bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity development for the Bangladesh Delta Plan from the perspective of delta professionals: A qualitative study
Authors: Kabir Ashraful , Syed Abu , Zevenbergen Chris , Ferdous Jannatul , Pathirana Assela
Published: May 2022

Many deltaic regions around the world are exploring or adopting planning initiatives to address the complex challenges associated with future economic development and climate change. A key feature is their adaptive nature, also coined as adaptive delta management (ADM). ADM refers to the development of strategies and measures that allow us to adapt to change over a long time. The Government of Bangladesh has recently approved the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100) – a long-term adaptive strategy for sustainable water resources management. This study aims to explore the future capacity requirements from the perspective of water/delta professionals for implementing BDP2100. This calls for structural and institutional changes, and new skills and competencies to address the specific organisational and individual needs for effective delivery. A capacity development programme as an integral part of BDP2100 is currently under development. Adopting a qualitative approach, 16 key informant interviews were conducted with experts and professionals from the water and water-related sectors in Bangladesh. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. The participants reflected that an integrated and adaptive system is critical for sustainable delta management; collaboration and coordination between water/delta professionals (e.g., policy planners, consultants, and academics) and delta expert stakeholders with deep local familiarity (e.g., communities, activists, and civil society members) were deemed essential. In addition, a powerful independent institutional body is recommended to provide stewardship and leadership in the implementation process.
Thin-film nanocomposite forward osmosis membrane for water desalination: synthesis, characterization and performance improvement
Authors: Konsowa A. H. , AbdAllah H. Z. , Nosier Shaaban , Eloffy M. G.
Published: May 2022

The major scope of this study is the fabrication and development of a substrate and polyamide rejection layer for an efficient thin-film hydrophilic composite forward osmosis (TFC-FO) membrane. Fabrication of a thin-film nanocomposite forward osmosis membrane employing interfacial polymerization and modification of substrate characteristics using titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as additives (TFNC-FO) are studied. Characterizations of the prepared TFC-FO and TFNC-FO membranes were determined. The morphologies of cross-section, upper and bottom surfaces for the TFC-FO and TFNC-FO membranes were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used to examine the compositions of different elements for both membranes. The hydrophilicity of the prepared TFC-FO and TFNC-FO membranes was investigated using the measurement of the contact angle test. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer was used to observe the existing functional groups of the TFC-FO and TFNC-FO membranes. The thermal stability of the membrane was evaluated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The overall performance of TFC-FO membranes was evaluated with and without adding TiO2 nanoparticles through different parameters, such as membrane flux, initial feed concentration, draw solution concentrations, reverse solute fluxes, membrane permeabilities, and finally, the effect of FO membrane orientations. FO membrane performance was successfully enhanced by adding different concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%. The findings indicated that an increase in the concentration from 0.5 to 1 wt% leads to a clear increase in both the porosity and hydrophilicity of the nanocomposite substrate and consequently, an increase in the water flux. However, further increasing the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles to more than 1 wt% affects the membrane performance.
Perillaldehyde Building Block’s Derivatives: Targeted Bioactivities and Molecular Docking
Authors: Chebrouk Farid , Cherfaoui Brahim , Mounir Bouhenna Mustapha , Nebbak Amira , E.C. Ziani Borhane , Dahmoune Farid , Chader Henni , Eddaikra Naouel , Harrat Zoubir , Madani Khodir
Published: May 2022

Background:

Recently, the essential oil (EO) of Ammodaucus leucotrichus has attracted particular attention in hemi-synthesis due to the reactivity of its main monoterpenes.

Objective:

In vitro cytotoxic and antileishmanial activities of the EO and hemi-synthesized compounds were evaluated, and an in-silico simulation was conducted.

Methods:

The EO was characterized by GC-MS. Two benzodiazepines (C1, C2), benzimidazole (C3), and Schiff base (C4) were hemi-synthesized by an in situ condensation of its major monoterpenes (perillaldehyde) with different amine derivatives. Synthesized compounds and the EO were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against laryngeal carcinoma-Hep2 and rhabdomyosarcoma-RD cell lines and for their antileishmanial activity against Leishmania (L) major. Molecular docking was performed to pin the binding interactions of active molecules.

Results:

A significant cytotoxic effect of benzodiazepines C1 and C2 was noted against Hep2 cells (IC50/C1 = 39.48 ±0.7 μM, IC50/C2 = 48.82±1.33 μM) and RD (IC50/C1 = 15.96±1.99 μM; IC50/C2 = 74.3±2.44 μM), while the EO highly inhibited Hep2 cell lines (IC50/EO = 17.3±0.85 μg/mL). C4 strongly inhibited L. major growth with an IC50 value of 8.00±1.37 Μμ. The docking scores of ligand-C4 on L. major pteridine reductase and L. major methionyl-tRNA synthetase and ligands-(C1, C2) on the human protein kinase and epidermal growth factor kinase presented significant affinity to the receptor active sites (ΔG from -7.7 to -8.8 kcal/mol).

Conclusion:

The cytotoxic effect of derivatives C1, C2, and EO, as well as the anti-parasitic effect of C4, may suggest them as effective bioactive agents or pharmaceutical probes.
A Review of Salivary Biomarkers in Breast Cancer
Authors: Koopaie Maryam , Fatahzadeh Mahnaz , Kolahdooz Sajad , Mousavi Reza
Published: May 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to review the literature related to salivary biomarkers used to diagnose breast cancer or predict responses to therapy and its prognosis.

Methods:

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they had compared salivary diagnostics for breast cancer with the gold standard or other biomarkers. Six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Ovid) and Google Scholar search engine searched for pertinent literature using specific search terms: breast cancer, diagnosis, prognosis saliva, and salivary biomarker. Of the 513 studies screened, 110 were selected for inclusion in this review. Different salivary biomarkers were classified and discussed.

Results:

Our analysis indicated that the sensitivity and specificity of salivary biomarkers, such as cerb- B2 and sialic acid in BC detection are comparable with serum values. Salivary levels of autoantibodies against MUC1, CA 15-3, and adiponectin had a better correlation with breast cancer than serum levels. Assessment of biomarkers, such as HER-2, helps develop a treatment plan and evaluates response to treatment.

Conclusion:

Our study confirms that salivary biomarkers are becoming increasingly important in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as in predicting therapeutic response and prognosis. Salivary biomarkers such as c-erb-B2 in association with traditional criteria offer the promise of use as a noninvasive screening method for breast cancer. Additional studies are warranted to determine the most sensitive and specific salivary biomarkers for this purpose.
Ethnomedicinal Plant Stephania hernandifolia and its Active Fraction 2-
Chloroethyl Linoleate Inhibits HSV-2 Infection by Blocking Viral Immediate
Early and Early Transcription
Authors: Chattopadhyay Debprasad , Mondal Joy , Patra Chiranjit , Mahapatra Ananya Das , Mandal Keshab Chandra
Published: May 2022

Aim:

The aim of this study is validation of antiviral activity of Stephania hernandifolia
against HSV-2.

Background:

Ethnomedicinal plant Stephania hernandifolia, traditionally used for the management of
skin, digestive and nerve ailments demonstrated significant anti-HSV-1 activity; similar to Stephania
cepharantha having neuroinflammatory and anti-HSV activities.

Objectives:

Thus, the present study aimed to validate the potential of the most active fraction-2 (F-2)
of S. hernandifolia against HSV-2 in vitro, along with the underlying mode or mechanism of action.

Methods:

The standardized F-2 was characterized by GC-MS, 1H-NMR, Mass and FTIR spectroscopy.
Cytotoxicity (CC50) and antiviral activity (EC50) were evaluated by MTT and Plaque reduction assay.
To determine the mode of action, we have used time-of-addition, virus inactivation, and entry (attachment
and penetration) assays, followed by semiquantitative PCR. Furthermore, the protein expression
levels of immediate early (IE) and early (E) gene products of drug-treated virions were measured
by Western blot.

Results:

The results showed that HSV-2G and ICMR/VU-2012/20, the clinical isolate of HSV-2, were
inhibited by F-2 at EC50 of 20.0 and 20.43 μg/ml respectively, with Selectivity Index (SI) of 12. Timeof-
addition assay showed that F-2 significantly inhibited HSV-2 infection in Vero cells at 4-8 h posttreatment.
The infectivity of the virion was lost within 1h of exposure to F-2 (EC50 and EC99). Furthermore,
semi-Q-PCR and Western blot studies demonstrated significant downregulation of IE and E
gene products. The characterization revealed that 2-chloroethyl linoleate is the lead compound in the
F-2 fraction.

Conclusion:

Thus, our results showed that the bioactive fraction F-2 inhibits both IE and E transcription
of HSV-2.
A Review on Pathophysiological Aspects of Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Agrawal Shelly , Kumar Vishal , Singh Vishesh , Singh Charan , Singh Arti
Published: May 2022

Sleep deprivation (SD) (also referred as insomnia) is a condition in which individuals fail to
get enough sleep due to excessive yawning, facing difficulty to learn new concepts, experiencing forgetfulness
as well as depressed mood. This could occur due to several possible reasons, including
medications and stress (caused by shift work). Despite the fact that sleep is important for normal physiology,
it currently affects millions of people around the world, especially the US (70 million) and Europe
(45 million). Due to increased work demand nowadays, lots of people are experiencing sleep deprivation
hence, this could be the reason for several car accidents followed by death and morbidity. This
review highlighted the impact of SD on neurotransmitter release and functions, theories (Flip-flop theory,
oxidative stress theory, neuroinflammation theory, neurotransmitter theory, and hormonal theory)
associated with SD pathogenesis; apart from this, it also demonstrates the molecular pathways underlying
SD (PI3K and Akt, NF-κB, Nrf2, and adenosine pathway. However, this study also elaborates on
the SD-induced changes in the level of neurotransmitters, hormonal, and mitochondrial functions.
Along with this, it also covers several molecular aspects associated with SD as well. Through this
study, a link is made between SD and associated causes, which will further help to develop a potential
therapeutic strategy against SD.
Rationalizing the Use of Polyphenol Nano-formulations in the Therapy of
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Verma Anita Kamra , Kumari Namrata , Daram Nagarjuna , Alam Md. Sabir
Published: May 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders among aging populations worldwide characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of brain
cells and the nervous system. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Classic pathological features of AD are the accumulation of the amyloid betaprotein and aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein around the brain cells. Dopaminergic neuronal death in the midbrain and accumulation of β- synuclein in the neurons are the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, and both neurodegenerative disorders have complex etiology. Oxidative stress closely linked with mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, nitric oxide toxicity, and neuro-inflammation, is anticipated to trigger neuronal death. Ample evidence has implicated that oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the pathology of neurodegeneration in
AD and PD. Currently, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the main treatment option for AD, while LDOPA is the gold standard therapy for PD. Along with the main therapy, many endogenous antioxidants, like vitamin E, selenium, etc., are also given to the patients to combat oxidative stress. Current
treatment for these NDs is limited due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that hinders drug targeting
towards neurons. In this review, we emphasize adjunct treatment with anti-inflammatory agents that
act at the site of the disease and can halt the disease progression by attenuating the effect of ROS triggering neuro-inflammatory response. Polyphenols, either as purified compounds or extracts from various natural plant sources, have been well studied and documented for anti-inflammatory effects, but
their use for ND is limited due to their physicochemical attributes. Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery system exhibits immense potential to overcome these hurdles in drug delivery to the CNS, enabling nanoparticle-based therapies to directly target the inflammation and release bioactive compounds
with anti-inflammatory properties to the site of action.
Increased Salivary Cytokines and Nitric Oxide Levels in Behçet’s Disease: Interleukin-32, a Novel Player in Disease Prognosis
Authors: Touil-Boukoffa Chafia , Hadjimi Zohra , Belguendouz Houda , Benchabane Sarah , Ghozali Nour El Houda , Amri Manel , Kocheida Racha , Hakem Djenette , Biad Ahmed , Otmani Fifi , Kemikem Yasmine , Terahi Malika
Published: May 2022

Background:

Oral aphthosis is one of the major manifestations of Behçet’s disease (BD), a chronic, multisystemic vasculitis. BD etio-pathogenicity related to oral health lack.

Objective:

This study investigated the possible relationships between poor oral hygiene, oral activity, disease severity and saliva’s Interleukin (IL)-32, IL-6, IL-10 and nitric oxide (NO) levels in Behçet’s patients to determine their role in disease prognosis and their potential therapeutic interest.

Method:

Fifty-six patients with BD (22 orally active; 34 orally inactive) and 31 healthy subjects have been included in our study. Salivary levels of IL-32, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using ELISA, while NO levels were assessed by modified Griess’s method. Oral health status and disease severity scores were recorded for each participant. Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s test were performed for statistical analyses.

Results:

We observed that the tested molecules were increased in BD patients compared to healthy controls (p˂0.05). Moreover, only IL-32 levels were associated with oral activity in patients (p˂0.05). Interestingly, the disease severity score was noted to be correlated positively and significantly with both IL-32 saliva levels (p˂0.01) and plaque index (p˂0.05) in BD patients. Furthermore, IL-32 levels were correlated with plaque index (p˂0.0001).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that IL-32, IL- 6, IL-10 and NO were increased in saliva during BD. Our study indicated that IL-32 was associated with the genesis of oral ulcers in response to dental plaque. Ultimately, salivary IL-32 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and a possible therapeutic target for managing Behçet’s disease severity.
Design and Fabrication of Gallic Acid Loaded Chitosan Nanoformulation
Authors: Pathak Kalyani , Das Ratna Jyoti , Saikia Riya , Sahariah Jon Jyoti , Pathak Hemanta , Sarma Himangshu , Das Aparoop
Published: May 2022

Background:

Gallic acid is a natural phenolic compound found in several fruits and me-dicinal plants. It is reported to have several health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic properties in gastrointestinal, neuropsychological, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders.

Aims:

The aim of the present work was to study the influence of formulation factors on the physi-cochemical properties of gallic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in order to optimize the formula-tion.

Methods:

Active chitosan nanoparticles could be used to support the modification of gallic acid delivery. The nanoparticles were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method using sonication. A 3-factor, 2-level BBD (Box-Behnken Design) was applied for exploring and opti-mizing the main effects, quadratic effects, as well as interaction effects of the ingredients of the formulation on the performance of the nanoparticles. The responses like particle size, poly-dispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were also determined.

Results:

The concentration of gallic acid nanoparticles seems to be the most critical element affect-ing their properties. The concentration of chitosan was increased, which resulted in an increase in particle size. The optimised drug-loaded nanoparticles have a zeta potential of -5.2 mV due to their largely negative surface charge. Although the measured zeta potential was low, the nanoparticle dispersion remained stable, and no significant change in the shape or particle size of the gallic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles was seen after two weeks at 4°C. The gallic acid-loaded nanoparticles have a particle size of 230 nm. Gallic acid reduced the particle size after it was added. One probable explanation for this is that the loaded medicine increased the cohesive force of the hydrophobic con-tact, resulting in the size reduction. A formulation was optimised based on the acquired results, and the experimental values were comparable to the expected values. FTIR examination revealed that gallic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles displayed both hydrogen bond and ionic interactions, al-lowing for active agent encapsulation and augmentation.

Conclusions:

The overall results indicated that by decreasing the chitosan concentration, drug en-trapment efficiency increased and gallic acid concentration was the main factor influencing particle size, while entrapment efficiency was predominantly affected by the chitosan concentration.
Antiangiogenic Activity of Aerva lanata Flowers: In Vitro and In Vivo
Evaluation
Authors: D.V.R.N. Bhikshapathi , Ramdhan G
Published: May 2022

Background:

A well-known traditional herb Aerva lanata is widely used in India for the management of different ailments including urolithiasis.

Objective:

In the current research, flowers of Aerva lanata were chosen for isolation of active constituents and screened for antiangiogenic and anticancer potentials, as literature supports those flowers have highest quantity of natural constituents when compared with the other parts of the plant.

Materials and methods:

Hydroalcoholic (80%-water, 20%-alcohol) extract of Aerva Lanata flowers was prepared. Antiangiogenic activity was screened by chick chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) (in vivo) and sponge implantation method (SIM) (in vivo). Anti-cancer potency was screened by cell migration (in vitro), tube formation assay (in vitro) and cell proliferation assay (in vitro).

Results:

The results of test groups were matched up to control group by applying one-way ANOVA, followed by a post hoc and Dunnett’s test. In CAM assay method significant branching points and angiogenic score was obtained at 10-5 M and 10-4 M. Considerable decline was observed in sponge weight, formation of blood vessels and hemoglobin content (Hb)at various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of Aerva Lanata flower (HAL) in SIM. The study on human umbilical vein endothelial cells displayed major inhibition of proliferation along with reduction in network length of cord-alike tubes in a dosage-dependent pattern.

Conclusions:

Aerva lanata has shown potent antiangiogenic and anticancer effect in a dose dependent manner.
Exploration of Curcumin against Various Biological Disorders: Mechanism
of Action and Pharmacotherapeutics
Authors: Malviya Rishabha , Kumar Mritunjay , Verma Swati , Sundram Sonali , Sharma Akanksha , Mishra Neelesh
Published: May 2022

Synthetic drug usage has risen substantially, although plant-based medicines are more appropriate in terms of adverse effects. Through the classical era, humans relied on Phyto moieties to cure several illnesses, the most common of which is curcumin, the main phenol derived from the various varieties of turmeric. Its therapeutic and medicinal qualities are described in the Vedic Scriptures and Chinese medicine. Curcumin has been widely researched for its pleiotropic action, which includes anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The manuscript aims to describe the sources, properties, and pharmacological activities of curcumin. Turmeric is grown in entire India and curcumin is a major phytoconstituent of turmeric. It has pharmacological activities like antioxidant, analgesic, anticarcinogenic, chemo-preventive, anti-inflammatory, chemo-therapeutic, antifungal, antibacterial, antitumor, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory activities. Curcumin has been recommended in various research to have anticancer effects on several biochemical pathways associated with metastatic disease, cell cycle regulation, and so on. It can be concluded from the findings of the pieces of literature that curcumin is an important phytoconstituent and has the potential to treat various biological disorders. Curcumin’s anti-tumor efficacy is the most prominent research activity being carried by the researchers world-wide. In the present review, the authors have summarized the important pharmacological activities of curcumin and the mechanism of action involved to forecast the pharmacotherapeutic effect like for anticancer effect (suppression of NF-KB, intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, PKC inhibition and many more), for anti-viral effect (Interfering Genomic Replication, Inhibiting Virus attachment, Activation of cellular signaling Pathways, etc.), for Anti-diabetic (AMPK activation, Decreased liver fat deposition, etc.), for neuroprotective effect (Increased p-Akt and p-mToR levels, Reducing p-p338, LC-II/LC-I, p-38 levels, etc.) and for other activities also like antibacterial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
A HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Total Plant Extract and Catechin
Fraction of Bancha Green Tea
Authors: Stoeva Stanila , Radeva–Ilieva Maya , Zhelev Iliya , Georgiev Kaloyan
Published: May 2022

Background:

The pharmacological characterization of Bancha green tea requires a preliminary establishment of its phytochemical composition.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to develop a simple, sensitive, and environmentally friendly HPLC-UV procedure for the simultaneous quantification of caffeine, (+)-catechin, epigallocatechin gallate and gallic acid in different Bancha green tea isolates.

Methods:

The chromatographic separation of the four phytochemicals was performed on a Hypersil GOLD aQ column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/acetic acid/bi-distilled water (8:1:91 v/v/v), in an isocratic mode of elution. The suitability of the proposed procedure was verified by achieved satisfying linearity and specificity.

Results:

The method was also assessed as accurate and precise, with the obtained limits of quantification of caffeine, (+)-catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and gallic acid of 0.01, 0.30, 0.50 and 0.03 μg/mL, respectively. As it was expected, the analytical procedure approbation showed the highest epigallocatechin gallate content (16.78 % ± 0.54) in the catechin fraction. On the other hand, the amount of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate in the total plant extract was almost the same (4.19 % ± 0.14 and 4.12 % ± 0.44, respectively).

Conclusion:

A reliable HPLC-UV method for phytochemical characterisation of Bancha green tea extracts has been developed. The conducted quantitate assay could be used as a basis for subsequent pharmacological in vivo and in vitro studies of Bancha green tea.
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Dewulf J. , Hesta M.
Published: May 2022

Waar komen afgestudeerde dierenartsen terecht?
Detectie van glutenallergie bij het paard
Analisis Korelasi Indeks Massa Tubuh (IMT) dalam Keluarga Remaja Putri yang Mengalami Obesitas di Yogyakarta
Authors: Kuswandi Paramita Cahyaningrum , Rahayu Tutiek
Published: May 2022

Obesitas merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan bagi masyarakat di dunia. WHO memperkirakan terdapat 2,8 juta orang yang meninggal akibat obesitas. Prevalensi obesitas pada orang dewasa dengan usia 18 tahun di Indonesia, terutama di DIY mengalami peningkatan dari tahun 2007-2018. Salah satu faktor yang dapat menyebabkan obesitas yaitu faktor genetik. Peran faktor genetik dalam pewarisan obesitas akan tampak pada pola pewarisan IMT di dalam keluarga dan dapat dilihat secara kuantitatif dengan adanya korelasi antara IMT anggota keluarga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui korelasi antara IMT ayah, ibu, kakek, dan nenek dengan IMT remaja putri yang mengalami obesitas di Yogyakarta. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional dengan desain cross sectional. Teknik sampling yang digunakan yaitu purposive sampling. Responden pada penelitian ini adalah 36 remaja putri usia 15-24 tahun dengan IMT ≥ 25 di Yogyakarta. Variabel independen penelitian adalah IMT ayah, ibu, kakek, dan nenek. Variabel dependen penelitian adalah IMT remaja putri. Data IMT dianalisis menggunakan SPSS versi 15. Uji yang digunakan yaitu uji normalitas Shapiro-Wilk, uji korelasi Spearman, dan uji korelasi berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan (p 0,05) antara IMT keluarga (ayah, ibu, kakek, dan nenek) dengan IMT remaja putri yang mengalami obesitas di Yogyakarta.
The development of Acid-Base Electronic Chemistry Comic Learning Media for High School Students
Authors: Halawa Agustina Atinia , Yulita Inelda , Adriani Nina
Published: May 2022

The development of Acid-Base electronic chemistry comic learning media for High School Students was developed to make it easier for students to learn chemistry subjects, especially Acid-Base materials. This study aimed to 1) Develop of Acid-Base Electronic Chemical Comic Learning Media for High School Students. 2) Find out the level of validity of the Acid-Base Electronic Chemical Comic Learning Media for High School Students, and 3) Find out the practicality of acid-base electronic chemical comic learning media for teacher and students Senior High School. This research was a research and development based on the Hanafin and Peck model which consists of three stages, namely needs analysis, design, and development and implementation. The results of analysis of the development of acid-base electronic chemical comic learning media for High School Students required the validity criteria with the results of the material expert test of 85% with a very valid category, the results of the media validity test getting a value of 78.57% with valid criteria. The results of the practicality test were obtained from the teacher's response of 88.6% with very practical criteria and 82.4% student response with very practical criteria. Based on the results of the study, it could be concluded that the develop of acid-base electronic chemical comic learning media for High School Students is valid and practical to use as learning media.
Developing Assessment As Learning on Basic Physics Virtual Practicum As An Asessment Instrument of Process And Cognitive Skills on Online-Learning
Authors: Widodo Eko , Setyawarno Didik , Rosana Dadan
Published: May 2022

This research aimed to i) create and analyze an assessment as learning on basic physics virtual practicum to measure the process and cognitive skills on online-learning, ii) analyze the implementation of the assessment as learning on basic physics virtual practicum to measure the process and cognitive skills on online-learning, and iii) analyze the effectiveness of the implementation of assessment as learning on basic physics virtual practicum to measure the process and cognitive skills on online-learning. This research used Research and Development (R D) model with 4-D stages consisted of define, design, develop, and disseminate. The result of the research was a product of an assessment as learning, consisting of peer and self-assessment on virtual practicum of basic physic II on online learning. The product was valid based on an analysis of the Aiken formula and empirical study of the Rasch model. The result of the independent t-test sample towards the implementation of the product of assessment as learning, both peer and self-assessment was 0.160, which was higher than 0.5. The result showed that no significant differences occurred in the implementation of assessment as learning, both peer and self-assessment on the practicum of basic physics.
Assessment Instrument Scientific Literacy on Addictive Substances Topic in Inquiry Based Learning Integrated Ethnoscience
Authors: Hastuti Purwanti Widhy , Anjarsari Putri , Yamtinah Sri
Published: May 2022

A skill needed in the 21st-century learning is scientific literacy (SL). Ethnoscience integrated inquiry-based learning (IBL) is expected to train the SL. The SL ability can be measured using an instrument. The purposes of the research were i) to produce a valid and reliable instrument on the ability to measure the SL using ethnoscience integrated IBL and ii) to know the item analysis results of the item test. The research method used was research and development (RD) with instrument development. Data collection techniques were questionnaires and tests. The instruments of data collection were validation sheets and assessment instruments on SL ability. The data analysis technique used was both descriptive qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative analysis was aimed to determine the product quality using Aiken's V theory. The quantitative analysis aimed to determine the product quality empirically using Rasch model. A valid and reliable instrument was produced with 15 test items for additive substances topic with integrated ethnoscience in learning
El diario de un ganadero: ¡Qué calidad de leche!
Authors: Patiño Burbano Rocío Esperanza , Cabrera Cabrera Saida Lorena , Guerrero Narváez Eliana Maritza , Montes Vergara José Carlos , Montenegro Andrea Constanza
Published: May 2022

En la cartilla El diario de un ganadero, se presentan diferentes historias sobre las situaciones del día a día de los productores de leche. Se abordan como diálogos e ilustraciones, a manera de historietas, lo cual favorece el proceso de aprendizaje y recordación por parte de los lectores, de los elementos que les sirven para mejorar sus actividades cotidianas para la obtención de leche de excelente calidad.
Antimicrobial activity of Saussurea costus extracts against Streptococcus penumoniae and Escherichia coli
Authors: Azeez Akoul Marwa , Ghreeb Maha R.
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, numerous components of medicinal plants, such as their roots, stems, flowers, fruits, and twigs, were widely employed as crude extracts to treat many human ailments. This investigation aimed to look at the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents of Saussurea costus against G+ve bacteria Streptococcus penumoniae and G-ve bacteria Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activity of the plant was determined using the diffusion technique, which was used to both alcoholic and aqueous extracts generated from the plant's roots against streptococcus penumoniae and Escherichia coli; the inhibition zone was measured by millimeter. The antimicrobial examination revealed that the Gram-positive bacteria represented by Streptococcus penumoniae were susceptible to the alcoholic extracts of S. costus with inhibition zones (18 mm) at 200 mg/ml concentration. In contrast, the aqueous extract had fewer inhibition zones (16 mm) at a 200 mg/ml concentration. Meanwhile, E.coli had a weak effect on the alcoholic extracts with inhibition zones (13 mm) at 200 mg/ml concentration. Still, aqueous extract was (10 mm) at200 mg/ml concentration. The constituents of the ethanolic extract of roots were investigated using Gas chromatography-mass (GC); twenty-four compounds were identified in the extract of the roots, such as C10H14 and C10H16. The results demonstrated that the Saussurea costus extracts have antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S. pneumoniae while it has a weak effect against E.coli

Keywords Saussurea costus. Antimicrobial. Ethanolic extract. Streptococcus penumoniae. Escherichia coli
AntI GABA auto-immune encephalitis as schizophrenia and status epilepticus in a female patient: A case report
Authors: Llerena-Rengel Pablo , Rueda-Barragán Fernando , Vélez-Páez Jorge Luis
Published: May 2022

Encephalitis is a severe neurological syndrome with a rapid progression to encephalopathy caused by brain swelling. One of its causes is antibodies against neuron surface proteins, ionic channels, or receptors so that they can start encephalitis with psychiatric symptoms. Worldwide, auto-immune encephalitis annual incidence is 12.6 per 100000 inhabitants. We present a case report of a 44-years-old female who developed behavioral changes and seizures in a time-lapse of months. She was diagnosed with anti-GABA auto-immune encephalitis, a rare type of this disease.

Keywords. Auto-immune disease – Epilepsy – Mental disorders – Neurology – Critical Care
Vitamin D as predictor Marker of kidney disease in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hassan Abeer J. , Ajeel Hazzaa Sarmad , Alden Ahmed Dunya Najim
Published: May 2022

The current work was done to determine the correlation between vitamin D and cystatin C as a predictor of kidney disease in males with diabetes mellitus. A total of 60 males were taken from October to December 2018. They were divided into 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy volunteers' as a control group. Glycated hemoglobin HbA1c, plasma glucose level, creatinine and urea were measured for all subjects. Also, levels of 25(OH) D and cystatin-c were determined using the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay method. In this current study, as expected, patients with diabetes mellitus had significantly higher (p< 0.001) fasting blood glucose (FBG), body mass index (BMI), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels as compared to the age-matched controls group. In addition, a significantly higher increase in the average level of urea, creatinine, and cystatin-c while significant higher decreases in vitamin D concentration compared to the patients group with the control group were found. A significant negative correlation was found between 25(OH) D and urea levels. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was observed between the 25(OH) D level and HbA1c, FBG, cystatin-c and creatinine. From the results of this work, vitamin D could be a valuable predictor of nephropathy in males with diabetes mellitus. Likewise, further work is required to suggest that vitamin D may be prone to nephropathy in all patients with diabetes mellitus by estimating cystatin C as a clinical risk for kidney function. Keywords: Nephropathy, cystatin C, vitamin D.
Statistical Analysis of Mortality by Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and food supply in Ecuador, 1990-2017
Authors: Ivanova Matamoros Esther , R. Amaro Isidro , Fabricio Salinas Jonnathan
Published: May 2022

An unhealthy diet is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Data on the average protein supply and meat products between 1990-2017 consumed by the Ecuadorian population are collected. The HJ-Biplot method is used to identify clusters with MultBiplot software to obtain a two-dimensional representation of the data in the plane along with the quality of representation of the variables and the total variance explained.
This work aims to determine how much the source of protein, animal or vegetal, influences the amount of death caused by non-communicable diseases such as Cardiovascular diseases and Diabetes Mellitus. Finally, a Hierarchical Cluster Analysis is carried out with the food supply related to those diseases. It can be concluded that NCD mortality is primarily explained by the average protein supply of animal and meat products in Ecuador.
Keywords: Ecuador, Non-Communicable Diseases, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, HJ-Biplot, food, proteins.]
Laboratory diagnosis of urinary tract infections in patients with resistance genes towards antibiotics
Authors: Majeed Issa Oday , Abdul-Elah Bakir Wasan , Ayad Abbas Mohammed
Published: May 2022

Escherichia coli are gram-negative bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs have affected a significant percentage of humans yearly due to bacterial infection. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of resistance genes in E. coli towards sulfamethoxazole. This study included (490) patients with UTIs, and the urine samples were cultured on media. The patients were admitted to the Medical City in Baghdad to treat UTIs. 116 E.coli isolates were isolated from urine specimens, 35 isolates of them were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and 81 isolates were sensitive to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; the E. coli isolates were submitted to multiplex PCR to detection some resistance genes (Sul1, sul2) after detected the isolates by PCR depending on 16S rRNA. Our study showed that identified E. coli was (91-99%) depending on the number of the examined samples by the Vitek 2 system. The molecular study included extraction of chromosomal DNA from (53) E. coli isolates; 35 samples were taken resistant to antibiotics, while from the total of 81 sensitive isolates, only 18 sensitive samples were taken from that are the most sensitive to Timethprime/sulfamethoxazole, then identification by 16S rRNA gene. Detection of Sulfonamides resistance genes included sul1 and sul2. The results showed the 16S rRNA gene identification found in all E. coli isolates and the detection of antibiotic resistance genes. The resistant isolates with the Sul1 gene prevalence were 11(31%), while the sensitive isolates with Sul1gene were 1(6%).

Moreover, the resisted isolates with Sul2 gene prevalence was 8(23%), while the sensitive isolates with the Sul1 gene were 0(0%). The numbers of the resistant isolates were (11) and (8) that carry the Sul1 gene and Sul2 gene, respectively, while the numbers of the sensitive isolates were (1) and (0), respectively. We can conclude that a high percentage of Sul1 gene and Sul2 genes in E. coil isolated from UTIs were high.

Keywords. UTI, Sul1, Sul2, resistant gene, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Predicting the Next-Day Perceived and Physiological Stress of Pregnant Women by Using Machine Learning and Explainability: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Ng Ada , Wei Boyang , Jain Jayalakshmi , Ward Erin A , Tandon S Darius , Moskowitz Judith T , Krogh-Jespersen Sheila , Wakschlag Lauren S , Alshurafa Nabil
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy–based interventions are effective in reducing prenatal stress, which can have severe adverse health effects on mothers and newborns if unaddressed. Predicting next-day physiological or perceived stress can help to inform and enable pre-emptive interventions for a likely physiologically and perceptibly stressful day. Machine learning models are useful tools that can be developed to predict next-day physiological and perceived stress by using data collected from the previous day. Such models can improve our understanding of the specific factors that predict physiological and perceived stress and allow researchers to develop systems that collect selected features for assessment in clinical trials to minimize the burden of data collection.

Objective

The aim of this study was to build and evaluate a machine-learned model that predicts next-day physiological and perceived stress by using sensor-based, ecological momentary assessment (EMA)–based, and intervention-based features and to explain the prediction results.

Methods

We enrolled pregnant women into a prospective proof-of-concept study and collected electrocardiography, EMA, and cognitive behavioral therapy intervention data over 12 weeks. We used the data to train and evaluate 6 machine learning models to predict next-day physiological and perceived stress. After selecting the best performing model, Shapley Additive Explanations were used to identify the feature importance and explainability of each feature.

Results

A total of 16 pregnant women enrolled in the study. Overall, 4157.18 hours of data were collected, and participants answered 2838 EMAs. After applying feature selection, 8 and 10 features were found to positively predict next-day physiological and perceived stress, respectively. A random forest classifier performed the best in predicting next-day physiological stress (F1 score of 0.84) and next-day perceived stress (F1 score of 0.74) by using all features. Although any subset of sensor-based, EMA-based, or intervention-based features could reliably predict next-day physiological stress, EMA-based features were necessary to predict next-day perceived stress. The analysis of explainability metrics showed that the prolonged duration of physiological stress was highly predictive of next-day physiological stress and that physiological stress and perceived stress were temporally divergent.

Conclusions

In this study, we were able to build interpretable machine learning models to predict next-day physiological and perceived stress, and we identified unique features that were highly predictive of next-day stress that can help to reduce the burden of data collection.
Helping early obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis with machine learning: A systematic review (Preprint)
Authors: Ferreira-Santos Daniela , Amorim Pedro , Silva Martins Tiago , Monteiro-Soares Matilde , Pereira Rodrigues Pedro
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines suggests that clinical prediction algorithms can be used to screen obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients without replacing polysomnography (PSG) – the gold standard.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify, gather, and analyze existing machine learning approaches that are being used for disease screening in adult patients suspected of OSA.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge databases for evaluating the validity of different machine learning techniques, with PSG as the gold standard outcome measures. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO under reference CRD42021221339.

RESULTS

Our search retrieved 5479 articles, of which 63 articles were included. We found 23 studies performing diagnostic models’ development alone, 26 with added internal validation, and 14 applying the clinical prediction algorithm to an independent sample (although not all reporting the most common discrimination metrics - sensitivity and/or specificity). Logistic regression was applied in 35 studies, linear regression in 16, support vector machine in 9, neural networks in 8, decision trees in 6, and Bayesian networks in 4. Random forest, discriminant analysis, classification and regression tree, and nomogram were each performed in 2 studies, while Pearson correlation, adaptative neuro-fuzzy inference system, artificial immune recognition system, genetic algorithm, supersparse linear integer models, and k-nearest neighbors’ algorithm each in 1 study. The best AUC was .98 [.96-.99] for age, waist circumference, Epworth somnolence, and oxygen saturation as predictors in a logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although high values were obtained, they still lack external validation results in large cohorts and a standard OSA criteria definition.
Оптимізоване життєзабезпечення при ненавмисному загальному переохолодженні організму (науково-літературний огляд)
Authors: Kravets O.V. , Yekhalov V.V. , Sedinkin V.A.
Published: May 2022

Серцево-легенева реанімація в умовах ненавмисного загального переохолодження організму являє собою певну медико-соціальну проблему сучасності. В огляді викладено особливості діагностики зупинки кровообігу в умовах вираженої загальної гіпотермії, проведення реанімаційних заходів на догоспітальному та госпітальному етапах, маршрут пацієнтів та принципи прогнозування результату критичних станів.
The Commitment of the Human Resources Department on Work Ethics during the Corona Pandemic and Its Impact on the Job Security of Employees “Lebanese Ministry of Tourism and the Radisson Hotel as Case Study”
Authors: Naeem Ali M. , Manhal Mohammad H.
Published: May 2022

The current research aims to analyze the impact of the corona pandemic on the job security of employees and discussed the commitment of the human resources department on work ethics. The population in this research targeted the hospitality sector in Lebanon through the ministry of tourism representing the public sector, and the Radisson hotel that represents the private sector. The data was analyzed and a comparison between the two sectors was shown with the repercussions of the Corona crisis, and the study showed that private companies did not secure job security for workers because they deliberately dismissed a large number of employees from work, and therefore there was no application of laws and a guarantee of workers’ rights despite their existence. Here we faced another problem, which is the lack of application of laws in a period of crisis, while the public sector provided job security for employees, so there was no case of dismissal of the state employee, but the salaries remained the same, and thus job security was secured for the employee, but the public sector was not able to maintain on the standard of living of workers, their wages remained the same.
Price Determinants of Graded Brisket
Authors: Martinez Charles C. , Boyer Christopher N. , Anderson David
Published: May 2022

In 2004, beef briskets were the lowest valued primal cut on a carcass, but in recent years, briskets have been ranked as high as the 3rd most valuable cut on a carcass. In this study, we determined factors associated with wholesale graded brisket prices with a novel estimated national graded brisket supply. We used a multivariate price determination model for Prime, Choice, Select, and Ungraded brisket using monthly data from 2004 to 2019. We found that all graded brisket prices increased after Arby's introduced their brisket sandwich nationwide. Additionally, we used Google Trends data for brisket searches and found that consumer interest is also increasing brisket prices over time (P < 0.01). Own- and cross-price flexibilities were estimated using the quantity grade data. Choice briskets were found to have a significant own- price flexibility (P < 0.01) and cross-product flexibility (P < 0.01), which indicates that as the supply of Choice briskets changes, the price of Choice and other graded briskets changes. Cross-quantity flexibilities showed substitutes across brisket quality grades and pork shoulders (P < 0.05). Our results expand the BBQ literature and provide insights that are useful for market participants.