness test, while morphologic images were obtained by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Basalt fiber fabric, Jute fiber fabric, and Glass fiber fabrics of 86 gr/m² and 100 gr/m² were used as reinforcement elements, while epoxy and vinylester were utilized as matrix materials. A vacuum assisted resin transfer molding method was used as the production technique. In the results, it is given how the use of different reinforcement element types and different matrix materials affects the mechanical properties of the produced composite samples. Results show that the tensile strength of basalt fiber/glass fiber (100 gr/m²) reinforced with epoxy is the highest in all of the produced composites. In terms of microhardness, the hardness value of basalt fiber/glass fiber (100 gr/m²) reinforced epoxy composites have 1.39 times higher than basalt/glass fiber (100 gr/m²) reinforced vinylester composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was utilized to examine the fiber rupture and fracture mode in hybrid composites. As a result of the analysis, also it was observed SEM results support the mechanical test results.
Competitiveness of HR Policy as Factor of Organization Social Infrastructure
Authors: Ogorodnikova E. P.
Published: December 2021

The article systematized key lines in upgrading social infrastructure of enterprise HR policy, descried factors, which affect greatly the efficiency of HR policy. The author formulated principle trends in social infrastructure organization as a factor of HR policy competitiveness, assessed and analyzed findings of the research studying the mechanism of interaction between social and HR policy on the basis of factors of competition, satisfaction and efficiency of enterprise workers. The dependence on current trends, economic situation, prevailing public values and other factors was investigated. Customers tend to buy goods of appropriate quality at low price and become more demanding for extra services, such as delivery speed, quality of accompanying service, etc. These factors make companies change, following the changing preferences of their target audience. The article put forward steps aimed at building effective HR policy in the current situation of Russian economy, among which it is necessary to point out to differentiated use of compensation packages for enterprise workers.
Finance and Innovation Solutions to Implement Investment Programs in Electric-Power Complex of the Russian Federation
Authors: Gryzunova N. V. , Kiseleva I. A. , Vedenev K. E.
Published: December 2021

Today we observe changes in concepts of organizing power - engineering industry and tariff pricing. While estimating the pressure of sanctions, everybody agrees that the worst damage is caused by finance tools. Therefore, innovation in electric-power sector is started with finance innovation. It is also necessary to bear in mind the future earnings of stakeholders and households that plan to re-orient their investment from oil sector to electric-power engineering. This trend is being discussed right now, though for Russia with its gas reserves and customer preferences the process of investment changes can be rather long. The finance platform in this industry is not fundamental yet. It is possible to start innovation only after accumulating some funds. For instance, it is planned to change elements in the structure of power and fuel potential, to reform technical and technological elements of infrastructure (chat-bots with geographic and product applications, drones, quadrocopters, which can be used for linear and high buildings). In the future it is planned to develop new customer clusters with certain social index. In the article the authors study finance and innovation solutions to implement innovation programs in electricpower complex in conditions of digitalization and imperative indices of investment, though digitalization is called the key anti-ecological factor in this sector.
Institutional Changes in State Policy of Re-Industrialization and Industrialization of Regions in Russia: the Factor of Industrial Parks (illustrated by regions of the Central Federal district)
Authors: Nechaev D. N. , Liubkina O. R.
Published: December 2021

Industrial and production parks in entities of the Russian Federation, on the one hand, act in research and managerial practices as the institution of sustainable development of the territory and as a mechanism of regional state industrial policy. On the other hand, they function as a project, which devises the institute of state and supports it on different stages of establishment and operation. In Russian regions industrial and production parks are integrated into the process of pursuing regional industrial policy by affecting through available samples and practices the federal policy in the industrial complex. Two-level state policy (federal and regional) itself obtains systematic and complex character, which fosters an increase in GDP, creation of highly-paid jobs and attaining competitiveness of manufactured goods of Russia on foreign markets. The article shows that the institute of industrial and production parks possesses both qualitative and quantitative estimation. In early July 2021 there were 179 industrial and production parks in regions of the Russian Federation and 99 parks were being established. In the process of institualization and development they became a key mechanism of productive changes in the industrial complex. Apart from that they were shaped as a mass phenomenon in pursuing state industrial policy. The authors proved that parks in view of regional state industrial policy can resolve three tasks: 1. Overcome negative consequence of de-industrialization; 2. Provide re-industrialization of the territory; 3. Pursue policy of new industrialization.
Could Small Neurotoxins-Peptides be Expressed during SARS-CoV-2 Infection?
Authors: Cafiero Concetta , Micera Alessandra , Re Agnese , Postiglione Loredana , Cacciamani Andrea , Schiavone Beniamino , Benincasa Giulio , Palmirotta Raffaele
Published: December 2021

:

SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis has been recently extended to human central nervous system (CNS), in addition to nasopharyngeal truck, eye, lung and gut. The recent literature highlights that some SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein regions homologous to neurotoxin-like peptides might bind to human nicotinic Acetyl-Choline Receptors (nAChRs). Spike-nAChR interaction can probably cause dysregulation of CNS and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways and uncontrolled immune-response, both associated to a severe COVID-19 pathophysiology. Herein, we hypothesize that inside the Open Reading Frame (ORF) region of spike glycoprotein, the RNA polymerase can translate small neurotoxic peptides by means of a “jumping mechanism” already demonstrated in other coronaviruses. These small peptides can bind the snAChRs instead of Spike glycoproteins. A striking homology occurred between these small peptides observed by sequence retrieval and proteins alignment. Acting as nAChRs antagonists, these small peptides (conotoxins) could be the explanation for the extrapulmonary clinical manifestations (neurological, hemorrhagic and thrombotic expressions, the prolonged apnea, the cardiocirculatory collapse, the heart arrhythmias, the ventricular tachycardia, the body temperature alteration, the electrolyte K+ imbalance and finally the significant reduction of butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE) plasma levels, as observed in COVID-19 patients. Several factors might induce the expression of these small peptides, including microbiota. The main hypothesis regarding the presence of these small peptides opens a new scenario on the etiology of COVID-19 clinical symptoms observed so far, including the neurological manifestations.
An Overview of Combination Treatment with Citicoline in Dementia
Authors: Gareri Pietro , Veronese Nicola , Cotroneo Antonino Maria
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

The present article reports an overview of the studies about combination
treatment with citicoline of Alzheimer’s (AD) and mixed dementia (MD).

Methods:

A Medline search was carried out by using the keywords Alzheimer’s dementia, mixed
dementia, older people, treatment with citicoline, memantine, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
(AchEIs).

Results:

Six studies were found to match the combination treatment of citicoline with AcheIs
and/or memantine. The CITIRIVAD and CITICHOLINAGE studies were the first to report the potential
benefits of adding citicoline to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs). Then, we added citicoline
to memantine in the CITIMEM study, and finally, we demonstrated benefits in terms of delay
in cognitive worsening with the triple therapy (citicoline + AchEIs + memantine). Other authors
also reinforced our hypothesis through two further studies.

Conclusions:

Open, prospective studies are advised to confirm the utility of combination therapy
with citicoline for the treatment of AD and MD.
Association of Stress Hyperglycemia and Adverse Cardiac Events in Acute
Myocardial Infarction - A Cohort Study
Authors: Rajpurohit Annu , Sejoo Bharat , Bhati Rajendra , Keswani Prakash , Sharma Shrikant , Sharma Deepak , Meena Durga Shankar , Midha Naresh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Background:

Stress hyperglycemia is a common phenomenon in patients presenting
with acute myocardial infarction (MI). We aim to evaluate the association of stress hyperglycemia
at the time of hospital presentation and adverse cardiac events in myocardial infarction during the
course of hospital stay.

Methods:

Subjects with age ≥18 years with acute MI were recruited on hospital admission and categorized based on admission blood glucose (<180 and ≥180 mg/dl, 50 patients in each group). Both
groups were compared for clinical outcomes, adverse cardiac events and mortality. We also compared the adverse cardiac outcomes based on HbA1c levels (<6% and ≥6%).

Results:

Patients with high blood glucose on admission (stress hyperglycemia) had significant increased incidences of severe heart failure (Killip class 3 and 4), arrythmias, cardiogenic shock and
mortality (p value = 0.001, 0.004, 0.044, and 0.008 respectively). There was no significant association between adverse cardiac events and HbA1c levels (heart failure 18.8% vs. 25%, p value =
0.609 and mortality 16.7% vs. 17.3%, p value = 0.856).

Conclusions:

Stress hyperglycemia is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with MI irrespective of previous diabetic history or glycemic control. Clinicians should be
vigilant for admission blood glucose while treating MI patients.
Atypical Christmas Eye Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Rama Raj Palaniraj , Varatharajullu Prateepan , Adler Paul A.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Christmas Eye Disease (CED), also known as the “Albury-Wodonga syndrome” or “Harvester's Keratitis”, is a seasonal acute corneal ulceration syndrome, which is geographically limited to Australia, specifically in the south-west region of New South Wales (NSW) and north-east region of Victoria. The mechanism of injury is unknown, but the secretions from native beetles of the genus Orthoperus have been implicated. There remains a dearth of literature on CED, particularly with atypical disease presentations. We present the first reported case of CED in the upper Blue Mountains Region, presenting atypically with mild pain and foreign body sensation. We also aim to explore the possible entomological precipitants of the disease.

Case Presentation:

A 77-year-old man with a 1-day history of a mildly painful red eye was found to have acute corneal ulceration. He experienced mild discomfort in his right eye while asleep and woke the following morning with persistent blur, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. He had no history of ocular trauma or chemical exposure. He reported going for daily bushwalks in the upper Blue Mountains region but did not recall any exposure to environmental or entomological precipitants.

Clinical Findings and Outcomes:

Slit-lamp examination revealed a substantial corneal epithelial loss in the right eye with fluorescein staining, revealing a characteristic ‘green splash’ over 90% of the cornea. Other clinical findings included marked corneal edema, moderate conjunctival injection, mild palpebral swelling, and mild papillae. No anterior uveitis was observed, and the posterior segment examination was normal. There was a considerable reduction in his right visual acuity from baseline. He was empirically treated with 1% tropicamide ocular drops, 1% chloramphenicol ointment, and lubricant ocular drops. The bacterial and viral conjunctival swabs were unremarkable. Clinical progression was self-limiting, and complete resolution of the ulcer was achieved after one month.

Conclusion:

CED is a clinical diagnosis, and medical practitioners should be aware of atypical features, such as the absence of debilitating pain. Additionally, our case demonstrates that the geographic distribution of CED appears to be far more extensive than previously thought, thereby raising the possibility of disease manifestation in regions not commonly associated with it. Entomological precipitants of this condition remain circumstantial and warrant further validation.
WITHDRAWN: Green Multi-component Synthesis of Fused Heterocyclic
Derivatives: An Atom-economic and Eco-friendly Approach for Complex
Molecules
Authors: Dhanalakshmi Ravikumar , Jeya Gopal , Anbarasu Murugan , Sivamurugan Vajiravelu
Published: December 2021

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors of the journal Current Organocatalysis.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
A Review of Pharmacological and Phytochemical Studies on Convolvulaceae
Species Rivea and Ipomea
Authors: Kumar Pathangi , Nachiar Shanthini , Thiraviam Purushoth Prabhu
Published: December 2021

:

The plants of Rivea and Ipomea belong to Convolvulaceae species, identified by their
funnel-like flowers and radial-shaped corolla. The stems of these plants are slender and creeper
type. The plant of ipomea contains simple leaves. Whereas the leaves of Rivea are velvety in texture
and have a shiny appearance. The fruits are like capsule, berry or nut containing only two
seeds per one locule. Mostly Convolvulaceae species are eaten as a fresh leafy vegetable, and used
traditionally to cure many ailments, such as purgative, skin disease, and as a blood purifier for
arthritis, piles and urinary disorder. Both these plants possess therapeutic benefits for treating diabetes,
skin infections, snakebite, and ulcer, exert antimutagenic activities, act as an immune booster
and help relief respiratory congestion. In terms of phytochemical aspects, both the plants show the
presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, carbohydrates, alkaloids, sterols and glycosides.
As these plants are creepers, tribal people use their leafy parts for their nutraceutical value.
Dairy Farmers Perception on Cooperatives in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Toiba Hery , Hartono Rachman , Retnoningsih Dwi , Rahman Moh. Shadiqur
Published: December 2021

Although past studies have shown that cooperatives can improve the welfare of rural communities. However, many farmers did not aware about the cooperative advantages. This begs a question as to whether cooperatives really contribute to the rural incomes and economies. This study aims to assess farmers’ perception on cooperative membership and how members have adopted innovative technologies. Data were obtained from a survey with 300 dairy farmers in Malang and Batu, East Java. The data were examined using a descriptive analysis. The results showed that farmers who do not join any cooperatives perceive that the institution is not able to determine the quality of their milk produce. Meanwhile, farmers who are members of a cooperative perceive that the institution can maintain stability of milk produce’s sales prices. This implies that education about cooperatives among farmers needs to be improved so that they can objectively view the benefits of cooperative membership and make informed decision in their economic activities.
Study of Forming Factors Electronic Word of Mouth (EWOM) and Its Influence On Purchasing Fruit Products at Kojama Shop
Authors: Fitriah Siti , Dharmawan Budi , Nurdiani Ulfah
Published: December 2021

Kojama Shop is an online platform that markets avocado butter products. To win the competition, Kojama Shop must improve Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) by knowing the factors that form eWOM and their effect on purchases. This study aims to determine the factors that form eWOM on the purchase of fruit products at the Kojama Shop and the influence of the factors formed from eWOM on the purchase of fruit products at the Kojama Shop. The selection of research places is intentional. The target of research is the follower of the Kojama Shop Instagram account that has already bought and consumed butter avocado fruit products at least 2 times, aged at least 18 years, and actively using social media Instagram. Data retrieval using survey methods through online questionnaires using Google forms. Sampling using the Unknown Population formula, the study took 151 respondents. Data analysis uses descriptive and multiple linear regression. The results showed that there are 5 factors of eWOM: Concern for Others, Expressing Positive Feelings, Economic Incentives, Helping the Company, and Platform Assistance. These five factors have a significant influence together and an individual towards the purchase.
Export Competitiveness of Indonesian Coffee In Germany
Authors: Zuhdi Fadhlan , Yusuf Rachmiwati
Published: December 2021

Coffee has been one of the mainstay products for Indonesia's exports to Germany since the last time and the frequency continues to increase. This reflects that Germany's need for coffee continues to grow. This study aims to measure the position of Indonesia's coffee export competitiveness in Germany. The method used in this research are Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Constant Market Share (CMS). The results showed that Indonesia's coffee exports were not competitive in Germany and had a downward trend. The export performance of Indonesian coffee in Germany also shows a downward trend in each period. Several things that need to be improved so that the competitiveness and performance of Indonesia's exports can increase is by disseminating information regarding the use of cultivation technology to increase the productivity of Indonesian coffee.
The Effects of Non-Cash Transactions on Consumer Satisfaction (A Case Study on Consumers of the Oro-Oro Dowo Market, Malang)
Authors: Bakhtiar Ary , Harpowo Harpowo , Sudibyo Rahmad , Fitria Amanina , Shodiq Wahid
Published: December 2021

The Internet of think is considered incredibly adaptable in the present digital world, one of which is non-cash payments, making it easier, faster, and decreasing human errors. It is not surprising that the government is now promoting Gerakan Nasional Non-Tunai (GNNT) program by ratifying a new application owned by one of the BUMN subsidiaries to enable payment transactions. The GNNT is now being encouraged in many sectors of Indonesian needs, including traditional markets. The objectives of this study were: 1) identifying the consumer characteristics who uses non-cash payment applications in Oro-Oro Dowo market Malang, and 2) investigating the impact of service quality, product image, and promotion on consumer satisfaction as non-cash payment application users. The research site was in Oro-Oro Dowo market, Malang. It is the first traditional market to employ non-cash payments as a payment option, with the research period beginning in April 2020. This study had 100 participants selected through the distribution of questionnaires. The data analysis employed Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling. The findings showed that the majority of respondents who use non-cash applications were female consumers (76%), had an average age of 20-25 years (47%), had undergraduate education (46%), worked as private employee (37%), and had an average income of < Rp2.000.000 (37%). The path coefficient test revealed that product image and promotion variables had a significant effect on consumer satisfaction as they had a sig value of > 0.05 while the application service variable had a sig value greater than 0.05, it had a negligible effect on consumer satisfaction.
The Analysis of Purchase Intention of Processed Apple Products in Shopee
Authors: Febriandani Hasna , Muhaimin Abdul , Andriani Dwi
Published: December 2021

During the current pandemic, almost everything we need, both primary and secondary, we can fulfill from online services. In the era of globalization and the ease of online shopping transactions can lead to consumptive behavior, especially considering the current situation in the corona virus crisis, where consumer behavior has begun to change drastically. This study used Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) analysis with the WarpPLS approach, to predict the magnitude of the relationship among latent variables and between latent variable and its indicator. The dominant variables in the research on the effect of purchase intention of processed apple products at Shopee are trust, online shopping attitudes, subjective norms and purchase intentions. Trust in product purchase intention produces a path coefficient of 0.320 with a confidence interval value [0.160;0.481]. The test results showed that the path coefficient was positive with a high significance level. Online shopping attitude on product purchase intention produces a path coefficient of 0.422 with a confidence interval value [0.261; 0.627], the path coefficient was positive with a high significance level so that this sub hypothesis can be accepted. Subjective norm on product purchase intention produces a path coefficient of 0.250 with a confidence interval value [0.104;0.397], the path coefficient was positive with a high significance level. Purchase intention on purchasing decisions produces a path coefficient of 0.509 with a confidence interval value [0.370; 0.648], the path coefficient was positive with a high significance level.
Foreign Policy in Times of Crisis: Venezuela's Blockade Policy towards Brazilian Aids
Authors: Nauvarian Demas
Published: December 2021

Venezuela, an economically oil-dependent country in South America, has experienced a turmoil of economic crisis since 2014 under the administration of President Nicolás Maduro. This crisis has been spilling towards social and political issues, with one being the emergence of an opposition group led by Juan Guaidó. This crisis, at first, has invited sympathy from various international actors, both states and non-states, with one being Brazil under the leadership of President Bolsonaro. Brazil at first is actively sending logistical aids towards the Venezuelans. However, in February 2019, President Maduro decided to fully-blockade Venezuela-Brazil borders for any human or goods movement. Beside the individual factor of the state's leader, group factor, specifically its cabinet which still acquires legitimacy from the leader, is also often seen as affecting and advising a policy in the time of a crisis. This paper aims to analyze the presence of President Maduro’s cabinet towards the Brazil border blockade in Venezuelan Crisis in 2019. By using the groupthink paradigm, this paper argues that there is a position of convergence between the members of the cabinet with the background of: (1) the dominance of nationalist military groups loyal to President Maduro; (2) the same ideology of left-wing political spectrum. It also argues that beside the two internal factors above, the external factors of regional and global tension towards Venezuela also create an isolation as an element of stress towards this government. This paper concludes that the combination of the three factors above become the main factors that formulated the blockade policy. Keywords: economic crisis, foreign policy, groupthink, Venezuela
Pandemi dan Pemenuhan Hak Anak: Studi Kasus Peran Unicef di Yaman pada Masa COVID-19
Authors: Kusuma Erzalina Widya , Djatmiko Djatmiko , Rasyidah Resa
Published: December 2021

Covid-19 outbreak that was discovered in China in December 2019 has crippled the world economy and caused the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen to be hampered. In addition, there are still wars that cause damage to health facilities. The war, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Cholera disease are adding to the devastating effects on growing children in Yemen. UNICEF, as an IGO that focuses on children, reports that in 2020 there were approximately 34 cases of child abuse and attacks on educational facilities involving children. This research describes the role of UNICEF in Yemen from 2019 to 2020 in fulfilling children’s rights due to 3 disasters, namely Covid-19, internal conflict, and cholera that occurred in the country. This research looks at the role of international organizations as aid providers which is manifested in the form of Humanitarian Assistance. As a descriptive study, data for this research is collected from 2019 to 2020, including reports from The UNICEF, the WHO website, the UN website, and various verified mass media. UNICEF's role in the form of Humanitarian Assistance in Yemen is manifested in 5 programs: education, child protection, nutrition, health and sanitation. Keywords: UNICEF, Yemen, Humanitarian Assistance, Covid-19 Pandemic, Children’s Rights.