bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing cellulolytic yeast from forest ecosystem for the saccharification of Napier fodder biomass
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003, India, Valliammai M.G. , Gopal N.O. ,   Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003, India, Anandham R. ,   Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: This study aimed to search for novel cellulolytic isolates with high cellulase titre for the production of fuels and chemicals. Methodology: The yeast isolate YES5 isolated from the forest soil was screened for cellulase production. The cellulase activity of YES5 was optimized via RSM. The saccharification potential of YES5 using Napier biomass as substrate was evalauted. Results: The maximum cellulase activity obtained after optimizing pH, temperature, and incubation period was 35.70 U. A reliable statistical model was developed for maximizing the cellulase activity in YES5 Trichosporon asahii. The cellulase activity was 23.87U, when carbon source in CMC medium was replaced by Napier biomass. The maximum saccharification potential of 33.15% was observed on 3rd day. Interpretation: The study of optimizing the media composition of Trichosporon asahii cellulase using Napier biomass, a natural source of carbon for maximizing the cellulase production via RSM, is first of its kind.
Bio-safety assessment of nanozeolites of varying size and doses on soil beneficial microorganisms
Authors:   Department of Nano Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641  003, India, Sivashankari L. , Rajkishore S.K. ,   Department of Nano Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641  003, India, Lakshmanan A. ,   Department of Nano Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641  003, India, Subramanian K.S. ,   Department of Nano Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641  003, India, Praghadeesh M. ,   Department of Nano Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641  003, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: To evaluate the toxic effects of nano-zeolites on soil beneficial microorganisms. Methodology: This study involved dry milling of zeolites at varying parameters to obtain dry-milled zeolites of four size regimes such as 10-100 nm, 200-400 nm, 500-1000 nm and 1000-2000 nm that were tested at incremental concentrations such as 100 ppm, 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm along with control on various soil beneficial microorganisms. Three replications were done for each treatment with factorial completely randomized design. The poison food technique, growth curve assessment followed by cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies on all four bacterial genera treated with zeolites of varying sizes and doses were undertaken. The effects of zeolite on average linear growth rate (ALGR) of biocontrol agent, Trichoderma viride were also studied. Results: The effect of zeolites tested on four bacterial genera viz. Azotobacter chroococcum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens using poison food technique and growth curve revealed that zeolites regardless of size or concentration had positively influenced the growth dynamics of all four bacteria tested. The effect of zeolite on average linear growth rate (ALGR) of Trichoderma viride also indicated that incremental dose of zeolite had a positive effect. Lactose dehydrogenase revealed that 2000 ppm nano-zeolite exhibited cytotoxic effects on soil beneficial micro-organisms tested. On the other hand, comet assay demonstrated no quantifiable DNA damage in nano-zeolite treated cells in comparison to control cultures. Interpretation: This study unequivocally demonstrated that zeolites of size greater than 200-400 nm, irrespective of doses even up to 2000 ppm are quite safe for soil beneficial microbes.
Antibiotic susceptibility of endosymbionts of papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore– 641 005, India, Megaladevi P. , Kennedy J.S. ,   Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore– 641 005, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: The present study aimed to select a powerful tool to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility of endosymbionts of papaya mealybug. Methodology: Antibiotic Ofloxacin (0.25µg) was used to disrupt the endosymbionts of mealybug. The antibiotic susceptibility of endosymbionts was studied by conventional method; isolation of symbionts in Luria Bertani Agar and Nutrient Agar and also metagenomic analysis was conducted using nanopore sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Results: Molecular identification of isolates showed Gram-positive bacteria i.e., Bacillus cluasii, B. altitudinis, B. siamensis and Gram-negative bacteria, i.e., Serratia marcescens and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Metagenomic analysis using 16S amplicon sequencing resulted in identification of Candidatus Tremblaya Princeps (55%) was more abundant followed by Candidatus Mikella endobia (23%) in untreated mealybug population. Their population was reduced to 7% in Candidatus Tremblaya Princeps and below 1% in Candidatus Mikella endobia. Interpretation: The current study confirms that the metagenomic analysis acts as a power lens to evaluate the antibiotic elimination of endosymbionts, hence with this method future works on developing aposymbiotic mealybugs can be done.
Influence of enzymes and extraction conditions on high yield of cottonseed milk
Authors:   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625 104, India, Thirukkumar S. , Hemalatha G. ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625 104, India, Vellaikumar S. ,   Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai-625 104, India, Murugan M. ,   Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003, India, Amutha S. ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625 104, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: This research aimed to optimize suitable hydrolytic enzymes for maximizing cottonseed milk extracts for high cottonseed milk yield, protein content and low gossypol level. Methodology: Known amount of cottonseed was soaked for 90 min at 32°C and blended (cottonseed:water@1:6). Different aliquots of the blended cottonseed slurry were treated with 1% of enzymes viz., protease, cellulase and α-amylase enzyme at pH 7.0 followed by incubation at 40 and 52°C for 2.30 hr for the extraction of cottonseed milk. The enzyme activity of extracted milk was subsequently inactivated by pasteurization (90°C, 5 min). Further analysis of physico-chemical characteristics was also carried. The control sample included milk extraction from non-enzyme treated cottonseed milk extract (30±2°C). Results: Among different treatments, cottonseed milk extraction using protease enzyme at 40°C incubation showed the highest milk yield (86.71%) with the lowest sedimentation (3.72%). Further incubation 40°C and 52°C showed the highest protein content of 2.10 and 2.27 g 100 ml-1 and gossypol reduction of 40.36 and 35.22%, respectively, in the cottonseed milk extract. Meanwhile, cellulase and α-amylase enzymes treated samples at both incubation temperatures showed poor physico-chemical characteristics as compared to control. Interpretation: Protease enzyme seems to be the most suitable for optimum or higher extraction of cottonseed milk.
Energy use pattern of diversified cropping systems under different nutrient and crop residue management practices in Eastern Indo-Gangetic plain
Authors:   Department of Agronomy, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur-848 125, India, Kumar M. , Mitra S. ,   All India Network project on Jute and allied fibres, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and allied Fibre crops, Barrackpore-700 120, India, Bera A. ,   Crop improvement Division, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and allied Fibre crops, Barrackpore-700 120, India, Naik M.R. ,   Crop production division, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and allied Fibre crops, Barrackpore-700 120, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: Assessment of energy input output relationship, greenhouse gases emission and carbon footprint of diversified jute-rice cropping systems under different nutrients and crop residue management practices. Methodology: The inventory was prepared for all inputs required for crop cultivation and outputs of crops in cropping systems. These inputs and outputs were converted into energy by multiplying with energy equivalent coefficient and CO2 emission coefficient following standard procedure. Results: Jute-rice-baby corn cropping system recorded significantly higher net energy (324 GJ ha-1) and energy use efficiency (8.02). Among different nutrient and crop management (NCRM) practices, significantly higher energy output (336.9 GJ ha-1) and net energy (291.4 GJ ha-1) recorded 100% NPK with crop residue. The highest carbon footprint recorded with rice-rice (0.44 kg COe kg-1 economic yield) and the lowestwith jute-rice-pea (0.29 kg COe kg-1 economic yield) cropping system. Among different NCRM practices, higher carbon footprint was (0.38 kg COe kg-1 economic yield) recorded with 100% NPK with crop residue. Interpretation: The energy efficient and low input required cropping systems which include legume crops like garden pea and mungbean should be considered for cultivation for diversifying the existing rice-rice cropping system in Eastern India.
Effect of foliar application of bioregulators for improving high temperature tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors:   Department of Agronomy, COA, Nagaur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-341 001, India, Lakhran H. , Sharma O.P. ,   Department of Agronomy, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, India, Bajiya R. ,   Department of Agronomy, Agricultural Research Sub Station, Nagaur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-341 001, India, Choudhary J.R. ,   Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India, Kanwar S. ,   Department of Agronomy, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, India, Choudhary M. ,   Department of Agronomy, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sowing at different thermal environments and its interaction with foliar spray of bio-regulators on yield and yield contributing traits in wheat. Methodology: The present study was conducted by using split plot design with four replications consisting of 24 treatments, namely, main plots: three sowing at different thermal environments (22oC, 20oC and 18oC) and sub plots: eight foliar spray of bioregulators (control, water spray, salicylic acid @ 100 ppm, salicylic acid @ 200 ppm, thio salicylic acid @ 100 ppm, thio salicylic acid @ 200 ppm, thioglycolic acid @ 100 ppm and thioglycolic acid @ 200 ppm). Results: The results indicated that sowing at 20oC recorded the maximum yield parameters viz, effective tillers/m row length, length of ear, no. of grains per ear, test weight, days to maturity and grain, straw and biological yield of wheat over sowing at 22oC and 18oC temperature. Sowing at different thermal environment treatments was found to be non-significant with harvest index of wheat. Among the foliar spray of bioregulators, the treatment B4 (SA @ 200 ppm) significantly increased the yield components and yield, while remaining at par with B6 (TSA @ 200 ppm) and B8 (TGA @ 200 ppm) proved superior in comparison to rest of the treatments. However, the significantly higher harvest index was obtained under B4 (SA @ 200 ppm) treatment and was statistically at par with all other treatments, except B1 and B2. Interpretation: It is concluded that salicylic acid @ 200 ppm at tillering (40-45 DAS) and ear emergence (60-65 DAS) stage may be sprayed on 20oC temperature sown crop is a viable option to improve wheat yield under semi-arid environment.
Phytochemicals with nanoparticles and their potential applications in medicine – A review
Authors:   Lab of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, #191, Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea, Rajith-Varman S.V. , Baskar K. ,   Department of Ecotoxicology, Ross Lifescience Pvt., Ltd, Pune-411 026, India, Kim S.Y. ,   Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Medical Center, Inchon 21565, Republic of Korea, Jayakumar M. ,   Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Chennai – 600 025, India, Arasu M.V. ,   Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, Al-Dhabi N.A. ,   Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Published: June 2021

Phytochemicals having multiple properties which are used to cure various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, angiogenesis, aging, inflammatory, cardiovascular and arthritic disease, etc., Extensive use of phytochemicals and their derivatives leads to unavailability or scarcity of products in nature. Despite this episode, the nanotechnology resolves the setback of handling phytochemicals by increasing their bioavailability, long-lost acting, target-specific and less or no toxicity. Here, we focused on the 24 known phytochemicals and preparation of NPs without discriminating the polymers and metals in NPs. All the phytochemicals did not fully satisfy the toxicological hazards, physical-pharmaceutical challenges, bioethical and health issues research. Hence these NPs and their NP incorporated phytochemicals need to be characterized in a way to give direct usage to the common man. Commercialization of NP formulations in pharmaceuticals needs statutory regulation norms for complete satisfaction and safety for end-users. As of now, many NP mediated pharmaceutical products are available in the market with full-fledged but still many unrevealed about their fate in the environment. In this review, the characterization of nanoparticles, the transparent benefit of nanoparticles (NPs), and their current application in various fields has been discussed.
Production of an extracellular neutral protease by Bacillus aerius UB02 endophytic to carnivorous plant Utricularia stellaris
Authors:   Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019, India, Chaudhuri M. , Paul A.K. ,   Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019, India, Pal A. ,   Post Graduate Department of Botany, Serampore College, Hooghly-712 201, India
Published: June 2021

Aim: Endophytic bacteria indigenous to carnivorous plants have been explored for production of novel bioactive metabolites including extracellular enzymes. Bacillus aerius UB02, an extracellular neutral protease producing isolate endophytic to bladder of Utricularia stellaris L. f. was used in this study. Methodology: The bacterial isolate UB02 was identified following morpholological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. The media as well as the cultural conditions for production of protease were optimized. The extracellular protease was isolated and purified from the cell-free culture filtrate by ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and DEAE Sephadex ion exchange column chromatography and the optimum conditions for its activity were determined. Results: The isolate Bacillus aerius UB02 (GenBank accession no. MK 696417, MCC accession no. 4132), produced significant amount of extracellular protease (38.29 U mg-1 protein) during growth in casein supplemented synthetic medium. However, peptone yeast extract glucose medium appeared to be the best for the synthesis of enzyme. Production of enzyme was enhanced by the inoculum density of 1.5% (v/v), culture volume: flask volume (CVF) ratio of 1:10, substrate concentration of 2.5% (w/v) with temperature and pH adjusted at 37°C and 7.4, respectively. Glucose (2.2%, w/v) and ammonium chloride (1.2 g/L) as carbon and nitrogen sources also favoured the enzyme production. The neutral protease with a molecular weight of approximately 35 kDa showed maximum activity at 40°C, pH 7.8 with 2% (w/v) casein. The enzyme exhibited Km and Vmax values of 6.81 mg ml-1 and 62.5 U mg-1 of protein, respectively, and was moderately thermostable. The protease activity was inhibited by Pb and Cd as well as 1,10-phenanthroline and β-mercaptoethanol. Interpretation: These findings will help not only in understanding the role of endophytic bacteria and the enzymes produced by them in the digestion of prey by carnivorous plant but could also be explored for application in the field of biotechnology.
Cometabolic biodegradation of chlorinated ethenes with methanotrophs in anaerobic/aerobic simulated aquifer
Authors:   Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung-402204, Taiwan, Chen S.K. , Chin Y.L. ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung-402204, Taiwan, Yang H.Y. ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung-402204, Taiwan, Lu C.J. ,   Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung-402204, Taiwan, Liu M.H. ,   Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168, Jifeng E. Rd., Taichung-413310, Taiwan
Published: June 2021

Aim: This study explores anaerobic/aerobic biodegradation efficiencies of aerobic cometabolism with methanotrophs when contaminants trichloroethylene (TCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cDCE) are present individually or in tandem. Methodology: Batch tests and an anaerobic/aerobic column system were used to simulate saturated, contaminated aquifers. A brown glass bottle with an effective volume of 44 m l-1 was prepared for the batch test. An integrated one-dimensional sequential anaerobic/aerobic column system was used to simulate the accumulative intermediates such as TCE, cDCE and VC caused by incomplete degradation of PCE during the upgradient anaerobic stage in the saturated aquifer. In the downgradient aquifer, aerobic cometabolism was employed to degrade the intermediates. Methanotrophs in the aerobic aquifer were inoculated to degrade the by-products of incomplete degradation of PCE by aerobic cometabolism. Results: In the batch test, biodegradation of TCE was significantly inhibited by cDCE. However, biodegradation of cDCE was not significantly inhibited by TCE. In the simulated aquifer test, aerobic cometabolism completely degraded intermediates (TCE, cDCE, and VC) produced by incomplete anaerobic degradation of tetrachloroethylene (PCE). The results showed that methane, a by-product of anaerobic reductive dechorination of PCE, was used as a primary substrate for aerobic degradation, at a utilization rate of almost 100%. Interpretation: Biodegradation of TCE was significantly inhibited by cDCE. Bioremediation should have sufficient oxygen and methane at aerobic stage to ensure that chlorinated ethenes fully mineralize.
Triple funcionalidad del empresario; Socio, directivo y asalariado; Un enfoque administrativo y jurídico
Authors: Sánchez  Sánchez Juan Diego
Published: June 2021

El artículo aborda la figura empresarial y jurídica denominada como la triple funcionalidad del empresario, la cual es dada por la existencia de las tres condiciones específicas y simultaneas en una misma persona, siendo estas el ser socio, miembro de la junta directiva y a la vez ser asalariado en la misma empresa. El abordaje hecho de esta figura es precisado desde un enfoque administrativo y jurídico en el cual se analizan los elementos legales y operativos de cada una de las tres condiciones existentes en la figura del empresario, así como las posibles discrepancias jurídicas y técnicas que pueden darse para las tres posiciones definidas, haciendo un análisis de la normativa existente en el país, así como las interpretaciones que las autoridades gubernamentales hacen del tema. Se finaliza con una propuesta de regulación que sirva como un modelo que brinde certeza jurídica al empresario en el país.
Auditoría interna en el marco de la empresa privada costarricense
Authors: Mora Miranda Geiner , Valverde Jiménez Ana Patricia
Published: June 2021

La auditoría tanto interna como externa, el control interno, la gestión de riesgos y el gobierno corporativo han evolucionado en la consecución de estrategias que contribuyan eficientemente a lograr los objetivos organizacionales. En esta investigación se analiza la unidad de auditoría interna en las empresas privadas costarricenses. Este estudio se realiza mediante una revisión cuantitativa de los siguientes criterios: normativa vigente, control interno, gestión del riesgo empresarial, gobierno corporativo. El objetivo consiste en determinar la percepción que tiene el sector empresarial a nivel nacional acerca de la necesidad de contar con los servicios de un auditor interno.
Degrees of Arterial Stenosis and Other Factors Related with Diabetic Foot Wound Severity
Authors: Han Song Hyun , Jo Dong In , Kim Cheol Keun , Kim Soon Heum
Published: June 2021

Background: Few studies have addressed which blood vessels are affected by arterial stenosis in patients with diabetic foot (DF) and the severity thereof. Furthermore, whether the severity of arterial stenosis is significantly correlated to DF severity was yet to be established. We analyzed the association between the severity of arterial stenosis and DF wound severity, along with a variety of relevant factors.Methods: Seventy-one cases hospitalized with DF were evaluated. To assess the degree of arterial stenosis of the five major arteries of the lower extremity (femoral, popliteal, anterior tibial, posterior tibial and peroneal artery), we performed computed tomography angiography, and quantified arterial stenosis using Bollinger scores. We then assessed DF severity and calculated self-reported wound scores. We also analyzed factors that can affect DF severity and the degree of arterial stenosis in the lower extremities.Results: There was no significant association between the mean total Bollinger score and wound severity. Albumin, protein, and Bollinger scores of femoral arteries showed significant association with wound severity, and age and ankle-brachial index (ABI) showed significant association with mean total Bollinger scores (P<0.05). Albumin and Bollinger scores of femoral arteries had significant association with wound severity, and age and ABI showed significant association with mean total Bollinger scores (P<0.05).Conclusion: There was no significant association between the degree of vascular obstruction and the severity of DF. Our results indicate that surgeons should consider the other factors above to ensure appropriate management of patients with DF and assess the prognosis.
Cryptococcal Abscess in the Pubic Region and Central Nervous System of an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Choi Jun Ho , Oh Seong Jin , Hwang Jae Ha , Kim Kwang Seog , Lee Sam Yong
Published: June 2021

Cryptococcus neoformans usually causes an opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed patients. Immunocompetent patients may also develop the infection in the central nervous system or the lungs, but soft tissue infection is uncommon, and the development of a cryptococcal abscess in the pubic region is particularly rare. A 47-year-old male construction worker with headaches and fever visited the hospital due to a soft tissue mass in the pubic region with pus-like discharge. It was detected 6 months previously, and had gradually increased in size, tenderness, and erythema. The granulomatous lesion of the pubic area was excised en bloc, and primary closure was performed. Antifungal agents were used for the systemic infection. Histological examination identified the specimen as a fungal infection suspected to be cryptococcosis. During the 3-month follow-up period, there was no recurrence, infections in other areas, or major wound complications. This case is an example of a cryptococcal abscess with dissemination in the pubic region of an immunocompetent patient. There is no established cure for subcutaneous cryptococcal abscesses, but surgical excision, which can simultaneously achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment, is considered to be an effective treatment method.
Diagnosis and Management of Wooden Foreign Bodies in the Orbit: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Hyo Bong , Kim Hoon , Lim Soo Yeon , Koh In Chang
Published: June 2021

The diagnosis and management of intraorbital foreign bodies are challenging for surgeons. Foreign bodies made of wood and those located close to the optic nerve are especially difficult to manage. Herein, we report our experience with the diagnosis and management of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 50-year-old man presented to the emergency room with a laceration on his left upper eyelid. No foreign bodies were visible through the laceration, and computed tomography findings showed only evidence of cellulitis with abscess formation. Despite drainage and antibiotics, the cellulitis worsened; subsequently, we found multiple wooden foreign bodies on MRI. Surgical removal was performed, excluding those in the intraconal space to avoid optic nerve damage. The patient recovered well and has not experienced any ophthalmic complications at 1 year of follow-up.
Follicular Occlusion Triad: A Case Report
Authors: Yoon Chung-Min , Kwak Jung-Ha , Han Song-Hee , Choi Ji-An
Published: June 2021

Follicular occlusion triad (FOT) is a complex chronic inflammatory skin disease comprising hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), acne conglobata (AC), and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS; Hoffman’s disease or perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens). While pathological mechanisms are responsible for common skin manifestations, the exact underlying causes of follicular occlusion have not yet been clearly identified. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of FOT remain challenging. A 31-year-old man on conservative treatment for previously diagnosed HS and AC presented to our clinic with multiple masses on his posterior neck and face. Excisional biopsy of the masses revealed epidermal cysts. Four months after the surgery, he presented with a painful palpable mass around the occipital region of the scalp with characteristic skin manifestations such as cicatricial alopecia and comedones and was diagnosed with DCS. Incision and drainage of the lesion were performed, and histopathology revealed pathological findings of follicular occlusion. The patient was diagnosed with FOT. Following the procedure, the patient has been on regular follow-up and is on oral isotretinoin; there have been no complications for the last 6 months.
Mass transfer of anti-cancer drug delivery to brain tumours by a multiple emulsion-based implant
Authors: Dluska Ewa , Markowska-Radomska Agnieszka , Metera Agata , Rudniak Leszek , Kosicki Konrad
Published: June 2021

The advanced use of a pH-responsive biomaterial-based injectable liquid
implant for effective chemotherapeutic delivery in glioblastoma
multiforme brain (GBM) tumour treatment is presented. As an implant, we
proposed a water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsion with encapsulated
doxorubicin. The effectiveness of the proposed therapy was evaluated by
comparing the cancer cell viability achieved in classical therapy
(chemotherapeutic solution). The experimental study included doxorubicin
release rates and consumption for two emulsions differing in drop sizes
and structures in the presence of GBM-cells (LN229, U87 MG), and a cell
viability. The results showed that the multiple emulsion implant was
significantly more effective than classical therapy when considering the
reduction in cancer cell viability: 85% for the emulsion-implant, and
only 43% for the classical therapy. A diffusion-reaction model was
adapted to predict doxorubicin release kinetics and elimination by
glioblastoma cells. CFD simulations confirmed that the drug release
kinetics depends on multiple emulsion structures and drop sizes.
Omalizumab for prevention of anaphylactic episodes in a patient with severe mosquito allergy
Authors: Meucci Elisa , Radice Anna , Filippo Fassio , Iorno Maria Loredana Chiara , Macchia Donatella
Published: June 2021

Mosquito allergy can rarely give raise to severe clinical
manifestations.Here we describe the case of a patient suffering from
relapsing anaphylaxis after mosquito bites, who completely responded to
off label therapy with anti-IgE monoclonal antibody.This is the first
demonstration of the efficacy of omalizumab in such unusual
life-threatening allergy.
Gene expression responses to thermal shifts in the endangered lichen Lobaria pulmonaria
Authors: Pizarro Tania Chavarria , Resl Philipp , Janjic Aleksandar , Werth Silke
Published: June 2021

Anthropogenic climate change has led to unprecedented shifts in
temperature across many ecosystems. In a context of rapid environmental
changes, acclimation is an important process as it may influence the
capacity of organisms to survive under novel thermal conditions.
Mechanisms of acclimation could involve upregulation of stress response
genes involved in protein folding, DNA damage repair and the regulation
of signal transduction genes, along with a simultaneous downregulation
of genes involved in growth or cell cycle, in order to maintain cellular
functions and equilibria. We transplanted Lobaria pulmonaria lichens
originating from different forests to determine the relative effects of
long-term acclimation and genetic factors on the variability in
expression of mycobiont and photobiont genes. We found a strong response
of mycobiont and photobiont to high temperatures, regardless of sample
origin. The green-algal photobiont had an overall lower response than
the mycobiont. The gene expression of both symbionts was also influenced
by acclimation to transplantation sites and by genetic factors. Lobaria
pulmonaria seems to have evolved powerful molecular pathways to deal
with environmental fluctuations and stress and can acclimate to new
habitats by transcriptomic convergence. Although L. pulmonaria has the
molecular machinery to counteract short-term thermal stress, survival of
lichens like L. pulmonaria depends mostly on their long-term positive
carbon balance, which can be compromised by warmer temperatures and
reduced precipitation, and both these outcomes have been predicted for
Central Europe in connection with global climate change
Testing the performance of a solar energy cooling system in Baghdad city
Authors: Ahmed Muna H. , Al-Salihi Ali M. , Hussain Hazim H.
Published: June 2021

Renewable energy resources have become a promissory alternative to overcome the problems related to atmospheric pollution and limited sources of fossil fuel energy. The technologies in the field of renewable energy are used also to improve the ventilation and cooling in buildings by using the solar chimney and heat exchanger. This study addresses the design, construction and testing of a cooling system by using the above two techniques. The aim was to study the effects of weather conditions on the efficiency of this system which was installed in Baghdad for April and May 2020. The common weather in these months is hot in Baghdad. The test room of the design which has a size of 1 m3 was situated to face the geographical south. The test room is thermally insulated and connected to a solar chimney which generates a convection current to draw the air out of the room through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger was submerged in a water tank of 2 m length, 1 m width and 1 m height. It was also covered with a layer of soil mixture with a thickness of 10 cm. The experiment simulates the natural conditions of a shallow water surface, connected to the room from the other side. The study results revealed that the air temperature inside the test room was lower than that of the ambient air outside. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was a strong direct relationship between solar radiation, temperature and wind speed from one side and the cooling efficiency from the other side. Also, there was a negative correlation between relative humidity and cooling efficiency.
An enhanced krill herd optimization technique used for classification problem
Authors: Al-Mashhadani Firaz N. , Alsaffar Qusay S. , Al-Jadir Ibrahim A.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, this method is intended to improve the optimization of the classification problem in machine learning. The EKH as a global search optimization method, it allocates the best representation of the solution (krill individual) whereas it uses the simulated annealing (SA) to modify the generated krill individuals (each individual represents a set of bits). The test results showed that the KH outperformed other methods using the external and internal evaluation measures.
Replacement of Sedentary Behavior by Various Daily-Life Physical Activities and Structured Exercises: Genetic Risk and Incident Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhou Tao , Ma Hao , Liang Zhaoxia , Fonseca Vivian A. , Qi Lu
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively analyze the association of sedentary behavior time with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk and perform the isotemporal substitution analyses to estimate the effect of substitution of sedentary behaviors by equal time of different types of daily-life physical activities and structured exercise. We also examined modifications by the genetic predisposition to T2D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 475,502 participants free of T2D in the UK Biobank. Sedentary time was quantified by summing up the time spent on television watching, computer use, and driving.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 11 years, we documented 18,169 incident T2D cases. In comparison of the extreme categories (≥6 vs. <2 h/day), the hazard ratio for T2D was 1.58 (95% CI 1.47, 1.71) after adjustment for age, race, sex, lifestyle factors, and other covariates. Replacing 30 min of sedentary behavior per day with an equal amount of time of different types of daily-life activities and structured exercise was significantly associated with a 6–31% risk reduction of T2D, with strenuous sports showing the strongest (31%, 95% CI 24, 37) benefit. Moreover, we found a significant interaction between sedentary behavior and genetic predisposition for the risk of T2D (Pinteraction = 0.0008). The association was more profound among participants with a lower genetic risk of T2D.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that sedentary behavior time is associated with an increased risk of T2D; replacing sedentary behavior with a short duration (30 min/day) of daily-life physical activities or structured exercise is related to a significant reduction in T2D risk. Furthermore, such association was stronger among those with a lower genetic risk of T2D.
High Out-of-pocket Health Care Cost Burden Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Diabetes, 1999–2017
Authors: Park Joohyun , Zhang Ping , Wang Yu , Zhou Xilin , Look Kevin A. , Bigman Elizabeth T.
Published: June 2021

Objective

We examined the magnitude of and trends in the
burden of out-of-pocket (OOP) costs among Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 years
or older with diabetes overall, and by income level, by race/ethnicity, and
compared to beneficiaries without diabetes.

Research Design and Methods

Using data from the 1999−2017 Medicare Current
Beneficiary Survey, we estimated average annual per capita OOP costs and
percentage of beneficiaries experiencing high OOP burden, defined as OOP costs
>10% or >20% of household income. We used joinpoint regression to examine the trends and
generalized linear model and logistic regression for comparisons between
beneficiaries with and without diabetes. Cost and income estimates were adjusted
to 2017 USD.

Results

Total OOP costs were $3,609 to $5,283, with
significant increases until 2005 followed by a leveling off. The prevalence of high
OOP burden was 57% to 72% at the 10% income threshold and 29% to 41% at the 20%
threshold, with significant increasing trends until 2003 followed by decreases.
Total OOP costs were the highest in the ≥75% income quartile, whereas
prevalence of high OOP burden was highest in the <25% and 25−50% income quartiles.
Non-Hispanic whites had the highest OOP costs and prevalence of high OOP
burden. Beneficiaries
with diabetes had significantly higher OOP costs ($498, P <0.01) and
were more likely to have high OOP burden than those without diabetes (odds
ratios 1.32 and 1.25 at >10% and >20% thresholds, respectively, P <0.01).

Conclusions

Over the past 2 decades, Medicare beneficiaries ages
65 years or older with diabetes have faced substantial OOP burden, with large
income-related disparities.
Checklist use for assessment of satisfaction with trans-tibial prostheses
Authors: C.T. Baars Erwin , H.B. Geertzen Jan , U. Dijkstra Pieter
Published: June 2021

Objective: To assess satisfaction of prosthesis users with their prostheses, and the problems they experience with the residual limb, using a checklist, in order to evaluate potential benefits of checklist use and to summarize issues and problems with the prosthesis and/or residual limb presented by prosthesis users.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Subjects: Participants were adult trans-tibial prosthesis users (n?=?82) and certified prosthetist orthotist (n?=?19) experienced in fitting lower-limb prostheses.
Methods: Prosthesis users reported their reasons for consultation and factors concerning prosthesis (dis)satisfaction and residual limb problems, using a checklist. Checklist use was evaluated by certified prosthetist orthotists and prosthesis users and the significance of evaluation scores was determined.
Results: Checklist use identified 126 issues/problems, most of which concerned prosthesis fit (33%) and pressure points on the residual limb skin (26%). Evaluation scores were significantly higher than neutral regarding the checklist helping the certified prosthetist orthotist to gather more information and to make clear with which issues the prosthesis user was dissatisfied. Prosthesis users reported that checklist use made them feel more understood by the certified prosthetist orthotist.
Conclusion: Checklist use in the assessment of trans-tibial prostheses is beneficial in identifying factors related to dissatisfaction, and improves the quality of certified prosthetist orthotists? consultation. The implementation of checklist use is, however, challenging.
Practical and clinical approaches using pacing to improve self-regulation in special populations such as children and people with mental health or learning disabilities
Authors: M Edwards Andrew , S. Abonie Ulric , J. Hettinga Florentina , B. Pyne David , M. Oh Tomasina , C. J. Polman Remco
Published: June 2021

For special populations such as people with a mental health issue or learning disability, a disconnect between the ability to accurately monitor and regulate exercise behaviour can lead to reduced levels of physical activity, which, in turn, is associated with additional physical or mental health problems. Activity pacing is a strategy used in clinical settings to address issues of pain amelioration, while self-pacing research is now well addressed in sport and exercise science literature. It has been proposed recently that these overlapping areas of investigation collectively support the development of self-regulatory, lifestyle exercise skills across broad population groups. Activity pacing appears to have substantial application in numerous development and rehabilitation settings and, therefore, the purpose of this short communication is to articulate how an activity pacing approach could be utilized among population groups in whom self-regulatory skills may require development. This paper provides specific examples of exercise practice across 2 discrete populations: children, and people with mental health and learning difficulties. In these cases, homeostatic regulatory processes may either be altered, or the individual may require extrinsic support to appropriately self-regulate exercise performance. A support-based exercise environment or approach such as programmatic activity (lifestyle) pacing would be beneficial to facilitate supervised and education-based self-regulation until such time as fully self-regulated exercise is feasible.
Patient reported outcome of silversplints used for osteoarthritis of the hand
Authors: Roux Nienke , Akkerman Wouter , Toor Marco , Willem van der Windt Jan
Published: June 2021

Pain, stiffness and joint deformity can result in significantly reduced hand function in people with osteoarthritis. Characteristic finger deformities in osteoarthritis are swan neck deformity and boutonni?re deformity. Several studies have reported that an orthosis decreases pain and increases function during daily activities for patients with arthritis. The aim of this study was to review patient-reported outcomes of current conservative therapeutic management with silver ring splints (silversplints) for patients with osteoarthritis of the hand. There was a 76% improvement in overall daily functioning and a 74% reduction in pain. Several questions concerned daily activities with different types of hand function and with different types of grip and use of fingers. The results show a major improvement in both the more open grip of the hand and activities requiring fine motor skills. The ability to use force with the hand, even when wearing an orthosis, is an important result. Patients who experienced ?no problems or minor problems? had significantly increased functioning in several activities of daily living, but the largest improvement in functioning was seen in ?household chores? (243%), ?opening jars? (150%) and ?lifting groceries? (143%). Overall, silversplints appear to serve as a suitable support for the joints in osteoarthritis of the hand, providing pain relief by preventing the joint from moving through its full range of motion. Use of silversplints to treat patients with osteoarthritis of the hand should be considered as a useful, non-surgical method.
The muscle shortening manoeuvre: Applicability and preliminary evaluation in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Longo Diego , Lombardi Marco , Lippi Paolo , Melchiorre Daniela , Angela Bagni Maria , Ferrarello Francesco
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Physiotherapy plays a key role in cerebral palsy rehabilitation, through addressing body function/structure de?cits, minimizing activity limitations, and encouraging participation. The muscle shortening manoeuvre is an innovative therapeutic technique, characterized by the ability to induce changes in muscle strength in a short time.
Objective: To describe the applicability and estimate the effect of the muscle shortening manoeuvre applied to improve motor weakness and joint excursion of the ankle in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Methods: Nine children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy received 3 intervention sessions in one week. Muscle strength, passive and active range of motion were assessed before, during and after the training, and at 1-week follow-up.
Results: The children experienced an immediate increase in muscle strength and joint excursion of the ankle; the improvements were still present at follow-up after 7 days.
Conclusion: The muscle shortening manoeuvre may be an effective intervention to induce an immediate increase in muscle strength and range of motion of the ankle in children affected by hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy, thus promoting better physical functioning.
Electroacupuncture for alleviation of phantom limb pain
Authors: King Holly , Forrester Max
Published: June 2021

Phantom limb pain is clinically defined as the perception of pain or discomfort in a limb that no longer exists. Most amputees will experience phantom limb pain, which is associated with a low health-related quality of life. Phantom limb pain represents an important challenge in finding an effective therapy. The scientific evidence for best practice is weak, and is characterized by various clinical reports describing the pragmatic use of drugs and interventional techniques. Recent approaches to restore the sensory motor input have shown promise. One such technique is electroacupuncture. We report here a case study of a male in his 30s who sustained severe injuries, including a high transfemoral amputation, as a result of being hit by a car. An electroacupuncture treatment protocol was used. Over the course of 3 months, electroacupuncture alleviated the patient's phantom limb pain, minimized his use of drugs, and improved his sleep and quality of life. The effect of electroacupuncture treatment lasted for 3?4 months, and successful top-up treatment maintained his pain relief. The results are in line with a study comparing massage and electroacupuncture in patients with spinal cord injury with neurogenic pain; a limited number of patients treated with electroacupuncture were significantly alleviated of their pain for months. This case report suggests that electroacupuncture may be useful in patients with phantom limb pain.
Acabados Antimicrobianos en Textiles: Tendencias y Aplicaciones
Authors: Muñoz Echeverri Laura María
Published: June 2021

Los textiles antimicrobianos hacen parte de la amplia gama de textiles técnicos cuyo desarrollo obedece a la necesidad de evitar la proliferación de microorganismos en las fibras y tejidos. Para la obtención de este tipo de materiales se han venido investigando y desarrollando una diversidad importante de agentes antimicrobianos, tecnologías para su aplicación y mecanismos de liberación. Este artículo consiste en una revisión de literaturasobre los avances inherentes a los aspectos previamente mencionados. Se presentan además las diferentes pruebas de calidad (durabilidad y actividad antimicrobiana), seguridad e inocuidad a las que deben ser sometidos los textiles antimicrobianos antes de su introducción en el mercado, y los diferentes sectores donde estos tienen aplicación. En general, el propósito del documento es brindar un panorama global sobre un tema de actualidad e interés para un sector manufacturero de relevancia en Colombia como el textil