bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home Enteral Nutrition in Adults: Effectiveness of Nutritional Therapy and Educational Programme
Authors: Madrid-Paredes Adela , Leyva-Martínez Socorro , Ávila-Rubio Verónica , Molina-Soria Juan Bautista , Sorribes-Carrera Patricia , Yeste-Doblas Carmen , López-Medina José Antonio , Luna-López Victoria Eugenia , Fernández-Soto Maria Luisa
Published: August 2021

PurposeHome Enteral Nutrition (HEN) is used to prevent or correct malnutrition in outpatients. Due to the complexity of this process, the indication, follow-up, and results of an educational programme of HEN patients was evaluated.MethodsA prospective, observational, real-life, multicentre study of patients receiving HEN by nasogastric tube or ostomy in 21 hospitals was conducted. The following variables were collected: age, gender, HEN indication, type of formula, nutritional requirements, laboratory variables, complications, and quality standards of the educational programme. All data were analysed using SPSS.24.Results414 patients were included. Most conditions diagnosed were neurodegenerative diseases (64.8%). 100 patients (25.3%) were diabetic. The mean weight was 59.3±10.4kg and BMI 22.6±3.2. Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition was predominant at baseline (46.4%). Improvement in nutritional status at six months was recorded in more than 75% of patients (p<0.05). Tolerance problems, diarrhoea and abdominal distension fell between the 3- and 6-month visits (p <0.05). Patients who received intermittent Enteral Nutrition (EN) had fewer tolerance-related effects (OR: 0.042; 95% CI: 0.006-0.279) and less diarrhoea (OR: 0.042; 95% CI: 0.006-0.279), while those who received EN via nasogastric tube had fewer tolerance-related effects (OR: 0.042; 95% CI: 0.006-0.279). At the baseline and 6-month visits, compliance with the educational measures proposed by the prescriber was ≥ 99%. ConclusionThe nutritional assessment to prescribe individualised HEN to each patient, together with educational measures and training in the proper use of this treatment for both patients and trainers, improves nutritional status and reduces the onset of adverse reactions.
Stability Analysis of Fractional Switched Systems With Stable and Unstable Subsystems
Authors: Yang Ran , Liu Song , Li Xiaoyan , Xiao Jian
Published: August 2021

This article addresses stability of fractional switched systems (FSSs) with stable and unstable subsystems. First, several algebraic conditions are presented to guarantee asymptotic stability by applying multiple Lyapunov function (MLF) method, dwell time technique and fast-slow switching mechanism. Then, some stability conditions which have less conservation are also provided by utilizing average dwell time (ADT) technique and the property of Mittag-Leffler function. In addition, sufficient conditions on asymptotic stability of delayed FSSs are obtained by virtue of fractional Razumikhin technique. Finally, several examples are given to reveal that the conclusions obtained are valid.
Characterization of microRNA, mRNA, and Protein Expression in Large and Cystic Bovine Follicles
Authors: Hooper Allyssa , Castillo Stacey Del , Antunes Joshua , Matuszewska Kathy , Pereira Madison , LaMarre Jonathan , Greenaway Jim , Petrik Jim
Published: August 2021

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is a major contributor to infertility in cattle, with 30% of cows developing ovarian cysts during a given lactation and becoming anovulatory. The cause of COD has remained elusive and is thought to be multifactorial, with angiogenic and genetic contributions proposed. There is an increasing body of work suggesting that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in a number of ovarian-based reproductive disorders. Changes in miRNA expression can affect a multitude of genes and may be important regulators of the dynamic processes involved in each ovarian cycle. We hypothesized that miRNAs are integral to the regulation of critical ovarian processes such as angiogenesis and follicular development and that altered miRNA expression contributes to the onset and progression of ovarian dysfunction and reproductive disorders. Eight miRNAs (miR-15a, -18a, -20a, 21, -29a, -126, -132, Let7a) known to target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and play a role in both angiogenesis and folliculogenesis, were selected for analysis. miRNA, mRNA, and protein expression were analyzed in large and cystic bovine follicles using qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. miR-29a was found to be upregulated in cystic follicles, whereas miR-132 expression was downregulated. VEGF expression increased in cystic follicles at both the transcript and protein level, while no significant differences in TSP-1 expression was observed. Our findings suggest that miR-29a and miR-132 may play an important role in maintaining the balance between VEGF and TSP-1 expression in the ovary, and if disrupted, could potentiate ovarian-based reproductive disorders such as PCOS and cystic ovarian disorder.
Sealing Mechanics Study of Laryngeal Mask Airways via 3D Modeling and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Liao Hongxia , Chen Liqiang , Chen Junfeng
Published: August 2021

Background: Proper sealing of laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) is critical for airway management in clinical use. A good understanding of the LMA sealing mechanism provides a scientific foundation to improve the sealing of LMAs to reduce the incidence of adverse events. However, no existing methods provide a systematic study on the LMA sealing mechanics. Methods: Computer-aided 3D models are established to visualize LMA – pharynx interactions directly. The finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted to study the LMA sealing mechanics. Results: Two case studies are provided in the paper. The LMA is loaded with a low cuff pressure (CP) (9 mmHg) to investigate the cause of leaking in Case I, and with a high CP (45 mmHg) to detect the critical points of high mucosal pressure in Case II. The established 3D models provide initiative visualization of the sealing situations. The visualization results are verified by pressure distribution along the contacting surface generated from FEA as the quantitative study. Conclusions: Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method does not introduce additional cost, and can provide globe monitoring on the LMA and a comprehensive understanding of sealing mechanics in all areas. The findings on the sealing mechanism and corresponding suggestions for clinic use of LMAs and LMA design have also been presented in the paper.
Exosomal circ-RBM23 sponging miR-139-5p to promote liver regeneration through RRM2/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: He Guolin , Fu Yu , Guo Zeyi , Zhu Honglei , Feng Lei , Liao Hangyu , Niu Xiaoge , Wang Yi , Zhou Lin , Fu Shunjun , Li Yang , Li Shao , Wang Lujia , Zheng Yizhou , Pan Mingxin , Li Ting , Gao Yi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundExosomes are small nano-size membrane vesicles and are involved in intercellular interaction. Here, we examined if exosomes obtained from human placental stem cells promote liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. MethodsExosomes generated from primary human placental stem cells were isolated and characterized. Cell co-culture model was used to clarify whether exosomes can induce hepatocytes proliferation in vitro . Partial hepatectomy mouse model was used to evaluate whether exosomes can promote hepatocytes proliferation in vivo . ResultsIt is found that human placental-derived stem cells exosomes (hPDSCs-exo) can induce hepatocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo . Mechanistically, exosomal circ-RBM23 served as a ceRNA for miR-139-5p, regulated RRM2 and accelerated proliferation through AKT/mTOR pathways. Ablation of exosomal circ-RBM23 suppressed the proliferative effect of exosomes. ConclusionsThe hPMSCs exosomal circ-RBM23 stimulated cell proliferation and liver regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy by regulated RRM2. Our findings highlight a potential novel therapeutic avenue for liver regeneration after hepatectomy.
IL-6 Protein Expression is Increased in Fast Glycolytic Muscle Fibers Over Time in the SOD1G93A Mouse model.
Authors: Martínez Laura Moreno , Calvo Ana Cristina , Moreno-García Leticia , García-Salamero Gabriel , Lunetta Christian , Penco Silvana , Tarlarini Claudia , Zaragoza Pilar , García-Redondo Alberto , Osta Rosario
Published: August 2021

The deregulation of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 has been associated to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this work was to analyze the variation of IL-6 levels in blood and damaged tissues during the course of the disease. We studied IL-6 protein expression in spinal cord, extensor digital longus (EDL) muscle and soleus (SOL) muscle of the SOD1G93A animal model at four stages of the disease by western blot. Concurrently, we analyzed IL-6 gene and protein expression in blood of ALS patients, healthy subjects and patients with other neuropathies through RTqPCR and ELISA. The results revealed different expression patterns depending on both the tissue analyzed and the stage of the disease, showing increasing IL-6 levels in EDL muscle over time. Moreover, lower IL-6 levels in blood were found in ALS patients. The decreased levels of IL-6 in blood from ALS patients could suggest that IL-6 might not be the main pro-inflammatory biomarker in the last stages in whole blood. In contrast, IL-6 may play a main role in fast glycolytic muscle fibers associated with muscle atrophy, suggesting that modulation of IL-6 in this tissue could be a potential target for anti-inflammatory therapies in ALS.
Performance evaluation of ceramic pot filters combined with adsorption processes for the removal of heavy metals and phenolic compounds
Authors: Pérez-Vidal Andrea , Silva-Leal Jorge Antonio , Diaz-Gómez Jaime , Meneses-Torres Camilo J. , Arias-Vallejo Juan E. , Giraldo-Tenorio Giovanna A. , Bacca-Jordán Maria Camila
Published: August 2021

It has been demonstrated that the ceramic pot filters (CPFs) with impregnated colloidal silver are efficient for the removal of turbidity and pathogens for household water treatment. This investigation evaluated the efficiency of two filter models for the removal of chemical contaminants (Hg, Pb, As and phenolic compounds) during 175 days. The first model is a traditional CPF impregnated with colloidal silver and the second consists of the ceramic silver-impregnated pot plus a post-filtration column with granular activated carbon and zeolite (CPF + GAC-Z). The results of the CPF showed average efficiencies of 91.5% (Hg), 92% (Pb), 50.2% (As) and 78.7% (phenols). The CPF + GAC-Z showed similar efficiencies for the removal of heavy metals (92.5% Hg, 98.1% Pb and 52.3% As) and a considerably higher efficiency for the removal of phenols (96.4%). The As concentration of the filtered water in both systems was higher than the regulatory limit. The ceramic pot was responsible for the highest removal of chemical compounds. It can be concluded that the traditional CPF is a viable option for water supply treatment at the household level for the removal of chemical contaminants. The efficiency of this filter can be improved with the post-filtration column mainly for the removal of organic constituents.
Nonhuman IAPP Variants Inhibit Human IAPP Aggregation
Authors: Oakes Alissa , Menefee Kate , Lamba Arleen , Palato Larry M. , Rinauro Dillon J. , Tun Angela , Jauregui Betssy , Chang Kevin , Nogaj Luiza A. , Moffet David A.
Published: August 2021

Aim:

To identify naturally occurring variants of IAPP capable of inhibiting the aggregation
of human IAPP and protecting living cells from the toxic effects of human IAPP.

Background:

The loss of insulin-producing β-cells and the overall progression of type 2 diabetes
appears to be linked to the formation of toxic human IAPP (hIAPP, Islet Amyloid Polypeptide,
amylin) amyloid in the pancreas. Inhibiting the initial aggregation of hIAPP has the potential to
slow, if not stop entirely, the loss of β-cells and halt the progression of the disease.

Objective:

To identify and characterize naturally occurring variants of IAPP capable of inhibiting
human IAPP aggregation.

Methods:

Synthetic human IAPP was incubated with synthetic IAPP variants identified from natural
sources under conditions known to promote amyloid-based aggregation. To identify IAPP
variants capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation, Thioflavin T-binding fluorescence, atomic
force microscopy, and cell-rescue assays were performed.

Results:

While most IAPP variants showed little to no ability to inhibit human IAPP aggregation,
several variants showed some ability to inhibit aggregation, with two variants showing substantial
inhibitory potential.

Conclusion:

Several naturally occurring IAPP variants capable of inhibiting human IAPP aggregation
were identified and characterized.
Novel Therapeutic Options for Chagas Disease Based on Bioactive Compounds from Algae, Bacteria and Fungi Species
Authors: da Silva Marcos Vinicius , Gondim Brenna Louise Cavalcanti , de Carvalho-Costa Tamires Marielem , Mendes Maria Tays , Lemes Marcela Rezende , Barbosa Rafaela Miranda , Cardoso Talita Nunes , Nascimento Natália Santos , Barros Daniela Bomfim , da Silva Márcia Vanusa , Machado Juliana Reis , Castellano Lúcio Roberto Cançado
Published: August 2021

Chagas Disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a Neglected Tropical
Disease that affects around seven million people, especially in Latin America. Noteworthy,
there has been an increase in the numbers of case reports in non-endemic areas, such as
North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. The disease is a vector-borne disease caused
by the pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi being transmitted by infected bugs. It is known that
about forty percent of infected patients develop cardiac, digestive, or neurological alterations.
There are only two drugs currently used for treatment, benznidazole and nifurtimox. However,
both therapeutic regimens present several limitations, such as toxicity, mutagenicity and
low efficiency during the chronic phase. Some reports in the literature point to the occurrence
of parasite resistance. To overcome these limitations, the bioprospection of novel molecules
as alternatives is one of the major goals to improve therapeutic success in this chronic
disease. Bioprospecting active metabolites from natural resources might bring new hopes for
disease control and parasite elimination. Here we summarize the most recent advances to
identify and test Algae, Bacteria and Fungi-derived bioactive compounds with trypanocidal
activity using experimental models, in vitro testing and in silico approaches.
Recent Progresses in Conjugation with Bioactive Ligands to Improve
the Anticancer Activity of Platinum Compounds
Authors: Zuccolo Marco , Arrighetti Noemi , Perego Paola , Colombo Diego
Published: August 2021

:

Platinum (Pt) drugs, including cisplatin, are widely used for the treatment of solid tumors.
Despite the clinical success, side effects and occurrence of resistance represent major limitations to the
use of clinically available Pt drugs. To overcome these problems, a variety of derivatives have been
designed and synthetized. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the development of Pt(II) and
Pt(IV) complexes with bioactive ligands. The development of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes with targeting
molecules, clinically available agents, and other bioactive molecules is an active field of research.
Even if none of the reported Pt derivatives has been yet approved for clinical use, many of these compounds
exhibit promising anticancer activities with an improved pharmacological profile. Thus, planning
hybrid compounds can be considered as a promising approach to improve the available Pt-based
anticancer agents and to obtain new molecular tools to deepen the knowledge of cancer progression and
drug resistance mechanisms.
How Do Bismuth-Based Nanomaterials Function as Promising
Theranostic Agents for the Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy?
Authors: Ding Mengkui , Liu Jinyao , Yang Junlei , Wang Hui , Xie Xianjin , Yang Xiaoyu , Li Yuhao , Guo Ning , Ouyang Ruizhuo , Miao Yuqing
Published: August 2021

:

The complexity of the tumor microenvironment and the diversity of tumors seriously
affect the therapeutic effect, the focus, therefore, has gradually been shifted from
monotherapy to combination therapy in clinical research in order to improve the curative
effect. The synergistic enhancement interactions among multiple monotherapies majorly
contribute to the birth of the multi-mode cooperative therapy, whose effect of the treatment
is clearly stronger than that of any single therapy. In addition, the accurate diagnosis
of the tumour location is also crucial to the treatment. Bismuth-based nanomaterials
(NMs) hold great properties as promising theranostic platforms based on their many
unique features that include low toxicity, excellent photothermal conversion efficiency as
well as the high ability of X-ray computed tomography imaging and photoacoustic imaging.
In this review, we will introduce briefly the main features of the tumor microenvironment
first and its effect on the mechanism of nanomedicine actions and present the recent
advances of bismuth-based NMs for diagnosis and photothermal therapy-based combined
therapies using bismuth-based NMs are presented, which may provide a new way
for overcoming drug resistance and hypoxia. In the end, further challenges and outlooks
regarding this promising field are discussed accompanied with some design tips for bismuth-
based NMs, hoping to provide researchers some inspiration to design safe and effective
nanotherapeutic agents for clinical treatments of cancers.
Protective Effects of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Alkaloids on Alzheimer's
Disease-like Symptoms Induced by High-methionine Diet
Authors: Pi Tingting , Lang Guangping , Liu Bo , Shi Jingshan
Published: August 2021

Background:

High methionine-diet (HMD) causes Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like symptoms. Previous studies have shown that Dendrobium nobile Lindle. alkaloids (DNLA) had potential benefits for AD.

Object:

Whether DNLA can improve AD-like symptoms induced by HMD is to be explored.

Method:

Mice were fed with 2% HMD diet for 11 weeks, the DNLA20 control group (20 mg/kg), DNLA10 group (10 mg/kg), and DNLA20 group (20 mg/kg) were administrated with DNLA for 3 months. Morris water maze test was used to detect learning and memory ability. Neuron damage was evaluated by HE and Nissl stainings. Levels of homocysteine (Hcy), beta-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42), S-adenosine methionine (SAM), and S-adenosine homocysteine (SAH) were detected by ELISA. Immunofluorescence and western blotting (WB) were used to determine the expression of proteins. CPG island methylation.

Results:

Morris water maze test revealed that DNLA improved learning and memory dysfunction. HE, Nissl, and immunofluorescence stainings showed that DNLA alleviated neuron damage and reduced the 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 levels. DNLA also decreased the levels of Hcy and Aβ1-42 in the serum, along with decreased SAM/SAH levels in the liver tissue. WB results showed that DNLA down-regulated the expression of the amyloid-precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1 (PS1), beta-secretase-1 (BACE1), DNA methyltransferase1 (DNMT1), Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 proteins. DNLA also up-regulated the expression of the protein of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), neprilysin (NEP), DNMT3a, and DNMT3b. Meanwhile, DNLA increased CPG island methylation levels of APP and BACE1 genes.

Conclusions:

DNLA alleviated AD-like symptoms induced by HMD via the DNA methylation pathway.
Efficient Synthetic Access to Novel Indolo[2,3-b]Quinoxaline-based Heterocycles
Authors: Abeed Ahmed Abdou O. , El-Emary Talaat , Alharthi Sarah
Published: August 2021

Background:

This paper showed the synthetic capability of the indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline nucleus to be provided as an excellent precursor for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds. These synthetic routes proceed via the formation of 3-(6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalin-6-yl) propane hydrazide (2). The carbohydrazide 2 and its reactions with different reagents give five and six-membered rings, such as 1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, and 1,2,4-triazine.

Methods:

All chemicals used in the current study were of analytical grade. Melting points were determined using an APP Digital ST 15 melting point apparatus and were uncorrected. FT-IR spectra were recorded on a Pye-Unicam SP3-100 and Shimadzu-408 spectrophotometers in KBr pellets and given in (cm-1) KBr. The NMR spec-tra were detected by a Bruker AV-400 spectrometer (400 MHz for 1H, 100 MHz for 13C and 40.55 MHz for 15N), Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe, Germany. Chemical shifts were expressed as δ (ppm) with TMS as an internal reference. Mass spectrometry was provided on a Varian MAT 312 instrument in EI mode (70 eV).

Results:

The target compounds were obtained, and their structures were completely elucidated by various spec-tral and elemental analyses (Ft-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry).

Conclusion:

The current work showed a view of the reactivity of the carbohydrazide group. The carbohydrazide 2 was obtained from the hydrazinolysis of carboethoxy compound 1 and exploited as a key intermediate to syn-thesize heterocyclic compounds with different rings.
Molecular Changes in the Glucokinase Gene (GCK) Associated with the
Diagnosis of Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in Pregnant
Women and Newborns
Authors: Lepore Carolina , Damaso Enio , Suazo Veridiana , Queiroz Rosane , Junior Raphael Liberatore , Moisés Elaine
Published: August 2021

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic alteration in gestation.
Monogenic diabetes or Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a subtype caused by a
primary defect in insulin secretion determined by autosomal dominant inheritance.

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze molecular changes of the Glucokinase gene (GCK) in pregnant
women with hyperglycemia during gestation and in their neonates.

Case study and Methods:

We collected 201 blood samples, 128 from pregnant patients diagnosed
with hyperglycemia and 73 from umbilical cord blood from neonates of the respective patients.
DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify molecular
changes in the GCK gene.

Results:

In a total of 201 samples (128 from mothers and 73 from neonates), we found changes in
21 (10.6%), among which 12 were maternal samples (6.0%) and 9 were neonatal samples (4.5%).
DNA sequencing identified two polymorphisms and one deleterious MODY GCK-diagnostic mutation.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of molecular changes in the Glucokinase gene (GCK) and the deleterious
MODY GCK-diagnostic mutation were 9.3% and 0.7%, respectively, in women with hyperglycemia
during gestation and 12.5% and 1.3%, respectively, in their neonates. The deleterious
MODY GCK mutation identified is associated with a reduction in GCK activity and hyperglycemia.
In the other molecular changes identified, it was impossible to exclude phenotypic change
despite not having clinical significance. Therefore, these changes may interfere with the management
and clinical outcome of the patients.
Unsupervised End-to-End Brain Tumor Magnetic Resonance Image Registration Using RBCNN: Rigid Transformation, B-Spline Transformation and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sankareswaran Senthil Pandi , Krishnan Mahadevan
Published: August 2021

Background:

Image registration is the process of aligning two or more images in a single
coordinate. Nowadays, medical image registration plays a significant role in computer-assisted
disease diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. The different modalities available in the medical image
make medical image registration an essential step in Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD), Computer-
Aided Therapy (CAT) and Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS).

Problem definition:

Recently, many learning-based methods were employed for disease detection
and classification, but those methods were not suitable for real-time due to delayed response and
the need for pre-alignment and labeling.

Method:

The proposed research constructed a deep learning model with Rigid transform and B-Spline
transform for medical image registration for an automatic brain tumour finding. The proposed
research consists of two steps. The first step uses Rigid transformation based Convolutional Neural
Network and the second step uses B-Spline transform-based Convolutional Neural Network. The
model is trained and tested with 3624 MR (Magnetic Resonance) images to assess the performance.
The researchers believe that MR images help in the success of the treatment of patients
with brain tumour.

Result:

The result of the proposed method is compared with the Rigid Convolutional Neural Network
(CNN), Rigid CNN + Thin-Plat Spline (TPS), Affine CNN, Voxel morph, ADMIR (Affine
and Deformable Medical Image Registration) and ANT(Advanced Normalization Tools) using
DICE score, Average Symmetric surface Distance (ASD), and Hausdorff distance.

Conclusion:

The RBCNN model will help the physician to automatically detect and classify the
brain tumor quickly (18 Sec) and efficiently without doing pre-alignment and labeling.
Biological Characterization and Preliminary Crystallization: A Step Towards
the Use of Novel Allium sativum Protease Inhibitor as a Potential
Therapeutic Drug
Authors: Shamsi Tooba Naz , Afreen Sumbul , Parveen Romana , Kumar Manish , Fatma Tasneem , Fatima Sadaf
Published: August 2021

Background:

Garlic, being a well-known medicinal plant, is the most commonly used culinary
spice worldwide. Investigation of protease inhibitor isolated from garlic leads to a promising contender
in pharmacognostic and pharmacological studies.

Objective/Introduction:

Protease Inhibitor (PI) from 'garlic' (Allium sativum) was analyzed for its biological
role as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Methods:

Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and
2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using trypsin
inhibitory assay and heat-induced albumin denaturation method. The antimicrobial activity was examined
in broth against E. coli and B. Subtilis. The crystallization was setup using the hanging drop
method.

Results:

ASPI showed DPPH radical scavenging with IC50 values 561±0.337 μg/ml. Also, ASPI
showed the highest value of 0.699±0.009 mM at 1000 μg/ml and the lowest i.e. 0.181±0.006 mM at
100 μg/ml in FRAP assay. Ascorbic acid was taken as standard in both cases. ASPI showed IC50 values
of 651±0.532 μg/ml and ~657±1.802 μg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial role of ASPI was testified,
and results showed maximum inhibition against E. coli (ATCC 25922) i.e., 87.8 ±0.602% but no
inhibition against B. subtilis (MTCC 736). Cuboidal shaped crystals of the ASPI were obtained in 4-6
weeks using 0.2M calcium chloride dihydrate, 0.1M sodium acetate trihydrate, 20 % isopropanol.

Conclusion:

ASPI has tremendous potential in the development of suitable drugs in pharmaceutical
industries against diseases due to the generation of reactive oxygen species and cancer. The cuboidal
crystals were obtained, which is the first study in the context of crystallization of ASPI to date.
A 96-Well Plates-based UV Spectrophotometric Assay for Determination
of Total Glucosinolates in Isatis indigotica Roots
Authors: Sun Yanzhi , Zhang Hongchao , Cheng Zhihong
Published: August 2021

Background:

Glucosinolates (GLS) are important secondary metabolites in Cruciferae
vegetables and herbs. Currently, the assays of total GLS determination are cumbersome (requiring
acidic or enzymatic hydrolysis and addition of staining reagents), time-consuming, and indirect.
High concentrations of inorganic salts are inevitably incorporated into the GLS products during
separation. There is a need for a quantitative method for simple and rapid determination of total
GLS after desalting process.

Methods:

A 96-well plates-based UV spectrophotometric method for determination of total GLS
of Isatis indigotica roots was developed in the present study. The detection wavelength is set at 230
nm using quartz plates. This assay was validated using gluconapin and sinigrin as reference standards,
and applied to determine the total GLS of I. indigotica roots prepared from five different desalting
methods.

Results:

This assay is specific for total GLS prepared from I. indigotica roots, and it has acceptable
accuracy (91.76–98.18% for quality control, and 95.59–102.52% for addition/recovery), precision
(0.24–0.70% pooled RSD), reproducibility (0.31–1.84% RSD), and stability (0.24–1.45% RSD)
over a 72-h period.

Conclusion:

The 96-well plates-based UV spectrophotometric assay is simple and accurate for
high-throughput determination of total GLS.
Physical Vapour Deposition of Zr-Based Nano Films on Various
Substrates: A Review
Authors: Tarek Ahmad Hafiz Jafarul , Lai Chin Wei , Razak Bushroa Abd , Wong Yew Hoong
Published: August 2021

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a thin film fabrication process in the semiconductor
industry. This review paper discusses the different types of PVD methods such as sputtering, cathodic
arc deposition, pulsed laser deposition, and ion plating that could be employed in order to fabricate
nanoscale thin films. This paper focuses on reviewing Zr-based nanoscale thin film properties, including
the transformation of Zr to ZrO2 based nanofilms as high-k gate dielectrics. Additionally, its
corrosion, mechanical and degradation resistance were thoroughly analysed. These properties are
affected by gas flow rate changes, temperature, and crystallinity and are further discussed in each
section. Thus, this review paper informs researchers of the thin films progress to date. Understanding
the influence of PVD process parameters in fabricating Zr-based nanoscale thin film is vital for its
long-term continuous improvement.
The Protective Effects of Pioglitazone Against Cognitive Impairment
Caused by L-methionine Administration in a Rat Model
Authors: Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F. , Alfaqih Mahmoud , Tashtoush Murad , Al-Azzam Sayer I. , Mhaidat Nizar M. , Alrabadi Nasr
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Accumulating evidence indicates that elevated levels of methionine are associated
with cognitive decline, including loss of memory. The exact mechanisms behind this observation
are not completely understood but could be related to an increase in oxidative stress markers in
hippocampal tissues. The above increase in oxidative stress could be directly caused by an increase
in the blood levels of methionine (hypermethioninemia) or one of its metabolites, such as homocysteine.
Pioglitazone is a drug primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Several reports
showed that using pioglitazone protects against cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease.
Pioglitazone has antioxidant properties independent of its hypoglycemic effects. Taken together,
we hypothesized that pioglitazone protects against memory loss triggered by elevated levels
of methionine through lowering oxidative stress in the hippocampus.

Method:

To test this hypothesis, we used chronic administration of L-methionine in a rat model.
Spatial learning and memory were evaluated in the model using a radial arm water maze (RAWM).
The levels of several markers related to oxidative stress were measured in hippocampal tissues recovered
from experimental rats.

Results:

Current results showed that administration of L-methionine was associated with a significant
loss of short- and long-term memory and an increase in blood homocysteine levels. The above
memory changes were associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the activity
of catalase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus. The combined
treatment of pioglitazone with L-methionine protected rat model from memory loss. It also prevented
changes observed in lipid peroxidation and changes in the activity of catalase and glutathione
peroxidase enzymes.

Conclusion:

Current findings indicate that pioglitazone is a viable therapeutic option that protects
against cognitive changes observed upon administration of L-methionine.
Circulating Biomarkers Related to Osteocyte and Calcium Homeostasis Between Postmenopausal Women with and without Osteoporosis
Authors: Chan Chin Yi , Subramaniam Shaanthana , Mohamed Norazlina , Muhammad Norliza , Ramli Fitri Fareez , Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: August 2021

Background:

The currently available bone turnover markers are mostly derived from osteoblasts
or osteoclasts. Protein markers derived from osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells that
can regulate bone turnover activities by other cells, are less explored.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the circulating markers of osteocytes and calcium homeostasis
between Malaysian postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis.

Method:

Postmenopausal women with (n=20) or without osteoporosis (n=20) as determined by dual-
energy X-ray absorptiometry were randomly drawn from a bone health cohort. Their fasting
blood was collected and assayed by a multiplex immunoassay panel.

Results:

The results showed that osteoprotegerin and sclerostin levels were significantly lower
among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis than the normal control. No significant differences
in other markers were observed between the two groups. Sclerostin level correlated positively
with spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD), while 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated negatively
with hip BMD in the control group. No significant correlation was observed between other markers
with spine or hip BMD.

Conclusion:

These data provide an insight into the possible roles of osteocyte markers, especially
osteoprotegerin and sclerostin, in classifying subjects with osteoporosis. However, the lack of association
between these markers and BMD indicates that osteoporosis is a complex and multifactorial
condition.
Effects of Opioids and Psychoactive Drugs on Blood Lipid and Glucose Indices;
A Systematic Review of Population-Based Evidences
Authors: Rezaei Azam , Rezaei Maryam
Published: August 2021

Background:

Based on a common belief among people, narcotic substances and psychoactive
drugs may help to reduce blood glucose and lipid profile leading to reduced risk of cardiovascular
diseases. This hypothesis has been verified in several studies; however, there is no conclusive
agreement on the reducing effects of opium and other opioid derivatives on blood glucose
and lipids. In the present review, we collected all related literature to evaluate the effects of opioids
and psychoactive drugs abuse in altering blood glucose and lipid profile, and discuss their longterm
effects.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed in January 2021 using “lipid profile”, “glucose”,
and “opium” including all their equivalents, main derivatives and similar terms. The data
were then extracted and reported qualitatively.

Results:

Overall, 46 articles with 37407 participants were included after several step–by-step procedures
of article selection. Findings of this study suggested that opioids may reduce blood glucose
and low-density lipoproteins, while increasing triglyceride. However, these effects are temporary,
and long-term substance abuse exacerbates glucose and lipid-associated diseases such as diabetes
and atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:

Although there are many confounding factors that may affect the results of the included
literature; however, based on the findings of these studies, the long-term beneficial effects of
opioids on lipid profile and blood glucose cannot be accepted.
Dynamics and Interplay between Autophagy and Ubiquitin-proteasome system Coordination in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Singh Ajay , Yadav Aarti , Phogat Jatin , Dabur Rajesh
Published: August 2021

Skeletal muscles are considered the largest reservoirs of the protein pool in the body and are critical for the maintenances of body homeostasis. Skeletal muscle atrophy is supported by various physiopathological conditions that lead to loss of muscle mass and contractile capacity of the skeletal muscle. Lysosomal mediated autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasomal system (UPS) concede the major intracellular systems of muscle protein degradation that result in the loss of mass and strength. Both systems recognize ubiquitination as a signal of degradation through different mechanisms, a sign of dynamic interplay between systems. Hence, growing shreds of evidence suggest the interdependency of autophagy and UPS in the progression of skeletal muscle atrophy under various pathological conditions. Therefore, understanding the molecular dynamics and associated factors responsible for their interdependency is necessary for the new therapeutic insights to counteract muscle loss. Based on current literature, the present review summarizes the factors that interplay between autophagy and UPS in favor of enhanced proteolysis of skeletal muscle and how they affect the anabolic signaling pathways under various conditions of skeletal muscle atrophy.
Bidirectional Battery Interface in Standalone Solar PV System for Electrification in Rural Areas
Authors: Purnomo Yuwono Bimo , Wijaya F. Danang , Firmansyah Eka
Published: August 2021

In a standalone photovoltaic (PV) system, a bidirectional DC converter (BDC) is needed to prevent the battery from damage caused by DC bus voltage variation. In this paper, BDC was applied in a standalone solar PV system to interface the battery with a DC bus in a standalone PV system. Therefore, its bidirectional power capability was focused on improving save battery operation while maintaining high power quality delivery. A non-isolated, buck and boost topology for the BDC configuration was used to interface the battery with the DC bus. PID controller-based control strategy was chosen for easy implementation, high reliability, and high dynamic performance. A simulation was conducted using MATLAB Simulink program. The simulation results show that the implementation of the BDC controller can maintain the DC bus voltage to 100 V, have high efficiency at 99.18% in boost mode and 99.48% in buck mode. To prevent the battery from overcharging condition, the BDC stops the charging process and then works as a voltage regulator to maintain the DC bus voltage at reference value.
COMPOSITE RESIN RESTORATION WITH FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT OF NECROTIC PULP TOOTH WITH GUMBOIL
Authors: Natalia Dessy , Kristanti Yulita
Published: August 2021

Gumboil is inflammation reaction in the gum caused by pulp infection. Gumboil is seen as an oral lesion characterized by a soft erythematous papule where a periapical abcess is draining into the oral cavity. An adequate root canal treatment can  cure gumboil and remove bacteria from the root canal. To support the success of root canal treatment, final restoration used in this case is composite resin restoration with reinforcing fiber (short fiber reinforced composite). The purpose of this treatment was to restore the functions of tooth in mastication and preserving the supporting tissue. A female patient age 23 years old came with complaints of pain in the lower right mandibular molar accompanied by swelling of the gums around the teeth since a week ago. Swelling is intermittent since last 3 months. The tooth have been restored for about 3 years ago. Clinical examination showed a positive percussion, positive palpation, negative vitality, and negative mobility. Radiographic examination showed bifurcation and periapical lesions. Root canal treatment is performed with crown down preparation technique and followed by direct composite resin restoration with short fiber reiforced composite. The success of root canal treatment followed by composite resin restoration with short fiber reinforced fiber is marked by the absence of complaints as well as the dissappearance of gumboil.
TYPOLOGY OF RESILIENCE STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL DISASTERS IN YOGYAKARTA CITY
Authors: Krisnantara Guruh , Roychansyah M. Sani
Published: August 2021

Urban areas in disaster prone require increased capacity in order to reduce the risk level. This study identifies resilience strategies in towards natural disasters in the village unit to obtain detailed data. This study uses field observations to find information about resilience strategies that have been carried out by the government and by the public in general and with snowball sampling techniques in each unit of analysis. Some strategies obtained were then made a typology of strategies found in several villages in the city of Yogyakarta. The results of this study are there are two types of strategies for increasing resilience in Yogyakarta, bottom-up strategy and top-down strategy. Bottom-up strategy is a strategy that was indeed initiated and carried out by the village although in the end it still cannot be separated from the role of main stakeholders, among others, is conducting disaster simulations, training in the use of emergency equipment, disaster socialization, planning, and infrastructure preparation. Top-down strategy is a strategy or policy carried out by the regional government in order to coordinate the level of resilience in the entire region of Yogyakarta, including the addition of the Kampung Tangguh Bencana (KTB), village expansion, organizing volunteers, and infrastructure development.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Siswomihardjo Widowati
Published: August 2021

Sekolah Pascasarjana Universitas Gadjah Mada dengan keragaman program studinya merupakan tempat dari pengembangan ilmu-ilmu multidisipliner dengan dasar keilmuan bidang teknologi, agronomi, dan kesehatan. Sebagai tuntutan dari pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi, Jurnal Teknosains terbit sebagai wadah untuk mempublikasikan hasil-hasil penelitian yang mendasar serta inovatif. Kehidupan makhluk di dunia tidak pernah bisa lepas dari permasalahan. Setiap saat muncul permasalahan mulai dari yang sederhana sampai dengan yang bersifat sangat kompleks. Akan tetapi, kompleksitas dari permasalahan-permasalahan yang muncul justru menjadi tantangan yang besar bagi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan serta para akademisi. Hal tersebut dapat dibuktikan melalui artikel-artikel yang dipublikasikan penerbitan ini. Pada edisi ini ada delapan artikel yang dipublikasikan. Tim redaksi telah telah berupaya secara konsisten untuk memilih artikel serta menyuntingnya berdasarkan pedoman penulisan publikasi ilmiah. Penyuntingan artikel telah melibatkan mereka yang ahli di dalam bidanya. Akhir kata, mohon maaf atas belum sempurnanya terbitan ini serta terima kasih yang tidak terhingga kepada semua pihak yang telah bersusah payah ikut terlibat dalam penerbitan ini. Selamat membaca dan semoga bermanfaat bagi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan serta wawasan akademik kita semua.
Actitudes hacia la pandemia y su relación con la resiliencia en estudiantes de medicina peruanos
Authors: Garayar-Peceros Humberto , Prado-Martínez Fanny , Cortez-Soto Andrea G. , Niño de Guzmán Solange , García-Gutiérrez Julia G. , Alarco J. Jhonnel
Published: August 2021

Introducción: Los estudiantes de medicina son uno de los grupos poblacionales más afectados por la COVID-19. Objetivo: Determinar las actitudes hacia la pandemia por la COVID-19 y su relación con la resiliencia en estudiantes de medicina a inicios de la cuarentena en Perú.

Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en estudiantes de medicina de dos universidades de la ciudad de Ica en Perú. Las preguntas referidas a las actitudes hacia la pandemia fueron elaboradas por los autores y la resiliencia fue medida a través de la versión en español de la escala de resiliencia de Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC-10).

Resultados: Se incluyeron 431 encuestas virtuales correctamente llenadas. Los estudiantes con actitudes positivas hacia la pandemia tuvieron puntajes más elevados de resiliencia (p < 0.05). La mediana global de resiliencia fue de 31 (RIC: 27-35) y la correlación entre el puntaje total de las actitudes positivas y el puntaje total de la resiliencia fue positiva, baja, pero altamente significativa (Rho de Spearman = 0.34, p < 0.001).

Conclusiones: A inicios de la cuarentena por la COVID-19 en Perú, los estudiantes de medicina de la ciudad de Ica tenían actitudes positivas hacia la evolución de la pandemia. Estas actitudes positivas se correlacionaron significativamente con los niveles de resiliencia.
Experimental Analysis of the Latent Heat Storage System (LHS) Using Paraffin Wax as Phase Change Material
Authors: Jadhav Mr. Omkar
Published: August 2021

An experimental study using paraffin wax as a phase change material (PCM) was performed to analyse thermal physiognomies on the latent heat storage system (LHS). The use of phase change materials through latent heat storage is an unusual approach to maintaining thermal energy. There is the advantage of considerably high energy storage and the uniform temperature of the storage process. Tube & shell type heat exchanger (HE) has been used in this experimentation. Water circulates in tubes and around the tube’s paraffin wax as phase change material is filled. The focus is on heating (charging) and cooling (discharging) of PCM (paraffin wax), which is the melting and solidifying of paraffin wax. The temperature distribution in paraffin is studied consistent with the various flow rates of the warmth transfer fluid.
New perspectives on covariant quantum error correction
Authors: Zhou Sisi , Liu Zi-Wen , Jiang Liang
Published: August 2021

Covariant codes are quantum codes such that a symmetry transformation on the logical system could be realized by a symmetry transformation on the physical system, usually with limited capability of performing quantum error correction (an important case being the Eastin–Knill theorem). The need for understanding the limits of covariant quantum error correction arises in various realms of physics including fault-tolerant quantum computation, condensed matter physics and quantum gravity. Here, we explore covariant quantum error correction with respect to continuous symmetries from the perspectives of quantum metrology and quantum resource theory, establishing solid connections between these formerly disparate fields. We prove new and powerful lower bounds on the infidelity of covariant quantum error correction, which not only extend the scope of previous no-go results but also provide a substantial improvement over existing bounds. Explicit lower bounds are derived for both erasure and depolarizing noises. We also present a type of covariant codes which nearly saturates these lower bounds.
Operational applications of the diamond norm and related measures in quantifying the non-physicality of quantum maps
Authors: Regula Bartosz , Takagi Ryuji , Gu Mile
Published: August 2021

Although quantum channels underlie the dynamics of quantum states, maps which are not physical channels — that is, not completely positive — can often be encountered in settings such as entanglement detection, non-Markovian quantum dynamics, or error mitigation. We introduce an operational approach to the quantitative study of the non-physicality of linear maps based on different ways to approximate a given linear map with quantum channels. Our first measure directly quantifies the cost of simulating a given map using physically implementable quantum channels, shifting the difficulty in simulating unphysical dynamics onto the task of simulating linear combinations of quantum states. Our second measure benchmarks the quantitative advantages that a non-completely-positive map can provide in discrimination-based quantum games. Notably, we show that for any trace-preserving map, the quantities both reduce to a fundamental distance measure: the diamond norm, thus endowing this norm with new operational meanings in the characterisation of linear maps. We discuss applications of our results to structural physical approximations of positive maps, quantification of non-Markovianity, and bounding the cost of error mitigation.