bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference and point-of-care testing for G6PD deficiency: Blood disorder interference, contrived specimens, and fingerstick equivalence and precision
Authors: Pal Sampa , Myburgh Jane , Bansil Pooja , Hann Amanda , Robertson Lynn , Gerth-Guyette Emily , Ambler Gwen , Bizilj Greg , Kahn Maria , Zobrist Stephanie , Manis Michelle R. , Styke Nickolas A. , Allan Vajra , Ansbro Richard , Akingbade Tobi , Bryan Andrew , Murphy Sean C. , Kublin James G. , Layton Mark , Domingo Gonzalo J.
Published: September 2021

Certain clinical indications and treatments such as the use of rasburicase in cancer therapy and 8-aminoquinolines for Plasmodium vivax malaria treatment would benefit from a point-of-care test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Three studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of one such test: the STANDARD™ G6PD Test (SD BIOSENSOR, South Korea). First, biological interference on the test performance was evaluated in specimens with common blood disorders, including high white blood cell (WBC) counts. Second, the test precision on fingerstick specimens was evaluated against five individuals of each, deficient, intermediate, and normal G6PD activity status. Third, clinical performance of the test was evaluated at three point-of-care settings in the United States. The test performed equivalently to the reference assay in specimens with common blood disorders. High WBC count blood samples resulted in overestimation of G6PD activity in both the reference assay and the STANDARD G6PD Test. The STANDARD G6PD Test showed good precision on multiple fingerstick specimens from the same individual. The same G6PD threshold values (U/g Hb) were applied for a semiquantitative interpretation for fingerstick- and venous-derived results. The sensitivity/specificity values (95% confidence intervals) for the test for G6PD deficiency were 100 (92.3–100.0)/97 (95.2–98.2) and 100 (95.7–100.0)/97.4 (95.7–98.5) for venous and capillary specimens, respectively. The same values for females with intermediate (> 30% to ≤ 70%) G6PD activity were 94.1 (71.3–99.9)/88.2 (83.9–91.7) and 82.4 (56.6–96.2)/87.6(83.3–91.2) for venous and capillary specimens, respectively. The STANDARD G6PD Test enables point-of-care testing for G6PD deficiency.
Racial and ethnic disparities in HIV diagnoses among heterosexually active persons in the United States nationally and by state, 2018
Authors: Martin Erika G. , Ansari Bahareh , Hart-Malloy Rachel , Smith Dawn K. , Delaney Kevin P. , Gift Thomas L. , Berruti Andrés A. , Trigg Monica , Rosenberg Eli S.
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite declining HIV infection rates, persistent racial and ethnic disparities remain. Appropriate calculations of diagnosis rates by HIV transmission category, race and ethnicity, and geography are needed to monitor progress towards reducing systematic disparities in health outcomes. We estimated the number of heterosexually active adults (HAAs) by sex and state to calculate appropriate HIV diagnosis rates and disparity measures within subnational regions.

Methods

The analysis included all HIV diagnoses attributed to heterosexual transmission in 2018 in the United States, in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Logistic regression models estimated the probability of past-year heterosexual activity among adults in three national health surveys, by sex, age group, race and ethnicity, education category, and marital status. Model-based probabilities were applied to estimated counts of HAAs by state, which were synthesized through meta-analysis. HIV diagnoses were overlaid to calculate racial- and ethnic-specific rates, rate differences (RDs), and rate ratios (RRs) among HAAs by sex and state.

Results

Nationally, HAA women have a two-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate than HAA men (rate per 100,000 HAAs, women: 6.57; men: 3.09). Compared to White non-Hispanic HAAs, Black HAAs have a 20-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate (RR, men: 21.28, women: 19.55; RD, men: 15.40, women: 31.78) and Hispanic HAAs have a 4-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate (RR, men: 4.68, RD, women: 4.15; RD, men: 2.79, RD, women: 5.39). Disparities were ubiquitous across regions, with >75% of states in each region having Black-to-White RR ≥10.

Conclusion

The racial and ethnic disparities across regions suggests a system-wide failure particularly with respect to preventing HIV among Black and Hispanic women. Pervasive disparities emphasize the role for coordinated federal responses such as the current Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative.
Use of metoclopramide in the first trimester and risk of major congenital malformations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Li , Xi Yang , Wen Xiaoke , Zou Wei
Published: September 2021

Background

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy affects up to 80% of pregnant women, it typically occurs during the first trimester which is the most sensitive time for environmental exposures given organogenesis. Metoclopramide is an antiemetic drug used widely during NVP, but the findings of studies evaluating its safety of use in pregnancy is inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether metoclopramide use during first trimester of pregnancy is associated with the risk of major congenital malformations.

Methods

The systematic search using database included Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, and Cochrane library. Studies written in English, comprising with an exposed group and a control group, reporting major congenital malformation as an outcome were included.

Results

Six studies assessing a total number of 33374 metoclopramide-exposed and 373498 controls infants were included in this meta-analysis. No significant increase in the rate of major congenital malformation was detected following metoclopramide use during first trimester (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.93–1.38).

Conclusions

Metoclopramide use during first trimester of pregnancy was not associated with the risk of major congenital malformations.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of face mask utilization and associated factors in COVID-19 pandemic among Wachemo University Students, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Larebo Yilma Markos , Abame Desta Erkalo
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The widespread use of face masks by the general public may help to prevent the spread of viruses. Face masks are thought to be a good strategy to protect against respiratory diseases such as the Coronavirus. Identifying student knowledge, attitude, and practice about the use of face masks is crucial to detect vulnerabilities and respond rapidly to avoid the spread of the infection. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of face mask utilization and associated factors in the COVID-19 pandemic among college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed from February to March 2021 among 764 students from Wachemo University, Southern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used in the study. The sample size for each department was allocated in proportion to the number of students in that department, and each respondent was chosen using a simple random sampling procedure. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. To predict the relationship between the predictor and outcome variables, a logistic regression model was used. At a p-value of 0.05, statistical significance was declared.

Results

The study showed that the overall knowledge of the students was 223 (29.2%), their attitude was 673 (88.1%), and their practice was 684 (89.5%). The students from the college natural and computational sciences (AOR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.13, 0.40) and students having good knowledge (AOR = 4.40; 95%CI; 2.13, 9.14) were found to be independently associated with face mask utilization.

Conclusion

When compared to other researches, the knowledge about the usage of face masks in this study was low, but the attitudes and practices were high. Authorities in areas that are in danger of a COVID-19 pandemic should plan and implement public awareness and education initiatives.
Pelvic inflammatory disease and causative pathogens in older women in a medical center in eastern Taiwan: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Pei-Chen , Li Pei-Chen , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Most research into the management of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is in younger women and focuses on sexually transmitted pathogens such asN.gonorrhoeaeorC.trachomatis. Non-sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and PID in older women are rarely examined. The objective of this study is to explore cervical culture pathogens in women of different age groups in a medical center in eastern Taiwan.

Methods

We enrolled patients whose medical records were diagnosed with PID (ICD-9-CM 614.0 [N70.01–03], 614.1[N70.11–13], 614.9 [N73.5, N73.9]) at our hospital from October 2014 to March 2020. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: the age <25 years, age 25–44 years, and the ≥ 45 years group. Chi-square test, ANOVA and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. In subgroup analysis, endocervical pathogens were further stratified into vaginal, respiratory, enteric, skin, oral, and other.

Results

A total of 96 patients were included in the study. There were 31 patients in the age ≥ 45 years group, 52 patients in the age 25–44 years group, and 13 patients in the age <25 years group. Vagina and enteric pathogens were the most common pathogens among all groups. The isolated respiratory and other pathogens were more in the age ≥ 45 years group than in the other two groups.Prevotella biviawas more common in the age <25 years and 25–44 years groups.

Conclusions

This may be due to different pathogeneses of PID in the age ≥ 45 years patients. Our study can be used as a reference for antibiotic choice of non-sexually transmitted PID and to prevent long-term sequelae of PID.
The prevalence of thrombocytopenia and leucopenia among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bisetegn Habtye , Ebrahim Hussien
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia are frequently encountered hematological disorders among people living with HIV/AIDS. This systematic review and meta-analysis were aimed to indicate the national prevalence of thrombocytopenia and leucopenia among HIV/AIDS patients.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted from February 01, 2021 to April 02, 2021 using electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google, EMBASE, SCOPUS and ResearchGate. The quality of the included studies was assessed using Newcastle—Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies. Data analysis was done using STATA version 14 using metan commands. Random effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of thrombocytopenia and leucopenia among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Result

Of the 349 initially searched articles, 90 were assessed for eligibility and only 13 articles published from 2014 to 2020 were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 3854 participants were involved in the included studies. The pooled prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 9.69% (95%CI; 7.40–11.97%). Significant heterogeneity was observed with I2 value of 84.7%. Thrombocytopenia was 11.91% and 5.95% prevalent among HAART naive and HAART exposed HIV/AIDS patients, respectively. The pooled prevalence of leucopenia among HIV/AIDS patients was 17.31% (95%CI: 12.37–22.25%).

Conclusion

This study showed a high prevalence of thrombocytopenia and leucopenia among people living with HIV/AIDS, indicating the necessity of regular screening of HIV seropositive patients for different hematological parameters and providing treatment.
Cross-sectional study of approaches to diagnosis and management of dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in primary care and referral veterinary practices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Swann James W. , Tayler Sarah , Hall Harriet , Sparrow Richard , Skelly Barbara J. , Glanemann Barbara
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To determine whether veterinarians in primary care practices (PCPs) and board-certified clinicians (BCCs) approach treatment of dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) similarly, and whether practitioners with more experience treat similarly to those with less experience. We hypothesised those in PCPs would show more variation in their approach to similar cases than BCCs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a questionnaire to BCCs and veterinarians in PCPs. The questionnaire included direct questions and a number of clinical scenarios intended to capture approaches to common treatment problems.

Results

Questionnaire responses were received from 241 veterinarians, including 216 in PCPs and 25 BCCs. Veterinarians in both settings used similar tests for diagnosis of IMHA, but BCCs performed more tests to exclude underlying causes of ‘associative’ disease. All veterinarians reported use of similar initial dosages of glucocorticoids (median 2 mg/kg per day in both groups, p = 0.92) but those used by more experienced practitioners were higher than those with less experience. Most veterinarians made allowances for the weight of dogs, using lower prednisolone dosages in a clinical scenario involving a 40 kg dog compared to a 9 kg dog (p = 0.025 for PCP, p = 0.002 for BCC). BCCs reported greater use of combinations of immunosuppressive drugs (p<0.0001) and of antithrombotic drugs (p<0.0001); use of antithrombotic drugs was also less common among more experienced practitioners compared to less experienced.

Conclusions

Approaches to treatment of dogs with IMHA differ between BCCs and those in PCP. These differences may affect design and implementation of future research studies and clinical guidelines.
Bone mineral density, cervical spine degeneration, head and neck posture, and neck pain in the post-menopausal females: A pilot study
Authors: Hong Seok Woo , Park Ki Tae , Chung Yoon-Sok , Choi Yong Jun , Kang Jeong-Hyun
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the present study was to reveal the relationship between degenerative changes in the cervical spine, head and neck postures, neck pain, and bone mineral density (BMD) of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine in post-menopausal females. In total, 116 females (mean age 60.4 ± 7.1 years; age range 50–80 years) were included. Participants were classified into three groups based on the T-score criteria of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine set by World Health Organization, respectively. The degree of neck pain was assessed using self-administered questionnaire, the Neck Disability Index. Cervical spine degeneration and head and neck postures were identified using the lateral cephalograms. Grading system for cervical degeneration included three categories of the radiographic alterations including disc height loss, osteophyte formation, and diffuse sclerosis. The areal BMD of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Females with lower BMD exhibited lesser degree of neck pain and forward head posture (FHP) compared to those with normal BMD. Higher BMD seemed to be associated with more notable loss of the disc height at the level of C4-5. More prominent degenerative changes in the cervical spine were associated with higher areal BMD of the hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, altered head posture, and development of neck pain.
The HTLV-1 viral oncoproteins Tax and HBZ reprogram the cellular mRNA splicing landscape
Authors: Vandermeulen Charlotte , O’Grady Tina , Wayet Jerome , Galvan Bartimee , Maseko Sibusiso , Cherkaoui Majid , Desbuleux Alice , Coppin Georges , Olivet Julien , Ben Ameur Lamya , Kataoka Keisuke , Ogawa Seishi , Hermine Olivier , Marcais Ambroise , Thiry Marc , Mortreux Franck , Calderwood Michael A. , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Peloponese Jean-Marie , Charloteaux Benoit , Van den Broeke Anne , Hill David E. , Vidal Marc , Dequiedt Franck , Twizere Jean-Claude
Published: September 2021

Viral infections are known to hijack the transcription and translation of the host cell. However, the extent to which viral proteins coordinate these perturbations remains unclear. Here we used a model system, the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and systematically analyzed the transcriptome and interactome of key effectors oncoviral proteins Tax and HBZ. We showed that Tax and HBZ target distinct but also common transcription factors. Unexpectedly, we also uncovered a large set of interactions with RNA-binding proteins, including the U2 auxiliary factor large subunit (U2AF2), a key cellular regulator of pre-mRNA splicing. We discovered that Tax and HBZ perturb the splicing landscape by altering cassette exons in opposing manners, with Tax inducing exon inclusion while HBZ induces exon exclusion. Among Tax- and HBZ-dependent splicing changes, we identify events that are also altered in Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) samples from two independent patient cohorts, and in well-known cancer census genes. Our interactome mapping approach, applicable to other viral oncogenes, has identified spliceosome perturbation as a novel mechanism coordinated by Tax and HBZ to reprogram the transcriptome.
Protective CD4+ Th1 cell-mediated immunity is reliant upon execution of effector function prior to the establishment of the pathogen niche
Authors: Hohman Leah S. , Mou Zhirong , Carneiro Matheus B. , Ferland Gabriel , Kratofil Rachel M. , Kubes Paul , Uzonna Jude E. , Peters Nathan C.
Published: September 2021

Intracellular infection with the parasiteLeishmania majorfeatures a state of concomitant immunity in which CD4+T helper 1 (Th1) cell-mediated immunity against reinfection coincides with a chronic but sub-clinical primary infection. In this setting, the rapidity of the Th1 response at a secondary site of challenge in the skin represents the best correlate of parasite elimination and has been associated with a reversal inLeishmania-mediated modulation of monocytic host cells. Remarkably, the degree to which Th1 cells are absolutely reliant upon the time at which they interact with infected monocytes to mediate their protective effect has not been defined. In the present work, we report that CXCR3-dependent recruitment of Ly6C+Th1 effector (Th1EFF) cells is indispensable for concomitant immunity and acute (<4 days post-infection) Th1EFFcell-phagocyte interactions are critical to prevent the establishment of a permissive pathogen niche, as evidenced by altered recruitment, gene expression and functional capacity of innate and adaptive immune cells at the site of secondary challenge. Surprisingly, provision of Th1EFFcells after establishment of the pathogen niche, even when Th1 cells were provided in large quantities, abrogated protection, Th1EFFcell accumulation and IFN-γ production, and iNOS production by inflammatory monocytes. These findings indicate that protective Th1 immunity is critically dependent on activation of permissive phagocytic host cells by preactivated Th1EFFcells at the time of infection.
The Epstein-Barr virus deubiquitinating enzyme BPLF1 regulates the activity of topoisomerase II during productive infection
Authors: Li Jinlin , Nagy Noemi , Liu Jiangnan , Gupta Soham , Frisan Teresa , Hennig Thomas , Cameron Donald P. , Baranello Laura , Masucci Maria G.
Published: September 2021

Topoisomerases are essential for the replication of herpesviruses but the mechanisms by which the viruses hijack the cellular enzymes are largely unknown. We found that topoisomerase-II (TOP2) is a substrate of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ubiquitin deconjugase BPLF1. BPLF1 co-immunoprecipitated and deubiquitinated TOP2, and stabilized SUMOylated TOP2 trapped in cleavage complexes (TOP2ccs), which halted the DNA damage response to TOP2-induced double strand DNA breaks and promoted cell survival. Induction of the productive virus cycle in epithelial and lymphoid cell lines carrying recombinant EBV encoding the active enzyme was accompanied by TOP2 deubiquitination, accumulation of TOP2ccs and resistance to Etoposide toxicity. The protective effect of BPLF1 was dependent on the expression of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) that releases DNA-trapped TOP2 and promotes error-free DNA repair. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized function of BPLF1 in supporting a non-proteolytic pathway for TOP2ccs debulking that favors cell survival and virus production.
Estado de derecho, democracia y forma de gobierno
Authors: Iglesias Bárez Mercedes
Published: September 2021

Esta obra colectiva se integra por el analisis de diversos autores estudiosos del campo del derecho. En esta obra se analizan una diversidad de temas de vanguardia, pero sobre todo de impacto actual. Los temas son desarrollados por especialistas y estudiosos del área jurídica de paises como: España y México; está obra refleja las opiniones y analisis de cada autor en temas trascendentales como es el sistema de impartición de justicia en España y México, temas relativos a las desigualdades sociales y de género; violencia contra grupos vulnerables; asimismo, esta obra se adentra al estudio del derecho constitucional, en donde se visualiza contribuciones en la que se destacan practicas y funcionamiento de la Corte interamericana de Derechos Humanos. Asimismo los temas de la participación politica en un Estado de derecho se hacen presente en esta obra colectiva, el derecho a la libertad de expresión y la regulación de los sistemas normativos internos de los pueblos indigenas en México no podían faltar. Otros temas que resultan de importancia y que cuyos autores lo abordan de una manera sencilla y presiza en esta obra son los relacionados a los derechos reproductivos, derechos de las y los infantes al igual que el derecho a la no discriminación por preferencia sexual; finalmente se aborda como temáticas central en esta obra temas relacionaos con el derecho fiscal, laboral y ambiental. Como se observa esta contribución colectiva es de gran valor, ya que se compone de un estudio jurídico de diversos fenomenos que en la actualidad necesitan analisis para encontrar explicación a su prevención o bien, mejorar el accionar jurídico que regula dichos fenómenos.
EL CONCEPTO DE DEMOCRACIA: UN ANÁLISIS MULTIDIMENSIONAL
Authors: Hernández Diego Mauricio
Published: September 2021

This article starts with the semantic decomposition of the phrase demokratos, which states a subordination of “kratos” (government) to “demos” (people), and analyzes the concept of democracy from a multi-dimensional key. In order to elaborate on the concept of democracy, an analytical distinction was established around three dimensions of government subordination to the people: democracy is understood as (i) the government of the people, (ii) the government by the people, and (iii) the government for the people or the government that serves the people. This kind of analysis can establish a good state of art for contemporary discussions on democratic theory, and determine the main ways to improve the existing democratic government systems.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of 1,2,4,5-Tetrasubstituted
Imidazoles as Antibacterial Agents: Use of Niobia Supported Heteropoly
Tungstate as an Efficient Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Kurnool Aravind , Merugu Karunasree , Shravya Pachipulusu , Malleswarareddy P.
Published: September 2021

The synthesis of novel 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles was carried out in a single molecular motif
using niobia supported heteropoly tungstate as a mild and efficient reusable catalyst. The condensation
of 3-aryl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, aromatic amine, benzil, ammonium acetate and
heteropoly tungstate supported on niobia was achieved under both conventional and non-conventional
conditions. The employed protocol provides significant advantages, as it exhibits a remarkable catalytic
activity on recovery, excellent yields and excellent reaction efficacy within short reaction times between
1-2 h (conventional) and 1-3 min (microwave radiation). All the obtained compounds were characterized
by means of spectral data and elemental analysis. They were also screened for their antibacterial activity.
To predict the binding mode of compounds with glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase (GlcN6P
synthase), docking studies were performed.
Mechanism of Antiangiogenic and Antioxidant Activity of Newly
Synthesized CAMBA in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Bearing Mice
Authors: Abou-Taleb Nada I. , Elblasy Ola A. , Elbesoumy Esraa A. , Basuny Haidy I. , Elhamadi Esraa A. , Nasr eldin Mohamed S. , Emara Ahmed A. , Ali Ali A. , Salem Mohamed A. , Ahmed Fakher M. , Hussein Mohammed A.
Published: September 2021

The aim of present study was to evaluate antiangiogenic activity of newly synthesized caffeic acid
methyl benzoate amide (CAMBA) in EAC-bearing mice. The IC50 value of CAMBA against the Hep-G2
liver carcinoma cell line was calculated. Adult albino mice weighing 25 ± 5 g was used to assess the
antiangiogenic activity of CAMBA (25 and 50 mg/k.b.w.) in EAC-bearing mice. IC50 CAMBA against
the Hep-G2 cell line equals 52.8 μg/mL. The daily oral administration of CAMBA at concentrations
of 25 and 50 mg/kg.b.w. for 30 days to EAC-bearing mice resulted in a significant improvement in
tumor volume and tumor weight, ALT, AST, ALP, MMP-2 and -9, TNF-α, NOx, TBARs, GSH, CAT,
SOD, GPx and VEGF-C gene expression in EAC-bearing mice. Furthermore, CAMBA almost
normalized these effects in liver histoarchitecture. The biochemical, histological and ultrasound
examinations of our study suggested that CAMBA have antiangiogenic activity in EAC-bearing mice.
Development of Mesoporous Geo-Adsorbent Pellets from Low Fire
Clay and Cellulose for Removal of Methylene Blue in Aquaculture
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Qanungo Kushal
Published: September 2021

Porous ceramic pellets have been prepared using low fire clay and cellulose as a pore forming agent.
The pore size and BET analysis, water absorption capacity and compressive strength of the pellets
have been determined. The methylene blue uptake of pellets increased on increasing the percentage of
initial cellulose content. Batch mode studies showed that the methylene blue adsorption decreased
with increasing dose of pellets, increased with increasing initial dye concentration, while solution pH
and presence of co-ions had negligible effect on removal of methylene blue, making them suitable for
dye removal over a wide range of pH. The adsorption process followed both the Freundlich and
Langmuir adsorption isotherms, whereas the adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order
kinetic model. An inexpensive and simple device consisting of the mesoporous pellets enclosed in a
tea ball wire mesh, which can be conveniently dipped and taken out of water in an aquarium and can
remove methylene blue, has been developed.
Impact of Nanosized CuO Insertion on Structural and Mechanical
Properties of PVA: HPMC Based Polymer Blend Nanocomposites
Authors: Vijayashree K. , Rai K. Sheshappa
Published: September 2021

Insertion of metal-oxide nanoparticles to polymers stipulate the modification of physical properties of
polymers over and above the accomplishment of new features in the polymer matrix. In the current
study, an attempt was made to disperse the CuO nanoparticles in the polyvinyl alcohol and
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blend to investigate the structural, mechanical and optical
properties of the nanocomposite. Blend was prepared in different ratios using PVA and HPMC, viz.
25:50, 50:50 and 75:25 wt%. The CuO nanoparticles were added to the 75:25 PVA:HPMC blend in
different percentage like 0.5,1 and 1.5%. The polymer with and without CuO incorporation were
subjected to X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy,
UV-visible spectral analyses and mechanical strength, etc. The results revealed that the incorporation
of the CuO nanoparticles enhanced the structural and mechanical properties of the polymer by forming
successful nanocomposite.
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Syzygium aromaticum
Extracts and their Activity on Organic Dye and Phytopathogen
Authors: Ahmad Rabiu Garba , Kumar Vineet
Published: September 2021

In present study, biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extracts
was performed and characterized. The activity of the biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles was
evaluated against phytopathogen (Colletotrichum falcatum) and the result showed that the biogenic
nanoparticles produced antifungal activity on the test organism. The photocatalytic activity of the
present study revealed a rapid and efficient degradation of methylene blue within 0.5 h.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Glucose Fatty Acid Esters
Catalyzed by High Performance Lipase Preparations
Authors: Arora Benu
Published: September 2021

Glucose fatty acid esters were synthesized using cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs), protein
coated microcrystals (PCMCs) and cross-linked protein coated microcrystals (CLPCMCs) of Candida
antarctica lipase B (CALB) as biocatalyst designs in single and mixed solvent systems. Up to 90%
conversion and more than 99% regioselectivity were obtained using vinyl acetate as the acyl donor in
a solvent system composed of 2-methyl-2-butanol (2M2B) and 30% (v/v) DMSO, with CALB CLEAs
within 45 min. Similar results were obtained with CALB CLPCMCs as the biocatalyst under the same
reaction conditions. This approach was then extended to the synthesis of glucose esters with higher
acyl chain length. The synthetic strategy used in this work can potentially be extended for the fast and
regioselective esterification/transesterification of other sugars as well.
Biological Importance and Phytochemistry of Neptunia oleracea Lour: A Mini Review
Authors: Devi Okram Sonia , Singh Thoudam Nabachandra , Singh Laishram Jairaj , Singh Thokchom Prasanta
Published: September 2021

Neptunia oleracea is an important medicinal plant used in treating various ailments in different countries.
The plant contains chlorophyll-related compounds, amino acids, vitamins, etc. The presence of
pheophorbide a and its related compounds make this plant a promising antitumor plant. The plant is
used for sewage water treatment and is also utilized in nitrogen fixation in a wetland ecosystem. The
present review emphasizes the traditional uses, biological activites and phytochemistry of N. oleracea.
Szervezetek közötti együttműködés a fenntartható fejlődés szolgálatában (Cooperation among the organisations in service of the sustainable development)
Authors: Zilahy Gyula
Published: September 2021

A vállalatok egyre gyakrabban alakítanak ki olyan kapcsolatokat, melyek célja az egymással, illetve más típusú szervezetekkel (pl. kormányzati vagy civil szervezetekkel) különféle célok érdekében megvalósuló együttműködés. Ezen együttműködési formák egy része kedvező hatással van a vállalatok környezeti, illetve társadalmi teljesítményére is, és ezáltal – a szűken vett profitérdekeken túl – elősegíti a fenntartható fejlődés társadalmi céljának megvalósítását is. Jelen cikk célja, hogy bemutassa a vállalati szférára jellemző együttműködési formákat magyarázó legfontosabb szervezetelméleti megközelítéseket, majd ezek tükrében ismertesse a fenntartható fejlődés ügyét is elősegítő együttműködési kapcsolatok korszerű megnyilvánulási formáit. _________ Corporations more and more often engage in relationships, which aim at cooperation with each other and other types of organisations (e.g. governmental or nongovernmental organisations). Some of these collaborative efforts have a positive impact on the environmental and social performance of participating organisations and thus – apart from their positive impact on profitability – also foster the implementation of sustainable economic and social development. The objective of this article is to introduce the most important organisational theories, which give an explanation of the cooperative efforts of the corporate sector and, using this as a basis, to provide an overview of the most up-to-date forms of cooperation, which enhance our chances in the direction of a sustainable future.
Natural phytochemicals, Phenformin, and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a Novel Inhibitors of IL-6 and ACE2 receptors, a Therapeutic Strategy for targeting COVID-19 Cell Entry and Cytokine Storm. An insilico Approach
Authors: Ahmed Amr Kamel Khalil , Elkazzaz Mahmoud
Published: September 2021

Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a life-threatening consequence of inflammatory immunological illnesses; it can also occur with COVID-19 infection . CSS is characterized by a disruption in cytokine synthesis, including regulatory , pro-inflammatory andanti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in pathologic stimulation of innate in addition to adaptive (Th17and Th1mediated) response. In the pathophysiology of CSS, interleukin-6 could play a key role. The significant role of IL-6 in COVID-19pathogenesis was established in a wide variety of researches , which reported that the plasma concentration of IL-6was raised in COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms .COVID-19 spike protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the virus's cellular receptor, causes a cascade of molecular processes that could result in hyperinflammation which may lead to cytokine storm . Therefore, the development of new naturaltherapies and repurposing some drugs such as Phenformin and Docosahexaenoic acidthat could compete with COVID-19 for ACE2 binding or inhibit IL-6 activity may possibly help COVID-19 patients avoid a cytokine storm and save their lives through inhibiting IL-6 and preventing SARS-CoV-2 RBD attachment to ACE2. Herein we made a docking based screening for some natural phytochemicals anddrugs that could be repurposed according to our findings to counter COVID-19 cell entry and inhibitthe hyper activation of IL-6. Our results revealed that a five phytochemicalsincluding Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) , bromelain, luteolin , vitexin and isovitexin)showed a high binding affinities with best interactions with the active sites of IL-6 .The binding affinities of these phytochemicalsincluding,EGCG , bromelain, luteolin , vitexin and isovitexinwith IL-6 were (-7.7,-6.7, -7.4, -7.2 and -7.3 ), respectively. In addition to ,phenforminshowed a high binding affinity with best interactions with the active sites of IL-6 and ACE2 . The binding affinity of phenformin with IL-6 was (-7.4) and with ACE 2 ( -7.2).Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had a moderate binding affinity and moderate interactions with the active sites of IL-6 and had a high binding affinity with best interactions with ACE2 active sites. The binding affinity of Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)with IL-6 was (-5.3) and with AC2 (-6.3).
Impacto da informação (convencional e sem lactose) na aceitabilidade de bebidas achocolatadas
Authors: Garcia Letícia Queli , Dutra Mariana Borges de Lima , Mariano Ana Flávia Crispim , Miyamoto Michely Harumi , Annechini Iara Machado
Published: September 2021

Através do estudo do comportamento do consumidor em relação a alimentos e bebidas, pode-se encontrar diversos fatores que influenciam diretamente na percepção das características sensoriais de um determinado produto. A expectativa de como um alimento deve ser com relação às informações contidas em seu rótulo é um dos principais fatores que alteram essas percepções. Os alimentos sem lactose foram criados para atenderem uma demanda de consumidores que não podem consumir alimentos com esse tipo de açúcar, mas sem a intenção de modificar seu sabor. A partir deste conceito, o objetivo do trabalho foi verificar se existe diferença significativa entre bebidas achocolatadas, com e sem lactose, com relação aos seus aspectos sensoriais, identificando qual delas se aproxima mais da doçura e sabor de chocolate ideais, a fim de verificar se a informação ‘sem lactose’ causa mudança de comportamento dos consumidores e como isso interfere na intenção de compra.
Microrganismos mesofílicos em leite UHT
Authors: Rosa Delane Ribas da , Souza Eduardo Sirichuk de , Galvão Julia Arantes
Published: September 2021

O leite tratado via ultra alta temperatura (UAT) – Ultra High Temperature - UHT está presente na maioria das dietas nacionais e assume papel fundamental na nutrição humana. Os microrganismos mesófilos destacam-se como principais indicadores de qualidade do produto. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi detectar, quantificar e avaliar a morfologia de Gram das bactérias mesófilas isoladas de três diferentes marcas de leite UHT submetidos ou não à incubação. Foram obtidas em supermercados da região de Curitiba, PR, 90 amostras de leite UHT (A, B e C). Metade das amostras foi submetida a incubação (36 °C/7 dias) previamente às análises e a outra metade foi avaliada em até 2 h após a aquisição quanto à Contagem Padrão em Placas (CPP), coloração de Gram e teste da lactofermentação. 30% das amostras analisadas continham mais que 100 UFC/mL de aeróbios mesófilos, sendo 20% e 29% das amostras incubadas ou não, respectivamente. A marca A apresentou as maiores contagens, seguida pelas marcas B e C. Os resultados após incubação também revelam maiores contagens nas amostras da marca A. Os resultados de coloração de Gram revelaram a predominância de cocos Gram-positivos em todas as amostras, incubadas ou não. No teste de lactofermentação, verificou-se coagulação após 48 h e 96 h de incubação em, pelo menos, uma amostra sem incubação prévia e nas amostras com incubação por sete dias nas amostras das marcas A e B (lotes 1 e 3). Logo, identificou-se a possibilidade de haver amostras e marcas de leite UHT disponíveis no mercado que extrapolam os limites estabelecidos pela legislação em relação à contagem de microrganismos mesófilos.
Personality and Political Disengagement of University Students
Authors: Sarker Najnin , Hossain Md. Alamgir , Moniruzzaman M.M.
Published: September 2021

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between political disengagement and personality traits of the students. Another goal of the study is to determine the significant differences between political disengagement and personality traits in terms of gender, nature of residence, faculty, study year and socio-economic status. To conduct this study, data were collected from 200 undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Chittagong. Two questionnaires were used to collect information from the participants.
Callus Induction of Leaves and Stems in Krisan (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv Dewi ratih) with Alternative Foliar Fertilizers Media
Authors: Naser Ahmad Saifun , Wisnu Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Availability of quality seeds in production of krisan (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv Dewi ratih) cultivation is still rare, therefore research on seed multiplication through tissue culture is needed. The media used in tissue culture is relatively expensive for home industry. This study aims to determine the respond of leaf and stem explants using foliar fertilizers (Growmore, Gandasil D and Mutiara) as an alternative media for callus inductions. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisted of 4 treatments: P0: ½ MS + 0,25 mg/l BAP, P1 (Growmore + 0,25 mg/l BAP), P2 (Gandasil D + 0,25 mg/l BAP), P3 (Mutiara + 0,25 mg/l BAP). The variables observed in this study included callus appearance time, callus color and callus texture. The result of this study indicated that the use of BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) affected the time of callus formation and callus morphology. Callus was formed on leaf explants 13 days after planting while on stem explants 7 days after planting and compact texture. Growmore + 0,25 mg/l BAP treatment yields the best callus on leaf explant, while Gandasil D + 0,25 mg/l BAP treatment yields the best callus on stem explant.
Formação professoral na pós-graduação: O estágio docente em contexto amazônico
Authors: Silva Camila Ferreira da , Oliveira Márcio de , Cacau Claudiney Lofiego
Published: September 2021

O artigo trata da formação de professores/as para o Ensino Superior, focalizando a pós-graduação como um dos espaços nos quais as políticas de formação docente para o nível superior ganham forma e, consequentemente, seu papel para a qualificação docente de seus/suas estudantes. Toma-se o estágio de docência na pós-graduação em Educação à análise – e aqui destaca-se o caráter multirreferencial desta área e suas implicações para a oferta de uma formação docente que se destina a sujeitos que advêm de áreas do conhecimento diversas. Utiliza-se o relato de experiências como porta de entrada para apresentar e analisar uma vivência que se deu no contexto amazônico, em uma turma de graduação em Pedagogia/PARFOR/UFAM. O artigo sublinha que os programas de pós-graduação constituem espaço privilegiado para articular ensino, pesquisa, construção de conhecimento científico e formação docente, ao passo que o estágio de docência carrega a possibilidade de uma experiência crítica, contextualizada e com potencial reflexivo sobre o trabalho docente.
Digital preferences and perceptions of students in health professional courses at a leading Australian university: A baseline for improving digital skills and competencies in health graduates
Authors: Cham Kwang , Edwards Mary-Louise , Kruesi Lisa , Celeste Tania , Hennessey Trent
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to improve understanding of graduate students’ digital preferences and perceptions to prepare them for work in the digitally enabled health sector. We surveyed 361 students from five disciplines to create a baseline of their digital capabilities. Results show that students were confident in engaging with day-to-day technologies required for discipline-specific learnings and most were reasonably aware of digital privacy and security. However, only 11% of the students reported having sufficient university support and services to develop their digital skills and competencies, and only 39% of the students believed they have the relevant skills for entering the workforce. To improve their understanding in this area, students attended a digital skills and employability workshop that was developed in partnership with teaching specialists, learning and teaching librarians and career services coordinators. Post-workshop findings show that this learning intervention positively impacted students’ understanding of their own digital capabilities and increased their awareness of the importance of this core skill for both the university and the workforce. Teaching staff can use these findings to improve student digital learning in health professional curricula, which will contribute to knowledge transfer and communication with digital health employers.

Implications for practice or policy:

Heath professional educators can bridge the gap in digital practices between graduates and the workplace by understanding students’ baseline digital skills and competencies and developing targeted learning opportunities within the curriculum to support students’ digital confidence, experience, attitudes and understandings of digital practices and digital skills and competencies.

Students’ digital skills and competencies can be enhanced by facilitating dialogue between universities, employers and accrediting bodies in the health sector to set consistent and realistic expectations.
Phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-protein denaturation activities of Curcuma longa L. rhizome and leaves
Authors: Altir Najah Khalifah Mansour , Ali Ammar Mohammed Ahmed , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Qahtan Ahmed A. , Abdel-Salam Eslam M. , Alshameri Aref , Hodhod Mohamed S. , Almunqedhi Bander
Published: September 2021

Curcuma longa L. is a famous spice cultivated in many countries with significant variations reported in its phytochemical contents and biological potential. For the first time, the present work is aimed to identify the major phytochemicals present in methanol:chloroform (MC) and petroleum ether (PE) extracts of Curcuma longa rhizome and leaves (by determining polyphenols and GC/MS analysis), and their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-protein denaturation potential. Results showed that the highest value (P < 0.05) of polyphenolic content was in MC extract of rhizome (51.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g) followed by 31.20 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g in MC leaves extract. The strong antiradical activity was evaluated in MC extract of rhizome with IC50 value of 92 ± 0.02 µg/mL. MC extracts of both the rhizome and leaves exerted a potent inhibitory effect against protein denaturation with IC50 values of 106.21 ± 0.53 and 108.06 ± 4.67 μg/mL (P > 0.5), respectively. GC/MS analysis showed that α-tumerone was the main component in the rhizome oil (32.44%), whereas in the leaf oil, palmitic acid was the prominent constituent (28.33%) and α-phellandrene recorded a comparable percentage (7.29). In conclusion, C. longa is a valuable source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory constituents, as indicated by its high polyphenolic content and by its considerable in vitro antiradical and anti-protein denaturation potential.
Isomorphism classification of Leary–Minasyan groups
Authors: Valiunas Motiejus
Published: September 2021

Recently, I. J. Leary and A. Minasyan [Commensurating HNN extensions: Nonpositive curvature and biautomaticity, Geom. Topol.
25 (2021), 4, 1819–1860] studied the class of groups

G
⁢

(
A
,
L
)

G(A,L)

defined as commensurating HNN-extensions of

Z
n

\mathbb{Z}^{n}

.
This class, containing the class of Baumslag–Solitar groups, also includes other groups with curious properties, such as being CAT(0) but not biautomatic.
In this paper, we classify the groups

G
⁢

(
A
,
L
)

G(A,L)

up to isomorphism.
The ambiguous sea level rise at Brest’s 212 yearlong record elucidated
Authors: İz H. Bâki , Shum C.K.
Published: September 2021

The tide gauge record at Brest, France, along Eastern part of Atlantic coast is one of the longest records in Europe spanning 212 years (1807–2019). Analyzing these records has important ramifications in assessing anthropogenic impact of climate change at local and regional scales during this period. All the previous studies that analyzed Brest’s tide gauge record have used vaguely defined quadratics models and did not incorporate the effect of sea level variations at various frequencies, which confounded the presence or absence of a plausible uniform acceleration. Here, we entertained two competing kinematic models; one with a uniform acceleration representing 212 years of monthly averaged tide gauge data, the other is a two-phase trend model (Phase I is 93 years long and Phase II is 119 years long). Both models include statistically significant (α = 0.05) common periodic effects, and sub and super harmonics of luni-solar origin for representing monthly averaged sea level anomalies observed at Brest. The least squares statistics for both models’ solutions cannot distinguish one model over the other, like earlier studies. However, the assessment of Phase I segment of the records disclosed the absence of a statistically significant trend and a uniform acceleration during this period. This outcome eliminates conclusively the occurrence of a uniform acceleration during the entire 212-year data span of the tide gauge record at Brest, favoring the two-phase trend model as a sound alternative.
Hearing and Listening in the Context of Passivity and Activity
Authors: Zelenka Jiří
Published: September 2021

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the phenomenologically grounded dynamics of hearing and listening as a possible approach to our sonic experience. Its starting point is the studies of contemporary urban spaces devoted to their sonic experience. The results of these studies and their interpretation will serve as a starting point for the introduction of dynamics of hearing and listening. In the next part of this article, I will focus on the elaboration of this relationship with regard to the critique of Husserl’s concept of activity and passivity in his late workExperience and Judgmentand Merleau-Ponty’s concept of being-in-the-world. Based on this, in the end, certain common features will be shown, connecting the thematization of activity and passivity with the relationship of hearing and listening.