bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rehabilitation workforce in Brazil
Authors: Sixel Taciana Rocha dos Santos , Bernardo Debora , Medeiros Arthur de Almeida , Bousquat Aylene , Mota Paulo Henrique dos Santos , Schmitt Ana Carolina Basso
Published: August 2023

Background: Demand for rehabilitation services has been increasing due to the increase of individuals with functional impairment. It is essential to know the supply of the rehabilitation workforce to better plan the health system to meet the health needs of the population.
Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists across the levels of care within the Brazilian Unified Health System and its regions.
Method: This is an ecological time series study on the supply of rehabilitation professionals. Data were obtained from the National Register of Health Establishments from 2007 to 2020. The density of professionals was calculated per 10,000 inhabitants per year for Brazil and its five regions. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trends of the density of professionals, considering the 95% confidence interval.
Results: In 2020, the most notable concentrations of psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists in Brazil were observed in the domain of Specialized Health Care, with densities of 0.60, 0.20, and 0.16 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants, respectively. Conversely, the highest density of physical therapists was found in the context of Hospital Health Care, with a density of 1.19 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants. Notably, variations in professional distribution across different regions were apparent. Primary Health Care exhibited the highest density of professionals in the Northeast region, while the Southern region accounted for the highest densities in all professional categories within Specialized Health Care. The southeast region demonstrated the largest workforce within Hospital Health Care. A considerable increase in the availability of professionals was observed across all categories, with the most substantial growth seen in the occupational therapy sector within hospital care (AAPC: 30.8), despite its low density.
Conclusion: The implementation of public health policies has played a significant role in the expansion of the rehabilitation workforce at all three levels of care in Brazil and its various regions from 2007 to 2020. Consequently, regional disparities and densities of professionals have emerged, resembling patterns observed in low-income countries.
Adaptive changes of seminal root and coleoptile length in wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum (C. Koch) Thell.) over a period of 23 years in Jordan
Authors: Al-Hajaj Nawal , Harb Amal , Alomari Nawar , Salah Buthinah , Alhasanat Israa , Jarvis Devra , Al-Shamaa Khaled , Ceccarelli Salvatore , Grando Stefania
Published: August 2023

In the context of climate change, drought is a critical challenge that drastically limits the growth and productivity of barley. Seminal roots and coleoptile play an important role in crop establishment and growth. This study assessed the adaptive changes at an early stage of development using a resurrection approach on 40 populations of Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum (C. Koch) that were collected in 1991 and recollected from the same sites in 2014. Significant genetic variability (P < 0.001) was detected for seminal shoot and root traits assessed based on collection sites and with collection-time interactions. All traits except root length showed an increase in broad-sense heritability (h2) and diversity in the population collected in 2014, with root number and first leaf length showing the highest values (68% and 57%, respectively). The two populations diverged into two distinctive structure categories: a conserved structure and an evolved structure. Moreover, the populations revealed a trend in evolution by grouping according to their eco-geographical pattern, such as a better shoot and seminal roots traits expression that allows the plant to respond to increases in drought from the north to the south over time. These results provide useful information on the responses of crop wild relatives to environmental pressures and highlight the importance of in-situ conservation in the context of climate change adaptation and sustainability of crop improvement.
Performance of a winter wheat composite cross population in two temperate agroforestry systems – a Swiss case study
Authors: Hond-Vaccaro Christina den , Mascher Fabio , Six Johan , Schöb Christian
Published: August 2023

In agroforestry systems (AFS), where environmental conditions are highly variable at small spatial scales, the use of uniform genetic material of a single cultivar commonly grown in monoculture cropping might not be optimal. However, the use of composite cross populations (CCPs) that contain an inherent genetic variability might be a promising approach under the environmental variability created by trees in AFS. In this experimental trial, the performance of a CCP (‘CC-2k’) of winter wheat was compared to a commercial variety (‘Wiwa’) in a split-plot design at two AFS (Feusisberg and Wollerau) in Central Switzerland. The factor variety (p < 0.05) and the interactions of site and distance to tree (p < 0.05) and site and variety (p < 0.05) significantly affected wheat yield at the plot level. In Feusisberg, CC-2k and Wiwa yield (across all distances) amounted to 1.9 ± 0.7 Mg ha− 1and 2.0 ± 0.8 Mg ha− 1, respectively, while in Wollerau, to 1.9 ± 0.9 Mg ha− 1and 0.7 ± 0.4 Mg ha− 1, respectively. Wiwa had a higher protein, Fe and Ca content than CC-2k. Therefore, while the CC-2k outperformed Wiwa in terms of yield in one of the two AFS, Wiwa outperformed CC-2k in terms of quality. Thus, the composite cross population might be better adapted to the heterogenous environment of agroforestry systems but fails to reach the high-quality product of modern cultivars. Further improvements in terms of quality might make CCPs a viable option for diversified agricultural systems with larger environmental heterogeneity than common monoculture cropping systems.
Direct Injection Flame Synthesis of Pure and Mg doped Manganese oxide nanoparticles for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity against Methylene Blue
Authors: Prabhu P. Sivarama , Kathirvel P. , Maruthamani D. , Ram S.D. Gopal
Published: August 2023

In this work, Manganese oxide (α-MnO2) and Magnesium doped Manganese oxide (Mg:MnO2) nanoparticles were synthesized using Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg) metal powders by the ultrafast single step Direct Injection Flame Synthesis method (DIFS) and successfully tested for ultraviolet (UV) light assisted photocatalytic degradation against a cationic dye (Methylene blue (MB)). Then, utilizing a range of characterization techniques, the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, α-MnO2 and Mg:MnO2 nanoparticles possess pure tetragonal phases, and when Mg is doped with MnO2, their average crystallite size decreases moderately. Raman spectroscopic confirms the active vibration modes of the synthesized nanomaterials and the oxygen vacancy sites created due to the Mg dopant with α-MnO2. From the field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM) investigation, both the nanomaterials have regular, crystalline, and nanosphere structures, and the EDX(energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic) data shows that the prepared sample is free from contaminants. Bandgap of Mg:MnO2 is decreased reasonably by Mg doping and the wavelength dependent absorbance curve had a red shift, which was validated by UV-vis spectroscopic investigation. Mg:MnO2 is around 86%, while the efficiency of MB breakdown by α-MnO2 is found to be 82%. Investigations into the photocatalytic mechanism also show that the roles of OH− and O2− are crucial, whereas the role of h+ is rather low. The ability of the catalyst to be recycled was assessed for five times without noticeably diminishing activity. We believe that our findings, may lead to a novel synthesis of α-MnO2 and Mg:MnO2 nanoparticles for applications in photocatalysis.
Investigating temporal variability and influence of condition on fecundity of spotted wolfish (Anarhichas minor) in Icelandic waters
Authors: Gunnarsson Ásgeir , Kennedy James , Elvarsson Bjarki , Grétarsdóttir Anna
Published: August 2023

To investigate inter- and intra- annual differences in fecundity, the influence of condition on fecundity and time scale of ovary development, 150 female Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas minor) were sampled in Icelandic waters from 2006–2021. Backwards extrapolation of oocyte size indicates that vitellogenesis begins in December and is likely completed after 8–10 months. There was no evidence of either intra- or inter-annual differences in fecundity, indicating that down-regulation is minimal and that fecundity of spotted wolffish is stable between years. A positive relationship between oocytes size and fish length was detected, while body condition and hepatosomatic index had only a small influence on fecundity in comparison with weight. There was a negative relationship between length and relative fecundity and the exponent of the fecundity–length relationship was lower than exponent of the weight–length relationship. Therefore, total egg production is likely not proportional to the spawning stock biomass of spotted wolffish, and unusually, total egg production would decrease with increasing proportion of larger fish in the population.
Urban-rural differences in the successful aging among the elders in China
Authors: Song Keying , zhao Zijian
Published: August 2023

Objectives:
The aim of the present work was to compare successful aging between the Chinese elders living in urban and rural areas using a multidimensional model of successful aging including both biomedical and non-medical components.
Methods:
Using the data of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2018,a total sample of 7315 men and women living in China urban and rural areas was included after eliminating blank values and unreasonable answers in certain item or index.A successful aging index using 10 attributes and ranging from 0-10 scores was used.The differences of successful aging between urban and rural elderly in China were studied.
Results:
EU had better financial and educational status and scored higher in all social activity parameters except for interacting with friends(p<0.001). EU were more likely to be physically active (p<0.001), had higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p<0.001) and were less likely to be smoking (p = 0.018). EU tended to have higher CVD risk factors than ER(p<0.001).Depression score was similar among EU compared to ER (p=0.129). EU was aging significantly more successfully than ER (p<0.001). Men irrespective of location were aging significantly more successfully than women (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
The successful aging of elderly people in China has significant urban-rural differences in various dimensions and the successful aging rate of elderly people in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas.Same conclusion was drawn based on their gender and men were aging significantly more successfully than women.
Genetic control of changes in locomotor activity caused by social experience in Drosophila males
Authors: Bragina Julia V. , Goncharova Anna A. , Besedina Natalia G. , Danilenkova Larisa V. , Kamysheva Elena A. , Kamyshev Nikolai G.
Published: August 2023

Social experience (housing in a unisexual group) modifies locomotor activity in Drosophila. In females, suppression of locomotion occurs only when flies are in aggregations (Kamyshev et al. 2002a), but males retain lowered level of locomotor activity up to 5 days after their separation from a group (Panova et al. 2013). The mechanism of how social experience (housing in a group) affects locomotor activity in Drosophila males is yet unknown. To study the genetic control and clarify the mechanisms of behavioral changes resulted from social experience, we have tested the locomotor activity modifications in various mutants including those with impaired learning/memory, circadian rhythms, some biochemical pathways and sensory systems. Results of the present study show that these changes are not based on learning/memory mechanisms. The dopaminergic system seems to play a principal role in the changes of locomotor activity caused by social experience while the octopaminergic system may modulate them. Also, the dependence of this behavioral modification upon olfactory perception was shown. This implies possible participation of pheromones that should be verified in future researches.
Also, with the same aim we have performed the screening of our collection of mutants carrying random autosomal insertions of PdLtransposon. Five candidate genes playing role in behavioral modifications resulted from social experience were revealed (Dek, Hel89B, RpL41, CG11791 and NaCP60E). The results imply particularly an important role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression in modification of locomotor behavior caused by social experience.
Radar cross-section reduction using digital programmable metamaterials
Authors: Bouras khedidja , Labiad Abdelhadi , Bouzouad Mouloud
Published: August 2023

This paper presents radar cross-section reduction using a digital programmable metamaterials (MTM). The proposed structure is composed of agile unit cells with two different behaviors that can be controlled using an external command system, such as PIN installed in every unit cell. When the diode states are swapped, two types of unit cells are produced. The ON-state is for the absorber type with an absorption rate of 96%, and 180-phase of reflection, and the OFF-state is for the reflector type MTM unit cell with zero-phase reflection. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is used to supply binary codes (0/1) to control the diode states (ON/OFF) of the MTM unit cell, and the structure becomes completely coded. By combining these two types in the same structure, we were able to obtain a MTM supercell that can switch between five prototypes (sequences) in which the unit cells are symmetrical, and each prototype has its own working frequency.
Estimation in small areas: a trial on the prevalence of care seeking in case of fever in children under five years of age in 342 communes of Burkina Faso
Authors: BASSINGA Hervé
Published: August 2023

Background
Generally caused by pneumonia and malaria, fever in children is one of the early signs easily identified by caregivers. These two diseases are also the leading causes of death among children under five in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This article proposes estimates of the prevalence of care seeking in the event of fever in children under five at the municipal level, the smallest geographical and administrative entity from which a local development policy can be driven and coordinated by the community.
Methods
The data used were collected during the 2018 malaria multiple indicator survey, those of the general population and housing census of 2019 as well as environmental data. The survey involved 5,489 children under 5 and the census 293,715 children under 5. The estimation approach used is that of Elbers Langjouw and Langjouw (ELL) which consists of combining, in a statistical model, data from several sources, mainly census and survey data, to obtain predictions at a geographical level lower than that of the survey, for indicators that are not measured in the population census. The method does this by finding correlations between common census variables and survey data.
Result
The results reveal communal inequalities in the prevalence of care seeking in case of fever in children under five. Of the 342 municipalities in which estimates have been made, 184 have prevalence below the national average, which is 68%. The commune of Toeni has the lowest prevalence of seeking care in the event of fever among the communes (47.2% with CI= [35.6; 58.7]). The highest prevalence is observed in the municipality of Loumbila with a value of 84.4% [76.6; 92.2].
Contribution
: This article innovates by the analysis approach which is based on several sources of data to offer fine estimates, useful for more effective political action. Estimates at the municipal level will help localize interventions so that they are closer to the needs of the population and assess the effectiveness of programs and policy planning.
Greywater as a Viable Alternative for Irrigation of 10 Fall-planted Spring-flowering Geophytes Forced for Early Spring Flowering
Authors: Veatch-Blohm Maren E. , Roussel Ellen , Marzullo Eliana , Nagle Adeline
Published: August 2023

The world population has topped 8 billion and water scarcity is rising because of the effects of climate change. The addition of plants to interior and exterior spaces has positive emotional, but questionable environmental, benefit when potable water sources are used for maintenance. To preserve potable water for human use, nonpotable resources, such as greywater, may be used as an alternative for the growth of ornamental plants. The purpose of the study was to determine the viability of using greywater for production of 10 fall-planted geophytes forced for early spring flowering. With very few exceptions, the application of greywater did not affect biomass accumulation, nutrient profile, or visual quality of the plant. Only fresh biomass of Allium and Hyacinthus was negatively affected by greywater, with no impacts on dry biomass or visual quality. There were also no negative impacts on plant survival, number of flowers, and flower duration as measured by time to flower senescence. There was an inconsistent effect of greywater irrigation on flowering time but was observed in only 1 of the 3 years for each of the cultivars affected. In the first year, greywater irrigation delayed flowering in Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’ and Tulipa ‘Parade’ an average of 7 and 6 days, respectively, whereas in year 3, greywater irrigation promoted flowering in Iris ×hollandica ‘Sapphire Beauty’ an average of 10 days earlier. Greywater appears to be a viable alternative for container-grown spring-flowering geophytes. This study adds to the body of research showing that greywater should be considered a serious alternative to freshwater for plant growth.
Penerapan Metode Visualisasi Kolaborasi Aksi (ViKA) pada Pembelajaran Menyimak Teks Berita Kelas VIII
Authors: Zulfa Lilis Anifiah , Putri Aldila Rahmita
Published: August 2023

The learning method is an important part of the learning component. The selection of the right learning method can support the maximum achievement of learning objectives. Learning methods must continue to innovate so that it is not monotonous and boring for students. The Action Collaboration Visualization Method (ViKA) is one of the innovative and creative Indonesian language learning methods. The ViKA method is used in learning to listen to news texts for class VIII. The aims of this study are (1) to describe the Visualization of Collaborative Action (ViKA) method, (2) to describe the preparation for the application of the ViKA method in learning to listen to news texts for class VIII, (3) to describe the steps in applying the ViKA method in learning to listen to news texts for class VIII, (4) describe the advantages and disadvantages of the ViKA method. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The main data source in this research is the ViKA learning method. The research instrument used was student worksheets related to news text elements. Data collection techniques using documentation techniques. This study uses descriptive data analysis techniques in the form of an explanation of the ViKA learning method. The subjects in this study were 15 grade VIII students. The results of this study indicate that there are differences in the results of student worksheets before and after the ViKA method is applied. Student worksheet results have increased after the ViKA method was applied. An abstract must be in English, consists of 150-250 words length, and contains at least: general theme of the article, focus, question, method, and general argument or main finding. Use this document as a template if you are using Microsoft Word 7.0 or later. Otherwise, use this document as an instruction set.
Optimization of Hydrolysis and Identification of Bioactive Peptides in Brewery Yeast Residuals
Authors: Della Rosa Fernanda , Tonin Angelica , Rocha Beatriz , Santos Marco , Silveira Fabiane , Cardoso-Filho Lucio , Ribeiro Valquíria , Meurer Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Industrial waste products are of biotechnological interest due to their abundance and can be utilized as protein sources for the production of bioactive peptides through hydrolysis. The utilization of yeast residues from the brewing industry has been demonstrated to be a viable method for obtaining protein hydrolysates. The degree of hydrolysis and soluble total protein of the hydrolysates were evaluated for optimization purposes to achieve a product with a high proportion of soluble organic nitrogen, increased levels of bioactive peptides and amino acids. Both alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis processes were tested. The hydrolyses were carried out with the aim of large-scale implementation. The treatments were effective in liberating intracellular content and producing biologically functional hydrolysates, with degree of hydrolysis values ranging from 28 to 63% and total protein from 2.95 to 8.28% at the optimum points confirmed by statistical analysis (analysis of variance (ANOVA)). The hydrolysate produced with Alcalase® exhibited the highest peptide intensity, while the hydrolysate produced with Flavourzyme® showed the highest concentration of free amino acids. The peptides were identified by mass spectrometry and were found to have biological activities according to the Biopep database. This study presents a quick and economically feasible approach for the implementation of a pilot project for the reuse of this waste.
Supplementing the System of Strategic Planning with Funding Sources
Authors: Glazyev Sergey
Published: August 2023

Strategic planning of socio-economic development is one of the most important state functions. In advanced countries, the modern state represents the interests of the whole society with all its social and age strata. Its actions rely on forecasting the trends in national and global development. The state defines national interests, goals, and development priorities to implement them through strategic plans, programs, projects, and development institutions. The mainstream economic thought does not justify the state intervention into the market. However, the modern practice of public administration has proven the need for strategic planning of socio-economic development as a prerequisite for successful economic growth. The research objective was to identify the methodological foundations of effective strategic planning. It relied on such traditional methods of scientific research as analysis, synthesis, generalization, and comparison. Despite the poor representation of the topic in scientific journals, the author formulated methodological recommendations that can be applied in practice when adjusting public policy.
The national strategic power of countries, international trade and the economic success of countries in an unstable world
Authors: Makarov Valery , Bakhtizin Albert , Sushko Elena
Published: August 2023

This research is part of a larger project on modeling national power and security indicators. It involved the method of multidimensional statistical analysis as an integral indicator that characterizes the total potential of each country, as well as the strategic development of its socio-ecological and economic system. The national economic potential in the international trade network was represented as a graph that illustrates the trade flows between countries. The centrality index marked the importance of a particular country in the international trade network, i.e., its ability to affect other countries, and its vulnerability, i.e., its dependence on other countries. The graph took into account the national power of the country, its partner countries, and the commodity circulation between them. The authors used the case of the global pandemic crisis and the local sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014 to study the adaptive ability of powerful national economies. The research resulted in two regression models. The model of the economic bloc of the national power took into account the trade volume and the vulnerability index in the international trade network. The model of national GDP growth relied on the growth of the economic bloc of national power, the trade volume, and the increase in exports, as well as the vulnerability index in the international trade network.
National Strategic Planning for the Digital Economy: a Competitive Analysis on material of China and Russia
Authors: Novikova Irina , Xie Kunchao
Published: August 2023

At present, the wave of digital economy is sweeping the world. Countries all over the world are competing for the strategic commanding height in digital economy. In order to firmly seize this major historical opportunity and to transform and upgrade its economic structure faster, Russia keeps on strengthening the core capabilities of the digital economy such as information infrastructure, new generation information technology, ICT industry, human resources, information security, and digital environment supervision. Research purpose: a competitive analysis of the national strategic planning for the digital economies in China and Russia. Research objectives: 1) to provide definition for the digital economy; 2) to show the current improvement of the digital economy; 3) to study Russia’s digital economy; 4) to explore China’s digital economy. Research methodology: study of theoretical literature, data collection and analysis. Research results. “Strategy of the Information Society Development in the Russian Federation for 2017–2030” (2017) implies creating conditions for developing large companies in the information and communications technology industry in order to protect national interests in the digital economy. In 2021, Russia’s investment in the development of the digital economy reached the total of 4.094 trillion rubles. It represents an increase of 7.8 % compared to 2020 and amounts to 3.7 % of GDP. Over the past decade, China’s digital economy has made world-renowned development achievements. The overall scale has been the second best in the world for many years. The construction of information and communication networks is a global leader in terms of scope. The "Broadband China" strategy has been diligently implemented. The country has built the world’s largest fiber optic and mobile broadband network. The length of optical cable lines increased 2.7 times from 14.79 million km in 2012 to 54.81 million km in 2021. By June 2022, the total number of data center racks in China exceeded 5.9 million standard racks, and 153 national green data centers were built. Key core technologies have experienced breakthroughs. Investment in research and development of digital technologies is increasing every year. The level of digitalization in the service sector has increased significantly. The digital transformation of agriculture is making steady progress. In China, the deep implementation of the development strategy focused on innovation, promoting key technology research, accelerating the forging of long boards, making up for short boards, and building an independent and controlled industrial ecology.
Educational System in a Resour ce-Type Region as an Object of Strategizing
Authors: Leukhova Maria
Published: August 2023

Education can bring resource-type regions to sustainable development. However, education receives very little scientific attention as an object of strategizing. The existing definitions and descriptions of education do not quite correspond to the general theory of socio-economic systems. The science of strategizing needs a new theoretical and terminological analysis of this concept. This research relies on the general theory of strategy and the methodology of strategizing developed by Professor V. L. Kvint, e.g., the structural-system analysis and the logical methodology for definitions. It covers the existing approaches to the definition of the concept and structure of education systems published in the Russian Science Citation Index. Based on the general theory of systems, the authors developed the following definition for the education system in a resource-type region: it is a complex of individuals, organizations, and institutions linked by pedagogical, psychological, organizational, and socio-economic relations regarding and aimed at developing human capital for the sustainable inclusive development of people, businesses, resource regions, and post-extractivist practices. This definition includes not only elements, but also relationships within the system and its purpose. The article introduces a conceptual scheme of a holistic strategy for the development of the education system in a resource-type region. The scheme makes it possible to strategize all elements, from education to tailored strategies for students and academics. The research results can be used by universities, regional authorities, and education management to strategize the development of education in resource-type regions.
El delito de cohecho activo en el ámbito de la función policial: una revisión normativa
Authors: Camere Figueroa Mauricio
Published: August 2023

El autor analiza el delito de cohecho activo en el ámbito de la función policial bajo una perspectiva normativa. De esta forma, se busca dar una interpretación acorde a las exigencias de la sociedad actual, delimitando cada elemento típico y sus diversas manifestaciones, además de explicar la ratio legis de su incriminación como una forma especial del delito de cohecho.
Reflexiones sobre la eficacia del derecho internacional público
Authors: Ojeda Huerta Elvis
Published: August 2023

Con el inicio de las acciones bélicas rusas en Ucrania, en febrero de 2022, que configuró una flagrante vulneración al principio de la abstención del uso de la fuerza (artículo 2(4) de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas), ¿se podría insinuar que las normas jurídicas internacionales son ineficaces? ¿podrían resurgir los argumentos que cuestionan la naturaleza del Derecho Internacional? El presente artículo tiene por finalidad responder a ambas preguntas y demostrar que sería una equivocación desconocer la existencia del Derecho Internacional o sugerir que el ordenamiento jurídico internacional es ineficaz.
Régimen aduanero especial de envíos de entrega rápida: aspectos operativos y naturaleza jurídica
Authors: Meza Mitacc Alexis
Published: August 2023

Las empresas de servicio de entrega rápida ofrecen entregas de envíos garantizados, rápidos, confiables, a todo el mundo, integrados, puerta a puerta, que son rastreados y controlados en todo el proceso logístico. En este artículo revisamos los aspectos operativos y la naturaleza jurídica de la operatividad y el tratamiento aduanero del servicio de envíos de entrega rápida en el Perú.
Pharmaceutical and Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Nanoformulation Based Drug
Delivery Systems for Anti-cancer Drugs
Authors: Singh Arun Kumar , Bahadur Shiv , Yadav Deepika , Dabas Hunny
Published: August 2023

Many nanodrug delivery systems used with various routes of administration have been developed recently.
These may be dendrimers, nanocrystals, emulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, or polymeric
nanoparticles. The nanodrug delivery systems may improve effectiveness, safety, physicochemical qualities,
and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile. Functionalized nanodrug delivery systems can increase
the half-life, improve the bioavailability of orally administered pharmaceuticals, and target tissue distribution.
By decreasing the number of dosage intervals required, increasing the magnitude of the intended pharmacological
effects, and decreasing the severity of undesirable systemic side effects, nanodrug systems show promise
for improving treatment adherence and clinical results. Nanodrugs have been demonstrated to exhibit cytotoxicity,
oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity in vitro and in vivo; however, this attention has recently
been refocused on their potentially harmful potential owing to their beneficial pharmacokinetic features for the
treatment of cancer. Researchers require a more profound knowledge of the pharmacokinetic and safety aspects
of nanodrugs and the limits of each administration route to continue creating safe and efficacious nanodrugs
with high therapeutic potential. The benefits and risks associated with pharmacokinetics have been highlighted
in this article, which describes the current state of nanodrug system development.
Tetra-azolium Salts Induce Significant Cytotoxicity in Human Colon Cancer Cells In vitro
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Kamal Amna , Ahmed Ejaz , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Arshad Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Adnan
Published: August 2023

Background:

Azolium salts are the organic salts used as stable precursors for generat-ing N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and their metal complexes. Azolium salts have also been reported to have significant biological potential. Hence, in the current study, four tetra-dentate azolium salts were derived from bis-azolium salts by a new synthetic strategy.

Methods:

The tetra azolium salts have been synthesized by reacting the imidazole or methyl imid-azole with dibromo xylene (meta, para)/ 1-bromo methyl imidazole or dibromo ethane resulting in the mono or bis azolium salts namely I-IV. V-VII have been obtained by reacting I with II-IV, re-sulting in the tetra azolium salts. Each product was analyzed by various analytical techniques, i.e., microanalysis, FT-IR, and NMR (1H & 13C). Salts V-VII were evaluated for their antiprolifera-tive effect against human colon cancer cells (HCT-116) using MTT assay.

Results:

Four chemical shifts for acidic protons between 8.5-9.5 δ ppm in 1H NMR and resonance of respective carbons around 136-146 δ ppm in 13C NMR indicated the successful synthesis of tetra azolium salts. Salt V showed the highest IC50 value, 24.8 μM among all synthesized com-pounds.

Conclusion:

Tetra-azolium salts may play a better cytotoxicity effect compared to mono-, bi-& tri-azolium salts.
Exploring Lycopene: A Comprehensive Review on its Food Sources,
Health Benefits and Functional Food Applications
Authors: Gengatharan Ashwini , Che Zahari Che-Nur-Mazadillina , Mohamad Nur-Vaizura
Published: August 2023

The importance of dietary composition to human health has raised consumer interest in
consuming fruits, vegetables, and foods containing bioactive chemicals and nutraceuticals. Lycopene
belongs to the carotenoids abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based food products. It
also can be present in other types of fruits like watermelon and pink guava. This review aims to
outline the lycopene sources, health benefits, their applications as functional food ingredients and
the challenges to commercialization. It has been reported that dietary lycopene has multifunctional
health activities, including anticancer on various types of cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective,
and bone protective effects identified in clinical and preclinical studies. This is because,
lycopene primarily affects oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathways implicated in carcinogenesis
and cell proliferation. The effects of preparation and processing factors that may impair
the bioavailability of lycopene consumed through diet are addressed in this review. Overall,
lycopene is a valuable natural colourant that can enhance the nutritional value of foods leading to
the development of new functional foods in the food industry.
Characteristics of Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging at 795 nm and its
Correlations with Postoperative Outcomes for Idiopathic Macular Hole
Authors: Zhang Ximei , Yue Huifang , Liu Chenyu , Shi Yuexin , Zhang Yunda
Published: August 2023

Background:

Vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling or ILM inverted flap greatly improves hole closure and vision prognosis for idiopathic macular holes (IMH). The application of indocyanine green (ICG) in MH surgery increases the visibility of ILM and the safety of surgery. However, the area of ILM peeling and the state of the flap and a closed hole has not been well observed.

Aim:

Fundus autofluorescence at 7935nm can show the range of ILM peeling and the state of the hole site and ILM flap by monitoring residual ICG postoperatively. However, the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence especially the site of the closed hole, and its relationship with vision prognosis have not been explored. The aim of this project was to find the autofluorescence features of the closed hole and their relation with vision.

Objective:

To investigate the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence imaging after ICG-assisted vitrectomy for IMH and to evaluate the correlations of fluorescence patterns at the MH site with visual acuity and macular anatomic outcomes.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 33 IMH patients (33 eyes) who underwent a 25G pars plana vitrectomy (follow-up, 6-14.5 months). ICG staining (2.5 mg/mL) was either used to remove the internal limiting membrane (ILM) or the inverted ILM flap was overlaid on the hole. After surgery, fluorescence imaging of the fundus was obtained using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope at 795 nm.

Results:

On fluorescence imaging, the area of ILM peeling in all eyes showed hypofluorescence with no changes over time. The inverted ILM flap (performed in 18 eyes) was positioned on the inferior retina and exhibited early mild hyperfluorescence with blurred edges. This was gradually enhanced up to 3-6 months postoperatively and was then attenuated. MHs showed two distinct patterns on optical coherence tomography: granular (21 eyes) and patchy hyperfluorescence (12 eyes). Best-corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively in all cases (p<0.001, Z=-4.744). VA was worse in the patchy (vs. granular) hyperfluorescence cases (p=0.011, Z=-2.548).

Conclusion:

The status of the ILM peeling area, ILM flap, and closed MH can be clearly observed using autofluorescence imaging at 795 nm. Fluorescence may be due to ICG staining of the ILM and accumulation in retinal pigment epithelium cells during ICG-assisted surgery. Granular hyperfluorescence at the MH site may indicate good anatomic and visual prognoses.
Quantification of Collagenogenesis in Experimental Early-stage Alcoholic Liver
Fibrosis using Cis-4-[18F]fluoro-L-Proline microPET
Authors: Li Shujing , Chen Hongxia , Pi Liya , Zhang Yingqi , Ali Youseff , Cao Qi
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

The diagnosis and quantification of early-stage alcoholic liver fibrosis （ALF） are vital and the objective is to establish a noninvasive PET technique to quantify the collagenogenesis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in an ALF mouse model.

Methods:

To establish the ALF animal model, a liquid alcohol diet (8 weeks), and CCl4 were injected intraperitoneally at 5-8 weeks. A liquid scintillation counter was used to measure [3H]proline uptake by rats HSC in vitro experiment. Collagen type 1 production was tested by ELISA in a culture medium. The expression of type 1 collagen and proline transporters in ex vivo experiments was compared between ALF rats and mice. Different doses of unlabeled proline and benztropine were ex vivo quantified [3H]proline in liver tissues. Tracer uptake in different organs including the liver in ALF and control mice in vivo was quantified using [18F]fluoro-proline microPET/CT

Results:

The optimal dose and time of [3H]proline uptake by HSC was 19-37MBq/L and 30-90min after culture. Higher [3H]proline uptake and type 1 collagen production in HSC were found in ALF and control rats. There was a high correlation between [3H]proline uptake and type 1 collagen in ALF rats. To cut the costs of tracer usage and imaging in vivo, the mouse-to-rat model was compared. Type 1 collagen levels of ALF mice liver tissue in ex vivo were similar to ALF rats, as was proline transporter protein. Unlabeled proline of type 1 collagen and [3H]proline uptake of ALF mice was blocked by benztropine. In vivo [18F]fluoro-proline PET/CT imaging, SUVmax in the liver, normalized liver/brain and liver/thigh ratio were significantly different between ALF mice and controls and there was a strong positive correlation among these three indexes in ALF mice.

Conclusions:

[18F]fluoro-proline microPET/CT is feasible to quantify collagenogenesis in HSC in early-stage ALF animal models, which may be used as a promising and reliable noninvasive diagnostic technique.
Impact of Ferroptosis Inducers on Chronic Radiation-exposed Survivor Glioblastoma
Cells
Authors: Erdem İlknur Sur
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

The median survival of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma is very poor, despite efforts to
improve the therapeutic effects of surgery, followed by treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) and ionizing radiation
(IR). The utilization of TMZ or IR survivor cell models has enhanced the understanding of glioblastoma biology and
the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this present study, naïve U373 and clinically relevant U373 IRsurvivor
(Surv) cells were used, as the IR-Surv cell model mimics the chronic long-term exposure to standardized
radiotherapy for patients with glioblastoma in the clinic. As the role of ferroptosis in the IR survivor cell model has not
previously been reported, we aimed to clarify its involvement in the clinically relevant IR-Surv glioblastoma model

Methods:

Transcriptomic alterations of ferroptosis-related genes were studied on naïve U373 and IR-Surv cell populations.
To determine the effects of glutathione peroxidase inhibitors, ferroptosis-inducing agent 56 (FIN56) and Ras synthetic
lethal 3 (RSL3), on the cells, several properties were assessed, including colony formation, cell viability and lipid
peroxidation.

Results:

Results from the transcriptomic analysis identified ferroptosis as a critical mechanism after radiation exposure in
glioblastoma. Our findings also identified the role of ferroptosis inducers (FINs) in IR-survivor cells and suggested using
FINs to treat glioblastoma.

Conclusion:

FINs serve an important role in radioresistant cells; thus, the results of the present study may contribute to
improving survival in patients with glioblastoma.
The Jiangtang Tongmai Prescription Inhibits Inflammation and Fibrosis
of Lung Fibroblast Autophagy Induced by Hyperglycemia by Regulating
CAV1 Expression
Authors: Ding Nian , Fan Yanbo , Zheng Chenghong
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The lung is one of the target organs of diabetes. This study aimed to probe the
protective mechanism of Jiangtang Tongmai Prescription (JTTMP) against diabetic lung injury.

Methods:

JTTMP-containing serum was collected, and a high glucose and high-fat diabetic cell
model was established. The cells were treated with a drug-containing serum or a CAV1-associated
vector. Transfection efficiency was measured by qRT-PCR and western blot, the cell proliferative
capacity was tested by CCK-8 assay, and the expression of autophagosome marker LC3B was
measured by immunophluorescence assay. Expression levels of the autophagy markers LC3B, p62,
and Beclin-1, and the expression levels of the fibrosis markers α-SMA, FN-1, and TGF-β1 were
determined by western blot, and the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatants
were assessed by ELISA.

Results:

In high glucose and high fat-induced MRC-5 cells, JTTMP-containing serum impeded the
abnormal cell proliferation and the expression levels of autophagy markers, fibrosis markers, as
well as inflammatory factors. CAV1 expression was decreased in MRC-5 cells treated with
JTTMP-containing serum. In MRC-5 cells upon transfection with the CAV1 overexpression vector
and treatment with JTTMP-containing serum, increased cell proliferation, increased LC3B, p62,
Beclin-1, α-SMA, FN-1, and TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels were found compared with cells
treated with JTTMP-containing serum alone.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that JTTMP suppresses CAV1 expression to attenuate diabetic
lung injury by reducing abnormal proliferation and autophagy, and reducing levels of fibrosis and
inflammation.
Квантовая проводимость в одиночных и связанных квантово-размерных частицах узкозонных полупроводников
Authors: Гавриков М.В. , Глуховской Е.Г. , Жуков Н.Д.
Published: August 2023

An organo-modified ordered layered structure with three-dimensional close packing based on colloidal quantum-sized particles (QP) of InSb, PbS, CdSe semiconductors and Langmuir-Blodgett films has been fabricated and studied. According to the current-voltage characteristics (CVC) of single-electron transport in the model of a nanocell with a linear chain QP across the layers, the processes limiting conductivity were established: emission-injection tunneling from a probe into a nanoparticle, motion in a nanoparticle determined by the establishment of an electronic wave process in it, and tunneling through a nanogap between nanoparticles. Quasi-periodic oscillations of the current and resonant peaks of quantum conductivity are observed on the I–V characteristics, which were estimated in the quantum wire model. For an even number of layers (QP, 2, or 4), the I–V characteristics were used to determine the attenuation of size quantization and the decrease in current due to the weak interaction of nanoparticles. With an odd number (3 or 5), the nanochain acts as a single quantum thread with manifestations on the CVC similar to the cases of one QP. In this case, the motion of an electron can be considered as a one-electron charge wave.
Полуполярные широкозонные III-N-слои на кремниевой подложке: эпитаксия с контролем свойств структур (обзор)
Authors: Бессолов В.Н. , Коненкова Е.В.
Published: August 2023

The experimental results of the recent years on the synthesis of semipolar wide-band III-N layers on a nanostructured silicon substrate are summarized. The idea of synthesis involves the formation of Si(111) side walls on the silicon surface, then the epitaxial nucleation of the layer in the “c” direction of the crystal, followed by the fusion of blocks in the semipolar direction of the surface.
Examples of orientation controlling epitaxy of semipolar AlN(10-11), GaN(10-11), GaN(11-22) layers synthesized on nanostructured Si(100), Si(113) substrates by methods of metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy and hydride vapor phase epitaxy are shown. The review presents a summary and the prospects for further developments in the field of optoelectronics based on the platform - semipolar GaN on Si.
Расчет чувствительности детекторов для космического эксперимента Солнце-Терагерц"
Authors: Филиппов М.В. , Махмутов В.С. , Логачев В.И. , Разумейко М.В.
Published: August 2023

The paper briefly describes the goals and objectives of the planned space experiment "Sun - Terahertz" aboard the Russian Segment of the ISS. The experiment is aimed at studying solar radiation in the unexplored terahertz range at frequencies of 1012…1013 Hz, obtaining new data on terahertz radiation from the sun, solar active regions and solar flares.
The main components of the optical path of scientific equipment are considered. With the help of the Blackbody Simulator and the Single-Channel Model, the detectors of scientific equipment were calibrated, the influence of the quality of the optical surface of the telescope mirrors on the detector signal amplitude in the terahertz range was studied, and a preliminary assessment of the detector sensitivity was carried out.