bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Longitudinal Strain for Detection of Cardiac Iron Overload in Patients with Thalassemia: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies with Individual-Level Participant Data
Authors: Attar Armin , Hosseinpour Alireza , Hosseinpour Hamidreza , Rezaeian Nahid , Abtahi Firoozeh , Mehdizadeh Fereshte , Parsaee Mozhgan , Akiash Nehzat , Behjati Mohaddeseh , Meloni Antonella , Pepe Alessia
Published: March 2022

Background
Although cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the most reliable tool for assessment of CIO in patients with thalassemia, it is not always readily available. Recent studies have explored the potential of GLS as an alternative for diagnosis of CIO. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of global longitudinal strain (GLS) for detection of cardiac iron level (CIO).
Methods
We searched SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Embase to identify the studies which used GLS for assessment of CIO. We searched for individual participant data (IPD) in eligible studies to perform ROC curve analysis. CMR with a T2* cut-off value of 20ms was considered as the gold standard. A meta-analysis was performed and the risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Checklist.
Results
A total of 14 studies with 789 thalassemia patients (310 and 430 with and without CIO respectively and 49 with undetermined condition) were considered eligible for meta-analysis. IPDs of 405 participants were available. GLS was significantly lower in patients with CIO (-17.5 ± 2.7%) compared to those without CIO (-19.9 ± 2.3%; WMD = 1.6%, 95% CI= [0.76–2.4], p = 0.001, I2 = 77.1%) and to normal population (-20.61 ± 2.26%; WMD = 2.2%, 95% CI= [0.91–3.5], p = 0.001, I2 = 83.9%). A GLS<-19.5% could predict CIO with 92.8% sensitivity and 34.63% specificity (AUC = 0.659, 95% CI= [0.6–0.72], p-value < 0.0001). A GLS value≤-5.74% has 100% positive predictive and ≥-24.5% has 100% negative predictive values for detection of CIO.
Conclusions
According to our study, GLS is a strong predictor of CIO and when CMR is not available, it may be a useful screening method for identification of CIO in thalassemia patients.
Clinical Relevance of Incomplete Device Endothelialization After Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Chuan Zhi , Xing Jun , Wang Liang , Tao Yi Rao , Yang Bing , Zhang Qi , Shen Yun Li , Hu Jian Qiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the incidence, potential risk factors and clinical impact of incomplete device endothelialization (IDE) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).
Methods
A total of 101 consecutive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent successful LAAC and received antithrombotic treatment using a standard regimen were prospectively followed up to 6 months after the procedure. The status of device endothelialization and device-related thrombus (DRT) were evaluated using cardiac computed tomography (CT). Major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCE) including all-cause death, heart failure(HF) hospitalization, acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack(TIA), peripheral vascular embolism, and major bleeding were recorded.
Results
IDE was detected in 65 (64.4%) patients. Patients with IDE or complete device endothelialization (CDE) did not significantly differ with respect to baseline clinical characteristics and interventional procedure features. Multivariate analysis model revealed that persistent AF, left atrial appendage ostial diameter and left atrial size were independent risk factors for IDE. During 6-month follow-up, the incidence of DRT was 4.6% in patients with IDE and 2.8% in those with CDE, respectively (p > 0.05), and the overall rate of MACCE was non-significantly higher in the IDE group (7.7% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.32).
Conclusions
IDE is common after LAAC, especially in patients with persistent AF, higher left atrial appendage ostial diameter and left atrial size. IDE confers an increased risk for DRT, but may be not necessarily associated with thromboembolic events and poor clinical outcome, providing careful monitoring and continued antithrombotic therapy are given.
Exploring the Implementation of Teaching and Learning English Speaking Skills in Ethiopian EFL Classes: The Case of selected Five Woredas Secondary Schools in Kafa Zone
Authors: Bulbula Dereje Asfaw , Fayisa Obsa Neme , Bulti Tesfa Alemu , Modofa Mulualem Getachew , Abajobir Fedila Abazinab , Areda Damtew Bulbula , Sada Eyasu Yaya
Published: March 2022

Communication capacity (Speaking skill) in English in language education is a difficult task that needs effective guidance and sustainable practice. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the Implementation of Teaching and Learning English Speaking Skills in Ethiopian EFL Classes. The design of the study was descriptive survey. The participants were 523 students included using simple random sampling technique and 30 EFL teachers using availability sampling technique. To collect data, questionnaire for students and Focus Group Discussions for teachers were used. Mixed method data analysis was used. The result showed that EFL teachers were not using different techniques of teaching English speaking skill, and they were not making sustainable follow up on how learners perform. They also apply teacher centered method than learner’s method. Learners faced challenges from mother tongue influence, lack of confidence, and fear of making a mistake. EFL teachers were also challenged by student related problem like disinterested to be involved in the actual teaching and learning actively, uncomfortably of the school compound, absence of well- equipped English mini-media and bulkiness of the textbook. Thus, EFL teachers should use various techniques, school administration should avail the resource and students should be participatory in their learning.
Measuring alexisomia and its relation to alexithymia using the Body Awareness Questionnaire
Authors: Carre Arnaud , Shankland Rebecca , Guillaume Philippe , Duclos Jeanne , Pellissier Sonia , Flaudias Valentin
Published: March 2022

Background: Awareness of one’s own states is a particularly important part of cognition and emotion regulation. Difficulties in this domain is seen as the roots of several types of disorders. Impairments in perceiving emotional states has been widely documented, leading to show alexithymia - the difficulty in identifying, conceiving and communicating one's states - as a central mechanism of somatic and mental disorders. Recently, the concept of alexisomia has been used to refer to lack of awareness and expression of somatic sensations. Developing self-reported questionnaires to evaluate alexisomia represents a challenge for clinical psychology and medicine. In this context, we suggested to adapt the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ, Shields et al., 1989) in France to assess alexisomia in relation to alexithymia. Methods: For this study, 610 participants completed questionnaires measuring alexithymia and alexisomia. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the BAQ can be envisaged through 4 factors as well as a unidimensional model to refer to alexisomia. We also found that body awareness was negatively related to scores of alexithymia. Conclusion: Results are discussed in light of the construct of alexisomia and its clinical implications in somatic as well as mental disorders. We suggest that alexisomia is a key concept, in the same way as alexithymia, to design treatment and prevention programs.
Effect of Competitive Binding of Long Non-coding RNA CCDC26 with miR-340 on the Chemosensitivity of HCC Cells to Cisplatin
Authors: LI Cai , YE Qi-Fa
Published: March 2022

Background We investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CCDC26 on the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to cisplatin and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Firstly, the expression of CCDC26 in HCC tissues was detected. After siRNA interference of CCDC26, the HCC cells QGY8105 and HCC9204 were selected as the objects of study to detect the changes in their chemosensitivity to cisplatin through the terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and IC50 assays. Additionally, the RT-PCR assay, RNA hybrid software analysis, and luciferase reporter assay were performed to screen and verify the miRNAs that showed endogenous competitive relationship with CCDC26. Finally, miRNA was co-transfected with CCDC26, so as to explore whether the competitive binding of CCDC26 with miRNA changed the sensitivities of QGY8105 and HCC9204 cells to cisplatin. t-test or analysis of variance was adopted to compare data between groups based on the data property.. Results CCDC26 expression in HCC tissues was higher than that in normal tissues. Under the action of cisplatin, the IC50 value in si-CCDC26 group was lower than that in si-NC group, while the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells was higher than that in si-NC group, and the differences were statistically significant. RT-PCR results indicated that, miR-340 expression in si-CCDC26 group was up-regulated relative to that in si-NC group; meanwhile, RNA hybrid analysis and luciferase verification results demonstrated that there was base complementation between CCDC26 and the “seed” region of miR-340. Thereafter, miR-340 was co-transfected with CCDC26 into HCC9204 cells, and it was discovered that, the IC50 value in miR-340 + CCDC26-wild type group increased compared with those in miR-340 + NC and miR-340 + CCDC26-mutant groups. Meanwhile, the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells was reduced, and the differences were of statistical significance. Conclusions LncRNA CCDC26 can reduce the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to cisplatin through the endogenous competitive binding with miR-340.
Prevention of Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis in Elderly Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenia: a Single-institute Retrospective Study
Authors: Yamasaki Satoshi , Kamezaki Kenjiro , Ito Yoshikiyo , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Prednisolone, used as a standard initial treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), is an important risk factor for osteoporosis. To investigate the prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) in elderly ITP patients, associations between GIO prevention and score changes of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, FRAX®, and the Garvan tool during initial loading of prednisolone were examined.Methods: In our institute, 22 ITP patients aged >70 years received 0.5–1.0 mg/kg prednisolone for 2–3 weeks as the initial ITP treatment between 2014 and 2021. The femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DXA scan was entered into FRAX® to define the risk-adapted approach to bisphosphonate during the initial loading of prednisolone. Additional active vitamin D with bisphosphonate was prescribed for women. Results: During the initial loading of prednisolone in ITP patients aged >70 years, seven patients achieved a complete response. Fifteen patients with a platelet count <30 × 109/L received thrombopoietin receptor agonist at the tapering phases of prednisolone. Bisphosphonate was performed according to <−1.0 femoral neck BMD T-score measured by DXA scan. Worse scores of FRAX® and the Garvan tool were associated with use of bisphosphonate for short-term fracture prevention in primary GIO; however, there were no incidents of fracture and no significant differences in probabilities determined by FRAX® and the Garvan tool. Conclusions: During the initial loading of prednisolone, prescribing bisphosphonate might prevent the reduction of BMD, but additional prescription of active vitamin D for women is still controversial.
Improvement of myelopoiesis in a cyclophosphamide-induced myelodepression model by administration of a Newly Synthesized Pyrazolo- Piperidine β-Cyclodextrine complex compound
Authors: Daulet Guldana , Baktybayeva Layilya , Belyaev Nikolai , Koshetova Zhanargul , Ostapchuk Yekaterina , Perfilyeva Yuliya , Kali Aikyn , Abdolla Nurshat , Tleulieva Raikhan , Ten Assel , Yu Valentina , Zazybin Alexey
Published: March 2022

According to WHO, the acquired secondary form of hematopoietic-depressive states increases the risk of death in people with cancer, infectious, and hormonal diseases. The choice of drugs that stimulate the proliferative activity of bone marrow cells is limited. The stimulus to the search for hematopoietic-stimulating compounds among pyridine derivatives was the manifestation of the activity of the cerebroprotective drug Mexidol (2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate) to restore the granulocytes and B-lymphocytes homeostasis in clinical practice. The hematopoietic-stimulating activity of the newly synthesized compound Complex of 5-benzyl-7-(o-fluorobenzylidene)-2,3-bis(o-fluorophenyl)-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-pyrazolo [4,3-c]pyridine complex with β-cyclodextrin (BIV) was studied on a model of cyclophosphamide-induced myelodepression in C57BL6/J mouse line. The BIV compound demonstrated a stimulating effect on the process of restoring the level of Ly-6G+ Ly-6C+ granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, CD19+ B-lymphocytes in the bone marrow, exceeding the activity of the reference drug Methyluracil. The BIV compound did not affect on the proliferative activity of c-kit (CD117+)-expressing cells, CD3e+ pre-T-lymphocytic cells and Ter-119+ erythroid cells in the bone marrow. The total number of bone marrow myelokaryocytes in the experimental groups was significantly higher than in the intact group. The pronounced hematopoietic-stimulating effect of the BIV compound gives in the future the prospect of development as a drug used for the treatment of B-lymphocytic and granulocytic-macrophage hematopoietic-depressive states.
A Novel External Immobilization Method to Establish a Rat Model of Knee Extension Contracture
Authors: Zhou Yun , Zhou Chen Xu , Wang Feng , Hua Wang , Fang Qiao Zhou , Xiong Kai Ge , Zhang Quan Bing
Published: March 2022

Background: The study aimed to elucidate the formation process and therapeutic strategies of knee extension contracture, we developed a novel rat model using an aluminum external fixator.Methods: Sixty male SD rats with mature bones were divided into the control group (n=6) and groups that had the left knee immobilized with an aluminum external fixator for 1, 2, and 3 days, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks (n=6 in each group). The passive extension range of motion, histology, and expression of fibrosis-related proteins were compared between the control group and the immobilization groups.Results: Myogenic contracture progressed very quickly during the initial 2 weeks of immobilization; after 2 weeks, the contracture gradually changed from myogenic to arthrogenic. The arthrogenic contracture progressed slowly during the first week, rapidly progressed until the third week, and then showed a steady progression. Histological analysis confirmed that the anterior joint capsule of the extended fixed knee became increasingly thicker over time. Correspondingly, the level of TGFβ-1 in the anterior joint capsule also increased with the immobilization time. Over time, the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers gradually decreased, while the amount of intermuscular collagen and TGFβ-1 increased. Unexpectedly, the amount of intermuscular collagen and TGFβ-1 decreased during the late stage of immobilization (6–8 weeks).Conclusion: Myogenic contracture is stabilized after 2 weeks of immobilization, while arthrogenic contracture is stabilized after 3 weeks of immobilization. This novel rat model may be a useful tool to study the etiology of joint contracture and establish new therapeutic approaches.
The COVID-19 Omicron wave in the framework of a new mathematical modeling in few European countriesand the right time for lifting restrictions
Authors: Petkov Pavel
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 Omicron wave in Romania, Bulgaria and Germany is considered within a new approach [6] for modeling Epidemics and a short comparison is made of similar applicationto few strongly affected countries in the beginning of 2022: the USA, the UK and France.The main novelty of that approach is the tracking of successive generations of infected people instead of treating in time the evolution of several large compartments within which the total population is partitioned (susceptible, infected, recovered,...). Because of the much strongest transmission of Omicron, its wave starts to dominate the Pandemic after some moment in time, and then the simplest version of the model [6] can be employed (without consecutive waves, no incoming from outside infected individuals e.t.c.) The daily observed new infection cases are described in a reasonable way after normalization. The position of the calculated Pandemic peaks in time in Romania and Bulgaria indicates a transition from the second to to the third generation of infected people. For comparison, in the USA, UK and France the transition is from the third to the fourth generation.The parameters derived by reproducing the data in the three countries considered are consistent with those derived earlier for the USA, the UK and France (i.e. infection and recovery rates). Due to the high contagiousness of Omicron, a very large part of the population will be gone through a contact with the virus in a relatively small period of time (3-4 months). This part is comparable to the total number of infections which occurred for two years, since the beginning of the Pandemic by end of 2019.Therefore, one may hope that some temporary acquired immunity will be reached. Adding the effects of vaccination, one may hope with moderate optimism that it will be possible to control/stop the COVID-19 Pandemic soon. However, lifting restrictions should be done carefully and country specifically, and of course at the right time, as illustrated by the examples of the UK and Germany.The present work represents exclusively a mathematical modeling of the Pandemic and does not deal with any other aspect of health, social or economic character as well with throwing away any possibility for unexpected developments. Yet we hope that the present results will be of some help.
Mechanical properties and strength evolution model of sandstone considering the coupling impact of freeze and thaw weathering process and confining pressure
Authors: Xiong Xin , Zhou Keping , Gao Feng , Yang Chun , Li Jielin
Published: March 2022

Freeze and thaw (F&T) weathering cycles induced by day-night and seasonal temperature changes cause a large number of rock mass engineering disasters in cold areas. Investigating the impact of F&T weathering process on strength and deformation characteristics of frozen-thawed rocks is therefore of critical scientific importance for evaluating the stability and optimizing the design of rock mass engineering in these areas. In this research, the evolution characteristics of F&T damage were analysed based on T2 spectrum distribution curves of sandstone specimens before and after F&T weathering cycles. The coupling impact of the quantity of F&T weathering cycles and confining pressure on pre-peak and post-peak deformation behaviours of sandstone specimens were analysed in detail. By introducing the confining pressure increase factor (CPIF), the impact of confining pressure on triaxial compressive strength (TCS) of sandstone specimens after undergoing different quantities of F&T weathering cycles was further investigated. A novel strength evolution model was proposed that could effectively describe the coupling impact of the quantity of F&T weathering cycles and confining pressure on TCS of rocks after undergoing F&T weathering process. The proposed strength evolution model was cross-verified with experimental data from the published literature, and all correlation coefficients are above 0.95, which proves that the strength evolution model proposed in this paper is reasonable; in addition, this model has strong applicability.
Novel Object Recognition in Octopus maya.
Authors: Ovalle Fabian Vergara , Guerrero Fructouso Ayala , Rosas Carlos , Sanchez-Castillo Hugo
Published: March 2022

The Novel Object Recognition task (NOR) is widely used for the study of memory in vertebrates and has been proposed as a solid candidate for evaluating memory in different taxonomic groups, allowing similar and comparable evaluations between them. Although, in cephalopods, several research reports could indicate that they recognize objects in their environment, so far, it has not been evaluated as an experimental paradigm, which allows evaluating different phases of memory. In this study, we show that Octopus maya can differentiate between a new object and a known one, with high accuracy. We observed that to achieve object recognition, octopuses use vision and touch exploration in new objects, while familiar objects only need to be explored in a tactile way. To our knowledge, this is the first time showing an invertebrate performing the NOR task, in a similar way to how it is performed in vertebrates. These results raise the opportunity to use a simple, fast and widely used task in other taxonomic groups, to assess memory in octopuses.
The Provision of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine Information and Services: A Review of World Leading Oncology Hospital Websites
Authors: De Melo Melanie N. , Pai Poojitha , Lam Michelle O. Y. , Maduranayagam Sharleen G. , Ahluwalia Kundan , Rashad Menat Alla , Popal Sahar , Gunabalasingam Janany , Muralitharan Maiura , Pradhan Anushka , Ng Jeremy Y.
Published: March 2022

Background
Many cancer patients use complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) to improve their psychological and functional health. However, there is little known about the extent of CAIM information and services provided on oncology hospital websites.
Methods
This study reviewed public-facing websites to determine the degree of CAIM information provided and services offered by the world’s leading cancer hospitals in 2021. Nine authors extracted data from hospital websites individually and in triplicate, prior to meeting to revise data extractions. Data analysis was then performed by two authors to determine how many hospitals provided CAIM descriptions and offered CAIM services, and the extent of CAIM information provided.
Results
A total of 131 hospitals were included in this study. Of the eligible hospitals, 50.38% (n = 66) provided a theoretical description of CAIM; 48.09% (n = 63) provided a description of one or more CAIM therapies; 63.36% (n = 83) offered one or more CAIM therapies to cancer patients. The most common therapies described were the same as the most common therapies offered. These therapies are massage, special foods and diets, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and creative outlets. While CAIM therapies were commonly offered, information surrounding the benefits and side effects associated with these therapies varied.
Conclusions
Due to the lack of CAIM standardization worldwide, there is a need for increased CAIM information provision on hospital websites to better inform and empower patients to make well-informed decisions about their health.
Entrainment of Chaotic Oscillations in a Colonial Tunicate.
Authors: Konrad Michael W.
Published: March 2022

BackgroundTunicates comprise an invertebrate, chordate subphylum which has been shown to be the closest group to vertebrates. Colonial tunicates are clusters of genetic clones generated asexually from a single free swimming larval “tadpole”. Each individual, or zooid, of the colony has a peristaltic heart which circulates blood through that individual. In addition, each zooid is connected to a common, external vascular network. This vascular network has radial extensions that end at the colony periphery in bulbs, or ampullae, which contract and expand to generate reciprocating flow between ampullae and zooids. Surgically detached ampullae continue to beat.ResultsQuantitative scans of videos of individual ampullae in a young Botrylloides viocella colony demonstrate ampullae contractions are often in phase, with occasional abrupt phase shifts out of and back to synchrony. The vessels connecting the ampullae to the zooid also contract, mostly in phase with the ampullae. Total volumes pumped by this colonial system are a significant fraction of the zooid volume, since it contracts 180 degrees out of phase and at the same frequency as the ampullae. Reversals of the peristaltic heart are at least partially synchronized with ampullae contractions. Ampullae that have been surgically detached from the colony contract at a more uniform rate with more symmetrical profiles than when part of the colony. ConclusionContractions of the ampullae and associated vessels pump sufficient blood in and out of the zooid that they should be considered functional hearts, and the partial synchrony of ampullae contractions results in a larger blood flow compared to an alternative asynchronous contraction pattern. The manner in which the ampullae abruptly fall out of and back to synchrony indicates synchrony is due to entrainment while the out of phase contractions of the zooid may be a direct result of pumping. The shape of contraction curves of detached ampullae pairs is almost indistinguishable from a pure sine wave, indicating that the more complex original pattern was due to interactions between out of phase ampullae. Ampullae and associated vessels might be analogous with the system of lymphatic vessels in vertebrates.
Zum Einfluss von Tonhöhenwahrnehmungspräferenz auf verbales Lernen unter Bewegung
Authors:   , Diefenbach Camilla
Published: March 2022

This research project investigated how motor activity, such as cycling, influences the acquisition of foreign language vocabulary under two distinct conditions of auditory-motor-synchronisation. In a mixed subject design, 48 participants had to learn 40 Polish-German vocabulary pairs by auditory presentation over headphones in two different conditions, in which they performed motor activity cycling on a bicycle ergometer: in experiment 1, vocabulary was presented in a fixed rhythm while in experiment 2, participants self-initiated the presentation of vocabulary through pedalling. After having listened to the word pairs, they had to perform online vocabulary tests, one directly after the learning session and a second one 24 hours later from home. Additionally, the individual pitch perception preference (i.e. fundamental vs. spectral pitch perception) of the participants was determined. The results showed that fundamental listeners forgot significantly more vocabulary than spectral listeners during the fixed than during the self-initiated condition. There was no difference within the groups for the self-initiated condition. The analysis of the motor data revealed a significantly more accurate synchronisation for fundamental listeners during the fixed condition. Therefore, this study provides first evidence for the benefit of self-initiated auditory-motor synchronisation in the process of learning a foreign language in adults. It also reveals that pitch preference has an effect on auditory-motor synchronisation.
Innovative financing of public infrastructure in Zimbabwe: Status vs. potential
Authors: Kapesa Tonderai , Mugano Gift , Fourie Houdini
Published: March 2022

The paper examines the status and future potential of innovative finance in mitigating public infrastructure financing gaps in Zimbabwe. The study is descriptive. Data were collected through 23 interviews and 32 questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with managers of government of Zimbabwe ministries and parastatal enterprises, and the results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Whilst the questionnaires were distributed to officers of government of Zimbabwe ministries and parastatal enterprises and analyzed using Stata v14. The findings revealed that Zimbabwe does not currently finance public infrastructure using conventional innovative financing instruments. However, there are innovations in the combination of conventional financing instruments such as bonds, loans, and budget appropriations to finance power (electricity) infrastructure to a limited extent. Scope and potential exist for using innovative finance once a supportive legal and regulatory framework for public private partnerships (PPP) and other innovative financing instruments is in place in Zimbabwe. Using a binary logistic regression model, the findings showed that the infrastructure sector is the only factor significantly influencing innovative infrastructure financing at the 5% significance level with p-value < 0.05. The study recommends Zimbabwe to follow the South African Public Private Partnership framework by developing provincial and municipal regulations anchored in national legislation. There is latent potential for closing the public infrastructure financing gap in Zimbabwe using innovative finance.
Reviewing textile wastewater produced by industries: characteristics, environmental impacts, and treatment strategies
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Jiang Jinming , Gao Weijun
Published: March 2022

The textile industry is one of the most intensive industries in chemical products whose wastewater contains hazardous dyes, pigments, dissolved/suspended solids, and heavy metals. Hence, it is important to effectively treat the wastewater generated by this industry before releasing it into the environment. Although the field of textile wastewater treatment has made tremendous progress, the developed treatment methods should be improved further to make them economically viable and friendly. In this review, characteristics of textile wastewater are introduced. We have primarily focused on the environmental impact and toxicity of textile wastewater. Toxic and harmful contaminants must be removed from textile wastewater to reduce the extent of environmental pollution caused when textile wastewater is released into rivers or reused. Hence, various techniques that are used to treat textile wastewater are discussed. Finally, the challenges faced, and prospects of the methods have been discussed in detail.
Identification and Verification of Potential Core Genes in Pediatric Septic
Shock
Authors: Jiang Meixiu , Xu Zhihao , Jiang Meiling , Bai Xiwen , Ding Lianlei , Dong Pengzhi
Published: March 2022

Background:

Septic shock is a frequent and costly problem among patients in the pediatric
intensive care unit (PICU) and is associated with high mortality and devastating survivor
morbidity. In this study, we aimed to screen candidate biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets
for septic shock.

Methods:

GSE26440 dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including
32 normal controls and 98 children with septic shock RNA samples from whole blood. The pathways
and functional annotations of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two types of samples
were examined by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses using the Database for Annotation,
Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) of
the above-described DEGs were investigated using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting
Genes (STRING) and Hub gene identification was performed by the plug-in cytoHubba in Cytoscape
software.

Results:

A total of 140 genes were identified as DEGs, of which 98 genes were up-regulated and
42 genes were down-regulated. GO function analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched
in biological processes, including immune response, leukocyte activation involved in immune
response, and so on. The top hub genes, namely MMP9, CEACAM8, ARG1, MCEMP1,
LCN2, RETN, S100A12, GPR97, and TRAT1 were recognized from the protein-protein interaction
(PPI) network. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results demonstrated that the mRNA level of MMP9,
CEACAM8, ARG1, MCEMP1, LCN2, RETN, and S100A12 was elevated while GPR97 was decreased
in involved mouse and human models. However, TRAT1 expression is species-dependent
which was decreased in the mouse septic shock model but elevated in the human LPS-treated macrophages
model.

Conclusion:

Taken together, the identification and validation of several novel hub genes, especially
GPR97 and TRAT1, deepen our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms of septic shock
progression. These genes may be therapeutic molecular targets or diagnostic biomarkers in patients
with septic shock.
Targeting Estrogen Signaling in the Radiation-induced Neurodegeneration:
A Possible Role of Phytoestrogens
Authors: Mitra Sarmistha , Dash Raju , Sohel Md. , Chowdhury Apusi , Munni Yeasmin Akter , Ali Md. Chayan , Hannan Md. Abdul , Islam Md. Tofazzal , Moon Il Soo
Published: March 2022

Radiation for medical use is a well-established therapeutic method with an excellent prognosis rate for various cancer treatments. Unfortunately, a high dose of radiation therapy comes with its own share of side effects, causing radiation-induced non-specific cellular toxicity; consequently, a large percentage of treated patients suffer from chronic effects during the treatment and even after the post-treatment. Accumulating data evidenced that radiation exposure to the brain can alter the diverse cognitive-related signalings and cause progressive neurodegeneration in patients because of elevated oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and loss of neurogenesis. Epidemiological studies suggested the beneficial effect of hormonal therapy using estrogen in slowing down the progression of various neuropathologies. Despite its primary function as a sex hormone, estrogen is also renowned for its neuroprotective activity and could manage radiation-induced side-effects as it regulates many hallmarks of neurodegenerations. Thus, treatment with estrogen and estrogen-like molecules or modulators, including phytoestrogens, might be a potential approach capable of neuroprotection in radiation-induced brain degeneration. This review summarized the molecular mechanisms of radiation effects and estrogen signaling in the manifestation of neurodegeneration and highlighted the current evidence on the phytoestrogen mediated protective effect against radiation-induced brain injury. This existing knowledge points towards a new area to expand to identify the possible alternative therapy that can be taken with radiation therapy as adjuvants to improve patients' quality of life with compromised cognitive function.
Differential Response to Three Antidepressants in Patients with Major
Depressive Episode Who Suffered Covid-19-Related Trauma
Authors: Lombardozzi Ginevra , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , De Filippis Sergio , Matrone Marta , Amici Emanuela , Trovini Giada , Perrini Filippo , Di Giovanni Alessandro , Giovanetti Valeria
Published: March 2022

Background:

The Covid 19 pandemic might have impacted response to drug treatment in major depressive episode (MDE). We compared responses to three different antidepressant drugs, i.e., vortioxetine, sertraline, and trazodone, in outpatients with MDE during Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), or schizophrenia and related psychoses (SSOPDs) during two time periods, i.e., prior to suffering Covid-19–related trauma and after suffering such trauma.

Methods:

We conducted an observational study on clinically stabilised for at least 6 months outpatients with MDE during the course of MDD (N=58), BD (N=33), or SSOPDs (N=51). Patients, whose baseline assessments of Montgomery-Åsberg Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Visual Analogue Scale for Craving (VAS-crav) and World Health Organization Quality of Life, Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) were available, were recruited at the time they suffered Covid-19–related traumas. Fifty patients, prior to the pandemic, when they were clinically stable, were treated with 15 mg/die vortioxetine, 44 with 450 mg/die trazodone, and 48 with 150 mg/die sertraline. After experiencing a major Covid-19–related personal trauma, patients showed clinical worsening which required dosage adjustment (20 mg/day vortioxetine; 600 mg/day trazodone, and 200 mg/day sertraline) and, for a part of them, a month of hospitalisation. Scores on the MADRS, Ham-A, BPRS, VAS-crav and WHOQOL-BREF were compared drug-wise and gender-wise with Student’s t test for continuous variables and χ2 for categorical variables.

Result:

The sample consisted of 142 outpatients (age, mean 39.63 ± 16.84; 70 men and 72 women); women were older than men (mean age 43.18 ± 17.61 vs. 35.98 ± 15.30; p=0.01). The two genders did not differ on other variables). For all treatments, symptoms worsening was observed at the time of trauma, followed by slow recovery with treatment readjustment. Trauma-related worsening in patients on vortioxetine was less intense than patients on the other two antidepressants and recovery was faster. All drugs were associated with an improvement in QoL. The vortioxetine group showed a lower hospitalisation rate (24%) than sertraline (35.4%) and trazodone (38.6%), but this was not significant (p=0.27).

Conclusion:

All drugs improved symptoms after Covid-19 trauma in patients with MDE, with vortioxetine showing a small advantage. No differences between vortioxetine, sertraline and trazodone were found as concerns the need for hospitalisation.
Bioactive Compounds Identification, Antioxidant and Antibacterial
Activities of Algerian Marine Algae Extracts
Authors: Saidani Karima , González-Peña Diana , Giménez Lucía , Touati Naima , Bedjou Fatiha , de Ancos Begoña , Sánchez-Moreno Concepción
Published: March 2022

Background:

Marine algae produce bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. They
have antioxidant, antibacterial, immune regulation and other biological activities. The aim of this
study was to examine the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of extracts of five marine algae
species: Cystoseira humilis, Halopteris scoparia, Pavonica padina, Sargassum vulgare and Rhodomela
confervoides of Bejaia’s coast (northern Algeria).

Methods:

Phenolic content of the five marine algae was assessed using Folin Ciocalteu method
and then characterized by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analyses. The antioxidant activity
was evaluated by DPPH•, ABTS•+, NO• radical scavenging and FRAP assays. For the screening
of the antibacterial activity, six strains were tested using three different methods: agar disc diffusion,
agar well diffusion and spot methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were
also determined.

Results:

Protocatechuic acid was the phenolic compound identified in all the studied seaweeds,
while Padina pavonica was the species where more phenolic compounds were identified
(phloroglucinol, gallic acid, ferulic acid and syringic acid). Cystoseira humilis showed the highest
antioxidant activity (DPPH•: 2237.50 ± 148.34 μM TE/100 g dw, ABTS•+: 1992.50 ± 165.97 μM
TE/100 g dw, NO•: 2559.58 ± 42.08 μM TE/100 g dw, FRAP: 2081.20 ± 115.29 μM TE/100 g
dw), which was also the richest in phenolic compounds (4.63 ± 0.23 mg PhlE/g dw). Rodomela
confervoides showed an important activity against all the bacterial strains tested with the greatest
diameter of inhibition zone (18 mm) against E. coli with a MIC equal to 20 mg/mL. The extract of
Padina pavonica showed a moderate activity (13.5 mm) against P. aeruginosa with a MIC ≤ 10
mg/mL and a MBC > 10 mg/mL.

Conclusion:

The studied marine algae showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities. They could
be potentially used for applications in medicine, food production and the cosmetic industry.
DAMPAK SOCIAL DISTANCING TERHADAP PEDAGANG KAKI LIMA DI BENTENG VASTENBURG SURAKARTA (ANALISIS TEORI FUNGSIONALISME STRUKTURAL)
Authors: Purnomo Novel Adryan
Published: March 2022

Kebijakan social distancing atau physical distancing yang diterapkan oleh pemerintah Indonesia merupakan langkah untuk menangani Pandemi Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19). Kebijakan ini mengharuskan masyarakat untuk menghindari keramaian. Berlakunya kebijakan ini tentu menyeluruh bagi masyarakat Indonesia termasuk para pekerja. Pedagang Kaki Lima (PKL) ikut terdampak dari kebijakan social distancing ini. Di satu sisi pemerintah harus menerapkan kebijakan untuk menghindari penyebaran virus. Dan di sisi lain para PKL harus bekerja untuk menghidupi keluarganya. Perbedaan tujuan ini akan dianalisis menggunakan teori fungsionalisme struktural dan menghasilkan analisis dari sistem tindakan dari struktur kebijakan social distancing ini. Dari analisis ini ditemukan fakta bahwa sistem-sistem tindakan tidak dapat menjalankan fungsi Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency dengan baik. Maka dari itulah terjadi permasalahan di dalamnya.
Pelatihan aplikasi model peminatan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman layanan peminatan bagi Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling SMA di Kabupaten Kulonprogo
Authors: Sari Widya Juwita , Triyanto Agus , Dewanti Septinda Rima , Warsito Ariyadi , Hasna Salma Salsabila , Kartika Fenny
Published: March 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling dalam melaksanakan peminatan siswa SMA. Khalayak sasaran dari kegiatan ini adalah Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling SMA dengan jumlah 23 Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif. Kegiatan pelatihan ini menggunakan teknik penugasan mandiri yang diawali dengan seminar dan diskusi tentang peminatan, penyusunan rencana layanan peminatan, praktik memberikan layanan peminatan dan diakhiri dengan case conference hasil peminatan berdasarkan model peminatan Siswa SMA. Alat ukur yang digunakan untuk mengetahui keefektifan teknik tersebut adalah dengan skala penilaian pelatihan peminatan Siswa SMA yang digunakan pretes dan post test. Hasil pelaksanaan kegiatan pelatihan peminatan  Siswa SMA bagi Guru BK  SMA menunjukkan peningkatan yang dilihat dari rata-rata skor pre-test sebesar 17,48 dan skor rata-rata post test sebesar 27,00 Dengan demikian terdapat peningkatan 9,53 poin. Berdasarkan hal tersebut dapat dikatakan pelatihan aplikasi model peminatan dapat meningkatkan pemahaman mengenai layanan peminatan Siswa SMA.
Analysis of Cyanide Content on Yams Using Spectrophotometry Methods
Authors: Widiastuti Vany , Ernawati Erlin , Fatmadewi Vita , Anindyajati Saraswati , Faradina Shaaliyah Novita
Published: March 2022

This study aims to determine whether or not cyanide content in various species of yams in the District of Tempel, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The samples were cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), water yam (Discorea Alata), intoxicating yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst), canna lilly (Canna discolor L), and taro (Colocasia esculenta). The qualitative test was performed by cementing the sample with aquadest and 10% tartrate acid and then covering the erlenmeyer that containing the sample with dry filter paper immersed in saturated picric acid and dampened with 8% sodium carbonate and then heating it. Quantitative tests were performed using a spectrum 20 with a wavelength of 590 nm. This quantitative test is based on forming a blue hydrindantin complex at pH 12 when cyanide is reacted with a ninhydrin complex. The results showed that in qualitative test, sample containing cyanide was indicated by the change of color of filter paper from yellow to brownish red. Quantitative results show that cyanide contained in sample as varies levels. The cyanide levels through the various species of yams were 0.1098 mg / 100g for cassava 0.049 mg/100 g for water yam, 0.1394 mg/100g for intoxing yam, 0.0896 mg/100 g for canna lilly and 0.0680 mg / 100g for taro.
Determination of Iron (Fe) Species in Samples of Canned Packaging Beef
Authors: Haryanti Septi Dwi , Dzawinnuha Hannuna , Adika Vanadia
Published: March 2022

The research aims to know the content of iron metal (Fe) in samples of canned packaging beef. The destruction of the samples prior to breaking the metallic bond with organic compounds in the sample, making them easier to identify the metal content to be analyzed. The analysis of metal content of iron has been done by using Atomic Absorption Specthrophotometer. The level of iron metal contained in beef samples of A brand packaging is 40.0570 mg/kg, in B brand packaging is 25.5175 mg / Kg and in the  C brand packaging 22.9600 mg/Kg. When compared to the iron metal threshold in food as contained in SNI 01-7387-2009, then the sample of beef packaging for B and C brand is still safe because the iron content is still below 30 mg/kg. Meanwhile,  the beef corned for A brand is not safe because it is higher than 30 mg/kg.
Optimization of Energy and Time Variations for Synthesis of N doped TiO2 Nanotube using Microwave-Asssisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Anugrahayu Cindy Candrika , Kusumawardani Cahyorini
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of energy and time hydrothermal microwave time variations on the crystal structure and N-TiO2 nanotube photocatalytic activity. The synthesis of N-TiO2 nanotube was performed with the hydrothermal microwave method. The N-TiO2 preparationwas carried out by dissolving ethylenediamine precursor in 80 ml of 96% ethanol and 3 ml TTIP which was reacted at 70 °C for 4 hours. The obtained N-TiO2 was formed into nanotubes used the hydrotermal microwave method in low temperature (180W), medium temperature (360 W), and high temperature (720 W) with time variations of 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours. The microwave hydrothermal process in this study used 10 M NaOH to form a tubular structure and 0.5 M HCl as an ion exchange. The characterization analysis performed by X-Ray Diffraction, UV-Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, and blue methylene degradation. The results of this study indicate that the variations of time and energy of the microwave hydrothermal method affect the crystal structure of the N-TiO2 nanotubes. The nanotubes structure has been formed at a variety of low energy 2 hours, medium energy 0.5 hours, 1 hour and 2 hours, and high energy 2 hours. Energy and time variations of hydrothermal microwave affect the photocatalytic activity of N-TiO2 nanotubes showed second-order kinetics. The best percentage of degradation produced in the T2 variation is the photocatalyst reaction of 71.89% and the adsorbs reaction of 64.81%.
Utilization of Coffee Waste as Active Charcoal For Purification of Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Sukmawati Salma Husna , Sunarto Sunarto
Published: March 2022

This research aims to find the comparison of the chemical-physical characters of coffee waste activated charcoal using ZnCl2 with HCl, to calculate the highest adsorption efficiency, and to determine the quality of waste cooking oil after purification. The washed and dried of coffee waste are carbonized by the temperature 700oC and chemically activated using ZnCl2 5% and HCl 5%. The adsorption process used by batch system. The object of this research is the character of activated charcoal from coffee waste such as water content, ash content, iodine adsorption capacity of activated charcoal, peroxide number and free fatty acid (FFA) number of waste cooking oil before and after purification. Morphological analysis of activated charcoal was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Analysis of the number of peroxide and FFA were carried out respectively using the titration method. The results of the characterization of activated charcoal showed that the activated charcoal with ZnCl2 5% activator had a water content of 6.55%, an ash content of 6.046%, adsorption of iodine 1039.5 mg/g, and had clean and wide pores. Activated charcoal with HCl 5% activator has a water content of 7.25%, an ash content of 7.55%, and 1008 mg/g of iodine adsorption. The highest adsorption efficiency of activated charcoal was 49.9749% in reducing the peroxide number and 50.1113% for reducing FFA, these results were obtained at 3 hours contact time with 3 g adsorbent mass. The peroxide number in the waste cooking oil that has been purified has not qualitified the standard SNI 01-3741-2013, but the FFA at 3 hours contact time with 3 g adsorbent mass qualitified the standard
The Optimazion of Bioethanol Production from Rice Husk using Simultanous Saccharification and Fermentation Methods
Authors: Puspitasari Yuliana Wanda , Senam Senam
Published: March 2022

The optimum condition of bioethanol production was studied by determining NaOH concentration, leaving time, and bioethanol content. The research started with delignification reaction using NaOH (alkaline pre-treatment), continued by saccharification process with Aspergillus niger and fermentation process with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulted bioethanol was purified using destilation process and characterized with Gas Chromatography (GC). The result showed that optimum NaOH concentration was 3%, the leaving time optimum at 105 minutes, and the bioethanol content was 10.9966%.