bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Timing for Primary Early Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Acute Dacryocystitis
Authors: Sung Jae Yun , Kim Ju Mi , Hwang Jae yul , Kim Kyoung Nam , Kim Jae young , Lee Sung Bok
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of primary early endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) in acute dacryocystitis (AD) and to determine the optimal timing for surgery.Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records was performed on consecutive patients who underwent primary early EnDCR (within 1 week) for AD between May 2010 and June 2020 (AD group) and age- and gender-matched control group of NLDO patients who underwent EnDCR (non-AD group). The primary outcome measures were surgical outcomes at the final follow-up examination. The secondary outcome measure was clinical course of AD patients. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the optimal timing of surgery by comparing outcomes of very early EnDCR (within 3 days) and those of early EnDCR (between 4 and 7 days).Results: Forty-one patients were included in the AD group and 82 patients in the non-AD group. The anatomical and functional success rates were 87.8% and 82.9% in the AD group, and 91.5% and 84.1% in the non-AD group, which were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.532 and p = 0.863). In the AD group, the mean times for pain relief and resolution of swelling after surgery were 2.4 and 6.5 days after surgery. In subgroup analysis according to the timing of surgery, the time for symptom resolution after diagnosis, the length of hospital stay, and the duration of antibiotics treatment were significantly shorter after very early EnDCR (all ps < 0.05), whereas the surgical outcomes were not different between the 2 groups (p = 1.000)Conclusions: Primary early EnDCR is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of AD. In particular, very early EnDCR, performed within 3 days, leads to faster recovery and shortens the course of antibiotic treatment.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in COVID-19-associated AKI: Adding Heparin to Citrate to Extend Filter Life – a Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Valle Eduardo de Oliveira , Cabrera Carla Paulina Sandoval , de Albuquerque Claudia Coimbra César , Silva Giovanio Vieira da , de Oliveira Márcia Fernanda Arantes , Sales Gabriel Teixeira Montezuma , Smolentzov Igor , Reichert Bernardo Vergara , Andrade Lucia , Seabra Victor Faria , Lins Paulo Ricardo Gessolo , Rodrigues Camila Eleuterio
Published: February 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may predispose patients to thrombotic events. The best anticoagulation strategy for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in such patients is still under debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that different anticoagulation protocols have on filter clotting risk.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study comparing two different anticoagulation strategies (citrate only and citrate plus intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), associated or not with COVID-19 (COV+ AKI and COV− AKI, respectively), submitted to CRRT. Filter clotting risks in the first 72 hours were compared between groups.Results: Between January 2019 and July 2020, 248 patients were evaluated: 189 in the COV+ AKI group and 59 in the COV− AKI group. Filter clotting occurred during the first 72 hours of CRRT in 96 patients (38.7%). Heparin use conferred protection against filter clotting, resulting in longer filter survival. Bleeding events and the need for blood transfusion were similar between the citrate only and citrate plus unfractionated heparin strategies. In-hospital mortality was higher among the COV+ AKI patients than among the COV− AKI patients, although it was similar between the COV+ AKI patients who received heparin and those who did not. Filter clotting was more common in patients with D-dimer levels above the median (6086 ng/ml). In the multivariate analysis, the protective effect of heparin against filter clotting persisted, whereas an elevated D-dimer level, high platelet count, and high hemoglobin were found to be risk factors for circuit clotting. A diagnosis of COVID-19 was not a risk factor for filter clotting.Conclusions: In COV+ AKI patients, adding systemic heparin to standard regional citrate anticoagulation may prolong CRRT filter patency by reducing clotting risk with low risk of complications.
Data-Driven Real-Time Prediction for Interfacial Fluid Mechanics: Droplet Evaporation
Authors: Andalib Sahar , Taira Kunihiko , Kavehpour H. Pirouz
Published: February 2021

Droplet evaporation plays crucial roles in biodiagnostics, microfabrication, and inkjet printing. Experimentally studying the evolution of a sessile droplet consisting of two or more components needs sophisticated equipment to control the vast parameter space affecting the physical process. On the other hand, non-axisymmetric nature of the problem, attributed to compositional perturbations, introduces challenges to numerical methods. In this work, droplet evaporation problem is studied from a new perspective. We analyze evolution of a sessile methanol droplet through data-driven classification and regression techniques. The models are trained using experimental data of methanol droplet evolution under various environmental humidity levels and substrate temperatures. At higher humidity levels, the interfacial tension and subsequently contact angle increase due to higher water uptake into droplet. Therefore, different regimes of evolution are observed due to adsorption-absorption and possibly condensation of water which turns the droplet into a binary system. We use classification algorithms to predict the regime of droplet with point-by-point analysis of droplet profile. Decision tree demonstrates a better performance compared to Na\text{\"i}ve Bayes (NB) classifier. Furthermore, through utilizing regression techniques, we predict the humidity level surrounding droplet as well as time evolution of macroscopic parameter (diameter or contact angle) of droplet. The prediction results show promising performance for four cases of methanol droplet evolution under conditions that are unseen by the model which demonstrates the capability of the model to capture the complex physics underlying binary droplet evolution.
Migrânea: revisão de literatura
Authors: Cruz Marina Coimbra da , Camargo Renan Paes de , Cruz Lucas Coimbra da , Schiefelbein Nadiane , Cruz Daniela Moreira da , Cruz Marlene Cabral Coimbra da
Published: February 2021

Introdução: Cefaleia representa um problema de saúde pública, podendo ser primárias, quando são por si só a patologia ou secundárias quando são apenas um sintoma de uma outra patologia de base. Objetivos: Revisar as características e pontos principais da migrânea. Materiais e Métodos: revisão narrativa realizada em bases de dados digitais, livros e informações de organizações de referência mundial.  Resultados: A migrânea é um tipo de cefaleia primária de alta prevalência, sendo mais comum em mulheres. Pode ser com ou sem aura – sintomas neurológicos focais que precedem a dor – ou crônica. Caracteriza-se por cefaleia pulsátil, unilateral, de intensidade de moderada a grave, associada a náusea, vomito, foto ou fonofobia e que se agrava com atividades físicas rotineiras. Deve ser diferenciada de outras cefaleias primarias e, quando na presença de sinais de alarme, também das secundárias, em especial se na terceira idade. Fatores como odores e luzes fortes, consumo de bebida alcoólica, certos alimentos, jejum prolongado, distúrbios do sono e ciclo menstrual podem desencadear uma crise. Seu tratamento pode ser farmacológico ou não, além de envolver medidas gerais; e pode ser sintomático ou profilático – mais indicado em casos mais graves ou refratários. Dentre os medicamentos utilizados durante as crises há os específicos (triptanos e derivados da ergotamina) e não específicos (analgésicos e anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais).  Conclusão: Conclui-se que a migrânea deve ser reconhecida e diagnosticada correta e precocemente, objetivando uma terapêutica adequada e individualizada para que se alcance uma melhora na qualidade de vida do paciente.
A Comparison of Nutritional Status, Knowledge and Type 2 Diabetes Risk Among Malaysian Young Adults With and Without Family History of Diabetes
Authors: Hasbullah Farah Yasmin , Kim Yen Fong , Ismail Amin , Mitri Joanna , Mohd Yusof Barakatun Nisak
Published: February 2021

Background: Genetic factors increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, family history status may be a useful public health tool for disease prevention. This study compared the nutritional status, knowledge level, and T2DM risk among young adults with and without a family history of diabetes in Malaysia.
Methods: A total of 288 university students aged 18 to 29 years participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. We assessed dietary intake, level of physical activity, knowledge of diabetes and T2DM risk.
Results: Respondents with a family history of diabetes had significantly higher weight (P = 0.003), body mass index (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001), diabetes knowledge level (P < 0.005) and T2DM risk (P < 0.001). Ethnicity, fibre intake, T2DM risk score and knowledge about diabetes were significant contributors toward family history of diabetes (P = 0.025, 0.034, < 0.001 and 0.004, respectively).
Conclusion: Young adults with a family history of diabetes had suboptimal nutritional status. Despite being more knowledgeable about diabetes, they did not practice a healthy lifestyle. Family history status can be used to screen young adults at the risk of developing T2DM for primary disease prevention.
Controversies on the Use of Ultraviolet Rays for Disinfection During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chew Chii Chii , Rajan Philip
Published: February 2021

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of ultraviolet (UV) rays to disinfect skin areas, clothes and other objects at the entry/exit points of public spaces has been widely discussed by stakeholders. While ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been shown to effectively inactivate coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), no specific evidence proves that it effectively inactivates the new SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Because UV rays damage human tissue, UVGI should be used with caution and not directly on human skin. Various guidelines recommend that UVGI should not be used as a sole agent for disinfecting surfaces or objects but as an adjunct to the latest standard disinfecting procedures.
The effect made by the interaction between rock and fibrous polymeric materials on the geotechnological processes
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Gerasimov Viktor ,   Transbaikal State University, Nizhegorodtsev Evgenii ,   Transbaikal State University, Voronov Evgenii ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: February 2021

Introduction. When mining by opencast, mining enterprises use dams and dikes to create circulating water settling basins. The settling basins are equipped with layer drainages carrying groundwater off and ensuring stability of structures. Fibrous polymeric materials (geotextiles) can be used as drainages serving as protective and drainage layers in the bases of heaps in the process of metals leaching from rocks. Research methodology. Geotextile drainages are calculated taking into account the uniform pressure from the overlying rock mass. Local deformation of fibrous materials caused by the force action of coarse rocks is not taken into account. Experimental studies of rock pressure on fibrous polymer materials have been carried out. The force measurement system creates the required force, the depth of the cone penetration into the fibrous material is measured using a dial indicator. The materials with a bulk density of 70, 110, 130 kg/m3 were used. Results. Analysis and discussion. The above theoretical studies allow to consider the probable cases of macrocontacts between rock and fibrous media and determine the ratio of local deformation in order to clarify fibrous media sizes and characteristics in future function as drainage and protective materials. Conclusions. Local deformations of fibrous media at the contact points may amount to 30–40% locally reducing the drainage capacity of fibrous material. Therefore, when designing structures made of rock, such as dikes, dams, leaching heaps, it is required to increase the design height of fibrous drainage by 10–30% taking into account macrocontacts with rocks.
Casting a graph net to catch dark showers
Authors: Bernreuther Elias , Finke Thorben , Kahlhoefer Felix , Krämer Michael , Mück Alexander
Published: February 2021

Strongly interacting dark sectors predict novel LHC signatures such as semi-visible jets resulting from dark showers that contain both stable and unstable dark mesons. Distinguishing such semi-visible jets from large QCD backgrounds is difficult and constitutes an exciting challenge for jet classification. In this article we explore the potential of supervised deep neural networks to identify semi-visible jets. We show that dynamic graph convolutional neural networks operating on so-called particle clouds outperform convolutional neural networks analysing jet images as well as other neural networks based on Lorentz vectors. We investigate how the performance depends on the properties of the dark shower and discuss training on mixed samples as a strategy to reduce model dependence. By modifying an existing mono-jet analysis we show that LHC sensitivity to dark sectors can be enhanced by more than an order of magnitude by using the dynamic graph network as a dark shower tagger.
Using Parallel Texts to Teach Literary Appreciation and Academic Writing Skills of M.A. Students
Authors:   EFL University, Hyderabad, India, Mahanand Anand
Published: February 2021

In this paper I would like to report a study I have undertaken to understand whether using parallel texts would be helpful in developing literary appreciation and writing skills of M.A students. I would like to report how I got the idea to use the parallel texts, the way I collected materials and taught them for literary appreciation and writing skills following a bilingual approach. I would also like to share the outcome of my study. A group of ten students participated in the study. The students not only developed in writing skills and literary appreciation but the use of a bilingual approach gave them a sense of pride and confidence that they could use the resources available in their first language in the class and for academic set up at the university level. They were able to write good academic essays with appropriate format and structure. It also prompted them to explore more on the resources they have in their first languages. The paper suggests that such a bilingual approach helps students from rural areas and non-English medium background and who initially experience handicap in their class to cope with their studies.
Nineteenth-Century Eurasians and Spatiality in Emma Roberts’ Scenes and Characteristics of Hindostan, with Sketches of Anglo-Indian Society (1835)
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India, A Divya
Published: February 2021

In this article, through a spatial reading of Roberts’ Scenes and Characteristics I illustrate how the stringent regulations of the East Indian Company disempowering the Eurasians are manifested through the spatial strictures, and how notions of cultural purity and hierarchy are realized through the politics of space in colonial India. Spatial concepts of lived space, third space, and hybridity— drawn from the theories of Homi Bhabha, Edward Soja and Henry Lefebvre—are useful in mapping the spatial politics in nineteenth-century India, especially in relation to the Government-house in Calcutta, the seat of the highest authority in colonial India, and the marginalized orphanages/schools run by the East India Company primarily for the benefit of Eurasian children. Discrimination through spatially segregation was practiced by the British East India Company in order to preserve the racial purity of the European upper class at the helm of the Indian colony. My paper illustrates how the fortunes of the male and female “half-castes” of empire were variously charted, and how spatial homogeneity was subverted through the subtext of marital relations. The “third space” that some of the fortunately-marked interracial men and women occupy constantly pulled at the seams of apparently inviolable concepts of homogeneity and purity to expose and challenge the cultural dominion of the British Empire.
Creating Transcriptions and Adaptations for Viola in Kazakhstan: Retrospection, Theory and Practice
Authors:   Kazakh National Conservatory, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan., Bekenova Aizhan S. , Abdirakhman Gulnar B. ,   Kazakh National Conservatory, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan., Mahmood Diana Ye. ,   Kazakh National Conservatory, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, Baisakalova Arita B. ,   Kazakh National Conservatory, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan., Abatova Alma A. ,   Kazakh National Conservatory, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Published: February 2021

Starting from the past century, viola began to draw much interest of musicians, performers and musicologists, as it gradually acquired a new role of a solo instrument. Although these days more compositions appear written especially for this instrument, the independent role of viola was always accompanied more with transcriptions and adaptations of works composed for other related instruments, mostly violin, cello, etc. This article looks into the history and perspectives of making transcriptions for the viola in the Kazakh musical culture. The study also involves the analysis of Kazakh viola schools with a focus on their founders. Questions of the history and theory of viola transcriptions are still waiting for detailed scientific understanding. The work of musicians who successfully applied to transcriptions and adaptations in their practice and formed the technology of this creative process has not been sufficiently studied. It requires more in?depth study and can be used as a practical guide for the work of other musicians. This determines the relevance of this article.
Memory Anchored by Place Attachment and Cognitive Maps in Michael Ondaatje’s Warlight and The Cat’s Table
Authors:   School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India., Joseph Justy , Menon Nirmala ,   School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Indore.
Published: February 2021

Recollection is a gangplank between an obsolete past, indisputable present and an unidentified future, but human memory is convoluted as the compendium of a landscape. Perceptions, values and experiences fastened to a landscape can anchor memories, shift perceptions and can alter the aboriginal integrity and cognitive capabilities of an individual. This research article studies the Canadian Nobel Prize winning author Michael Ondaatje’s novels The Cat’s Table (2012) and Warlight (2018) venturing to understand how characters and their identities are created with the aid of memory. This study examines how place attachment and understanding of environmental configurations through generation of cognitive maps distorts or ascends recollection.
The potential of ensemble WT-EEMD-kernel extreme learning machine techniques for prediction suspended sediment concentration in successive points of a river
Authors: Roushangar Kiyoumars , Aghajani Nasrin , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Alizadeh Farhad
Published: February 2021

Sediment transport is one of the most important issues in river engineering. In this study, the capability of the Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) approach for predicting the river daily Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC) and Discharge (SSD) was assessed. Three successive hydrometric stations of Mississippi river were considered and based on the sediment and flow characteristics during the period of 2005–2008. Several models were developed and tested for SSC and SSD modeling. For improving the applied model efficiency, two post-processing techniques, namely Wavelet Transform (WT) and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD), were used. Also, two states of modeling based on stations' own data (state 1) and previous stations' data (state 2) were considered. The single and integrated KELM model results comparison indicated that the integrated WT and EEMD-KELM models resulted in more accurate outcomes. Results showed that data processing with WT was more effective than EEMD in increasing the models' efficiency. Data processing enhanced the models' capability by up to 15%. The results showed that the state 1 modeling led to better results, however, using the integrated KELM approaches the previous stations data could be applied successfully for SSC and SSD modeling when the stations' own data were not available.

HIGHLIGHT

The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and suspended sediment discharge (SSD) were predicted via artificial intelligence approach in successive hydrometric stations. The data pre-processing impacts on models' efficiency improvement was assessed. The sensitivity analysis showed the most effective subseries was obtained from pre-processing models.
Effectiveness of solar disinfection for household water treatment: an experimental and modeling study
Authors: Karim Md. Rezaul , Khan Md. Habibur Rahman Bejoy , Akash Md. Abu-Sa-Ad , Shams Shahriar
Published: February 2021

Solar disinfection (SODIS) is a simple and low-cost household water treatment (HWT) option used for disinfection of drinking water. In this study, the bacterial inactivation potential of SODIS was evaluated under the solar irradiance observed in different seasons in Bangladesh according to WHO evaluation protocol of HWT, and the SODIS experiments were conducted for both transmissive and reflective reactors using PET bottles and plastic bags. In summer, log reduction value (LRV) more than 5 was observed for the transmissive PET reactors for 6 to 8 hr exposure to sunlight and the treated water complied with the microbial standard of zero colony forming units/100 mL in drinking water. In monsoon and winter, LRV > 4 can be achieved for 16 hr and 8 hr exposure to sunlight, respectively, using reflective reactors. The plastic bag was found to be more effective than PET. A safe exposure time was estimated from the Weibull model to be maintained for SODIS application to achieve 4.0 LRV and also to prevent the re-growth of microorganisms in the treated water. A significant re-growth of microorganisms was observed in the treated water, thus SODIS with other HWT processes can be recommended for use in communities with an unsafe drinking water supply.
Detection of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae from the Caspian Sea and hospital ward dust of teaching hospitals in Guilan, Iran
Authors: Mahmoudi Mohammad Reza , Zebardast Nozhat , Masangkay Frederick R. , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: February 2021

Free-living amoebae (FLA) thrive in diverse environmental conditions. The present study aimed to define the FLA distribution from the Caspian Sea as well as from hospital ward dust from Guilan, Iran. Seawater (20) and hospital ward dust samples (100) were collected from May to June 2018. Seawater samples were vacuum filtered through a 0.45 μm pore-size membrane. Dust was collected using sterile gauze, washed with sterile distilled water, with washings collected thereafter. Washings were similarly filtered as seawater samples. FLA from the filtered material was cultivated in non-nutrient agar. Molecular analysis was performed by PCR and sequencing using specific primers for Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, and Vermamoeba/Hartmanella. Culture and PCR returned 50 and 65% positivity, respectively, for seawater samples where sequencing revealed Acanthamoeba T2, T5 and T6 genotypes and A. palestinensis and A. lenticulata, as well as N. dobsoni and N. clarki. In addition, 30% amoebic growth and 16% PCR detection were observed from hospital ward dust samples where sequencing revealed Acanthamoeba T2, T4 and T11 genotypes and A. castellanii, A. palestinensis and A. stevensoni as well as N. clarki. For both seawater and dust samples, Acanthamoeba was the dominant isolate. The detection of potentially pathogenic FLA from seawater may pose a threat to the public, while the presence of the same in dust spells threats to both hospital staff and patients, in particular, immunocompromised individuals. Public education, awareness, improved sanitation and hygiene, and the crafting of diagnostic strategies for the early detection of FLA in humans are necessary for the mitigation and management of potential human infection cases.
Predicting Protein Surface Property with its Surface Hydrophobicity
Authors: Tang Sen , Li Junsheng , Huang Guoxia , Yan Liujuan
Published: February 2021

This article reviews and discusses the relationship between surface hydrophobicity and
other surface properties of proteins and the possibility of using surface hydrophobicity as a key indicator
to predict and evaluate the changes in the surface properties of a protein. Hydrophobicity is
the main driving force of protein folding; it affects the structure and functions. Surface hydrophobicity
and other surface properties of proteins are controlled by their spatial structures. Due to the
hydrophobic interactions, most proteins fold into their globular structures, and they lack sufficient
hydrophobic residues on the molecular surface; thus, they do not exhibit excellent surface properties.
Surface hydrophobicity is closely related to the changes in the surface property of proteins because
it directly reflects the actual distribution of the hydrophobic residues on the surface of a protein.
The molecular structure of a protein can be changed or modified to remove the constraints of
spatial structures and expose more hydrophobic residues on the molecular surface, which may improve
the surface properties of proteins. Therefore, the changes in the surface hydrophobicity
caused by changes in the molecular structure can be an ideal key indicator to predict and evaluate
the changes in the surface properties of a protein.
Lipid-Lowering Therapies for Atherosclerosis: Statins, Fibrates, Ezetimibe and PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Ali Adel Hajj , Younis Nour , Abdallah Rola , Shaer Farah , Dakroub Ali , Ayoub Mohammed Akli , Iratni Rabah , Yassine Hadi Mohamad , Zibara Kazem , Orekhov Alexander , El-Yazbi Ahmed Fawzy , Eid Ali H.
Published: February 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global morbidity
and mortality. CVD includes various life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction,
stroke and peripheral arterial diseases. In this context, atherosclerosis continues
to play the principal role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Atherosclerosis emanates
from a set of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that include age, male gender,
family history, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Recent evidence
classifies atherosclerosis as a latent disease affecting all-sized arteries with a
predilection for arterial branching points of decreased or absent blood supply. Atherosclerosis
is not only a lipid metabolism disorder, but is also a chronic inflammatory one. This
review providesa synoptic discussion of the underlying pathological mechanisms of
atherosclerosis andthe currently applied therapeutic interventions. We then discuss the
classical lipid-lowering therapies as well as the newly discovered therapies. For the classical
therapies, we point out the importance of statins and ezetimibe in reducing plasma
cholesterol levels by virtue of their effects on synthesis, reuptake and intestinal absorption
of cholesterol. We also discuss the role of fibrates in modulating lipid metabolism
and improving the ratio of high-density to low-density density lipoproteins. This study focuseson
the more recent molecular and genetic interventions exemplified by proprotein
convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies, evinacumab, and microRNA
inhibitors. Special attention is also given to clinical trials involving these therapies.
New Strategies from Natural Materials to Fight against Diet-induced Metabolic Disorders (Part - II)
Authors: Korivi Mallikarjuna , Liu Betty R.
Published: February 2021

According to the global statistics, the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is a multifactorial disease with multiple risk factors,
has reached nearly one-quarter of the population, and poses a serious threat to public health. MetS is a cluster of conditions characterized by
insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular-related risk factors. Various aspects, such as modern lifestyle (diet, sedentary behavior),
aging and genes attribute to increasing the morbidity of MetS. While external interventions, prescribed drugs and natural materials play an
indispensable role in the management of MetS. Intake of plant-based bioactive compounds and peptide-based drug delivery systems emerge as
safe and effective pharmacological approaches to treat MetS complications. Natural biomaterials are able to decrease the adverse effects of drugs
and enhance treatment efficiency. In this thematic issue, we explored the beneficial effects of various phytochemicals, marine drugs and cellpenetrating
peptides (CPPs)-mediated drug delivery system in the management of MetS and associated disorders. The usage of CPPs in combination
with other therapeutic agents like nanoparticles and peptides is a novel and efficient approach to conquer the components in MetS.
Design and Evaluation of Sustained Release of Ornidazole by Dental Inserts
Authors: Harika Sunchu , Kumar Y. Shravan , Rao Y. Madhusudhan , Sriram Pavani , Shankar Uma
Published: February 2021

Aim & Background:

Ornidazole is an antimicrobial drug used to treat certain types of vaginal, urinary
tract, and interstitial infections. The study aims to formulate and evaluate the dental inserts by using a drug candidate
to sustained drug release to improve patient compliance, reduce dosing frequency, reduce the risk of dose dumping,
and avoid the first-pass metabolism. They have better therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects.

Methods:

The dental inserts were prepared using various polymers alone and in combination with the different ratios
of polymers. The evaluation parameters like thickness, drug content, content uniformity, moisture reuptake, weight
variation, swelling studies, and erosion studies of the optimized inserts were studied. The in-vivo studies were conducted
to determine the reduction of pocket depth in human volunteers.

Results:

The system containing ethylcellulose and hydroxyl methyl propyl cellulose K100M (4:1) formulation F6
was optimized because drug release was sustained up to 120 hrs concerning other formulations. Optimized formulation
followed first-order kinetics and Peppas release kinetics via fickian diffusion. There was no swelling, itching,
irritation, and no reduction in the pocket depth in in-vivo studies.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that dental inserts could extend the release of Ornidazole for many hours and also
enhance bioavailability. Furthermore, they also help in avoiding the first-pass effect. In vivo studies’ observations
showed no itching, irritation, swelling, and pocket-depth reduction.
Solvent Bar Microextraction Combined with HPLC-DAD for Simultaneous
Determination of Diuretics in Human Urine and Plasma Samples
Authors: AL-Hashimi Nabil N. , El-Sheikh Amjad H. , Alruwad Manal I. , Odeh Mohanad M.
Published: February 2021

Background:

A simple and powerful microextraction procedure, the solvent bar microextraction
(SBME), was used for the simultaneous determination of two diuretics, furosemide and spironolactone
in human urine and plasma samples, using high-performance liquid chromatography
coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD).

Methods:

The appropriate amount (2 μL) of 1-octanol as an organic solvent confined within 2.5 cm
of a porous hollow fiber micro-tube, sealed at both ends was used for this procedure. The conditions
for the SBME were optimized in water and the analytical performance was examined in spiked human
urine and plasma samples.

Results:

The optimized method exhibited good linearity (R2> 0.997) over the studied range of higher
than 33 to 104μg L-1 for furosemide and spironolactone in urine and plasma samples, illustrating a
satisfactory precision level with RSD values between 2.1% and 9.1%.

Discussion:

The values of the limits of detection were found to be in the range of 6.39 to 9.67μg L-1,
and extraction recovery ˃ 58.8% for both diuretics in urine and plasma samples. The applicability and
effectiveness of the proposed method for the determination of furosemide and spironolactone in patient
urine samples were tested.

Conclusion:

In comparison with reference methods, the attained results demonstrated that SBME
combined with HPLC-DAD was proved to be simple, inexpensive, and promising analytical technology
for the simultaneous determination of furosemide and spironolactone in urine and plasma samples.
Simple and Environment-Friendly Method for Graphene Synthesis by
Using Ultrasound
Authors: Markovska Irena , Georgiev Dimitar , Yovkova Fila , Abrashev Miroslav
Published: February 2021

Background:

This paper proposes a technology for the production of monolayer graphene
by an easy, acscessible, and non-toxic method.

Methods:

For the preparation of graphene, a combination of chemical and physical (ultrasonic)
treatment of the original graphite precursor (purity >99%) was applied.
The precursor of graphite is placed in a beaker with a solution of KOH or H2SO4. The mixtures were
homogenized well and sonicated for 4h. The applied ultrasound has a power of 120 W, frequency 40
kHz. Due to the effects of ultrasound, complex processes take place in the solutions, which leads to the
formation of superfine graphene. Better results were obtained at samples treated with 2n H2SO4.
The physicochemical properties of the resulting graphene were characterized mainly by Raman spectroscopy,
FT-IR, TEM, SEM, and electrical conductivity measurements.

Results:

Our research was focused mainly on the field of nanotechnology, in particular on the synthesis
of graphene, which could be used as a coating on electrodes for supercapacitors. In this connection,
three series of samples were developed in which the pristine graphite was treated with 2n
H2SO4, 4n H2SO4, and 6n H2SO4, respectively, and their electrical properties were measured.

Conclusion:

The obtained graphene shows electrical resistivity 2-3 times lower than that of the precursor
of pure graphite.
Cannabis Sativa L. Flower and Bud Extracts Inhibited In vitro Cholinesterases
and β-Secretase Enzymes Activities: Possible Mechanisms of
Cannabis Use in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Mooko Teboho , Bala Asis , Tripathy Satyajit , Kumar Chethan S. , Mahadevappa Chandrashekara P. , Chaudhary Sushil K. , Matsabisa Motlalepula G.
Published: February 2021

Background:

There are anecdotal claims on the use of Cannabis sativa L. in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, but there is lack of scientific data to support the efficacy and safety of Cannabis sativa L. for Alzheimer’s disease.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. on the cholinesterases and β-secretase enzyme activity as one of the possible mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

The phytochemical and heavy metal contents were analysed. The extracts were screened for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and β-secretase activity. Cytotoxicity of extracts was performed in normal vero and pre-adipocytes cell lines. The extracts were characterized using high performance thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography for their chemical fingerprints. Alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides were present amongst the tested phytochemicals. Cannabidiol concentrations were comparatively high in the hexane and dichloromethane than in dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) and methanol extracts.

Results:

Hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed a better inhibitory potential towards cholinesterase activity, while water, hexane, dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) and methanol showed an inhibitory potential towards β-secretase enzyme activity. All extracts showed no cytotoxic effect on pre-adipocytes and vero cells after 24- and 48-hours of exposure.

Conclusion:

Therefore, this may explain the mechanism through which AD symptoms may be treated and managed by Cannabis sativa L. extracts.
Assessment of Quantum Scaling Length Model for Cylindrical Surrounding Double-Gate (CSDG) MOSFET
Authors: Maduagwu Uchechukwu A. , Srivastava Viranjay M.
Published: February 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study is the derivation and assessment of quantum scaling length of
Cylindrical Surrounding Double-Gate (CSDG) MOSFET with respect to Silicon body thickness.

Objectives:

To derive the quantum natural length of CSDG MOSFET with respect of Silicon body
Thickness, observe the behaviour of the CSDG MOSFET at the nanoscale regime and compare the behaviour
of the CSDG MOSFET with Cylindrical Surrounding Gate (CSG) MOSFET.

Methods:

The authors employed the mathematical analysis. The quantum energy level is analysed using
Schrodinger equation by assuming one-dimensional approach and a negligible potential well.

Results:

The analytical results obtained from classical and quantum natural length are compared with
the numerical simulations. Also, the model was compared with CSG MOSFET. Results show that proposed
analytical close-form expression that approximately matches the numerical simulation, and the
proposed CSDG MOSFET will be better than CSG MOSFET at quantum level even though it has
smaller quantum natural length than CSG MOSFET.

Conclusion:

In this research work, quantum scaling length model and quantum scaling factor have been
proposed using the quantum confinement approach. The performance assessment of the CSDG
MOSFETs provided an opportunity of determining the scaling limit of CSDG MOSFETs by evaluating
the trade-off between the quantum natural length and the classical natural length of CSDG MOSFETs.
Results obtained were compared with CSG MOSFETs to show that CSDG MOSFETs offer better device
characteristics.
Desvendar, esclarecer - Literatura e Medicina em Fernando Namora
Authors: Mendes José Manuel
Published: February 2021

Through a study of the “book” Deuses e demónios da medicina, by Fernando Namora, this essay explores the critical dialogue between the author/doctor and his works, seeking a broad convergence between the fields of medicine and literature. The discussion of several books by the author, by way of analogies or dissonances, will highlight the unity that underlies his evolutionary path as one of great coherence. Accordingly, the twenty-one “romanticized biographies” of doctors, which constitute the referred book, testify to particular plot building strategies which can be found in the entire work of the writer, doctor and intellectual.
Dois médicos na marginal de Gaia
Authors: Vaz Júlio Machado
Published: February 2021

The author reflects on his underlines in Estamos no Vento, by Fernando Namora. It underlines their timeliness, in a brief analysis of contemporary society. .It follows a dialogue with the physician/ writer / artist Namora with Porto in the background, in a drift that flows into the love shared by the work of Serge Reggiani.
Inspiração e transfusão
Authors: Miranda Miguel
Published: February 2021

In this essay, we consider the experience of a doctor/ writer, thinking through the ways in which literature and medicine complement each other for an enhanced perception of human beings. The humanist dimension of Medicine is thus stressed, despite the technological and bureaucratic paraphernalia of current medical activity. Several answers are suggested for many of the questions that such topic raises: what makes doctors write? What do they write about? Where does their inspiration come from? In the end, an irrefutable conclusion is reached: Medicine and Literature are two of the most beautiful arts in the world.
A Case Study on the Effect of Vocabulary Intervention Program Based on Morphological Awareness of Children with Language Learning Disability
Authors: Oh Ji-yeong , Jung Kyunghee
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of morphological awareness-based vocabulary interventions on vocabulary in children with language learning disabilities. The participants were three children with language learning disabilities, the evaluation procedure was pre-tested before intervention and post-tested after intervention. Two weeks after post-testing, a maintenance test was conducted. The task was used to find out the change in quantitative and qualitative vocabulary, morphological awareness, and multimorphemic words definition ability. The intervention program was produced by based on prior research and consisted of five stages: listening, sorting, morpheme detaching and adding, using strategies based on the meaning of the target words in the context, and making vocabulary dictionaries. The morphological awareness-based vocabulary intervention program had a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative vocabulary and morphological awareness skills of children with language learning disabilities. The morphological awareness-based vocabulary intervention program, is an effective teaching strategy for children with language learning disabilities.
К 125-летию со дня рождения лауреата Нобелевской премии академика Николая Николаевича Семенова Цепной механизм воздействия добавок дихлордифторметана на горение водорода и метана в кислороде и воздухе
Authors: Рубцов Н.М. , Сеплярский Б.С. , Калинин А.П. , Трошин К.Я.
Published: February 2021

The effect of difluorodichloromethane additives on spark initiated combustion of hydrogen and methane in air and oxygen at atmospheric and reduced pressures was investigated. It has been found that the ignition concentration limit of the premixed hydrogen-air mixture in the presence of difluorodichloromethane at 1 atm exceeds 10%, while it has been shown for the first time that the ignition limit of the premixed methane-air mixture is 1% of difluorodichloromethane, which is thereby the most effective methane combustion inhibitor. This also means that the active combustion centers of hydrogen and methane, which determine the development of combustion, have a different chemical nature. Thus, the reaction including a difluorodichloromethane molecule resulting in the formation of HF (v = 2.3) during methane combustion should include a step involving the active methane combustion intermediate. Using hyperspectrometers of the visible and near-infrared ranges in the products of the oxidation reactions of hydrogen and methane in the presence of difluorodichloromethane, vibrationally excited HF molecules (v = 2.3) were first discovered. For the first time, it was found that HF molecules (v = 3) during methane combustion are formed at the moment when the maximum rate of chemical conversion is achieved, that is, reactions involving inhibitor molecules compete with the process of development of reaction chains. Keywords: chain burning, inhibition, methane, hydrogen, dichlorodifluoromethane, hyperspectrometer, high-speed color filming, radicals, excited particles.
К 125-летию со дня рождения лауреата Нобелевской премии академика Николая Николаевича Семенова Высокоэффективные фотоэлектрические модули с концентраторами солнечного излучения
Authors: Чекалин А.В. , Андреева А.В. , Давидюк Н.Ю. , Потапович Н.С. , Садчиков Н.А. , Андреев В.М. , Малевский Д.А.
Published: February 2021

The paper outlines the results of research and development of solar concentrated photovoltaic modules with an aperture area of 0.5 m^2. Module design was based on Fresnel lenses with inverted pyramids as secondary concentrators of solar irradiance, and multijunction solar cells located in the focus of Fresnel lens. The developed modules are characterized with up to 700X solar concentration ratio and optimal operational thermal regime for solar cells. The efficiency of developed photovoltaic modules exceeds 32% which makes them on par with modules of the similar design developed and manufactured globally.
Особенности структуры кристаллов LiNbO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=- : Tb различного химического состава
Authors: Палатников М.Н. , Алешина Л.А. , Сидорова О.В. , Кадетова А.В. , Сидоров Н.В. , Бирюкова И.В. , Макарова О.В.
Published: February 2021

A series of LiNbO3:Tb ([Tb] = 0.1–2.89 wt%) and a nominally pure near-stoichiometric (NSLN) crystals have been grown. Concentration dependences physico-chemical and structure characteristics LiNbO3:Tb of different composition has been studied.
Оптимизация измерений вектора силы взаимодействия в атомно-силовой микроскопии
Authors: Анкудинов А.В. , Минарский А.М.
Published: February 2021

The issue of optimization of measurements of three spatial components of the probe-sample interaction force and the corresponding displacement vector of the "ideal cantilever" is considered. To determine these components in an atomic force microscope with an optical beam deflection scheme, it is necessary to register the bending angles at least at two points on the rectangular cantilever and the torsion angle at any of them. It has been proven analytically that one optimal point is the intersection of the probe axis with the console plane. A method to calculate the position of another optimal point has been developed. An experiment was carried out to map the force and displacement vector, and satisfactory agreement with the theory was obtained.
Izrael i jego „misterium” w komentarzach do Listu do Rzymian św. Tomasza z Akwinu i Marcina Lutra
Authors: Kamykowski Łukasz
Published: February 2021

Od II wieku kształtuje się takie rozumienie roli Starego Testamentu dla życia Kościoła i jego teologii, w którym Żydzi nieprzyjmujący Jezusa nie mają już pozytywnego znaczenia dla dalszych dziejów zbawienia, Kościół przejął bowiem wszystkie prerogatywy dawnego ludu Izraela. Summy teologiczne systematyzujące myśl teologiczną w okresie średniowiecza nie zawierają całościowej myśli o Kościele. Tym samym nie włączają w system teologiczny nauki o miejscu Izraela i Żydów w dziejach zbawienia po Chrystusie. W teologii problem tożsamości Kościoła pojawia się dopiero u schyłku tego okresu w związku z kryzysem, który wtedy przeżywa. Dwa w pełni opracowane komentarze do Listu do Rzymian autorów o kolosalnym znaczeniu dla dziejów myśli europejskiej – Tomasza z Akwinu (z roku 1273) i Marcina Lutra (z roku 1518) – dają wgląd w rozumienie Izraela i jego „misterium”. Analizujemy ich ujęcie tematu przy tłumaczeniu 11 rozdziału Listu. W efekcie, mimo różnicy w podejściu każdego z nich, można zauważyć, jak zagadnienia ciążące w tradycji nad interpretacją tej księgi owocują odsunięciem na margines myśli chrześcijańskiej zagadnienia misterium Izraela, które nurtowało św. Pawła i było istotne w jego przekonaniu dla wszystkich uczniów Chrystusa.