bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Aceclofenac-L-Cystine and Aceclofenac-Urea Cocrystals with Enhanced Oral Bioavailability
Authors: Kumar Saroj , Gupta Amresh , Mishra Chanchal Kumar , Singh Satyawan
Published: February 2021

Aim:

Present research work focuses on the improvement of biopharmaceutical properties
of aceclofenac (ACF) by the cocrystal approach.

Background:

ACF is one of the frequently used Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID).
ACF is a BCS Class - II drug (low solubility and high permeability) with poor solubility and low
oral bioavailability. Hence, the improvement in solubility and bioavailability of ACF is very crucial
for successful product development. Nowadays, pharmaceutical cocrystals are considered a
novel solid form of drugs. These cocrystals may have different physicochemical as well as biopharmaceutical
properties as compared to the parent drug. In a previous study, the cocrystal of ACF
(ACF-l-CYS NG and ACF-UREA NG) was successfully prepared and characterized. These cocrystals
have shown superior solubility and dissolution rate than pure ACF in HCl buffer (pH 1.2). The
synthesized cocrystals were also found non-hygroscopic and stable for 6 months under standard
test settings. However, pharmacokinetic evaluation of these cocrystals has not been explored yet.

Objective:

The specific objective of this research work was the measurement of bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of ACF cocrystals prepared by the mechanochemical grinding method.

Methods:

Cocrystals of ACF with l-cystine and urea were prepared by neat grinding (NG) method
and in-vivo oral bioavailability of prepared cocrystals was measured in Wistar rats. The plasma
drug concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the
pharmacokinetic data was analyzed by “PK solver” software.

Results :

Percent relative bioavailability of ACF-l-CYS NG and ACF-UREA NG cocrystals in Wistar
rats was found to be 242.05 ± 65.27and 178.93 ± 45.21 respectively, which were significantly
higher (ANOVA, P < 0.05) than that of pure ACF.

Conclusion:

The present study indicates that the enhanced aqueous solubility of the prepared cocrystals leads to enhanced oral bioavailability of ACF. Thus, the cocrystals may be an alternative crystalline form of the drug that can enhance the solubility, dissolution rate, and oral bioavailability of many poorly soluble drugs.
Effect of Different Carriers on In Vitro and In Vivo Drug Release Behavior of Aceclofenac Proniosomes
Authors: Sammour Rana M.F. , Chatterjee Bappaditya , Taher Muhammad , Saleh Mohammed S.M. , Shahiwala Aliasgar
Published: February 2021

Background:

Improved bioavailability of Aceclofenac (ACE) may be achieved through
proniosomes, which are considered as one of the most effective drug delivery systems and are expected
to represent a valuable approach for the development of better oral dosage form as compared
to the existing product. However, the carrier in this system plays a vital role in controlling
the drug release and modulating drug dissolution. Accordingly, a comparative study on different
carriers can give a clear idea about the selection of carriers to prepare ACE proniosomes.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the role of maltodextrin, glucose, and mannitol as carriers
for in vitro and in vivo performance of Aceclofenac (ACE) proniosomes.

Methods:

Three formulations of proniosomes were prepared by the slurry method using the 100
mg ACE, 500 mg span 60, 250 mg cholesterol with 1300mg of different carriers, i.e., glucose
(FN1), maltodextrin (FN2), and mannitol (FN3). In vitro drug release studies were conducted by
the USP paddle method, while in vivo studies were performed in albino rats. Pure ACE was used as
a reference in all the tests. Lastly, the results were analyzed using the High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography
(HPLC) method, and data were evaluated using further kinetic and statistical tools.

Results:

No significant differences (p > 0.05) in entrapment efficiency (%EE) of FN1, FN2, and
FN3 (82 ± 0.5%, 84 ± 0.66%, and 84 ± 0.34% respectively) were observed and formulations were
used for further in vitro and in vivo evaluations. During in vitro drug release studies, the dissolved
drug was found to be 42% for the pure drug, while 70%, 17%, and 30% for FN1, FN2, and FN3, respectively,
at 15 min. After 24 hrs, the pure drug showed a maximum of 50% release while 94%,
80%, and 79% drug release were observed after 24 hr for FN1, FN2, and FN3, respectively. The in
vivo study conducted on albino rats showed a higher Cmax and AUC of FN1 and FN2 in comparison
with the pure ACE. Moreover, the relative oral bioavailability of proniosomes with maltodextrin
and glucose as carriers compared to the pure drug was 183% and 112%, respectively. Mannitol-
based formulation exhibited low bioavailability (53.7%) that may be attributed to its osmotic behavior.

Conclusion:

These findings confirm that a carrier plays a significant role in determining in vitro
and in vivo performance of proniosomes and careful selection of carrier is an important aspect of
proniosomes optimization.
Association of Red Blood Cell Indices with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Elderly Individuals: A Matched Case-control Study
Authors: Du Yue , Jin Mengdi , Liu Qian , Zhao Jiangang , Song Aili , Li Wen , Chang Hong , Ma Fei , Huang Guowei
Published: February 2021

Background:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate and modifiable
stage between normal aging and dementia. There is an urgent need for simple, non-invasive testing of
MCI by blood biomarkers.

Objective:

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the association of red blood cell (RBC) indices
with MCI, and select the best hematologic characteristic for detection of MCI in elderly Chinese.

Methods:

Matched case-control study was carried out with 85 pairs of MCI subjects and healthy controls.
The matching criteria was age, gender and education attainment. All samples were analyzed for
RBC indices, including hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV),
mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width-standard deviation
(RDW-SD). A conditional logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between
RBC indices and MCI. The diagnostic efficacy of the biomarkers was evaluated by receiver operating
characteristics (ROC).

Results:

Among all RBC indices, there were significant differences in HGB (124.82 ± 7.89 vs. 133.93
± 4.52, P < 0.001) and RDW-SD (45.29 ± 2.03 vs. 41.34 ± 4.41, P < 0.001) between two groups. In the
logistic regression model, after adjustment for lifestyle factors and comorbidities, significant statistically
associations have been found between higher HGB and lower risk of MCI (adjusted OR: 0.831;
95% CI: 0.773-0.893), higher RDW-SD and a higher risk of MCI (adjusted OR: 1.575; 95% CI: 1.326-
1.872). ROC analysis suggested that the largest area under the ROC curve (AUC) was found with the
combination of HGB and RDW-SD (AUC = 0.842), followed by HGB(AUC = 0.795), and finally by
modest RDW-SD (AUC = 0.777). Combination of HGB <131 g/L and RDW-SD >43.4 fL yielded a
sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 89%, overall diagnosis efficiency of which were better than
HBG and RDW-SD alone.

Conclusion:

Lower HGB and higher RDW-SD alone were significantly found to be associated with
increased risk of MCI, and offered modest sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic marker. The combination
of HGB and RDW-SD was more sensitive and had higher classification accuracy for differentiating
MCI from healthy controls. Further prospective research is needed to clarify whether HGB in
combination with RDW-SD may be a potential diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of AD.
Nanotechnology-enabled Chemodynamic Therapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Taixia , Xu Xiaohong , Zhang Kun
Published: February 2021

High-level reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported to exert a robust anti-tumor effect by inducing cell apoptosis or necroptosis. Based on the Fenton reaction or Fenton-like reaction, a therapeutic strategy (i.e., chemodynamic therapy (CDT)) is proposed, where hydroxyl radicals (·OH) are one of the ROS that can be produced to kill tumors via the spontaneous activation by an endogenous stimulus. Moreover, high-level ROS can also facilitate tumor-associated antigen exposure, which benefits phagocytosis of corpses and debris by antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells (DCs)) and further activates systematic immune responses. Great efforts have been made, wherein the development in the field of nanotechnology has been witnessed by the interdisciplinary communities. For providing a comprehensive understanding of CDT, state-of-theart strategies on nanotechnology-enabled CDT have been discussed in detail in this study. In particular, the combination of CDT with its augmented immunotherapy against tumors has been highlighted for overcoming the poor outcome of the mono-CDT. Moreover, the potential challenges have also been discussed.
Ecofriendly Synthesis of Formamidine Derivatives Catalyzed by Al-MCM-
41 Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Yazid Datoussaid , Tewfik Ali-Dahmane , Nawel Mehiaoui , Brahmi Lamia , Zahira Kibou , Rachida Hamacha , Noureddine Choukchou-Braham
Published: February 2021

Formamidine derivatives have been synthesized in excellent yields at room temperature from
primary amine and N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMF-DMA) in the presence of a catalytic
amount of Al-MCM-41 synthesized from natural bentonite as silica and aluminum source. The advantages
of this method are the use of a cheap, stable, non-toxic, and readily available catalyst, easy
work-up, improved yields, and solvent-free conditions.
Liver Cancer: New Insights into Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments
Authors: Sharifian Masoud , Baharvand Parastoo , Moayyedkazemi Alireza
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer
that has increased in recent years worldwide. Primary liver cancer or HCC is considered the 5th and
7th most common cancer among men and women, respectively. It is also the second leading cause
of cancer death worldwide. Unfortunately, HCC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage when
the majority of the patients do not have access to remedial therapies. Furthermore, current systemic
chemotherapy shows low efficacy and minimum survival benefits. Liver cancer therapy is a multidisciplinary,
multiple-choice treatment based on the complex interaction of the tumour stage, the
degree of liver disease, and the patient's general state of health.

Methods:

In this paper, we reviewed new insights into nonsurgical and surgical treatment of liver
cancer in five English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google
Scholar up to December 2019.

Results:

The results demonstrated, in addition to current therapies such as chemotherapy and surgical
resection, new approaches, including immunotherapy, viral therapy, gene therapy, new ablation
therapies, and adjuvant therapy, are widely used for the treatment of HCC. In recent years, biomaterials
such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, and nanofibers are also regarded as reliable
and innovative patents for the treatment and study of liver cancers.

Conclusion:

Multidisciplinary and multi-choice treatments and therapies are available for this liver
cancer, while there are differences in liver cancer management recommendations among specialties
and geographic areas. Current results have shown that treatment strategies have been combined
with the advancement of novel treatment modalities. In addition, the use of new approaches with
greater efficacy, such as combination therapy, biomaterials, ablation therapy, etc. can be considered
the preferred treatment for patients.
Shedding Light on the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia-Syndrome in the
Era of Cardio-Obstetrics: Role of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Pereira María M. , Torrado Juan , Sosa Claudio , Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel
Published: February 2021

Background:

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication with serious maternal and
neonatal consequences worldwide. Our understanding of PE pathophysiology has significantly
evolved over the last decades by recognizing that endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation,
with an associated angiogenic imbalance, are key pieces of this incomplete puzzle. In the present
era, where no single treatment to cure or treat this obstetric condition has been developed so
far, PE prevention and early prediction are the most useful clinical approach to reduce the PE burden.

Introduction:

Although most PE episodes occur in healthy nulliparous women, the identification
of specific clinical conditions that increase the risk of PE dramatically provides a critical opportunity
to improve outcomes by acting on potentially reversible factors, and also contributes to better understand
this pathophysiologic enigma.

Methods:

Pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar (updated August
2020) using common keywords applied in the field of preeclampsia, inflammation and endothelial
dysfunction. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for
study selection or appraisal were utilized.

Conclusion:

In this review, we highlight major clinical contributors of PE and shed light on their
potential link with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
A Simplified Framework for the Detection of Intracranial Hemorrhage in CT Brain Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kumaravel Praveen , Mohan Sasikala , Arivudaiyanambi Janani , Shajil Nijisha , Venkatakrishnan Hari Nishanthi
Published: February 2021

Background:

The need for accurate and timely detection of Intracranial hemorrhage
(ICH) is of utmost importance to avoid untoward incidents that may even lead to death. Hence, this
presented work leverages the ability of a pretrained deep convolutional neural network (CNN) for
the detection of ICH in computed tomography (CT) brain images.

Methods:

Different frameworks have been analyzed for their effectiveness for the classification of
CT brain images into hemorrhage or non-hemorrhage conditions. All these frameworks were investigated
on the CQ500 dataset. Furthermore, an exclusive preprocessing pipeline was designed
for both normal and ICH CT images. Firstly, a framework involving the pretrained deep CNN,
AlexNet, has been exploited for both feature extraction and classification using the transfer learning
method. Secondly, a modified AlexNet-Support vector machine (SVM) classifier is explored,
and finally, a feature selection method, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), has been introduced
in the AlexNet-SVM classifier model, and its efficacy is also explored. These models were trained
and tested on two different sets of CT images, one containing the original images without preprocessing
and another set consisting of preprocessed images.

Results:

The modified AlexNet-SVM classifier has shown an improved performance in comparison
to the other investigated frameworks and has achieved a classification accuracy of 99.86% and
sensitivity and specificity of 0.9986 for the detection of ICH in the brain CT images.

Conclusion:

This research has given an overview of a simple and efficient framework for the classification
of hemorrhage and non-hemorrhage images. The proposed simplified deep learning
framework also manifests its ability as a screening tool to assist the radiological trainees in the accurate
detection of ICH.
Construction and Comprehensive Analysis of a Special Competitive Endogenous RNAs Network to Reveal Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Qiao Feng , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2021

Background:

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common malignancies in
women worldwide. For EC patients discovered at an early stage, the prognosis is good. However,
the advanced EC patients (stage III-IV) have very poor prognoses. The competitive endogenous
RNAs (ceRNA) regulatory network in EC remains unclear, and the relationship between hub
RNAs and important clinical characters (clinical stage) has not been strictly studied yet.

Objective:

In order to study the development of endometrial carcinoma and the identification of
early diagnostic markers, the relationship between hub RNAs and important clinical traits (clinical
stage) was strictly studied.

Methods:

The co-expression networks of mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA were constructed by
weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Gene ontology (GO) biological process terms and
Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried
out for DEmRNA. AceRNA regulated network was constructed based on miRcode, miRDB, TargetScan,
and miRTarBase. Furthermore, survival analysis, regression analysis of mRNA-lncRNA
pairs, and gene set enrichment analysis were carried out.

Results:

A ceRNA network containing 11 mRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 18 lncRNAs was constructed
based on aberrantly expressed RNAs in the co-expression modules. In this network, 7 mRNAs, 4
lncRNAs, and 1 miRNA were found closely related to the overall survival of EC. The positive
correlations of 35 pairs of mRNA and lncRNA in the ceRNA network were obtained. Notably, 5
mRNAs, 3 lncRNAs, and 1 miRNA were identified as potential prognostic biomarkers for EC.
Single gene GSEA analysis revealed that the signal pathways related to cell cycle and cancer were
highly enriched.

Conclusion:

Identification of five mRNAs (CBX6, PIM1, RIMS3, SOX11, and XKR7), three
lncRNA (WT1-AS, LINC00494, and LINC00501), and one miRNA (miR-195) as potential prognostic
biomarkers for EC was helpful for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and development of new
treatment strategies of EC patients.
Análise qualitativa de conteúdo do guia de gestão da coleção para bibliotecas públicas
Authors: Silva Gabriela Xavier da
Published: February 2021

The objective of this work is to verify if the Guide to Collection Management for Public Libraries, developed by the Rede Nacional de Bibliotecas Públicas (RNBP), in Portugal, has the elements that should constitute a collection management / development policy. With the literature review, sought to define and differentiate collection development and management policies and present the elements that can integrate a policy. For a qualitative analysis of the content was used as theoretical model the content of policy defined by the IFLA. In the results it was found that most of the elements used as parameters were not found in the document, however, the guide contains contents not provided for in the model used as the basis. It is concluded that inaccuracy of the selected theoretical model had an effect on the results achieved and that the guide can be used as an instrument for forming collections, as well as guidelines for the development of a collection development / management policy.
El papel del Big Data en la estrategia comunicativa de las marcas. Valoración y casos de éxito
Authors: Torres-Romay Emma , García-Mirón Sílvia
Published: February 2021

The importance of Big Data in the current business and commercial context is unquestionable, however few studies have been done on how this resource can influence the strategic development of brand communication campaigns. In this article we propose to make a first approach to this object of study. We emphasize that in this case the methodology developed is more important than the valued sample, since it represents an advance to deepen this area of study. In order to carry out the research, an extensive bibliographic and hemerographic study on the concept of Big Data and its applications has been carried out. From that point we have been able to develop a field study and identify success stories that have given us references of how Big Data works in this context.
Can Physical Complaints in High School Students be Symptoms of Internet Addiction?
Authors: ÖZCEYLAN Gökmen , TOPRAK Dilek , DOGAN Nurhan
Published: February 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to measure the level of internet addiction among high school adolescents and to determine the relationship between their time spent on the internet and the back and neck pain and eye health problems they experience.Methods: The study is a simple cross-sectional descriptive study. 8926 high school students participated in the study. Students were selected by cluster sampling method pursuant to their gender, school type, and grade distributions. Young's short internet addiction test (IAT) that was adapted to Turkish was utilized. Results: The average internet addiction score of the students was 26.88 ± 8.80. While the ratio of students with a high risk of addiction was 44.3% (n=3950), the ratio of those, who were addicted, was 15.7% (n=1400). A significant positive correlation was found between the addiction level and the lower back, neck pain and eye disorders. (p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001) The smartphone possession rate of students was 96.4% (n=8606). There was a significant positive correlation between having a smartphone and the level of addiction, neck pain, and eye complaints. (p=0.005; p=0.002; p=0.003, respectively)The ratio of students, who have a computer at home, was 79.8% (n=7122). Eye complaints were found to be significantly higher in those, who had a computer at home (p<0.001).Conclusion: Internet addiction is an important and common problem among adolescents. Internet addiction increases, as the age of adolescents increases. Smartphones are the most important risk factor for the spread of internet addiction. Internet addiction leads to muscle-joint pain, and eye-related symptoms.
Сферические алюминиевые оболочки (пузыри) с наноразмерной толщиной стенки --- новый класс 2D-нанообъектов
Authors: Ларичев М.Н. , Шайтура Н.С. , Артемов В.В.
Published: February 2021

Aluminum hollow spherical shells (bubbles) up to several microns in diameter were obtained. The wall thickness of the bubbles is 15–30 nm. Such shells are formed on the surface of aluminum particles coated by aluminum hydroxide when they are heated to the temperature of 750 ° C in oxygen-containing atmosphere.
Возможности экранной защиты космических объектов от удлиненного ударника со скоростью 7-11 km/s
Authors: Румянцев Б.В. , Гук И.В. , Козачук А.И. , Михайлин А.И. , Павлов С.И. , Сильников М.В.
Published: February 2021

Investigated is the destruction of a duralumin barrier under the action of an aluminum jet (analogue of an elongated striker) at a speed of 7 - 11 km / s in the presence of copper and aluminum metal screens. The fraction of the effectiveness of the spacecraft shield, determined by the scattering of parts of the destroyed striker between the screens, is highlighted. An increase in the efficiency of the screen protection due to the phase transitions of the interacting materials of the striker and screen is determined.
Лазерный монитор с независимой подсветкой для наблюдения процессов высокотемпературного горения нанопорошков металлов
Authors: Губарев Ф.А. , Мостовщиков А.В. , Ильин А.П. , Ли Л. , Буркин Е.Ю. , Свиридов В.В.
Published: February 2021

The paper presents a laser monitor with independent illumination and a mirror imaging scheme based on an active medium on copper bromide vapors, which allows visualizing the surface of metal nanopowders during combustion. Independent laser illumination using a second active element based on copper bromide vapors can significantly increase the contrast of images compared to a laser monitor based on a single active element. This feature is advantageous when examining surfaces of materials with low light reflection. The paper also demonstrates the realization of a two-channel pulse generator for pumping active elements on copper bromide vapors based on one high-voltage power supply.
Tabaco y COVID-19. ¿Se reducirá su consumo después de la pandemia?
Authors: Cifuentes-Faura Javier
Published: February 2021

El coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo tipo 2 o SARS-CoV-2, ampliamente conocido como COVID-19, está afectando a millones de personas en todo el mundo y causando miles de muertes. Además, este tipo de coronavirus podría tener un mayor impacto en las personas que tienen o han tenido problemas con el uso de drogas como el tabaco.
In vitro Electroporation in the Presence of CRISPR/Cas9 Reagents as a Safe and Effective Method for Producing Biallelic Knock-Out Porcine Embryos
Authors:   Section of Gene Expression Regulation, Frontier Science Research Center, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan, Sato Masahiro , Jin Hansol , Akasaka Eri , Miyoshi Kazuchika
Published: February 2021

The production of genetically modified (GM) pigs is considered valuable in biomedical research for the development of model animals for various diseases and pigs with resistance against viral infection. The porcine genome may be modified using several methods, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using GM cells as the SCNT donor, direct injection of the transgene or the genome editing components (GEC) into fertilized eggs referred to as zygotes, the in vitro electroporation (EP) of the zygotes in the presence of GECs, viral infection using retroviruses, injection of the GECs into the SCNT-treated embryos, and the in vitro EP of the SCNT-treated embryos in the presence of GECs. In our previous study, we administered a cytoplasmic injection of CRISPR/Cas9-based GEC into parthenogenetically-activated porcine oocytes (referred to as parthenotes) and observed that these oocytes comprised a mixture of genome-edited and genome-unedited cells, referred to as the “mosaic”. In contrast, when in vitro EP of the SCNT-treated embryos in the presence of GEC was performed, bi-allelic knock out (KO) of the target gene was detected in most oocytes (82%; 9/11). The production of bi-allelic KO piglets is particularly beneficial for investigating GM domestic animals as it does not require further breeding trials to obtain bi-allelic KO individuals, which would otherwise be a time-consuming and laborious task. In this context, the present study was aimed to confirm the efficiency of in vitro EP in producing bi-allelic KO porcine embryos without multiple breeding trials, for which parthenotes were subjected to EP in the presence of a ribonucleoprotein containing Cas9 protein and single-guide RNA (targeted toward GGTA1). The treated embryos were cultured until they transformed into blastocysts. The genomic DNA isolated from these blastocysts was used for molecular biology analysis to detect the possible insertion and deletion of sequences (indels) at the GGTA1 locus. Among the 32 blastocysts obtained, 21 (66%) were observed to be the bi-allelic KO ones. The remaining embryos either had a normal phenotype (25%; 8/32) or mosaic mutations (9%; 3/32). These findings confirm the efficiency of in vitro EP in producing bi-allelic KO porcine embryos.
Molecular and Cellular Biomarkers of COVID-19 Prognosis: Protocol for the Prospective Cohort TARGET Study
Authors: Kurizky Patricia , Nóbrega Otávio T , Soares Alexandre Anderson De Sousa Munhoz , Aires Rodrigo Barbosa , Albuquerque Cleandro Pires De , Nicola André Moraes , Albuquerque Patrícia , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Naves Luciana Ansaneli , Fontes Wagner , Luz Isabelle Souza , Felicori Liza , Gomides Ana Paulo Monteiro , Mendonça-Silva Dayde Lane , Espindola Laila Salmen , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , de Lima Sheila Maria Barbosa , Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Gomes Ciro Martins
Published: February 2021

Background

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s attention has been focused on better understanding the relation between the human host and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as its action has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

Objective

In this context, we decided to study certain consequences of the abundant cytokine release over the innate and adaptive immune systems, inflammation, and hemostasis, comparing mild and severe forms of COVID-19.

Methods

To accomplish these aims, we will analyze demographic characteristics, biochemical tests, immune biomarkers, leukocyte phenotyping, immunoglobulin profile, hormonal release (cortisol and prolactin), gene expression, thromboelastometry, neutralizing antibodies, metabolic profile, and neutrophil function (reactive oxygen species production, neutrophil extracellular trap production, phagocytosis, migration, gene expression, and proteomics). A total of 200 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction–confirmed patients will be enrolled and divided into two groups: mild/moderate or severe/critical forms of COVID-19. Blood samples will be collected at different times: at inclusion and after 9 and 18 days, with an additional 3-day sample for severe patients. We believe that this information will provide more knowledge for future studies that will provide more robust and useful clinical information that may allow for better decisions at the front lines of health care.

Results

The recruitment began in June 2020 and is still in progress. It is expected to continue until February 2021. Data analysis is scheduled to start after all data have been collected. The coagulation study branch is complete and is already in the analysis phase.

Conclusions

This study is original in terms of the different parameters analyzed in the same sample of patients with COVID-19. The project, which is currently in the data collection phase, was approved by the Brazilian Committee of Ethics in Human Research (CAAE 30846920.7.0000.0008).

Trial Registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR-62zdkk; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-62zdkk

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24211
Technology-Based Fall Risk Assessments for Older Adults in Low-Income Settings: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Thiamwong Ladda , Stout Jeffrey R , Park Joon-Hyuk , Yan Xin
Published: February 2021

Background

One-third of older adults have maladaptive fall risk appraisal (FRA), a condition in which there is a discrepancy between the level of fear of falling (FOF) and physiological fall risk (balance performance). Older adults who overestimate their physiological fall risk and report a high FOF are less likely to participate in physical activity. Limited data suggest that the association among FOF, body composition, and physical activity intensity differs by fear severity.

Objective

This study aims to examine the associations among FRA, body composition, and physical activity using assistive health technology, including the BTrackS balance system, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and activity monitoring devices. This study also aims to examine the feasibility of recruitment and acceptability of technologies and procedures for use among older adults in low-income settings.

Methods

This cross-sectional study will be conducted in older adults’ homes or apartments in low-income settings in Central Florida, United States. Following consent, participants will be contacted, and our team will visit them twice. The first visit includes questionnaire completion (eg, sociodemographic or FOF) and balance performance test using the BTrackS balance system. The participants will be stratified by the FRA matrix. In addition, they will perform hand grip strength and dynamic balance performance tests. Participants will then be asked to wear the ActiGraph GT9X Link wireless activity monitor on the nondominant wrist for 7 consecutive days. The second visit includes body composition testing and a structured interview about the acceptability of the technologies and procedures.

Results

Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board of the University of Central Florida (protocol number 2189; September 10, 2020). As of December 2020, participation enrollment is ongoing and the results are expected to be published in Summer 2022.

Conclusions

Accurate FRA is essential for implementing physical activity programs, especially in older adults with low income. This study will provide data for developing technology-based fall risk assessments to improve participation in physical activity, thus enhancing healthy longevity among older adults in low-income settings.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/27381
Faktor dominan kejadian konstipasi fungsional pada remaja di Jakarta
Authors: Thea Felicia , Sudiarti Trini , Djokosujono Kusharisupeni
Published: February 2021

Dominant factors of functional constipation among adolescent in JakartaBackground: The impact of functional constipation, including the quality of life decreases, increase the additional health costs that must be incurred, and reduce productivity. Previous research in various places in Indonesia shows that functional constipation is experienced among adolescents, percentages between 24.6-68.5%.Objective: Determine the relationship and dominant factor between gender, fiber intake, fluids intake, consumption of probiotic drinks, physical activity, nutritional status, stress, and nutritional knowledge on the incidence of functional constipation.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. The number of respondents studied was 150 high-school students from class X and XI. The sample selected by using a total sampling system. Data collected using the Roma III questionnaire of functional constipation, physical activity using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescent, and stress level using the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale for students.  Nutritional knowledge was obtained by filling out a questionnaire. Food recall 2x24 hours to assess fiber intake, fluid, and probiotic drinks. Measure body weight and height of students to determine nutritional status. Data analyzed using univariate, Chi-Square test for bivariate, and multiple logistic regression tests for multivariate.Results: 75.3% of students had functional constipation, 64.0% less fiber intake,54.0% less fluid intake, 91.3% less physical activity, 62.0% did not consume probiotic drinks, 38.7% were obese and 30.0% lacking in nutrition knowledge. Dominant factor of functional constipation was physical activity (p-value 0.035; OR 3.57; CI 1.09-11.66).Conclusions: Low physical activity can increase the incidence of functional constipation in adolescents at Jakarta.
Pengetahuan, sikap, perilaku, dan asupan gizi berdasarkan status hidrasi ibu hamil
Authors: Mulyani Erry Yudhya , Jus'at Idrus , Angkasa Dudung , Anggiruling Dwikani Oklita , Stanin Enrico
Published: February 2021

Maternal nutritional knowledge, attitude, behavior, and intake based on hydration statusBackground: Based on past studies, 49% of pregnant women had low knowledge of nutrition and hydration. Nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behavior are positively correlated to nutritional intake, malnutrition and dehydration may disturb maternal health and pregnancy outcome.Objectives: To analyze maternal nutritional knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and nutritional intake based on the hydration status.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Puskesmas Kebon Jeruk District, West Jakarta using a purposive sampling method. Subjects were 50 pregnant women who came to check their pregnancies. Subject’s characteristics, nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behavior are collected with a questionnaire, nutritional intake with 1x24 hours recall. Hemoglobin (Hb) level is determined with Haemometer, urine specific gravity with Urinometer, and urine color with PURI card.Results: Subjects had an average age of 29.0±5.7 years, gestational age 21.3±11.3 weeks, weight 62.7±9 kg, height 158.1±4.1 cm, upper arm circumference 32.4±29.5 cm, Hb level 12.2±0.9 g/dL, urine color score 4±0.9, and urine specific gravity 1016±5.4. Based on urine specific gravity, 56% of the pregnant women were euhydrated and 44% were dehydrated. Based on the hydration status there were no differences in knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and macronutrient intake (p≥0.05), except for the fluid intake (p<0.05).Conclusions: Although the knowledge, attitudes, and nutritional behavior of pregnant women were not poor, optimization of the fluid consumption to 3L/day, and diversified food consumption is needed. Further research on external factors that can affect the nutritional status and hydration of pregnant women is recommended.
Optimasi Waktu Ekstraksi Lemak dengan Metode Soxhlet Menggunakan Perangkat Alat Mikro Soxhlet
Authors: Pargiyanti Pargiyanti
Published: February 2021

Lemak dan minyak terdapat pada hampir semua jenis bahan pangan dan masing-masing mempunyai jumlah kandungan yang berbeda-beda. Oleh karena itu analisis kadar lemak suatu bahan pangan sangat penting dilakukan untuk menghitung kalori suatu bahan makanan. Penentuan kadar lemak menggunakan metode Soxhlet memerlukan waktu ekstraksi antara 4 sampai 6 jam untuk mencapai 5 - 6 sirkulasi. Pada penelitian ini analisis lemak menggunakan perangkat alat ekstraksi mikro soxhlet sehingga untuk mencapai 1 kali sirkulasi membutuhkan waktu yang lebih pendek. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan lama waktu ekstraksi sehingga analisis lemak dapat dilaksanakan dengan efektif dan efisien. Sampel yang dianalisis adalah jagung, kedelai dan wijen dengan variasi waktu ekstraksi selama 0,5; 1; 1,5; dan 2 jam, dibandingkan dengan 4 jam. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa analisa lemak sampel jagung memerlukan waktu selama 1 jam (3,62 ±0,05%), sampel kedelai memerlukan waktu 1,5 jam (19,40 ±0,11%) sedangkan untuk sampel wijen memerlukan waktu 2 jam (19,40 ±0,11%) untuk mendapatkan hasil yang sama dengan lama ekstraksi 4 jam. Lama ekstraksi lemak pada sampel bisa dilakukan selama 2 jam.
Prototype Sistem Monitoring Level Air Berbasis Labview dan Arduino Sebagai Sarana Pendukung Praktikum Instrumentasi Sistem Kendali
Authors: Suryantoro Hery
Published: February 2021

Air adalah kebutuhan yang sangat penting, ketersediaan air tetap harus selalu ada baik di rumah tangga, perkantoran, tempat-tempat umum ataupun industri. Hal ini menyebabkan peran tangki penampung air fundamental untuk menjamin ketersediaan air. Pengukuran ketinggian air secara otomatis adalah salah satu parameter yang perlu diukur untuk mendeteksi keadaan tangki penampung yang meluap atau kosong. Salah satunya dengan membuat sensor pengukur level air yang diumpanbalikkan menggunakan pompa air. Pada penelitian ini dibuat prototipe dengan menggunakan Arduino Uno R3 dan software LabVIEW sebagai pusat pengolah data yang terintegrasi dengan sensor ultrasonic SRF05 sebagai pembaca ketinggian air. Prototipe ini dilengkapi dengan indikator kondisi air, indikator pompa air yang diatur dari Arduino. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu perencanaan, pengumpulan bahan, perancangan hardware, pembuatan program Arduino dan LabView, pengujian.  Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan mengubah level air dengan membuka kran secara bertahap. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan didapatkan hasil perbandingan antara level air yang tertera pada tangki penampung air dengan level air yang tertampil pada monitoring Arduino dan LabVIEW yaitu level air penampung 22 cm hasil sistem monitoring  22,12 cm, level air 15,5 cm hasil sistem monitoring 14,47cm, level air 2,5 cm hasil sistem monitoring 2,52 cm. Rata-rata kesalahan pembacaan pengukuran level air  sebesar 0,089 cm.
Leonardo’s Skull and the Complex Symbolism of Holbein’s “Ambassadors”
Authors: Tyler, Ph.D., D.Sc. Christopher W.
Published: February 2021

The depiction of memento mori such as skulls was a niche artistic trend symbolizing the contemplation of mortality that can be traced back to the privations of the Black Death in the 1340s, but became popular in the mid-16th century. Nevertheless, the anamorphism of the floating skull in Hans Holbein’s ‘The Ambassadors’ of 1533, though much discussed as a clandestine wedding commemoration, has never been satisfactorily explained in its historical context as a diplomatic gift to the French ambassadors to the court of Henry VIII who were in the process of negotiations with the Pope for his divorce. Consideration of Holbein’s youthful trips to Italy and France suggest that he may have been substantially influenced by exposure to Leonardo da Vinci’s works, and that the skull may have been an explicit reference to Leonardo’s anamorphic demonstrations for the French court at Amboise, and hence a homage to the cultural interests of the French ambassadors of the notable Dinteville family for whom the painting was a destined. This hypothesis is supported by iconographic analysis of works by Holbein and Leonardo’s followers in the School of Fontainebleau in combination with literary references to its implicit symbolism.
A Great Step Forward. Lithic Raw Material Procurement and Management among Palaeolithic Hunter-Gatherers in the Basque Crossroads
Authors: García-Rojas Maite , Dominguez-Ballesteros Eder , Prieto Alejandro , Calvo Aitor , Sánchez Aitor , Tarriño Andoni , Arrizabalaga Alvaro
Published: February 2021

This paper is divided into three sections. The first section describes the historiographic evolution of the study of prehistoric lithic raw materials in the Basque Crossroads (in the north of the Iberian Peninsula) during the last three decades. The second section explains the currently available information about geological outcrops of flint in the eastern end of the Cantabrian Mountain range (the Basque-Cantabrian Basin), the upper Ebro valley and both sides of the western Pyrenees, in the central part of the northern Iberian Peninsula, as that was the main raw material used by hunter-gatherer groups in the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. Finally, the last section describes the way in which progress in both aspects of research have enabled the introduction of new concepts and perspectives in the reconstruction of the social and economic dynamics of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers. This has given rise to an innovative methodology that is able to address and solve important issues, particularly regarding mobility and territoriality patterns of those human groups, allowing the proposal of mobility and territoriality models that, while they will not match exactly the systems used by Upper Palaeolithic communities, represent significant progress in understanding the social and economic dynamics of hunter-gatherer groups.
Controversias socioambientales al sur de Chile: el caso de la crisis de la marea roja en la Isla Grande de Chiloé
Authors: Herrera Mansilla Marco
Published: February 2021

El objetivo del artículo es explorar la controversia en torno a la floración de algas nocivas, también conocida como marea roja, que afectó la Isla Grande de Chiloé en 2016. Desde las perspectivas de la ecología política, del posconstructivismo y de la teoría del actor-red, se examinan los discursos sobre este fenómeno y se describe la agencia que puede adquirir la materialidad en contextos de crisis. La metodología de este estudio de caso incluye el análisis de artículos de prensa, de registros audiovisuales, de documentos públicos, de observaciones en terreno y de entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los resultados muestran la emergencia de cuatro discursos asociados con distintas formaciones de redes entre agentes humanos y no humanos presentes en la controversia. La crisis refleja cómo se fueron politizando el conocimiento científico y otros saberes acerca de la marea roja, además de develar las pugnas de poder subyacentes sobre el mar interior de Chiloé. Una de las limitaciones del estudio, pendiente para futuras investigaciones, es que no indaga en los alcances de la crisis posconflicto.
La expansión del cultivo de la palma de aceite en Campeche. De los pequeños productores a la agroindustria transnacional
Authors: Isaac-Márquez Ricardo
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: describir las políticas que han impulsado el cultivo de palma de aceite en Campeche, la situación actual y las perspectivas futuras. Metodología: se realizó una revisión documental y se aplicó una encuesta productiva a una muestra representativa de palmicultores del estado de Campeche (n=137). Resultados: la expansión de la palma de aceite se ha llevado a cabo bajo un modelo de plantaciones campesinas a pequeña escala con escasa tecnificación, reducida productividad y dependencia de los apoyos gubernamentales. Limitaciones del estudio: la caracterización del cultivo de palma de aceite se enfoca en las prácticas de los pequeños productores, quienes representan 95% de los palmicultores del estado. Valor: se contribuye a la discusión sobre la expansión de la palma de aceite en México, mediante el estudio de caso de Campeche, que no había sido documentado hasta ahora. Conclusiones: los pequeños productores se encuentran en riesgo de desaparecer ante el cambio de las políticas públicas y la llegada de empresas agroindustriales transnacionales con plantaciones a gran escala, cuyos impactos potenciales en lo ambiental y en lo social no han sido evaluados.
An analysis of annular plate in curvilinear non-orthogonal coordinates with the help of equations of a shell theory
Authors: Krivoshapko Sergey N.
Published: February 2021

The complete system of equations of a linear theory of thin shells in curvilinear non-orthogonal coordinates proposed in the paper was taken as the basis of the investigation. Earlier, this system was used for static analysis of a long developable helicoid. In the article, this system is applied for the determination of stress-strain state of annular and circular plates under action of the external axisymmetric uniform load acting both in the plane of the plate and out-of-their plane. Presented results for annular plate given in the non-orthogonal coordinates ex-pand a number of problems that can be solved analytically. They can be used as the first terms of series of expansion of displacements of degrees of the small parameter if a small parameter method is applied for examining a long tangential developable helicoid.
Research of composition and properties of ash and slag waste from the Thermal Power Plant of Trans-Baikal region for decrease of anthropogenic impact on environment
Authors: Pankov Pavel P. , Konovalova Nataliya A. , Bespolitov Dmitry V.
Published: February 2021

The anthropogenic impact on environment of ash and slag waste of CHP 1 and CHP 2 (Chita) and CHP Priargunsky Industrial Mining and Chemical Union (Krasnokamensk) is considered. These wastes cause irreparable damage to the environment, occupy a significant area, lead to a deterioration of the environmental situation in the surrounding areas. Liquidation of such objects of accumulated harm to the environment is the most important state task in the areas of national economy and environmental protection. Rapid recycling of ash and slag waste is possible in road construction (the main material-intensive sector of the national economy) due to large-capacity direct use. This will effectively reduce the anthropogenic impact on the environment and significantly reduce the use of mineral raw. The principal possibility of using of fly ash as a secondary mineral raw material in compositions of road soil concrete is substantiated. The methods of atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry were used to study the composition and properties of fly ash of CHP, which is a first-class mineral raw based on the specific effective activity of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K), which allows their use in the construction industry without restrictions. It has been established that fly ash is non-porous, its hydraulic properties are classified as latent-active and can be added to road cement soils modified with additives of different nature.