bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Service Costs In Intensive Care Unit, Length of Stay and Mortality Rate Before and During the COVID 19 Pandemic
Authors: KÜPELİ İlke , YAZICI KARA Merve
Published: March 2022

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the average length of stay, mortality rates and service costs in intensive care unit provided to patients during October-November-December 2019 (pre-pandemic), with the average length of stay, mortality rates and service costs in intensive care unit during October-November-December 2020 (pandemic).

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional comparative, single-center study. The demographic data (age, gender), average length of stay, mortality and hospital costs of intensive care patients during October-November-December 2019 (pre-pandemic) were compared using the hospital records with the same data of patients in the same intensive care unit during October-November-December 2020 (pandemic), and the factors affecting the cost were investigated.

Results: Of the 437 patients included in the study, 233 were hospiṫ aliż ed in pre-pandemic period and 204 in pandemic period. Pre-pandemic period mean age was 65.04 ± 17.0, and pandemic period mean age was 68.07 ± 15.1 years. The majority of the cases in both periods were male (57.9% and 63.2%). Length of stay, cost and mortality rates were significantly higher in the pandemic group (p: 0.000). There was a significant positive correlation between length of stay and cost (p: 0.000).

Conclusion: It was found that intensive care costs increased considerably during the COVID 19 period, along with the increases in the length of stay and mortality rates. Advanced age and increase in length of stay were found to be correlated with mortality, but only length of stay was correlated with cost.
TINGKAT KEPUASAN SISWA SMA TERHADAP PEMBELAJARAN KIMIA SECARA DARING PADA MATERI TERMOKIMIA
Authors: Hidayatillah Sekar , Tunaza Siti Nadhiva , Afandi Fauzi Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Student satisfaction during online learning needs to be considered because it is a positive response and a benchmark for the success of learning. This study was conducted to examine the level of student satisfaction with online chemistry learning during the pandemic. The method used is survey using quantitative approach. The population in this study was students of 11th grade IPA SMA Negeri 2 Bantul. The research sample consisted of 88 students of science class, selected using simple random sampling technique.. The data collection was carried out using a Student Satisfaction Level Questionnaire consisting of 25 statements with a rating scale 1-5, covering 4 aspects, namely facilities and infrastructure for the implementation of online learning, teacher innovation in learning design, discussion activities in the online learning process and service to students. The results showed a high level of overall satisfaction with online chemistry learning and there was no significant difference in satisfaction between male and female students.

 

Kepuasan siswa selama pembelajaran daring perlu diperhatikan karena merupakan respon positif dan menjadi tolok ukur keberhasilan suatu pembelajaran. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji tingkat kepuasan siswa terhadap pembelajaran kimia secara daring pada materi termokimia selama pandemi. Pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode survey digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Populasi penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI IPA SMA Negeri 2 Bantul. Sampel penelitian terdiri atas 88 siswa yang secara acak sederhana. Pengumpulan data dilakukan menggunakan Angket Tingkat Kepuasan Siswa yang terdiri dari dua puluh lima pernyataan dengan penilaian skala 1—5, yang mencakup empat aspek yaitu sarana dan prasarana pendukung pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring, inovasi guru dalam mendesain pembelajaran, aktivitas diskusi dalam proses pembelajaran daring dan pelayanan kepada siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tingkat kepuasan yang tinggi terhadap pembelajaran kimia secara daring dan tidak terdapat perbedaan signifikan kepuasan antara siswa laki-laki dan perempuan.
Peningkatan Pengetahuan Ibu tentang Makanan Pendamping ASI (MP-ASI)
Authors: Oroh Cecilia Margaretha , Khuzaifah Khuzaifah , Sulfiani Sulfiani
Published: March 2022

Makanan tambahan atau makanan pendamping ASI adalah makanan yang diberikan kepada bayi disamping ASI untuk memenuhi kebutuhan niutrisinya. Makanan pendamping ASI diberikan mulai umur 6-24 bulan. Pemberian makanan pendamping ASI yang terlalu dini atau di bawah usia 6 bulan akan berdampak buruk bagi anak. Tujuan kegiatan ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu tentang makanan pendamping ASI (MP ASI). Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di Desa Pinedapa pada tanggal 19 Oktober 2020. Sasaran kegiatan ini adalah ibu yang memiliki anak berusia 0 – 24 bulan yang berjumlah 7 Orang. Metode kegiatan ini adalah membagikan leaflet kepada peserta kemudian melakukan penyuluhan, evaluasi kegiatan ini menggunakan kuesioner pre-posttest. Hasil kegitan diperoleh ada peningkatan pengetahuan ibu. Rata-rata pengetahuan sebelum penyuluhan adalah 40% dan rata-rata setelah penyuluhan adalah 75% Kami menyarankan agar ibu-ibu khususnya yang memiliki anak 6-24 bulan agar lebih lagi menambah pengetahuan tentang makanan pendamping ASI
Penyuluhan Kesehatan tentang Stimulasi Tumbuh Kembang Balita
Authors: Karim Aliffia Kafitri , Zulfitriani Zulfitriani , Khuzaifah Khuzaifah
Published: March 2022

Beberapa dampak akibat dari tumbuh kembang anak yang tidak sesuai dengan usianya diantara lain dapat menghambat perkembangan otak, sering sakit / sistemimun yang menurun, rasa cemas atau takut yang berlebihan, emosi tidak terkontrol, dan gangguan kognitif. Dampak jangka panjang lainnya berupa rendahnya kemampuan nalar dan prestasi pendidikan serta rendahnya produktifitas kerja. Tujuan pengabdian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu tentang stimulasi tumbuh kembang untuk pencegahan stunting. Metode kegiatan ini adalah membagikan leaflet, melakukan penyuluhan, dan mengevaluasi kegiatan. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan di Desa Malitu pada tanggal 28 Maret 2021 dengan jumlah peserta 4 orang ibu yang memiliki balita. Hasil pelaksanaan kegiatan yang kami lakukan, terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan ibu setelah dilakukan penyuluhan tentang stimulasi tumbuh kembang. Dimana rata – rata  Sebelum dilakukan penyuluhan adalah 30 meningkat menjadi 75 setelah dilakukan penyuluhan. Selain itu ibu – ibu juga tampak antusias pada saat dilakukannya penyuhan, hal ini dapat dilihat dari respon ibu dalam sesi Tanya jawab. Diharapkan dengan adanya kegiatan pengabdian ini, para ibu dapat memahami pentingnya stimulasi tumbuh kembang terhadap balita dan dapat menerapkan pada kehidupan sehari-hari.
Análise musical de “Portraît de Nadia Boulanger” (1972), de Almeida Prado
Authors: Pelison Botechia Tales Eduardo , Moraes Taffarello Tadeu
Published: March 2022

“Portraît de Nadia Boulanger”, para voz e piano, foi composta em 1972 por Almeida Prado (1943-2010) como uma homenagem à sua professora durante o período de aperfeiçoamento na França, que durou de 1969 a 1973. O presente artigo objetiva analisar musicalmente esta peça. Como metodologia, cada um dos dez movimentos será analisado separadamente, buscando desvendar as suas características próprias. Como resultado final, percebe-se que, embora os movimentos tenham sido compostos com técnicas e materiais musicais diversos, há elementos que os conectam, tais como o uso de um mesmo material harmônico; a estruturação por rotações de uma série dodecafônica; a exploração de material sonoro/musical com ênfase nas ressonâncias e timbres, dentre outros. A relevância deste artigo ocorre pois, pelo período em que foi escrita a peça, é possível perceber a transitoriedade nas técnicas composicionais de Almeida Prado e, desse modo, contribuir para o melhor entendimento de seu desenvolvimento estilístico como compositor.
CDMOs Play a Critical Role in the Biopharmaceutical Ecosystem
Authors: Kurata Hideyuki , Ishino Tetsuya , Ohshima Yasuhiro , Yohda Masafumi
Published: March 2022

Biopharmaceutical industries have advanced significantly after the millennium. Novel biopharmaceuticals have been developed one after another, and blockbuster drugs have been produced. Accompanying the increase in the demand for biopharmaceuticals, a business model called “contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO)” has emerged. A CDMO is entrusted with the development and manufacturing of production processes from pharmaceutical companies. In this review, we identify the success factors of the biopharmaceutical CDMO by analyzing the foundry business for the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, we also review monoclonal antibody production platforms and new technologies that are critical aspects of differentiation strategies in the biopharmaceutical CDMO.
Carbon Material With Ordered Sub-Nanometer Hole Defects
Authors: Liang Nianjie , Li Qiaosheng , Pan Ganghuo , Liu Chunxiang , Liu Yuzhou
Published: March 2022

A holey carbon material with ordered sub-nanometer hole defects was synthesized from oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of a polyhexaphenylbenzene precursor. Band gap of around 2.2 eV is formed due to the narrow connection between the hexabenzocoronene subunits. It has weak interlayer interaction energy compared with graphene and shows easy dispersion in a wide range of solvents, surprisingly including water. Density functional theory calculations confirmd the excellent dispersion of this material in water. This new carbon material was then proved as effective support for various inorganic nanoparticles of small sizes. The supported iron nanoparticles showed enzyme-like catalysis behavior in nitrophenyl reduction reaction by NaBH4, exemplifying the great potential of this new material in catalysis.
Challenging Carbon Lock-In: Insights From U.S. Governmental Energy Research and Development Expenditures With Advocacy Recommendations for the Energy Research Community
Authors: Robertson Ashley M.
Published: March 2022

The United States relies heavily on fossil and nuclear energy to meet its burgeoning electricity generation demands. The incumbent institutional and industrial power dynamics may support a fossil and nuclear energy status quo and have shown signs of carbon lock-in. Government research and development (R&D) funding can either be a help or hinderance to institutional carbon lock-in. This analysis investigates the link between the Department of Energy's historical funding allocations for energy research programs in the fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy sector, and the federal government's tendency to support entrenched, carbon-based energy systems. While the Department of Energy's renewable energy programs have received more funding in recent years, this investment alone is not enough currently to thwart carbon lock-in. Thus, this article recommends suggestions for researchers to advocate for more renewable energy research and development resources through personal, professional, and institutional strategies to spur decarbonization.
Psychological Interventions for Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Spina Bifida: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jefferies Morgan , Peart Taylor , Perrier Laure , Lauzon Andrea , Munce Sarah
Published: March 2022

Background

With current medical advancements, more adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders are transitioning from child- to adult-centred health care services. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for transitional services to help navigate this transition. Health care transitions can be further complicated by mental health challenges prevalent among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SB), and childhood onset acquired brain injury (ABI). Offering evidence-based psychological interventions for these populations may improve overall outcomes during transition period(s) and beyond. The objective of this scoping review is to identify key characteristics of psychological interventions being used to treat the mental health challenges of adolescents and adults with CP, SB, and childhood onset ABI.

Methods

Methodological frameworks by Arksey and O'Malley, and Levac and colleagues were used to explore studies published between 2009 and 2019. Included studies were required to be written in English and report on a psychological intervention(s) administered to individuals at least 12 years of age with a diagnosis of CP, SB, or childhood onset ABI. All study designs were included.

Results

A total of 11 studies were identified. Of these, eight reported psychological interventions for childhood onset ABI, while three reported on CP. No studies reporting on SB were identified. Commonly used interventions included acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Conclusions

There are a limited number of studies investigating psychological interventions for individuals with childhood onset ABI and CP, and none for individuals with SB. Further research into effective psychological interventions for these populations will improve mental health outcomes and transitional services.
Folate-Targeted PEGylated Magnetoliposomes for Hyperthermia-Mediated Controlled Release of Doxorubicin
Authors: Cintra Emílio R. , Hayasaki Tacio G. , Sousa-Junior Ailton A. , Silva Artur C. G. , Valadares Marize C. , Bakuzis Andris F. , Mendanha Sebastião A. , Lima Eliana M.
Published: March 2022

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for the treatment of solid tumors. However, the cardiotoxicity associated with its prolonged use prevents further adherence and therapeutic efficacy. By encapsulating DOX within a PEGylated liposome, Doxil® considerably decreased DOX cardiotoxicity. By using thermally sensitive lysolipids in its bilayer composition, ThermoDox® implemented a heat-induced controlled release of DOX. However, both ThermoDox® and Doxil® rely on their passive retention in tumors, depending on their half-lives in blood. Moreover, ThermoDox® ordinarily depend on invasive radiofrequency-generating metallic probes for local heating. In this study, we prepare, characterize, and evaluate the antitumoral capabilities of DOX-loaded folate-targeted PEGylated magnetoliposomes (DFPML). Unlike ThermoDox®, DOX delivery via DFPML is mediated by the heat released through dynamic hysteresis losses from magnetothermal converting systems composed by MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) under AC magnetic field excitation—a non-invasive technique designated magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). Moreover, DFPML dismisses the use of thermally sensitive lysolipids, allowing the use of simpler and cheaper alternative lipids. MnFe2O4 NPs and DFPML are fully characterized in terms of their size, morphology, polydispersion, magnetic, and magnetothermal properties. About 50% of the DOX load is released from DFPML after 30 min under MHT conditions. Being folate-targeted, in vitro DFPML antitumoral activity is higher (IC50 ≈ 1 μg/ml) for folate receptor-overexpressing B16F10 murine melanoma cells, compared to MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells (IC50 ≈ 4 μg/ml). Taken together, our results indicate that DFPML are strong candidates for folate-targeted anticancer therapies based on DOX controlled release.
Prevalence and Factors of Anxiety During the Coronavirus-2019 Pandemic Among Teachers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhazmi Riyadh A. , Alghadeer Sultan , Al-Arifi Mohamed N. , Alamer Asma A. , Mubarak Abdullah M. , Alwhaibi Abdulrahman , Alfayez Raghad , Alsubaie Sara
Published: March 2022

Background

Teachers play a central role in successful education. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regular in-person attendance in classes at all levels of education has been disrupted for more than 1 year in many countries. These lockdowns, which include the discontinuation of in person learning at schools and universities has presented a significant challenge for teachers to adapt to online teaching. Given this rapid format change, occupational anxiety levels among educators has increased.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety among teachers in Saudi Arabia. A secondary objective was to explore characteristics of teachers associated with the level of anxiety level during the period of lockdown.

Methods

An anonymous, online cross-sectional study was carried for 3 months (February 2021 through April 2021). The questionnaire consisted of four sections and included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder instrument (GAD-7). Chi-square tests were completed for categorical comparisons while binary logistic regressions were used for associative relationship exploration. The IRB at King Saudi University Medical City, Saudi Arabia approved this study.

Results

A total of 742 respondents completed the survey yielding an anxiety prevalence of 58.2 % among teachers. Medium degree of statistically significant differences identified as marital status (p = 0.046). women had higher anxiety (65.3%) than men (34.7%) but gender with anxiety was low degree of statistical significance compared with non-anxiety status (p = 0.697). The odds of anxiety among middle teachers was twice (OR = 2.01) as high as the odds of anxiety among other levels of teacher (p = 0.01, 95% CI 0.94–4.26).

Conclusions

This study identified that many teachers experienced anxiety during the lockdown, especially women and middle school teachers. Future studies should identify contributing factors to estimate the magnitude of the exposure to anxiety between different types of teachers to help establish better preventive measures based on the workplace environment.
Icon Design for Representing Safety-Critical Aircraft Functions to Support Supervisory Control of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Authors: Friedrich Max , Richards Dale , Vollrath Mark
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: The transition from conventional to remote aircraft control will necessitate the development of novel human machine interfaces. When we consider the pilot interface, icons are traditionally used to associate meanings with functions on the flight deck, allowing the pilot to assimilate information effectively. Using established icon design principles, 18 icons, representing key safety-critical functions related to the operation of an aircraft, were designed for integration into a ground station. Pilots were then asked to evaluate these icons based on established icon characteristics. (2) Method: In an online questionnaire study, 29 pilots rated the icons on the icon characteristics of concreteness, complexity, familiarity, meaningfulness, and semantic distance. Alongside these metrics, concept and name agreement were captured for the icon set. (3) Results: Analysis indicated good icon-function fit overall. The findings show that emphasizing concreteness and familiarity improves icon-function fit, as long as the familiarity is directed at aviation-related artifacts. Further, concept agreement appears to be a better measure of icon-function fit in comparison to name agreement. (4) Conclusion: Most of the designed icons were well suited to represent their intended meaning. However, this study emphasizes the need for dedicated standardized icon characteristic norms for aviation systems.
Pelargonidin-3-O-Glucoside Encapsulated Pectin-Chitosan-Nanoliposomes Recovers Palmitic Acid-Induced Hepatocytes Injury
Authors: Karim Naymul , Shishir Mohammad Rezaul Islam , Li Yuting , Zineb Ould Yahia , Mo Jianling , Tangpong Jitbanjong , Chen Wei
Published: March 2022

Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pg) is a well-known anthocyanin derivative possessing potential biological activity. Nonetheless, the bioactivity of Pg is limited due to instability in the physiological environment. Functionalized nanoliposomes using chitosan and/or pectin coating is an excellent carrier system for nanoencapsulation of food bioactive compounds such as Pg. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Pg-loaded pectin–chitosan coated nanoliposomes against palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocytes injury in L02 cells. Firstly, Pg-loaded pectin–chitosan coated nanoliposomes were characterized using the DLS, HPLC, TEM, and cellular uptake study in L02 cells. Thereafter, we assayed the protective effect against PA-induced lipotoxicity, ROS and O2•− generation, mitochondrial dysfunction (MMP), and GSH depletion. Results showed that Pg-loaded nanoliposomes significantly reduced the PA-induced L02 cells toxicity via suppressing ROS production, O2•− generation, MMP collapse, and GSH reduction, whereas the free-Pg samples were not effective. On the contrary, the chitosan and/or pectin coated nanoliposomes showed higher results compared to coating-free nanoliposomes. Altogether, the results of our study ensured that Pg-loaded pectin–chitosan coated nanoliposomes was capable of reducing PA-induced hepatocytes injury. Thus, pectin–chitosan coated nanoliposomes can be useful for hepatocellular delivery of hydrophilic compounds with greater biological activity.
Luteolin Synergistically Enhances Antitumor Activity of Oxaliplatin in Colorectal Carcinoma via AMPK Inhibition
Authors: Jang Chan Ho , Moon Nayoung , Lee Jinkyung , Kwon Min Jeong , Oh Jisun , Kim Jong-Sang
Published: March 2022

Luteolin is a naturally-occurring polyphenolic compound that is known to have antioxidative and antitumor activities in vitro. This study aimed to examine the in vivo anticancer efficacy of luteolin in conjunction with oxaliplatin treatment using a colorectal carcinoma xenograft mouse model. HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells were subcutaneously implanted into BALB/c nude mice, followed by the intraperitoneal administration of luteolin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day with or without oxaliplatin at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW/day three times per week for a total of 3 weeks. The combined luteolin and oxaliplatin treatment resulted in the synergistic suppression of the growth of HCT116 xenograft tumors when compared to treatment with luteolin or oxaliplatin alone. In addition, the combined treatment significantly increased the expression of cleaved PARP and p53 in the xenograft tumors compared with the vehicle control, but only marginally affected the level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). These results indicated that luteolin treatment retarded oxaliplatin-induced tumor growth by facilitating apoptotic cell death and inhibiting HO-1-mediated cytoprotection. Therefore, these findings suggest the synergistic potential of dietary luteolin in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
The Prebiotic Potential of Geraniin and Geraniin-Enriched Extract against High-Fat-Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Moorthy Mohanambal , Wie Chong Chun , Mariño Eliana , Palanisamy Uma D.
Published: March 2022

Geraniin, an ellagitannin, has ameliorative properties against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome. Since geraniin has poor bioavailability, we hypothesised the interaction of this compound with gut microbiota as the main mechanism for improving metabolic aberrations. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into normal diet (ND)- and HFD-fed animals and treated with geraniin and an enriched extract of geraniin (GEE). We observed that 5 mg geraniin and 115 mg GEE supplementation significantly attenuated glucose intolerance, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, total cholesterol, triacylglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein; improved insulin sensitivity; and significantly increased adiponectin and hepatic PPARα expression. Although geraniin and GEE did not significantly alter the gut microbial composition, we found an increment in the relative abundance of a few butyrate producers such as Alloprevotella, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. Geraniin and its enriched extract’s ability to ameliorate metabolic syndrome parameters while positively affecting the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria suggests its potential prebiotic role.
Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Acetylation and Regulation of Protein Structure in Breast Cancer Biology and Therapy
Authors: Ogle Meredith M. , Trevino Rolando , Schell Joseph , Varmazyad Mahboubeh , Horikoshi Nobuo , Gius David
Published: March 2022

The loss and/or dysregulation of several cellular and mitochondrial antioxidants’ expression or enzymatic activity, which leads to the aberrant physiological function of these proteins, has been shown to result in oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules. In this regard, it has been surmised that the disruption of mitochondrial networks responsible for maintaining normal metabolism is an established hallmark of cancer and a novel mechanism of therapy resistance. This altered metabolism leads to aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, under specific physiological conditions, leads to a potential tumor-permissive cellular environment. In this regard, it is becoming increasingly clear that the loss or disruption of mitochondrial oxidant scavenging enzymes may be, in specific tumors, either an early event in transformation or exhibit tumor-promoting properties. One example of such an antioxidant enzyme is manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, also referred to as SOD2), which detoxifies superoxide, a ROS that has been shown, when its normal physiological levels are disrupted, to lead to oncogenicity and therapy resistance. Here, we will also discuss how the acetylation of MnSOD leads to a change in detoxification function that leads to a cellular environment permissive for the development of lineage plasticity-like properties that may be one mechanism leading to tumorigenic and therapy-resistant phenotypes.
The Endplate Role in Degenerative Disc Disease Research: The Isolation of Human Chondrocytes from Vertebral Endplate—An Optimised Protocol
Authors: Gradišnik Lidija , Maver Uroš , Gole Boris , Bunc Gorazd , Voršič Matjaž , Ravnik Janez , Šmigoc Tomaž , Bošnjak Roman , Velnar Tomaž
Published: March 2022

Background: Degenerative disc disease is a progressive and chronic disorder with many open questions regarding its pathomorphological mechanisms. In related studies, in vitro organ culture systems are becoming increasingly essential as a replacement option for laboratory animals. Live disc cells are highly appealing to study the possible mechanisms of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. To study the degenerative processes of the endplate chondrocytes in vitro, we established a relatively quick and easy protocol for isolating human chondrocytes from the vertebral endplates. Methods: The fragments of human lumbar endplates following lumbar fusion were collected, cut, ground and partially digested with collagenase I in Advanced DMEM/F12 with 5% foetal bovine serum. The sediment was harvested, and cells were seeded in suspension, supplemented with special media containing high nutrient levels. Morphology was determined with phalloidin staining and the characterisation for collagen I, collagen II and aggrecan with immunostaining. Results: The isolated cells retained viability in appropriate laboratory conditions and proliferated quickly. The confluent culture was obtained after 14 days. Six to 8 h after seeding, attachments were observed, and proliferation of the isolated cells followed after 12 h. The cartilaginous endplate chondrocytes were stable with a viability of up to 95%. Pheno- and geno-typic analysis showed chondrocyte-specific expression, which decreased with passages. Conclusions: The reported cell isolation process is simple, economical and quick, allowing establishment of a viable long-term cell culture. The availability of a vertebral endplate cell model will permit the study of cell properties, biochemical aspects, the potential of therapeutic candidates for the treatment of disc degeneration, and toxicology studies in a well-controlled environment.
Serum Proteomic Profile of Asthmatic Patients after Six Months of Benralizumab and Mepolizumab Treatment
Authors: Vantaggiato Lorenza , Cameli Paolo , Bergantini Laura , d’Alessandro Miriana , Shaba Enxhi , Carleo Alfonso , Di Giuseppe Fabrizio , Angelucci Stefania , Sebastiani Guido , Dotta Francesco , Bini Luca , Bargagli Elena , Landi Claudia
Published: March 2022

Severe eosinophilic asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and elevated proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-5. Mepolizumab and benralizumab are both humanized IgG antibodies directed against IL-5 signaling, directly acting on eosinophils count. Together with the complexity of severe asthma classification and patient selection for the targeted treatment, there is also the urgency to clarify the follow-up of therapy to identify biomarkers, in addition to eosinophils, for the optimal duration of treatment, persistence of effectiveness, and safety. To this purpose, here we performed a follow-up study using differential proteomic analysis on serum samples after 1 and 6 months of both therapies and sera from healthy patients. Statistical analysis by PCA and heatmap analyses were performed, and identified proteins were used for enrichment analysis by MetaCore software. The analysis highlighted 82 differences among all considered conditions. In particular, 30 referred to benralizumab time point (T0, T1B, T6B) and 24 to mepolizumab time point (T0, T1M, T6M) analyses. t-SNE and heatmap analyses evidence that the differential serum protein profile at 6 months of both treatments is more similar to that of the healthy subjects. Among the identified proteins, APOAI, APOC-II, and APOC-III are upregulated principally after 6 months of benralizumab treatment, plasminogen is upregulated after 6 months of both treatments and ceruloplasmin, upregulated already after 1 month of benralizumab, becoming higher after 6 months of mepolizumab. Using enrichment analysis, identified proteins were related to lipid metabolism and transport, blood coagulation, and ECM remodeling.
NLRP3 Inhibition Reduces rt-PA Induced Endothelial Dysfunction under Ischemic Conditions
Authors: Bellut Maximilian , Raimondi Anthony T. , Haarmann Axel , Zimmermann Lena , Stoll Guido , Schuhmann Michael K.
Published: March 2022

Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is a mainstay of acute ischemic stroke treatment but is associated with bleeding complications, especially after prolonged large vessel occlusion. Recently, inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome led to preserved blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in experimental stroke in vivo. To further address the potential of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition as adjunct stroke treatment we used immortalized brain derived endothelial cells (bEnd5) as an in vitro model of the BBB. We treated bEnd5 with rt-PA in combination with the NLRP3 specific inhibitor MCC950 or vehicle under normoxic as well as ischemic (OGD) conditions. We found that rt-PA exerted a cytotoxic effect on bEnd5 cells under OGD confirming that rt-PA is harmful to the BBB. This detrimental effect could be significantly reduced by MCC950 treatment. Moreover, under ischemic conditions, the Cell Index—a sensible indicator for a patent BBB—and the protein expression of Zonula occludens 1 stabilized after MCC950 treatment. At the same time, the extent of endothelial cell death and NLRP3 expression decreased. In conclusion, NLRP3 inhibition can protect the BBB from rt-PA-induced damage and thereby potentially increase the narrow time window for safe thrombolysis in stroke.
Histone Methylases and Demethylases Regulating Antagonistic Methyl Marks: Changes Occurring in Cancer
Authors: Taylor-Papadimitriou Joyce , Burchell Joy M.
Published: March 2022

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is crucial to the determination of cell fate in development and differentiation, and the Polycomb (PcG) and Trithorax (TrxG) groups of proteins, acting antagonistically as complexes, play a major role in this regulation. Although originally identified in Drosophila, these complexes are conserved in evolution and the components are well defined in mammals. Each complex contains a protein with methylase activity (KMT), which can add methyl groups to a specific lysine in histone tails, histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27), by PcG complexes, and H3K4 and H3K36 by TrxG complexes, creating transcriptionally repressive or active marks, respectively. Histone demethylases (KDMs), identified later, added a new dimension to histone methylation, and mutations or changes in levels of expression are seen in both methylases and demethylases and in components of the PcG and TrX complexes across a range of cancers. In this review, we focus on both methylases and demethylases governing the methylation state of the suppressive and active marks and consider their action and interaction in normal tissues and in cancer. A picture is emerging which indicates that the changes which occur in cancer during methylation of histone lysines can lead to repression of genes, including tumour suppressor genes, or to the activation of oncogenes. Methylases or demethylases, which are themselves tumour suppressors, are highly mutated. Novel targets for cancer therapy have been identified and a methylase (KMT6A/EZH2), which produces the repressive H3K27me3 mark, and a demethylase (KDM1A/LSD1), which demethylates the active H3K4me2 mark, are now under clinical evaluation.
Daptomycin for Treatment of S. Epidermidis Endocarditis in an Extremely Preterm Neonate—Outcome and Perspectives
Authors: Minotti Chiara , Zuccon Ilaria , Priante Elena , Bonadies Luca , Di Chiara Costanza , Donà Daniele , Baraldi Eugenio , Costenaro Paola
Published: March 2022

With a considerable morbidity and mortality burden, infective endocarditis still represents a challenge for clinicians. This is a case of persistent Staphylococcus epidermidis endocarditis in an extremely preterm newborn. The infection, initially treated with vancomycin, was successfully cured with daptomycin. Its use was safe and effective, ensuring a complete remission without adverse effects.
Deciphering the Phytochemical Profile of an Alpine Rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum L.) Leaf Extract for a Better Understanding of Its Senolytic and Skin-Rejuvenation Effects
Authors: Hubert Jane , Kotland Alexis , Henes Bernhard , Poigny Stéphane , Wandrey Franziska
Published: March 2022

Rhododendron ferrugineum, commonly named Alpine rose, is an emblematic medicinal plant of European mountains. In this study, the chemical profile of a glycerol/water extract developed from this plant as a cosmetic ingredient is investigated to understand the extract constituent(s) that could mostly contribute to its senolytic activity and skin-rejuvenation effects. For this purpose, the dereplication method “CARAMEL”, which combines Centrifugal Partition Chromatography to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance data interpretation, was directly applied to the hydro-glycerinated extract, leading to the unambiguous identification of fourteen Alpine rose metabolites, despite the strong presence of the heavy solvent glycerol. Flavonoids derived from taxifolin, quercetin, and (+)-catechin were identified as significant constituents of the extract, followed by flavanones, orcinol derivatives, phloroacetophenone, and phenolic acids, as well as the pentacyclic triterpene lupeol. Given that senolytic molecules are known to selectively induce the death of senescent cells without affecting healthy proliferating cells, which can be achieved by the selective inhibition or downregulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and considering the well-recognized pro-apoptotic activity of hyperoside, taxifolin, naringenin and farrerol, the senolytic activity of the glycerol/water Alpine rose extract can be explained by the abundance of flavonoids present in the extract.
The Volatility of Rupiah Exchange Rate Impact on Main Commodity Exports to the OIC Member States
Authors: Handoyo Rossanto Dwi , Sari Agustin Dwi Prihandika , Ibrahim Kabiru Hannafi , Sarmidi Tamat
Published: March 2022

This study analysed the impact of the volatility of the rupiah exchange rate on four main commodities exported from Indonesia to six member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Bangladesh). The study employed monthly data spanning from January 2007 to December 2019 and the EGARCH method to obtain exchange rate volatility, while the ARDL method was used to model both the short-run and long-run impact of exchange rate and its volatility on exports. In the short term, findings revealed that exchange rate volatility has a significant negative effect on five main commodity exports to OIC countries, whereas, in the long-term, volatility of the exchange rate negatively affects twelve main commodity exports to OIC countries. Our results further imply that most of Indonesia’s exporters to six OIC Member countries are risk-averse.
Formation of Infrastructure Provision for Personnel Needs in Gas and Petrochemical Cluster: The Case of Iran
Authors: Daniali Sara Mehrab , Khortabi Farzin Mohammadbeigi , Barykin Sergey Evgenievich , Kapustina Irina Vasilievna , Burova Anna , Ostrovskaya Natalya , Lisin Anton , Shulzhenko Tatiana Gennadievna
Published: March 2022

The problem of staffing the gas and petrochemical cluster is acutely raised in all oil-producing states. This article’s purpose is to study program-targeted and problem-oriented approaches to forming infrastructure provision for personnel needs in Iran’s gas and petrochemical cluster. Their peculiarity is that they belong to natural monopolies characterized by a high level of capital concentration. In this study, two approaches were identified to form infrastructure provision for the needs of personnel in the cluster. The first approach, program-targeted, relies on developing programs to overcome the lack of qualified specialists. The second approach, problem-oriented, considers the causes of the problem itself and the ways to prevent it. Based on the results of the study, several conclusions can be drawn. First, the traditional understanding of human resources infrastructure is insufficient to develop Iran’s gas and petrochemical cluster (GPC). Secondly, for the successful development of social production, it is necessary to adequately develop infrastructure, the technical and economic justification of all processes, and to focus the entire industry on endogenous factors of scientific, technical, and socio-economic progress. Finally, the most critical issue in the system is the issue of staffing each stage with employees of mass professions, engineering, and scientific personnel, specialists in the field of economics, organization, and management, and executives of various levels.
Trade Liberalization and Comparative Advantage: Evidence from Indonesia and Asian Trade Partners
Authors: Purwono Rudi , Sugiharti Lilik , Handoyo Rossanto Dwi , Esquivias Miguel Angel
Published: March 2022

This study analyzes whether ongoing liberalization has resulted in more profound trade expansion for Indonesia versus regional partner countries. A gravity model is first employed to find whether regional trade agreements resulted in more significant intra-regional exports or diverted trade. This study applies the generalized method of moment (GMM-sys) and the Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) estimator. Four groups of manufactured products are aggregated according to technology intensity, and two nature-based groups of products are estimated in the dynamic panel model. Additionally, revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and a trade balance index (TBI) for 5120 products are used to map goods based on specialization–advantage patterns. The gravity model indicates that regional trade agreements supported trade in manufactured and naturally sourced goods but not in high-tech and primary goods. Additionally, export expansion took place in goods that revealed comparative advantage and export specialization. Competition has increased between Indonesia and four regional trade partners: China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Indonesia gained from trading primary materials while losing in some low-cost manufacturing sectors. The potential for trade expansion remains large, as trade patterns differ among regional partners.
Characterisation of Lactobacillus plantarum of Dairy-Product Origin for Probiotic Chèvre Cheese Production
Authors: Ngamsomchat Achirawit , Kaewkod Thida , Konkit Maytiya , Tragoolpua Yingmanee , Bovonsombut Sakunnee , Chitov Thararat
Published: March 2022

Probiotics are increasingly used as functional food ingredients. The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterise probiotic bacteria from dairy and fermented foods and to use a selected strain for the production of probiotic chèvre cheese. Tolerance to acid (pH 2.0) and bile salt (0.4% (w/v)) were first investigated, and then other probiotic properties were determined. Out of 241 isolates, 35 showed high tolerance to acid and bile salt, and 6 were chosen for further characterisation. They were Lactobacillus plantarum and L. fermentum, and possessed antibacterial activities against foodborne pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7. L. plantarum (isolate AD73) showed the highest percentage of adhesion (81.74 ± 0.16%) and was nontoxic to Caco-2 cells at a concentration of 108 CFU/mL. This isolate was therefore selected for the production of probiotic chèvre cheese from goat’s milk and was prepared in a lyophilised form with a concentration of probiotic culture of 8.6 log CFU/g. The cheese had a shelf life of 8 days. On the expiry date, the probiotic, the starter and the yeast contents were 7.56 ± 0.05, 7.81 ± 0.03 and 5.64 log CFU/g, respectively. The level of the probiotics in this chèvre cheese was still sufficiently high to warrant its being a probiotic cheese.
Application of Untargeted Metabolomics to Reveal the Taste-Related Metabolite Profiles during Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi) Fermentation
Authors: Wang Yueqi , Nie Shi , Li Chunsheng , Xiang Huan , Zhao Yongqiang , Chen Shengjun , Li Laihao , Wu Yanyan
Published: March 2022

Spontaneous fermentation is a critical processing step that determines the taste quality of fermented mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi). Here, untargeted metabolomics using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive tandem mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the taste-related metabolite profiles during the fermentation of mandarin fish. The results demonstrated that the taste profiles of mandarin fish at different stages of fermentation could be distinguished using an electronic tongue technique. Sixty-two metabolites, including amino acids, small peptides, fatty acids, alkaloids, and organic acids, were identified in fermented mandarin fish samples. Additional quantitative analysis of amino acids revealed glutamic acid and aspartic acid as significant contributors to the fresh flavor. Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that amino acid metabolism was the dominant pathway throughout the fermentation process. This study provides a scientific and theoretical reference for the targeted regulation of the quality of fermented mandarin fish.
On the Potential of Packaging for Reducing Fruit and Vegetable Losses in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tapsoba Lionel D. S. , Kiemde Sountongnoma M. A. , Lamond Bernard F. , Lépine Julien
Published: March 2022

Access to food remains a critical issue in Sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, 24.1% of its population suffers from undernourishment, and malnutrition affects more than a third of children under five years old. This problem will be exacerbated as the Sub-Saharan African population is predicted to double by 2050. To address this problem, it is imperative to meaningfully improve accessibility of fruits and vegetables for the population.They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that can fight malnutrition. Fruit and vegetable accessibility can be improved by reducing losses, which are estimated on average to be 50%. A literature review shows that there are many areas where solutions can be implemented to reduce these losses. These areas, in order of decreasing occurrence in the literature are: Cold storage, harvesting methods and pre-storage treatments, packaging, transport to markets and the sale stage. The reduction of food waste in SSA involves the establishment of better practices in all these areas. After analysis, it emerges that packaging should generate more interest due to its comparative ease of implementation to support other technologies like cold storage. Packaging made from agricultural waste or non-consumable materials should be highlighted to prevent pollution issues. This solution, in addition to offering a strong potential to fight against pollution, could also increase farmers’ income.
Evaluation of Microbial-Fructo-Oligosaccharides Metabolism by Human Gut Microbiota Fermentation as Compared to Commercial Inulin-Derived Oligosaccharides
Authors: Roupar Dalila , Coelho Marta C. , Gonçalves Daniela A. , Silva Soraia P. , Coelho Elisabete , Silva Sara , Coimbra Manuel A. , Pintado Manuela , Teixeira José A. , Nobre Clarisse
Published: March 2022

The prebiotic potential of fructo-oligosaccharides (microbial-FOS) produced by a newly isolated Aspergillus ibericus, and purified by Saccharomyces cerevisiae YIL162 W, was evaluated. Their chemical structure and functionality were compared to a non-microbial commercial FOS sample. Prebiotics were fermented in vitro by fecal microbiota of five healthy volunteers. Microbial-FOS significantly stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium probiotic strains, triggering a beneficial effect on gut microbiota composition. A higher amount of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) was produced by microbial-FOS fermentation as compared to commercial-FOS, particularly propionate and butyrate. Inulin neoseries oligosaccharides, with a degree of polymerization (DP) up to 5 (e.g., neokestose and neonystose), were identified only in the microbial-FOS mixture. More than 10% of the microbial-oligosaccharides showed a DP higher than 5. Differences identified in the structures of the FOS samples may explain their different functionalities. Results indicate that microbial-FOS exhibit promising potential as nutraceutical ingredients for positive gut microbiota modulation.
A Beacon in the Galaxy: Updated Arecibo Message for Potential FAST and SETI Projects
Authors: Jiang Jonathan , Li Hanjie , Chong Matthew , Jin Qitian , Rosen Philip , Jiang Xiaoming , Fahy Kristen , Taylor Stuart , Kong Zhihui , Hah Jamilah , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: March 2022

An updated, binary-coded message has been developed for transmission to extraterrestrial intelligences in the Milky Way galaxy. The proposed message includes basic mathematical and physical concepts to establish a universal means of communication followed by information on the biochemical composition of life on Earth, the Solar System’s time-stamped position in the Milky Way relative to known globular clusters, as well as digitized depictions of the Solar System, and Earth’s surface. The message concludes with digitized images of the human form, along with an invitation for any receiving intelligences to respond. Calculation of the optimal timing during a given calendar year is specified for potential future transmission from both the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope in China and the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array in northern California to a selected region of the Milky Way which has been proposed as the most likely location for life to have developed. These powerful new beacons, the successors to the Arecibo radio telescope which transmitted the 1974 message upon which this expanded communication is in part based, can carry forward Arecibo’s legacy into the 21st century with this equally well-constructed communication from Earth’s technological civilization.