bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Rheological Properties of Gels and Creams on Different Carrier Bases
Authors: Nogaeva U. V. , Naumova A. A. , Novinkov A. G. , Flisyuk E. V. , Burakova M. A. , Shikov A. N. , Abrosimova O. N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The study of rheological properties (dynamic and plastic viscosity, yield strength, the degree and presence of a thixotropic effect, the nature of the type of flow) are important for the development of soft dosage forms. These properties affect the stability of the dosage form during storage, its technological and consumer characteristics .

Aim. Study of the main rheological parameters of the developed gels and creams on various carrier bases.

Materials and methods. Meloxicam as active ingredient and excipients: sodium alginate, twin-80, propylene glycol, cremophor, glycerin, essential oils of lemon and orange, carbopol 980, polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400), viburnum bark, chamomile flowers, chlorhexidine bigluconate 20 %, menthol, sorbitol, corn oil, distilled monoglycerides (MHD), cetyl alcohol, coconut oil, salicylic acid, emulsion wax, preparation OS-20, triethanolamine (TEA), and euxil PE 9010 were used for the preparation of ex[eroimental samples. Three laboratory samples of soft formulations with the mass of 100 g each were prepared. The rheological properties of the samples were tested 24 hours after their preparation using Anton Paar DV-2P viscometer (Anton Paar GmbH, Austria), spindle L4. The structural and mechanical properties of the samples were tested using a device designed at the St. Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University under thesupervision of Professor, Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences V. A. Vainshtein.

Results and discussion. The greatest mechanical stability was observed for the sample No. 1 (gel based on alginate) and sample No. 3 (cream). The ascending and descending hysteresis loop curves indicates that the test samples have thixotropic properties. Samples No. 1 and 2 have upward and downward flow curves superimposed on each other.This phenomenon is typical for all gels and is their feature. The relaxation of the structure of an elastic-plastic material after the deformation caused by the introduction of a tester stock occurs according to the logarithmic law. At rest, when the tester stockis not introduced into the material, the structure of tested samples is intact and samples has a maximum density (static viscosity). The introduction of the tester stock into the sample results in plastic deformation and forced flow. The tension at the moment of tester stock introduction reflects the yield strength.Further, with the immersed tester devoce, a thixotropic recovery of the destroyed structural bonds occurs. Such a pattern in the dynamics of structure resistance is observed for structured (non-Newtonian) liquids.

Conclusion. The rheological properties of three experimental soft formulations made on different carrier bases were investigated. The importance of rheological studies in the drug development of high e quality soft formulations was shown.
Research of Rhodiola rosea Rhizomes and Roots Using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Sklyarevskaya N. V. , Alexeeva Yu. S. , Ponkratova A. O. , Zhokhova E. V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The research results obtained through the analysis of different varieties of Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), grown in the Saint-Petersburg State Chemical-Pharmaceutical University (SPCPU) medicinal plants nursery garden, are represented.

Aim. To carry out a comparative analysis of Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots samples, grown in the SPCPU medicinal plants nursery using HPTLC.

Materials and methods. HPTLC analysis was performed on a CAMAG device (Switzerland), using MERCK HPTLC silica gel 60 F 254, 20 × 10 cm plates. Extracts were obtained from raw materials using an ultrasonic bath "Sapphire-4.0 TTC" (Russia). The Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots were harvested in the SPCPU medicinal plants nursery garden (Leningrad Region, Vsevolozhsk district, Priozerskoe Highway, 38 km) in August 2019.

Results and discussion. In the course of the research, extracts from Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots were obtained using 70 % ethyl alcohol and methyl alcohol as extractants. The extracts were investigated by HPTLC in ethyl acetate – methanol – water – formic acid (77 : 13 : 10 : 2) solvent system. After scanning densitometric analysis at 254 nm, the much better separation of methanol extracts in this solvent system was found than ethanol extracts. The densitograms of individual tracks were compared with each other in order to identify samples of Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots with a higher biologically active compounds content. As a result of the comparison of 18 samples tracks of the Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots (the extractant was ethyl alcohol 70 %), samples № 6 and 17 have been proposed as promising for further research and cultivation.

Conclusion. As a result of the analysis of alcohol extracts from Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots by HPTLC, the samples 6 (Tomsk, Russia) and 17 (Valla Di Aposta/Hirvos varieties, country of origin – Italy/Finland) were found to have a higher content of biologically active compounds.
Caco-2 Intestinal Permeability Study of Phenyltetrahydroquinolinedione Derivative – TRPA₁ Antagonist
Authors: Pyatigorskaya N. V. , Kravchenko A. D.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. This work is devoted to the intestinal permeability study of 7-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-(4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-4,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline-2,5(1H,3H)-dione – innovative biologically active substance with TRPA1 antagonist activity. The phenyltetrahydroquinolinedione derivative is a promising analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. To develop a dosage form of this new substance, it is necessary to study the mechanism and degree of its absorption.

Aim. The aim of this work was to investigate the intestinal permeability of the phenyltetrahydroquinolinedione derivative using Caco-2 cell model and to compare experimental results with the in silico obtained values of the octanol/water partition coefficients.

Materials and methods. The study of permeability was carried out from the apical membrane to the basolateral (A-B) and in the opposite direction (B-A). Ranitidine (low permeability), propranolol (high permeability) and rhodamine 123 (P-glycoprotein substrate) were used as control compounds. The concentration of the test compound was determined by UHPLC-MS/MS system consisting of a liquid chromatograph and a tandem mass spectrometer with a triple quadrupole and an electrospray ion source. The logP was calculated using the following resources: ChemDraw Professional 16.0, Molinspiration, ALOGPS 2.1.

Results and discussion. The values of the apparent permeability (Papp) and efflux ratios of the test and control compounds were obtained. According to the results of the study, the following conclusions were made: the test compound has high permeability both in the forward direction from the apical to the basolateral cell membrane, and in the opposite direction (Papp > 10 × 10-6 cm/s). P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux activity was not observed (the efflux ratio was less than 2 units). The permeability did not depend on the test compound input concentration. The obtained experimental Papp values were correlated with the in silico obtained values of partition coefficients. The best correlation was obtained for milogP (Molinspiration) and ClogP (ChemDraw).

Conclusion. Thus, the in vitro and in silico obtained data indicate that passive diffusion is the main mechanism of absorption of the test compound in the gastrointestinal tract.
Development of a Method and a Scheme for the Use of a Live Recombinant Vaccine "GamLPV". Safety and Tolerability of Double Intranasal Vaccination of Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Karataev G. I. , Medkova A. Yu. , Semin E. G. , Sinyashina L. N. , Sioundioukova R. A. , Kulikov S. V. , Snegireva N. A. , Chernishova I. N. , Gavrilova M. V. , Bushkova K. K. , Lidzhieva A. A. , Kolobukhina L. V. , Kruzhkova I. S. , Merkulova L. N. , Rusanova M. G. , Bazarova M. V. , Antipyat N. A. , Smetanina S. V. , Smolyarchuk E. A. , Dyakov I. N.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The increase in the incidence of whooping cough in children and adults of different age groups justifies the need for their revaccination and the development of new, acceptable for these purposes. This work is devoted to substantiating the design of a clinical trial and describing the results of a comparative study of the safety and tolerability of the drug "GamLPV" with two-fold intranasal administration to healthy adult volunteers using two methods. The choice of the scheme and method of administration of the drug is justified. The serological structure of the population of adults aged 18–40 years living in Moscow and the Moscow region is characterized.

Aim. Determination of the safety and tolerability of the drug with a double intranasal administration of the vaccine by drip method and spraying through an actuator.

Materials and methods. A randomized placebo-controlled trial included 50 healthy male and female volunteers aged 18 to 40 years who met the inclusion criteria. The volunteers were divided into 2 groups of 25 people: a drip method of administration and spraying through an "actuator". By both methods, the drug was administered twice with an interval of 60 days.

Results and discussion. Serological analysis of the population of healthy volunteers at the prescreening stage justified the inclusion in the study of volunteers containing anti-pertussis antibodies in the blood (IgG ≤40 Ed/ml). A comparison of the results of preclinical studies on an experimental model of non-human monkeys and the first phase of a clinical study of GamLPV allowed us to propose two methods of double administration of the drug as a promising vaccination scheme for volunteers. A comparative randomized study shows the safety of using the proposed scheme for vaccination of adult volunteers.

Conclusions. Both proposed methods of double administration can be used to plan a multicenter study to research the immunogenicity and protective activity of GamLPV.
Issues of National Drug Security in Formation of a Reserve of Antibacterial Agents Intended to Eliminate Medical and Sanitary Consequences of Emergencies
Authors: Chernikova L. Yu. , Dmitruk V. N. , Denisov N. L. , Morozova E. G. , Ratkin A. V. , Karakulova E. V.
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The article considers the issues of forming a reserve of antibacterial agents designed to eliminate medical and sanitary consequences of emergencies from the perspective of national drug security.

Aim. To determine the degree of import substitution of antibacterial agents included in the regional drug reserve.

Materials and methods. We carried out a content analysis of data from regulatory documents and research papers related to formation of drug reserves, a logical and structural analysis of the range of antibacterial agents included in the reserve of the Tomsk region, and an analysis of data from the National Drug Register. In the study, we used the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System of drugs.

Results and discussion. It was established that for 19 international nonproprietary names (INN) of antibacterial agents belonging to the group of antibacterials for systemic use (ATC code J01) and forming the reserve of the Tomsk region, 294 brand names (BN) were registered on the pharmaceutical market of the Russian Federation in 2021. The share of registered domestic BN was 49.3 %, and the degree of import dependence of domestic drug manufacturing on foreign-made active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) was 81.4 %. It was found that 6 Russian enterprises manufacture APIs that supply production of 10 antibacterial agents included in the drug reserve. A classification of medicines by strategic availability for replenishing the drug reserve was developed. A map on strategic availability of domestically manufactured antibacterial agents included in the reserve was drawn up.

Conclusion. We demonstrated high dependence of antibacterial reserve formation on import of this group of medicines and APIs to the Russian Federation. The classification of medicines which takes into account the possibility of replenishing the drug reserve in emergency conditions and if import of medicines stops can be recommended for use by the center for disaster medicine to optimize the nomenclature of drug reserves at various levels from the perspective of national drug security promotion.
A efetividade dos torniquetes no atendimento pré-hospitalar
Authors: Oliveira Neto Antônio Alves de , Araújo Andrey Hudson Interaminense Mendes de , Farias Djair Soares de
Published: September 2022

Objetivo: Analisar a efetividade dos torniquetes no atendimento pré-hospitalar, visando seus benefícios e possíveis riscos. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, composta de artigos científicos acerca da temática “A efetividade dos torniquetes no APH” Para esse fim, utilizou-se como fonte de pesquisa a Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) por meio das bases de dados: SCIELO e PubMed. Resultados: Os estudos relatam que a aplicação precoce do torniquete serve como controle de danos e redução da mortalidade em acidentes traumáticos, visto que a contenção de hemorragias graves é o primeiro passo na cadeia de sobrevivência. O torniquete apresenta eficácia comprovada e relatada no controle de hemorragias e sua aplicação pode ser realizada em cerca de 18,9 segundos, porém, nenhum torniquete é livre de complicações e o usuário de tal ferramenta no APH deve compreender seus riscos potenciais de complicações e respeitar os limites de tempo de permanência e reavaliação. Considerações Finais: O uso do torniquete em ambiente pré-hospitalar civil, apesar de muito debatido, pode salvar vidas e prevenir danos. A ferramenta possibilita um controle rápido e efetivo de hemorragias graves, podendo ser a diferença entre a vida e a morte de uma vítima no APH, e as complicações advindas do mesmo se dão, em grande parte, pelo seu mau uso. A instrução adequada quanto ao uso do torniquete é de suma importância para que a aplicação dessa ferramenta seja efetiva e que os possíveis danos advindos da sua aplicação sejam mínimos e, caso ocorram, reversíveis.
Análise da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial da Superintendência Regional de Saúde de Teófilo Otoni/MG por meio de um modelo matemático
Authors: Santos Larissa de Oliveira Farias , Tarrillo Carlos Alberto Mirez , Alexandrino Carlos Henrique , Soares Nathalia Stockler Fialho
Published: September 2022

A Rede de Atenção Psicossocial (RAPS) é uma rede de saúde temática que visa assegurar, às pessoas com transtorno mental e com necessidades decorrentes do uso de drogas, o acesso a um atendimento integral e humanizado, a partir da articulação de serviços nos diversos pontos de atenção do Sistema Único de Saúde. O objetivo desse trabalho é realizar uma análise estatística e matemática dos dados de internações hospitalares por transtornos mentais e comportamentais dos municípios sob jurisdição da Superintendência Regional de Saúde (SRS) de Teófilo Otoni /MG, visando suprir os vazios assistenciais e ampliar a cobertura de atendimento na RAPS. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica desenvolvida com base em material publicado em livros, revistas científicas, sites oficiais do Ministério da Saúde e da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Minas Gerais (MG). Os resultados mostraram que o número médio de internações hospitalares por CAPS I é de 14 internações por ano, para cada 1000 habitantes. Esse valor é três vezes maior que o valor médio da SRS de Teófilo Otoni. No CAPS II mostra que o município de Ouro Verde de Minas interna, em média, 10 habitantes por ano, enquanto a média do município de Teófilo Otoni é de 02 internações. Conclui-se que, em torno de 60% dos municípios da SRS de Teófilo Otoni, ocorreu um aumento no número de internações por transtornos mentais, sendo apresentado projeções do número de internações para os próximos anos.
Respuesta del cultivo del tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) a la aplicación de QuitoMax® en condiciones de salinidad
Authors: Amador Carlos Ávila , Algentel-Martínez Leandris , Peñuelas-Rubio Ofelda , González Aguilera Jorge , Reyna Idalmis Fonseca
Published: September 2022

Se estudió el efecto del QuitoMax® en el comportamiento de plantas de tomate de las variedades Claudia y Amalia en condiciones estrés salino. El experimento se desarrolló en el municipio Cauto Cristo provincia de Granma en el período de octubre de 2017 a marzo de 2018, en un suelo clasificado como salino sódico (CE 4 dS m-1).  El diseño experimental utilizado fue de bloques al azar, con arreglo factorial, replicando cuatro veces cada variante. Se aplicó el bioestimulante a los 12 días después del trasplante (DDT) a razón de 300 y 400 mg ha-1 y el control (cero aplicación). Fueron evaluados, a los 45 DDT, la altura de la planta, la longitud de la raíz, el número de frutos, el número de racimos por plantas, el diámetro ecuatorial, el diámetro polar y el rendimiento. La aplicación del bioestimulante QuitoMax® incrementa el número de racimos por planta y la masa de los frutos del tomate en condiciones de salinidad comparados con el control.  Se incrementaron los rendimientos agrícolas en un 43% y 76%, así como, los beneficios económicos en 1653.93 $ ha-1 y en 3418.08 $ ha-1 respecto al control, para las cultivares Amalia y Claudia, respectivamente, cultivadas en condiciones de salinidad. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron al aplicar la dosis de 300 mg ha-1 de QuitoMax®.
Conhecimento e práticas maternas sobre alimentação complementar em crianças de zero a dois anos de idade
Authors: Leandro Camila Almeida , Santos Maria Solange Nogueira dos , Santos Aliniana da Silva , Rodrigues Lidiane do Nascimento , Silva Vanusa Maria Gomes Napoleão , Freitas Samara Hellen Nogueira de , Albuquerque Firmina Hermelinda Saldanha , Chaves Edna Maria Camelo
Published: September 2022

Este estudo objetivou conhecer as práticas maternas sobre alimentação complementar em crianças de zero a dois anos de idade. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido em uma Unidade de Atenção Primária em Saúde (UAPS) na cidade de Fortaleza-CE, Brasil.  A unidade escolhida faz parte da área de abrangência e reponsabilidade sanitária da Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE), sendo campo de prática dos discentes do curso de enfermagem da referida universidade. A pesquisa seguiu o referencial de estudos de melhoria da qualidade COREQ da rede EQUATOR. Participaram inicialmente do estudo 20 mães, escolhidas por conveniência, sendo amostra final 19 mães. A coleta ocorreu no mês de setembro de 2018 através de uma entrevista semiestruturada. As respostas foram gravadas, com duração média de dez minutos. As informações foram transcritas para organização do corpus textual, analisadas e processadas pelo software IRAMUTEQ. O corpus textual foi composto por 88 seguimentos, dos quais se obtiveram 68 Unidades de Contexto Elementar, produzindo seis classes: alimentos ofertados, orientações, conhecimento das mães, facilidades das mães, dificuldades das mães, sentimentos maternos. O estudo mostrou que as mães têm conhecimento sobre a introdução alimentar nas crianças menores de 2 anos, no entanto  o início desses alimentos complementares são difíceis, pois surgem os sentimentos de medo e dúvida, principalmente a ansiedade e a insegurança relacionadas a adaptação da criança com as novas descobertas alimentares, partindo desses anseios, nessa nova fase da vida da criança, é preciso que os profissionais ofereçam uma rede de apoio  de orientações e esclarecimentos  às mães e/ou aos responsáveis pela criança.
A feminização facial pode influenciar na identificação odontolegal?
Authors: Medeiros Fabiana Larissa Santos de , Araújo Neto Antônio Pereira de , Lima Filipe de Oliveira , Oliveira Ocimar Lopes de , Borba Miguel Henrique de Melo , Gadelha Milena Norões Viana , Figueiredo Camila Helena Machado da Costa , Oliveira Filho Abrahão Alves de , Ramos Joab  Cabral , Almeida Manuella Santos Carneiro
Published: September 2022

A transgeneridade refere-se à condição na qual o sexo biológico e o gênero não são compatíveis. Atualmente, o Brasil está no topo do ranking dos países que mais fazem cirurgias estéticas, dentre elas, a cirurgia de feminização facial (CFF). O presente estudo busca realizar um levantamento na literatura para avaliar a influência das cirurgias de feminização facial na identificação odontolegal. Foi realizado com base em estudos científicos publicados e indexados nas bases de dados Pubmed/MEDLINE, Lilacs, BVS e Scielo. É necessário que o profissional compreenda as diferentes características faciais masculinas e femininas. Além disso, com relação a identificação, depende da determinação das quatro grandes características humanas: etnia, sexo, idade e estatura, com a determinação dessas características, a quantidade de indivíduos a serem pesquisados é reduzida. Porém, nos casos de transexuais, uma descrição de seus restos físicos, incluindo sexo biológico, pode ter pouca correlação com sua identidade social, atrasando e frequentemente confundindo a questão da identificação. Portanto, a feminização facial pode influenciar na identificação humana. Dessa forma é crucial que odontolegistas sejam capazes de identificar e discernir essas alterações ao se deparar com essas situações.
Aspectos relacionados à prevenção do trauma automobilístico na população em geral
Authors: Freitas Francisco Ricardo Nascimento , Miranda Arícia Gomes , Lima Cláudio Vinícius Barroso Queirós de , Malta Debora Maria Rios , Gimenes Evandro Cavassani , Barbosa João Victor Carvalho , Furtado Neto José Freire , Silva Julliana Emily Matos e , Malta Luana Mazza , Medeiros Mariela Sousa de , Castro Neto Deodato Narciso de Oliveira
Published: September 2022

A invenção dos automóveis sem dúvida configura uma das melhores tecnologias que fomentou a capacidade de meio de transporte para os seres humanos. Porém, acidentes que envolvem esses meios, chamados traumas automobilísticos (TA), representam um problema de saúde pública em razão das suas elevadas morbidade e mortalidade associadas, as quais, inclusive, apresentam estimativa de aumento até o ano de 2030. Contudo, no Brasil, existe tendência de diminuição dos índices de TA possivelmente relacionada a políticas públicas e educacionais vigentes. O artigo em questão tem como objetivo discutir a prevenção e os aspectos relacionados aos TA, enfatizando sua relevância e investigando melhores abordagens acerca da tentativa de reduzir esse problema de saúde público. Trata-se, portanto de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, que se utilizou de parâmetros como: identificação do tema; determinação de critérios de inclusão e de exclusão de artigos; análise e interpretação de informações devidamente extraídas da amostra; apresentação da revisão e síntese dos conhecimentos formulados. Para a construção da amostra, enfatizou-se a importância de selecionar os estudos realizados nos últimos 10 anos e a consideração de estudos que mostram diversos aspectos envolvidos no TA, como utilização de substâncias psicoativas e principal faixa etária envolvida. O presente estudo, portanto, sugere que a devida prevenção dos TA não está voltada apenas à esfera legislativa, mas também confere um dever de caráter educativo, envolvendo aspectos epidemiológicos como perfil socioeconômico e faixa etária.
Effect of Dividend Policy, Capital Structure, Profitability, and Growth on Firm Value
Authors: Alfianita Alfianita , Santosa Perdana Wahyu
Published: September 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of dividend policy, capital structure, profitability, and growth on firm value and its review from an Islamic point of view. The population in this study are all companies members of the LQ45 index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2015-2019 period. The sampling technique used is a purposive sample. The number of samples in this study was 16 companies. Data was collected using secondary data obtained from external data, namely the financial statements of LQ45 index companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the 2015–2019 period. The data analysis method used is panel data regression analysis. The study results show that: (1) dividend policy does not affect firm value. (2) capital structure has a positive effect on firm value. (3) profitability has a positive effect on firm value. (4) growth partially does not affect firm value. Management should control a proportional debt policy to grow the firm's value on an ongoing basis and focus on increasing profitability through sales growth and cost-efficiency by increasing asset turnover and cost of debt efficiency. It is expected that firm value increase sustainability.
Changing the Way Babies Eat: Supporting Early Allergen Feeding Around the World
Authors: Mikkelsen Andrea , Nadeau Kari , Swanson Wendy Sue
Published: September 2022

This symposium occurred during the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress, 2022. Angela Claver Monzón from the Hospital Universitari Quiron Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain, welcomed attendees and gave a brief introduction to the topic of food allergy prevention in children. Andrea Mikkelsen from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, highlighted the importance of diet diversity and the early introduction of food allergens to infants before discussing some of the challenges associated with this. Kari Nadeau from The Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA, described the results from a study that evaluated different strategies for the early introduction of food allergens. She highlighted that consumption of even small quantities of a multi-allergen mixture for 1 year was associated with improvements in subsequent food challenge reactivity compared with single or double food introductions. Wendy Sue Swanson, also from The Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research and Before Brands, Inc., outlined the development of a 16-allergen mixture and described the rationale and design of the INTENT study, which will evaluate the potential benefits of this product to support early food allergen introduction. The symposium concluded with a live question and answer session.
Reconsider the Art of Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: Dramburg Stephanie , Jutel Marek , Zieglmayer Petra
Published: September 2022

This symposium took place during the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Hybrid Congress, held in Prague, Czechia, in July 2022. Stephanie Dramburg, Medical Doctor at Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany, explained that the traditional diagnostic work-up for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) comprises retrospective clinical history and allergen exposure assessment, extract-based diagnostics, component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), which enables markers of genuine sensitisation to be distinguished from markers of cross-reactivity, and confirmation of clinical relevance. She highlighted that molecular IgE assessment supports the diagnostic work-up and personalised risk assessment in complex cases and that confirmation of clinical relevance of IgE results is key. Furthermore, broadening of a serum IgE response is indicative of ‘molecular spreading’. Dramburg considered that digital technologies have the potential to enhance medical decisions at the point-of-care via targeted patient information, guideline- and evidence-based clinical knowledge, and prospectively collected patient- and sensor-generated data. Marek Jutel, Medical Professor at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, and the ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland, described that patients with allergies show different clinical pictures due to differing sensitisation profiles assessed at the molecular level. He noted that patients with allergies react differently to different allergen doses and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) preparations, and minor/intermediate allergens are necessary, in addition to major allergens, for optimal clinical efficacy. Jutel described that allergens that are decisive for AIT efficacy are defined in grass pollen but are not yet determined for other allergen sources such as birch and house dust mite (HDM). Petra Zieglmayer, Medical Professor at Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria, and Head of Vienna Challenge Chamber, Austria, discussed that patients with allergies show complex molecular sensitisation profiles and that extract preparations from different manufacturers vary in terms of allergen composition, with major and intermediate allergens not always detectable. She clarified that optimal efficacy of AIT may only be expected from preparations containing all relevant allergen components in sufficient amounts. Zieglmayer proposed that the target should be to find a match between the patient molecular sensitisation profile and the allergen preparation and that this can be achieved.
3D Printed Models Decentralise Surgical Skills Training for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Coles-Black Jasamine , Tucker Harrison , Ischia Joseph , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Woodruff Maria , Webb David , Bolton Damien
Published: September 2022

Imparting the required psychomotor skills for trainees to become proficient in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is tricky for surgical educators due to the challenging nature of the procedures and the lack of realistic simulators. The current COVID-19 pandemic has compounded these issues by reducing learning opportunities for trainees through reduced case numbers and the availability of surgical skills courses. To address these contemporaneous issues, the authors have developed 3D printed inexpensive combined RIRS and PCNL training models for both in-person and video conference skills training.
Ser joven privado de la libertad en ciudades del norte de México
Authors: Rivera García Óscar Bernardo
Published: September 2022

The objective of this article is to analyze the narratives of four young people from border cities who were deprived of their liberty for having proven their participation in a crime. The narratives are approached from a qualitative perspective to delve into the meanings involved in building identities in a border context. The field work was developed during 2018 and 2019 in the treatment centers for adolescents in San Luis Río Colorado and Nogales, Sonora, as well as in Güémez, Tamaulipas, Mexico. One of the substantive findings was to identify the process of internalization and normalization of a state of permanent precariousness in the actors in the absence of structural strategies that homogenize the youth. The analysis from these dimensions provides empirical elements in the discussion about heterogeneities in youth identities; elements for an epistemological, holistic and situational discussion on the accumulation of situations of vulnerability that certain actors experience in a given geographic space.
Transnational Cultural Migration. Mexico-U.S. Border Experiences: A Case Study
Authors: Manzano-Munguía María Cristina , Periañez de la Rosa Juan , Carrillo Padilla Ana Lorena
Published: September 2022

This paper looks at the transnational cultural experiences of a Cantonese migrant while border crossing the United States and Mexico. Specifically, we explore his experiences while residing in transnational spaces (Mexico, the United States, and Canton (Guangzhou)). Fieldwork including participant observation and qualitative data were collected through ethnographic interviews carried out during the period 2014-2016, at a Chinese food restaurant in Puebla, Mexico. Our goal is to understand the border crossing experience as a confluence of activities, which contribute to the construction of epistemologies from below and the understanding of transnationalism from a cultural approach.
Ghana’s Foreign Policy Under Military Regimes, 1966-1993: An Historical Review
Authors: HARUNA Abdallah Imam
Published: September 2022

This paper probes the foreign policy objectives of military regimes in Ghana from 1966 to 1993. The mid-sixties and early-nineties saw Africa and Latin America challenging each other for an accolade of notoriety as the continent with the most military coup d'états. Though most of the military disturbances in Francophone Africa could barely provoke any serious expert analysis, the revolts in Ghana and Nigeria had given many military pundits a different dimension of the militarization of African politics. As a 65-year-old sovereign state, Ghana has witnessed four military regimes: 1966–1969, 1972–1979, 1979, and 1981–1993. These politics of military takeovers were always blamed on economic mismanagement and administrative abuse of power. Indeed, Ghana’s economy since independence in 1957 has suffered several setbacks as far as steady economic growth is concerned. As the country celebrated its 65th independence day on 6 March 2022, amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic, this study seeks to retrace the political steps of the country since independence; focusing on the foreign policy of the military regimes within the last six decades. The paper intends to prove that just as military officers lack political legitimacy to govern, they are hardly the right actors to make successful foreign policy decisions.
PROMOTING GUIDED-DISCOVERY LEARNING THROUGH WHATSAPP TO STUDENTS IN OPEN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Hadianti Siti , Rohmah Dewi Wardah Mazidatur , Aliah Nuraziza , Jamilah Sitti , Pantow Johanna B. S.
Published: September 2022

Long-distance learning uses an online platform to transfer the knowledge. It has become a breakthrough in this modern era. The online learning brings many benefits to students, but it is also challenging to be implemented by the tutors in distance education universities. This paper tends to investigate the use of the guided-discovery learning (GDL) method in the psycholinguistics online tutorial class. The participants are the students of the English Education program in Universitas Terbuka, who take Psycholinguistics subject with online tutorial service. The methodology of this research is qualitative by using a case study. The researchers use the WhatsApp application as the platform in conducting the course. The students are required to follow the lesson step by step through WhatsApp. Based on the finding, this research reveals that there are two perspectives of the use of GDL toward psycholinguistics online tutorial class. The first perspective is in students that has two major advantages. The second can be seen from the learning perspective which also has two benefits of the use of GDL.
Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative (HK-DADI) consensus statements for penicillin allergy testing by nonallergists
Authors: Li Philip H. , Wong Jane C. Y. , Chan Jacky M. C. , Chik Thomas S. H. , Chu M. Y. , Ho Grace C. H. , Leung W. S. , Li Timothy C. M. , Ng Y. Y. , Shum Rocky , Sin Winnie W. Y. , Tso Eugene Y. K. , Wu Alan K. L. , Au Elaine Y. L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Penicillin allergy testing has been traditionally performed by allergists, but there remains a huge deficit of specialists. A multidisciplinary effort with nonallergists would be invaluable to overcome the magnitude of penicillin allergy labels via the Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative (HK-DADI). These consensus statements (CSs) offer recommendations and guidance to enable nonallergists to screen for low-risk (LR) patients and perform penicillin allergy testing.

Methods

CSs were formulated by the HK-DADI Group using the Delphi method. An agreement was defined as greater than or equal to 80% consensus.

Results

A total of 26 CSs reached consensus after multiple rounds of Delphi. CSs were categorized into risk assessment, skin testing, drug provocation testing (DPT), and post-testing management. For risk assessment, the essentials of allergy history and exclusion criteria were detailed. Patients with only LR features can proceed with testing by nonallergists. Skin tests should be performed prior to DPT. Details regarding the timing, preparation, and interpretation of skin tests were elaborated. DPT remains the gold standard to diagnose genuine allergy or tolerance and should be performed when there is a low pretest probability following negative skin testing. Details of DPT preparations, dosing protocols, and interpretation were elaborated. For post-testing management, inaccurate allergy labels should be delabeled following negative DPT with proper patient counseling.

Conclusion

CSs support penicillin allergy testing by nonallergists in Hong Kong. LR cases can be managed by nonallergists at Spoke Clinics, with training and support of an allergist-led Hub.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZIF-67 Mixed Matrix Nanobiocatalysis for CO2 Adsorption Performance
Authors: Saeed Saira , Bashir Rashdia , Rehman Shafique Ur , Nazir M. Tariq , ALOthman Zeid A. , Muteb Aljuwayid Ahmed , Abid Amin , Adnan Ahmad
Published: September 2022

In this study, ZIF-67-based mixed matrix membrane was synthesized with a solution casting method using tetrahydrofuran as the solvent. The as-synthesized ZIF-67 was characterized using PXRD, TGA, ATR-FTIR, and BET analysis for the surface area measurements. The minimum 3 wt% loading of ZIF-67 was incorporated within a hydrophobic polymer to evaluate the CO2 adsorption performance of ZIF-67. The stability of ZIF-67 in pure water and inorganic solvents was investigated. The maximum CO2 adsorption of the ZIF-67 mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) was 0.5 mmol/g at 273 K, which is higher than that of the pure polymer. The fabricated ZIF-67-based mixed-matrix membrane showed higher CO2 capture even at lower MOF loading using THF. The current study highly recommends the combination of hydrophobic polysulfone and a water-stable ZIF-67 for CO2 capture from wet flue gases.
Cultivation of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Desmodesmus quadricauda in highly deuterated media: Balancing the light intensity
Authors: Kselíková Veronika , Husarčíková Kamila , Mojzeš Peter , Zachleder Vilém , Bišová Kateřina
Published: September 2022

The production of organic deuterated compounds in microalgal systems represents a cheaper and more versatile alternative to more complicated chemical synthesis. In the present study, we investigate the autotrophic growth of two microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Desmodesmus quadricauda, in medium containing high doses of deuterated water, D2O. The growth of such cultures was evaluated in the context of the intensity of incident light, since light is a critical factor in the management of autotrophic algal cultures. Deuteration increases the light sensitivity of both model organisms, resulting in increased levels of singlet oxygen and poorer photosynthetic performance. Our results also show a slowdown in growth and cell division processes with increasing D2O concentrations. At the same time, impaired cell division leads to cell enlargement and accumulation of highly deuterated compounds, especially energy-storing molecules. Thus, considering the specifics of highly deuterated cultures and using the growth conditions proposed in this study, it is possible to obtain highly deuterated algal biomass, which could be a valuable source of deuterated organic compounds.
Schisantherin A alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by restoring intestinal barrier function
Authors: Yu Shenglan , Jiang Jiarui , Li Qinqin , Liu Xuan , Wang Zhengtao , Yang Li , Ding Lili
Published: September 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intricately linked to dysregulation of the gut–liver axis, and correlated with intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption.

Objectives

To investigate the protective effects and possible molecular mechanism of Schisantherin A (Sin A) in a high-fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD mouse model.

Methods

HFD-fed NAFLD mice were treated with the vehicle and 80 mg/kg Sin A every day for 6 weeks. The gut permeability of the NAFLD mice was assessed by intestinal permeability assays in vivo and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements in vitro were also used to evaluate the function of the gut barrier. TLR4 inhibitor was then used to investigate the impact of Sin A in the LPS- TLR4 signaling pathway. Alternatively, the composition of the microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA amplification. Finally, the experiment of antibiotic treatment was performed to elucidate the roles of the gut microbiome mediating Sin A induced metabolic benefits in the NAFLD mice.

Results

We found that Sin A potently ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, alleviated gut inflammation, and restored intestinal barrier function. We also observed that Sin A improved gut permeability and reduced the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into circulation and further found that Sin A can suppress LPS-TLR4 signaling to protect against HFD-induced NAFLD. Sin A treatment altered the composition of the microbiome in NAFLD mice compared to vehicle controls.

Conclusions

Sin A is an effective and safe hepatoprotective agent against HFD-induced NAFLD by partly ameliorating gut inflammation, restoring intestinal barrier function, and regulating intestinal microbiota composition.
Urinary Microbial and Metabolomic Profiles in Kidney Stone Disease
Authors: Gao Hong , Lin Jiaqiong , Xiong Fu , Yu Zuhu , Pan Shilei , Huang Yuxin
Published: September 2022

Background

Kidney stones or nephrolithiasis is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by renal colic and hematuria. Currently, a pathogenetic mechanism resulting in kidney stone formation remains elusive. We performed a multi-omic study investigating urinary microbial compositions and metabolic alterations during nephrolithiasis.

Method

Urine samples from healthy and individuals with nephrolithiasis were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Microbiome and metabolome profiles were analyzed individually and combined to construct interactome networks by bioinformatic analysis.

Results

Distinct urinary microbiome profiles were determined in nephrolithiasis patients compared with controls. Thirty-nine differentially abundant taxa between controls and nephrolithiasis patients were identified, and Streptococcus showed the most significant enrichment in nephrolithiasis patients. We also observed significantly different microbial compositions between female and male nephrolithiasis patients. The metabolomic analysis identified 112 metabolites that were differentially expressed. Two significantly enriched metabolic pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and tryptophan metabolism, were also identified in nephrolithiasis patients. Four potentially diagnostic metabolites were also identified, including trans-3-hydroxycotinine, pyroglutamic acid, O-desmethylnaproxen, and FAHFA (16:0/18:2), and could function as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of nephrolithiasis. We also identified three metabolites that contributed to kidney stone size. Finally, our integrative analysis of the urinary tract microbiome and metabolome identified distinctly different network characteristics between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our study has characterized important profiles and correlations among urinary tract microbiomes and metabolomes in nephrolithiasis patients for the first time. These results shed new light on the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis and could provide early clinical biomarkers for diagnosing the disease.
Rapid and direct detection of hepatitis E virus in raw pork livers by recombinase polymerase amplification assays
Authors: Wang Kairui , Wang Jinfeng , Zhou Cang , Sun Xiaoxia , Liu Libing , Xu Xiangdong , Wang Jianchang
Published: September 2022

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes global hepatitis E. Outbreaks of hepatitis E are directly linked to the consumption of pork liver products. Herein reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification assays targeting the ORF2 gene were developed for the rapid detection of HEV by integrating the fluorescence detection platform (qRT-RPA) and the visible lateral flow biosensor by naked eyes (LFB RT-RPA). The qRT-RPA assay effectively detected HEV RNA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 154 copies/μl (95%CI: 126–333 copies/µl) in Genie III at 41°C for 20 min. Besides this, the LFB RT-RPA detected the HEV RNA with a LOD of 24 copies/μl (95%CI: 20–57 copies/µl) in an incubator block at 41°C for 20 min. The developed RT-RPA assays also showed good specificity for HEV, with no cross-reactions with any of the other important swine pathogens examined in this work. The performance of the developed RT-RPA assays was validated on 14 HEV RNA-positive and 66 HEV RNA-negative raw pork liver samples identified by a previously described qRT-PCR. Consequently, 11 and 12 samples were HEV RNA-positive as detected by the qRT-RPA and the LFB RT-RPA, respectively. Compared to qRT-PCR, the qRT-RPA and LFB RT- RPA assays revealed a coincidence rate of 96.3 and 97.5% as well as a Kappa value of 0.858 and 0.908, respectively. These results ascertain that the developed RT-RPA assays are effective diagnostic tools for the point-of-care detection of HEV in resource-limited settings.
Rapid detection of Burkholderia cepacia complex carrying the 16S rRNA gene in clinical specimens by recombinase-aided amplification
Authors: Fu Hanyu , Gan Lin , Tian Ziyan , Han Juqiang , Du Bing , Xue Guanhua , Feng Yanling , Zhao Hanqing , Cui Jinghua , Yan Chao , Feng Junxia , Fan Zheng , Fu Tongtong , Xu Ziying , Zhang Rui , Cui Xiaohu , Du Shuheng , Zhou Yao , Zhang Qun , Cao Ling , Yuan Jing
Published: September 2022

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a group of opportunistic pathogens, including Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia multivorans, Burkholderia vietnamiensis and Burkholderia ambifaria, which can cause severe respiratory tract infections and lead to high mortality rates among humans. The early diagnosis and effective treatment of BCC infection are therefore crucial. In this study, a novel and rapid recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene was developed for BCC detection. The protocol for this RAA assay could be completed in 10 min at 39°C, with a sensitivity of 10 copies per reaction and no cross-reactivity with other pathogens. To characterize the effectiveness of the RAA assay, we further collected 269 clinical samples from patients with bacterial pneumonia. The sensitivity and specificity of the RAA assay were 100% and 98.5%, respectively. Seven BCC-infected patients were detected using the RAA assay, and three BCC strains were isolated from the 269 clinical samples. Our data showed that the prevalence of BCC infection was 2.60%, which is higher than the 1.40% reported in previous studies, suggesting that high sensitivity is vital to BCC detection. We also screened a patient with B. vietnamiensis infection using the RAA assay in clinic, allowing for appropriate treatment to be initiated rapidly. Together, these data indicate that the RAA assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene can be applied for the early and rapid detection of BCC pathogens in patients with an uncharacterized infection who are immunocompromised or have underlying diseases, thereby providing guidance for effective treatment.