bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT NEEM LEAVES (AZADIRACHTA INDICA JUSS)
Authors: Supriyanto Supriyanto , Widjanarko Simon Bambang , Rifa'i Muhaimin , Yunianta Yunianta
Published: August 2021

The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) is a herb with the potential as a source of antioxidants. This study aimed to identify compounds that exist in the neem leaf and determine their antioxidant activity. Neem leaf extract was collected by using 80% methanol.  Furthermore, methanol extracts from neem leaves with the highest antioxidant activity were partitioned with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. This research were analyzed by partition for antioxidant activity, and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pycrilhydrazil) and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined. The results showed that the ethyl acetate partition had the highest antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 1.004 µg/ml. Neem leaf extract has the potential for a use as an herbal medicine in the treatment of various diseases..
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FLOUR AND STARCH OF PURPLE WATER YAM (Dioscorea alata) TUBER AND THE DIFFERENCE ON SENSORY ACCEPTANCE OF THE COOKIES PRODUCED
Authors: Nofiani Risa , Ulta Selvia , Safitri Dewi , Destiarti Lia
Published: August 2021

Purple water yam tubers (PWYTs) or Dioscorea alata are edible tubers containing bioactive compounds that are beneficial to human health. Its high carbohydrate content can be used to make flour or starch to increase its shelf life and food diversification. However, this food is unpopular among several communities in Indonesia, particularly for the juveniles due to limited processing knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of purple water yam flour (PWYTF) and starch (PWYTS) in order to assess consumers' acceptability toward gluten-free cookies. The PWYTF was prepared by drying peeled tubers, which was subsequently grounded. Meanwhile, the PWYTS was prepared by homogenizing the peeled tubers with water, the sediment from supernatant was dried. The chemical properties, such as moisture, ash, fiber, protein, and lipid, were determined using the Indonesian national standard procedures for flour. The physical properties, namely pH, bulk density (BD), water/oil absorption capacity (W/OAC), water/oil binding capacity (W/OBC), swelling power (SP) and solubility (Sol) were evaluated. The PWYTF and the PWYTS were used to make gluten-free cookies, with their physical properties and consumer's acceptability evaluated using semi-trained panelists. Yields of both the PWYTF and the PWYTS were 36.10% and 26.63%, respectively. The chemical compositions of the PWYTF and the PWYTS were significantly different (p0.05) for carbohydrate (80.34 and 80.78 %), crude protein (0.78 and 0.81%), and crude fiber (2.0 and 1.9%) except for the ash content (2.6 and 0.5%), lipid (0.3 and 0.1%), and moisture (13.77 and 15.70%). Furthermore, their physical properties were also significantly different (p0.05) for pH (6.62 and 5.84), BD (0.46 and 0.68 g/mL), WAC (2.07 and 0.46 g/g), WBC (1.07 and 0.49 g/g), SP, and Sol except OAC (1.63 and 1.49 g/g) and OBC (0.63 and 0.49 g/g). The cookies made from the PWYTS were appreciated with the highest hardness and rated from panelists. Therefore, the PWYTS can be used in place of a commercial wheat flour to make cookies..
ANALISIS PENERAPAN PRODUKSI BERSIH PADA INDUSTRI TEMPE
Authors: Akbari Tauny , Sumarni Leni
Published: August 2021

Tempe is one of Indonesia's special foods made from soybeans. This study aims to identify and analyze application of cleaner production to the tempe industry. Analysis of the application of cleaner production is done by the quick scanning method at each stage of the production process and then tested for its technical and economic feasibility (PBP). The analysis results of the application of cleaner production in the tempe industry are tool modification, fuel substitution, use of personal protective equipment, reuse, recycle and reduce. Based on the results of technical and economic feasibility tests, the alternative application of cleaner production in the form of solid waste utilization of soybean husks as animal feed is the first priority scale to be applied to the tempe industry
ANALISIS KELAYAKAN INDUSTRI PENGOLAHAN TEH HERBAL (Euphorbia hirta) DENGAN KOMBINASI TEH HITAM (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Nugroho Agung , Heryani Hesty , Istikowati Wiwin Tyas
Published: August 2021

Degenerative diseases have been reported as the main causes of mortality number in Indonesia. An unhealthy lifestyle, including lack of exercise combined with low of fiber and antioxidants diet, is believed as the main triggering factor. Functional foods which offer several benefits, including its built-in nutrition, the pharmacological effects, as well as the practical uses, is considered as one of the effective solutions to supply the antioxidant deficiency. Euphorbia hirta is an herbaceous plant that has been reported to have several important pharmacological activities, including in the prevention of some degenerative diseases through its antioxidative capacity. A type of functional food enriched with antioxidant has been formulated from the leaves of E. hirta and black tea (Camellia sinensis); however, the feasibility analysis of its processing industry has not been carried out. This study was aimed to analyze the marketing, technical, management, and financial feasibility of establishment of functional food industry of E. hirta herb combined with black tea. The feasibility was analyzed by considering the marketing aspects, technical aspects (process technology and plant layout), management aspects, and financial aspects as measured by the NPV, Net B/C, IRR, PBP, and BEP values. The financial analysis showed that the NPV was Rp81,520,549.00 with 1.30 of Net B/C, 27.64% of IRR, and 2.6 years of PBP. Based on the results, the planned industry is declared to be feasible especially in the aspects of marketing, technic, management, and financial.
Toward Clarifying the Wyoming Ranges of the Vireo gilvus Complex
Authors: Browning M. Ralph
Published: August 2021

The Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), generally recognized as one polytypic species, is widely distributed across North America, but differences in morphology, song, genetics, and ecology suggest the western and eastern populations may represent two species. Understanding their distributions enables tracking of range changes and other factors that might affect the conservation of populations. Therefore, I studied museum specimens, specimen data, and identifications provided by investigators recording songs to help clarify the ranges of the two taxa in Wyoming. Of 18 specimens in the U.S. National Museum collected from 1858 to 1930, I identify 15 as the western species V. swainsoni. These are spread over most of Wyoming, east to Crook and Albany counties. Only three represent the eastern species V. gilvus, two from Greybull, Big Horn Co., and one from Cheyenne. Whether the overlap represents sympatry of breeding populations in eastern Wyoming or overlap in migration remains to be determined.
Resource use and the impacts of fisheries on two sympatric sea snake species on the West Coast of India.
Authors: Dsouza Shawn , Rao Chetan , Manoharakrishnan Muralidharan , Shanker Kartik
Published: August 2021

Species interactions are central to community assembly and ecosystem functioning. Sea snakes play an important role as mesopredators and as intermediate links in coastal marine food webs. However, they are impacted by anthropogenic pressures such as fisheries throughout their range. We investigated differences in resource use between two sympatric sea snake species from the west coast of India, Hydrophis curtus and H. schistosus, and described the impacts of fishing on the interactions of these species. We compared habitat use, diet, and isotopic niche width between species to determine resource overlap. We then compared trophic overlap of each species with the fisheries in the region and tested the effect of fishing intensity on their isotopic niche width. We found that H. curtus used deeper habitats than H. schistosus, resulting in increased spatial overlap with fisheries. The two species also had distinct trophic niches and H. curtus prey formed a larger proportion of fishery catch on average than H. schistosus. This greater overlap could make H. curtus more vulnerable to the effects of fisheries. Both species exhibited expansion in short-term and long-term isotopic niche width along a gradient of fishing intensity which may indicate behavioural changes associated with the presence of fisheries. Hydrophis curtus is a trophic generalist, competes with syntopic species and is dominant in most assemblages. However, H. schistosus exhibits higher plasticity in resource use and may have an advantage over H. curtus. Thus, fishing could alter the relative abundance of these mesopredators with cascading effects through coastal food webs.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on The Effects of the Chinese Medical Nutrition Therapy (CMNT) Diet on Type 2 Diabetes: Study Protocol
Authors: Yang Xiao , Kang Xincong , Wu Ruiyu , Lai Xihu , Luo Wu , Yang Lan , Zhou Jiali , Yi Ligang , Liu Dongbo
Published: August 2021

Background : Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a serious clinical problem since it has affected more than 463 million people. The importance of individual nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes is highlighted. Chinese Medical Nutrition Therapy (CMNT) is a special dietary intervention pattern featuring traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The aim of the study is to determine the effect of the CMNT diet on remission of T2D. Methods : This study is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group study. Seventy-two T2D patients will be randomly allocated to receive the CMNT diet (n = 36) or to continue their usual diet (as a control, n =36) at a 1:1 ratio for 90 days. Anthropological measures and biochemical assessments, including glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and plasma lipid profiles, will be performed in from patients at baseline and at the end of the study. The primary outcome is the diabetes remission. Secondary outcomes are HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (PBG), plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure, body mass index, treatment satisfaction and quality of life. Discussion: Preclinical data showed that the CMNT diet decreased the blood glucose level, improved insulin resistance and promoted β-cell regeneration. However, clinical evidence is lacking. The present study will help in understanding the potential effect of the CMNT diet on the remission of T2D patients. Consumption of the CMNT diet might decrease the blood glucose level and improve glucose and lipid metabolism. If the CMNT diet demonstrates a significant clinical effect for T2D, it will inform clinical guidelines for the management of T2D in the future. Trial registration : The trial was registered on chictr.org.cn. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR) Identifier: ChiCTR2000038036. Registered 9th of September, 2020; retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=60970.
Digging Down or Scratching the Surface: How Patients Use Metaphors to Describe their Experiences of Psychotherapy
Authors: Malkomsen Anders , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Dammen Toril , Wilberg Theresa , Løvgren Andre , Ulberg Randi , Evensen Julie Horgen
Published: August 2021

Background: In the present study, we wanted to explore which metaphors patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) use to explain their experience of being in therapy and their improvement from depression.Methods: Patients with MDD (N = 22) received either psychodynamic therapy (PDT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They were interviewed with semi-structured qualitative interviews after ending therapy. The transcripts were analyzed using a method based on metaphor-led discourse analysis. Results: Metaphors were organized into three different categories concerning the process of therapy, the therapeutic relationship and of improvement from depression. Most frequent were the metaphorical concepts of surface and depth, being open and closed, chemistry, tools, improvement as a journey from darkness to light and depression as a disease or opponent.Conclusions: Patient metaphors concerning the therapeutic experience may provide clinicians and researchers valuable information about the process of therapy. Metaphors offer an opportunity for patients to communicate nuances about their therapeutic experience that are difficult to express in literal language. However, if not sufficiently explored and understood, metaphors may be misinterpreted and become a barrier for therapeutic change. Trial registration: Clinical Trial gov. Identifier: NCT03022071. Date of registration: 16/01/2017.
Glacier Surface Velocities in the Chandrabhaga Massif, Western Himalaya (India) Derived Using COSI-Corr From Landsat Images
Authors: Das Suresh
Published: August 2021

Himalayan glaciers act as a storehouse of freshwater outside the polar region and sustain the flow of several Asia’s major river systems, such as the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. Glaciers in High Mountain Asia are likely to be affected by climate change, posing a threat to the future water supply. Frequent mapping and monitoring of these glaciers are in urgent need to assess the future water storage and glacier-climate interaction. In this context, mapping and monitoring of surface velocity can help to infer the health of a glacier. However, systematic assessment of glacier surface velocity is limited to fewer basins or individual glaciers in the Himalaya. Here, I have characterized the spatial and temporal velocity variations of glaciers in the Chandrabhaga massif (CBM) using Landsat time-series data spanning nearly the last three decades (1992-2019). Rigorous post-processing was performed to improve the accuracy of remote sensing derived velocity products. Glaciers showed heterogeneous spatial and temporal velocity patterns based on morphological characteristics and topographical settings. Heavily debris-covered tongues showed nearly stagnant flow (<10 m/yr) while maximum velocity (>60 m/yr) was observed for clean glaciers with steep gradients and crevasses. Surface velocity near the terminus of the lake terminating glaciers was almost double than land terminating debris-covered tongues (32.5 m/yr vs. 12.6 m/yr). An increasing trend in surface velocity is attributed to the rising trend in air temperature in western Himalaya.
Understanding Hg Distribution in Sediments From the Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Kim Bianca Sung Mi , Trevizani Tailisi Hoppe , Angeli José Lourenço Friedmann , Siegle Eduardo , de Mahiques Michel Michaelovich , Figueira Rubens Cesar Lopes
Published: August 2021

The Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System (SSVES) is a region with great economic importance in southeastern Brazil. It contains petrochemical and metallurgical industrial complexes and the largest commercial harbor in South America, which have made the region vulnerable to degradation by chemical pollutants, such as mercury (Hg). This study is the first to evaluate the environmental parameters that control the spatial distribution of Hg in the surface sediments of the SSVES which is influencied mainly by hydrodynamics. The innermost part of the estuarine system, where weaker currents lead to an environment with more sediment deposition, has anomalous Hg concentrations resulting from historical anthropogenic activities. Althought there is a low probability of negative effects of Hg in organisms, this element demonstrates greater mobility and bioavailability in the environment, indicating the need for monitoring Hg for the conservation of this region.
Centrifuge Model Test and Numerical Analysis on Failure Behavior of a Loess – Paleosol Landslide Caused by Excavation
Authors: Che Wenyue , Liu Jin , Peng Jianbing , Fan Zhongjie , Bai Yuxia , Wang Ying , Qian Wei
Published: August 2021

Many landslides are induced by excavation activities in the loess region. In this article, a loess – paleosol slope model was built and tested under 80 g centrifugal environment. Three certain angle excavations were simulated by manipulator movement. The mini pressure sensor and PIV system were utilized to monitor experimental process respectively. It can be found that the slope from excavation to failure, is liable to form the deep and shallow two sliding surfaces. The distance perpendicular to slope surface was measured as 9.6 cm for the deeper sliding surface, and 4.2 cm for the shallower one. Both of sliding surfaces are caused by the interaction of tensile failure and shear failure, specifically presented as the tensile failure concentrating on the upper part and the shear failure on the lower part. The loess slope can be split into three zones by response of excavation unloading (i.e., the sliding zone, the influenced zone and the uninfluenced zone). The failure pattern belongs to a retrogressive type with the bulging front edge and tension cracking trailing edge. The causes of the fractures on the slope top can be divided into different sections. The fracture near the slope top is induced by tension and shear force. But the fracture away from slope top is only induced by tension. In addition, the plastic zone development distribution of simulation has a good consistency with the centrifugal model deformation zoning diagram. These results can provide guidance for excavation activities in loess – paleosol slopes.
Motherhood as a Double-Edged Sword: A Phenomenological Exploration Into The Lived Experiences of Incarcerated Pregnant Women
Authors: Alirezaei Somayeh , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe global number of women in prison has increased in recent years. Some of these incarcerated women experience pregnancy. Pregnancy in prison has a great impact on the experience of mothers and can affect women’s role in motherhood. This study aimed to understand the meaning of motherhood in pregnant prisoners.Methods The present qualitative research was carried out using a descriptive-interpretive phenomenology via interviews with 11 pregnant or early postpartum women in prison. The participants were purposefully selected from incarcerated pregnant women in 2020 in Iran. Six-step Van Manen’s phenomenological approach was used for data analysis.ResultThe main theme of “motherhood, as a double-edged sword"emerged from the analysis, which consisted of two sub-themes, including “Moving in a circle between togetherness and separation” and “Being subject to ambiguous and illusory thoughts”. Based on the findings, motherhood in prison is just like living in a world, which is shaky and chaotic, and mothers are confused between reaching to and separation from the child. Furthermore, they experience the anxiety and worries of motherhood, and cannot be confident regarding the future of themselves and their children.ConclusionThe experience of motherhood in prison for women was like a double-edged sword; on the one hand, they were fully immersed in motherhood feelings and emotions, which enhanced mother’s tolerance in prison, and on the other hand, the presence of child caused the aggravation of stress and anxiety.
Perceived Physical Activity Barriers in Relation To Depressive Symptoms in Overweight/Obese Latinos –The Adelgaza Trial.
Authors: Figueroa Caroline A. , Aguilera Adrian , Fukuoka Yoshimi
Published: August 2021

Background

Latinos are the most physically inactive population in the US and under-utilize depression treatment. Physical activity is a suitable depression treatment, but Latinos report high barriers. The relationship between perceived activity barriers and depression has not been assessed before in Latinos.
Methods

We included 54 overweight Latino participants, BMI > 24.9 kg/m2, 68.5% female, mean age 45.3 years, enrolled in a weight loss intervention–the Adelgaza trial. Using multivariate regression, we examined the association between the total Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). We post-hoc assessed this relationship for the BBAQ subscale-scores.
Results

Depression scores were associated with barrier scores (linear effect, estimate = 0.73, p = 0.02). A lack of resources was significantly related to higher depression (post-hoc exploratory, OR = 1.56, p = 0.002).
Conclusion

Physical activity barriers and depression are related in overweight Latino/a men and women. Perceived lack of resources might be a particularly important depression-related barrier.
A Japanese single-center experience of the efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy in childhood-onset hypophosphatasia
Authors: Sugiyama Yohei , Watanabe Taijiro , Tajika Makiko , Matsuhashi Tetsuro , Shimura Masaru , Fushimi Takuya , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Ebihara Tomohiro , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Murayama Kei
Published: August 2021

BackgroundHypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the ALPL gene, which encodes tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. The phenotype of HPP is widely diverse from the perinatal severe form to the adult mild form. The former represents the most severe form and was earlier associated with high mortality due to impaired development of the lungs and severe hypomineralization of the bones. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using asfotase alfa was approved in 2015 in Japan for treating patients with HPP and has improved their pulmonary function and life prognosis. There are several practical and ethical challenges related to using orphan drugs for a rare disorder in a publicly funded healthcare system. Sharing experiences about their application is essential towards formulating guidelines to assist clinicians with decisions about their initiation and withdrawal. We report the details of ERT experience in ten cases of childhood-onset HPP in nine families from January 2015 to November 2019 (median [interquartile range] age 11.0 years [7.6–12.5] years; 60% male). This is the largest study of a single-center cohort describing the clinical course of HPP patients treated with ERT in Asia. ResultsOne case of perinatal lethal form of HPP, two cases of perinatal benign form, six cases of childhood form, and one case of odontohypophophatasia were observed. The most common symptom at onset was bone abnormalities. All patients had low serum ALP levels as compared to the age-matched reference range before the commencement of ERT. All HPP patients responded to ERT without serious adverse effects. Genetic analysis showed that eight out of ten patients had compound heterozygosity; two patients had only one heterozygous variant. In this study, two patients had a heterozygous variant of ALPL and responded to ERT, although the variants did not have the dominant-negative effect. ConclusionsERT may be effective in patients with symptoms of HPP even with only one pathogenic variant of ALPL without dominant-negative effect. Early diagnosis based on symptoms such as bone abnormalities or low serum alkaline phosphatase levels might be essential for early treatment and can contribute to better prognosis.
On the use of self-organizing maps in detecting teleconnections. Part II: temporal aspects
Authors: Stryhal Jan , Beranová Romana , Huth Radan
Published: August 2021

Self-organizing maps (SOMs) represent a method widely used to obtain representative states of atmospheric circulation and link these states to local climate on one hand, and large-scale modes of circulation variability on the other. In the present Part II of our study, we focus on the temporal aspects of the link between SOM circulation types (CTs) and main building blocks of spatial-temporal variability represented by (i) three predefined idealized oscillatory variability modes and (ii) four leading modes of Euro-Atlantic circulation variability extracted by principal component analysis (PCA). The CTs respond to various changes in modes, including variations in their strength and preferred phase. However, compared to these responses, the detected sampling variability inherent to decadal-scale datasets generated from identical setting of modes is surprisingly high, showing that trends in the frequency of CTs of approximately ± 30% can occur without any change in the strength and phase of the underlying modes. This suggests that in order to achieve robust changes in CT frequencies, either an unrealistically large change in the underlying variability mode, which is inconsistent with reanalysis data, is required, or simultaneous contributions of two or more modes that superimpose one another are needed. Consequently, to attribute changes in CTs to variability modes, other methods (e.g., PCA) should be used in parallel to SOMs to avoid misinterpretations. Since the results obtained for the idealized modes agree with our findings for real-world circulation, we believe that the rather simplistic idealized modes may be used in future studies that would extend the research to non-linear aspects of teleconnectivity, including (but not limited to) non-stationary spatial patterns and non-linear combination of variability modes in generating synthetic datasets.
Modelling the Impact of Electricity Access on Labour Market Outcomes in Uganda
Authors: Djoumessi Yannick Fosso , AWODUMI Benjamin , ADEOSUN Oluyemi , AHABYOONA Faith
Published: August 2021

This study is designed to assess the impact of household electricity access on labour market outcomes in Uganda. The quasi-experimental method is applied on a sample of 28,035 households, divided into two counterfactual of treatment (n=8,925) and control (n=19,110) groups. Results strongly show that access to electricity significantly increases wages while decreasing the time spent at work. Specifically, the average wage of the households with access to electricity increased by 155%, 124% and 154% with the Kernel Matching (KM), Nearest-Neighbor Matching (NNM) and Radius Matching (RM) technique, respectively. The average job duration of households with electricity access decreased by 1.34%, 2.01% and 2.5% with KM, NNM and RM technique, respectively. It is recommended that the government of Uganda should increase electricity generation coverage through alternative sources as renewable and nuclear energy and improve the quality of existing energy infrastructures. JEL codes: C13, C31
Towards Effective Visual Communication with Positive user Experience: High Contrast and Visibility vs. user-Friendliness/Positive Perception
Authors: Olejnik-Krugly Agnieszka , Lewandowska Anna , Dzisko Malwina , Jankowski Jaroslaw
Published: August 2021

Proper contrast used for elements within websites or applications is one of the key factors providing their visibility and ability to attract user attention. While usability guidelines and standards such as WCAG 1 assume the existence of minimal contrast for optimum user experience, maximal contrast for positive user experience has not been defined. Recent studies showed that too high a contrast can be harmful for user experience, while visibility is reduced if it is too low. In the present study, experiments were performed to examine the level of user-friendliness and visibility for selected color pairs. We calculated the color contrast according to the WCAG standard. As a result, it was possible to find color combinations not necessarily with a high contrast but delivering visibility and not diminishing user experience. Finally, a ColoUR Picker Tool was developed that supports designers in the design of effective visual communication, which is understood as searching for a balance between user-friendliness, visibility, and color contrast. Research expands current efforts towards effective web design and increased user experience.
An International Comparative Analysis Highlighting that Canada is Not Keeping Pace With Patient Access to Drugs for Rare Diseases
Authors: Ward Leanne Marie , Chambers Alexandra , Mechichi Emine , Wong-Rieger Durhane , Campbell Craig
Published: August 2021

Background: The Canadian government has committed to developing a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases starting in 2022. Considering this announcement, we conducted a comparative analysis to examine patient access to therapies for rare disease in each of Canada’s 10 provinces relative to Europe and the U.S., to understand how Canada measures up relative to other countries. Methods: We analyzed all of the therapies with an orphan drug designation approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) from 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2020 as the reference for the comparative analysis. We then contrasted access to these drugs in Canada (Health Canada) and the U.S. (Food and Drug Administration, FDA). Our analysis focused on: 1) the number of therapies for rare diseases entering the Canadian market; 2) the percentage of these therapies that are publicly available to Canadians; and 3) the timeliness for patient access to these therapies in Canada. Results: Our analysis identified 63 approved therapies with an orphan drug designation from the EMA. The FDA has approved 53/63 (84%) of these drugs, while Health Canada has approved 41/63 (65%). In Europe, Germany, Denmark, and the U.K. had the highest percentage of publicly reimbursed orphan drugs (84%, 70%, 68%, respectively). In comparison, Ontario (20/63, 32%), Quebec (16/63, 25%), and Alberta (16/63, 25%) had the highest percentage of drugs reimbursed among the Canadian provinces. The shortest median duration (in months) from EMA approval to jurisdictional decision on reimbursement was in Austria (3.2), followed by Germany (4.1), and Finland (6.0). In Canada, the shortest median duration (in months) from regulatory approval to reimbursement was in British Columbia (17.3), Quebec (19.6) and Manitoba (19.6), while the longest duration was in P.E.I (38.5), followed by Nova Scotia (25.9), and Newfoundland (25.1).Conclusions: Our comparative analysis found that Canadians had less frequent and timely access to therapies for rare disease than their global counterparts, highlighting the need for a strategy for rare disease in Canada that optimizes the number of patients with access to rare disease therapies, as quickly as possible.
E-Cigarette Use, Cigarette Use, and Sex Modify the Nasal Microbiome and Nasal Host-Microbiota Interactions
Authors: Hickman Elise , Hinton Andrew , Zorn Bryan , Rebuli Meghan E. , Robinette Carole , Wolfgang Matthew , Mucha Peter J. , Jaspers Ilona
Published: August 2021

Background

E-cigarettes are often perceived as safer than cigarettes, but previous research suggests that e-cigarettes can alter respiratory innate immune function. The respiratory microbiome plays a key role in respiratory host defense, but the effect of e-cigarettes on the respiratory microbiome has not been studied.
Results

Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on nasal epithelial lining fluid samples from adult e-cigarette users, smokers, and nonsmokers, followed by novel computational analysis of pairwise log ratios, we determined that e-cigarette use and smoking causes differential respiratory microbiome dysbiosis, which was further affected by sex. We also collected nasal lavage fluid for analysis of immune mediators associated with host-microbiota interactions. Our analysis identified disruption of the relationships between host-microbiota mediators in the nose of e-cigarette users and smokers, which is indicative of disrupted respiratory mucosal immune responses.
Conclusions

Our data indicate that e-cigarette use, cigarette use, and sex modify the nasal microbiome and nasal host-microbiota interactions. Our approach also provides a novel platform that robustly identifies host immune dysfunction caused by e-cigarette use or smoking.
Improved xylanase Characteristics upon enzyme entrapment Isolated from Thermomyces lanuginosus C9
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Kiran Jawairia , Din Salah Ud , ullah Ameen , Rana Qurrat Ul Ain , Badshah Malik , Hasan Fariha , Khan Samiullah , Shah Aamer A.
Published: August 2021

Xylanases from microbial sources assume basic jobs in an assortment of industrial applications as a biocatalyst, and its applications generally require immobilization on supports to upgrade their stability. Enzyme immobilization is a thrilling decision to show signs of improved strength of enzymatic procedures. In this work, two sorts of polymeric backings (agar-agar and calcium alginate) are utilized to immobilize β-1,4-xylanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus C9 by entrapment, and afterward, biochemical properties of the entangled enzymes were performed. To create immobilized catalyst beads centralization of 4% agar while mix of sodium alginate 5% and calcium chloride 0.4 M was seen as ideal. Ideal reaction time for agar and calcium alginate immobilized protein increments from 10 to 25 and 30 min, separately. The incubation temperature expanded from 70°C to 75°C for agar however stayed unaltered for calcium alginate. The pH profile of free and immobilized xylanase was generally equal in both cases. Be that as it may, both the strategies changed the active boundaries of immobilized β-1,4-xylanase rather than free protein. High sub-atomic load of xylan limits dispersion which brings down the Vmax estimation of immobilized protein while Km value expanded. In contrast with agar-agar, protein immobilized inside calcium alginate display wide thermal stability and kept up 86.6% of its underlying activity at 80°C up to 150 min. Be that as it may, biotechnological portrayal demonstrated that the catalyst reusability was the most surprising discovery, predominantly of agar-agar immobilized xylanase, which held 31% activity after 7 cycles. These outcomes prove the biotechnical and monetary advantages of immobilization which help in an assortment of industrial applications.
Mechanically Excellent Nacre-inspired Protective Steel-Concrete Composite against Hypervelocity Impacts
Authors: Mei Yong , Liu Jinming , Cui Yuan , Li Feng , Tang Xuke , Sun Miao , Chi Ruiqiang , Zhang* Yongbo , Zhang* Ao , Chen* Ke
Published: August 2021

Steel-concrete (SC) composite widely used in military defensive project is due to its impressive mechanical properties, long-lived service, and low cost. However, the growing use of hypervelocity kinetic weapons in the present war puts forward higher requirements for the anti-explosion and penetration performance of military protection engineering. Here, inspired by the special ‘brick-and-mortar’ (BM) structural feature of natural nacre, we firstly construct a nacre-inspired steel-concrete (NISC) engineering composite with 2510 kg/m3, possessing nacre-like lamellar architecture via a bottom-up assembling technique. The NISC engineering composite exhibits nacreous BM structural similarity, high compressive strength of 68.5 MPa, compress modulus of 42.0 GPa, Mohs hardness of 5.5, Young’s modulus of 41.5 GPa, and shear modulus of 18.4 GPa, higher than pure concrete. More interestingly, the hypervelocity impact tests reveal the penetration capability of our NISC target material is obviously stronger than that of pure concrete, enhanced up to about 46.8% at the striking velocity of 1 km/s and approximately 30.9% at the striking velocity of 2 km/s, respectively, by examining the damages of targets, the trajectories, penetration depths, and residual projectiles. This mechanically integrated enhancement can be attributed to nacre-like BM structural architecture derived from assembling the special steel-bar framework-reinforced concrete platelets. This study highlights a key role of nacre-like structure design in promoting the enhanced hypervelocity impact resistance of steel-concrete composites.
A Novel Method of Prescribed Constraint Control Without Initial Condition of Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Xiaohua , Liu Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

A novel constraint control strategy without initial condition of constrained variables is investigated based on backstepping technique for nonlinear systems. In this paper, the novel constraint control strategy is presented for a class of strict-feedback nonlinear systems with actuator saturation and external disturbances by using a nonlinear mapping and a novel performance constraint function. In this control strategy, there are two prescribed constraint functions, the design of these functions is not related to the initial conditions of the constrained variables. Unlike the existing constraint control method without initial condition, the proposed method gives a new solution. It can guarantee that the constraint variable gets into a prescribed constraint region from any initial value no later than a setting time. And the setting time is a design parameter, it can be set arbitrarily. A prescribed performance constraint tracking controller is designed in this paper. It can make that the tracking error of the nonlinear system is constrained to a given region no later than the given setting time, and the transient and steady state performance of the system are ensured. Finally, the proposed method is compared with the existing method, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are demonstrated by two practical examples.
LncRNA HCP5 Encoding Protein Regulates Ferroptosis To Promote The Progression of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Tong Xiao , Xing Jiani , Liu Haizhou , Zhou Shunheng , Huang Yue , Lin Jing , Yu Zhengling , Jiang Wei , Wang Lihong
Published: August 2021

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is widely described as a class of RNA longer than 200 nucleotides without encoding capability. But recent years, more and more open reading frames (ORFs) have been found in lncRNAs which indicate they have coding capacity. But the mechanisms of the encoding products in cancer are mostly unknown. We have previously shown lncRNA HCP5 is an oncogene in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and the aim of the current study was to investigate if lncRNA HCP5 encoding protein promotes TNBC by regulating ferroptosis.
Methods

We use bioinformatics to predict coding capacity. Molecular biology experiments and the xenograft assay in nude mice to study the mechanism of lncRNA HCP5 encoding protein. And the protein expression was evaluated in a tissue microarray of 140 invasive breast tumors and 45 pared precancerous breast tissues. Association between the protein expression and clinicopathologic features of breast cancer patients was analyzed.
Results

In this study, we identify that ORF in lncRNA HCP5 can encode a conserved protein with 132-amino acid. The protein, which is named HCP5-132aa, promotes TNBC growth. Mechanistically, the HCP5-132aa regulates GPX4 expression and lipid ROS level through ferroptosis pathway to promote TNBC progression. HCP5-132aa ORF knockdown synergizes with ferroptosis activators in vitro and in vivo. Breast cancer patients with high levels of HCP5-132aa have poorer prognosis.
Conclusions

Our study indicates that overexpression of lncRNA HCP5 encoding protein is a critical oncogenic event in TNBC. Our findings uncover a regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in TNBC orchestrated by a protein encoded by an lncRNA.
The Prevalence of Non-suicidal Self-injury (NSSI): Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Norozpour Marzieh , AghaMohammadi Soudeh , Taherifar Zahra , Zeinodini Zahra , Farahani Hanieh Shahrabi , Mousavi Nasim , Rostami Hanieh Goli , Keshtkar Abbas
Published: August 2021

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is one of the most important public health concerns. NSSI usually begins in adolescence and is associated with several psychiatric, interpersonal, and intrapersonal problems. Prevalence estimates of NSSI has been reported globally and locally. However, the prevalence of NSSI even in similar populations is diverse in the literature. Most previous reports on NSSI prevalence originate from primary studies which usually have selection bias. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to estimate the prevalence of NSSI while considering the limitations of previous studies. Methods: All studies that have reported the prevalence of NSSI published from 1990 until the search date will be eligible to be included. This includes observational, survey, cohort, cross-sectional, and correlational studies. NSSI with any definition will be eligible to be included. There will be no language limitation. Special populations such as natives, minorities, or particular disorders will be excluded. Also, there will be no restriction regarding age, gender, nationality, and sexual orientation of the participants. To assess the methodological quality of the primary articles, a form will be used. Discussion: Considering the limitations of previous studies on the prevalence of NSSI, conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide estimates of different types of NSSI. A better understanding of the prevalence of NSSI and related complications will point to gaps in research and help set preclude for future analyses. The results of this review will be applied by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.Systematic review registration: CRD42020180887
HN1 Promotes Proliferation, Metastasis and Attenuates the Chemosensitivity of HCC Cells to Oxaliplatin by Inhibiting Degradation of HMGB1 Through Interacting With TRIM28
Authors: Wang Ruhua , Fu Yunong , Yao Menglin , Cui Xiaomeng , Zhao Yan , Lu Xinlan , Li Yarui , He Shuixiang
Published: August 2021

Background: The oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy has revealed an encouraging therapeutic efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients. However, the development of resistance limits its clinical utilization. In addition, the chemotherapy resistance in HCC is usually accompanied with other malignant phenotypes, such as cell proliferation and metastasis, which together result in poor prognosis of HCC patients. Therefore, efforts should be made to explore potential regulators which fuel multiple events of HCC progression.Methods: The qRT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression. MTT assay, colony formation and Transwell assay were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and metastasis. Flow cytometry was performed to test cell apoptosis. Alkaline Comet assay was performed to measure DNA lesions. Transmission electron microscope analysis provided potent testimony of autophagy. The role of HN1 on the malignant phenotypes of hepatoma carcinoma was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.Results: The immunohistochemistry analysis of HCC patient tissues revealed that the expression of HN1 was higher in HCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and was associated with worse prognosis. In vitro, HN1 knockdown inhibited proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells, whereas HN1 overexpression promoted their proliferation and metastasis. In addition, we found that HN1 knockdown sensitized HCC cells to oxaliplatin, which is companied with deteriorated DNA damage and increased cell apoptosis in oxaliplatin-treated HCC cells. In vivo, HN1 knockdown inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis, and promoted the anti-cancer efficiency of oxaliplatin. Mechanically, HN1 prevented HMGB1 from ubiquitination and degradation via autophagy-lysosome pathway, which is related to its interaction with TRIM28, and overexpression of HMGB1 can restore the malignant phenotypes of HN1 knockdown in HCC cells. Furthermore, we found that HN1 can regulate cellular autophagy via HMGB1, which is important to tumor-promoting effect of HN1.Conclusions: In conclusion, we systemically revealed the multiple functions of HN1 in HCC progression and the underlying molecular mechanism, which indicated that HN1 could be a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Chitosan Fiber as Green Material for Removing Cr(VI) and Cu(II) Contaminants:Adsorption Properties,Kinetics and Machanism
Authors: Zhang shujie , Zhang Yating , Fu Lisong , Jing Mengke
Published: August 2021

Chitosan (CS) fiber is used as a new green material to remove Cu(II) and Cr(VI) in wastewater.Varying factors, including pH value, dosage of CS, reaction time and original Cr (VI) contents and Cu(II) were studied to investigate the Cr (VI) and Cu(II) removal efficiency.The adsorption of two metal ions by chitosan fiber conforms to the second-order kinetic equation, and can be fitted with Langmuir isotherms. The adsorption process is a spontaneous thermal reaction with both physical adsorption and chemical adsorption, and copper ions reach adsorption equilibrium. It takes longer than chromium ions, but the adsorption effect of copper ions is better. The maximum actual adsorption capacity of copper ions is 539.6 mg/g, and the maximum adsorption capacity of chromium ions is 75 mg/g. SEM, FTIR and XRD were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of CS fiber. The result shows that the complex process of the Cr (VI) and Cu(II) removal involves physical and chemical adsorption, CS fiber have exerted significant role in Cr (VI) and Cu(II) removal.
N-Bipolar Soft Sets and Their Application in Decision Making
Authors: Shabir Muhammad , Fatima Javaria
Published: August 2021

The concept of soft set was extended to $N$-soft set by Fatimah et al. and used as grading system. Bipolar soft sets gave the concept of a binary model of grading. Kamacı and Petchimuchu defined bipolar $N$-soft set but our approach is different from their approach. We defined N-bipolar soft set which extends the concept of bipolar soft set. We explained the notions through some important examples. We discussed some vital definitions and were motivated towards their use and need. We also described some basic algebraic definitions and with their help, we developed the algebraic structure of our proposed model. We give decision making algorithms and applied them to real life examples to motivate towards its application. Conflict analysis has been a vast topic for research. It was first given by Pawlak. The first extension to this model was given by Pawlak itself. Then many researchers extended his idea. We also discussed here the application of $N$-bipolar soft set to conflict analysis. The combination of $N$-bipolar soft set and conflict analysis can give user the best way to decide suitable and feasible action.
Insect Preservation Methods Allow Quantification of Dispersing Microorganisms by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Brummell Martin Earl
Published: August 2021

Insects may act as dispersal vectors for microbes where microbes can temporarily adhere to insect exoskeletons. Microbes carried by honey bees (Apis mellifera) may experience a range of dispersal outcomes, from successful colonisation of a new habitat to predation by grooming bees, partly depending on their location on the bee exoskeleton and the carried population size. I tested four methods for handling collected bees, and examined the bees in a scanning electron microscope, imaging and counting microbial cells attached to tarsal claws. Freeze-dried bees carried more microbial cells than bees that were pinned and air-dried, preserved in 96% ethanol then dried by CO2 critical-point drying, or bees washed with potassium phosphate then preserved in 96% ethanol, but some microbes were found on bees from every treatment. The similarity in microbial passengers found between air-dried and ethanol-preserved bees suggests that examination by electron microscopy could be used to address questions regarding microbial dispersal by pollinators already present in collections associated with other pollination research.