bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
He Abundance of Dense Circumstellar Clumps in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant
Authors: Koo Bon-Chul , Kim Dongkok , Yoon Sung-Chul , Raymond John C.
Published: March 2023

We report on the result of He abundance analysis of dense circumstellar clumps in the young supernova remnant Cassiopeia A. These clumps, which are called quasi-sta
tionary flocculi (QSFs), are known from previous optical studies to be enriched in He along with N, but the degree of He overabundance relative to H has remained uncertain. For several QSFs with near-infrared spectroscopic data, we have analyzed their He i 1.083 μm/Paγ ratios together with the ratios of [Fe ii] lines by using the Raymond shock code. According to our analysis, He is overabundant relative to H by a factor of ≲3 in most of these QSFs. This He abundance of QSFs is consistent with the previous conclusion from the N overabundance that QSFs were ejected when a substantial amount of the H envelope of the progenitor star had been stripped off. We discuss the mass-loss history of the progenitor star and the origin of QSFs.
Differential Interferometric Signatures of Close Binaries of Supermassive Black Holes in Active Galactic Nuclei. II. Merged Broad-line Regions
Authors: Songsheng Yu-Yang , Wang Jian-Min
Published: March 2023

Pairs of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) at different stages are the natural results of galaxy mergers in the hierarchical framework of galaxy formation and evolution. However, identification of close binaries of SMBHs (CB-SMBHs) with sub-parsec separations in observations are still elusive. Recently, unprecedented spatial resolutions achieved by GRAVITY/GRAVITY+ on board the Very Large Telescope Interferometer through spectroastrometry (SA) provide new opportunities to resolve CB-SMBHs. Differential phase curves of CB-SMBHs with two independent broad-line regions (BLRs) are found to have distinguished characteristic structures from a single BLR. Once the CB-SMBH evolves to the stage where BLRs merge to form a circumbinary BLR, it will hopefully be resolved by the pulsar timing array in the near future as sources of nanohertz gravitational waves. In this work, we use a parameterized model for circumbinary BLRs to calculate line profiles and differential phase curves for SA observations. We show that both profiles and phase curves exhibit asymmetries caused by the Doppler boosting effect of accretion disks around individual black holes, depending on the orbital parameters of the binary and geometries of the BLR. We also generate mock SA data using the model and then recover orbital parameters by fitting the mock data. Degeneracies between parameters contribute greatly to uncertainties of parameters but can be eased through joint analysis of multiple-epoch SA observations and reverberation mappings.
Color Gradients and Half-mass Radii of Galaxies Out to z = 2 in the CANDELS/3D-HST Fields: Further Evidence for Important Differences in the Evolution of Mass-weighted and Light-weighted Sizes
Authors: Miller Tim B. , van Dokkum Pieter , Mowla Lamiya
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have indicated that the ratio between half-mass and half-light radii, r
mass/r
light, varies significantly as a function of stellar mass and redshift, complicating the interpretation of the ubiquitous r
light − M
* relation. To investigate, in this study we construct the light and color profiles of ∼3000 galaxies at 1 < z < 2 with

log

M

*

/

M

⊙

>
10.25

using imcascade, a Bayesian implementation of the Multi-Gaussian Expansion (MGE) technique. imcascade flexibly represents galaxy profiles using a series of Gaussians, free of any a priori parameterization. We find that both star-forming and quiescent galaxies have, on average, negative color gradients. For star-forming galaxies, we find steeper gradients that evolve with redshift and correlate with dust content. Using the color gradients as a proxy for gradients in the M/L ratio, we measure half-mass radii for our sample of galaxies. There is significant scatter in individual r
mass/r
light ratios, which is correlated with variation in the color gradients. We find that the median r
mass/r
light ratio evolves from 0.75 at z = 2 to 0.5 at z = 1, consistent with previous results. We characterize the r
mass − M
* relation, and we find that it has a shallower slope and shows less redshift evolution than the r
light − M
* relation. This applies both to star-forming and quiescent galaxies. We discuss some of the implications of using r
mass instead of r
light, including an investigation of the size−inclination bias and a comparison to numerical simulations.
Disentangling the AGN and Star formation Contributions to the Radio–X-Ray Emission of Radio-loud Quasars at 1 < Z < 2
Authors: Azadi Mojegan , Wilkes Belinda , Kuraszkiewicz Joanna , McDowell Jonathan , Siebenmorgen Ralf , Ashby Matthew , Birkinshaw Mark , Worrall Diana , Abrams Natasha , Barthel Peter , Fazio Giovanni G. , Haas Martin , Hyman Sóley , Martínez-Galarza Rafael , Meyer Eileen T.
Published: March 2023

We constrain the emission mechanisms responsible for the prodigious electromagnetic output generated by active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and their host galaxies with a novel state-of-the-art AGN radio-to-X-ray spectral energy distribution model fitting code (ARXSED). ARXSED combines multiple components to fit the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of AGNs and their host galaxies. Emission components include radio structures such as lobes and jets, infrared emission from the AGN torus, visible-to-X-ray emission from the accretion disk, and radio-to-ultraviolet emission from the host galaxy. Applying ARXSED to the radio SEDs of 20 3CRR quasars at 1 < z < 2 verifies the need for more than a simple power law when compact radio structures are present. The nonthermal emission contributes 91%–57% of the observed-frame 1.25 mm to 850 μm flux, and this component must be accounted for when using these wavelengths to estimate star formation properties. We predict the presence of strong radio-linked X-ray emission in more than half the sample sources. ARXSED estimates median (and the associated first and third quartile ranges) BH mass of

2.9

1.7

6.0

×

10

9

M

☉

, logarithm of Eddington ratio of

−

1.0

−
1.2

−
0.6

, and spin of

0.98

0.94

0.99

for our sample. The inferred AGN torus and accretion disk parameters agree with those estimated from spectroscopic analyses of similar samples in the literature. We present the median intrinsic SED of the luminous radio-loud quasars at 1 < z ≲ 2; this SED represents a significant improvement in the way each component is modeled.
Light-curve Recovery with the Vera Rubin Observatory’s LSST. I. Pulsating Stars in Local Group Dwarf Galaxies
Authors: Di Criscienzo M. , Leccia S. , Braga V. , Musella I. , Bono G. , Dall’Ora M. , Fiorentino G. , Marconi M. , Molinaro R. , Ripepi V. , Carrell K. , Choi Y. , Savarese S. , Schreiber L.
Published: March 2023

This investigation is mainly focused on the LSST Survey Strategy Optimization process, a bottom-up approach that turned out to be quite effective in involving the scientific community in the definition of the LSST observing strategy. We are mainly interested in using radial variables (RR Lyrae, classical Cepheids, long-period variables) as stellar tracers and distance indicators, and we developed a new tool called PulsationStarRecovery to quantify the recovery of the light-curve period and amplitude from an LSST-simulated time series. The outputs of this code are pulsation parameters (period, amplitude, mean magnitude) together with quantitative information concerning the difference between the shape of the light curve and template light curves. Furthermore, we apply the newborn metric to simulate LSST observations and recovery of different types of pulsating stars hosted by selected massive stellar systems (19 Local Group dwarf galaxies and the Large Magellanic Cloud) to show how the recovery changes according to distance and variable-star type. We show that this exercise is essential to understand the potential of LSST in this field since excellent recovery is necessary to optimize the use of predicted period–luminosity, period–amplitude, and color–color relations to constrain the cosmic distance scale and the metallicity distribution function of different stellar populations.
A Gap-sharing Planet Pair Shaping the Crescent in HD 163296: A Disk Sculpted by a Resonant Chain
Authors: Garrido-Deutelmoser Juan , Petrovich Cristobal , Charalambous Carolina , Guzmán Viviana V. , Zhang Ke
Published: March 2023

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array observations of the disk around HD 163296 have resolved a crescent-shape substructure at around 55 au, inside and off-center from a gap in the dust that extends from 38 to 62 au. In this work we propose that both the crescent and the dust rings are caused by a compact pair (period ratio ≃4:3) of sub-Saturn-mass planets inside the gap, with the crescent corresponding to dust trapped at the L
5 Lagrange point of the outer planet. This interpretation also reproduces well the gap in the gas recently measured from the CO observations, which is shallower than what is expected in a model where the gap is carved by a single planet. Building on previous works arguing for outer planets at ≈86 and ≈137 au, we provide a global model of the disk that best reproduces the data and shows that all four planets may fall into a long resonant chain, with the outer three planets in a 1:2:4 Laplace resonance. We show that this configuration is not only an expected outcome from disk–planet interaction in this system, but it can also help constrain the radial and angular position of the planet candidates using three-body resonances.
Border abolition and the struggle against capitalism
Authors: Bradley Gracie Mae , de Noronha Luke
Published: March 2023

Immigration controls do not prevent human movement, nor do they protect citizens. In fact, borders produce many of the social harms they claim to prevent, including loss of life, inhuman and degrading treatment and multiplying inequalities. Nor do borders in any way address the conditions
that shape migration processes in the first place - global disparity, the dispossession of lands and livelihoods, climate breakdown: instead, they render people all the more vulnerable to various forms of exploitation and abuse. What we call border abolition is concerned with expanding the
freedom both to move and to stay. This article examines the question of immigration controls and work, and discusses how border abolition connects to the struggles of workers for better conditions and wages. It also argues that border abolition is inherently internationalist: it involves a
challenge to all the relations that underpin the permanence of borders - vast global inequalities, ongoing processes of dispossession and extraction, and the mirage of 'development'. Anti-capitalists should remember that there can be no socialism in one country, and no progressive labour movement
that puts 'natives' first. Because walled workers cannot unite, anti-capitalism is necessarily internationalist, which means committed to border abolition.
It's not about academic life. That's what I have to tell you
Authors: Littler Jo , Bhattacharyya Gargi
Published: March 2023

Gargi Bhattacharyya is Professor of Sociology at the University of East London, UK. They have written, co-authored and edited/co-edited a very wide range of books, including Tales of Dark-Skinned Women (Routledge 1998); Sexuality and Society (Routledge 2005); Crisis,
Austerity and Everyday Life (Palgrave 2015); Race and Power: Global Racism in the twenty-first century (Routledge 2016); Rethinking Racial Capitalism (Rowman and Littlefield 2018); and Empire's Endgame (Pluto 2021). In this online interview, conducted in summer 2021,
Gargi talks to Jo Littler about state patriarchy, racial capitalism, dispossession, culture wars, feminism, the England football team, environmental degradation, the state of universities and sex on smartphones.
Traitement homéopathique des diarrhées chroniques non stéatosiques après pancréatectomie totale ou partielle. 2.Elaboration et utilisation d’un algorithme d’aide à la prescription pour les diarrhées en oncologie
Authors: Bagot Jean-Lionel , Fischer Isabelle , Lavallée Véronique , Orlando Paola , Lopez-Marquez Yecenia , Huerlimann Marcia , Theunissen Ingrid , Peyronnet Philippe , Véron Clothilde , Stahl Georges , Wiedemann Daniel , Wagner Jean-Philippe , Karp Jean-Claude
Published: March 2023

Contexte  : Les diarrhées se rencontrent très souvent en cas de cancer du pancréas, que ce soit de façon épisodique après certaines chimiothérapies ou de façon chronique après la chirurgie. Elles diminuent la qualité de vie, favorisent l’amaigrissement et perturbent le bon déroulement des chimiothérapies. Dénuée d’effets secondaires notables et d’interactions médicamenteuses, l’homéopathie est en Europe, la médecine complémentaire la plus utilisée en oncologie intégrative. Il n’existe pas « un » médicament homéopathique spécifique des diarrhées mais plusieurs médicaments candidats. Comment déterminer celui qui sera le mieux indiqué ? Méthodologie  : Les auteurs ont étudié la physiopathologie des diarrhées dans les suites de pancréatectomie, recherché les symptômes présents chez tous les patients, effectué une répertorisation électronique, sélectionné les médicaments candidats, analysé leur matière médicale et construit un algorithme décisionnel. Résultats  : Les symptômes retenus ont été : la sensation de selles impérieuses, les borborygmes intestinaux, la prédominance des diarrhées en journée, leur apparition après avoir mangé ou bu, la perte de poids. font partie des 6 médicaments principaux. Au total, 16 médicaments ont été analysés puis intégrés dans un algorithme d’aide à la décision. Conclusion  :Il n’existe pas de traitement « type » de la diarrhée en oncologie. L’homéopathie pour être efficace doit être individualisée. Elle doit répondre aux règles habituelles de similitude, d’individualisation et d’infinitésimalité. La consultation de l’algorithme décisionnel permet d’orienter rapidement le prescripteur vers un ou plusieurs médicaments possibles. Si nécessaire, la matière médicale permettra de préciser le ou les choix thérapeutiques. Cet algorithme nécessite maintenant d’être expérimenté et validé par la pratique et les essais cliniques.
Propagande et complotisme : la Russie peut-elle gagner la guerre des narratifs ?
Authors: Peltier Marie , Trifunovic Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Avec le développement des réseaux sociaux, la propagande et le complotisme viennent fragiliser nos sociétés démocratiques. La Russie a bien compris l’intérêt à manipuler les opinions publiques à l’Ouest avec un narratif déformant la réalité pour répondre à des objectifs politiques ouvertement assumés.
Le positionnement stratégique de la Turquie dans la guerre en Ukraine
Authors: Pouvreau Ana
Published: March 2023

La Turquie entretient des liens étroits avec l’Ukraine, notamment en y exportant des armements dont les drones Bayraktar . Cependant, Ankara s’efforce également de pouvoir jouer un rôle de médiateur avec Moscou, avec plus ou moins d’efficacité. Le séisme du 6 février 2023 risque néanmoins de freiner ces prises d’initiatives diplomatiques.
Analyse de l’e-maturité dans les administrations locales italiennes : résultats empiriques d’une analyse de structure latente à trois étapes
Authors: Tangi Luca , Soncin Mara , Agasisti Tommaso , Noci Giuliano
Published: March 2023

Cet article adopte une approche quantitative et holistique pour élaborer un modèle d’e-maturité dans les administrations locales, défini comme la mesure dans laquelle les technologies imprègnent la prestation de services publics. En outre, l’étude apporte de nouvelles preuves quant aux performances associées à différents niveaux d’e-maturité. Pour ce faire, nous recueillons des données d’enquête auprès de 814 administrations locales italiennes et les intégrons à des sources secondaires. Nous proposons un nouvel angle pour évaluer l’e-maturité au niveau du gouvernement local, où la nouvelle approche consiste à catégoriser les services publics sur la base de leurs utilisateurs finaux. L’application d’une analyse de classe latente montre que le niveau de maturité électronique est assez limité parmi les administrations locales italiennes et que la plupart d’entre elles ont tendance à privilégier les services de gouvernement à entreprise plutôt que les services de gouvernement à citoyen dans leur processus de numérisation. Un niveau élevé d’e-maturité est associé à une plus grande efficacité plutôt qu’à une plus grande efficience. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Lors de l’évaluation de l’e-maturité, les municipalités doivent traiter différemment les services de gouvernement à citoyen et de gouvernement à entreprise. Actuellement, les municipalités se concentrent davantage sur la numérisation des services gouvernementaux aux entreprises. Les facteurs socio-économiques et environnementaux ont un effet partiel sur l’e-maturité. La taille de la municipalité et le revenu par habitant sont les indicateurs les plus significatifs. L’e-maturité augmente l’efficacité sans avoir un effet clair sur l’efficience. Ce n’est que lorsque l’e-maturité est pleinement atteinte qu’un léger effet sur les dépenses des municipalités peut être détecté.
Comportements de travail innovateurs et réseautage à l’échelle de l’administration
Authors: Akif Demircioglu Mehmet , Hameduddin Taha , Knox Colin
Published: March 2023

Les organismes publics sont depuis longtemps encouragés à devenir plus innovants et à renforcer leur esprit d’entreprise. Cette évolution s’est accompagnée d’un glissement des structures bureaucratiques traditionnelles vers des réseaux de gestion publique, tant dans la théorie que dans la pratique. Nous utilisons l’exemple de la fonction publique australienne et de l’accent qu’elle met sur le développement du réseautage pour examiner si l’accroissement des comportements en matière de réseautage est associé à des comportements au travail plus innovants. Dans l’élaboration de notre modèle théorique, nous émettons l’hypothèse que les activités de réseautage sont positivement liées aux comportements de travail novateurs, mais que le fait d’avoir trop peu ou trop d’acteurs en réseau est négativement associé aux comportements de travail innovateurs. Notre analyse révèle que les pratiques de réseautage sont effectivement associées à des niveaux plus élevés de comportements professionnels innovants, mais qu’elles diffèrent selon le type d’acteurs avec lesquels les gestionnaires publics interagissent. En outre, nous ne trouvons que des preuves limitées d’une relation curviligne entre ces deux constructions. L’article se termine par les implications pour la recherche et la pratique. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Les organismes publics du monde entier sont soumis à des pressions pour devenir plus innovants et collaboratifs. C’est notamment le cas dans la fonction publique australienne. Une façon de parvenir à l’innovation est d’encourager les comportements professionnels innovants. Nous constatons qu’un réseautage accru du côté des gestionnaires publics est associé à des niveaux plus élevés de comportements professionnels innovants. Contrairement à nos hypothèses, nous n’avons pas vraiment observé de relation curviligne entre le réseautage et les comportements de travail innovateurs, c’est-à-dire que trop ou trop peu de réseautage n’était pas associé à une réduction des comportements de travail innovateurs.
Simultaneous isoquercitin and gallic acid production of Aspergillus niger on Triphala byproduct under solid state fermentation in packed-bed bioreactor
Authors: Pakaweerachat Pattarabhorn , Klinthong Worasaung , Ohtaguchi Kazuhisa , Chysirichote Teerin
Published: March 2023

Triphala byproduct from hot-water extraction (TPB), which was a traditional process, was valorized by solid state fermentation in this research. Since the leftovers from the extraction contain high rutin and tannin contents, they were hydrolysable to isoquercitin and gallic acid, which were their monomers, respectively. Aspergillus niger, a producer of α-L-rhamnosidase and β-glucosidase, was cultured on the TPB to produce both isoquercitin and gallic acid, which were powerful antioxidants used in medical applications. The solid-state fermentation (SSF) was conducted in the three-layered packed-bed bioreactor aerated with humid air at different rates (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 L/L/min or vvm). The highest isoquercitin and gallic acid production rates were found in the SSF, with 0.1 vvm at 1.14/h and 0.3 vvm at 3.12/h, respectively. The interaction of aeration rate and fermentation time significantly affected the fungal growth and the production of gallic acid, while the isoquercitin production was affected only by the fermentation time. Moreover, the differences of their production yields in different positions of bed along the height of bioreactor found to be useful to design the harvesting period of the fermentation products including isoquercitin or gallic acid or simultaneous isoquercitin and gallic acid. The results clearly showed that aeration, harvesting time, and position of the bioreactor were crucial in designing the process for isoquercitin, gallic acid, or both.
Hyperbolic inequalities with a Hardy potential singular on the boundary of an annulus
Authors: Alazman Ibtehal , Aldawish Ibtisam , Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: March 2023

We are concerned with the study of existence and nonexistence of weak solutions for a class of hyperbolic inequalities with a Hardy potential singular on the boundary $ \partial B_1 $ of the annulus $ A = \left\{x\in \mathbb{R}^3: 1 < |x|\leq 2\right\} $, where $ \partial B_1 = \left\{x\in \mathbb{R}^3: |x| = 1\right\} $. A singular potential function of the form $ (|x|-1)^{-\rho} $, $ \rho\geq 0 $, is considered in front of the power nonlinearity. Two types of inhomogeneous boundary conditions on $ (0, \infty)\times \partial B_2 $, $ \partial B_2 = \left\{x\in \mathbb{R}^3: |x| = 2\right\} $, are studied: Dirichlet and Neumann. We use a unified approach to show the optimal criteria of Fujita-type for each case.
Biomimetic tool design improves tillage efficiency, seedbed quality, and straw incorporation during rototilling in conservation farming
Authors: Torotwa Ian , Ding Qishuo , Awuah Emmanuel , He Ruiyin
Published: March 2023

Rotary tillage facilitates conservation agriculture in rice-based crop farming systems through minimal soil disturbance for seedbed preparation and crop residue management. However, efficiency of rotary tiller blades is hampered by degraded paddy soils and excessive crop residue conditions. Biomimetics presents an edge in the optimisation design of cultivation tools and can be employed to improve the efficiency of rotary tiller blades. This study was designed to evaluate the adaptability and performance of biomimetic rotary tiller blades inspired by the geometric structure of a mole rat’s claw. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the blades’ torque and power requirements, soil fragmentation, displacement characteristics, and the rate of straw incorporation at three tillage depths (i.e., 40, 70, and 100 mm). Results revealed that the biomimetic blades minimised torque by up to 21.05%, had lower specific power requirements, and produced finer tilths with granular and more even clod sizes than conventional blades. It also achieved more redistribution of topsoil and improved the straw burial rate. The biomimetic rotary tiller blades are thus energy-efficient and can improve soil structure and the quality of seedbeds, besides managing crop residues through incorporation, and therefore advance conservation tillage in intensive farming systems.
Effects of Eleutherine bulbosa (mill.) urb. bulb extract on mice glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis models
Authors: Luthfiana Fina , Sari Riza A. , Sholikhah Irawati , Matsunami Katsuyoshi , Sukardiman Sukardiman , Widyowati Retno
Published: March 2023

ackground: Low bone mass accompanied by microarchitectural alterations in the bone that cause fragility fractures is known as secondary osteoporosis and occurs when there is an underlying condition or medication present. Eleutherine bulbosa bulb extract has been shown to affect bone because of its content, which can help osteoblast differentiation and inhibit osteoclast differentiation. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of 70% ethanol extract of E. bulbosa Bulbs (EBE) from Pasuruan-East Java on blood calcium levels, osteoblast cell count, and bone density of trabecular femur in osteoporosis rats. Methods: Six groups of 30 female Wistar rats were created. There were no test materials offered to the healthy group; the negative group received 0.5% CMC; the positive group received alendronate 0.9 mg/kg BW; and the dose group received 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg BW. Glucocorticoid (Dexamethasone) 0.1015 mg/kg BW/day induction was given to all groups except the healthy group to create osteoporosis rats for approximately four weeks. Then they were given oral therapy for approximately 28 days. Followed by the determination of blood calcium levels, the number of osteoblast cells, and bone density of the rat femur trabecular. Results: The result showed that E. bulbosa bulbs extract could raise blood calcium levels and bone density percentage at doses of 60 and 120 mg/kg BW, as well as raise osteoblast cell levels at doses of 120 mg/kg BW. Conclusions: The findings indicate that E.bulbosa bulb extract is a potential complementary medicine for osteoporosis.
In silico screening of potential compounds from begonia genus as 3CL protease (3Cl pro) SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors
Authors: Maulana Saipul , Wahyuni Tutik S. , Widiyanti Prihartini , Zubair Muhammad S.
Published: March 2023

Background: The emergence of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic and made a medical emergency worldwide. Various attempts have been made, including optimizing effective treatments against the disease or developing a vaccine. Since the SARS-CoV-2 protease crystal structure has been discovered, searching for its inhibitors by in silico technique becomes possible. Objective: This study aims to virtually screen the potential of phytoconstituents from the Begonia genus as 3Cl pro-SARS-CoV- 2 inhibitors, based on its crucial role in viral replication, hence making these proteases “promising” for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 target. Methods: In silico screening was carried out by molecular docking on the web-based program DockThor and validated by a retrospective method. Predictive binding affinity (Dock Score) was used for scoring the compounds. Further molecular dynamics on Desmond was performed to assess the complex stability. Results: Virtual screening protocol was valid with the area under curve value 0.913. Molecular docking revealed only β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside with a lower docking score of - 9.712 kcal/mol than positive control of indinavir. The molecular dynamic study showed that the compound was stable for the first 30 ns simulations time with Root Mean Square Deviation 3 Å, despite minor fluctuations observed at the end of simulation times. Root Mean Square Fluctuation of catalytic sites HIS41 and CYS145 was 0.756 Å and 0.773 Å, respectively. Conclusions: This result suggests that β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D- glucopyranoside might be a prospective metabolite compound that can be developed as anti-SARS-CoV-2.
Allergic rhinitis behavioral changes after Indonesian house dust mites allergenic extract administration as immunotherapy
Authors: Pratama Yusuf A. , Marhaeny Honey D. , Rohmah Lutfiatur , Kasatu Salsabilla M. , Nurhan Ahmad D. , Rahmadi Mahardian , Khotib Junaidi
Published: March 2023

Background: Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction that is generally mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE). More than 25% of the world’s population is suspected of having these various diseases, and the prevalence and progression of these diseases have continued to increase significantly in recent years. Among these allergy-related diseases, allergic rhinitis and food allergy are the types of allergies with the highest prevalence. Clinical manifestations of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, and nasal congestion. Objective: This study aimed to determine the behavioral changes of allergic rhinitis after Indonesian House Dust Mites (IHDM) allergenic extract administration as an immunotherapy. Methods: Eight male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks in each group were treated for seven groups. The sensitization phase is given intraperitoneal, the desensitization phase is given by subcutaneous, and the challenge phase is given intranasal. The allergic parameters were observed, such as nose rubbing and sneezing. The parameters were observed for 15 minutes after the challenge administration. Results: The results showed that the administration of Indonesian House Dust Mites as immunotherapy decreased the frequency of nose rubbing and sneezing after the administration of immunotherapy compared to the allergic rhinitis model. Conclusions: The administration of the Indonesia House Dust Mites as immunotherapy decreased the allergic rhinitis immune response by altering the behavioral parameter.
The activity of candlenut oil in the nanostructured lipid carrier system on hair growth in rats
Authors: Erawati Tristiana M. , Rosita Noorma , Rachmania Intan
Published: March 2023

Background: Candlenut oil (Aleurites moluccana L. Willd), which is also called Aleurites moluccana Seed (AMS) oil, is empirically effective as a hair growth agent, it is an unstable substance. Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) is a delivery system that is proven to increase the effectiveness and stability of the material, and the usage of solid lipid combination: beeswax-oleum cacao can produce good NLC characteristics. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of NLC_AMS oil with different combination of beeswax-oleum cacao (100:0; 50:50; 25:75; and 0:100) as a hair growth agent, using rats as subjects. Methods: NLC-AMS oil was made using 20% of total lipid with 5% AMS oil as liquid lipid and 15% solid lipid; combinations of beeswax-oleum cacao were of different ratios (100:0; 50:50; 25:75; and 0:100). NLC was made by High Shear Homogenization (HPH) method. Hair growth activity test carried out on male white rats using the research methods of Yoon (2010). Results: The addition of oleum cacao as a solid lipid did not affect the pH, but increased the consistency and decreased the particle size of NLC- AMS oil. There was a relationship between the characteristic of NLC and the hair growth activity test: the small particle size and low viscosity had greater hair growth activity. Conclusion: The usage of solid lipid combination: beeswax-oleum cacao can produce better NLC characteristics and had higher hair growth activity than the formulas that used single lipid.
Successful Intervention with Traditional Chinese Medicine for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Report
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhang Wen , Xu Xiangru , Guo Quan , Fang Bangjiang
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is a major public health threat worldwide. However, there are no clinically approved antiviral drugs for COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of complementary and alternative medicine. Based on the TCM principles of pathogenesis, our team proposed “San Tong strategies” (san tong liao fa) and the “Truncation and Reversion strategy” (jie duanniu zhuan ce lve) and developed a Chinese herbal medicine formula to dispel external pathogens, clear heat, drain fire, and detoxify. A 50-year-old man with severe COVID-19 was admitted and received our oral Chinese herbal formula, acupoint plaster application, and moxibustion for 14 days. The computed tomography manifestations of COVID-19 showed marked improvements, and the patient achieved complete remission of fever, cough, fatigue, dizziness, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. This case provides a specific TCM treatment plan and effective reference for the treatment of COVID-19.
Mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Medicines for Diabetic Nephropathy Fibrosis Treatment
Authors: Jiang Tong , Bao Yuhang , Su Hong , Zheng Rendong , Cao Lin
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that is one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease, causing considerable health problems as well as significant financial burden worldwide. The pathological features of DN include loss of normal nephrons, massive fibroblast and myofibroblast hyperplasia, accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, thickening of the basement membrane, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Renal fibrosis is a final and critical pathological change in DN. Although progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of DN fibrosis, current conventional treatment strategies may not be completely effective in preventing the disease's progression. Traditionally, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) composed of natural ingredients have been used for symptomatic relief of DN. Increasing numbers of studies have confirmed that CHMs can exert a renoprotective effect in DN, and antifibrosis has been identified as a key mechanism. In this review, we summarize the antifibrotic efficacy of CHM preparations, single herbal medicines, and their bioactive compounds based on their effects on diminishing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, regulating transforming growth factor, preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and modulating microRNAs. We intend to provide patients of DN with therapeutic interventions that are complementary to existing options.
Buried penis: a histological and histochemical study of dartos fascia
Authors: Zhang Hong-Yi , Zhao Gang-Gang , Song Yi-Ting , Xiao Ke-Bing , Li Hua-Feng , Cui Jie
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to determine whether the abnormal deep layer of dartos fascia plays an important role in buried penis. Forty-nine patients with buried penis were treated with anatomical resection of the deep layer of dartos fascia under a microscope. Penile length was measured before and after completely resecting the deep layer to investigate the role of this layer in penile retraction. The superficial and deep layers of dartos fascia were collected from 49 patients with buried penis, the normal superficial layers were collected from 25 children/adults who underwent circumcision for nonmedical reasons, and the normal deep layers were collected from 20 adult cadavers. The penile fascia samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Sirius red, and Verhoeff’s Van Gieson, and subjected to immunohistochemical examination and scanning electron microscopy. The penile shaft (mean ± standard deviation) was found to be significantly elongated after resecting the deep layer compared with that before resection (6.8 ± 1.9 cm vs 6.0 ± 1.6 cm, P < 0.001). An abnormal deep layer of dartos fascia characterized by disordered and fragmented elastic fibers was observed in 87.8% (43/49) of buried penis samples, whereas no abnormal deep layer was observed in normal penises from cadavers (0/20, P < 0.001). Thus, the abnormal deep layer of dartos fascia plays an important role in the buried penis. Its resection is helpful for avoiding recurrence.
Modified onlay island flap versus tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for hypospadias reoperation
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Jiang , Deng Yong-Ji , Wang Jun , Guo Yun-Fei , Ge Zheng
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to assess the outcomes of modified onlay island flap (MOIF) urethroplasty for hypospadias reoperation. A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical data on children reoperated with MOIF or tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty for hypospadias in the Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing, China) from December 2016 to September 2020. A total of 90 children with hypospadias who failed primary repair and were reoperated on with MOIF (MOIF group, n = 46) or TIP urethroplasty (TIP group, n = 44) were recruited. All children were postoperatively followed up for at least 6 months. Six patients with postoperative urinary fistula, 2 patients with glans dehiscence, and 1 patient with urethral diverticulum were reported in the MOIF group, while 7 patients with postoperative urinary fistula, 2 patients with urethral stricture, and 1 patient with glans dehiscence were reported in the TIP group. Postoperative infection, flap necrosis and other complications were not recorded. A total of 37 (80.4%) patients in the MOIF group and 34 (77.3%) patients in the TIP group were successfully reoperated. Although the success rates of MOIF and TIP urethroplasty are comparable, pediatricians should master different types of repair techniques for individualized hypospadias reoperation. MOIF urethroplasty can be recommended after failure of the primary repair.
Prevalence and associated factors of mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention for adult patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Fanghong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Pan Yayan , Li Sijun , Yang Mengqi , Wang Yutan , Yanru Chen , Su Wenli , Ma Yuxia , Han Lin
Published: March 2023

Background:

There is a paucity of systematic reviews on the associated factors of mortality among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This meta-analysis was designed to synthesize available evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of mortality after PCI for adult patients with STEMI.

Materials and Methods:

Databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Complete were searched systematically to identify relevant articles published from January 2008 to March 2020 on factors affecting mortality after PCI in STEMI patients. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0 software package.

Results:

Our search yielded 91 cohort studies involving a total of 199, 339 participants. The pooled mortality rate for STEMI patients after PCI was 10%. After controlling for grouping criteria or follow-up time, the following 17 risk factors were significantly associated with mortality for STEMI patients after PCI: advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 3.89), female (OR = 2.01), out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OR = 5.55), cardiogenic shock (OR = 4.83), renal dysfunction (OR = 3.50), admission anemia (OR = 3.28), hyperuricemia (OR = 2.71), elevated blood glucose level (OR = 2.00), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.8), chronic total occlusion (OR = 2.56), Q wave (OR = 2.18), without prodromal angina (OR = 2.12), delay in door-to-balloon time (OR = 1.72), delay in symptom onset-to-balloon time (OR = 1.43), anterior infarction (OR = 1.66), ST-segment resolution (OR = 1.40), and delay in symptom onset-to-door time (OR = 1.29).

Conclusion:

The pooled prevalence of mortality after PCI for STEMI patients was 10%, and 17 risk factors were significantly associated with mortality for STEMI patients after PCI.
Predictors of biliary atresia outcome: Saudi National Study (2000 – 2018)
Authors: Abanemai Mohammed , AlEdreesi Mohammed , Al Sarkhy Ahmed , Saadah Omar I. , Alhebbi Homoud , Bader Razan , Alhatlani Maher , Halabi Hana , Aladsani Ahmed , Wali Sami , Alguofi Talal , Alsayed Fahad , NasserAllah Amira , Almehmadi Ahmed , Qurban Afnan , Bashir Muhammed Salman , Alamri Aisha , Al-Hussaini Abdulrahman
Published: March 2023

Background:

Outcomes in biliary atresia (BA) have been well-documented in large national cohorts from Europe, North America, and East Asia. Understanding the challenges that preclude success of the Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is the key to improve the overall outcomes of BA and implementing intervention strategies. Here, we analyzed the data from the Saudi national BA study (204 BA cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2018) to identify the prognostic factors of BA outcomes.

Methods:

One hundred and forty-three cases underwent KPE. Several prognostic factors (center case load, congenital anomalies, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, use of steroids, ascending cholangitis post-operatively, and degree of portal fibrosis at time of KPE) were investigated and correlated with the primary outcomes of interest: 1) success of KPE (clearance of jaundice and total serum bilirubin <20 mmol/l after KPE), 2) survival with native liver (SNL), and 3) overall survival.

Results:

Use of steroids after KPE was associated with clearance of jaundice, 68% vs. 36.8% in the BA cases that did not receive steroids (P = 0.013; odds ratio 2.5) and a significantly better SNL rate at 2 - and 10-year of 62.22% and 57.77% vs. 39.47% and 31.57%, respectively (P = 0.01). A better 10-year SNL was observed in centers with caseload <1/year (group 1) as compared to centers that performed ≥1/year (group 2) [45.34% vs. 26.66%, respectively; P = 0.047]. On comparison of the 2 groups, cases in group 1 had KPE at significantly earlier age (median 59.5 vs. 75 days, P = 0.006) and received steroids after KPE more frequently than group 2 (69% vs. 31%, P < 0.001). None of the remaining prognostic variables were identified as being significantly related to BA outcome.

Conclusion:

Steroids use post-KPE predicted clearance of jaundice and better short- and long-term SNL. There is a need to establish a national BA registry in Saudi Arabia aiming to standardize the pre- and post-operative clinical practices and facilitate clinical and basic research to evaluate factors that influence BA outcome.
Crowdsourcing for language learning and linguistic resource creation
Authors: Nicolas Lionel , Lyding Verena
Published: March 2023

The current special issue of the journal Slovenščina 2.0 focuses on the newly explored combination of crowdsourcing, language learning and linguistic resource creation. It contains five articles and one project report, providing insightful discussions on several aspects of this combination, as well as results which help us understand its versatile potential and the challenges to address in order to better exploit it.
Land suitability evaluation for oil palm production in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ofem K.I. , Kefas P.K. , Garjila Y.A.
Published: March 2023

The properties of soils in an area are defined by the interaction between lithology and other factors of soil formation. Of the five factors of soil formation, climate is most important in the control of the distribution of crops in Nigeria, and oil palm is not an exception. The study was carried out to evaluate the suitability of land in Cross River State for oil palm production, and make appropriate soil management recommendations for improved production. Eight slope transitions were identified and two soil profile pits were sunk in each transition. Sixteen profile pits were used for the study. Currently, the well-drained high elevation soils are moderately suitable (S2) for oil palm cultivation; however, most of the well-drained soils in the higher elevation ranges in the southern agricultural zone are potentially highly suitable (S1). The central and southern agricultural zones are more suitable for oil palm cultivation. The poorly drained and low elevation areas in the three zones are not economical for the cultivation of oil palm and should be put to the cultivation of sugar cane and paddy rice.
Fruit maturity & after-ripening improve seed physical and physiological quality of Solanum aethiopicum L.
Authors: Botey H. M. , Ochuodho J. O. , Ngode L. , Dwamena H.
Published: March 2023

In the absence of a reliable seed supply for the African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.), farmers source their seeds from fruits harvested for fresh market (precocious harvests) but ripen later in the market. Some also source seeds from traders who extract seeds from unsold fruits. Fruits harvested at 20 days after anthesis (DAA) failed to germinate while those extracted from 34 DAA fruits had less than 10% germination in a preliminary study. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine whether the seeds within fruits harvested at 30 days after anthesis upwards could be after-ripened prior to seed extraction to improve seed physical and physiological quality characteristics. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design in a 2 x 5 x 4 factorial arrangement involving two cultivars, five harvest maturity stages: 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 days after anthesis, four after-ripening periods: 0, 5, 10 and 15 days with four replications. Fruits were harvested at different maturity stages & seeds were extracted at 0, 5, 10 and 15 days of storage under ambient condition (24 ± 3°C) after each harvest. Seed dry weight, seed moisture content, 1000 seed weight, first germination count and germination percentage were determined. It was established that precocious harvest (30 days after anthesis, DAA) was not beneficial to physiological seed quality even when subjected to 15 days after-ripening. Fruits harvested 40 DAA failed to germinate while 50 DAA fruits had not more than 50% germination in both cultivars. However, when seeds extracted from these fruits were ripened for 15 days in storage, the germination percentage increased significantly by 63 to 72%. Seeds extracted from fruits harvested 60 or 70 DAA achieved the maximum germination, varying between 93 to 94% (cv. Oforiwa) & 78 to 96% (cv. Kpando) independent of after-ripening treatment. It is concluded that after-ripening is inconsequential & not necessary when seeds are harvested at physiological maturity (60 -70 DAA). For the purpose of seed production, it is recommended to harvest seeds of African eggplant at physiological maturity.
Developmental morphology, anatomical features and fairy ring formation by two gasteroid basidiomycetous mushrooms, growing on grass lawns in ghana
Authors: Odamtten G. T. , Wiafe-Kwagyan M. , Akwetey G. , Barko K.
Published: March 2023

Calvatia and Lycoperdon belong to the Gasteromycetes commonly called gasteroid fungi or puffballs. Their basidiospores are kept in a stomach-like glebal and spores are not discharged forcibly. An account of diagnostic characters, developmental morphology, anatomical features, and fairy ring formation of Calvatia cyathiformis and Lycoperdon sp. are presented during three (3) years (2017 – 2020) study. C. cyathiformis has epigeous habit on the grass lawn appearing after 2 – 3 weeks as a small whitish button and changed colour to cream and finally pinkish to purple at maturity. The basidiocarp was ball-shaped becoming two chambered with basal portion distinct from the upper. This fungus formed a complete circle fairy ring with a striking greening of the grass along the periphery of the circle where the basidiomata emerged. Lycoperdon sp. produced basidiocarp which was also epigeous and matured within 2-3 weeks. The basidiocarp was initially greyish white maturing into brownish colour. Lycoperdon sp. formed a semi-circle fairy ring without change in the grass colour for three consecutive years. Although fairy rings have been formed by other Lycoperdon sp. these present findings of semi-circle fairy ring formation is being recorded for the first time in Ghana.