bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity evaluation of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR detection kits and strategy to reduce false negative
Authors: Zhou Yunying , Pei Fengyan , Ji Mingyu , Wang Li , Zhao Huailong , Li Huanjie , Yang Weihua , Wang Qingxi , Zhao Qianqian , Wang Yunshan
Published: November 2020

The early detection and differential diagnosis of respiratory infections increase the chances for successful control of COVID-19 disease. The nucleic acid RT-PCR test is regarded as the current standard for molecular diagnosis. However, the maximal specificity confirmation target ORF1ab gene is considered to be less sensitive than other targets in clinical application. In addition, recent evidence indicated that the initial missed diagnosis of asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 and discharged patients with “re-examination positive” might be due to low viral load, and the ability of rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2 also increases the rate of false-negative results. Moreover, the mixed sample nucleic acid detection is helpful in seeking out the early community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 rapidly, but the detection kit needs ultra-high detection sensitivity. Herein, the lowest detection concentration of different nucleic acid detection kits was evaluated and compared to provide direct evidence for the selection of kits for mixed sample detection or make recommendations for the selection of validation kit, which is of great significance for the prevention and control of the current epidemic and the discharge criteria of low viral load patients.
Estimating the effect of pretreatment loss to follow up on TB associated mortality at public health facilities in Uganda
Authors: Zawedde-Muyanja Stella , Musaazi Joseph , Manabe Yukari C. , Katamba Achilles , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Castelnuovo Barbara , Cattamanchi Adithya
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) mortality estimates derived only from cohorts of patients initiated on TB treatment do not consider outcomes of patients with pretreatment loss to follow-up (LFU). We aimed to assess the effect of pretreatment LFU on TB-associated mortality in the six months following TB diagnosis at public health facilities in Uganda.

Methods

At ten public health facilities, we retrospectively reviewed treatment data for all patients with a positive Xpert®MTB/RIF test result from January to June 2018. Pretreatment LFU was defined as not initiating TB treatment within two weeks of a positive test. We traced patients with pretreatment LFU to ascertain their vital status. We performed Kaplan Meier survival analysis to compare the cumulative incidence of mortality, six months after diagnosis among patients who did and did not experience pretreatment LFU. We also determined the health facility level estimates of TB associated mortality before and after incorporating deaths prior to treatment initiation among patients who experienced pretreatment LFU.

Results

Of 510 patients with positive test, 100 (19.6%) experienced pretreatment LFU. Of these, we ascertained the vital status of 49 patients. In the six months following TB diagnosis, mortality was higher among patients who experienced pretreatment LFU 48.1/1000py vs 22.9/1000py. Hazard ratio [HR] 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.61–6.30). After incorporating deaths prior to treatment initation among patients who experienced pretreatment LFU, health facility level estimates of TB associated mortality increased from 8.4% (95% CI 6.1%-11.6%) to 10.2% (95% CI 7.7%-13.4%).

Conclusion

Patients with confirmed TB who experience pretreatment LFU have high mortality within the first six months. Efforts should be made to prioritise linkage to treatment for this group of patients. Deaths that occur prior to treatment initation should be included when reporting TB mortality in order to more accurately reflect the health impact of TB.
Race, explicit racial attitudes, implicit racial attitudes, and COVID-19 cases and deaths: An analysis of counties in the United States
Authors: Cunningham George B. , Wigfall Lisa T.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To examine the potential moderating effects of explicit racial attitudes and implicit racial attitudes on the relationship between percent of Black county residents and COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Methods

We collected data from a variety of publicly available sources for 817 counties in the US. (26% of all counties). Cumulative COVID-19 deaths and cases from January 22 to August 31, 2020 were the dependent variables; explicit racial attitudes and implicit racial attitudes served as the moderators; subjective poor or fair health, food insecurity, percent uninsured, percent unemployed, median family income, percent women, percent of Asian county resident, percent of Hispanic county residents, and percent of people 65 or older were controls.

Results

The percent of Black county residents was positively associated with COVID-19 cases and deaths at the county level. The relationship between percent of Black residents and COVID-19 cases was moderated by explicit racial attitudes and implicit racial attitudes.

Conclusions

Implicit racial attitudes can take on a shared property at the community level and effectively explain racial disparities. COVID-19 cases are highest when both the percent of Black county residents and implicit racial attitudes are high.
Freshwater diatom biomonitoring through benthic kick-net metabarcoding
Authors: Maitland Victoria Carley , Robinson Chloe Victoria , Porter Teresita M. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: November 2020

Biomonitoring is an essential tool for assessing ecological conditions and informing management strategies. The application of DNA metabarcoding and high throughput sequencing has improved data quantity and resolution for biomonitoring of taxa such as macroinvertebrates, yet, there remains the need to optimise these methods for other taxonomic groups. Diatoms have a longstanding history in freshwater biomonitoring as bioindicators of water quality status. However, multi-substrate periphyton collection, a common diatom sampling practice, is time-consuming and thus costly in terms of labour. This study examined whether the benthic kick-net technique used for macroinvertebrate biomonitoring could be applied to bulk-sample diatoms for metabarcoding. To test this approach, we collected samples using both conventional multi-substrate microhabitat periphyton collections and bulk-tissue kick-net methodologies in parallel from replicated sites with different habitat status (good/fair). We found there was no significant difference in community assemblages between conventional periphyton collection and kick-net methodologies or site status, but there was significant difference between diatom communities depending on site (P = 0.042). These results show the diatom taxonomic coverage achieved through DNA metabarcoding of kick-net is suitable for ecological biomonitoring applications. The shift to a more robust sampling approach and capturing diatoms as well as macroinvertebrates in a single sampling event has the potential to significantly improve efficiency of biomonitoring programmes that currently only use the kick-net technique to sample macroinvertebrates.
Evaluation of the anatomical variations of the coronary venous system in patients with coronary artery calcification using 256-slice computed tomography
Authors: Bai Wei , Xu Xiao , Ji Haixia , Liu Jing , Ma Heng , Xie Haizhu , Dong Jianjun , Sun Chunjuan , Shi Yinghong , Che Kaili , Liu Meijie , Guo Yingkun
Published: November 2020

The factors that determine the anatomical variations of the coronary venous system (CVS) are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anatomical variations of the CVS in patients with coronary artery calcification. 196 patients underwent non-contrast CT and coronary CT angiography using 256-slice CT. All subjects were divided into four groups based on their coronary artery calcium score (CACS): 50 patients with CACS = 0 Agatston unit (AU), 52 patients with CACS = 1–100 AU, 44 patients with CACS = 101–400 AU, and 50 patients with CACS > 400 AU. The presence of the following cardiac veins was evaluated: the coronary sinus (CS), great cardiac vein (GCV), posterior interventricular vein (PIV), posterior vein of the left ventricle (PVLV), left marginal vein (LMV), anterior interventricular vein (AIV), and small cardiac vein (SCV). Vessel diameters were also measured. We found that the CS, GCV, PIV, and AIV were visualized in all patients, whereas the PVLV and LMV were identified in a certain proportion of patients: 98% and 96% in the CACS = 0 AU group, 100% and 78.8% in the CACS = 1–100 AU group, 93.2% and 77.3% in the CACS = 101–400 AU group, and 98% and 78% in the CACS > 400 AU group, respectively. The LMV was less often identified in the last three groups than in the first group (p < 0.05). The frequency of having either one PVLV or LMV was higher in the last three groups than in the first group (p < 0.05). No significant differences in vessel diameters were observed between the groups. It was concluded that patients with coronary artery calcification were less likely to have the LMV, which might hamper the left ventricular lead implantation in cardiac resynchronization therapy.
STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide-carrying microbubbles with pulsed ultrasound for enhanced therapeutic effect in head and neck tumors
Authors: Ramasamy Thiruganesh , Chen Xucai , Qin Bin , Johnson Daniel E. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Villanueva Flordeliza S.
Published: November 2020

Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor implicated in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and drug resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A decoy oligonucleotide targeting STAT3 offers a promising anti-tumor strategy, but achieving targeted tumor delivery of the decoy with systemic administration poses a significant challenge. We previously showed the potential for STAT3 decoy-loaded microbubbles, in conjunction with ultrasound targeted microbubble cavitation (UTMC), to decrease tumor growth in murine squamous cell carcinoma. As a next step towards clinical translation, we sought to determine the anti-tumor efficacy of our STAT3 decoy delivery platform against human HNSCC and the effect of higher STAT3 decoy microbubble loading on tumor cell inhibition. STAT3 decoy was loaded on cationic lipid microbubbles (STAT3-MB) or loaded on liposome-conjugated lipid microbubbles to form STAT3-loaded liposome-microbubble complexes (STAT3-LPX). UTMC treatment efficacy with these two formulations was evaluated in vitro using viability and apoptosis assays in CAL33 (human HNSCC) cells. Anti-cancer efficacy in vivo was performed in a CAL33 tumor murine xenograft model. UTMC with STAT3-MB caused significantly lower CAL33 cell viability compared to UTMC with STAT3-LPX (56.8±8.4% vs 84.5±8.8%, respectively, p<0.05). In vivo, UTMC with STAT3-MB had strong anti-tumor effects, with significantly less tumor burden and greater survival compared to that of UTMC with microbubbles loaded with a mutant control decoy and untreated control groups (p<0.05). UTMC with STAT3 decoy-loaded microbubbles significantly decreases human HNSSC tumor progression. These data set the stage for clinical translation of our microbubble platform as an imaged-guided, targeted delivery strategy for STAT3 decoy, or other nucleotide-based therapeutics, in human cancer treatment.
The recipes of Philosophy of Science: Characterizing the semantic structure of corpora by means of topic associative rules
Authors: Malaterre Christophe , Chartier Jean-François , Lareau Francis
Published: November 2020

Scientific articles have semantic contents that are usually quite specific to their disciplinary origins. To characterize such semantic contents, topic-modeling algorithms make it possible to identify topics that run throughout corpora. However, they remain limited when it comes to investigating the extent to which topics are jointly used together in specific documents and form particular associative patterns. Here, we propose to characterize such patterns through the identification of “topic associative rules” that describe how topics are associated within given sets of documents. As a case study, we use a corpus from a subfield of the humanities—the philosophy of science—consisting of the complete full-text content of one of its main journals:Philosophy of Science. On the basis of a pre-existing topic modeling, we develop a methodology with which we infer a set of 96 topic associative rules that characterize specific types of articles depending on how these articles combine topics in peculiar patterns. Such rules offer a finer-grained window onto the semantic content of the corpus and can be interpreted as “topical recipes” for distinct types of philosophy of science articles. Examining rule networks and rule predictive success for different article types, we find a positive correlation between topological features of rule networks (connectivity) and the reliability of rule predictions (as summarized by the F-measure). Topic associative rules thereby not only contribute to characterizing the semantic contents of corpora at a finer granularity than topic modeling, but may also help to classify documents or identify document types, for instance to improve natural language generation processes.
Non-antibiotic medication use in an Indonesian community cohort 0–18 months of age
Authors: At Thobari Jarir , Satria Cahya Dewi , Ridora Yohanes , Watts Emma , Handley Amanda , Standish Jane , Bachtiar Novilia S. , Buttery Jim P. , Soenarto Yati , Bines Julie E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Rational medication use for treatment is mandatory, particularly in children as they are vulnerable to possible hazards of drugs. Understanding the medication use pattern is of importance to identify the problems of drug therapy and to improve the appropriate use of medication among this population.

Methods

A post-hoc study of the RV3-BB Phase IIb trial to children aged 0–18 months which was conducted in Indonesia during January 2013 to July 2016. Any concomitant medication use and health events among 1621 trial participants during the 18 months of follow-up were documented. Information on medication use included the frequency, formulation, indication, duration of usage, number of regimens, medication types, and therapeutic classes.

Results

The majority of participants (N = 1333/1621; 82.2%) used at least one non-antibiotic medication for treatment during the 18-month observation period. A total of 7586 medication uses were recorded, mostly in oral formulation (90.5%). Of all illnesses recorded, 24.7% were treated with a single drug regimen of non-antibiotic medication. The most common therapeutic classes used were analgesics/antipyretics (30.1%), antihistamines for systemic use (17.4%), cough and cold preparations (13.5%), vitamins (8.6%), and antidiarrheals (6.6%). The main medication types used were paracetamol (29.9%), chlorpheniramine (16.8%), guaifenesin (8.9%), zinc (4.6%), and ambroxol (4.1%). Respiratory system disorder was the most common reason for medication use (51.9%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (19.2%), pyrexia (16.9%), and skin disorders (7.0%).

Conclusion

A large number of children were exposed to at least one medication during their early life, including those where evidence of efficacy and safety in a pediatric population is lacking. This supports the need for further research on pediatric drug therapy to improve the appropriate use of medication in this population.
The acute effect of wearable resistance load and placement upon change of direction performance in soccer players
Authors: Istvan Rydså Johannes , van den Tillaar Roland
Published: November 2020

The aim of the study was to examine the acute effect of different lower limb wearable resistance on placement (shank vs thigh) and various loads (1−5% of body mass) upon change of direction (COD) ability. Twelve male soccer players (age: 23.3 ± 2.5 years; height: 179.2 ± 7.4 cm; body mass: 78.3 ± 7.1 kg) performed a change of direction test with different additional loads fixed on either the shank or thigh. Measurement consisted of total time, 90° and 45° split times. large effects of the different wearable resistance placement (p<0.05) and load (p<0.001) were found for total and split change of direction time performance. Change of direction times were higher with shank loading compared with thigh loading. It was concluded that lower limb wearable resistance loading with different loads had an acute effect upon change of direction performance in male soccer players. Furthermore, that distal placement (shank vs thigh) with similar body mass load had a larger effect upon COD performance.
On the agreement between bibliometrics and peer review: Evidence from the Italian research assessment exercises
Authors: Baccini Alberto , Barabesi Lucio , De Nicolao Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes the concordance between bibliometrics and peer review. It draws evidence from the data of two experiments of the Italian governmental agency for research evaluation. The experiments were performed by the agency for validating the adoption in the Italian research assessment exercises of a dual system of evaluation, where some outputs were evaluated by bibliometrics and others by peer review. The two experiments were based on stratified random samples of journal articles. Each article was scored by bibliometrics and by peer review. The degree of concordance between the two evaluations is then computed. The correct setting of the experiments is defined by developing the design-based estimation of the Cohen’s kappa coefficient and some testing procedures for assessing the homogeneity of missing proportions between strata. The results of both experiments show that for each research areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics the degree of agreement between bibliometrics and peer review is—at most—weak at an individual article level. Thus, the outcome of the experiments does not validate the use of the dual system of evaluation in the Italian research assessments. More in general, the very weak concordance indicates that metrics should not replace peer review at the level of individual article. Hence, the use of the dual system in a research assessment might worsen the quality of information compared to the adoption of peer review only or bibliometrics only.
Stable and efficient immobilization of bi-enzymatic NADPH cofactor recycling system under consecutive microwave irradiation
Authors: Chen Rong , Wei Qiuhui , Wei Xin , Liu Yuheng , Zhang Xiaomin , Chen Xiabin , Yin Xiaopu , Xie Tian
Published: November 2020

One of the challenges in biocatalysis is the development of stable and efficient bi-enzymatic cascades for bio-redox reactions coupled to the recycling of soluble cofactors. Aldo-keto reductase (LEK) and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) can be utilized as the NADPH recycling system for economic and efficient biocatalysis of (R)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate ((R)-CHBE), an important chiral pharmaceutical intermediate. The LEK and GDH was efficiently co-immobilized in mesocellular siliceous foams (MCFs) under microwave irradiation (CoLG-MIA). while they were also co-immobilized by entrapment in calcium alginate without MIA as control (CoLG-CA). The relative activity of CoLG-MIA was increased to 140% compared with that of free LEK. The CoLG-MIA exhibited a wider range of pH and temperature stabilities compared with other preparations. The thermal, storage and batch operational stabilities of microwave-assisted immobilized LEK-GDH were also improved. The NADPH recycling system exhibited the potential as the stable and efficient catalyst for the industrial preparation of (R)-CHBE.
Morphology and taxonomic status of Aedes aegypti populations across Senegal
Authors: Diouf Babacar , Dia Ibrahima , Sene Ndeye Marie , Ndiaye El Hadji , Diallo Mawlouth , Diallo Diawo
Published: November 2020

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya viruses to humans. In Africa, two subspecies, Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa) and Ae. aegypti formosus (Aaf) have been described. Until very recently, it was considered that the two forms were sympatric in East Africa and that only Aaf was present in Central and West Africa. However, recent data suggests that Aaa was also common in Senegal without any clear evidence of genetic differences with Aaf. This study was carried out in different Ae. aegypti populations from Senegal to better clarify their taxonomic status. The larvae, pupae and eggs were collected between July and September 2018 and reared individually to adult stage. For each population, F1 progeny from eggs laid by a single female F0 were reared as sibling samples. The number of pale scales on the first abdominal tergite (T1) and the basal part of the second tergite (T2) were counted. Individuals with no pale scale on T1 were classified as Aaf while those with at least one pale scale on this tergite were classified as Aaa. The morphological variations within families of Aaf were studied across 4 generations. In total, 2400 individuals constituting 240 families were identified, of which 42.5% were heterogeneous (families with both forms). Multivariate statistical analysis of variance including T1 and T2 data together showed that populations were significantly different from each other. Statistical analysis of T1 alone showed a similarity between populations from the southeast while variations were observed within northwest population. The analysis of family composition across generations showed the presence of Aaa and Aaf forms in each generation. The classification of Ae. aegypti into two subspecies is invalid in Senegal. Populations exhibit morphological polymorphism at the intra-family level that could have biological and epidemiological impacts.
Anti-Fandom: Dislike and Hate in the Digital Age, Melissa A. Click (ed.) (2018)
Authors: Sheldon Zachary
Published: November 2020

Review of: Anti-Fandom: Dislike and Hate in the Digital Age, Melissa A. Click (ed.) (2018)

New York: New York University Press, 352 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47985-104-1, p/bk, $30.00
Inclusión social de las personas con discapacidad: estudio piloto en el contexto laboral del papel mediador de la autodeterminación entre el conflicto de rol y la inclusión social
Authors: Salvador-Ferrer Carmen María
Published: November 2020

En este estudio se pretende conocer la calidad de vida que tienen los trabajadores con discapacidad respecto a la inclusión social, así como si los problemas existentes en el trabajo (conflicto de rol) consideran que son determinantes en dicha inclusión. Además, proponemos un modelo donde se plantea que la autodeterminación tiene un efecto mediador entre el conflicto de rol y la inclusión social. El trabajo se ha realizado con un total de 51 trabajadores con discapacidad pertenecientes a un Centro Especial de Empleo que prestan un servicio de limpieza en la Administración Pública. Los resultados indican que los trabajadores valoran la inclusión social y que el conflicto de rol puede afectar a su inclusión social. Además, los hallazgos respaldan el modelo propuesto, ofreciendo una orientación para conseguir la inclusión social del colectivo con discapacidad. Al final planteamos las implicaciones prácticas del presente trabajo y, también, se debate en torno al relevante papel que desempeña el trabajo en la inclusión social.
Efectos de un programa de Educación Física en el aprendizaje de alumnado universitario con discapacidad intelectual
Authors: Cañadas Laura , Calle-Molina María Teresa
Published: November 2020

Esta investigación busca conocer qué aprendizajes de carácter declarativo ha adquirido el alumnado con discapacidad intelectual tras la participación en un programa de Educación Física a través de la metodología de Aprendizaje-Servicio y, además, valorar su percepción sobre el impacto que el desarrollo de este programa ha tenido en sus relaciones con otros estudiantes de la Facultad. Participaron 34 estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual que cursaban el Programa Promentor en el curso 2019/2020 en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. La información se recogió a través de diarios de aprendizaje del alumnado tras cada intervención y de asambleas al final de cada cuatrimestre. La información se analizó con el software MAXQDA v.2020. Los resultados muestran que los aprendizajes curriculares adquiridos propios del área estaban relacionados con los contenidos de salvamento acuático, hockey y habilidades gimnásticas y los aprendizajes transversales tenían que ver con el trabajo en equipo y el comportamiento cívico; los aprendizajes útiles para la vida diaria se identificaron con los contenidos de salvamento acuático y primeros auxilios, y, por último, se valoró muy positivamente la relación con el alumnado de grado en esta experiencia.
Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone on Bligon goat oocyte maturation and embryonic development post in vitro fertilization
Authors: Widayati Diah Tri , Pangestu Mulyoto
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Bligon goat is a crossbreed between Etawah and Kacang goat. This crossbreed goat is mostly reared by small farmers. In vitro maturation allows female goat (does) contributes toward reproduction despite the fact that the animal has been slaughtered. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro maturation rate of Bligon goat oocytes supplemented with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and their ability for further embryonic development after in vitro fertilization.

Materials and Methods: Experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, using Bligon goat ovaries obtained from local slaughterhouse around Yogyakarta. One thousand five hundred cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 24 h in tissue culture medium 199 supplemented with 50 IU/L FSH or without FSH (control). First, matured oocytes were evaluated its morphology based on the expansion of cumulus cells and PB1 extrusion. Next, 600 oocytes were then stained with 1% aceto-orcein to examine maturation based on changes in the configuration of chromosomes and nuclear membrane breakdown. Oocytes were considered mature when they reached metaphase II. To prove the ability of mature oocytes to develop into embryos, 900 oocytes were processed for fertilization in vitro. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance.

Results: The results indicated that FSH supplementation significantly increased oocyte maturation rate (65.21±7.26 vs. 43.25±6.23%) as indicated by extrusion of PB1 and homologous chromosome pairing and lined in the equator. The rate of degeneration was lower in the FSH-supplemented medium (3.21±0.25 vs. 10.17±3.15%). The blastocyst stage of oocyte developed embryos was reached by 12.43±2.15% and 22.28±4.86% of the control and treatment groups, respectively.

Conclusion: FSH supplementation significantly improves oocyte maturation and yields mature oocytes for future embryo development in vitro.
VARIABILITY OF THE CONTENT OF FLAVONOIDS AND POLYSACCHARIDES OF BIDENS CERNUA HERB.
Authors: Karazhan Natal'ya Valer'yevna
Published: November 2020

The aim of the research was to study the variability of the content of polysaccharides and flavonoids of Bidens cernua herb, depending on the terms of harvesting, drying conditions and place of growth on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. It was shown that the maximum polysaccharide content was observed in the phase of budding and mass flowering of the plant. Unlike polysaccharides, the content of flavonoids in the budding phase was significantly lower than in the mass flowering phase (p<0.05), which accounts for the maximum content of flavonoids, and in particular, luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The highest polysaccharide content was noted for raw plant materials undergone natural drying or at 40 and 60 °C without ventilation. An increase in the drying temperature or the use of ventilation during drying led to a significant decrease in the content of this group of biologically active substances. The content of flavonoids of Bidens cernua herb, dried at elevated temperature with ventilation, regardless of the drying temperature used, was higher than the content of this group of biologically active substances in comparison with samples of raw plant materials subjected to natural drying (p<0.05). A higher flavonoid content was also noted for Bidens cernua herb, dried without ventilation at 40 and 60 °C. The content of polysaccharides and flavonoids of Bidens cernua herb, depending on the harvesting region, varied between 35.64–90.52 mg/g and 23.11–49.86 mg/g, respectively, and was most dependent on the amount of precipitation per year region. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended to harvest Bidens cernua herb during mass flowering and to dry at 40 °C without ventilation.
CHEMICAL ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM – STANDARDIZED CHEMICAL ELE-MENTS (As, Cd, Hg, Pb)
Authors: Zagurskaya Yuliya Vasil'yevna , Siromlya Tat'yana Ivanovna
Published: November 2020

Revealing the specificity of the accumulation of ChEs, which are among the most toxic, is of not only theoretical, but also practical importance – for the development and confirmation of safety standards for medicinal plant raw materials. This is especially true for plants exhibiting the ability to accumulate elements, for example, Hypericum perforatum L., one of the specific features of which is the ability to accumulate Cd. The aim of the work is to study the content of standardized chemical elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in Hypericum perforatum plants in the south of Western Siberia and to assess the quality of Herba Hyperici medicinal plant raw materials; on the basis of the obtained data and literature data, to reveal the features of the accumulation of these elements in H. perforatum plants of the Eurasian region. 100 samples of the aboveground and 60 samples of the underground part of H. perforatum from Western Siberia (Novosibirsk region, Kemerovo region, Republic of Altai) were studied: Pb and Cd were determined after dry ashing by atomic emission spectrometry, As – according to GOST R 51766-2001, Hg – according to GOST R 53183-2008. Statistically significant differences in the total ChE content in different samples are not manifested, the maximum levels of Cd and Pb are noted both in samples from disturbed ecotopes and in control variants, the As and Hg content is below the detection limit. The amount of Pb in H. perforatum plants and Cd in underground organs does not exceed the MPC for medicinal plant raw materials and dietary supplements, the concentration of Cd in the aerial part of H. perforatum grass can be both higher and significantly lower than the MPC. The minimum degree of the transition of ChE into extracts is observed in plants with a high content of total ash and a residue insoluble in 10% HCl. The extractability of Cd into dosage forms is low, which indicates the need to develop MPCs for available (biologically active) forms of ChE in medicinal plant raw materials.
AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF FRUITS SILYBUM MARIANUM, GROWING IN THE TERRITORY OF THE RE-PUBLIC OF DAGESTAN
Authors: Ramazanov Arsen Shamsudinovich , Balaeva Shamsiyat Abdulmedzhidovna
Published: November 2020

The object of the study was partially skimmed fruits (meal) of milk Thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.], growing on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan. The aim of the study was to determine the protein content in the meal of milk Thistle fruits and its amino acid composition; assessment of the biological value of the studied protein. It was found that partially skimmed fruits of milk Thistle contain 21.72% protein, which is about 2 times more than the seeds of grain crops. The composition of milk Thistle protein by ion exchange and liquid chromatography identified and quantified 18 amino acids, including all essential amino acids, which account for 30.11% of the protein. In the composition of the protein in greater quantities than in the protein standard found essential amino acids: phenylalanine+tyrosine, threonine, isoleucine and valine. Arginine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine, and serine have been found to be the most abundant of the amino acids in milk Thistle protein. It is established that the protein of milk Thistle fruits is comparable to the protein of winter wheat and rye varieties by formal indicators of biological value, and significantly exceeds the protein of sunflower meal.
METHOD FOR QUANTIFYING THE AMOUNT OF PHENYLPROPANOIDS IN STEVIA RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Kurdyukov Evgeniy Evgen'yevich , Vodop'yanova Ol'ga Aleksandrovna , Mitishev Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Moiseev Yakov Petrovich , Semenova Elena Fedorovna
Published: November 2020

Dried stevia leaves (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) were used as objects of research. Four samples of stevia raw materials of different origin were studied: No. 1 (Russia, Penza region), No. 2 (Russia, Republic of Crimea), No. 3 (Paraguay), No. 4 (India). The purpose of this work is to develop a method for quantifying the amount of phenylpropanoids in stevia leaves.

Quantitative determination of the amount of phenylpropanoids in stevia leaves by direct spectrophotometry was carried out. Thin-layer chromatography was used to confirm the presence of phenylpropanoids in stevia leaves. The presence of phenylpropanoids in stevia leaf extracts was confirmed by direct spectrophotometry, the analytical maxima of the compounds studied were determined – 290 and 330 nm. The optimal conditions of extraction of phenylpropanoids from raw materials of this plant (extractant – ethyl alcohol 70%; ratio "raw material–extractant" – 1 : 100; extraction time – 45 min; the degree of grinding of raw materials – 1.0 mm). It was determined that the error of a single determination of the content of phenylpropanoids in stevia leaves with a confidence probability of 95% is ±0.44%. It was found that the content of phenylpropanoids in stevia varies in the range of 6.73–10.51%.
INVESTIGATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF COMPLEXATION OF MANGANESE (II) IONS WITH DIHY-DROQUERCETIN IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
Authors: Stolpovskaya Yelena Vladimirovna , Trofimova Natalya Nikolaevna , Babkin Vasily Anatolyevich , Khutsishvili Spartak Spiridonovich , Zhitov Roman Georgievich , Chuparina Yelena Vladimirovna , Maltsev Artem Sergeevich
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this work was to study and optimize the complexation reaction of Mn2+ ions with flavonoid dihydroquercetin (DHQ) in aqueous solutions. It was found that the interaction of DHQ (0.015–0.030 M) with manganese (II) salts at molar ratios of DHQ : Mn2+ from 1 : 1 to 1 : 3 at pH 6.9–7.9 leads to the formation of a complex compound (CC) with a stoichiometric ratio of metal : flavonoid ligand (Met : L) 1 : 1. The conditions for the complexation of Mn2+ ions with dihydroquercetin at laboratory conditions optimized for the yield of the product, are proposed. The maximum yield of the complex (95%) was achieved at the interaction of DHQ with Mn(CH3COO)2∙4H2O under conditions: pH 7.7, 70 °C, the reaction time was 15 min, the molar ratio of the initial reagents DHQ: Mn2+ was 1 : 1.5, the initial concentrations were 0.020 M DHQ and 0.030 M Mn2+. The most probable composition of the complex with the determination of the amount of bound water [MnL(OH)(H2O)2] and the structure of the complex were established using the data of thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental analysis and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), confirmed by the data of total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF), and EPR spectroscopy data.
ABOUT TRAINING IN THE DETERMINATION OF TOCOPHEROLS IN VEGETABLE RAW MATERIAL BY HPLC
Authors: Petrova Svetlana Nikolayevna , Maksimova Irina Aleksandrovna , Yeshchenko Anastasiya Ruslanovna , Mineyeva Yelena Mikhaylovna
Published: November 2020

Tocopherols, which are important biologically active substances, play the role of antioxidants. Synthesized tocopherols are usually in esterified form; their sample preparation for quantification by high performance liquid chromatography includes high temperature alkaline hydrolysis. Sample preparation of oil-containing objects having natural tocopherols in an unesterified form is carried out by direct extraction in a non-polar solvent. In this work, we determined the content of tocopherols in natural materials (the method of analysis of viscous particles) using the alkaline hydrolysis method and the direct extraction method in a non-polar solvent. It was shown that the use of normal-phase HPLC with a prepared extraction sample in hexane and low-temperature exposure allows us to determine both the total content of tocopherols and its individual forms. This option is less time consuming, requires fewer reagents, which significantly affects the cost of the analysis. It is possible to determine only the total number of tocopherols. At the same time, overestimated results were obtained, which are probably associated with the destructive destruction of both tocopherols and tocotrienols present in plants of plant origin, and one large peak, including all products, is observed in the chromatograms.
COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF SIBERIAN FIR ABIES SIBIRICA LDB., GROWING IN DIF-FERENT AREAS OF THE KIROV REGION
Authors: Solovyova Evgeniya Sergeyevna , Adamovich Tat'yana Anatol'yevna
Published: November 2020

Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ldb.) Is a raw material for obtaining valuable essential oil. A change in the composition of the plant's essential oil can serve as a sign of the ecological disadvantage of the territory. The aim of the work was to study the composition and physicochemical properties of Siberian fir essential oil, which grows in different regions of the Kirov region. Sampling sites were distinguished by their location, climate and level of anthropogenic load. Essential oil was obtained by steam distillation. Samples were studied by organoleptic and physicochemical properties, their composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was established that the acid number was increased in the obtained oil samples, and oxygen-containing derivatives of terpenes (bornyl acetate) prevailed in their composition. Especially a lot of oxygen-containing substances was found in fir essential oil, which grows in large industrial centers of the region (the cities of Kirov and Kirovo-Chepetsk). The predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons (camphene, limonene) was found in the composition of fir essential oil from the village of Ilyinskoye. Sesquiterpenoids in the samples were contained in a small amount, and camphor was noted only in the sample of fir oil from the village of Loino. The study confirms the data that with increasing pollution of the territory in the composition of the essential oil of Siberian fir, the share of bornyl acetate and other oxygen-containing compounds begins to increase.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF BROWN ALGAE OF THE WHITE AND YELLOW SEAS
Authors: Bogolitsin Konstantin Grigor'yevich , Parshina Anastasiya Eduardovna , Druzhinina Anna Sergeyevna , Shulgina Elena Valer'yevna
Published: November 2020

Brown algae are a valuable source of a variety of biologically active compounds. Their accumulation is influenced by many environmental factors in which macrophytes grow. The purpose of this study is to carry out comparative studies of the general chemical composition of brown algae in the White and Yellow Seas to substantiate the possibility of their use as raw materials for obtaining new pharmaceutical substances. Using the proposed scheme, which involves sequential supercritical fluid, acid, alkaline and water extraction, it was possible to isolate various components of brown algae, including a protein-polysaccharide complex, which in the case of the species Laminaria digitata and Laminaria saccharina is more than 80% cellulose and squirrel. The data obtained by FTIR spectroscopy confirm the qualitative composition of the complexes and also indicate its purity. Significant differences were revealed in the chemical elemental and component composition, which are affected by the growing conditions of macrophytes. The resulting chemical compounds from brown algae biomass, in particular the protein-polysaccharide complex, have a high potential for obtaining new pharmacological preparations based on them for health protection purposes. Based on the previously obtained data, it can be assumed that this complex has a double activity – enterosorption and immunomodulatory.
OPTIMIZATION OF EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY OF PEGANUM HARMALA L. ROOTS
Authors: Adekenov Sergazy Mynzhasarovich , Khabarov Il'ya Anatol'yevich , Iskakov Adaybek
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is to develop an effective and economical technology for extracting the sum of extractive substances from raw materials of Peganum harmala L. roots by percolation method.

The plant material is the roots of Peganum harmala L., collected in October 2017 in the vicinity of the village of Akshi (Almaty region, Kazakhstan). Maceration was carried out on the pilot unit ERSND-1 (Karaganda, Kazakhstan). Percolation was carried out on extractor P-250 (Tomsk, Russia). Quantitative analysis of the content of harmine in the amount of extractive substances was determined by HPLC with a UV-detector method.

Various factors affecting the efficiency of extracting the sum of alkaloids from the roots of Peganum harmala L. by maceration and percolation method are reviewed and compared in this work. It has been established that percolation is the preferred extraction method for the sum of extractive substances, which makes it possible to reduce the extraction process by 5 times compared to maceration. The optimal processing parameters and grinding of raw materials of Peganum harmala L. roots, as well as the technological parameters of extraction, providing a quantitative yield of the sum of alkaloids were established.

The studies show the promise of using the percolation method and the need for further work on the implementation of the developed technology for the extraction of Peganum harmala L. alkaloids in the production of the substance of the neurotropic drug "Harmine hydrochloride".
Cryptography in Banking Sector
Authors: Soman Akhil
Published: November 2020

The development of cryptographic techniques has seen a lot of applications in the banking industry. In this blog we see some of the major cryptographic techniques which has been used extensively in the banking industry, for the implementation of data security norms and the fulfillment of compliance requirements.
mRNA Vaccine: The Next Generation Vaccine Revolution in Medical Science & Vaccinology
Authors: Patel Mahnoor
Published: November 2020

Vaccination is one of the major success stories of modern medicine. It has the ability for reducing the incidence of infectious diseases such as measles, and helps in eradicating others like smallpox. Conventional vaccine approaches have not been as effective against rapidly evolving pathogens like influenza or emerging disease threats such as the Ebola, Zika Viruses or Novel Coronavirus. RNA based vaccines could have an impact in these areas due to their shorter manufacturing times and greater effectiveness. Beyond infectious diseases RNA vaccines have potential as Novel therapeutic options for major disease such as cancer for development of personalized medicine. At the time of epidemic like Ebola or pandemic like 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) mRNA vaccine technology is the most effective way to develop a vaccine at the possible earliest time. As compared to the traditional way of vaccine development, next generation technology for developing vaccine is more essential. A novel pandemic cause by virus has been reported in Wuhan, China; in late December 2019. Within time duration of few weeks, the newly identified virus designated as 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and it was declared as pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). At the time of late January 2020, WHO announced it as the international emergency outbreak because of the rapid spread and increases at the global level. There is no any preventive vaccine is present or any approved therapy/treatment for this viral emergency which is very infectious globally. The principle behind RNA vaccine is to use natural mRNA as a data carrier which can give instructions to the human body for the production of its proteins to fight against various diseases. RNA based vaccines provide good safety when it comes to their delivery in the cytoplasm. RNA vaccines comprise as mRNA vaccine which can offer robust safety profile with minimal genetic construction to express the desired antigen. There are few mRNA vaccines which were developed by few Biotechnology companies, showing positive results against COVID-19 and it is there in 4th phase clinical trial which possibly be the first vaccine available in the market in between mid-2021.
Bairros de classes econômicas distintas apresentam iguais indicadores de salubridade ambiental? Estudo de caso: Patos de Minas-MG
Authors: Soares Mariana De Fatima , Menezes Filho Frederico Carlos Martins de
Published: November 2020

O acesso ao saneamento ambiental possibilita qualidade de vida e dignidade ao ser humano. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho faz uma avaliação da relação entre a renda média mensal e a salubridade ambiental através da aplicação do Indicador de Salubridade Ambiental (ISA) em bairros de distintas classes econômicas na cidade de Patos de Minas-MG. Para isso, foram utilizados dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), da Prefeitura Municipal e da companhia de saneamento para o cálculo dos Indicadores de Abastecimento de Água, Esgoto Sanitário, Resíduos Sólidos, Drenagem Urbana, Controle de Vetores e Socioeconômico. Dos oito bairros analisados, apenas um apresentou média salubridade, enquanto os demais baixa salubridade. O Indicador Socioeconômico foi o mais decisivo para tal classificação. Em paralelo, destaca-se a nulidade para o Indicador de Drenagem Urbana, evidenciando a necessidade de ações prioritárias para implantação de novas estruturas e manutenção das existentes. Conclui-se que o acesso ao saneamento ambiental diverge entre os bairros em função da renda média contrapondo à universalização tão desejada por todos e preconizada pela lei do saneamento.
Simulação matemática do transporte de óleo mineral isolante na zona vadosa considerando a constante dielétrica e o índice de plasticidade
Authors: Patricio Muriel Edyth Lumsden Szymanski , Schneider Marcio Roberto , Miotliński Konrad Ziemowit , Giachini Admir José , Quadros Alzete Martins
Published: November 2020

Acidentes ou falhas em equipamentos elétricos em subestações de energia podem resultar em vazamentos de óleo mineral isolante (OMI), ocasionando contaminação do solo e da água subterrânea. A modelagem matemática é uma importante ferramenta para a previsão dos impactos destes vazamentos e para a determinação do tempo de resposta das ações emergenciais. Um dos simuladores mais utilizados neste processo é o Hydrocarbon Spill Screening Model (HSSM), distribuído pela U.S.EPA. Contudo, esse e outros modelos baseados na equação de Nutting (1934), não consideram o efeito da constante dielétrica na determinação da mobilidade dos contaminantes. O objetivo deste estudo contemplou a avaliação da influência da constante dielétrica na modelagem matemática de OMI e analisou a simulação de derramamento de OMI em cinco subestações de energia elétrica com o simulador Hydrocarbon Spill Screening Model (HSSM). Os resultados indicaram que em solos constituídos de argilas expansivas, a inclusão da constante dielétrica na modelagem matemática do transporte na zona vadosa pode representar um acréscimo de até três ordens de grandeza à condutividade hidráulica ao OMI, influenciando as ações de contingenciamento ambiental ponderadas sobre essas estimativas.