bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thalassemia Phenotypes and Associated Mortality among Yemeni Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Thaker A.A. Abdulrahman  , Ali Alhaj  , Mokhtar E.M. Saif
Published: August 2022

Objective: To retrospectively analyze thalassemia phenotypes and associated mortality among Yemeni patients seeking healthcare in Sana’a city, Yemen.

Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the medical center of Yemen Society for Thalassemia and Genetic Blood Disorders (YSTGBD) in Sana'a city from January 2010 to December 2016. Data about gender, age, governorate of origin, type of thalassemia and thalassemia-related mortality were retrieved from the records of 496 thalassemia patients. Data were then entered into an Excel spreadsheet, cross-checked for accuracy and presented as frequencies and proportions. Factors associated with deaths among thalassemia patients were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: A total number of 496 patients attended the medical center of YSTGBD in Sana’a city in the period from January 2010 to December 2016. The majority of thalassemia patients were males (57.9%), and approximately half of the patients were aged 10 years or younger with a comparable proportion to those older than 10 years. Most thalassemia patients had β-thalassemia (92.7%), while 7.3% had α-thalassemia. The majority of patients were from Hajjah governorate (16.5%) followed by those from Sana'a (13.1%) and Amran (11.9%), while lower proportions ranging from 0.2% to 8.1% were recorded for patients from other governorates. Thirty out of the total attending thalassemia patients died, and mortality was significantly associated with recurrent transfusions of whole blood but not with the gender and age of the patients or thalassemia phenotype.

Conclusions: The majority of thalassemia patients seeking healthcare in Sana’a city suffer from thalassemia, where males represent more than half of them and the patients are almost equally distributed in relation to the cut-off age of 10 years. The mortality incidence among Yemeni thalassemia patients seeking healthcare is lower than that reported elsewhere in the world, and mortality was significantly associated with recurrent blood transfusions. Further studies to identify the genetic abnormalities associated with thalassemia are recommended together with the need for the launch of a national center for counseling, research and supervision of voluntary activities related to thalassemia and genetic blood disorders in Yemen.

Keywords: Thalassemia, Phenotype, Mortality, Yemen
Common Autoimmune Diseases among Yemeni Patients in Sana’a City, Yemen
Authors: Raja M. Al-Haimi  , Arwa M. Othman  , Hassan A. Al-Shamahy  , Khaled A. Al-Moyed  , Abdul Hafeez A. Al-Selwi
Published: August 2022

Objective: To determine the most common autoimmune diseases (ADs) among Yemeni patients in Sana’a city.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in six health facilities in Sana’a city from January 2014 to July 2017. It prospectively recruited 131 patients with ADs and retrospectively included 1786 records of patients with ADs, totaling the sample size to 1917. Data about gender and age of prospective patients and as well as the gender, age and the type of AD from patients’ records were collected using a pre-designed data collection sheet. Sera from patients’ sera were investigated for autoantibodies to diagnose ADs using immunological techniques. Data were then analyzed and expressed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The majority of approximately two-thirds of patients with ADs attending the health facilities or record-retrieved were females, with a mean age of 32.35 ± 13.72 years (range: 1–89). Approximately half of the patients had a single type of either systemic or organ-specific ADs, while less than 1% had concurrent ADs. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) were the most frequent systemic ADs, being higher among females than males with male:female ratios of 1:4, 1:6 and 1:7, respectively. On the other hand, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), Graves’ disease, Hashimoto's disease and celiac disease (CD) were the most frequent organ-specific ADs. AIH was higher among males than females with a male:female ratio of 2:1, while Graves’ and Hashimoto's diseases and CD were higher among females with a male:female ratio of 1:2–1:5. The most frequent concurrence between ADs was between SLE and RA (55.6%) as well as AIH and AIG (16.7%), being higher among females than males with male:female ratios of 1:9 and 1:2, respectively. SLE and AIH were equally concurrent between males and females, while the concurrence of other types of ADs was observed among females only.

Conclusions: AIH, RA and SLE are the most frequent ADs among Yemeni patients with a steady rise in the frequency of ADs over the period 2014-2017 in Sana'a city. Systemic and organ-specific ADs are comparably equal in distribution and concurrently present among approximately 1.0% of cases, with predominance among females compared to males. Population-based studies for the assessment of incidence/prevalence of ADs and the environmental factors associated with the trending increase in the prevalence of ADs in Yemen are issues for further studies.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases, Autoimmune hepatitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Yemen
Effect of Chronic Khat Chewing on Intima-Media Thickness of Common Carotid Arteries in Yemeni volunteers
Authors: Ameen M. Amer  , Elsafi A. Abdalla  , Amna A. M. Mokhtar
Published: August 2022

Objective: To assess the changes occurring in both common carotid arteries (CCAs) intima-media thickness (IMT) in Yemeni chronic khat chewers using B-mode ultrasonography.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 195 participants (103 regular khat chewers and 92 non-khat chewers) conveniently selected at the Radiology Department of the University of Science and Technology Hospital (USTH) in Sana’a from August 2017 to August 2018. Data about gender, age, BMI, chewing khat and the period of chewing were collected from participants using a structured questionnaire. B-mode ultrasonography of bilateral CCAs was then performed to measure the IMT. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tests, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority of participants with CCA-IMT were males (91.8%) and aged 27 years or younger (59.0%), with a mean age of 27.9 ± 6.8 years. Khat chewers constituted more than half of patients with CCA-IMT. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean values of RT CCA-IMT and LT CCA-IMT between khat chewers and non-khat chewers. The CCA-MIT was significantly higher among male khat chewers compared to male non-chewers (P = 0.004). However, there was no statistically significant difference between khat chewers and non-chewers with respect to the age of 20 years or older (P = 0.301) and BMI of 18.5 kg/m2 or higher (P = 0.888). Age showed a significant positive correlation with RT CCA-IMT (r = 0.380; P < 0.001) and LT CCA-IMT (r = 0.458; P < 0.001) in Khat chewers. In contrast, age showed a significant positive correlation with LT CCA-IMT only in non-khat chewers (r = 0.236; P = 0.024). On the other hand, BMI showed a significant positive correlation with LT CCA-IMT (r = 0.254; P = 0.010) among khat chewers, but no significant correlation was found in CCA-IMT of both sides among non-khat chewers. Among khat chewers, there was a significant positive correlation with RT CCA-IMT (r = 0.273; P = 0.005) and LT CCA-IMT(r = 0.194; P = 0.049).

Conclusion: Khat chewing does not lead to a significant difference in CCA-IMT among Yemeni chewers compared to non-chewers. However, the period of chewing may slightly affect the CCA-IMT among khat chewers. Age has a significant positive correlation with CCA-IMT in khat chewers and LT CCA-MIT in non-khat chewers, which could help to determine the contribution of different predisposing factors to atherosclerosis. A significant positive correlation can be found between BMI and LT CCA-MIT among khat chewers.

Keywords: Khat Chewing, Intima media thickness, Carotid, Yemen
Comparative Analysis of Five Brands of Lisinopril Tablets in Yemeni Market
Authors: G.Q. Othman
Published: August 2022

Background: In poor countries such as Yemen, the cost of drugs is a factor affecting the patient’s decision to buy it and generic medicines are introduced as cheaper alternatives to the high cost brands. However, it has been believed that generic medicines are inferior in quality compared to the branded medicines. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the physicochemical equivalence of five brands of tablets containing Lisinopril (antihypertensive) sourced from different retail pharmacy outlets in the Yemeni market. Methods: The quality and physicochemical equivalence of five different brands of Lisinopril tablets were assessed. The assessment included the evaluation of uniformity of weight, friability, crushing strength, disintegration and dissolution tests as well as chemical assay of the tablets. Results: Results obtained showed that all five brands of the Lisinopril 5 mg tablets passed the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) standards for uniformity of weight, the crushing strength/hardness test and the friability test. All the brands passed the disintegration test and standard assay of content of active ingredients Conclusion: The five brands of Lisinopril 5mg tablets that were analysed passed all the BP quality specifications and were physically and chemically equivalent. All tested formulations were found to be equivalent.
Challenges in the Management of Penetrating Cardiac Injuries in Taiz, Yemen
Authors: Al-Ganadi Abudar A.
Published: August 2022

Ten patients with penetrating heart injury were admitted to the emergency room (ER) of Yemen International Hospital, Taiz, Yemen in the period 2011–2013. Nine patients were males and one was a female, with mean age of patients was 27.6 years old. All mechanisms of injuries were gunshot wounds except for one, which was a stab wound. Patients were classified into three groups according to their hemodynamic states and consciousness level. The first group includes five patients who were hemodynamically unstable and conscious. These patients were transferred immediately to the operating room. Patients with various heart injuries survived. The second group includes three patients who were in shock with no detectable blood pressure and semiconscious. Because there was no response to resuscitation, they were highly indicated for emergency thoracotomy, which could not be performed due to the presence of their firearms-carrying relatives in the ER. Therefore, these patients died. The third group includes two patients who were hemodynamically stable and conscious. They underwent pericardial window opening. In conclusion, penetrating cardiac injuries seen in our hospital are consistent with the available literature. However, it is believed that country security instability is one of the important factors that affects the management of such cases according to the international guidelines.
Patterns of Chest Injuries among Yemeni Patients: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Aldahmashi Mohammed N.
Published: August 2022

Objective: To investigate the patterns of thoracic injuries and the methods used for their management.Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis of 275 chest trauma cases managed at the University of Science and Technology Hospital over the period 2010–2013.Results: Of 275 consecutive patients with chest trauma, 72.7% were males and 7.27% were females with a mean age of 33.6 years old. Blunt injuries represented 51% (125 males and 15 females) while penetrating injuries represented 49% (130 males and five females) of the cases. Among the penetrating injury group, three patients (1.1%) were with direct sustaining cardiac injuries. The most common presenting features associated with injuries were pain (100%), dyspnea (78.6%) and hemorrhagic shock (17%). Concurrent extrathoracic injuries were found in 22.2% (61/275) of the total chest injuries; spinal cord injuries (3.3%; 9/275), brain injuries (6.2%; 17/275) and intraperitoneal injuries (4.4%; 12/275) and bone fractures (7.3%; 23/275). The first three types of extrathoracic injuries were mostly due to penetrating injuries that necessitated a thoracoabdominal approach or chest tube drainage (CTD) and laparotomy. Computerized tomography scan, chest X-ray, ultrasound and echocardiography were the main diagnostic tools, being used for the diagnosis of 95.27%, 96.72%, 9.73% and 9.33% of cases, respectively. Intercostal tube thoracostomy was required for the management of 96.3% (130/135) of patients with penetrating injuries; early thoracotomy was performed in 25.9% (35/135) of patients to control over bleeding while late thoracotomy was performed in 16.3% (22/135) of patients for removal of retained foreign body and empyema. The CTD was performed in 76.4% (107/140) of patients with blunt injuries, whereas 23.6% (33/140) patients had conservative management and only 2.9% (4/140) of patients underwent thoracotomy. The average hospital length of stay was 6 days for penetrating trauma group and about 7 days for blunt trauma group. Out of all admitted cases, 94.5% (260/275) were cured while 5.5% (15/275) died.Conclusions: It is concluded that CTD is the most appropriate method of treating complicated chest injuries; however, the penetrating trauma has a higher rate of internal damage that requires early intervention to save life, especially for severe or progressive intrathoracic bleeding and cardiac injury. Pulmonary contusion and rib fracture were the most common complications of chest traumas, for which strong painkillers, anti-infective therapy, respiratory care measures and mechanical ventilation are the components of an effective treatment strategy. The associated extrathoracic injuries constitute a major prognostic factor in chest traumas, which were higher in blunt traumas.
Migration Flows Diversification – a Real Prospect or an Imitation of the Problem?
Authors: Komarovskiy V.
Published: August 2022

The article deals with the problems of migration flows in the post-Soviet space. An attempt was made to answer the question of whether there is a reorientation of migration flows directed to Russia to other directions. The answer is that in general, in the foreseeable future, the Russian labor market will retain its fundamental role for the post-Soviet countries. The desire to diversify the directions of labor migration is a natural process, but in the current realities, the search for new markets for labor migration is not capable of creating real competition for Russia.
The Ukrainian Rift (Anatomy of the Armed Conflict)
Authors: Tsedilina E.
Published: August 2022

Ukraine plays a key role in the American strategy of containing Russia in the post-Soviet space. The militarization of the Ukrainian state in the recent years, the military development of its territory by the United States and NATO, as well as the attitude of Kiev and Washington to the integration of Ukraine into the North Atlantic Alliance pose an increasing threat to Russia’s vital interests. Moscow has repeatedly tried to ensure indivisible security on the continent – common to all participants – but has constantly encountered resistance from the West. In December 2021, the Russian leadership made a last attempt to change the rules of the game that were unfavorable to Russia by offering Western “partners” to conclude appropriate contractual obligations. Having failed to achieve this goal by political means, Russia was forced to launch a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of demilitarization and denazification of the Ukrainian state. This was also facilitated by Kiev’s preparation for an attack on Donbass. However, the West, in the interests of maximum weakening of its geopolitical competitor, has transferred limited military actions to the format of a total hybrid war. As a result, the conflict moved to a qualitatively different level, where the issue of changing the existing world order came to the fore.
South Asia in Foreign Policy Priorities of Central Asia and Russia
Authors: Malysheva D.
Published: August 2022

The South Asian direction of the foreign policy of the Central Asian republics and Russia serves the purpose of diversifying their international contacts under severe conditions of the transition to a polycentric world order. Along with energy and transport projects, the sphere of security and international relations remains a priority in the triangle of Central Asia (CA)–South Asia (SA)–Russian Federation (RF). The foreign policy vectors are largely determined by such major regional states as India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan. These states are developing a strategic partnership and economic cooperation with Russia, China, other South Asian and Central Asian countries within the framework of regional (The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, RIC) structures, as well as some informal strategic forums (Central Asia – Russia dialogue, etc.).
The contribution of Marian Wygrzywalski (1829-1895), a surgeon in the town of Piotrkow Trybunalski and pioneer of antiseptics at the territories of Poland, to laryngology
Authors: Kierzek Andrzej
Published: August 2022

Na wstępie przedstawiono drogę życiową i naukową Mariana Wygrzywalskiego (1829-1895), chirurga Szpitala Św. Trójcy w Piotrkowie Trybunalskim, pioniera antyseptyki w Polsce. W skrócie zrelacjonowano jego dokonania organizacyjne i medyczne, szczególnie w zakresie chirurgii. Zanalizowano osiągnięcia M. Wygrzywalskiego w otolaryngologii, zwłaszcza w chirurgii krtani i tchawicy, usuwania ciał obcych dróg oddechowych i pokarmowych.
Luminaries of Polish medicine: Szczecin professors Bogusław Halikowski (1914-2004) and Zygmunt Machoy (1924-2018)
Authors: Początek Michał
Published: August 2022

Celem pracy jest przedstawienie sylwetek i dorobku naukowego dwóch wybitnych uczonych Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie. Nosząca od 2010 r. nazwę Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego uczelnia, powstała w 1948 r. (jako Akademia Lekarska) z myślą o wykształceniu kadry lekarskiej dla odzyskanych przez Polskę po II wojnie światowej ziem Pomorza Zachodniego. Miasto nie miało właściwie tradycji akademickich. W okresie przedwojennym w należącym do Rzeszy Niemieckiej Szczecinie nie było żadnej szkoły wyższej. W 1947 r. powstały tu Wyższa Szkoła Handlowa oraz Szkoła Inżynierska, późniejsza Politechnika, a następnie także inne uczelnie o profilu zawodowym: Wyższa Szkoła Morska, Wyższa Szkoła Rolnicza oraz Wyższa Szkoła Pedagogiczna. Na podstawie wydawnictw okolicznościowych, artykułów prasowych, notatek i wspomnień osobistych autora, przedstawiono dwóch zasłużonych profesorów Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej: Bogusława Halikowskiego(1914-2004) i Zygmunta Machoya (1924-2018). Byli aktywni zawodowo w prawie identycznym czasie, ponadto łączyło ich zamieszkiwanie w Szczecinie, a także praca na tej samej uczelni, talenty dydaktyczne, zbliżone i szerokie zainteresowania naukowe, członkostwo Polskiej Akademii Nauk oraz fakt, że obaj w większym lub mniejszym zakresie zajmowali się zagadnieniami biochemicznymi. Byli znakomitymi przyrodnikami i rzecznikami ekologii. To pozwalało na holistyczne, całościowe rozpatrywanie problemów zdrowotnych, a także inspirowało do podejmowania innowacyjnych rozwiązań praktycznych. Halikowski kładł nacisk na edukację zdrowotną rodziców i nauczycieli, wprowadził tzw. „kroplówki celowane” w zaburzeniach metabolicznych u dzieci. Machoy zajmował się prospektywną analizą zawartości fluoru w płynach ustrojowych i kościach pracowników zakładów przemysłowych, co ułatwiało ocenę narażenia zawodowego. Cechami charakteru obu naukowców były: skromność, rzetelność w wykonywaniu podejmowanych zadań a także osobista wzajemna sympatia. Halikowski pochodził z Lwowa, gdzie był uczniem słynnego Jakuba Parnasa, Machoy zdobywał doświadczenie pod kierunkiem profesora Zdzisława Stolzmanna, współzałożyciela Polskiego Towarzystwa Biochemicznego, oraz przyjaźnił się ze znanym badaczem gdańskim Mariuszem Żydowo. Halikowski był potem cenionym pediatrą i neurologiem dziecięcym, kierownikiem klinik pediatrycznych w Gdańsku, Krakowie i Szczecinie, przewodniczącym krajowego Komitetu Rozwoju Człowieka, członkiem rzeczywistym Polskiej Akademii Nauk. Machoy, chemik po Uniwersytecie Poznańskim, kierował Zakładem Chemii Fizjologicznej PAM, był prodziekanem, a w latach 1984-1987 dziekanem I Wydziału Lekarskiego, z czasem doktorem honoris causa PAM, prezesem Międzynarodowego Towarzystwa Badań nad Fluorem (ISFR), poza tym – co ciekawe – zasłużonym historykiem medycyny
The contribution of the Zielona Gora Branch of the Polish Dental Society to the provision of postgraduate specialisation training for dentists in 1953-1998
Authors: Kotuła Jacek , Kierzek Andrzej
Published: August 2022

W artykule przedstawiono szkic działalności Oddziału w Zielonej Górze Polskiego Towarzystwa Stomatologicznego (dalej: PTS), prowadzonej w celu umożliwienia lekarzom dentystom podnoszenia kwalifikacji zawodowych poprzez organizację kształcenia specjalizacyjnego. Uwzględniono kierunki współpracy z Zamiejscowym Ośrodkiem Kształcenia Kadr Medycznych w zakresie organizacji kursów i konferencji podnoszących wiedzę i umiejętności zawodowe niezbędne do uzyskania tytułu specjalisty w poszczególnych dziedzinach stomatologii.
Inwentarze kolegium jezuitów w Nieświeżu oraz jego majątków ziemskich z przełomu roku 1773 i 1774, opracowanie i wstęp Andrea Mariani, Poznań 2020, ss. 577 + XCI. ISBN 978-83-232-3568-2
Authors: Magowska Anita
Published: August 2022

Recenzja
Effects of Crocin on Brain Neurotrophins, Cognition, Sensory and Motor Dysfunction in Rats Demyelination with Ethidium Bromide
Authors: Fatemi Rouholah , Fathimoghadam Hadi , Ghadiri Atatalah , Farbod Yaghoub
Published: August 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Crocin on brain neuroterophins, cognition, sensory and motor dysfunction and compare to fingolimod effects in experimental model of demyelination with Ethidium Bromide EB in female Wistar rats. Methods: Animals were assigned in to 8 groups; Sham, Sham operated (ShOp), EAE, crocin treated (Cr5,10,20 mg/kg), Vehicle, Fingolompd (Fing) and fingolimod + crocin (Cr+Fing). Demyelination was induced by single dose injection of 10 μl of EB 0.1% into the fourth ventricle of the brain. Crocin and fingolimod were applied for 21 days, daily, oral gavage. BDNF, NGF1, nerve conduction velocities, tail flake latency, balance and behavioral variables were sampled and analyzed by paired t-test and ANOVA test with repeated post hoc measurements. Results: The results showed that crocin improves all studied factors, but remarkable imrovments were observed in dosage of 10 mg/kg. Crocin (10mg/kg) and fingolimod (1mg/kg) significantly improved cognition variables in open field test, sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity, tail flick latency and clinical signs (p<005). In addition, applying of crocin co-administered with fingolimod led to significant increases in all assessed factors, greater than crocin or fingolimod intervention alone (α≤0.001). Conclusion: Based on the current findings, crocin can improve the level of brain neurotrophins, exploratory behavior and nerve conduction after demyelination as close as fingolimod results. So, crocins can be considered as a neuro supportive agent in the management of degenerative diseases maybe similar to fingolimod mechanism.
Pemanfaatan Polimer Alam Kappa-Karagenan dan Glukomanan untuk Mikroenkapsulasi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Kusuma Viona Rohmah Armia Gita , Syahputraningrat Gemilang Ramadhan , Rahman Halimah Madania , Fadilah Fadilah
Published: August 2022

Abstrak. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) adalah olahan pertama minyak zaitun tanpa campuran ekstrak lainnya yang mengandung senyawa antioksidan berupa senyawa fenolik, tokoferol, squalene, klorofil, β-karoten, dan polifenol.  Kandungan antioksidan ini mudah teroksidasi sehingga perlu dipertahankan dengan cara mikroenkapsulasi. Mikroenkapsulasi merupakan penyalutan tipis dengan polimer pada partikel kecil zat padat dan dispersi zat cair dimana ukuran partikel antara 1-5000 µm. Riset ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan volume bahan inti dan komposisi campuran polimer pada mikroenkapsulasi EVOO dengan penyalut polimer alam kappa-karagenan dan glukomanan menggunakan metode koaservasi. Keberhasilan EVOO tersalut dalam polimer ditunjukkan berdasarkan rendemen mikrokapsul, Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), dan efisiensi enkapsulasi. Hasil riset didapatkan penambahan volume minyak dan campuran komposisi polimer berpengaruh terhadap efisiensi yang dihasilkan. Efisiensi enkapsulasi tertinggi terdapat pada penambahan volume EVOO 0,5 mL sebesar 74,996% dan komposisi polimer pada 0,2 g kappa-karagenan + 0,1 g glukomanan sebesar 77,5637%. 

Kata kunci:  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Koaservasi, Mikroenkapsulasi, Polimer

 

Abstract. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the first processed olive oil without other extracts containing antioxidant compounds in the form of phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, chlorophyll, β -carotene, and polyphenols. These antioxidants are easily oxidized so it need to be maintained using microencapsulation. Microencapsulation is a thin polymer coating on small solid particles and liquid dispersions where the particle size ranges from 1-5000 µm. The aim of the  research is to determine the effect of the volume of core material and the composition of polymer mixture on EVOO microencapsulation using mixture natural polymer kappa-carrageenan and glucomannan by coacervation method. The success of coating EVOO by the polymer was demonstrated based on the yield, Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectrophotometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and encapsulation efficiency. The results showed that the addition of oil volume and a mixture of polymer compositions affected the resulting efficiency. The highest encapsulation efficiency was found in the addition of 0.5 mL EVOO which provides efficiency 74.996% and polymer composition at 0.2 g of kappa-carrageenan + 0.1 g of glucomannan which provides efficiency 77.5637%.

Keywords:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coaservation Microencapsulation, Polymer 

 

 
Sintesis Carbon Nanodots dari Molase Menggunakan Metode Pemanasan Terbantukan Gelombang Mikro
Authors: Hulupi Mentik , Nabilah Nida , Nabilah Tiana Hasna , Keryanti Keryanti , Abdilah Fauzi
Published: August 2022

ABSTRAK. Carbon nanodots (CNDs) merupakan nanomaterial yang berukuran dibawah 10 nm. CNDs memiliki keunggulan diantaranya yaitu fotostabilitas tinggi, biokompatibilitas baik, toksisitas yang rendah, mudah dibuat, dan ramah lingkungan. Sumber karbon yang digunakan berasal dari molase karena murah dan mudah didapat serta merupakan hasil samping dari pengolahan tebu. Pada penelitian ini digunakan metode pemanasan terbantukan gelombang mikro atau Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) yang memberikan hasil suspensi yang homogen, pemanasan efisien, dan waktu yang singkat. Waktu iradiasi mempengaruhi energi gap CNDs dari molase yang dihasilkan. Waktu yang optimum untuk sintesis CNDs dari molase menggunakan metode MAE yaitu selama 3 menit. Efek fluoresensi telah diamati untuk suspensi CNDs yang mengubah warna kuning menjadi warna biru dibawah sinar UV 366 nm. Karakterisasi menggunakan spektrofotometri UV-Vis menunjukan serapan maksimum CNDs dari molase pada panjang gelombang 255 nm dengan energi gap sebesar 4,55 eV.

Kata kunci:

carbon nanodots, microwave, molase

ABSTRACT. Carbon nanodots (CNDs) are nanomaterials with a size below 10 nm. CNDs have advantages such as high photostability, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, easy to manufacture, and environmentally friendly. The carbon source used comes from molasses because it is cheap and easy to obtain and is a by-product of sugarcane processing. In this study, the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method was used which gave homogeneous suspension results, efficient heating, and short time. The irradiation time affects the energy gap of the CNDs of the molasses produced. The optimum time for the synthesis of CNDs from molasses using the MAE method is 3 minutes. Fluorescence effects have been observed for suspensions of CNDs which turn yellow to blue under 366 nm UV light. Characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometry showed the maximum absorption of CNDs from molasses at a wavelength of 255 nm with an energy gap of 4.55 eV.

Keywords:

carbon nanodots, microwave, molasses

 
Tethysian, Tethyan or … Tethys Ocean and Tethys
Authors: Granier Bruno
Published: August 2022

Tethys is a stand-alone modern noun, which does not require a qualifier in the English language. The use of the qualifiers Tethyan or Tethysian should be strongly discouraged. Taxa the names of which comprise the stem -tethy- are named after the Greek Goddess; those the names of which bear the stem -tethys- are named after the German (Suess, 1901), French (Suess, 1902) and English (Suess, 1908) Tethys Ocean. There was too much confusion on these two last points.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Primary Health Care Providers towards Deprescribing in Ethiopia
Authors: Gadisa Diriba Alemayehu , Hailemikael Saron Mulugeta , Gudeta Biruk Mosisa , Bacha Amente Jorise , Yabeyu Abdella Birhan , Beressa Tamirat Bekele
Published: August 2022

Background: Deprescribing is a planned and supervised process of reducing, substituting, or discontinuing medicines that are unnecessary or deemed to be harmful that tailored to individual patient needs. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare providers towards deprescribing in Ambo university referral hospital (AURH) and AGH (Ambo general hospital), Ethiopia and identify the perceived barriers and enablers of deprescribing. Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the information from healthcare providers with facilities based cross-sectional study design from July to September 2021. The data was cleaned, coded, and entered into the SPSS version 25 statistical software for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the finding.Results: Two hundreds twenty three (223) health care providers in AURH and AGH took part in the study. Among the participants, 155(69.5%) heard about deprescribing but 125(56.1%) reportedly had insufficient knowledge about deprescribing. More than three fourth of respondents (75.8%) agreed that deprescribing does benefits than harms the patients in terms of decreasing pills burden, cost of medication, drug-drug interaction, and improving overall treatment outcomes and quality of life. One hundreds forty-seven (65.9%) of the respondents reported that they had consciously practiced deprescribing. Respondents reported that 149 (66.8%) of them deprescribed antipsychotic which were followed by antidepressant 142(63.7%) and antihypertensive 112(50.2%) medications. Respondents noted that the engagement of pharmacists 83 (37.2%), the existence of evidence based user-friendly guidelines 78(34.9%), having sufficient deprescribing knowledge 57(25.6%) and effective multidisciplinary team collaboration and communication 51 (22.9%) were the most often reported enablers for practicing deprescribing. On the other hand, lack of organizational support 85(38.1%), lack of clear risk-benefit information regarding deprescribing 75(33.6%), time constraint and lack of access to evidence-based guidelines 54(24.2%) were the most frequently reported barriers for practicing barriers.Conclusion: More than half of respondents reported that they had insufficient knowledge about deprescribing. More than three-fourth of the respondents agreed that deprescribing does benefits than harms the patients. In general, the respondents identified interconnected patient-related, provider-related, and system-related barriers to deprescribing. Therefore, multi-level approach through innovations and initiatives should be sought to address the perceived barriers.
Multiple Energy Hubs Network Management in Uncertainty Conditions
Authors: Kebria Zohreh Shakeri , Fattahi Parviz , Setak Mostafa
Published: August 2022

Energy hubs are complex systems for transferring, converting, and saving various energies in consumption networks. In this paper, a model for energy distribution in three different layers of production, modification, distribution, and final consumption is planned by a network of multiple energy hubs with heterogeneous equipment in residential buildings. Due to the possible failure of equipment in the impact of the life passage and possible customer demand according to seasonal scenarios, backup equipment, and storage equipment have been used to increase reliability to meet customer needs. The purpose of the model is to minimize operational costs, minimize the pollution generated by energy consumption and maximize reliability due to possible failure of energy hub equipment. The proposed model was a mixed-integer linear problem (MILP) which was solved using CPLEX solver in GAMS software. The final solution of the model shows that backup and storage systems reduce costs and increase reliability.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge, Practice and Management of Solid Waste segregation in Higher Educational Institutes: A Case Study in KSA
Authors: Rabeiy Ragab , Almutairi Saud , Birima Ahmed , Kassem Lamyaa , Nafady Ayman
Published: August 2022

Solid waste management is highly considered in KSA for the protection of the environment, preserving resources and producing energy. Waste is collected in bins from Qassim University (QU) as a solid mixture without any segregation processes. In principle, the separation of solid waste at the generating sites enhances the recycling processes and reducing the final disposal of waste to the environment. The key to getting university stakeholders involved in the waste separation at sources is an awareness coupled with participation. This study aims to evaluate the stakeholders’ knowledge and practices of solid waste separation at QU, KSA as well as to assess the current management situation of solid waste in the university. A cross-sectional survey was adopted that consists of three sections: Knowledge, practices, and management and contains 24 statements. Frequency analysis, Chi-square test, T-test, and correlation test have been utilized to estimate the average values and the association between the survey statements and demographic variables. The results revealed that the awareness level of respondents is high, and their application is good. Although less than 50% of the QU stakeholders have practiced waste separation at the generation site in specific bins, the majority are willing to do that with agreement level of 98%. Additionally, the analysis proved that the waste separation at the generation point in QU is poor. Analysis of the disposed types in QU implies that the most disposed waste is paper and plastic with a percentage of 41.5%, while the largest selected individual waste disposed of was plastic (42%) followed by paper (35%). Lectures, workshops, and advertisements related to waste management are recommended to increase awareness toward the benefits of waste separation at the source.
Entrepreneurs' perception: the connection of your brand with the sustainable exploitation of the Amazon rainforest
Authors: Diego Luiz , Sandro Francisco , Paula Ana
Published: August 2022

Objective— This study seeks to understand the perception of entrepreneurs regarding the connection of their brand with the sustainable exploitation of the Amazon Forest, thus presenting the perspective of these entrepreneurs on the variables that can affect the long-term relationships between their brands and environmental sustainability of the Brazilian Amazon.Design —Qualitative study composed of semi-structured 1 to 1 interviews in 7 (seven) companies that maintain sustainable business activities in the Amazon region of Brazil. The sample was used because they are businesses from the Amazonia UP program, developed by the Imazon Institute. The interrelationships of the data obtained were analyzed using grounded theory, using lexicometric analysis and discourse analysis.Results— The results of the study show the community that brands that develop sustainable businesses in the Amazon region of Brazil, with theirbrand equitybased on the region's environmental responsibility, realize that the full performance of sustainable activities depends on the performance of three agents: entrepreneurs, indigenous peoples and public management. Regarding the valuation of sustainability by consumers, there is still no relevant appreciation of the added value in products as a result of conservation practices in their products/services. For the other business areas, entrepreneurs perceive a greater importance and consequent valuation of the products through the conservationist practices of the Amazon introduced in the brand experience by the customer.Research implications— Provides important data on sustainablebrand equity, a concept that has been extensively researched, but still poorly understood from the perspective of forest conservation in the Amazon region, presenting the points of view of entrepreneurs and their businesses,branding strategiesand valorization of the environmental conservation of the Amazon region. region.Originality/value— The influence of environmental sustainability in improving thebrand equityof brands of companies located in the Amazon region of Brazil, specifically in the context of Startups. Although the current literature shows positive results regarding the relationship between environmental sustainability and brands, little attention has been paid to the entrepreneur's vision and the relationship of variables specifically in the context of benefits for the business.
Delphinidin regulates the NF-κB/AP-1/caspase-3 pathway to protect against apoptosis of retinal photoreceptors under conditions of photochemical damage
Authors: Yu Xiaoping , Deng Xiaomin , Du Jingchang , Fu Xiaoying , Chen Qianyun , Peng Jiayuan , Wu Ailin , Chen Wei , Zhu Yanfeng
Published: August 2022

Retinal photochemical damage (RPD) can be the main cause of various ophthalmic diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Patients' vision can be severely impaired in the late stages of these eye diseases. Delphinidin, one of the major functional components of anthocyanins, has shown preventive effects on RPD and ophthalmic diseases induced by RPD, but the underlying mechanisms are complex and unclear. This study investigated the protective effect of delphinidin on photochemically damaged retinal photoreceptors in vivo and in vitro and characterized the underlying mechanisms. In vivo experiments showed that delphinidin downregulated the expression levels of caspase-3, and reduced the apoptosis rate of retinal photoreceptor cells in SD rats, thus protecting the structural integrity of the retina. In vitro experiments showed that delphinidin could maintain the normal ultrastructure of the mitochondrial endoplasmic reticulum membrane, reduce the apoptosis rate caused by light injury and improve the survival rate of light-damaged 661W cells. In addition, we found that delphinidin increased the mRNA and activated protein expression of NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, and IκBα in photochemically injured 661W cells, and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AP-1 (c-fos/c-jun) and Caspase-3/-8/-9. Compared with the model group, phospho-NF-κB p65 in delphinidin-treated cells was translocated into the nucleus, and the nuclear phospho-NF-κB p65 expression was increased, while nuclear c-jun expression was decreased. These results suggested that delphinidin resisted RPD-induced apoptosis of retinal photoreceptors by regulating the expression of factors involved in the NF-κB/AP-1/caspase-3 pathway.
Socio-economic Impact of Sargassum Influx Events on Artisanal Fishing in Ghana
Authors: Sowah Winnie Naa Adjorkor , Jayson-Quashigah Philip-Neri , Atiglo Donatus Yaw , Addo Kwasi Appeaning
Published: August 2022

Sargassum is a free-floating brown macroalgae that has many benefits in the marine environment however has been reported to impact diverse sectors of human livelihoods. Sargassum influx has been experienced in Ghana since 2009. The consequences of this influx have been significantly felt by coastal communities who depend on the fisheries for their livelihood This study determined the impact sargassum has on the fisheries value chain in three coastal communities: Sanzule, Beyin and Newtown. The method adopted was focus group discussions, group surveys, photography and field observations. The results revealed that over 70% of the respondents depend on the fisheries for their livelihood. Sargassum influx has negatively impacted these communities through a reduction in fish catch and fishing effort leading to loss of investment and sustenance. Comprehensive management of sargassum is recommended to alleviate the impact of sargassum influx event on these coastal communities.
Regio-isomers of 2,5,6,7,8-pentaaryl-1H-azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinazoline-1,3(2H)-dione containing various aryl substituents in the azepine ring: structures determination using NMR methods
Authors: Pronina Julia A. , Komolova Darya D. , Boitsov Vitali M. , Stepakov Alexander V. , Selivanov Stanislav I.
Published: August 2022

NMR spectroscopy methods were used to prove structures of two similar regio-isomers of 2,5,6,7,8-pentaaryl-1H-azepino[3,2,1-ij]quinazoline-1,3(2H)-dione containing various aryl substituents in the azepine ring which were obtained as reaction products and existed in CDCl3 as inseparable mixture of two compounds with almost equal (56:44) relation between them. Complete signal assignment in 1H and 13C spectra of each compound was made by using some homo- and heteronuclear NMR experiments. Long-range distance estimation (up to 5.0 Å) on base of nuclear Overhauser enhancement approach (NOE) at condition of extreme-narrow limits (ωoτc < < 1) was used to determine on the quantitative level the internuclear distances between protons H6 and H8 situated in rigid part of molecules and nearest ortho- and meta-protons in mobile phenyl rings Ph5 and Ph2, respectively. The distance difference between calculated and experimental values in all cases was not more than 10%. These results allowed us to prove that dominant regio-isomer (3a) has para-methoxy-substituted rings at positions 9 and 12 of seven-membered ring C, and minor regio-isomer (3d) has these rings at position 10 and 12. The results of an independent approach based on the comparison of the chemical shifts of the 1Н and 13С nuclei of the regio-isomers under study are in full agreement (or do not contradict) with the obtained conclusions based on the quantitative NOE measurements of interproton distances. The methodological approach on the basis of long-range distance estimation by NOE tested in this work can be used to establish the structure of inseparable mixtures of two or more compounds or to solve similar problems under conditions of complex mixtures of closely related organic compounds.
Midwife Empathy and Its Association with the Childbirth Experience: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jin Yuhua , Wu Yanpeng , Li Jing
Published: August 2022

Background
Although pregnancy and childbirth comprise a life-course that most midwives experience, whether their own experiences of childbirth resonate with other women during childbirth remains to be determined. In this study, we therefore characterized midwives’ empathic capabilities and defined their underlying factors.
Method
We conducted a cross-sectional study with data from 464 midwives in Guangdong, China, that were collected through the “Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Health Professionals (JSE-HP).” This questionnaire contains sections related to midwife demographics and delivery characteristics. We then implemented multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify empathy-related factors.
Results
Our analysis revealed 303 (65.3%) participants in the high-empathy group while 161 (34.7%) were in the middle-empathy group. Compared with the reference groups, these results indicated that higher empathy was associated with an elevated educational level (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.04–3.25), high monthly salary (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.11–4.80), and no shift work (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.09–7.63). The odds of a high empathy score were higher for midwives who experienced two childbirths (2.27, 1.11–4.66) and for those who had children under the age of three years (2.81, 1.34–5.92).
Conclusion
Midwives possess a moderate-to-high level of empathy, and the greater the number of childbirths they experienced and the younger their children, the higher their reported empathy score. This study contributes novel information regarding the empathic behavior of midwives toward women who give birth in China.
Six years follow-up of Type 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treated with Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab
Authors: Tung Hsiao-Fan , Chen Yi-Ling , Chen Yen-Chih , Chiu Shin-Lin , Chen San-Ni
Published: August 2022

Purpose
To investigate biometric and refractive results in patients with type 1 ROP treated by intravitreal injection(IVI) of Ranibizumab(R) and Bevacizumab (B) at the corrected age of six.
Methods
This is a monocenter retrospective study. The infants diagnosed with type 1 ROP and treated with IVI of ranibizumab or bevacizumab as the first therapy were included. We analyzed the difference structural and functional between the two groups and comparing it with the previous study that when these children were in the age of one and three.
Results
Sixty eyes were enrolled. In biometric outcomes, there is still deeper anterior chamber and thinner lens thickness in the Ranibizumab group as previous reported at the age of three. In the refractory aspect, the eyes treated with bevacizumab had higher myopia at the age of one and three; however, at the age of six, a similar incidence of high myopia was observed in the two groups.
Conclusions
In the corrected age of six, the eyes treated with IVI Ranibizumab were associated with deeper anterior chamber and thinner lens thickness. Interestingly, emmtropization process brought similar incidence of high myopia in the age of six, which was different from the younger age.
Analysis of Influencing Factors on Excellent Teachers' Professional Growth based on DB-Kmeans Method
Authors: Gao Xu , Ding Xiaoming , han tingting , kang yueyuan
Published: August 2022

The Kmeans clustering algorithm is widely used for the advantages of simplicity and efficient operation. However, the lack of clustering centers in the algorithm usually causes incorrect category of some discrete points. Therefore, in order to obtain more accurate clustering results when studying the factors affecting the professional growth of outstanding teachers, this paper proposes an improved algorithm of Kmeans combined with DBSCAN. Observing the clustering results of the influencing factors and calculating the evaluation standard values of the clustering results, it is found that the optimized DB-Kmeans algorithm has obvious improvements in the accuracy of the clustering results and the clustering speed, and the clustering effect of the algorithm on edge points is more advantageous than the original algorithms according to the scatter diagram.