bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting a highly repetitive genomic sequence for sensitive and specific molecular detection of the filarial parasite Mansonella perstans from human blood and mosquitoes
Authors: Pilotte Nils , Thomas Tamara , Zulch Michael F. , Sirois Allison R. , Minetti Corrado , Reimer Lisa J. , Williams Steven A. , Saunders Lori J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Mansonella perstans is among the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases and is believed to cause more human infections than any other filarial pathogen in Africa. Based largely upon assumptions of limited infection-associated morbidity, this pathogen remains understudied, and many basic questions pertaining to its pathogenicity, distribution, prevalence, and vector-host relationships remain unanswered. However, in recent years, mounting evidence of the potential for increased Mansonella infection-associated disease has sparked a renewal in research interest. This, in turn, has produced a need for improved diagnostics, capable of providing more accurate pictures of infection prevalence, pathogen distribution, and vector-host interactions.

Methodology/Principal findings

Utilizing a previously described pipeline for the discovery of optimal molecular diagnostic targets, we identified a repetitive DNA sequence, and developed a corresponding assay, which allows for the sensitive and species-specific identification of M. perstans in human blood samples. Testing also demonstrated the ability to utilize this assay for the detection of M. perstans in field-collected mosquito samples. When testing both sample types, our repeat-targeting index assay outperformed a ribosomal sequence-targeting reference assay, facilitating the identification of additional M. perstans-positive samples falsely characterized as “negative” using the less sensitive detection method.

Conclusions/Significance

Through the development of an assay based upon the systematic identification of an optimal DNA target sequence, our novel diagnostic assay will provide programmatic efforts with a sensitive and specific testing platform that is capable of accurately mapping M. perstans infection and determining prevalence. Furthermore, with the added ability to identify the presence of M. perstans in mosquito samples, this assay will help to define our knowledge of the relationships that exist between this pathogen and the various geographically relevant mosquito species, which have been surmised to represent potential secondary vectors under certain conditions. Detection of M. perstans in mosquitoes will also demonstrate proof-of-concept for the mosquito-based monitoring of filarial pathogens not vectored primarily by mosquitoes, an approach expanding opportunities for integrated surveillance.
SPECHT: Self-tuning Plausibility based object detection Enables quantification of Conflict in Heterogeneous multi-scale microscopy
Authors: Cardoen Ben , Wong Timothy , Alan Parsa , Lee Sieun , Matsubara Joanne Aiko , Nabi Ivan Robert , Hamarneh Ghassan
Published: December 2022

Identification of small objects in fluorescence microscopy is a non-trivial task burdened by parameter-sensitive algorithms, for which there is a clear need for an approach that adapts dynamically to changing imaging conditions. Here, we introduce an adaptive object detection method that, given a microscopy image and an image level label, uses kurtosis-based matching of the distribution of the image differential to express operator intent in terms of recall or precision. We show how a theoretical upper bound of the statistical distance in feature space enables application of belief theory to obtain statistical support for each detected object, capturing those aspects of the image that support the label, and to what extent. We validate our method on 2 datasets: distinguishing sub-diffraction limit caveolae and scaffold by stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy; and detecting amyloid-βdeposits in confocal microscopy retinal cross-sections of neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer’s disease donor tissue. Our results are consistent with biological ground truth and with previous subcellular object classification results, and add insight into more nuanced class transition dynamics. We illustrate the novel application of belief theory to object detection in heterogeneous microscopy datasets and the quantification of conflict of evidence in a joint belief function. By applying our method successfully to diffraction-limited confocal imaging of tissue sections and super-resolution microscopy of subcellular structures, we demonstrate multi-scale applicability.
Elucidating the effect of iron acquisition systems in Klebsiella pneumoniae on susceptibility to the novel siderophore-cephalosporin cefiderocol
Authors: Daoud Lana , Al-Marzooq Farah , Moubareck Carole Ayoub , Ghazawi Akela , Collyns Timothy
Published: December 2022

Background

Cefiderocol (CFDC) is a novel siderophore-cephalosporin, effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. As it has a siderophore side chain, it can utilize iron acquisition systems for penetration of the bacterial outer membrane. We aimed to elucidate the role of siderophores and iron uptake receptors in defining Klebsiella pneumoniae susceptibility to CFDC.

Methods

Initially, 103 K. pneumoniae strains were characterized for susceptibility to different antibiotics including CFDC. CFDC minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined in iron-depleted and iron-enriched conditions. Iron uptake genes including siderophores, their receptors, ferric citrate (fecA) and iron uptake (kfu) receptors were detected by PCR in all the strains. For 10 selected strains, gene expression was tested in iron-depleted media with or without CFDC treatment and compared to expression in iron-enriched conditions.

Results

CFDC exhibited 96.1% susceptibility, being superior to all the other antibiotics (MIC50: 0.5 and MIC90: 4 μg/ml). Only three strains (2.9%) were intermediately susceptible and a pandrug resistant strain (0.97%) was resistant to CFDC (MIC: 8 and 256 μg/ml, respectively). The presence of kfu and fecA had a significant impact on CFDC MIC, especially when co-produced, and if coupled with yersiniabactin receptor (fyuA). CFDC MICs were negatively correlated with enterobactin receptor (fepA) expression and positively correlated with expression of kfu and fecA. Thus, fepA was associated with increased susceptibility to CFDC, while kfu and fecA were associated with reduced susceptibility to CFDC. CFDC MICs increased significantly in iron-enriched media, with reduced expression of siderophore receptors, hence, causing less drug uptake.

Conclusion

Iron acquisition systems have a significant impact on CFDC activity, and their altered expression is a factor leading to reduced susceptibility. Iron concentration is also a major player affecting CFDC susceptibility; therefore, it is essential to explore possible ways to improve the drug activity to facilitate its use to treat infections in iron-rich sites.
APOL1 genotype associated risk for preeclampsia in African populations: Rationale and protocol design for studies in women of African ancestry in resource limited settings
Authors: Osafo Charlotte , Thomford Nicholas Ekow , Coleman Jerry , Carboo Abraham , Guure Chris , Okyere Perditer , Adu Dwomoa , Adanu Richard , Parekh Rulan S. , Burke David
Published: December 2022

Background

Women of African ancestry are highly predisposed to preeclampsia which continues to be a major cause of maternal death in Africa. Common variants in the APOL1 gene are potent risk factor for a spectrum of kidney disease. Recent studies have shown that APOL1 risk variants contribute to the risk of preeclampsia. The aim of the study is to understand the contribution of APOL1 risk variants to the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women in Ghana.

Methods

The study is a case-control design which started recruitment in 2019 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The study will recruit pregnant women with a target recruitment of 700 cases of preeclampsia and 700 normotensives. Clinical and demographic data of mother- baby dyad, with biospecimens including cord blood and placenta will be collected to assess clinical, biochemical and genetic markers of preeclampsia. The study protocol was approved by Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Institutional Review Board (Reference number: KBTH-IRB/000108/2018) on October 11, 2018.

Preliminary results

As of December 2021, a total of 773 mother-baby pairs had been recruited and majority of them had complete entry of data for analysis. The participants are made up of 384 preeclampsia cases and 389 normotensive mother-baby dyad. The mean age of participants is 30.69 ± 0.32 years for cases and 29.95 ± 0.32 for controls. Majority (85%) of the participants are between 20-30years. At booking, majority of cases had normal blood pressure compared to the time of diagnosis where 85% had a systolic BP greater than 140mmHg and a corresponding 82% had diastolic pressure greater than 90mmHg.

Conclusion

Our study will ultimately provide clinical, biochemical and genotypic data for risk stratification of preeclampsia and careful monitoring during pregnancy to improve clinical management and outcomes.
Characterizing the neighborhood risk environment in multisite clinic-based cohort studies: A practical geocoding and data linkages protocol for protected health information
Authors: Nassel Ariann , Wilson-Barthes Marta G. , Howe Chanelle J. , Napravnik Sonia , Mugavero Michael J. , Agil Deana , Dulin Akilah J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Maintaining patient privacy when geocoding and linking residential address information with neighborhood-level data can create challenges during research. Challenges may arise when study staff have limited training in geocoding and linking data, or when non-study staff with appropriate expertise have limited availability, are unfamiliar with a study’s population or objectives, or are not affordable for the study team. Opportunities for data breaches may also arise when working with non-study staff who are not on-site. We detail a free, user-friendly protocol for constructing indices of the neighborhood risk environment during multisite, clinic-based cohort studies that rely on participants’ protected health information. This protocol can be implemented by study staff who do not have prior training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and can help minimize the operational costs of integrating geographic data into public health projects.

Methods

This protocol demonstrates how to: (1) securely geocode patients’ residential addresses in a clinic setting and match geocoded addresses to census tracts using Geographic Information System software (Esri, Redlands, CA); (2) ascertain contextual variables of the risk environment from the American Community Survey and ArcGIS Business Analyst (Esri, Redlands, CA); (3) use geoidentifiers to link neighborhood risk data to census tracts containing geocoded addresses; and (4) assign randomly generated identifiers to census tracts and strip census tracts of their geoidentifiers to maintain patient confidentiality.

Results

Completion of this protocol generates three neighborhood risk indices (i.e., Neighborhood Disadvantage Index, Murder Rate Index, and Assault Rate Index) for patients’ coded census tract locations.

Conclusions

This protocol can be used by research personnel without prior GIS experience to easily create objective indices of the neighborhood risk environment while upholding patient confidentiality. Future studies can adapt this protocol to fit their specific patient populations and analytic objectives.
Want to quickly adapt to distorted speech and become a better listener? Read lips, not text
Authors: Pourhashemi Faezeh , Baart Martijn , van Laarhoven Thijs , Vroomen Jean
Published: December 2022

When listening to distorted speech, does one become a better listener by looking at the face of the speaker or by reading subtitles that are presented along with the speech signal? We examined this question in two experiments in which we presented participants with spectrally distorted speech (4-channel noise-vocoded speech). During short training sessions, listeners received auditorily distorted words or pseudowords that were partially disambiguated by concurrently presented lipread information or text. After each training session, listeners were tested with new degraded auditory words. Learning effects (based on proportions of correctly identified words) were stronger if listeners had trained with words rather than with pseudowords (a lexical boost), and adding lipread information during training was more effective than adding text (a lipread boost). Moreover, the advantage of lipread speech over text training was also found when participants were tested more than a month later. The current results thus suggest that lipread speech may have surprisingly long-lasting effects on adaptation to distorted speech.
Effective connectivity of the amygdala during the consumption of erotic, sexual humor, and monetary rewards with a DCM-PEB approach
Authors: Chan Yu-Chen , Chou Tai-Li
Published: December 2022

While a large body of research exists on the processing of monetary rewards, less is known about sexual reward processing. This study aimed to identify effective connectivity for the consumption of sexual (erotic and sexual humor) and non-sexual (monetary) rewards, using dynamic causal modeling and parametric empirical Bayes with subjective hedonic ratings included. Our results support the importance of the amygdala for sexual humor amusement, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) for monetary rewards, and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) for erotic pleasure. The amygdala, NAc, and lOFC are major dopaminergic targets with known roles in the reward circuitry. Appreciating sexual humor was associated with ventral tegmental area (VTA) to amygdala connectivity. Enjoying monetary gains was associated with VTA-to-NAc and amygdala-to-NAc connectivity. The mesolimbic dopamine system originates in the VTA and sends major projections to the amygdala and NAc. Specifically, sexual humor appreciation was associated with effective connectivity from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) to the amygdala, suggesting that subjective pleasure triggers activation of the vmPFC which exerts an excitatory influence on the amygdala. Unexpectedly, processing pleasure from monetary gains was linked to VTA-to-vmPFC connectivity, rather than the expected vmPFC-to-NAc connectivity. Importantly, we identified core roles for the amygdala. Sexual humor appreciation was associated with VTA-to-amygdala and vmPFC-to-amygdala effective connectivity, while we found amygdala-to-lOFC connectivity for erotic pleasure and amygdala-to-NAc connectivity for pleasure from monetary gains. Our findings represent an important step in understanding how effective connectivity in the mesocorticolimbic-amygdala circuitry differs for processing the consumption of sexual and monetary rewards.
Affect labeling: The role of timing and intensity
Authors: Levy-Gigi Einat , Shamay-Tsoory Simone
Published: December 2022

A growing number of studies have shown that labeling negative feelings can down-regulate distress. The present study aimed to test the effectiveness of affect labeling while manipulating two factors known to influence the emotion regulation process, namely timing, and emotional intensity. In Experiment 1, sixty-three participants completed a performance-based affect labeling paradigm in which they had to choose between two labels that best describe their feeling. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: (1) Simultaneous labeling- the labeling occurs while watching the aversive picture. (2) Subsequent labeling- the labeling occurs immediately after watching the aversive picture. (3) Delayed labeling- the labeling occurs 10 seconds after watching the aversive picture. We found that affect labeling efficiently down-regulated distress independent of the labeling timing. In Experiment 2, seventy-nine participants utilized simultaneous labeling for aversive pictures with low and high intensity. We revealed that while affect labeling reduces distress in high-intensity aversive conditions, it increases distress in low-intensity conditions. The results question the standard advice, which calls to count to 10 before you speak in highly aversive states. In addition, it suggests that affect labeling can be beneficial in high-intensity conditions. However, it should be used with caution in low-intensity conditions.
Diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction / inducible laryngeal obstruction—A Delphi study protocol
Authors: Leong Paul , Vertigan Anne E. , Hew Mark , Baxter Malcolm , Phyland Debra , Hull James H. , Carroll Thomas L. , Gibson Peter G. , McDonald Vanessa M. , Bardin Philip G.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Currently there is no consistent and widely accepted approach to the diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO). Harmonised diagnostic methods are vital to enable optimal diagnosis, advance management and enable research. We aim to obtain consensus on how expert clinicians recognise and diagnose VCD/ILO.

Methods and analysis

Two-round modified Delphi, with workshop validation.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional Board Review was obtained from the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee. The dissemination plan is for presentation and publication.

Registration details

Registered at Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621001520820p.
Facilitators and barriers to colorectal cancer screening using the immunochemical faecal occult blood test among an average-risk population in semi-rural Malaysia: A qualitative study
Authors: Ramanathan Kogila , Schliemann Désirée , Binti Ibrahim Tamin Nor Saleha , Mohan Devi , Donnelly Michael , Su Tin Tin
Published: December 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Malaysia is increasing, and most CRC patients are diagnosed at a late stage. This study investigated participant awareness of CRC and their perceptions and views about CRC screening, barriers, benefits, and facilitators towards CRC screening participation as well as health-seeking behaviour and the use of preventative health services.

Method

Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a purposive sample of 89 participants aged > 50 from the major ethnic groups in the Segamat District, Johor State. FGDs were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified trust in doctors as a key reason for whether or not to seek health care. Generally, the participants had low awareness of CRC sign/symptoms and screening. Emotional and logistic concerns about sending a stool sample to a clinic emerged as the main barriers to screening. Simplified illustrated instructions about stool collection in Malay, Chinese and Tamil, free screening at health clinics and reminders to complete the iFOBT test were perceived to facilitate engagement in screening, and posited as strategies that were likely to increase iFOBT uptake.

Conclusion

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in terms of reducing patient’s misperceptions, recommending screening to patients, enhancing attendance, and improving uptake of CRC screening. There is a need for further research to investigate ways in which to reduce identified barriers and implement and test potential facilitative strategies as well as examine adherence by doctors to clinical guidelines about CRC screening.
Parent-infant observation for prediction of later childhood psychopathology in community-based samples: A systematic review
Authors: McAndie Elena , Murray Charlotte Alice , Wilson Philip , Thompson Lucy
Published: December 2022

Background

Difficulties in parent-child interaction are easily observed and are a potential target for early intervention. This review aimed to assess the utility of current observational methods used to assess parent-child interactions–within the first year of life–and their ability to screen and identify children from low-risk samples most at risk of developing childhood psychopathology.

Methods

Six bibliographic databases were searched, and reference lists screened. All peer reviewed papers studying the association between an independent observation of parent-child interaction and later childhood psychopathology in community-based samples were included. Included studies were those recruiting from population or community-based birth cohort data, which we define as ‘low-risk’. Studies based on populations known to have a diagnosis of psychiatric illness or developmental disorder, or at high genetic or environmental risk of being diagnosed with such disorder, were excluded. Results were synthesised qualitatively due to high heterogeneity.

Results

20,051papers were identified, nine were included in this study. Childhood psychopathology was associated with fewer positive parent-infant interactions, lower parent vocalisation frequency and lower levels of adult speech and activity. Maternal sensitivity was inversely related to separation anxiety and oppositional defiant/conduct disorders were associated with lower shared look rates. Disruptive behaviour disorders were associated with higher frequency of child vocalisation.

Conclusion

Assessment of parent-child interactions, particularly the level of maternal activity, may be an early indicator of later childhood psychopathology in low-risk samples. Further longitudinal, population-based studies are required.

Trial registration

PROSPERO review registration:CRD42020162917https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=CRD42020162917.
Loss of Slc12a2 specifically in pancreatic β-cells drives metabolic syndrome in mice
Authors: Abdelgawad Rana , Rathod Yakshkumar Dilipbhai , Alshammari Modhi , Kelly Lisa , Hübner Christian A. , Aguilar-Bryan Lydia , Di Fulvio Mauricio
Published: December 2022

The risk of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of clinical conditions characterized by obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Diuretics are frequently used to treat hypertension in these patients, however, their use has long been associated with poor metabolic outcomes which cannot be fully explained by their diuretic effects. Here, we show that mice lacking the diuretic-sensitive Na+K+2Cl−cotransporter-1Nkcc1(Slc12a2) in insulin-secreting β-cells of the pancreatic islet (Nkcc1βKO) have reducedin vitroinsulin responses to glucose. This is associated with islet hypoplasia at the expense of fewer and smaller β-cells. Remarkably,Nkcc1βKOmice excessively gain weight and progressive metabolic syndrome when fed a standard chow dietad libitum. This is characterized by impaired hepatic insulin receptor activation and altered lipid metabolism. Indeed, overweightNkcc1βKObut not lean mice had fasting and fed hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Notably, fasting hyperinsulinemia was detected earlier than hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and increased hepaticde novogluconeogenesis. Therefore, our data provide evidence supporting the novel hypothesis that primary β-cell defects related toNkcc1-regulated intracellular Cl−homeostasis and β-cell growth can result in the development of metabolic syndrome shedding light into additional potential mechanisms whereby chronic diuretic use may have adverse effects on metabolic homeostasis in susceptible individuals.
A novel method for in silico assessment of Methionine oxidation risk in monoclonal antibodies: Improvement over the 2-shell model
Authors: Tavella Davide , Ouellette David R. , Garofalo Raffaella , Zhu Kai , Xu Jianwen , Oloo Eliud O. , Negron Christopher , Ihnat Peter M.
Published: December 2022

Over the past decade, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have established their role as valuable agents in the treatment of various diseases ranging from cancers to infectious, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Reactive groups of the amino acids within these proteins make them susceptible to many kinds of chemical modifications during manufacturing, storage and in vivo circulation. Among these reactions, the oxidation of methionine residues to their sulfoxide form is a commonly observed chemical modification in mAbs. When the oxidized methionine is in the complementarity-determining region (CDR), this modification can affect antigen binding and thus abrogate biological activity. For these reasons, it is essential to identify oxidation liabilities during the antibody discovery and development phases. Here, we present an in silico method, based on protein modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, to predict the oxidation-liable residues in the variable region of therapeutic antibodies. Previous studies have used the 2-shell water coordination number descriptor (WCN) to identify methionine residues susceptible to oxidation. Although the WCN descriptor successfully predicted oxidation liabilities when the residue was solvent exposed, the method was much less accurate for partially buried methionine residues. Consequently, we introduce a new descriptor, WCN-OH, that improves the accuracy of prediction of methionine oxidation susceptibility by extending the theoretical framework of the water coordination number to incorporate the effects of polar amino acids side chains in close proximity to the methionine of interest.
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF PROTEIN ISOLATES AND HY-DROLYSATES FROM PLANT RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Krasnoshtanova Alla Al'bertovna , Shul'ts Leonid Viktorovich
Published: December 2022

Animal protein plays a key role in the human diet as the most balanced amino acid composition; however, its consumption often causes allergic reactions. Plant protein serves as a substitute for animal protein. The most promising sources of plant protein are the seeds of cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cereals. Research aim: selection of conditions for obtaining protein isolates and enzymatic hydrolysates having the desired functional properties from different types of vegetable raw materials.Pea, corn and oat flour LLC "FavoritT"; linseed flour LLC NGO "Compass Health". Enzyme preparations: chymotrypsin LLC "Samson-Med"; Protex 40E Genencor; protosubtilin G3x produced by PO "Sibbiofarm" LLC; pancreatin PJSC "Biosintez"; trypsin LLC "Diaem"; beef pepsin OJSC "MHSF". Crude protein content was determined by Kjeldahl method, protein substances - by modified Lowry method. Fat-holding, water-holding, emulsifying and foaming capacities, as well as allergenicity of protein isolates and hydrolysates were determined. Conditions for protein substances extraction from flax, corn, oat and pea flour with the yield of high-molecular protein fraction not less than 70 % of raw protein content were selected. The conditions of protein isolates precipitation to produce preparations containing not less than 85% of protein have been selected. The type of enzyme preparation for hydrolysis - pancreatin - was selected. It was found that in order to increase water- and fat-holding capacity of pea isolate, hydrolysis is possible with duration not exceeding 15 min, for all other isolates hydrolysis is undesirable. The best emulsifying and foam-forming capacities are possessed by linseed hydrolysates after 60 and 90 min of hydrolysis, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis was shown to reduce the allergenicity of plant proteins. The obtained hydrolysates of vegetable proteins can be used as ingredients for functional products, as well as for obtaining products with reduced allergenicity.
PHYTOEXTRACTION OF HEAVY METALS BY HERBAL PLANTS ON TECHNOGENIC SOILS
Authors: Shergina Ol'ga Vladimirovna , Mikhailova Татьяна Алексеевна
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the work is to study the specifics of the natural restoration of vegetation on highly toxic embryozems (on the example of the technogenic dump from the large chemical production «Usoliekhimprom», Irkutsk region). It was shown that organo-accumulative embryozem is the first stage of soil formation and the beginning of plant colonization. The level of technogenic soils pollution with heavy metals was assessed by a set of indicators, based on them, organo-accumulative embryozems were classified as soils with an extremely dangerous level of pollution. It was found that the first pioneers on these embryozems were 9 aboriginal species of herbaceous plants: Melilotus albus Medikus., Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall., Trifolium hybridum L., Trifolium repens L., Trifolium pratense L., Vicia cracca L., Medicago sativa L., Sonchus arvensis L., Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Scop. A number of their unique features allow them to grow in conditions of very strong soil pollution – this is a high level heavy metals accumulation in phytomass, good adaptation of mineral nutrition to hard growing conditions, an increase in biomass during the growing season, and the absence of visual signs of damage. The obtained results give every reason to recommend these herbaceous plants for use as phytoextractors of heavy metals on technogenic dumps.
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF BETULIN-CONTAINING FOOD INGREDIENTS FROM SILVER BIRCH (BETULA PENDULA ROTH.) IN FOOD SYSTEMS
Authors: Averyanova Elena Vital'yevna , Shkolnikova Marina Nikolaevna
Published: December 2022

The demand for food micro-ingredients in modern technologies is quite high, however, the production of preservatives, antioxidants and other food additives in the Russian Federation is extremely limited, which has created a high import dependence unacceptable in modern conditions. Raw sources of preservatives include birch bark containing 10–40% betulin – a triterpenoid with high biological activity and preservative / antioxidant properties. However, the weak solubility of betulin in an aqueous medium hinders its use in food products. In this work, a study was carried out to develop a method for obtaining a micronized form of betulin for use as a food ingredient in food products of various compositions. The following values of parameters and modes of ultrasonic micronization of water suspensions of betulin were established: frequency – 50±5 kHz, acoustic power – 50 W, temperature, about 50 °С, duration 60 min. It is shown that the micronization of betulin under ultrasonic exposure indicates an increase in the uniformity of its aqueous suspension of betulin, the alignment of the size and shape of particles, which minimizes the influence of barrier factors during the assimilation of a food additive and determines its effectiveness and bioavailability in the composition of both water-based and fat-based foods.
THE STATE AND PROSPECTS OF IMPROVING THE METHODS OF OBTAINING AND USING BACTERIAL CEL-LULOSE (REVIEW)
Authors: Rogova Ekaterina Aleksandrovna , Alashkevich Yuri Davidovich , Kozhukhov Victor Anatolyevich , Lapin Ilya Romanovich , Kiselyov Evgeny Gennadievich
Published: December 2022

Any material that we encounter in the world around us does not have such a widespread use as bacterial cellulose. This kind of unique material gained its popularity in the 20th century and became an excellent source for research. Its acquisition and practical application in various areas of our life activity is currently quite important. In addition, thanks to a wide range of studies aimed at the basics of its production, many promising areas of using by-products of the food industry as a source of energy for growth have been identified, which makes this material more environmentally friendly than its plant counterpart.

Despite its rich history of studying and obtaining bacterial cellulose, it is still considered to be not fully studied material. This makes it possible for researchers to identify new sources of energy for the growth of bacterial cellulose, to improve the quality and increase its quantity, both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale, as well as to look for more and more new areas of its application, where it would seem it has no place.

In the modern scientific world, bacterial cellulose is one of the promising sources of scientific research and further technological applications.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ASTRAGALUS PROPINQUUS (LEGUMINOSAE) ROOTS ORIGINATED FROM BURYATIA
Authors: Shishmareva Tat'yana Mikhaylovna , Shishmarev Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich , Olennikov Daniil Nikolayevich
Published: December 2022

Present work is aimed to the study of the chemical composition of Astragalus propinquus (Leguminosae) roots growing in the Buryatia Republic. The chemical study of A. propinquus showed that the content of phenolic compounds varied within 9.20–33.89 mg/g, triterpenes 9.69–36.55 mg/g, water-soluble polysaccharides 9.79–30.58 mg/g, free carbohydrates 63.37–252.54 mg/g, and free amino acids 25.79–149.37 mg/g. Chromatographic analysis of A. propinquus flavonoids revealed the presence of 18 compounds, including derivatives of odoratin, calycosin, formononetin, isomucronulatol, and astrapterocarpan in the form of aglycones, glycosides, and acyl glycosides, including, for the first time for the species, some calycosin glycosides. Study of the seasonal dynamics of the accumulation of the studied compounds groups showed that the plant material traditionally recommended for mass harvesting have the lowest content of almost all groups of components, except for polysaccharides (26.55 mg/g); in the budding phase, accumulation of free amino acids (78.66 mg/g) is observed, in the flowering phase free carbohydrates (263.91 mg/g), in the fruiting phase triterpenes (28.44 mg/g) and phenolic compounds (15.26 mg/g). The conducted studies have shown that the roots of A. propinquus from Eastern Siberia are characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds and can be used as a medicinal raw material.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Across the Lifespan: Balancing Efficacy, Safety, and Innovation
Authors: Gulati Ajay S. , Nicholson Maribeth R. , Khoruts Alexander , Kahn Stacy A.
Published: December 2022

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a rapidly growing therapy aimed at reconstituting the dysbiotic microbiota of a patient with the beneficial stool microbiota of a healthy individual. The efficacy rates of FMT are very robust for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in both children and adults. Although complications of FMT have been reported, it is generally believed to be a safe procedure. Novel indications for FMT are being studied, with the hope that ultimately it may be useful for a variety of disorders. As this field continues to grow, however, it is necessary to consider efficacy, safety, and innovation across the lifespan. There are unique concerns regarding FMT as it pertains to children, adults, and the elderly. In this review, we seek to update clinicians, researchers, and regulators on how these factors must be balanced across the lifespan as we move forward with this innovative therapy.
Analysis of Spatial Concentration of Accommodation Establishments Using Machine Learning Techniques and Spatial Analysis Tools
Authors: PARRA Helien , VALDERRAMA Diana M. Ayala , MORENO Sebastián
Published: December 2022

Tourism as an economic activity is influenced by social dynamics that can be measured by spatial analysis processes where phenomena such as concentration, trajectory and extension are evidenced, which can guide policy makers effectively for decision-making. In this document, the results of a study of spatial analysis of the concentration of accommodation establishments in the department of Boyacá, Colombia are presented in order to identify the correlation that exists between the territorial concentration, the natural attractions of the department and the type of establishment. It was found that there is evidence of a strong concentration in five clusters associated with three municipalities of the department's offer, however it is observed that statistically there is a high level of dispersion of the establishments explained by the road corridors and a growing development towards the natural attractions which are not fully covered by the current offer.
Evaluating the Role of Perilesional Tissue in Pathobiology of Epileptogenesis of Vascular Malformations of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Rajeswarie RT , Aravinda HR , Arivazhagan A , Bevinahalli N Nandeesh , Rao Malla Bhaskara , Mahadevan Anita
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose: Seizures are common presentation of cerebral vascular malformation (CVM). Topography and haemodynamic alterations are proposed as mechanisms for epileptogenesis, but the role of glial/neuronal alterations in perilesional tissue has not received much attention. Identification of the exact pathophysiologic basis could have therapeutic implications. To evaluate whether angioarchitectural factors of CVM or alterations in neuroglial/stroma of the adjacent cortex contribute to seizures.Method: The clinical, imaging and histological characteristics of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) with and without seizures was evaluated using neuroimaging imaging and digital subtraction angiography parameters and histopathology by morphology and immunohistochemistry.Results: Fifty-six cases of CVM were diagnosed over a 2-year study period. Of these, 32 had adequate perilesional tissue for evaluation (AVM, 24; CCM, 8). Seizures at presentation was seen in 12/24 (50%) of AVM and 5/8 (62.5%) CCM. In AVM, hemosiderin deposition and gliosis in parenchyma (p=0.01) had significant association with seizure. Siderotic vessels in the adjacent cortex was exclusively seen only in CCM with seizures (p=0.018). Angioarchitectural features of CVM on imaging and neuronal alterations in adjacent cortex on histology failed to show any statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05).Conclusions: We propose that changes in adjacent cortex appear to be epileptogenic rather than the malformation per se. Reactive gliosis and hemosiderin deposits in perilesional tissue in AVM and siderotic vessels in CCM were associated with seizure. This explains the better outcomes following extended lesionectomy that includes epileptogenic perilesional tissues.
A Case of Perampanel Overdose Presenting with Respiratory Failure
Authors: Park Yangmi , Kim Seondeuk , Koo Dae Lim , Nam Hyunwoo
Published: December 2022

Perampanel is a novel antiepileptic drug that has been used as an adjunctive treatment for focal-onset seizures. No reports to date have documented respiratory suppression as a side effect of perampanel in adults. Herein, we report a 51-year-old man with focal epilepsy presented with type 2 respiratory failure after accidently consuming of 66 mg of perampanel. Clinicians should consider the possibility of respiratory compromise whenever a high dose of perampanel needs to be administered to patients.
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis after BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Lee Hyoung Cheol , Kim Byung-Kun , Kang Kyusik , Lee Woong-Woo , Yoo Ilhan , Kim Yong Soo , Lee Jung-Ju
Published: December 2022

After the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged, the development of vaccines was accelerated. Neurologic complications of COVID-19 vaccination had been reported, which included encephalitis. In this study, we report a very rare case of a female with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma that would be triggered by BNT162b2 m-RNA COVID-19 vaccination.
Analisis Efektivitas dan Efisiensi Pengelolaan Anggaran di RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang
Authors: Retnosari Mimin Cahyo , Suryawati Chriswardani , Harto Puji
Published: December 2022

Penelitian tentang efektivitas dan efisiensi dalam pengelolaan anggaran masih memerlukan penjabaran lebih lanjut. Pengelolaan keuangan BLU memerlukan pengelolaan anggaran yang efektif dan efisien, sehingga melahirkan good governance. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efisiensi dan efektivitas dalam perencanaan penganggaran terhadap kinerja keuangan di RSUP Dr. Kariadi. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah observasi kualitatif studi kasus di RSUP Dr. Kariadi, memotret dan menganalisis pelaksanaan anggaran dengan prinsip ekonomi pada efektivitas dan efisiensi terhadap kinerja keuangan dengan data primer dan sekunder. Data primer diperoleh dari hasil wawancara dengan informan, sedangkan data sekunder diperoleh dari data keuangan, anggaran dan penelitian kepustakaan. Informan penelitian ini terdiri dari lima informan yaitu Direktur Utama, Direktur Keuangan dan Barang Milik Negara, Koordinator Penyusunan dan Evaluasi Anggaran, Koordinator Perencanaan dan Evaluasi, dan Kepala Satuan Pemeriksaan Internal. Data penelitian merupakan hasil pengamatan di lapangan, melalui wawancara dan penyajian data secara ilmiah yaitu berupa laporan realisasi anggaran  dan laporan keuangan RSUP Dr. Kariadi. Perencanaan penganggaran BLU sudah terlaksana cukup optimal, transparansi cukup terbuka dan akuntabilitas program kegiatan dapat dipertanggungjawabkan. Pelaksanaan anggaran dengan prinsip efektivitas dan efisiensi di RSUP Dr. Kariadi telah dilaksanakan dengan baik, namun dari sisi fleksibilitas pengelolaan keuangan masih belum optimal. Kinerja keuangan berdasarkan efektivitas dan efisiensi perencanaan anggaran BLU berdampak pada pendapatan operasional dan biaya operasional rumah sakit. Efektivitas dan efisiensi memiliki pengaruh yang kuat terhadap kinerja keuangan di RSUP Dr. Kariadi, baik pengaruh positif maupun negatif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diperlukan sosialisasi kepada semua unit kerja untuk penerapan efektivitas dan efisiensi dalam menyusun program kegiatan operasional rumah sakit.
Family Vulnerability and Children’ Nutritional Status during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yusuf Andi Mukramin , Tenrisau Dhihram , Hidayanti Healthy , Ibrahim Abdul Haris , Bahar Ardiansyah , Sarifudin Sarifudin , Tahir Yoesrianto , Adhyanti Adhyanti , Alfiah Elma
Published: December 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 infected millions of people and became the main mortality worldwide. COVID-19 also affected other health problems, including nutritional problems. This study aimed to find the factors that affected the nutritional and socio-economic status during the COVID-19 pandemic in a neighborhood of DKI Jakarta.Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design. Total sampling method on all families who had children in the 9th Neighborhood, Cawang Sub-District, DKI Jakarta was used. A total of 72 families were involved in this study, and the informants of this study were mothers of under five children. This study utilized a modified questionnaire from the Indonesian National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) and the Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (SSGI). This study utilized bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: From all of 72 families with children, it was found that eight children were wasting. The Job-Loss (PHK) has an OR of 37.8 (95%CI: 5.87-748.53; p=0.001), while below poverty line had an OR of 14.24 (95%CI: 3.55-170.35; p=0.004) to be wasted. The multivariate analysis had included covariates such as parental occupation, parental education, and antenatal care (ANC). Job-Loss and Below Poverty Line were the main factors in increasing the risk of malnutrition cases after controlled by covariates. Conclusion: The decrease in socio-economic status of a family during the pandemic, increased the risk of wasted children. Improvements in policy interventions and socio-economic aids are necessary to improve the nutritional status of under five children in the lower-middle class during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk Factors of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Incidence (Non-Covid-19): A Case Study in the Work Area of the Sukorejo Primary Healthcare Center, Pacitan Regency
Authors: Nurtanti Ratna , Azam Mahalul
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Acute Upper respiratory tract infection was the highest case among the other diseases in Sukorejo Primary Healthcare Center, Pacitan Regency. Health protocol policies have an impact on healthy living behavior, which can prevent COVID-19 and acute upper respiratory infection (non-COVID-19). Rumors in the community stated that all acute upper respiratory infections had been tested for COVID-19, and were declared positive for COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with acute upper respiratory tract infections (non-COVID-19).Methods: This study was conducted in an analytic observational method with a case-control study design. There were 61 subjects in the case and 61 subjects aged 26-65 years in the control groups. Sampling was done by simple random sampling for the case and purposive sampling for the control group. Data were analyzed by chi-square tests and logistic regression models.Results: Based on bivariate analysis, the inappropriate use of masks, smoking, inappropriate hand washing habits, high density on room occupancy, and inappropriate house ventilation area were the risk factors of acute upper respiratory tract infections (non-COVID-19). After controlling for the other variables, smoking habits (OR=2.723; 95%Cl=1.216-6.098; p=0.015), inappropriate house ventilation area (OR=2.569; 95%Cl=1.149-5.743; p=0.022), high density in room occupancy density (OR=2.425; 95%Cl=1.087-5.410; p =0.031) and the inappropriate use of masks (OR=2.320; 95%Cl=1.021-5.173; p=0.045) were the risk factors of acute upper respiratory tract infection (non-COVID-19) incidence.Conclusion: The risk factors of acute upper respiratory tract infection (non-COVID-19) incidence were smoking habits, inappropriate house ventilation, high density in room occupancy and the inappropriate use of masks
Ecogreen Peritoneal Dialysis Waste Disposal System: A Case Study from The Public Health Nursing Perspectives
Authors: Tukayo Isak Jurun Hans , Afzal Ridha , Korompis Martha Debora , Hardy Syaifoel , Kuswandari Shanti , Maulana David
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The increased amount of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) medical waste will harm the environment and humans around it, and so far there is no system. Many studies revealed more about how to handle medical waste. This study aims to identify hazardous and non-hazardous medical waste and to introduce an environmentally friendly PD disposal system.Methods: This research was a case study method with a descriptive design. The population and sample of PD waste were 40 patients in PD in South Sulawesi (n: 19) and Manado, North Sulawesi (n: 21), Indonesia. The instrument used was a document review with the PICO model as a filter. The instrument was used to filter reliable research documents obtained from Google Scholar for the last 5 years (2017-2022), with keywords: peritoneal dialysis, medical waste disposal, CAPD nurses. Nightingale’s Environment Theory was also used to support the analysis.Results: Collected 177 grams of PD medical waste or an average of 620 grams a day with a risk load of 6 out of 7 items. In a month, 18.6 kgs of PD medical waste will be collected. The waste is mixed (hazardous and non-hazardous) and potentially dangerous.Conclusion: This study recommended a disposal system that is not yet clear and there is no certainty about who is in charge. The combustion results can be used for ecogreen plant fertilizers where in its application it can involve public health nursing because of their close role in family and community health.
Ceramika malowana z wczesnej epoki żelaza vs. nowożytna ceramika biała. Rozważania o magii i o „odczarowaniu świata”
Authors: Markiewicz Małgorzata
Published: December 2022

The article contrasts two chronologically distinct groups of artifacts: painted ceramics from the Hallstatt period and the so-called white ceramics, produced until the end of modernity. They are related by means of the technique of covering a bright surface with colorful patterns and the stylistic similarity of certain geometric motifs. However, the ideas behind creating these pictorial representations were completely different. In the article, painted vessels from the Hallstatt period and modernity will be the starting point for detailed studies on magical and rational thinking about the world. It was in the Renaissance that, according to the concept of the sociologist and philosopher Max Weber (1864‒1920), a “disenchantment of the world”, took place ‒ e.g. the departure from the magical understanding of reality. Early Iron Age and Modernity ceramics will illustrate this process.