bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customized low-cost high-throughput amplifier for electro-fluidic detection of cell volume changes in point-of-care applications
Authors: Kaushik Saurabh , Selvanathan Prabhakaran , Soni Gautam Vivek
Published: April 2022

Physical parameters of the pathogenic cells, like its volume, shape, and stiffness, are important biomarkers for diseases, chemical changes within the cell, and overall cell health. The response of pathogenic bacteria and viruses to different chemical disinfectants is studied widely. Some of the routinely employed techniques to measure these changes require elaborate and expensive equipment which limits any study to a non-mobile research lab facility. Recently, we showed a micropore-based electro-fluidic technique to have great promise in measuring subtle changes in cell volumes at high throughput and resolution. This method, however, requires commercial amplifiers, which makes this technique expensive and incompatible for in-field use. In this paper, we develop a home-built amplifier to make this technique in-field compatible and apply it to measure changes in bacterial volumes upon exposure to alcohol. First, we introduce our low-cost and portable transimpedance amplifier and characterize the maximum range, absolute error percentage, and RMS noise of the amplifier in the measured current signal, along with the amplifier’s bandwidth, and compared these characteristics with the commercial amplifiers. Using our home-built amplifier, we demonstrate a high throughput detection of ~1300 cells/second and resolve cell diameter changes down to 1 μm. Finally, we demonstrate measurement of cell volume changes in E. coli bacteria when exposed to ethanol (5% v/v), which is otherwise difficult to measure via imaging techniques. Our low-cost amplifier (~100-fold lower than commercial alternatives) is battery-run, completely portable for point-of-care applications, and the electro-fluidic devices are currently being tested for in-field applications.
Participation in an early childhood music programme and socioemotional development: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gaudette-Leblanc Aimée , Boucher Hélène , Bédard-Bruyère Flavie , Pearson Jessica , Bolduc Jonathan , Tarabulsy George M.
Published: April 2022

Music is increasingly recognized as having a social role, insofar as it is linked to emotional regulation and to early interactions in infancy and the preschool years. The goal of this meta-analysis was to examine the impact of participating in an early childhood music programme on indices of socioemotional development in children under 6 years of age. The overall result showed a moderate effect size (N = 681, k = 11, d = 0.57, p < 0.001). Moderation analyses revealed that the type of assessment (observational measure, reported measure or other types of assessment) significantly influenced effect size (Q′ = 25.26, p < 0.001). No other moderation analysis was significant. Although these findings are promising, suggesting that participation in an early childhood music programme contribute to children’s socioemotional development, more rigorous studies are needed to assess the impact of participating in a music programme on socioemotional development.
Examining remote music therapy services in early intervention: Feasibility and application
Authors: Knight Andrew , Dolas Helen
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to provide feasibility and application information on the nature of music therapy in a telehealth environment. We created a twelve-week telehealth music therapy programme with group and individual sessions that took place between August 2020 and February 2021. This report details (1) the telehealth music therapy services, (2) session design and examples and (3) perceived benefits and barriers of telehealth music therapy and technology. It includes guidance for early childhood professionals who may also want to interact musically with young children.
Documenting ‘The Early Childhood Music Collaborative’: A multi-organizational response to early childhood music in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Koops Lisa Huisman , Salvador Karen , Svec Christina L. , Renzoni Kerry
Published: April 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting countries around the globe in the early months of 2020, music education professional organizations in locations worldwide mobilized to provide remote teaching suggestions and interpret new research related to minimizing the virus spread in music-making settings. In June and July 2020, the National Association for Music Education released a set of research-based recommendations for music teaching in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion of young children and recommendations for early childhood settings were noticeably absent. The purpose of this article is to document the processes by which several dozen individuals and representatives from three professional entities came together at the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to address the lack of guidance for responsive early childhood music education. We describe the outcomes of the collaboration between June 2020 and June 2021, reflections about our learning and share the group’s next steps. As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue, reading documentation of our collective might serve the profession and encourage international collaborative teams working to improve access and equity of early childhood music education.
From Biowaste to Biomaterials: Buffalo Teeth Derived
Hydroxyapatite Based Biocomposites for Bone Tissue Applications
Authors: Manivannan K. , Jaganathan G. , Sithique M. Aboobucker
Published: April 2022

The present study reported the preparation of food industry biowaste buffalo teeth-derived
hydroxyapatite (BT-HA)/chitosan-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (CS-PVP)/aloe vera (ALV) natural biopolymer
as a biocomposite for improved mechanical, antimicrobial and cytocompatible characteristics. The
strengthening of biopolymer has a major role to play in improving the mechanical properties of the
biocomposite, while the addition of aloe vera increases antimicrobial and cytocompatibility. Chemical
structure, crystalline phase, morphology and mechanical property biocomposite were studied by FTIR,
XRD, SEM-EDX and micro-hardness tests, respectively. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness
of the biocomposites was evaluated using Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The
cytocompatibility of osteoblast cells to the biocomposites was calculated by the MTT assay examination.
The findings demonstrated that the prepared biocomposite has the necessary mechanical, antimicrobial
and biocompatible characteristics. Generally, the mixture of mechanical characteristics of CS-PVP,
the antimicrobial and cytocompatible property of aloe vera in BT-HA/CS-PVP/ALV, makes the
biocomposite a prospective restorative substance for various clinical applications.
Antimony(III) Dithiocarbamates: Synthesis, Spectral, Theoretical and Biological Activities
Authors: Tamilvanan S.
Published: April 2022

Antimony(III) dithiocarbamate complexes tris(N,N-difurfuryldithiocarbamato-S,S′)antimony(III) (1)
and tris(N-furfuryl-N-(2-phenylethyl)dithiocarbamato-S,S′)antimony(III) (2) have been synthesized
and characterized by CHN analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra and antimicrobial studies. The
characteristic thioureide ν(C-N) bands occur at 1459 and 1469 cm-1 for complexes 1 and 2, respectively.
1H NMR and 13C NMR chemical shifts have been calculated using GIAO approach and the calculated
chemical shifts shows good agreement with experiential shifts. The computational calculations of the
antimony(III) complexes have been carried out by DFT/B3LYP using LANL2DZ basis set. The FMOs,
MEP, Mulliken charge distribution and chemical activity parameters were calculated at the same level
of theory. The antimicrobial activities of the antimony(III) complexes were assayed at the concentrations
400 and 800 μg/mL against four bacterial (Vibrio cholera, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella
pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and two fungal species (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger)
by Agar-well disc diffusion method.
Fabrication of Wood-Plastic Composites as Biocarriers in Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors
Authors: Vu N.D. , Bui T.T.T. , Pham Q.T. , Nguyen M.N. , Nguyen V.T. , Nguyen T.A.H.
Published: April 2022

In present study, a novel biocarrier was fabricated from wood and high density polyethylene (HDPE)
using a single screw extruder. The effect of wood:plastic mass ratio on physico-chemical properties of
the obtained wood plastic composite (WPC) was evaluated. While the tensile and flexural strengths
were decreased, the sample density was increased with higher wood contents. The wood:plastic mass
ratio of 1:1 was considered as the best for the production of WPC biocarriers. The role of this material
in moving bed biofilm system was tested in a batch mode reactor having volume of 2 L with 20%
filling by the biocarrier. The treatment efficiencies of organic matter, ammonia and phosphate were
enhanced nearly two times. The results are attributed to heterogenous and porous surface of WPC,
which enhances bacteria adhesion and pollutant removal. It demonstrates that WPC can be a potential
biocarrier for use in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs).
Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Three
Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants Based on Isatin
Authors: Abdellaoui O. , Chraibi M. , Skalli M.K. , Haoudi A. , Fikri-Benbrahim K. , Rodi Y. Kandri , Mazzah A. , Senhaji O.
Published: April 2022

In present study, several isatin-derived quaternary ammonium surfactants with different carbon chain
lengths were designed and synthesized. They were synthesized by alkylation of indoline-2,3-dione
with various dibromo-alkanes, then quaternization with trimethylamine. Nuclear magnetic resonance
(1H NMR, 13C NMR) and mass spectroscopy were employed to examine their chemical structures.
Further, the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) value of surfactants synthesized was determined in
an aqueous solution using electrical conductivity. The synthesized surfactants had CMC ranging from
0.01 to 0.012 mol/L. The antibacterial activity of the titer compounds (3a-3c) was evaluated against
Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), as well as Gram-positive
bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The surfactant with a long hydrocarbon chain (12 carbons) showed
activity against all bacteria tested (minimum inhibitory concentration = 1.25-2.5 mg/mL), whereas
those with a short hydrocarbon chain proved to be inactive.
Electrochemical and AC Conductivity Studies of PVA based
Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Silver Ion Batteries
Authors: Parthiban V. , Sundari G. Sunita , Brahmananda Rao C.V.S. , Erothu Harikrishna
Published: April 2022

An effort has been made to synthesize PVA based gel polymer electrolyte films by means of solution
casting technique doped with silver ion in different concentration of polymer and salt (80:20, 70:30
and 60:40 wt.%). The resulting PVA and CH3COOAg gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) material came to
be analyzed through various characterization methods for instance XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis
spectrophotometry. The analysis of FTIR and XRD confirmed the polymer and salt complexation.
The ionic conductivity for prepared GPE was evaluated by means of AC impedance studies at room
temperature. The highest value of ionic conductivity found for PVA: CH3COOAg (30 wt.%) system
was found to be 1.422 × 10-5 S cm-1. The optical and cyclic voltammetric analysis have been examined
and excellent cyclic, reversible performance was observed for the electrolyte PVA:CH3COOAg (70:30
wt.%) up to 10 cycles.
Fluoroquinolones Metal Complexes as Potent Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Khatri Savita , Kumar Manoj , Sehrawat Harkesh , Khatkar S.P. , Taxak V.B. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: April 2022

In this review article, a brief discussion of fluoroquinolones (FQs) and their tendency to form metal
complexes is presented. The effect of FQs-M complexes on disease causing microorganisms is also
summarized. The antibacterial activity of various metal complexes of various fluoroquinolones
[norfloxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), levofloxacin (LEVO), ofloxacin (OFL), gemifloxacin (GEMI),
gatifloxacin (GATI), moxifloxacin (MOX), enrofloxacin (ENRO), sparfloxacin (SPRX)] is reviewed
by comparing zone of inhibition and MIC values of metal complexes. It is found to be either
corresponding with the parent fluoroquinolone or in some cases their respective metal complexes
exhibit stronger antibacterial activity. New approach towards synthesis of FQ-metal complexes has
led to formation of compounds with the anticancer and antiviral activity.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Biologically Active Transition Metal
Complexes of 1H-4,4,6-Trimethyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-thione
Authors: Sethi Pooja , Khare Rajshree , Choudhary Renuka , Kaur Simrat
Published: April 2022

A new series of metal complexes using 1H-4,4,6-trimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2-pyrimidinethione (HTMPT)
ligand were synthesized mechanochemically and also evaluated for antibacterial and DNA
photocleavage potential. Complexes of 1H-4,4,6-trimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2-pyrimidinethione (HTMPT)
[M(tmpt)2(H2O)n] (M = Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Co2+; n = 2 and M = Zn2+, Cd2+, Pd2+; n = 0) were synthesized
in 1:2 metal ligand ratio. All the metal complexes were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, UV-vis,
ESI-mass spectrometry, molar conductivity, magnetic and thermal measurements. 1H NMR and IR
results showed that the coordination occurs via N and S forming four-membered cyclic ring. Mass
spectrum showed the formation of 1:2 metals to ligand stoichiometry. The antibacterial activity of
synthesized compounds was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. All the synthesized compounds
were evaluated for their DNA nicking activity and found most of metal complexes exhibited good
DNA photocleavage activities.
Ultrasonic, Refractometry, FT-IR and DFT Studies on Hydrogen
Bonding Interactions of Ethylene Glycol/Hexanol Binary Mixtures
Authors: Srisanthi K. , Vishwam T. , Sastry S. Sreehari
Published: April 2022

The density (ρ), ultrasonic velocity (U), viscosity (η) and refractometry (nD) measurements are
performed on the ethylene glycol/hexanol binary liquid mixtures in the range of temperatures
298.15-323.15 K. Various parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (β), acoustic impedance (Z),
intermolecular free length (Lf), internal pressure (π) and relaxation time (τ) were calculated based on
the experimentally determined values. The excess parameters were calculated to interpret the hydrogen
bond networks and environment associated with the liquid solution. The interaction energy between
the mixture components is analyzed using the DFT-B3LYP calculations using 6-311+G(d,p),
6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. The FT-IR spectra support the hydrogen bond in the system. The optimization
energy, dipole moment of the components were also represented to correlate the measured parameters.
The various theories of ultrasonic velocities and mixing rules for refractive index values were also
attempted to estimate the ultrasonic speed, refractive index values of the ethylene glycol/hexanol
binary system.
Synthesis, Characterization and Bioactivity Studies of S-Allyl-β-N-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-
ethylidene)dithiocarbazate and its Bis-chelated Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) Complexes
Authors: Junghare Nilesh V. , Jagtap Shrikant B. , Jadhav Rahul R. , Jadhav Jyoti P.
Published: April 2022

The general formula M(mAp-sadtc)2 type of metal complexes (where M = Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) were
synthesized by reaction of S-allyl-β-N-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene)dithiocarbazate ligand
[H-(mAp-sadtc)] with metal(II) acetate salts (M = Ni2+, Cu2+ or Zn2+). The bis-chelated metal complexes
were synthesized by subsequent reaction of metal(II) acetate salts and dithiocarbazate ligand in 1:2
proportion, respectively. The metal complexes and dithiocarbazate Schiff base were characterized by
available methods like elemental analysis, 1H NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, 13C NMR, FT-IR
spectroscopy, molar conductance and magnetic moments. Both nitrogen atoms of azomethine moiety
(C=N) and deprotonated thiolate sulfur of dithiocarbazate ligand coordinated to the central metal ion
formed five-membered rings on chelation. The synthesized dithiocarbazate ligand [H-(mAp-sadtc)]
(1) and its bis-chelated M(mAp-sadtc)2 complexes (2-4) were screened for bioactivity against bacterial
strains. The antibacterial results show that the metal(II) complexes exhibited significantly prominent
antibacterial activity than dithiocarbazate ligand. Among the synthesized bis-chelated metal complexes,
Ni-complex exhibited prominent antibacterial and antifungal activity as compared to other metal(II)
complexes and ligand.
Synthesis and Structural Studies of N-Maltosylated Aryl Thiobiurets
Authors: Mopari Anuja M. , Korpe Gajanan V.
Published: April 2022

The derivatives of urea, thiourea and thiosemicarbazide play an important role in medicinal chemistry
by influencing various pharmacological activities. The design and development of novel N-maltosides
have emerged as an important class of organic compounds. A series of 1-hepta-O-benzoyl-β-D-Maltosyl-
5-aryl-2-4-thiobiurets are described in present work. By mixing hepta-O-benzoyl→D-maltosyl
isocyanates with various aryl thiocarbamides, 1-hepta-O-benzoyl-β-D-maltosyl-5-aryl-2-4-thiobiurets
have been synthesized. The identities of this newly synthesized 1-hepta-O-benzoyl-β-D-Maltosyl-5-
aryl-2-4-thiobiurets were characterized by IR, 1H NMR and mass analyses. The compounds tested for
antibacterial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli, Psudomonas aeruginosa and antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger and
Trichoderma. TLC confirmed the activity of these compounds.
Design and Study of Silk Cocoon-ZnO Micro-Nanocomposite based Gas
Sensor for Detection of Flammable Gas at Room Temperature
Authors: Muralidhar Sindhu Sree , Muniyappa Murthy , Shastri Mahesh , Gangaraju Vinay , Marlingaiah Navyarani , Ananda Kumar C.S. , Shivaramu Prasanna D. , Rangappa Dinesh
Published: April 2022

In present work, a simple hydrothermal method is employed for the synthesis of silk cocoon-ZnO
micro-nanocomposite and investigation of their gas sensing is reported. The ZnO nanoparticles were
synthesized using hydrothermal methods and coated on the surface of silk cocoon layers using a
simple doctor-blade method. The as-prepared silk cocoon-ZnO micro-nanocomposite materials were
analyzed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and IV characteristics. The results confirm the formation of pure ZnO
and silk cocoon-ZnO micro-nanocomposite with rod-like morphology. The surface of silk cocoon
fibers was uniformly coated with ZnO nanorods. The gas sensing property of the as-prepared silk
cocoon-ZnO micro-nanocomposite was evaluated against the leakage of LPG gas at room temperature.
Voltage-Time curve analysis was performed and found that with the detection of LPG gas there is an
increase in the voltage. Based on the present findings, it is proposed that silk cocoon-ZnO
micro-nanocomposite based devices will be suitable for light weight, biocompatible and low-cost gas
sensors.
Synthesis of Dibenzo[b,i]xanthene-5,7,12,14(13H)-tetraone
using p-Toluenesulfonic Acid as Catalyst
Authors: Gunasundari Kittappa , Pramesh Manickam , Jayanthi Selvaraj , Vetriselvan Moorthy , Perci Sreedharan Helen
Published: April 2022

This methodology involves synthesis of dibenzo xanthene tetraone by one pot multicomponent reaction
of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and pyrazole aldehyde in presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA)
as catalyst in ethylene glycol at 75-95 ºC. This protocol provides excellent yields (80-90%) involving
simple workup procedures and purification techniques. By using several spectroscopic techniques the
compounds were characterized.
Purification of Crude Bentonite Clay: Synthesis and
Characterization of Na, Mg and Cu Incorporated Bentonite Clay
Authors: Borah Debasis , Nath Harshajit , Saikia Hemaprobha
Published: April 2022

Commercially available natural bentonite clay samples obtained from Oil India Limited, India, were
purified via standard sedimentation process followed by screening with the help of siphoning process
by applying Stock’s law to obtain < 2 μm fraction of the clay. The Na+, Mg2+ and Cu2+ cations were
incorporated in the interlayers of the bentonite clay by applying different chemical procedures. Modified
bentonite clays thus obtained were characterized by PXRD, HRTEM, FTIR analysis, DRS analysis,
TGA, SEM & EDX analysis, and BET surface area analysis.
Facile Synthesis, Isolation and Characterization of
1-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethanone (Acetovanillone) and its Isomeric
Related Substances as Key Starting Materials for an Antipsychotic Drug: Iloperidone
Authors: Boodida S. , Gudla P. , Maddula S.R.
Published: April 2022

Three isomeric and one process related substances of acetovanillone 1-(4-hydroxy-3-
methoxyphenyl)ethanone (I) were isolated and characterized while developing a laboratory process
and pilot scale synthesis of acetovanillone. These impurities namely, 1-(3-hydroxy-4-
methoxyphenyl)ethanone (Imp 1) (isoacetovanillone impurity), 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-
propan-1-one) (Imp 2) (propiovanillone impurity), 1-(3-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)ethanone (Imp
3) (O-acetoisovanillone impurity-1), 1-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethanone (Imp 4)
(O-acetoisovanillone impurity-2) have been synthesized and reported for the first time. The spectral
characteristics of the synthesized impurities were confirmed with FTIR, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry.
Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide using Chemical and
Catalytic Methods: A Reactor-based Approach
Authors: Hussain Chowdhury Md Shahadat , Ahsan Mohebul , Kabir M. Humayun , Alam Syed S. , Hasnat Mohammad A.
Published: April 2022

A feasible catalytic reactor for oxygen evolution has been proposed, which could complement the current
methods of O2 evolution efficiently and ensure the availability of pure oxygen on a wider scale. Several
chemicals, such as NaI, MnO2, NiSO4, etc. can generally decompose hydrogen peroxide by producing
oxygen as a product via chemical reactions. Meanwhile, the Pt-Pd catalyst efficiently catalyzes hydrogen
peroxide decomposition reactions and generates pure oxygen without any unfriendly species. The
excellence of the bi-metallic catalyst has been validated by the evaluation of turnover number (TON)
and turnover frequency (TOF). Implementing the knowledge of chemical reactions and heterogenous
catalysis, the proposed catalytic reactor could be helpful for generating a continuous flow of oxygen.
Surely, the oxygen produced in this process is higher in amount compared to the oxygen present in the
atmosphere at ambient conditions which might facilitate the breathing support for critically ill patients.
Childhood obesity as a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Raditya Marco , Cathleen Fabiola , Raharjo Daniell Edward , Kurniawan Kristian
Published: April 2022

Background Despite government-developed prevention programs, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has continued to increase, suggesting that the programs are ineffective. Other potential risk factors, such as childhood obesity, may influence adult-onset diabetes.

Objective To assess for a potential association between childhood obesity and adult type 2 DM by meta-analysis of the literature.

Methods This review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statements’ Flow Diagram and Checklist to improve quality of reporting. Cohort studies were chosen for their long-term follow-up. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohorts (NOS-Cohort) was used to assess for bias and quality of the included studies, in addition to the Cochrane Handbook. Analysis was done with forest and funnel plots using RevMan 5.3 software for Macintosh.

Results A total of 237 records with 73,533 participants were retrieved, of which 10 studies were included in our systematic review and 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The most common bias based on NOS-Cohort was inadequate follow-up. Forest plot revealed a significant association between childhood obesity and adult diabetes (OR 3.89; 95%CI 2.97-5.09; I2 0%; P<0.00001). Individuals with childhood obesity were 3.89 times more likely to have adult-onset diabetes. Funnel plot assessment was symmetrical. Studies suggested that childhood obesity led to early insulin resistance and adiposity rebound, which promotes adulthood obesity, a diabetic risk factor.

Conclusion Childhood obesity can be used as a predictor for adult-onset diabetes. Early diabetes screening and prevention guidelines should include childhood obesity as a plausible risk factor.
Factors contributing to successful patent ductus arteriosus closure with first pharmacological course
Authors: Okadharma I Gusti Ayu Made Dwisri , Yantie Ni Putu Veny Kartika , Gunawijaya Eka
Published: April 2022

Background Successful closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with ibuprofen or paracetamol as the first-line treatment has been reported, but little is known about factors affecting the closure rate.

Objective To identify the closure success rate and contributing factors affecting a first course of pharmacological treatment in neonates with PDA.

Methods A retrospective study was conducted in infants with isolated PDA treated with either ibuprofen or paracetamol and admitted to our neonatal care unit from January 2017 until June 2020. Included infants had PDA on echocardiography and received ibuprofen or paracetamol therapy as the closure treatment. Oral ibuprofen was given at 10 mg/kg on first day, then 5 mg/kg on the 2nd and 3rd days; while paracetamol was given intravenously 15 mg/kg every 6 hours for 3 days. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed 3 days after first course of treatment.

Results In total, 20 of 33 (60.6%) infants achieved PDA closure with the first course of treatment. Earlier age at the start of the first course of treatment (PR 7.7; 95%CI 1.2  to 47.7; P=0.035) and normal birth weight (PR 13.3; 95%CI 2.4 to 72.4; P=0.001) were significant factors contributing to PDA closure. However, PDA size did not affect closure rate (PR 2.0; 95%CI 0.4 to 8.5; P=0.46).

Conclusion Pharmacological treatment seems to have a good success rate for PDA closure, with significant positive associations with earlier age at start of treatment and normal birth weight.
Comparative efficacy, safety, and cost of iron chelation monotherapy vs. combination therapy in pediatric beta-thalassemia major: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Simorangkir Dewi Sharon , Nafrialdi Nafrialdi , Wahidiyat Pustika Amalia , Soetikno Vivian
Published: April 2022

Background Iron chelation therapy is used to maintain iron balance in β-thalassemia major patients who undergo repeated blood transfusions.

Objective To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of iron chelation combination regimens [deferiprone (DFP) + deferoxamine (DFO) or DFP + deferasirox (DFX])] vs. high-dose DFP monotherapy (≥ 90 mg/kg/day) in pediatric β-thalassemia major patients.

Methods This cross-sectional, retrospective study was done at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. Retrospective data was obtained from electronic medical records of pediatric b-thalassemia major patients with serum ferritin of ≥ 2,500 ng/mL and/or transferrin saturation of ≥ 60%, who received either combination or monotherapy iron chelation agents. Outcome effectiveness was determined by the reduction of serum ferritin level of at least 80%. Safety was analyzed descriptively. A pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed based on clinical outcomes consisting of effectiveness and direct medical costs.

Results At the end of the study, serum ferritin was reduced in 34.7% of the combination therapy group and 27.5% of the monotherapy group, however there was no significant difference between the two treatments (P=0.391). Nine (19.5%) patients on combination therapy and 17 (21.2%) patients on monotherapy had adverse drug reaction (ADR), with the most frequently reported ADR was elevated transaminase enzyme levels. Cost minimization analysis revealed that monotherapy for 6 months was IDR 13,556,592.64 less expensive than combination therapy (IDR 44,498,732.07); whereas monotherapy for 12 months was IDR 20,162,836.10 less expensive than combination therapy (IDR 78,877,661.12).

Conclusion Combination regimens are as effective as monotherapy regimens in reducing serum ferritin in pediatric β-thalassemia major patients. There is no differences of ADR between combination or monotherapy. The average cost per patient is less expensive with monotherapy compared to combination therapy.
Personalized Research on Diet in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: A Series of N-of-1 Diet Trials
Authors: Kaplan Heather C. , Opipari-Arrigan Lisa , Yang Jiabei , Schmid Christopher H. , Schuler Christine L. , Saeed Shehzad A. , Braly Kimberly L. , Chang Fandi , Murphy Lauren , Dodds Cassandra M. , Nuding Mason , Liu Hao , Pilley Sheri , Stone Julie , Woodward Gisele , Yokois Nancy , Goyal Alka , Lee Dale , Yeh Ann Ming , Lee Peter , Gold Benjamin D. , Molle-Rios Zarela , Zwiener R. Jeff , Ali Sabina , Chavannes Mallory , Linville Tiffany , Patel Ashish , Ayers Travis , Bassett Mikelle , Boyle Brendan , Palomo Pablo , Verstraete Sofia , Dorsey Jill , Kaplan Jess L. , Steiner Steven J. , Nguyen Kaylie , Burgis Jennifer , Suskind David L. ,   for the ImproveCareNow Pediatric IBD Learning Health System
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Evidence about specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is limited. We conducted 54 single-subject, double-crossover N-of-1 trials comparing SCD with a modified SCD (MSCD) and comparing each with the participant's baseline, usual diet (UD).

METHODS:

Across 19 sites, we recruited patients aged 7–18 years with IBD and active inflammation. Following a 2-week baseline (UD), patients were randomized to 1 of 2 sequences of 4 alternating 8-week SCD and MSCD periods. Outcomes included fecal calprotectin and patient-reported symptoms. We report posterior probabilities from Bayesian models comparing diets.

RESULTS:

Twenty-one (39%) participants completed the trial, 9 (17%) completed a single crossover, and 24 (44%) withdrew. Withdrawal or early completion occurred commonly (lack of response [n = 11], adverse events [n = 11], and not desiring to continue [n = 6]). SCD and MSCD performed similarly for most individuals. On average, there was <1% probability of a clinically meaningful difference in IBD symptoms between SCD and MSCD. The average treatment difference was −0.3 (95% credible interval −1.2, 0.75). There was no significant difference in the ratio of fecal calprotectin geometric means comparing SCD and MSCD (0.77, 95% credible interval 0.51, 1.10). Some individuals had improvement in symptoms and fecal calprotectin compared with their UD, whereas others did not.

DISCUSSION:

SCD and MSCD did not consistently improve symptoms or inflammation, although some individuals may have benefited. However, there are inherent difficulties in examining dietary changes that complicate study design and ultimately conclusions regarding effectiveness.
Применение метода Мюллера для определения собственных частот колебаний вязкоупругих тел с частотно-зависимыми характеристиками материала
Authors: Ошмарин Дмитрий Александрович , Oshmarin Dmitrii Alexandrovich , Севодина Наталья Витальевна , Sevodina Natalya Vitalyevna , Юрлова Наталия Алексеевна , Iurlova Natalya Alekseevna
Published: April 2022

Поиск методами численного моделирования оптимальных по демпфирующим свойствам конструкций связан, как правило, с большим объемом вычислений.
В то же время использование для этой цели механической задачи о собственных колебаниях конструкции позволяет оценить ее демпфирующие свойства вне зависимости от внешних силовых и кинематических воздействий, тем самым существенно уменьшив вычислительные затраты.
Результатом решения задачи о собственных колебаниях кусочно-однородных вязкоупругих тел являются комплексные собственные частоты колебаний, действительная часть которых представляет собой частоту, а мнимая - показатель демпфирования (скорость затухания).
Механическое поведение вязкоупругого материала описывается линейной теорией Больцмана-Вольтерра, в рамках которой можно представить механические характеристики вязкоупругого материала в форме комплексных динамических модулей: модуля сдвига и модуля объемного сжатия.
Как правило, данные характеристики зависят от частоты внешнего воздействия.
В данной работе представлен алгоритм, позволяющий получить численное решение задачи о собственных колебаниях в случае, когда характеристики вязкоупругого материала являются функциями частоты.
Алгоритм основан на использовании возможностей пакета прикладных программ ANSYS, а также на методе Мюллера, позволяющем эффективно решать частичную алгебраическую проблему комплексных собственных значений. Работоспособность и эффективность предложенного алгоритма продемонстрированы на примере двухслойной консольно защемленной пластинки, один слой которой выполнен из упругого материала, а другой - из вязкоупругого.
Достоверность полученных результатов подтверждается сравнением собственных частот колебаний, определенных решением задачи о собственных колебаниях такого рода конструкций, с резонансными частотами на амплитудно-частотных характеристиках перемещений из решения задачи об установившихся вынужденных колебаниях в пакете прикладных программ ANSYS.
Моделирование одномерных механодиффузионных процессов в ортотропном сплошном цилиндре, находящемся под действием нестационарных объемных возмущений
Authors: Зверев Николай Андреевич , Zverev Nikolay Andreevich , Земсков Андрей Владимирович , Zemskov Andrei Vladimirovich , Тарлаковский Дмитрий Валентинович , Tarlakovskii Dmitrii Valentinovich
Published: April 2022

Рассматривается полярно-симметричная задача механодиффузии для ортотропного сплошного многокомпонентного однородного цилиндра, находящегося под действием равномерно распределенных радиальных нестационарных объемных возмущений. В качестве математической модели используется связанная система уравнений упругой диффузии в цилиндрической системе координат, которая учитывает релаксационные диффузионные эффекты, подразумевающие конечные скорости распространения диффузионных процессов.
Решение задачи получено в интегральной форме в виде сверток функций Грина c функциями, задающими объемные возмущения. Для нахождения функций влияния применяется интегральное преобразование Лапласа по времени и разложение искомых функций влияния в ряды Фурье по специальным функциям Бесселя. Обращение преобразования Лапласа осуществляется аналитически с помощью теории вычетов и таблиц операционного исчисления.
На примере трехкомпонентного материала, в котором две компоненты являлись независимыми, выполнено исследование взаимодействия механического и диффузионного полей в сплошном ортотропном цилиндре.
Численный метод решения начально-краевой задачи для многомерного нагруженного параболического уравнения общего вида с условиями третьего рода
Authors: Бештокова Зарьяна Владимировна , Beshtokova Zaryana Vladimirovna
Published: April 2022

Исследуется начально-краевая задача для многомерного нагруженного параболического уравнения общего вида с краевыми условиями третьего рода. Для численного решения строится локально-одномерная разностная схема А. А. Самарского с порядком аппроксимации $O(h^2+\tau)$. Методом энергетических неравенств получены априорные оценки в дифференциальной и разностной трактовках, откуда следуют единственность, устойчивость, а также сходимость решения локально-одномерной разностной схемы к решению исходной дифференциальной задачи
в $L_2$-норме со скоростью, равной порядку аппроксимации разностной схемы. Построен алгоритм численного решения и проведены численные расчеты тестовых примеров, иллюстрирующие полученные в данной работе теоретические выкладки.
DYNAMICS OF OIL PRICE, EXCHANGE RATE AND THE TRADE PERFORMANCE OF QUOTED INDUSTRIAL SECTORS AT THE ALL SECURITIES MARKET (ASEM) IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ajeigbe Omowumi Monisola
Published: April 2022

The study examined the dynamic interaction among oil price, exchange rate and the trading performance of quoted industrial sectors at the Nigerian stock exchange market from 1980 to 2020 used in a Panel Vector Error Correction Mechanism (PVECM) framework. Data were sourced from BP Energy Review, Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and Annual report of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market. Findings showed that long run relationships were established for oil price, exchange rate and the stock market performance of the industrial sectors. The result revealed a long run negative relationship among oil price, exchange rate and the stock market performance of the industrial sector. In the absence of possibility of complete shift of the burden of oil price rise on to the consumers, the profits and dividends of companies are reduced which may result into decline in stock prices on the long run. The study suggested that variations in oil price and exchange rate are two strong macroeconomic factors which also stand as a risk factor to the performance of the Stock Exchange Market both at the aggregate market level and the disaggregated industrial sector level, therefore, government policies need to be redirected towards controlling for both the negative and positive effect of the risk factors as their impact on the Stock Exchange Market is revealing from this study.
The role of passage numbers of donor cells in the development of Arabian Oryx – Cow interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos
Authors: Ammari Aiman A. , ALghadi Muath G. , ALhimaidi Ahmad R. , Amran Ramzi A.
Published: April 2022

The cloning between different animals known as interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) was carried out for endangered species. The iSCNT has been characterized by a poor success rate due to several factors that influence the formation of the SCNT in various cytoplasms. The cell cycle of the transferred somatic cell, the passage number of the cultured somatic cell, the mitochondria oocytes, and their capabilities are among these factors. This study investigates the role of the passage number of the Arabian Oryx somatic cell culture when transplanted to an enucleated domestic cow oocyte and embryo developmentin vitro. The fibroblast somatic cell of the Arabian Oryx was cultured for several passage lanes (3–13). The optimal passage cell number was found to be 10–13 Oryx cell lines that progressed to various cell stages up to the blastula stage. There was some variation between the different passage numbers of the oryx cell line. The 3–9 cell line did not show a good developmental stage. These could be attributed to several factors that control the iSCNT as stated by several investigators. More investigation is needed to clarify the role of factors that affect the success rate for the iSCNT.
Synergistic effects of PEG middle-blocks and talcum on crystallizability and thermomechanical properties of flexible PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA bioplastic
Authors: Srisuwan Yaowalak , Baimark Yodthong
Published: April 2022

In this study, talcum was melt-blended with a flexible poly(l-lactide)-b-polyethylene glycol-b-poly(l-lactide) triblock copolymer (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) with 1, 2, 4, and 8 wt% talcum, for improvement of the crystallization and thermomechanical properties of PLLA-PEG-PLLA compared with PLLA. The crystallizability of PLLA-PEG-PLLA/talcum composites was better than that of PLLA/talcum composites as determined from differential scanning calorimetry. X-ray diffractometry showed that the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/talcum films had a higher degree of crystallinity than the PLLA/talcum films. PEG middle-blocks and talcum showed a synergistic effect for crystallization of PLLA end-blocks. The PLLA-PEG-PLLA/talcum films showed better thermomechanical properties than those of the PLLA/talcum films as determined from dynamic mechanical analysis. This was confirmed from the results of dimensional stability to heat. In summary, the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/talcum composites have potential for use as flexible bioplastics with good dimensional stability to heat.
The rate of approximation of functions in an infinite interval by positive linear operators
Authors: Patel Prashantkumar , Rathour Laxmi
Published: April 2022

An estimation of the approximation rate by positive linear operators of functions defined on the positive half line that have finite limit at infinity is discussed.
For the application of the obtained results, we introduce the positive linear operators which preserve

2

a
⁢
x

2^{ax}

,

a
>
0

a>0

, and obtain their uniform convergence, order of approximation via a certain weighted modulus of
continuity, and a quantitative Voronovskaya type theorem.
Anticancer potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles using the stem extract of Commiphora gileadensis against human colon cancer cells
Authors: Al-Zahrani Sabah Ahmed , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , Al-Onazi Mona Awad , Alwhibi Mona S. , Soliman Dina. A. , Aljebrin Nora Abdullah , Al-Suhaibani Leenah Saleh , Al Daihan Sooad
Published: April 2022

Plant-mediated silver nanoparticles are unique and are considered one of the best nanomaterials used in cancer research. We report a low-cost, eco-friendly process of green synthesis of AgNPs from Commiphora gileadensis stem extracts and evaluated their anticancer potential against colon cancer cell lines HCT-116, HT 29, and SW620. Anticancer activities were performed by an MTT assay and gene expression levels of four genes CHEK1, CHEK2, ATR, and ATM by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Particles were initially confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. The morphology and stability of the particles were examined through TEM, zeta potential, and zeta sizer. GC-MS and FTIR were performed to examine the functional groups. The absorption peak was recorded at 430 nm; the average size recorded by TEM images was 13 nm, while the zeta potential and zeta sizer study showed aggregation in nanoparticles. Compared to C. gileadensis extracts, some of the FT-IR spectrum peaks were sight shifted with some new peaks in C. gileadensis AgNPs. C. gileadensis AgNPs were more toxic against HT29 followed by HTC116 and SW620. Expression levels of most of the genes in HCT116 and HT29 were increased by treatment whereas the gene expression level was least affected in SW620. C. gileadensis AgNPs have anticancer potential and need to be explored in cancer research.
Effect of in situ observation of cooling rates on acicular ferrite nucleation
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Yang Shufeng , Li Jingshe , Guo Hao , Chen Zhengyang
Published: April 2022

The effect of cooling rates on acicular ferrite (AF) nucleation was observed in situ by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The precipitation characteristics of TiN–MnS inclusions, the austenite grain size, and the content and morphologies of AF were analyzed and compared under different cooling rates. The results indicated that with the increase of the cooling rate, the size of TiN–MnS inclusions precipitated in the test steel gradually decreased while the inclusion number increased. When the cooling rate increased from 0.2 to 10°C·s−1, the average inclusion size decreased from 2.7 to 1.3 µm. The austenite grain size decreased gradually with the increase of the cooling rate, and the larger the cooling rate was, the more uniform the grain size distribution. The AF proportion increased first and then decreased, it reached the maximum when the cooling rate was 5°C·s−1, which accounted for 82.6%. Meanwhile, the dendrite size decreased gradually, the average length decreased from 30 to 5 µm, and the average width decreased from 2.8 to 0.7 µm when the cooling rate increased from 0.2 to 10°C·s−1.
Interpretive challenges with American presidential discourse described as joking
Authors: Davies Catherine Evans
Published: April 2022

When an American president speaks in a way that is later characterized as joking/kidding, a wide range of interpretations become possible. At a minimum, there are two basic interpretations: serious and non-serious. At the other extreme, there may be as many nuanced interpretations as there are audiences for the discourse. This study examines the “just/only joking” strategy outside of the face-to-face context and how it has been enacted in relation to presidential discourse. Using as data three prototypical examples for which public interpretations were available, the study explores how the two main audiences (currently polarized political groupings in the United States) tend to interpret the “joking” in relation to the performance style of former President Donald J. Trump either as a harmless joke or as a grave threat.
Replacement name (nomen novum) for Rhinolophus monticolus Soisook et al., 2016
Authors: Soisook Pipat , Bates Paul J. J.
Published: April 2022

A new substitute name for Rhinolophus monticolus Soisook, Karapan, Srikrachang, Dejtaradol, Nualcharoen, Bumrungsri, Oo, Aung, Bates, Harutyunan, Bús and Bogdanowicz, 2016, preoccupied by the taxon R. monticola K. Andersen, 1905, is here provided.
Die Katastrophe der asketischen Ideale in interkultureller Hinsicht. Wissenschaft, Askese und Nihilismus in GM III 27
Authors: Giacóia Junior Oswaldo
Published: April 2022

The Catastrophe of the Ascetic Ideals from an Intercultural Perspective. Science, Asceticism and Nihilism in GM III 27. This article aims to clarify the meaning and strategic position of the parentheses on the development of philosophy in India in GM III 27. Nietzsche’s reference to the philosophical development in India reveals his intercultural considerations and helps clarify the relations between science and ascetic ideal as a moment of the historical-genealogical reconstitution of European nihilism. I argue that honest forms of atheism and science contain the core of the ascetic ideal and that the critique of nihilism is therefore inevitably self-referential. Nietzsche’s intercultural view sheds new light on important current philosophical questions such as the scope of Giorgio Agamben’s homo-sacer-project and on the prospects of non-European philosophical perspectives.
Nanotechnology application on bamboo materials: A review
Authors: Sun Haoxian , Li Xuhong , Li Haitao , Hui David , Gaff Milan , Lorenzo Rodolfo
Published: April 2022

Bamboo is one of the renewable materials which can be applied in the engineering field widely. Previous research has shown that bamboo’s inherent poor durability can limit the application of bamboo materials. And nanotechnology has been receiving more and more attention on improving the properties of natural materials, simultaneously. This article aims to promote the application of nanotechnology on bamboo by presenting some guides. And this article has been organized as follows: first, the characteristics and nanomechanical behavior of bamboo in mesoscopic and nanoscopic scale have been introduced. Then, nanomaterials for modifying bamboo have been presented. Next, some analyses on the improvement of some properties of nano-modified bamboo materials have been made. Finally, future perspectives have been discussed.