bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipidomics Provides New Insight into Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets of the Ischemia—Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Todorović Zoran , Đurašević Siniša , Stojković Maja , Grigorov Ilijana , Pavlović Slađan , Jasnić Nebojša , Tosti Tomislav , Macut Jelica Bjekić , Thiemermann Christoph , Đorđević Jelena
Published: March 2021

Lipids play an essential role in both tissue protection and damage. Tissue ischemia creates anaerobic conditions in which enzyme inactivation occurs, and reperfusion can initiate oxidative stress that leads to harmful changes in membrane lipids, the formation of aldehydes, and chain damage until cell death. The critical event in such a series of harmful events in the cell is the unwanted accumulation of fatty acids that leads to lipotoxicity. Lipid analysis provides additional insight into the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) disorders and reveals new targets for drug action. The profile of changes in the composition of fatty acids in the cell, as well as the time course of these changes, indicate both the mechanism of damage and new therapeutic possibilities. A therapeutic approach to reperfusion lipotoxicity involves attenuation of fatty acids overload, i.e., their transport to adipose tissue and/or inhibition of the adverse effects of fatty acids on cell damage and death. The latter option involves using PPAR agonists and drugs that modulate the transport of fatty acids via carnitine into the interior of the mitochondria or the redirection of long-chain fatty acids to peroxisomes.
UV-Irradiation- and Inflammation-Induced Skin Barrier Dysfunction Is Associated with the Expression of Olfactory Receptor Genes in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Kang Wesuk , Son Bomin , Park Soyoon , Choi Dabin , Park Taesun
Published: March 2021

Olfactory receptors (ORs) have diverse physiological roles in various cell types, beyond their function as odorant sensors in the olfactory epithelium. These previous findings have suggested that ORs could be diagnostic markers and promising therapeutic targets in several pathological conditions. In the current study, we sought to characterize the changes in the expression of ORs in the HaCaT human keratinocytes cell line exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light or inflammation, well-recognized stimulus for skin barrier disruption. We confirmed that major olfactory signaling components, including ORs, GNAL, Ric8b, and adenylate cyclase type 3, are highly expressed in HaCaT cells. We have also demonstrated that the 12 ectopic ORs detectable in HaCaT cells are more highly expressed in UV-irradiated or inflamed conditions than in normal conditions. We further assessed the specific OR-mediated biological responses of HaCaT cells in the presence of known odorant ligands of ORs and observed that specific ligand-activated ORs downregulate skin barrier genes in HaCaT cells. This study shows the potential of OR as a marker for skin barrier abnormalities. Further research is needed to explore how OR is implicated in the development and progression of barrier dysfunction.
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Treatment—Current and Future Prospects
Authors: Waliszewska-Prosół Marta , Chojdak-Łukasiewicz Justyna , Budrewicz Sławomir , Pokryszko-Dragan Anna
Published: March 2021

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an immune-mediated demyelinative disorder of the central nervous system affecting mainly the optical nerves and the spinal cord. The recurrent course of the disease, with exacerbations and incomplete remissions, causes accumulating disability, which has a profound impact upon patients’ quality of life. The discovery of antibodies against aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and their leading role in NMO etiology and the formulation of diagnostic criteria have improved appropriate recognition of the disease. In recent years, there has been rapid progress in understanding the background of NMO, leading to an increasing range of treatment options. On the basis of a review of the relevant literature, the authors present currently available therapeutic strategies for NMO as well as ongoing research in this field, with reference to key points of immune-mediated processes involved in the background of the disease.
Overexpression of Salicylic Acid Carboxyl Methyltransferase (CsSAMT1) Enhances Tolerance to Huanglongbing Disease in Wanjincheng Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)
Authors: Zou Xiuping , Zhao Ke , Liu Yunuo , Du Meixia , Zheng Lin , Wang Shuai , Xu Lanzhen , Peng Aihong , He Yongrui , Long Qin , Chen Shanchun
Published: March 2021

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease or citrus greening is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) and is the most devastating disease in the global citrus industry. Salicylic acid (SA) plays a central role in regulating plant defenses against pathogenic attack. SA methyltransferase (SAMT) modulates SA homeostasis by converting SA to methyl salicylate (MeSA). Here, we report on the functions of the citrus SAMT (CsSAMT1) gene from HLB-susceptible Wanjincheng orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) in plant defenses against Las infection. The CsSAMT1 cDNA was expressed in yeast. Using in vitro enzyme assays, yeast expressing CsSAMT1 was confirmed to specifically catalyze the formation of MeSA using SA as a substrate. Transgenic Wanjincheng orange plants overexpressing CsSAMT1 had significantly increased levels of SA and MeSA compared to wild-type controls. HLB resistance was evaluated for two years and showed that transgenic plants displayed significantly alleviated symptoms including a lack of chlorosis, low bacterial counts, reduced hyperplasia of the phloem cells, and lower levels of starch and callose compared to wild-type plants. These data confirmed that CsSAMT1 overexpression confers an enhanced tolerance to Las in citrus fruits. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CsSAMT1 overexpression significantly upregulated the citrus defense response by enhancing the transcription of disease resistance genes. This study provides insight for improving host resistance to HLB by manipulation of SA signaling in citrus fruits.
The Importance of Time and Place: Nutrient Composition and Utilization of Seasonal Pollens by European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: DeGrandi-Hoffman Gloria , Corby-Harris Vanessa , Carroll Mark , Toth Amy L. , Gage Stephanie , Watkins deJong Emily , Graham Henry , Chambers Mona , Meador Charlotte , Obernesser Bethany
Published: March 2021

Honey bee colonies have a yearly cycle that is supported nutritionally by the seasonal progression of flowering plants. In the spring, colonies grow by rearing brood, but in the fall, brood rearing declines in preparation for overwintering. Depending on where colonies are located, the yearly cycle can differ especially in overwintering activities. In temperate climates of Europe and North America, colonies reduce or end brood rearing in the fall while in warmer climates bees can rear brood and forage throughout the year. To test the hypothesis that nutrients available in seasonal pollens and honey bee responses to them can differ we analyzed pollen in the spring and fall collected by colonies in environments where brood rearing either stops in the fall (Iowa) or continues through the winter (Arizona). We fed both types of pollen to worker offspring of queens that emerged and open mated in each type of environment. We measured physiological responses to test if they differed depending on the location and season when the pollen was collected and the queen line of the workers that consumed it. Specifically, we measured pollen and protein consumption, gene expression levels (hex 70, hex 110, and vg) and hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) development. We found differences in macronutrient content and amino and fatty acids between spring and fall pollens from the same location and differences in nutrient content between locations during the same season. We also detected queen type and seasonal effects in HPG size and differences in gene expression between bees consuming spring vs. fall pollen with larger HPG and higher gene expression levels in those consuming spring pollen. The effects might have emerged from the seasonal differences in nutritional content of the pollens and genetic factors associated with the queen lines we used.
Expanding Exotic Forest Plantations and Declining Rural Populations in La Araucanía, Chile
Authors: Carte Lindsey , Hofflinger Álvaro , Polk Molly H.
Published: March 2021

Chile has embraced the expansion of monoculture forest plantations of exotic Monterey pine and eucalyptus as part of its development strategy. While forestry is considered financially successful and meets sustainability objectives, the increase in forest plantations across southern Chile has received harsh critiques for exacerbating conflict over Indigenous land rights, producing negative environmental outcomes, and increasing poverty and inequality. There are also claims that forest plantation expansion has led to an abandonment of the countryside. Migration is viewed as a result of the socioeconomic challenges that forest plantations produce at the local level; however, the linkages have not been explored. We examine the linkages between forest plantations and migration through two questions: Is there a relationship between forest plantation cover change and out-migration from rural areas? If so, what are the factors that explain this process? We use a difference-in-differences method analyzing panel data from the Chilean census and from CONAF, the Chilean National Forest Corporation, complemented by interviews, mapping workshops, and focus groups to answer these questions. Results indicate a statistically significant relationship between expanding forest plantations and population decline in rural areas. Qualitative data show that this expansion led to displacement of residents, declines in employment opportunities, and agriculture difficulties.
Instructional Moves that Increase Chances of Engaging All Students in Learning Mathematics
Authors: Bobis Janette , Russo James , Downton Ann , Feng Maggie , Livy Sharyn , McCormick Melody , Sullivan Peter
Published: March 2021

Despite the construct of challenge being recognized as an essential element of mathematics instruction, concerns have been raised about whether such approaches benefit students with diverse academic needs. In this article, we focus on the beliefs and instructional practices of teachers teaching students in the first three years of school (5 to 8 years of age). These teachers participated in professional learning focused on challenging mathematical tasks differentiated through their open-ended design and the use of enabling and extending prompts. The instructional practices are explained using the Theory of Didactical Situations. Questionnaire data from pre-intervention (n = 148) and post-intervention (n = 100) groups of teachers indicated that teachers in the post-intervention group held more negative beliefs than those in the pre-intervention group about the capability of instructional approaches involving a priori grouping of students by performance levels. Interviews with ten teachers from the post-intervention group revealed and characterized the ways teachers employed open-ended tasks with enabling and extending prompts to engage all learners. Findings reveal that teachers knowing their students as individual learners accompanied by knowledge of a range of teaching practices to differentiate instruction are central to engaging all learners.
A High Order Accurate and Effective Scheme for Solving Markovian Switching Stochastic Models
Authors: Li Yang , Feng Taitao , Wang Yaolei , Xin Yifei
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose a new weak order 2.0 numerical scheme for solving stochastic differential equations with Markovian switching (SDEwMS). Using the Malliavin stochastic analysis, we theoretically prove that the new scheme has local weak order 3.0 convergence rate. Combining the special property of Markov chain, we study the effects from the changes of state space on the convergence rate of the new scheme. Two numerical experiments are given to verify the theoretical results.
Metabolic Syndrome and Dietary Habits in Hospitalized Patients with Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sorić Tamara , Mavar Mladen , Rumbak Ivana
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: The true prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the reason for it being higher in patients with schizophrenia when compared to general population have not yet been fully determined. Although being considered as one of the major causes, currently there are limited findings regarding differences in dietary patterns of schizophrenic patients with and without MetS. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, to investigate the differences in socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics between participants with and without MetS, with the special emphasis being put on their dietary habits, and to ascertain the correlation between dietary habits and MetS components. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 259 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia aged ≥ 18 years. All participants underwent basic anthropometric measurements, blood sampling and blood pressure assessment, and provided relevant socio-demographic and lifestyle information. The presence of MetS was determined according to the Joint Interim Statement definition and dietary habits were assessed using a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 47.9%. No socio-demographic or lifestyle differences were found between participants with and without MetS. A large number of participants (42.9%) reported consuming carbonated soft drinks on a daily basis. Daily frequency of fruit (11.6%) and vegetables intake (29.3%) was far below recommended. Dietary habits of participants with and without MetS did not significantly differ, while consumption frequencies of some of the studied food and beverage items and groups significantly correlated with certain MetS components (such as statistically significant positive correlation between cured meat products consumption frequency and waist circumference, as well as between red meat consumption frequency and systolic blood pressure). Conclusions: The concept of the present study did not allow us to distinguish to what extent the participants’ dietary habits were influenced by independent procurement of food products, nor has it allowed us to quantify the portion sizes of consumed food and beverage items and groups. Nevertheless, the findings indicate the need for early identification of individuals with high MetS risk and for the incorporation of nutritional support programs into hospital treatment of patients with schizophrenia.
Interactions of Linear Analogues of Battacin with Negatively Charged Lipid Membranes
Authors: Burdach Kinga , Tymecka Dagmara , Urban Aneta , Lasek Robert , Bartosik Dariusz , Sek Slawomir
Published: March 2021

The increasing resistance of bacteria to available antibiotics has stimulated the search for new antimicrobial compounds with less specific mechanisms of action. These include the ability to disrupt the structure of the cell membrane, which in turn leads to its damage. In this context, amphiphilic lipopeptides belong to the class of the compounds which may fulfill this requirement. In this paper, we describe two linear analogues of battacin with modified acyl chains to tune the balance between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic portion of lipopeptides. We demonstrate that both compounds display antimicrobial activity with the lowest values of minimum inhibitory concentrations found for Gram-positive pathogens. Therefore, their mechanism of action was evaluated on a molecular level using model lipid films mimicking the membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. The surface pressure measurements revealed that both lipopeptides show ability to bind and incorporate into the lipid monolayers, resulting in decreased ordering of lipids and membrane fluidization. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging demonstrated that the exposure of the model bilayers to lipopeptides leads to a transition from the ordered gel phase to disordered liquid crystalline phase. This observation was confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) results, which revealed that lipopeptide action causes a substantial increase in the average tilt angle of lipid acyl chains with respect to the surface normal to compensate for lipopeptide insertion into the membrane. Moreover, the peptide moieties in both molecules do not adopt any well-defined secondary structure upon binding with the lipid membrane. It was also observed that a small difference in the structure of a lipophilic chain, altering the balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic portion of the molecules, results in different insertion depth of the active compounds.
Gradual Replacement of Ca2+ with Mg2+ Ions in Brushite for the Production of Ca1−xMgxHPO4·nH2O Materials
Authors: Alshaaer Mazen , Issa Khalil , Alanazi Abdulaziz , Mallouh Saida Abu , Afify Ahmed S. , Moustapha Moustapha E. , Komnitsas Kostas
Published: March 2021

The present study investigates the gradual replacement of Ca2+ with Mg2+ ions in brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O). To date, this approach has not been systematically explored and may prove beneficial for the production of Ca1−xMgxHPO4·nH2O materials with tailored properties which are suitable for environmental and medical applications. For their production, solutions of sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate dehydrate, NaH2PO4·2H2O, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, Mg(NO3)2·6H2O and ammonium hydroxide solution, NH4OH, were used. At low Mg/Ca molar ratios (up to 0.25) in the starting solution, partial replacement of Ca with Mg takes place (Mg doping) but no struvite is produced as discrete phase. When the Mg/Ca molar ratio increases gradually to 1.5, in addition to Mg-doped brushite, struvite, NH4MgPO4·6H2O, precipitates. The microstructure of the materials produced for different degrees of Ca replacement with Mg has been analyzed in depth with the use of powdered XRD (X-ray diffraction), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The results of this study prove that the Mg/Ca ratio in the starting solution can be monitored in such a way that materials with tailored composition are obtained.
Assessing Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication by Means of Dose-Dependent Reference Plasma Concentration Ranges and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Authors: Wagmann Lea , Vollmer Aline C. , Lauder Lucas , Mahfoud Felix , Meyer Markus R.
Published: March 2021

Poor adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy is a well-recognized problem and can be assessed by mass spectrometry-based analyses of body fluids. However, contrary statements exist whether drug quantification in blood or qualitative screening in urine is more suitable. The present pilot study aimed to further elucidate the power of blood plasma drug concentrations for adherence monitoring by developing and validating a quantification procedure for nine antihypertensive drugs (amlodipine, bisoprolol, candesartan, canrenone, carvedilol, metoprolol, olmesartan, torasemide, and valsartan) in blood plasma using liquid–liquid extraction and an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry analysis. The procedure should then be used for an adherence assessment and compared with the results of an established qualitative urine screening. Selectivity, carryover, matrix effect, accuracy, precision, dilution integrity, and stability were successfully validated, except for amlodipine. The applicability was demonstrated by analyzing 19 plasma samples containing 28 antihypertensive drugs and comparing the measured concentrations with calculated dose-dependent reference plasma concentration ranges. The interpretation of plasma concentrations was found to be more sophisticated and time-consuming than that of urine screening results, and adherence could not be assessed in two cases (10%) due to measured plasma concentrations below the lower limit of quantification. However, 14 out of 19 subjects were classified as adherent (75%) and three as nonadherent (15%), in contrast to 19 (100%) that were claimed to be adherent based on the results of the qualitative urine screening. Nevertheless, further data is needed to estimate whether plasma quantification is superior in terms of assessing adherence to antihypertensive medication.
Exfoliation and Noncovalent Functionalization of Graphene Surface with Poly-N-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidone by In Situ Polymerization
Authors: Perumal Suguna , Atchudan Raji , Edison Thomas Nesakumar Jebakumar Immanuel , Shim Jae-Jin , Lee Yong Rok
Published: March 2021

Heteroatom functionalization on a graphene surface can endow the physical and structural properties of graphene. Here, a one-step in situ polymerization method was used for the noncovalent functionalization of a graphene surface with poly-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (PNVP) and the exfoliation of graphite into graphene sheets. The obtained graphene/poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone (GPNVP) composite was thoroughly characterized. The surface morphology of GPNVP was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies were carried out to check for the exfoliation of graphite into graphene sheets. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to calculate the amount of PNVP on the graphene surface in the GPNVP composite. The successful formation of the GPNVP composite and functionalization of the graphene surface was confirmed by various studies. The cyclic voltammetry measurement at different scan rates (5–500 mV/s) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study of the GPNVP composite were performed in the typical three-electrode system. The GPNVP composite has excellent rate capability with the capacitive property. This study demonstrates the one-pot preparation of exfoliation and functionalization of a graphene surface with the heterocyclic polymer PNVP; the resulting GPNVP composite will be an ideal candidate for various electrochemical applications.
Overview of Popular Techniques of Raman Spectroscopy and Their Potential in the Study of Plant Tissues
Authors: Saletnik Aneta , Saletnik Bogdan , Puchalski Czesław
Published: March 2021

Raman spectroscopy is one of the main analytical techniques used in optical metrology. It is a vibration, marker-free technique that provides insight into the structure and composition of tissues and cells at the molecular level. Raman spectroscopy is an outstanding material identification technique. It provides spatial information of vibrations from complex biological samples which renders it a very accurate tool for the analysis of highly complex plant tissues. Raman spectra can be used as a fingerprint tool for a very wide range of compounds. Raman spectroscopy enables all the polymers that build the cell walls of plants to be tracked simultaneously; it facilitates the analysis of both the molecular composition and the molecular structure of cell walls. Due to its high sensitivity to even minute structural changes, this method is used for comparative tests. The introduction of new and improved Raman techniques by scientists as well as the constant technological development of the apparatus has resulted in an increased importance of Raman spectroscopy in the discovery and defining of tissues and the processes taking place in them.
A Novel Validated Injectable Colistimethate Sodium Analysis Combining Advanced Chemometrics and Design of Experiments
Authors: Dagla Ioanna , Tsarbopoulos Anthony , Gikas Evagelos
Published: March 2021

Colistimethate sodium (CMS) is widely administrated for the treatment of life-threatening infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Until now, the quality control of CMS formulations has been based on microbiological assays. Herein, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet detector methodology was developed for the quantitation of CMS in injectable formulations. The design of experiments was performed for the optimization of the chromatographic parameters. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Waters Acquity BEH C8 column employing gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.001 M aq. ammonium formate and (B) methanol/acetonitrile 79/21 (v/v). CMS compounds were detected at 214 nm. In all, 23 univariate linear-regression models were constructed to measure CMS compounds separately, and one partial least-square regression (PLSr) model constructed to assess the total CMS amount in formulations. The method was validated over the range 100–220 μg mL−1. The developed methodology was employed to analyze several batches of CMS injectable formulations that were also compared against a reference batch employing a Principal Component Analysis, similarity and distance measures, heatmaps and the structural similarity index. The methodology was based on freely available software in order to be readily available for the pharmaceutical industry.
Cottonseed Protein, Oil, and Minerals in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Lines Differing in Curly Leaf Morphology
Authors: Bellaloui Nacer , Turley Rickie B. , Stetina Salliana R.
Published: March 2021

Cottonseed is an important source of protein, oil, and minerals for human health and livestock feed. Therefore, understanding the physiological and genetic traits influencing the nutrient content is critical. To our knowledge, there is no information available on the effects of leaf shape—curly leaf (CRL)—on cottonseed protein, oil, and minerals. Therefore, the objective of the current research was to investigate the effect of the curly leaf trait on cottonseed protein, oil, and minerals in cotton lines differing in leaf shape. Our hypothesis was that since leaf shape is known to be associated with nutrient uptake, assimilation, and photosynthesis process, leaf shape can influence seed protein, oil, and minerals. A two-year field experiment using two curly leaf lines (Uzbek CRL and DP 5690 CRL) and one normal leaf (DP 5690 wild type) line was conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Stoneville, MS, USA. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results showed that both Uzbek CRL and DP 5690 wild type lines had higher seed oil, and nutrients N, P, K, and Mg than DP 5690 CRL. Calcium was higher in DP 5690 CRL for two years and protein was only higher than the parents in 2015. Consistent significant positive and negative correlations between some nutrients were observed, which may be due to environmental conditions, especially heat. This indicates that curly leaf trait may partially regulate the accumulation of these nutrients in seeds. The results demonstrated that leaf shape trait—curly leaf—can affect cottonseed nutritional qualities. This research is important to breeders for cotton selection for high seed oil or protein, and to other researchers to further understand the genetic impact of leaf shapes on seed nutritional quality. It is also important for scientists to use leaf shape as a tool for physiological, biochemical, and morphological research related to leaf development.
Tactile Sensors for Parallel Grippers: Design and Characterization
Authors: Cirillo Andrea , Costanzo Marco , Laudante Gianluca , Pirozzi Salvatore
Published: March 2021

Tactile data perception is of paramount importance in today’s robotics applications. This paper describes the latest design of the tactile sensor developed in our laboratory. Both the hardware and firmware concepts are reported in detail in order to allow the research community the sensor reproduction, also according to their needs. The sensor is based on optoelectronic technology and the pad shape can be adapted to various robotics applications. A flat surface, as the one proposed in this paper, can be well exploited if the object sizes are smaller than the pad and/or the shape recognition is needed, while a domed pad can be used to manipulate bigger objects. Compared to the previous version, the novel tactile sensor has a larger sensing area and a more robust electronic, mechanical and software design that yields less noise and higher flexibility. The proposed design exploits standard PCB manufacturing processes and advanced but now commercial 3D printing processes for the realization of all components. A GitHub repository has been prepared with all files needed to allow the reproduction of the sensor for the interested reader. The whole sensor has been tested with a maximum load equal to 15N, by showing a sensitivity equal to 0.018V/N. Moreover, a complete and detailed characterization for the single taxel and the whole pad is reported to show the potentialities of the sensor also in terms of response time, repeatability, hysteresis and signal to noise ratio.
Vision-Based Tactile Sensor Mechanism for the Estimation of Contact Position and Force Distribution Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kakani Vijay , Cui Xuenan , Ma Mingjie , Kim Hakil
Published: March 2021

This work describes the development of a vision-based tactile sensor system that utilizes the image-based information of the tactile sensor in conjunction with input loads at various motions to train the neural network for the estimation of tactile contact position, area, and force distribution. The current study also addresses pragmatic aspects, such as choice of the thickness and materials for the tactile fingertips and surface tendency, etc. The overall vision-based tactile sensor equipment interacts with an actuating motion controller, force gauge, and control PC (personal computer) with a LabVIEW software on it. The image acquisition was carried out using a compact stereo camera setup mounted inside the elastic body to observe and measure the amount of deformation by the motion and input load. The vision-based tactile sensor test bench was employed to collect the output contact position, angle, and force distribution caused by various randomly considered input loads for motion in X, Y, Z directions and RxRy rotational motion. The retrieved image information, contact position, area, and force distribution from different input loads with specified 3D position and angle are utilized for deep learning. A convolutional neural network VGG-16 classification modelhas been modified to a regression network model and transfer learning was applied to suit the regression task of estimating contact position and force distribution. Several experiments were carried out using thick and thin sized tactile sensors with various shapes, such as circle, square, hexagon, for better validation of the predicted contact position, contact area, and force distribution.
The Impact of Chronic Stress and Eating Concern on Acylated Ghrelin Following Acute Psychological Stress in Healthy Men
Authors: Fahrngruber-Velasquez Christine , Duszka Kalina , König Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Stress, mood, and eating behavior play an important role in appetite and weight regulation. In particular, ghrelin, as the only known orexigenic hormone, has been suggested to be an influential mediator in food intake responses to stress. The exact role of ghrelin in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is still unknown and further challenged by the psychological aspects of stress and eating behavior. This study aimed to assess the effect of chronic stress and subjective concern about eating on acute stress-induced changes in acylated ghrelin. In a 2-day study, sixteen healthy male participants were confronted with a stressful situation as well as a control situation. Additional measurements of heart rate, subjective hunger ratings, and subjective mood ratings were made to assess successful acute stress induction. The linear mixed model approach revealed a significant effect of acute stress on acylated ghrelin for a study-day*chronic-stress interaction (p < 0.001). Concern about eating did not affect acylated ghrelin levels after acute stress exposure. The significant interaction showed that lower chronic stress exposure was associated with a stronger acylated ghrelin response after acute stress exposure versus control condition. At the same time, participants with higher chronic stress exposure showed a blunted acylated ghrelin response after acute stress exposure compared to the control situation. Our findings indicate that chronic stress exposure can influence acylated ghrelin response after acute stress encounters, possibly affecting subsequent food intake and explaining the often diverse outcome in measurements of acute stress responses.
Living with Legacy Risk—The Limits of Practicalities?
Authors: Ale Ben J. M. , Hartford Des N. D. , Slater David H.
Published: March 2021

Legacy risks from infrastructures and industrial installations often reveal themselves when a potential for failure has been discovered much later than at the stage of the design and construction of a structure. In which case, there might already be a problem with the legacy installation, or even a crisis, without having had an accident. When the hazard cannot be taken away, the question arises as to how much effort, if any, should be spent on improving the situation. The usefulness of the three archetypical approaches to this problem: setting a standard, the as low as reasonably practicable approach and a case-by-case discourse approach are discussed for their applicability for these legacy risks. Although it would be desirable to retrofit legacy risks to previously set legal requirements as is the case when acceptability limits are set in law or demonstration of ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is demanded, it may be impossible to reduce the residual risk to an otherwise acceptable level without taking away or replacing the infrastructure, which is not acceptable either. Therefore in conclusion the only available solution to persistent legacy risk problems seems to be to have a thorough discussion with all relevant stakeholders until an agreement is in some way found.
Does education of primary care professionals promote patient self-management and improve outcomes in chronic disease? An updated systematic review
Authors: Collins Claire , Doran Gillian , Patton Patricia , Fitzgerald Roisin , Rochfort Andree
Published: March 2021

Background

Primary care has a vital role in supporting patient autonomy to enable people with long-term conditions to manage their own health and wellness. Evidence is needed on whether education and training of health professionals helps support patient self-management and improves outcomes. The authors' first systematic review included only two articles showing patient outcomes following health professional training for promoting patient self-management.

Aim

To present an updated review undertaken from September 2013 to August 2018.

Design & setting

A systematic review was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines, following the methodology of the first review and is outlined in the PROSPERO registered protocol.

Method

Six databases were searched — Cochrane Library, PubMed, ERIC, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycINFO — in addition to web searches, hand searches, and bibliographies for articles published from 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2018.

Results

The updated systematic review showed more evidence is now available with 18 articles in the 5-year period from the 4284 abstracts located. Twelve of these articles showed a difference between intervention and control groups. Of the 18 articles identified, 11 were assessed as having a low risk of bias and five overall were rated of weak quality. The educational interventions with health professionals spanned a range of techniques and modalities, and many incorporated multiple interventions including patient components. There may be a lack of adoption owing to several challenges, including that complex interventions may not be delivered as planned and are difficult to assess, and owing to patient engagement and the need for ongoing follow-up.

Conclusion

More high-quality research is needed on what methods work best, for which patients, and for what clinical conditions in the primary care setting. The practical implications of training healthcare professionals require specific attention.
Medical applicant general practice experience and career aspirations: a questionnaire study
Authors: Agravat Priyesh , Ahmed Tafsir , Goudie Esme , Islam Shahraz , McKechnie Douglas GJ , Abdirahman Haji Mohamed , Ahmed Mahnoor , Al-Balah Amer , Alam Ayesha , Amin Fahima , Beqiri Sara , Chakka Smruthy , Chisenga Katy , Goodka Roshni , Hafiz Nida , Kotamarthi Ankita , Olatunji Ayobami Emmanuel , Fyfe Molly V , Dutta Nina , McManus Ian Chris , Harrison David , Woolf Katherine
Published: March 2021

Background

Increasing access to general practice work experience placements for school students is a strategy for improving general practice recruitment, despite limited evidence and concerns surrounding equity of access to general practice experiences.

Aims

To examine the association between undertaking general practice experience and the perceptions of general practice as an appealing future career among prospective medical applicants. To identify socioeconomic factors associated with obtaining general practice experience.

Design & setting

Cross-sectional questionnaire study in the UK.

Method

Participants were UK residents aged ≥16 years and seriously considering applying to study medicine in 2019/2020. They were invited to take part via the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). Questionnaire data were analysed using a linear regression of general practice appeal on general practice experience, adjusting for career motivations and demographics, and a logistic regression of general practice experience on measures of social capital and demographics.

Results

Of 6391 responders, 4031 were in their last year of school. General practice experience predicted general practice appeal after adjusting for career motivation and demographics (b = 0.37, standard error [SE] = 0.06, P<0.00001). General practice experience was more common among students at private (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31 to 2.08, P<0.0001) or grammar schools (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.72, P = 0.03) and in the highest socioeconomic group (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.05, P<0.0001), and less likely among students of ‘other’ ethnicity (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.67, P = 0.0011).

Conclusion

Having general practice experience prior to medical school was associated with finding general practice appealing, which supports its utility in recruitment. Applicants from more deprived backgrounds were less likely to have had a general practice experience, possibly through lack of accessible opportunities.
ANALISIS HUBUNGAN KADAR GULA DARAH PUASA DENGAN KADAR KOLESTEROL HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (HDL) PADA PASIEN DIABETES MELLITUS TIPE 2 DI RSUP SANGLAH
Authors: Jirna Nyoman
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases with characteristic hyperglycemia that happen by abnormal secretions of insulin, insulin action, or both. The condition of insulin resistance in DM type 2 cause abnormal lipid metabolism that indicated by increase or decrease levels of lipid fraction in plasma, include increase levels of Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) or triglycerides, decrease levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and formed small dense Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the fasting blood sugar levels with HDL cholesterol levels in patients with DM type 2. The method use an analytical study with cross sectional design. Sampling examined as many as 35 samples by purposive sampling. The relationship between fasting blood sugar levels with HDL cholesterol levels is analyzed by Pearson Product Moment Correlation test. Based on the result concluded that there is a relationship between fasting blood sugar levels with HDL cholesterol levels in patients with DM type 2 in RSUP Sanglah with significant value sig=0,030 (sig
KADAR SERUM GLUTAMATE PIRUVAT TRANSAMINASE PECANDU MINUMAN KERAS DI BANJAR AMBENGAN DESA SAYAN UBUD GIANYAR
Authors: Mastra Nyoman , Dewi I Gusti Ayu Tari Diva Pradnya , Merta I Wayan
Published: March 2021

Background Banjar Ambengan is one banjar contained in Sayan village, where people still have the habit of gathering accompanied by excessive alcohol consumption. Consumption of alcohol has a direct relationship with the death cases caused by liver sirosis. The liver mechanism disturbance leads to the case of swelling as the result of the rise of serum glutamate piruvat transminase (SPGT) enzyme.

Objective This study is aimed at investigating the SPGT level of the serum of the alcoholic. The study uses the non-probability sampling technique called snowball sampling. The samples of this study are thirty alcoholic men aging upper eighteen. The respondents will be interviewed to get the deeper information. The research reveals that 6 respondents have high SPGT level (20%) and 24 of them have normal SPGT level (80%).

Result of the examination serum SGPT levels alcoholics in the study ranged from 11 to 79.20 U / L. The measurement results SGPT levels are high on the research respondents based on the characteristics of age at most 33.3%, based on the frequency of consumption of at most 33.3%, based on the period of consumption at most 50%, based on the volume of consumption at most 66.7%, based on the type of liquor consumed at most 66.7%, and based on the type of work at most 50%.

Conclusion

Keywords: Liquor, Liver, Addict, SGPT Levels
GAMBARAN KADAR KALSIUM DARAH PADA WANITA MENOPAUSE DI BANJAR BINOH KAJA, DESA UBUNG KAJA, KECAMATAN DENPASAR UTARA
Authors: Sarihati IGA Dewi
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Background: Menopause women are one of the groups that have a high risk of osteoporosis, because at that time the amount of estrogen is reduced so that the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract will be reduced about 20-25%. This is the reason why the level of calcium decreasing in blood. According to the initial observation at Banjar Binoh Kaja by researcher, from 10 menopause women, four of them are at risk of osteoporosis.

Methode: This study is a descriptive study which describes the blood calcium levels in menopause women at Banjar Binoh Kaja, Ubung Kaja Village, North Denpasar District, by doing measurement on their blood calcium concentration with O – Cresolphthalein Complexon (OCPC) method. The 34 respondents taken from total population of menopause women in age range 50-65 years. Respondent was selected using purposive sampling with criteria: menopause women in age range 50-65 years and not undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

.Result: The results showed that the average concentration of blood calcium is 8,83 mg/dL which 11.76% respondents had low levels of blood calcium and 88.24% respondents had normal blood calcium levels. 33,33% respondents in age range 62 – 65 years and 66,67% respondents in 16 – 20 years periods of menopause has decrement of blood calcium levels.

Coclusion: The decrement of blood calcium levels mostly held in respondents in age range 62 – 65 years and respondents with 16-20 years periods of menopause.

Keywords: blood calcium, menopause
PERBEDAAN ZONA HAMBAT PERTUMBUHAN Staphylococcus aureus PADA BERBAGAI KONSENTRASI REBUSAN DAUN SALAM (Syzygium polyanthum) SECARA IN VITRO
Authors: Mastra Nyoman
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground Staphylococcus aureus is one of causes infection and this bacteria have been resistence for many antibiotic. Bay leaf have antibacterials substance, which stew leaves can be treat infection caused Staphylococcus aureus. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in growth inhibition zone of Staphylococcus aureus at various concentrations of water stew of bay leaf.Method The method of this study is true experiment with posstest only control design, and used Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method with various concentrations of water stewed of bay leaf (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%,100%), positive control (chloramfenicol 30 μg) and negative control (sterile distilled water). Result The result showed that the average diameter of inhibition zone in concentration 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% is 7 mm, 8,4 mm, 9,6 mm, 10,5 mm and 11,5 mm. Based on statistical analysis using oneway ANOVA available the value of p (0,000) α (0,05), so the inhibition zone is significant difference of growth inhibition zone of Staphylococcus aureus at various concentrations of stewed water bay leaf. Conclusion Water stew of bay leaf can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, and there are differences in growth inhibition zone of Staphylococcus aureus at various concentrations of water stew of bay leaf. Keywords: stew of bay leaf; Staphylococcus aureus; inhibition zone
Notas para una discusión sobre el estudio de registros cartográficos coloniales
Authors: Pensa María Laura
Published: March 2021

Este artículo constituye un resumen o bibliografía anotada de los principales aportes en relación al estudio de mapas y otros documentos cartográficos coloniales desde distintas disciplinas sociales. Se seleccionan y ponen en discusión argumentos provenientes de la antropología, los estudios culturales, coloniales, visuales y cartográficos para reflexionar acerca de la naturaleza de las imágenes cartográficas y una posible metodología de análisis. Sugiero que en función de su naturaleza híbrida, un estudio que contemple variables tanto textuales como visuales nos conducirá al mejor entendimiento de estos documentos y sus posibilidades como fuentes de información.
Recent Advances in Self-Powered Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Zhou Linglin , Liu Di , Liu Li , He Lixia , Cao Xia , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2021

Electrochemistry, one of the most important research and production technology, has been widely applicated in various fields. However, the requirement of external power source is a major challenge to its development. To solve this issue, developing self-powered electrochemical system (SPES) that can work by collecting energy from the environment is highly desired. The invention of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which can transform mechanical energy into electricity, is a promising approach to build SPES by integrating with electrochemistry. In this view, the latest representative achievements of SPES based on TENG are comprehensively reviewed. By harvesting various mechanical energy, five SPESs are built, including electrochemical pollutants treatment, electrochemical synthesis, electrochemical sensor, electrochromic reaction, and anticorrosion system, according to the application domain. Additionally, the perspective for promoting the development of SPES is discussed.