bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of HL60-IL-6 Assay for in vitro Pyrogen Detection of CAR-T Cells Products
Authors: Wang Can , Wang Mingren , Li Gaomin , Wang Ziqiang , Shao Hong , Chen Gang
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To detect the pyrogen in CAR-T cells product employing the HL60-IL-6 assay.

Method:

The HL60 cells were incubated with CAR-T cells injection or endotoxin standard for 48
hours. After then, the secreted cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) from HL60 cells was determined by ELISA.
According to the four-parameter logistic curve fitted by Optical Density (OD) value corresponding
to IL-6 and endotoxin standard concentration, the endotoxin equivalents of pyrogen content in the
CAR-T cells products can be measured. Then, the method was validated, including the limit of detection
(LOD), limit of quantitation, the recovery rate and the comparison of the determined results by
HL60-IL-6 assay with that by the conventional pyrogen test, the Rabbit Pyrogen Test (RPT).

Results:

The HL60-IL-6 assay applied to pyrogen test in CAR-T cells products has been established
and validated, The LOD was 0.03 EU/mL while the LOQ was 0.07 EU/mL, the recovery rates were
121.4% and 94.5% respectively. The results determined by HL60-IL-6 assay were consistent with that
by the RPT.

Conclusion:

The HL60-IL-6 assay can be employed in CAR-T cell products in vitro pyrogen test.
DNA Methylation and Bladder Cancer: Where Genotype does not Predict Phenotype
Authors: Sharma Amit , Reutter Heiko , Ellinger Jörg
Published: January 2020

Nearly three decades ago, the association between Bladder cancer (BC) and DNA methylation
has initially been reported. Indeed, in the recent years, the mechanism connecting these two has
gained deeper insights. Still, the mediocre performance of DNA methylation markers in the clinics
raises the major concern. Strikingly, whether it is the inter-individual methylation variations or the
paucity of knowledge about methylation fingerprints lying within histologically distinct subtypes of
BC requires critical discussion. In the future, besides identifying the initial causative factors, it will be
important to illustrate the cascade of events that determines the fraction of the genome to convey altered
methylation patterns specific towards each cancer type.
Levosimendan Prevents Memory Impairment Induced by Diabetes in Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Rababa'h Abeer M. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Baydoun Sandy , Khabour Omar F.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer and phosphodiesterase inhibitor that has
potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Objectives:

The aim of the current study is to investigate the potential protective effect of levosimendan
on learning and memory impairment induced by diabetes.

Methods:

Adult Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=15 rats/group): control,
levosimendan, streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes, and levosimendan-STZ diabetes. Upon confirmation
of the success of the STZ diabetic model, intraperitoneal levosimendan (100µg/kg/week) was administrated
to the assigned groups for 4 weeks. Then, the radial arm water maze was used to evaluate
spatial learning and memory. Oxidative stress biomarkers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were
evaluated in hippocampal tissues.

Results:

The results showed that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) impaired both short- and long- term memory
(P<0.01), while levosimendan protected the animals from memory impairment. In addition, levosimendan
prevented DM-induced reduction in the hippocampal levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione
peroxidase (P<0.05). Moreover, the administration of levosimendan prevented DM-induced increases in
hippocampal thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level (P<0.05). Furthermore, levosimendan restored
the ratio of reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in DM rats to that observed in the control group
(P<0.05).

Conclusions:

In summary, DM induced learning and memory impairment, and treatment with
levosimendan impeded this impairment probably through preventing alterations in the antioxidant system
in the hippocampus.
Mathematical Modeling to Address Challenges in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dogra Prashant , Ramírez Javier R. , Peláez María J. , Wang Zhihui , Cristini Vittorio , Parasher Gulshan , Rawat Manmeet
Published: January 2020

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is regarded as one of the most lethal cancer types for its challenges associated with early diagnosis and resistance to standard chemotherapeutic agents, thereby leading to a poor five-year survival rate. The complexity of the disease calls for a multidisciplinary approach to better manage the disease and improve the status quo in PDAC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. To this end, the application of quantitative tools can help improve the understanding of disease mechanisms, develop biomarkers for early diagnosis, and design patient-specific treatment strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes. However, such approaches have only been minimally applied towards the investigation of PDAC, and we review the current status of mathematical modeling works in this field.
Recent Advances in the Nano-Catalytic Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Khaligh Nader Ghaffari , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: January 2020

α,β-Unsaturated acids are well-known and useful reagents, and they have been applied in
different fields due to their fascinating properties. The catalytic Knoevenagel condensation reaction
is one of the most remarkable methods for the formation of C=C bonds. The multi-substituted alkenes
can be obtained from the reaction of carbonyl and active methylene compounds in the presence
of base catalysts, Brönsted catalysts, Lewis acid catalysts, or ionic liquids. In terms of providing both
desirable structural diversity and compound libraries, Doebner-Knoevenagel condensation is the
most efficient strategy. There is a high demand for an efficient, rapid, environment-friendly, and sustainable
catalytic protocol under milder conditions for the stereoselective synthesis of Knoevenagel
products, which can tolerate a wide variety of functions. Carrying out the transformations through
alternative reagents, catalysts, or methods provides a valuable and broad space for selectivity. Herein,
the recent advances in the synthesis of structurally diversified Knoevenagel products using nanocatalysts
are reviewed.
Mini Review: Recent Advances in the Cell-Based Therapies for Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Luo Lan , Li Tao-Sheng
Published: January 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally,
and traditional pharmaceutical and surgical interventions delay the progression of CVDs. Recently,
stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising candidate for treating and preventing heart failure. Increasing
efforts have been devoted towards the exploration and identification of potential cell types to
repair the injured heart, such as skeletal myoblasts, embryonic, induced pluripotent, bone marrowderived,
mesenchymal, and resident cardiac stem cells. In addition, direct reprogramming of cardiac
fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes represents a novel approach to cardiac regeneration. Herein, we summarize
the recent progress in the use of various cell types for cardiac regeneration and discuss major
challenges and future perspectives of cell-based therapies for CVDs.
Lysine Methyltransferases Signaling: Histones are Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Authors: Lukinović Valentina , Casanova Alexandre G. , Roth Gael S. , Chuffart Florent , Reynoird Nicolas
Published: January 2020

Protein lysine methylation is a functionally diverse post-translational modification involved
in various major cellular processes. Lysine methylation can modulate proteins activity, stability, localization,
and/or interaction, resulting in specific downstream signaling and biological outcomes. Lysine
methylation is a dynamic and fine-tuned process, deregulation of which often leads to human pathologies.
In particular, the lysine methylome and its associated signaling network can be linked to carcinogenesis
and cancer progression.

Histone modifications and chromatin regulation is a major aspect of lysine methylation importance, but
increasing evidence suggests that a high relevance and impact of non-histone lysine methylation signaling
has emerged in recent years. In this review, we draw an updated picture of the current scientific
knowledge regarding non-histone lysine methylation signaling and its implication in physiological and
pathological processes. We aim to demonstrate the significance of lysine methylation as a major and
yet underestimated posttranslational modification, and to raise the importance of this modification in
both epigenetic and cellular signaling by focusing on the observed activities of SET- and 7β-strandcontaining
human lysine methyltransferases.

Recent evidence suggests that what has been observed so far regarding lysine methylation’s implication
in human pathologies is only the tip of the iceberg. Therefore, the exploration of the “methylome
network” raises the possibility to use these enzymes and their substrates as promising new therapeutic
targets for the development of future epigenetic and methyllysine signaling cancer treatments.
Assessment of Training Outcomes of Nurse Readers for Diabetic Retinopathy Telescreening: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Boucher Marie Carole , Nguyen Michael Trong Duc , Qian Jenny
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

With the high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its significant visual consequences if untreated, timely identification and management of diabetic retinopathy is essential. Teleophthalmology programs have assisted in screening a large number of individuals at risk for vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. Training nonophthalmological readers to assess remote fundus images for diabetic retinopathy may further improve the efficiency of such programs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the performance, safety implications, and progress of 2 ophthalmology nurses trained to read and assess diabetic retinopathy fundus images within a hospital diabetic retinopathy telescreening program.

METHODS

In this retrospective interobserver study, 2 ophthalmology nurses followed a specific training program within a hospital diabetic retinopathy telescreening program and were trained to assess diabetic retinopathy images at 2 levels of intervention: detection of diabetic retinopathy (level 1) and identification of referable disease (level 2). The reliability of the assessment by level 1−trained readers in 266 patients and of the identification of patients at risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy by level 2−trained readers in 559 more patients were measured. The learning curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the readings were evaluated using a group consensus gold standard.

RESULTS

An almost perfect agreement was measured in identifying the presence of diabetic retinopathy in both level 1 readers (κ=0.86 and 0.80) and in identifying referable diabetic retinopathy by level 2 readers (κ=0.80 and 0.83). At least substantial agreement was measured in the level 2 readers for macular edema (κ=0.79 and 0.88) for all eyes. Good screening threshold sensitivities and specificities were obtained for all level readers, with sensitivities of 90.6% and 96.9% and specificities of 95.1% and 85.1% for level 1 readers (readers A and B) and with sensitivities of 86.8% and 91.2% and specificities of 91.7% and 97.0% for level 2 readers (readers A and B). This performance was achieved immediately after training and remained stable throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Notwithstanding the small number of trained readers, this study validates the screening performance of level 1 and level 2 diabetic retinopathy readers within this training program, emphasizing practical experience, and allows the establishment of an ongoing assessment clinic. This highlights the importance of supervised, hands-on experience and may help set parameters to further calibrate the training of diabetic retinopathy readers for safe screening programs.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/
Involvement of People With Dementia in the Development of Technology-Based Interventions: Narrative Synthesis Review and Best Practice Guidelines (Preprint)
Authors: Rai Harleen Kaur , Cavalcanti Barroso Aline , Yates Lauren , Schneider Justine , Orrell Martin
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Technology can be helpful in supporting people with dementia in their daily lives. However, people with dementia are often not fully involved in the development process of new technology. This lack of involvement of people with dementia in developing technology-based interventions can lead to the implementation of faulty and less suitable technology.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to evaluate current approaches and create best practice guidelines for involving people with dementia in developing technology-based interventions.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in January 2019 in the following databases: EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database), PsycINFO, MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Web of Science. The search strategy included search terms in 3 categories: dementia, technology, and involvement in development. Narrative synthesis wove the evidence together in a structured approach.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies involved people with dementia in a single phase, such as development (n=10), feasibility and piloting (n=7), or evaluation (n=1). Only 3 studies described involvement in multiple phases. Frequently used methods for assessing involvement included focus groups, interviews, observations, and user tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies concluded that it was both necessary and feasible to involve people with dementia, which can be optimized by having the right prerequisites in place, ensuring that technology meets standards of reliability and stability, and providing a positive research experience for participants. Best practice guidelines for the involvement of people with dementia in developing technology-based interventions are described.
Feasibility of a Digital Health Intervention to Improve Diet Quality Among Women With High Blood Pressure: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Steinberg Dori M , Kay Melissa C , Svetkey Laura P , Askew Sandy , Christy Jacob , Burroughs Jasmine , Ahmed Hira , Bennett Gary G
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Over 100 million individuals have high blood pressure, and more than half of them are women. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern is a proven lifestyle approach to lower blood pressure, yet population-level adherence is poor. Innovative strategies that promote DASH are needed.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to improve adherence to the DASH diet among women with hypertension or prehypertension.

METHODS

We conducted a 3-month randomized controlled feasibility trial comparing app-based diet tracking (active comparator) to app-based diet tracking plus feedback on DASH adherence via text message (intervention). The intervention platform extracted nutrient data from the app, compared it to DASH recommendations, and sent tailored feedback text messages. Outcomes included the number of days participants tracked their diet, changes in their DASH adherence score, and blood pressure.

RESULTS

The women (N=59) had a mean age of 49.9 (SD 11.9) years and were primarily non-Hispanic White (41/59, 69%) and college educated (49/59, 83%). The mean baseline DASH score was 2.3 (SD 1.3). At 3 months, the intervention and active comparator participants had similar mean days tracked per week (4.2, SD 2.1 days vs 4.6, SD 2.7 days; P=.54) and mean changes in their DASH score (0.8, 95% CI 0.2-1.5 vs 0.8, 95% CI 0.4-1.2; P=.75). Intervention participants had lower systolic (mean difference: –2.8 mmHg, 95% CI –1.8 to 7.4; P=.23) and diastolic (mean difference: –3.6 mmHg, 95% CI –0.2 to 7.3; P=.07) blood pressure compared with active comparator participants. Most intervention participants (23/29, 79%) said they would recommend the DASH Cloud intervention to a friend or family member. However, only 34% (10/59) indicated that the feedback text messages helped them reach their diet goals.

CONCLUSIONS

A digital health intervention to improve DASH adherence is feasible and produces moderately high engagement among women with elevated blood pressure. The intervention did not enhance DASH adherence over diet tracking alone but resulted in greater reductions in blood pressure. Larger studies are needed to determine how digital health interventions can improve population-level adherence to DASH.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03215472; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03215472
Mediterranean Style Diet and Kidney Function Loss in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Gomes-Neto António W. , Osté Maryse C.J. , Sotomayor Camilo G. , van den Berg Else , Geleijnse Johanna Marianna , Berger Stefan P. , Gans Reinold O.B. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Navis Gerjan J.
Published: January 2020

Background and objectives

Despite improvement of short-term graft survival over recent years, long-term graft survival after kidney transplantation has not improved. Studies in the general population suggest the Mediterranean diet benefits kidney function preservation. We investigated whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with kidney outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We included 632 adult kidney transplant recipients with a functioning graft for ≥1 year. Dietary intake was inquired using a 177-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a nine-point Mediterranean Diet Score. Primary end point of the study was graft failure and secondary end points included kidney function decline (doubling of serum creatinine or graft failure) and graft loss (graft failure or death with a functioning graft). Cox regression analyses were used to prospectively study the associations of the Mediterranean Diet Score with study end points.

Results

During median follow-up of 5.4 (interquartile range, 4.9–6.0) years, 76 participants developed graft failure, 119 developed kidney function decline, and 181 developed graft loss. The Mediterranean Diet Score was inversely associated with all study end points (graft failure: hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.50 to 0.91; kidney function decline: HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.85; and graft loss: HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.88 per two-point increase in Mediterranean Diet Score) independent of potential confounders. We identified 24-hour urinary protein excretion and time since transplantation to be an effect modifier, with stronger inverse associations between the Mediterranean Diet Score and kidney outcomes observed in participants with higher urinary protein excretion and participants transplanted more recently.

Conclusions

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better kidney function outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SOURSOP (ANNONA MURICATA) LEAVES
Authors: QORINA FONA , ARSIANTI ADE , FITHROTUNNISA QOTRUNNADA , TEJAPUTRI NADZILA ANINDYA
Published: January 2020

Objective: Soursop (Annona muricata) is a tropical plant which has been utilized as a folk medicine to treat many diseases including cancer, inflammation and parasitic infection. In this study, we investigated its phytochemistry properties and antioxidant activity against free radicals.

Methods: Annona muricata leaves were extracted in three different solvents: ethanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. Afterwards, a phytochemistry test and the thin layer chromatography (TLC) method were used to evaluate bioactive compounds contained in the three different extracts. Antioxidant activity from the semi-polar (ethyl acetate) and polar (ethanol) solvents were evaluated by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method, and the antioxidant activity is expressed by IC50 value. The results were compared to ascorbic acid as a positive control.

Results: The phytochemistry test showed that the extracts were positive for flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and tannins. Moreover, TLC analysis revealed that there were three chemical compounds contained in the extracts. The results from the DPPH method were that ethanolic extract was shown to have the most potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 35.51 ppm.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Annona muricata could be developed as the next promising natural antioxidant source.
EFFECT OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA LINN ON IL-6 AND TNF- α LEVELS IN OVERTRAINED RAT HEART
Authors: SANTOSO DEWI IRAWATI SOERIA , YUNITA SRI , PARAMITA NURUL , ANDRAINI TRINOVITA , KARTINAH NENG TINE , BAYANI GUSHAN FAHMI EL , ILYAS ERMITA I. IBRAHIM
Published: January 2020

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HSL) administration on the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels in rat heart. Overtraining was proven to increase the IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the blood, and HSL had anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, no studies have been conducted on the effect of methanolic extract of HSL administration on the IL-6 and TNF-α levels in overtrained rat heart.

Methods: This study used 25 male adult Wistar rats aged 8–10 w and weighing 200–250 g. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), control H. sabdariffa Linn (C+HSL), overtraining (OT), overtraining H. sabdariffa Linn (OT+HSL), and aerobic (A). Treatment was given 5 times a week for 11 w. At the end of the study, the IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured using a standard ELISA kit.

Results: IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the heart were the highest in the overtraining group. The group that received HSL administration showed the lowest TNF-α and IL-6 levels.

Conclusion: HSL could be a used to protect the heart from an inflammatory state, particularly in an overtraining condition.
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS AMONG RELAPSED PATIENTS IN WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA: A DESCRIPTIVE AND ANALYTICAL STUDY
Authors: WIJAYANTO MOHAMMAD A. , ARNANDA RAIHAN A. , THAMRIN EDO P.
Published: January 2020

Objective: Indonesia has one of the highest burdens of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), with 6800 new cases of MDR-TB annually and a previously reported cure rate of 51%. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that affect the development of MDR-TB in the diverse population of West Papua.

Methods: A case–control study was conducted in Sorong Regency Regional Hospital, a referral center for MDR-TB in West Papua. Data were obtained from medical records of patients with relapsed TB between January 2014 and September 2017. Extracted data included demographic characteristics, family history, medication history (type of medication and duration), smoking history, supporting examinations (sputum test for acid-fast bacilli [AFB] and radiologist interpretation of thoracic X-ray), and comorbidities (HIV and diabetes mellitus).

Results: Among 549 patients with suspected MDR-TB, 45 were confirmed to have MDR-TB. These 45 patients were defined as the case group and compared with a control group of 45 relapsed patients who had drug-sensitive TB. A great number of subjects in both case and control groups (44.4% and 57.8%) were categorized as previously lost to follow-up. Bivariate analysis using the chi-squared test found that an AFB result of+3 (odds ratio [OR]: 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76–16.09), diabetes mellitus (OR: 6.14, 95% CI 1.26–29.89), and completion of intensive-phase category I anti-TB therapy (OR: 3.25, 95% CI 1.04–10.07) were associated with MDR-TB.

Conclusion: These clinical variables provide initial information about MDR-TB in West Papua and will assist clinicians to manage patients in related populations who have these risk factors.
CURCUMIN INCREASES THE SENSITIVITY OF BREAST CANCER CELLS TO TAMOXIFEN BY INHIBITING MRP2 MRNA EXPRESSION OF EFFLUX TRANSPORTER MRP2
Authors: KRISNAMURTI DESAK GEDE BUDI , WANANDI SEPTELIA INAWATI , LOUISA MELVA
Published: January 2020

Objective: Tamoxifen is the drug of choice to treat breast cancer positive for estrogen receptor. Long-term use of tamoxifen can induce multidrug resistance (MDR) associated with decreased sensitivity of cancer cells to the drug. One of the causes of MDR is overexpression of efflux transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)2. Various drugs are known to act as MRP2 inhibitors, including curcumin. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen through inhibition of MRP2.

Methods: We used MCF-7 cells that were previously exposed to long-term tamoxifen treatment [MCF-7(T) cells]. MCF-7(T) cells were treated with 1 µM tamoxifen, curcumin (5, 10, and 20 µM), combinations of curcumin (5, 10, and 20 µM) and 1 µM tamoxifen, or 10 µM nevirapine (a known MRP2 inhibitor) for 5 d. Then, the cells were harvested, counted to assess cell viability, and evaluated for MRP2 mRNA expression.

Results: Treatment with curcumin alone or in combination with tamoxifen significantly reduced cell viability at all curcumin concentrations compared with the control. The reduction in cell viability was accompanied by a reduced level of MRP2 mRNA expression.

Conclusion: Application of curcumin to MCF-7 cells previously exposed to long-term tamoxifen treatment increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to tamoxifen. The increased sensitivity of these cells was attributed, at least in part, to inhibition of the efflux transporter MRP2.
THE ROLE OF VITAMIN D, VITAMIN D RECEPTOR GENE FOKI POLYMORPHISM, AND CATHELICIDIN IN TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION IN CHILDREN
Authors: AMELIN FITRISIA , YANI FINNY FITRI , MACHMUD RIZANDA
Published: January 2020

Objective: Recent studies have reported that vitamin D has an important role in tuberculosis. Polymorphism of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2228570 or FokI will generate proteins with various amino acid lengths, and affect the molecular physiological roles of vitamin D. Cathelicidin acts as an antimicrobial directly against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and mediator autophagy by macrophages induced by vitamin D. This study aims to determine the role of vitamin D, vitamin D receptor gene SNP rs2228570 (FokI), and plasma levels of cathelicidin in children with tuberculosis infection.

Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted on children aged £14 y who had close contacts with an adult who had sputum smear positive for acid-fast bacilli indicating pulmonary TB. The children were divided into two groups: those with and those without TB infection. Demographic data and blood samples were taken from children participating in this study to examine polymorphisms and cathelicidin plasma levels, and to determine the association between these levels in children with and without TB infection.

Results: There were no differences in the proportion of genotype and allele of SNP rs2228570 vitamin D receptor gene (FokI), polymorphisms of VDR, and cathelicidin plasma levels between children with and without TB infection (p>0.05). However, nutritional status and levels of cathelicidin by age category increased the risk of TB infection (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Cathelicidin level in children with TB infection lower than without. Vitamin D and FokI polymorphism did not play role in TB infection.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE EFFECTS OF NIGELLA SATIVA: WEIGHING THE EVIDENCE
Authors: LOKESWARA ANGGA WIRATAMA , AFARATU KEVIN , PRIHASTAMA RAFINDHRA ADHITYA , FARIDA SITI
Published: January 2020

Objective: Hypertension causes 7.5 million deaths annually worldwide. Antihypertensive drugs cause side effects, potentially leading to non-adherence, hence uncontrolled hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in alternative pharmacological treatments for hypertension, one of which is black cumin, or Nigella sativa, a traditional medicine that has been empirically used. This evidence-based case report aims to evaluate the current evidence for the effectiveness of Nigella sativa in reducing blood pressure in a mildly hypertensive patient.

Methods: A literature search was performed on MEDLINE, TRIP Database, Clinical Key, ScienceDirect, and DynaMed, using the keywords “nigella sativa”, “hypertension”, and “blood pressure” with all their synonyms and related terms. The included studies were two systematic reviews and two clinical trials, which were then critically appraised.

Results: Out of the four studies, three were considered valid. In terms of importance, Sahebkar et al. showed a reduction of the weighted mean difference (WMD) by Nigella sativa: −3.26 mmHg, 95% CI: −5.10, −1.42, I2 = 59% for systolic blood pressure and WMD: −2.80 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.28, −1.32, I2 = 60% for diastolic blood pressure. Badar et al. concluded that Nigella sativa significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the control group. Two studies were considered applicable to our patient in question.

Conclusion: The current evidence for the effect of Nigella sativa in lowering blood pressure is limited. However, one study gives strong evidence for significant antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa. In mild hypertension, Nigella sativa could be one of the therapeutic options.
ALOE VERA VS. SILVER SULFADIAZINE FOR TREATING SECOND-DEGREE BURN WOUNDS: EVIDENCE-BASED CASE REPORT
Authors: MENNA CLARA , CALISTA NABILLA , AURINO LEORCA , DWIJAYANTI ADISTI
Published: January 2020

Objective: Current treatment for second-degree burn wounds, including silver sulfadiazine (SSD) application, may cause side effects such as delayed and incomplete wound healing, leaving a scar. Traditional plants empirically used for burn wounds, such as Aloe vera, seem to be a promising option with good safety profiles.

Methods: We therefore compared Aloe vera to SSD for second-degree burn wounds based on a review of clinical trials obtained by an organized search through the Cochrane, PubMed, and DynaMed databases. Three randomized clinical trials studies were selected, two of which were critically appraised. The third study, with a different outcome assessment, was analyzed separately.

Results: Two studies showed that Aloe vera was more effective in treating second-degree burn wounds than SSD 1% with an absolute risk reduction of 0.2, relative risk reduction of 0.83–1.0, and number needed to treat five patients. The Aloe vera group showed faster healing, earlier epithelialization, and earlier pain alleviation. The third study combined Aloe vera with other herbs, which showed better healing ability and restored skin hydration than those with SSD.

Conclusion: Each of the three articles stated that Aloe vera was more effective than SSD for treating second-degree burn wounds. Nevertheless, each of the studies lacked methodology and comprehensive data reporting.
FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF THEOPHYLLINE HYDROCHLORIDE EFFERVESCENT FLOATING TABLETS: EFFECT OF POLYMER CONCENTRATION ON TABLET BUOYANCY
Authors: E. I. AKPABIO , D. E. EFFIONG , T. O. UWAH , N. I. SUNDAY
Published: January 2020

Objective: This study was undertaken to formulate a floating drug delivery system of theophylline hydrochloride using different concentrations of a chosen polymer and then investigate how polymer concentration affects buoyancy and drug release properties of the tablets.

Methods: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at different concentration levels of 15% (F1), 20% (F2) and 30% (F3) was used to form the three formulation batches of floating tablets. Wet granulation method was used for the granule preparation while Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were used as the gas generating agent. The physical properties of the granules and the floating tablets were evaluated. Also determined were the physicomechanical properties, buoyancy and swelling characteristics of the tablets. The in vitro drug release study was carried out according to the USP I (basket method) for 8h in 900 ml 0.1N HCl at 50 rpm. Samples withdrawn at the regular predetermined time were analyzed spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 271 nm and data obtained statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The differences between means were considered significant at P<0.05.

Results: The result showed that polymer (HPMC) concentration significantly (p>0.05) increased swelling index and improved floating lag time, it had no significant effect on the total floating time. Percentage drug release at the end of 8 h was 100%, 98.2% and 96.13% for formulation F1, F2 and F3, respectively. All three formulations followed the Higuchi drug release kinetics model and the mechanism of drug release was the non Fickian diffusion with exponents of 0.46, 0.51 and 0.56 for the respective batch.

Conclusion: Batch F3 gave a better-controlled drug release and floating properties in comparison to batch F1 and F2 thus Polymer concentration influenced the onset of floating and controlled the release of Theophylline.
Furos
Authors: Vieira Marcus André
Published: January 2020

Aborda-se a contemporaneidade a partir do primeiro escaneamento integral de um corpo humano. Destaca-se, a seguir, a função do objeto a partir da retomada lacaniana da teorização do luto por Freud. Delimitam-se, assim, as bases de uma teoria lacaniana da perda, localizando a importância do objeto a e destacando-se sua função de causa do desejo. Configura-se o lugar da causa como furo, sempre extrínseco à quaisquer redes de causalidade que se possa elaborar, de modo a abordar a dinâmica da vida com relação à localização dos furos no corpo e sua relação com o infinito.
A ironia trágica de Machado de Assis
Authors: Pessoa Patrick
Published: January 2020

O texto defende, a partir de uma análise das Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas, de Machado de Assis, que a ironia do autor deve ser lida como uma espécie de ironia trágica. A fundamentação dessa hipótese é realizada em três etapas: na primeira, apresenta-se o conceito de ironia trágica, como tematizado por Christoph Menke e Wayne Booth; na segunda, mostra-se como a noção de ironia trágica permite compreender a célebre definição de Lukács de que “a ironia é a objetividade do romance”; finalmente, o texto discute como o conceito de ironia trágica ao mesmo tempo esclarece e subverte as interpretações tradicionais da obra de Machado de Assis.
Poesia em tempos de indigência
Authors: Süssekind Pedro
Published: January 2020

O artigo a seguir discute as conexões entre o filme Quei loro incontri, de Jean-Marie Straub, o romance Diálogos com Leucó, de Cesare Pavese, e as reflexões de Friedrich Hölderlin acerca da Grécia Clássica, dos deuses e do mundo moderno. A célebre pergunta "Para que poetas em tempos de indigência?", do poema "Pão e vinho" de Hölderlin, serve como referência para essa discussão.
Francis Bacon sob o olhar de Gilles Deleuze: a imagem como intensidade
Authors: Fontes Filho Osvaldo
Published: January 2020

O ensaio de Gilles Deleuze La logique de la sensation é texto que se detém principalmente na prática e na eficácia da imagem. A pintura de Francis Bacon é ali tomada como paradigma de modernidade ao investir contra os clichês expressivos e ao produzir imagem junto à brutalidade dos fatos, como um contra-efeito do narrativo. Em uma obra que conjura todo modelo a representar, toda história a contar, “alguma coisa se passa”, explica Deleuze, “que define o funcionamento da pintura”. Algo se passa, tem lugar: o acontecimento de uma catástrofe e de uma histeria no ato de pintura que acomete a Figura de modo a transmitir uma potencial violência de reação e de expressão. O “Bacon” de Deleuze apresenta a realidade vivida em uma nova e não-convencional ordem de sensação.

Neste artigo, são comentados os modos como o filósofo interpreta os atos físicos da pintura de Bacon — marcas aleatórias, varredura da massa pictural, escansão das superfícies —, procedimentos que introduzem no mundo visual da figuração a variedade caótica dos fatos e sentidos. Mostra-se como as faces e as figuras contorcidas, distorcidas, escorchadas de Bacon recebem uma voz conceitual complementar no texto de Deleuze. Consequentemente, focaliza-se a disposição de alguns conceitos do filósofo: diagrama, Figura, diferença, espaço háptico. Locados no espaço afetivo ou na “lógica da sensação” da pintura baconiana, esses conceitos atribuem legitimidade ao entrelaçamento e à co-implicação entre arte e filosofia.

Uma última observação dá conta do fato de a prática da imagem em Bacon, apresentada por Deleuze no palco de uma modernidade particularmente solapada por um “dilúvio anestésico de imagens reprimindo a possibilidade de pensar”, evidenciar para o filósofo os rumos necessariamente sinuosos, “reptilíneos”, do pensamento moderno. Tanto o conceito como a forma criam por catástrofe, por conflagração, por variações alotrópicas.
Penegakan Hukum Administrasi Akibat Pembakaran Hutan Dan Lahan Oleh Badan Hukum Perdata di Kabupaten Muaro Jambi
Authors: Fitria Fitria
Published: January 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: 1.mekanisme Penegakan Hukum administrasi akibat Pembakaran Hutan dan Lahan Oleh Badan Hukum Perdata di Kabupaten Muaro Jambi. 2. Untuk mengetahui dan menganalis menganalisis Upaya Penanggulangan akibat Pembakaran Hutan dan Lahan oleh Badan Hukum Perdata di Kabupaten Muaro Jambi. Pendekatan yang digunakan bersifat yuridis empiris, secara yuridis melihat peraturan perundang-undangan yang mengatur tentang pengawasan terhadap Penegakan Hukum Adminsitrasi akibat pembakaran hutan dan lahan, secara empiris dengan melihat apakah ketentuan pengawasan terhadap penegakan hukum administrasi akibat pembakaran hutan dan lahan oleh badan hukum perdata tersebut diterapkan di Kabupaten Muaro Jambi.Di dalam Undang-Undang Kehutanan telah diatur tentang larangan membakar hutan seperti yang terdapat dalam Pasal 50 ayat (3) huruf d yang menyatakan “setiap orang dilarang membakar hutan”, Pasal 69 ayat (1) huruf a dan h UU-PPLH menyatakan, Setiap orang dilarang: “melakukan perbuatan yang mengakibatkan pencemaran dan/atau perusakan lingkungan hidup; dan melakukan pembukaan lahan dengan cara membakar. Dari Penelitian ini di harapkan pelanggaran yang dilakukan pemegang izin usaha dibidang Perkebunan yang telah melakukan pembakaran hutan dan lahan di Kabupaten Muaro Jambi patut dikenakan sanksi yang tegas. Sanksi administrasi merupakan salah satu instrumen hukum dalam menjaga kelestarian lingkungan. Tetapi dalam pelaksanaannya sering kali kita melihat sulitnya menerapkan sanksi terhadap pelanggaran-pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh pemegang izin Perkebunan karena masalah pembuktian.Apabila penerapan sanksi administrasi tidak diterapkan, maka kerusakan terhadap lingkungan akan semakin meluas dan masalah pembakaran lahan tidak akan kunjung selesai. Oleh sebab itu, pemerintah Kabupaten Muaro Jambi di tuntut untuk mengusut kasus pembakaran lahan secara serius dan menerapkan sanksi sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku.
Russian military hybrid operations in Ukraine: Adapting strategy and tactics to the contemporary structure of war
Authors: Pejic Igor
Published: January 2020

With the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, more than a decade old term of
hybrid warfare was brought back to life. The frequent usage of the term
"hybrid warfare" on a global scale inconsequentially produced an alteration
of the term's true meaning. In an attempt to define a hybrid war various
aspects of power are being added, sometimes by mistake, which can be
employed in a military manner. This paper will explore the concept of hybrid
warfare in Ukraine on the premises of Russian military operations and their
method of employing military force in the next generation of warfare. The
main research subject represents the study of operational and tactical
components of the military-political happenings on Crimea and in the region
of Donbas, as well as the study of the modern approach in the deployment and
utilization of military forces in the next generation of warfare. The
altered visage of modern warfare, affected by various socio-economic and
technological changes, also demands certain adjustments to military strategy
and tactics in terms of force employment and how these efforts correlate
with geopolitical goals and the manner in which they are accomplished. In
the paper, the author will use a variety of primary and secondary sources in
order to set a comprehensive theoretical foundation that will help us with
the ongoing analysis of the Ukrainian war and the role of Russian armed
forces in it. The goal of this study is to grasp and explain the changed
concept of military force as well as to call attention to the dynamic nature
of military strategy, which is constantly adjusting itself to the volatile
character of war. The main findings of this paper are focused on a partial
displacement of the Klauzewitzian centre of gravity, from higher strategic
levels towards lower operational and tactical levels of military
organization, as well as the fact that the Russian armed forces have managed
to successfully reinvent itself after numerous political and economic
hardships that have ensued after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
ANGKA ASAM DAN PEROKSIDA MINYAK JELANTAH DARI PENGGORENGAN LELE SECARA BERULANG
Authors: Khoirunnisa Zulfa , Wardana Agung Setya , Rauf Rusdin
Published: January 2020

Minyak goreng merupakan bahan pangan yang banyak dikonsumsi masyarakat. Penggunaan minyak goreng berulang kali akan mengakibatkan kerusakan minyak yang terdiri dari kerusakan oksidasi dan hidrolisis. Lele menjadi makanan yang sangat diminati oleh masyarakat Indonesia karena rasanya enak dan harganya juga relatif murah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui angka asam dan peroksida minyak jelantah dari penggorengan lele secara berulang. Metode Penelitian ini adalah sampel diperoleh dari minyak goreng yang telah digunakan untuk menggoreng lele sebanyak tiga kali pada hari pertama dilanjutkan tiga kali pada hari kedua sehingga menjadi enam kali dan dilanjutkan tiga kali pada hari ketiga sehingga menjadi sembilan kali dengan ketentuan setiap menggoreng terdapat 3 ekor lele. Lele yang digunakan yaitu lele dengan berat 100-120 gram dengan penambahan bumbu. Deep frying merupakan metode penggorengan yang digunakan. Cara penggorengan diawali dengan memanaskan minyak goreng hingga mencapai suhu 150-165oC. Sampel diambil sebanyak 50 gram setelah dilakukan penggorengan dan dimasukkan kedalam botol kaca kemudian disimpan dalam suhu kulkas untuk dianalisis angka asam dan angka peroksida. Seluruh jumlah angka asam dan angka peroksida pada penggorengan hari pertama hingga penggorengan hari ketiga masih dalam batas standar SNI 3741:2013 yang telah ditentukan.
HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN TENTANG MENSTRUASI DENGAN KESIAPAN SISWI SD DALAM MENGHADAPI MENARCHE
Authors: Nurmawati Ida , Erawantini Feby
Published: January 2020

Saat ini usia menstruasi pertama kali pada remaja putri terjadi lebih cepat dengan tidak diikuti kesiapan remaja dalam menghadapi menarche. Sehingga remaja memiliki respon negatif terhadap menarche yang dialaminya seperti merasa takut, terkejut, sedih, kecewa, malu, khawatir, dan bingung. Hasil survey SDKI tahun 2012 menyarankan remaja perlu dibekali informasi yang cukup menjelang haid pertamanya (menarche). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat pengetahuan siswi SD tentang menstruasi dengan kesiapan siswi SD dalam menghadapi menarche. Jenis penelitian bersifat observatiobal study dengan pendekatan crossectional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswi kelas 6 SDN Tegalgede 01 Kabupaten Jember berjumlah 37. Sampel dalam penelitian ini diambil dengan teknik sampling jenuh sehingga total sampel berjumlah 37 siswi. Analisis dalam penelitian ini menggunakan uji Rank Spearman. Analisis bivariat menggunakan tabel silang diketahui bahwa siswi dengan kesiapan baik lebih banyak terjadi pada siswi dengan pengetahuan baik (82,4%) dibandingkan siswi dengan pengetahuan kurang (30%). Hasil uji statistik didapatkan ada hubungan tingkat pengetauan siswi SD tentang menstruasi dengan kesiapan siswi dalam menghadapi menarche (p value = 0,026). Berdasarkan nilai r = 0,367 diketahui bahwa semakin tinggi tingkat pengetahuan maka semakin siap siswi dalam menghadapi menarche.
Analisis Dan Desain Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Data Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai Pada Kecamatan Curug
Authors: Taufiq Rohmat , Kusniati Nadia Resti , Supriyono Supriyono
Published: January 2020

Kecamatan Curug merupakan instansi pemerintah yang menyalurkan Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai kepada warga miskin, dengan jumlah data warga yang terbilang banyak data tersebut disimpan menggunakan program Microsoft Excel. Laporan yang dihasilkan saat ini masih terdapat banyak kesalahan pada data peserta, banyak terjadi redudancy data dikarenakan kesalahan saat menginput. Hasil laporan tidak terkelompok membuat petugas mengalami kesulitan saat ingin mencari dan memperbaiki kesalahan data. Selain itu sering terjadi kehilangan data serta sulitnya Staff Kecamatan untuk mengetahui informasi laporan data karena keterlambatan dalam pembuatan laporan dari Pendamping BPNT. Hal tersebut membuat kinerja petugas menjadi terhambat. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut, penulis mengusulkan aplikasi Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Data BPNT menggunakan metode analisa berorientasi objek dan alat bantu Unified Modelling Language (UML). Sistem ini dibuat untuk membantu mempercepat proses penyelesaian pekerjaan Pendamping dan Staff Kecamatan, serta mengurangi resiko kesalahan yang mungkin terjadi.
PELATIHAN DASAR DAN WORKSHOP KEWIRAUSAHAAN DI DESA CINTARATU KABUPATEN PANGANDARAN
Authors: Sukoco Iwan , Fordian Dian , - Rusdin
Published: January 2020

Kampus Program Studi Di luar Kampus Utama (PSDKU) Unpad Pangandaran berada di Desa Cintaratu Kecamatan Parigi Kabupaten Pangandaran. Keberadaan PSDKU Unpad Pangandaran tersebut tidak bisa dilepaskan dari masyarakat sekitarnya. Keberadaan PSDKU Unpad Pangandaran dan masyarakat, khususnya di Desa Cintaratu Kabupaten Pangandaran harus bersinergi dan saling memberikan manfaat.  Atas dasar itu, Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat (PPM) dilakukan dengan tujuan memberikan pengetahuan dasar mengenai kewirausahaan dan workshop kepada pelaku UMKM di Desa Cintaratu Kabupaten Pangandaran. Sehinggan output dari PPM ini dapat mengembangkan ekonomi dan bisnis masyarakat Desa Cintaratu Kabupaten Pangandaran.Kegiatan yang telah dilaksanakan meliputi social mapping di Desa Cintaratu sebagai bahan acuan dalam menyusun program kerja PPM. Program kerja utama meliputi program fisik dan non fisik. Adapun program fisik yaitu pelatihan kewirausahaan dan workshop, pengelolaan kelompok usaha kecil, pendampingan dan pengelolaan organisasi bersama perangkat desa, pengelolaan inventarisasi dusun, pembuatan organisasi dan perbaikan sistem pengelolaan program pariwisata, peningkatan inovasi produk dalam kelompok usaha masyarakat. sedangkan program non fisik meliputi peningkatan minat mengembangkan usaha dan pelatihan kewirausahaan.  Universitas Padjadjaran Pangandaran Campus is located in Cintaratu Village, Parigi Sub-District, Pangandaran District. The existence of the campus cannot be separated from the communities around it, therefore there needs to be synergy that will be mutually beneficial for both. From that perspective, this social service (PPM) was done for the purpose of giving basic knowledge about entrepreneurship and workshops to the UMKM participants in Cintaratu Village, Pangandaran District. The output of this PPM aims to develop the economy and businesses of the Cintaratu Village communities.The activities that has been done started with social mapping of Cintaratu Village as the basis for developing the PPM action plan. Afterwards the entrepreneurship training and workshop, small business group management, guidance and management of an organization training with the help of village government staff were held. Village inventory management, creation of an organization that focuses on tourism and how to manage the tourism programs, and also increasing the product innovation within community businesses were also done during the program. This program also involves efforts to increase the willingness of the community to develop their own businesses and get involved in further entrepreneurship training.