bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of GafChromic EBT2 film dose measurements using a tissue-equivalent water phantom for a Theratron® Equinox Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine
Authors: Addo Daniel Akwei , Kaufmann Elsie Effah , Tagoe Samuel Nii , Kyere Augustine Kwame
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In vivo dosimetry is a quality assurance tool that provides post-treatment measurement of the absorbed dose as delivered to the patient. This dosimetry compares the prescribed and measured dose delivered to the target volume. In this study, a tissue-equivalent water phantom provided the simulation of the human environment. The skin and entrance doses were measured using GafChromic EBT2 film for a Theratron® Equinox Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine.

Methods

We examined the behaviors of unencapsulated films and custom-made film encapsulation. Films were cut to 1 cm × 1 cm, calibrated, and used to assess skin dose depositions and entrance dose. We examined the response of the film for variations in field size, source to skin distance (SSD), gantry angle and wedge angle.

Results

The estimated uncertainty in EBT2 film for absorbed dose measurement in phantom was ±1.72%. Comparison of the measurements of the two film configurations for the various irradiation parameters were field size (p = 0.0193, α = 0.05, n = 11), gantry angle (p = 0.0018, α = 0.05, n = 24), SSD (p = 0.1802, α = 0.05, n = 11) and wedge angle (p = 0.6834, α = 0.05, n = 4). For a prescribed dose of 200 cGy and at reference conditions (open field 10 cm x 10 cm, SSD = 100 cm, and gantry angle = 0º), the measured skin dose using the encapsulation material was 70% while that measured with the unencapsulated film was 24%. At reference irradiation conditions, the measured skin dose using the unencapsulated film was higher for open field configurations (24%) than wedged field configurations (19%). Estimation of the entrance dose using the unencapsulated film was within 3% of the prescribed dose.

Conclusions

GafChromic EBT2 film measurements were significantly affected at larger field sizes and gantry angles. Furthermore, we determined a high accuracy in entrance dose estimations using the film.
Assessing dependence between frequency and severity through shared random effects
Authors: Becker Devan G. , Woolford Douglas G. , Dean Charmaine B.
Published: August 2022

Research on the occurrence and the final size of wildland fires typically models these two events as two separate processes. In this work, we develop and apply a compound process framework for jointly modelling the frequency and the severity of wildland fires. Separate modelling structures for the frequency and the size of fires are linked through a shared random effect. This allows us to fit an appropriate model for frequency and an appropriate model for size of fires while still having a method to estimate the direction and strength of the relationship (e.g., whether days with more fires are associated with days with large fires). The joint estimation of this random effect shares information between the models without assuming a causal structure. We explore spatial and temporal autocorrelation of the random effects to identify additional variation not explained by the inclusion of weather related covariates. The dependence between frequency and size of lightning-caused fires is found to be negative, indicating that an increase in the number of expected fires is associated with a decrease in the expected size of those fires, possibly due to the rainy conditions necessary for an increase in lightning. Person-caused fires were found to be positively dependent, possibly due to dry weather increasing human activity as well as the amount of dry few. For a test for independence, we perform a power study and find that simply checking whether zero is in the credible interval of the posterior of the linking parameter is as powerful as more complicated tests.
The magnitude of anemia and preventive practices in mothers with children under five years of age in Dodi Papase, Volta region of Ghana
Authors: Dzando Gideon , Sanyaolu Adekunle , Okorie Chuku , Jaferi Urooj , Marinkovic Aleksandra , Prakash Stephanie , Patidar Risha , Desai Priyank , Younis Kokab
Published: August 2022

Background

Socio-demographic factors influence the magnitude of anemia in endemic areas. The purpose of this study is to establish the magnitude of anemia and to determine anemia preventive practices carried out by mothers with children under five years of age in the Kadjebi District of the Volta region of Ghana.

Methods

This purposive sampling study involved women of reproductive age with children less than five years of age from Saint Mary Theresa Hospital and nurses practicing in the pediatric ward of the hospital. A questionnaire and interview guide were administered respectively, and the data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.

Results

A total of 150 participants were studied; among which analysis of anemia was carried out on 129 women whose children had their hemoglobin levels checked and recorded in the laboratory. Hemoglobin levels recorded for these children showed that 85.3% were anemic, even though 93.8% of the mothers had been given iron supplements during their pregnancy. Furthermore, anemia prevention practices comprised whether the child had been given any anti-malaria prophylaxis (98.4% denied), if the child had been dewormed in the last three months (89.9% denied), whether the child was given iron supplements in the last three months (59.7% denied), if the child had been given vitamin supplements in the last three months (24.0% denied).

Conclusion

Most of the children in the study were anemic. Mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding, iron, and vitamin supplementation, and ensured that children slept under insecticide-treated mosquito nets as a means of preventing malaria.
Effects of nutritional and hydration strategies during ultramarathon events between finishers and non-finishers: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Navalta James W. , Beck Victor D. Y. , Diaz Taylor M. , Ollano Vernice E.
Published: August 2022

Ultramarathon running is a sport that is growing in popularity. Competing in an ultramarathon event is physiologically taxing on the human body, and it should not be surprising that not all individuals who enroll for an event ultimately finish. While many factors can contribute to this phenomenon, it is likely that nutritional and hydration strategies play a large role between finishing and not finishing an ultramarathon. No published paper has systematically reviewed the effects of nutritional and hydration strategies during ultramarathon events between finishers and non-finishers. This paper details our intended protocol with the following steps that create the flow of the systematic review: 1) Determine the review question and Participant, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Study Design (PICOS) criteria; 2) Create inclusion and exclusion criteria; 3) Create and follow a search strategy; 4) Document sources that are included and excluded according to the pre-determined eligibility criteria; 5) Assess final sources for risk of bias; 6) Extract pertinent data from final full-text articles and synthesize the information; and 7) Disseminate findings of the systematic review.
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the antifungal properties of tissue conditioner incorporated with essential oils-loaded chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Ashraf Hina , Gul Hashmat , Jamil Bushra , Saeed Asfia , Pasha Mehwish , Kaleem Muhammad , Khan Abdul Samad
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate new tissue conditioner (TC) formulations involving chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) and essential oils (EO) for their antifungal potential, release kinetics, and hardness.

Materials and methods

CSNPs were synthesized, and the separate solutions of CSNP were prepared with two types of EO, i.e., Oregano oil and Lemongrass. The EO was loaded separately in two concentrations (200 μL and 250 μL). The blank and EO-loaded CSNPs were screened against Candida albicans (C. albicans), and their minimum inhibitory concentration was established. GC Reline™ (GC corporation, USA) TC was considered a control group, whereby the four experimental groups were prepared by mixing CSNPs/EO solutions with TC powder. The antifungal effectiveness (C. albicans) and release kinetics behavior (1–6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) was investigated. The Shore A hardness of control and experimental groups was evaluated in dry and wet modes (deionized water and artificial saliva). For statistical analysis, SPSS version 22 was used to do a one-way ANOVA post-hoc Tukey’s test.

Results

Compared to the control group, TCs containing blank CSNPs and CSNPs loaded with EO showed 3 and 5 log reductions in C. albicans growth, respectively. A significantly high antifungal effect was observed with TC containing lemongrass essential oil (200 μL). The continuous release of EO was detected for the first 6 hours, whereas completely stopped after 48 hours. Mean hardness values were highest for dry samples and lowest for samples stored in artificial saliva. The statistically significant difference within and between the study groups was observed in mean and cumulative essential oils release and hardness values of TCs over observed time intervals irrespective of storage media.

Conclusion

TCs containing essential-oil-loaded CSNPs seem a promising alternative treatment of denture-induced stomatitis, however, a further biological analysis should be taken.
Preconception care utilization and associated factors among reproductive age women in Mizan-Aman town, Bench Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2020. A content analysis
Authors: Setegn Alie Melsew , Alemu Tsedach , Alemayehu Dereje , Negesse Yilkal , Gebremariam Abebe
Published: August 2022

Background

Preconception care is highly important in reducing a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes and helps to improve maternal health. Preconception care optimizes women’s health and improves pregnancy outcomes. It is a cost-effective first-line preventive strategy for birth defects. However, preconception care utilization in Ethiopia was very low. Studies on these issues are limited in Ethiopia in general and in Mizan-Aman town in particular.

Objective

To assess preconception care utilization and associated factors among reproductive age women in Mizan-Aman town, Bench-Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study design was employed from April 16 to May 26, 2020 in Mizan-Aman town. The total study participants were 624 reproductive age women. Data were collected by using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaires and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 then exported to STATA version 14 and analyzed accordingly. Univeriate and Bivariable analysis was done by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test. Multivariable statistical analysis using generalized linear regression model (GLM) approach was used to classify factors of preconception care utilization. Since our response variable is measured in terms of count variable, we used a Poisson regression model with a log link function. Finally, Statistical significance between dependent and independent variables were assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Overall, 28.6% of the women receipt atleast one item of preconception care while only 1.5% were taken the whole recommended components of preconception care services. The most common item received in the study area was taking micronutrient supplementation (18.5%). Age of women, educational status, husbands educational status, husbands occupation, wealth status, distance from the health facility, waiting time to get services, planning to pregnancy, age at first pregnancy, previous ANC use, Previous PNC use, adverse pregnancy experience, women’s knowledge of preconception care, and attitude on preconception care were determinants of preconception service utilization.

Conclusions

Preconception care component utilization was lower as compare with recommended service with different disparities. Multipurpose tailored strategies which incorporate a woman with no formal education, poor knwledge on preconception care,never take maternal services previously and distant from health facility could improve preconception care service utilization. Advocative strategies on preconception care component and planning pregnancy may elicite more women to use the services of preconception care.
Prognostic value of SPARC in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Xia Yunhong , Wang Shuomin , Sun Chen
Published: August 2022

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a high degree of malignancy, rapid proliferation of tumor cells, and early liver metastasis. Resistance to multiple drugs independent of the high expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is associated with a high risk of recurrence and mortality. However, the prognostic value of SPARC in patients with HCC remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the expression of SPARC and the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Methods

We searched for relevant articles in the CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for combined overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) to assess the prognostic value of expression of SPARC in patients with HCC.

Results

In six of the studies, SPARC expression status was significantly associated with OS (combined hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.0–1.82; Z = 2.27, P = 0.02) but not with DFS (combined HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.16–4.00, Z = 0.28, P = 0.78). Therefore, it cannot be assumed that upregulated SPARC expression has an effect on DFS in patients with HCC.

Conclusion

Elevated SPARC expression is associated with a low survival rate but not with DFS in patients with HCC. Further studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.

Registration

INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202180115.https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-8-0115/.
Adverse childhood experiences, bullying, inflammation and BMI in 10-year-old children: The biological embodiment
Authors: Soares Sara , Santos Ana Cristina , Fraga Sílvia
Published: August 2022

Exposure to adversity during the first years of life might already be biologically embedded well before adult life. Thus, the impact of different stressful experiences needs to be explored. This study aims to examine if the association between being victimized (adverse childhood experiences—ACEs and bullying) and (hs-) C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is explained by the influence of adversity on the body mass index (BMI) of the child. We included children from the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI (n = 3712) that at 10 years of age completed a questionnaire on the exposure to ACEs and bullying victimization, assessed by an adaptation from the original ACEs study and an adaptation of The Bully Scale Survey, respectively. Following an overnight fast, a venous blood sample was collected by trained nurses and hs-CRP was assayed in fresh blood samples. Weight and height were measured with the child in underwear and bare feet. Weight was measured to the nearest one-tenth of a kilogram with the use of a digital scale (Tanita), and height was measured to the nearest one-tenth of a centimetre with the use of a wall stadiometer (seca®). BMI was calculated as the value of weight (kg) over squared height (m), and computed as an age- and sex-specific BMI standard deviation (SD) score (z-score), according to the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards (5–19 years). Regression coefficients and respective 95% Confidence Interval [β(95%CI)] were computed using path analysis. We observed that ACEs had a positive total effect on hs-CRP at the age of 10 years (β = 0.06; 95%CI: -0.02; 0.15). A direct effect (β = 0.02; 95%CI: -0.01; 0.06) accounted for 66.1% of the association between ACEs and hs-CRP. A positive total effect of bullying victimization on hs-CRP (β = 0.20; 95%CI: 0.06; 0.34) was observed. A direct effect (β = 0.08; 95%CI: -0.05; 0.21) accounted for 40.0% of the association, while an indirect effect through BMI (β = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.06; 0.18) explained 60.0% of the pathway between bullying victimization and hs-CRP. Results suggest that there might be different mechanisms involved in the biological embedding of childhood experiences. BMI seems to explain a great part of the association between exposure to bullying victimization and hs-CRP at 10 years of age. Further research is still needed to better understand the mechanisms explaining the emergence and persistence of health poorer outcomes later in life for victims of abuse.
A panel regression analysis for the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States
Authors: Guo Yinpei , Li Bo , Duan Tonghua , Yao Nan , Wang Han , Yang Yixue , Yan Shoumeng , Sun Mengzi , Wang Ling , Yao Yan , Sun Yuchen , Jia Jiwei , Liu Siyu
Published: August 2022

This study explored the roles of epidemic-spread-related behaviors, vaccination status and weather factors during the COVID-19 epidemic in 50 U.S. states since March 2020. Data from March 1, 2020 to February 5, 2022 were incorporated into panel model. The states were clustered by the k-means method. In addition to discussing the whole time period, we also took multiple events nodes into account and analyzed the data in different time periods respectively by panel linear regression method. In addition, influence of cluster grouping and different incubation periods were been discussed. Non-segmented analysis showed the rate of people staying at home and the vaccination dose per capita were significantly negatively correlated with the daily incidence rate, while the number of long-distance trips was positively correlated. Weather indicators also had a negative effect to a certain extent. Most segmental results support the above view. The vaccination dose per capita was unsurprisingly proved to be the most significant factor especially for epidemic dominated by Omicron strains. 7-day was a more robust incubation period with the best model fit while weather had different effects on the epidemic spread in different time period. The implementation of prevention behaviors and the promotion of vaccination may have a successful control effect on COVID-19, including variants’ epidemic such as Omicron. The spread of COVID-19 also might be associated with weather, albeit to a lesser extent.
Angiotensin-(3–4) normalizes the elevated arterial blood pressure and abnormal Na+/energy handling associated with chronic undernutrition by counteracting the effects mediated by type 1 angiotensin II receptors
Authors: Pereira-Acácio Amaury , Veloso-Santos João P. M. , Nossar Luiz F. , Costa-Sarmento Gloria , Muzi-Filho Humberto , Vieyra Adalberto
Published: August 2022

We investigated the mechanisms by which chronic administration of a multideficient diet after weaning alters bodily Na+ handling, and culminates in high systolic blood pressure (SBP) at a juvenile age. From 28 to 92 days of age, weaned male Wistar rats were given a diet with low content and poor-quality protein, and low lipid, without vitamin supplementation, which mimics the diets consumed in impoverished regions worldwide. We measured food, energy and Na+ ingestion, together with urinary Na+ excretion, Na+ density (Na+ intake/energy intake), plasma Na+ concentration, SBP, and renal proximal tubule Na+-transporting ATPases. Undernourished rats aged 92 days had only one-third of the control body mass, lower plasma albumin, higher SBP, higher energy intake, and higher positive Na+ balance accompanied by decreased plasma Na+ concentration. Losartan or Ang-(3–4) normalized SBP, and the combination of the 2 substances induced an accentuated negative Na+ balance as a result of strong inhibition of Na+ ingestion. Na+ density in undernourished rats was higher than in control, irrespective of the treatment, and they had downregulated (Na++K+)ATPase and upregulated Na+-ATPase in proximal tubule cells, which returned to control levels after Losartan or Ang-(3–4). We conclude that Na+ density, not only Na+ ingestion, plays a central role in the pathophysiology of elevated SBP in chronically undernourished rats. The observations that Losartan and Ang-(3–4) normalized SBP together with negative Na+ balance give support to the proposal that Ang II⇒AT1R and Ang II⇒AT2R axes have opposite roles within the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system of undernourished juvenile rats.
Elevated risk of acute epiglottitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Huang Shu-Yi , Hsu Cheng-Ming , Yang Yao-Hsu , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Tsai Ming-Shao , Chang Geng-He , Liu Chia-Yen , Lee Yi-Chan , Huang Ethan I. , Tsai Yao-Te
Published: August 2022

Objective

In individuals with epiglottitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common comorbidity; however, the impact of COPD under such circumstances is not well documented. Therefore, we performed this population-based study to determine whether, in adults, COPD is a risk factor for epiglottitis.

Methods

In this retrospective matched-cohort study, data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed. We identified all patients newly diagnosed as having COPD in 2000–2011 and performed frequency matching and propensity-score matching for every patient with COPD individually to another patient without a COPD diagnosis. We used epiglottitis occurrence as the study endpoint, and we investigated the hazard ratio of epiglottitis by using the Cox proportional hazards model after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

In the frequency matching, the cumulative epiglottitis incidence was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the COPD cohort. According to the adjusted Cox proportional hazard model, COPD exhibited a significant association with elevated epiglottitis incidence (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.70, p = 0.009). Similar trend was observed in the propensity-score matching analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 0.99–2.29, p = 0.057). Our subgroup analysis revealed COPD to be an epiglottitis risk factor in male patients and those aged 40–64 years.

Conclusions

This is the first nationwide matched-cohort research to examine the association of COPD with epiglottitis. Our results revealed that COPD may be a potential risk factor for epiglottitis; thus, clinicians should be mindful of the potential increased risk of epiglottitis following COPD.
Supporting Mathematics Pre-Service Teachers Refection with 360degree Video and the Knowledge Quartet
Authors:   University of South Australia, O’Keeffe Lisa , White Bruce ,   University of South Australia
Published: August 2022

Secondary mathematics teaching is often characterised by teacher-led pedagogies centred on practice and memorising formula which can dominate incoming pre-service teachers’ perceptions of mathematics teaching. Hence, creating opportunities for pre-service teachers (PSTs) - particularly those who have not experienced student-centered pedagogies – to see the power of alternative pedagogical approaches is crucial in the early experiences of their teacher training. This paper explores the potential of 360degree video recordings of micro teaching of PSTs to enhance initial reflections using the Knowledge Quartet. Drawing on four PSTs’ 360degree video reflections using the Knowledge Quartet framework we unpack the different ways that 360degree video provides additional opportunities for understanding the wider classroom impact of PST pedagogical decision making. The findings suggest that together these two tools offer an effective platform for PSTs to trial teaching approaches and reflect on their practice in a structured way.
MDR—ABC transporter activity in normal population and in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Szerémy Péter Gábor
Published: August 2022

Az elmúlt 10 évben paradigmaváltás történt a multidrog rezisztencia (MDR) transzporter hatásmechanizmus klinikai jelentőségének és potenciális biomarkerként való működésének megértésében. Korábban azt feltételezték, hogy a multidrog rezisztencia - ATP-kötő kazetta (MDR—ABC) transzporterek aktivitásnak kizárólag a gyógyszer molekulák sejtből történő kipumpálásában van szerepe és egyes gyógyszerek terápiás hatékonyságának csökkenése is csak ezzel a funkciójával függ össze. Újabban egyre több bizonyíték mutat arra, hogy a transzportereknek fontos szerepük van a gyógyszer molekulák kipumpálása mellett, az immun- és a gyulladásos folyamatok szabályozásában. Számos gyulladásos jelzőmolekula sejtből történő kijutásának legfontosabb útvonalának bizonyultak. Ide tartoznak például a thrombocyta-aktiváló faktor (PAF), a sphingosine-1- foszfát (S1P) és eikozanoidok (prosztanoidok és leukotriének), amelyek a krónikus gyulladás fontos mediátorai közé tartoznak. Az MDR—ABC transzporterek modulálhatják a sejt redox homeosztázisát is. Ezenkívül számos tanulmány kimutatta az MDR—ABC transzporterek klinikai jelentősségét prognosztikus (adott betegség kórjóslatára utaló) és / vagy prediktív (egy adott terápiára való válaszkészséget jelző) markerként az aktív reumatoid artritisz (RA) immunszupresszív terápiájban. melynek során metotrexátot, egyéb szintetikus betegség lefolyást módosító szereket (sDMARD) vagy biológiai DMARD-okat alkalmaztak. Az új koncepció szerint az MDR—ABC transzporterek biomarkerek. Az immunfolyamatokban és a multidrog rezisztenciában betöltött szerepük gyorsan fejlődő kutatási terület. Feltételezhetően egy komplex, biomarkerekből álló panel részeként lesznek felhasználva a prognosztikai értékeléshez, betegség aktivitás monitorozásához vagy bizonyos gyógyszerek hatásának előrejelzéséhez (pl. immunszuppresszív kezelések vagy kemoterápia rosszindulatú daganatok esetén). Az MDR–ABC transzporter aktivitás klinikai döntésekbe és kezelési rendbe történő átültetéséhez azonban jól meghatározott normál referencia és kóros aktivitási értékekre van szükség. Ez az értekezés azt vizsgálja, hogy az új tudományos eredmények fényében hogyan alkalmazhatóak az MDR–ABC transzporterek prediktív biomarkerekként a reumatoid artritiszben (RA). A multidrug-rezisztencia-fehérje 1 (MDR1), a multidrog rezisztencia-asszociált fehérje 1 (MRP1) és az emlőrák-rezisztencia fehérje (BCRP) transzporterek szerepére összpontosítottunk reumatoid artritiszben.
Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms Leaves with Anti-inflammatory,
Antioxidant Property: in vitro and in silico Study
Authors: Deka Manoj Kumar , Chakraborty Raja , Kandar Chandi Charan , Sen Saikat , Sahariah Bhargab Jyoti
Published: August 2022

The present investigation aimed to find the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of
fractions of methanol extract of Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms leaves followed by isolation and
identification bioactive molecule and evaluate its possible mechanism through in silico study. A
methanol extract of Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms leaves subjected for chromatographic
fractionation and pure isolates (F1-F8) were evaluated for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity
using albumin denaturation inhibition assay and in vitro antioxidant activity. Fraction F4 showed
highest in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 70.02 μg/mL), whereas fractions F3, F4, F7 showed
better in vitro antioxidant activity compare to other fractions. F4 fraction was screened for its tentative
structure using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR. The spectral analysis showed that the fraction F4 has a tentative
structure of olean 19-ene-1yl-acetate. The molecular docking studies showed that test ligand significantly
interact with different key active sites of amino acids and thus confirm possible COX-2 inhibitory
activity of fraction F4. In vitro and in silico study confirmed the isolation of possible anti-inflammatory
from Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms leaves, which may further used as lead to a development of a
new therapeutic agent.
Novel Analytical Approach for the Estimation of Oxalic Acid Content in Sodium
Ascorbate by Reversed Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Jadhav Rajiv A. , Joshi A.S. , Pawar P.R. , Ahirrao V.K. , Bembalkar S.R.
Published: August 2022

A simple and novel reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method
employing Triart C18 column has been developed and validated for the estimation of oxalic acid content
in sodium ascorbate drug substance and drug product. Forced degradation study of sodium ascorbate
was performed at acid, base, oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Oxalic acid was
found as final degradants. The separation was achieved in isocratic mode using mixture of
tetrabutylammonium hydroxide-phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and acetonitrile in the ratio of 80:20; v/v as
mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min–1 using UV detector. The method was validated as per the
ICH guideline (Q2R1) for accurate and precise quantification of oxalic acid content in sodium ascorbate.
The obtained limit of quantification of oxalic acid was 0.034%. Mean recovery of oxalic acid was
found to be 98.9 ± 8.7%. Presented method could be applied for the estimation of oxalic acid content
in sodium ascorbate at pharmaceutical laboratories.
Lemongrass Oil Containing Chitosan Microcapsules by Ionotropic Gelation
Authors: Paragodaarachchi Y.L. , Wickramarachchi S.R.
Published: August 2022

Ionotropic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) as the crosslinker was successfully used to
formulate lemongrass oil containing chitosan microcapsules. Formation of oil in aqueous chitosan
polymer solution was followed by crosslinking with STPP. Optimum formulation for the synthesis of
microcapsules was found varying the amounts of lemongrass oil (1-3 g), chitosan solution (1-2%) and
STPP (0.5-1.0 g). Microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
scanning electron microscopy and stage microscope. Encapsulation efficiency, oil content, oil load
and release rates were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. The SEM images indicated that the oil
loaded capsules are spherical in shape and possess a smooth surface and their size varied between
100-1000 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed successful encapsulation of lemongrass oil within chitosan. At
polymer: 1 g, oil: 3 g and crosslinker: 0.5 g gave microcapsules with higher stability and steady
controlled release.
A Rapid, Efficient, Reliable Method for Simultaneous Determination of Pesticide
Residues in Green Chilli by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ansari Salauddin , Manvar Tejal , Kumar Dhirendra , Gupta Rajnish , Sivaperumal P.
Published: August 2022

This study describes a rapid, efficient and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of 42
pesticide residues in green chilli using gas chromatography single quadrupole mass spectrometry
with selected ion monitoring (GC-SQ/MS-SIM) mode. QuEChERS (quick-easy-cheap-effectiverugged-
safe) acetonitrile-based extraction technique was used prior to GC-MS analysis, followed by
cleanup with primary-secondary amine (PSA). Linearity (r2 > 0.99) within 50-1000 μg/kg with negligible
matrix interferences was achieved by method optimization. The percentage recovery evaluated at 50,
100 and 250 μg/kg level of spiked concentration was observed to range between 75-127% with RSD
(< 9.1%) for the majority of analytes. The expanded uncertainty was measured below 48% for all
target residues. The limit of detection and limit of quantification ranged between 1-63 μg/kg and 4-150
μg/kg, respectively. The developed method was observed to be specific, accurate, reproducible and user
friendly for determining different pesticides in green chilli crops.
Adsorptive Removal of Acetic Acid by Walnut Shell as Low-Cost Adsorbent
Authors: Kulkarni Kavita , Kulkarni Rahul , Chendake Yogesh , Garg Arghya , Srivastava Pragati
Published: August 2022

Walnut shell was used as an adsorbent for adsorption of acetic acid. Batch experiments were conducted
for adsorption equilibrium studies and kinetics by using walnut shell. Optimization of parameters like
temperature, rotation, adsorbent dose and contact time were studied. Amount of acetic acid adsorbed
was analyzed by titration. Equilibrium condition was investigated. Adsorption kinetics were tested for
different models and found best suitable for intraparticle diffusion model. The batch experimental
data was fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Sips and Redlich-Peterson isotherms. The best fitted
isotherm was Langmuir isotherm. Regeneration was tried by heating the adsorbent in microwave at
200 ºC. Up to three cycles adsorbent gave good efficiency for adsorption of acetic acid.
in vitro Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Screening of Pappea capensis Extracts
Authors: Makhoahle P.M. , Mashele S.S.
Published: August 2022

Pappea capensis has been used traditionally in the Limpopo province of South Africa to treat different
diseases caused by viruses or infectious microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. To date no reports
of pro- and anti-inflammatory activity of this plant has been reported so far. The aim of the study was
to determine the intro pro- and anti-inflammatory activity of water, ethanoic and methanolic extracts
of the pappea capensis wood material. Serial dilutions were prepared at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200
μg/mL from each extract, which were subjected to the determination of the pro- and anti-inflammatory
activity in vitro by RAW 264.7 cells using Resveratrol as a reference drug. The in vitro screening
results for anti- and pro-inflammatory assays showed an increased nitric oxide (NO) production which
correlated with each extract cytotoxicity in LPS-activated macrophages. Resveratrol, a known inhibitor
of iNOS expression served as a positive control to the regime. There was a noticeable macrophage
activation observed which was extracts concentrations depended. This response to treatment with
different concentrations of pappea capensis extracts corresponded with nitric oxide production a similar
trend was observed with the analysis of cell viability which predicts the corresponding cytotoxicity of
all extracts. However, there was a high nitric oxide production and observable macrophage activation
in the presence of water extract A confirmatory test was done to ascertain if this effect is owed to plant
constituents or due to endotoxin contamination. Then, nitric oxide production was analyzed in the
presence and absence of polymyxin B (PMB) and it can be concluded that polymyxin B counteracts
the pro-inflammatory effect suggesting that this activity is possibly a result of endotoxins in this wood
part of the plant. The determination of endotoxin as a cofactor perpetrating pro-inflammatory activity
tested with polymyxin B was used and indicated the presence of a toxin in water extract. The low
anti-inflammatory effect seen in the three extracts at 200 μg/mL are not physiologically active.
Supramolecular Gels with Mouldable Properties from
Fatty Acid to make Graphene-Based Nanohybrid Paper
Authors: Biswas Abhijit
Published: August 2022

''Paper-like'' materials composed of graphene exhibit good mechanical, thermal and electronic properties
and are expected to find a variety of applications. Herein, a simple and elegant strategy has been
reported to obtain a graphene-based nanohybrid paper. Mysristic acid in sodium salt-containing aqueous
solution forms a stable hydrogel. When myristic acid was mixed with glucose and graphene oxide
produces graphene-based gel under the treatment of heating and subsequent cooling through electrostatic
stabilization. By applying proper mechanical compression on gel a stable and flexible nanofibrillar
graphene-based paper has been obtained without destroying the network structure. This study has
enabled to develop of a facile approach to large-scale production of graphene-based paper. The properties
of this graphene-based paper have been investigated using electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy,
X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained paper is thermally stable and resistant to a
wide range of organic solvents and therefore interesting in making various advanced electronics.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Employing Costus igneus Leaf
Extract and their Antibacterial, Antifungal and Anticarcinogenic Activities
Authors: Kayalvizhi R. , Vijayashanthi R. , Vijaya V. , Neyvasagam K.
Published: August 2022

An eco-friendly environment concerning the synthesis of nanoparticles from medicinal plants, free
off or minimal usage of toxic chemicals is a requisite in the research avenues. Present study describes an
environment-friendly green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles acquired from leaf extracts of Costus igneus
medicinal plant. The formation of ZnO with hexagonal Wurtzite structure is confirmed by XRD analysis
and an average crystallite size was estimated as 30 nm. The UV absorbance investigation shows that
the optical band gap value of ZnO nanoparticles is 3.25 eV. The ZnO nanoparticles smooth surface
morphology, which was observed in SEM investigation. The EDAX study proved the occurrence of
oxygen and zinc in the green synthesised nanoparticle. Effective antibacterial inhibition activity was
observed against human bacterial species of (E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
and Bacillus subtilis) and then human fungal (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Oidium caricae).
The cytotoxicity activity of breast cancer cells (MCF7) of IC50 was calculated as 59.14 μg/mL. Thus,
the analysis of feasible herbal-based ZnO nanoparticles from Costus igneus leaf with significant
repercussions can be exploited in the application of nanotechnology industries, biomedical and
pharmaceutical drug preparations.
Morphology, Structure and Thermal Properties of Human Hair Keratin/
Egg White Protein Blend Particles: Influence of Different Crosslinking Agents
Authors: Tanisood S. , Thongsomboon W. , Srihanam P.
Published: August 2022

The effect of studied crosslinking agents viz. acetic acid, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE)
and genipin on the morphology, structure and thermal properties of human hair keratin/egg white
protein (HHK/EWP) blend particles were investigated. The HHK/EWP blend particles were prepared
by the reported water-in-oil emulsification solvent diffusion method with the addition of selected
crosslinking agents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the use of these agents
resulted in spherical HHK/EWP particles with variable sizes, arranged in the order of increasing
particle sizes as follows: acetic acid, PEGDE and genipin. The addition of the crosslinking agents
enhanced the interactions between the proteins, as indicated by the shift of peak positions in FTIR
spectra. Moreover, the interactions also increased the decomposition temperature of the HHK/EWP
blend particles. The obtained results provided important information to further improve the properties
of HHK/EWP blend particles for a wider range of applications.
3-(Substituted Aryl/alkyl)-5-((E)-4-((E)-(Substituted Aryl/alkyl)methyl)benzylidene) thiazolidin-2,4-dione Molecules: Design, ADME Studies and Molecular Docking Analysis as Potential Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Sharma Aastha , Kumar Davinder , Marwaha Minakshi Gupta , Marwaha Rakesh Kumar
Published: August 2022

A library comprising of 60 synthesizable compounds from three different series having 20 compounds
in each series of 3-(furan-2-carbonyl)-5-((E)-4-((E)-(substituted aryl/
alkyl)methyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (FC-1 to FC-20), 3-(butyl)-5-((E)-4-((E)-(substituted
aryl/alkyl)methyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (NB-1 to NB-20) and 3-(allyl)-5-((E)-4-((E)-
(substituted aryl/alkyl)methyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (NA-1 to NA-20) was designed and
screened for antimicrobial and anticancer potential by molecular docking studies using S. aureus
GyrB ATPase (PDB code: 3U2D) and CDK-8 (PDB code: 5FGK) proteins as possible drug targets,
respectively by Schrödinger-Maestro v13.2. Molecular docking studies revealed, analogues NB-3 (docking
score = -6.626), NA-3 (docking score = -6.315) and FC-20 (docking score = -5.552) displayed best
docking score in each series, respectively against 3U2D and molecules NB-2 (docking score = -6.517),
NA-20 (docking score = -7.668) and FC-12 (docking score = -4.931) exhibited best docking score in
each series, respectively against 5FGK having better interaction with crucial amino acid. ADME results
revealed all the analogues have significant scores within Qikprop range and also in close agreement
with the Pfizer’s rule of five. These analogues can be used as lead structures for the development/
discovery of new anticancer and antimicrobial agents.
From Fires and Devastation to Terrorism and Violence: Impact of Disasters on Cultural Heritage, Production and Policy / Von Bränden und Verwüstungen bis zu Terrorismus und Gewalt: Auswirkungen von Katastrophen auf Kulturerbe, -produktion und -politik
Authors: Lettau Meike
Published: August 2022

In most cases disasters have an enormous impact on entire communities that are completely unforeseen. Reactions to disasters by cultural actors are seen as culture-specific solutions-part of a creative process that might elicit artistic idea creation, impacting the community threatened by the disaster. This article looks at two very different disasters and their impact on cultural sectors. The first example is the fire in the National Library in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 2018. The second is the influence of the Boko Haram insurgency that comes with killings, devastation, and internal displacements of people in Northeast Nigeria.
Newly Revised Study of Daily Time Series Data Analysis of Market Prices
Authors: Jarrett Jeffrey
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the existence of time series characteristics of daily stock prices of securities marketed on organized exchanges. This study differs from previous studies where the focus was on index numbers of daily stock market prices rather than the actual prices of traded securities. Furthermore, this study is important because of the theory of market efficiency and its application to short term forecasting of closing prices of traded securities.
Termin „misy” w De medicina A.K. Celsusa: jego znaczenie i ekwiwalenty językowe w słownikach i przekładach traktatu
Authors: Kulikova Natalia
Published: August 2022

The article presents a linguistic analysis of the term misy used in the recipes of A.C. Celsus’ treatise De medicina. An attempt to establish the designations of this lexeme, based on texts of ancient and modern authors, definitions in dictionaries and thesauruses, and scientific data from chemistry and mineralogy (modern), was made.
Calibration methods for flow rates down to 5 nL/min and validation methodology
Authors: Mills Chris , Batista Elsa , Bissig Hugo , Ogheard Florestan , Boudaoud Abir Wissam , Büker Oliver , Stolt Krister , Morgan John , Kartmann Sabrina , Thiemann Kerstin , Miotto Guilherme , Niemann Anders , Klein Stephan , Ratering Gijs , Lötters Joost
Published: August 2022

Improving the accuracy and enabling traceable measurements of volume, flow, and pressure in existing drug delivery devices and in-line sensors operating at very low flow rates is essential in several fields of activities and specially in medical applications. This can only be achieved through the development of new calibrationmethods and by expanding the existing metrological infrastructure to perform micro-flow and nano-flow measurements. In this paper, we will investigate new traceable techniques for measuring flow rate, from 5 nL/min to 1,500 nL/min and present the results of an inter-comparison between nine laboratories for the calibration of two different flow meters and a syringe pump.
On the efficiency of using correlative randomized algorithms for solving problems of gamma radiation transfer in stochastic medium
Authors: Medvedev Ilia N.
Published: August 2022

To solve problems of radiation balance, optical sounding, and tomography, it may be necessary to take into account multiple scattering of radiation in a stochastically inhomogeneous medium. In real radiation models, for this purpose, the numerical-statistical ‘majorant cross-section method’ (MCM, delta-Woodcock tracking) is used based on the alignment of the optical density field by adding an artificial ‘delta scattering’ event. However, the computation cost of the corresponding unbiased estimate of the averaged problem solution infinitely increases as the correlation scale (correlation radius L) of standard mosaic models for a random medium density decreases. Previously, we constructed the MCM randomization providing asymptotically (for L → 0) unbiased estimates of the required functionals, in which the value of the physical attenuation coefficient is randomly chosen at the end of the particle free path l under condition l > L. Otherwise the value of the physical attenuation coefficient is the same as at the starting point of the particle (CR algorithm). In a more accurate functional correlative randomized algorithm (FCR algorithm), the coefficient remains the same with a probability determined by the correlation function. These correlative randomized algorithms were implemented for a mixture of homogeneous substance (water) and a Poisson ensemble of ‘empty’ balls. In the present paper, we construct correlative randomized algorithms for problems related to transfer through a ‘thick’ layer containing a water and a Poisson ensemble of ‘empty’ layers. A detailed comparative analysis of the results obtained by exact direct simulation (MCM) and approximate algorithms (CR, FCR) for the problems of gamma radiation transfer through a ‘thick’ water layer containing a Poisson ensemble of ‘empty’ layers or balls is presented.
Error identities for the reaction–convection–diffusion problem and applications to a posteriori error control
Authors: Repin Sergey I.
Published: August 2022

The paper is devoted to a posteriori error identities for the stationary reaction–convection–diffusion problem with mixed Dirichlét–Neumann boundary conditions. They reflect the most general relations between deviations of approximations from the exact solutions and those values that can be observed in a numerical experiment. The identities contain no mesh dependent constants and are valid for any function in the admissible (energy) class. Therefore, the identities and the estimates that follow from them generate universal and fully reliable tools of a posteriori error control.
Steigerung der Belastbarkeit von Tragstrukturen durch effektives Vorspannen
Authors: Güngör Burcu , Husmann Henning , Groche Peter
Published: August 2022

Hybridstrukturen aus Metallen und Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden (FKV) bieten vielseitige Vorteile, da in ihnen die Eigenschaften zweier grundlegend verschiedener Werkstoffarten vereint sind. Durch ein gezieltes Ausnutzen des unterschiedlichen Materialverhaltens während der Umformung werden Metallblechstrukturen und FKV-Schlaufen nicht nur miteinander gefügt, sondern auch in einen vorgespannten Zustand gebracht. Dieser führt zu deutlichen Festigkeits- und Steifigkeitssteigerungen bei geringem Mehrgewicht. Anhand eines anwendungsnahen Profils wird das Potenzial dieser Technologie validiert.
Die Fabrik der Zukunft
Authors: Burggräf Peter , Adlon Tobias , Schneidermann Dennis , Uelpenich Jérôme , Xu Tingni , Schupp Steffen , Dackweiler Jonas , Geukes Corinna
Published: August 2022

Aufgrund zahlreicher Herausforderungen für produzierende Unternehmen durch sich ständig ändernde Anforderungen und neue technologische Entwicklungen fehlt ein visionäres Bild für die Fabrik der Zukunft. Die Unkenntnis über zukünftig relevante Produktionstrends und Technologien erschwert die erfolgreiche Entwicklung eines zukunftsorientierten Produktionssystems. Um die Planung zukünftiger Produktionssysteme und Fabriken zu verbessern, haben die Autoren eine Befragung durchgeführt, an der 194 führende Unternehmen aus verschiedenen Branchen teilgenommen haben. Anhand von fünf Schlüsseldimensionen konnten relevante Zukunftstrends für die Fabrik der Zukunft identifiziert werden.