bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelatihan Pengolahan Kelapa Menjadi Minyak Murni (VCO) Untuk Meningkatkan Penghasilan Masyarakat Di Masa Pandemi Covid 19
Authors: Mattoasi Mattoasi , Usman Usman
Published: July 2021

Wilayah Gorontalo memiliki potensi besar dalam hal ketersediaan pohon kelapa. Namun pengolahan kelapa khususnya di Desa Babalonge, Kecamatan Lemito, Kabupaten Pohuwato belum dilakukan secara maksimal. Manfaat pengabdian masyarakat dari program ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat terhadap minyak kelapa murni.Tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam mengolah kelapa menjadi VCO adalah untuk meningkatkan pendapatan yang diperoleh masyarakat karena telah mampu mengolah kelapa menjadi virgin coconut oil (VCO). Hasil dari pengabdian masyarakat ini berhasil melatih masyarakat di desa Babalonge membuat VCO baik dengan cara fermentasi maupun menggunakan mesin sentrifugal.
Strategi Pengelolaan Usaha Mikro Kecil Dan Menengah (UMKM) Di Era Pandemi Corona Virus Disease (Covid -19)
Authors: Arham Muhammad Amir , Mattoasi Mattoasi , Monoarfa Rio , Husain Siti Pratiwi , Lukum Amir
Published: July 2021

Pandemi Covid-19 sangat berdampak pada sektor ekonomi nasional.bagaiamana tidak, sektor UMKM yang telah teruji bertahap selama beberapa kalinkrisis ekonomi melanda Indonesia, namun pandemic Covid-19 berhasil menumbangkan sektor ini. tidak sedikit pelaku UMKM yang harus gulung tikar, dan mengalami penurunan omset yang begitu drastis. Tujuan dilaksanakan kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah untuk membantu menyelasaikan persoalan UMKM baik meliputi strategi menjalankan bisnis dimasa pandemi, manajemen keuangan UMKM, dan akses modal.Kegiatan pengabdian ini berhasil memberikan pembinaan berdasarkan rumusan masalah yang diperolah dari olahan data hasil wawancara dan observasi secara langsung.
TD 2671 - As relações Brasil-África e o regime internacional de investimentos: uma análise do ACFI do Brasil com Angola e Moçambique
Authors: Garcia Ana Saggioro , Torres Gabriel
Published: July 2021

Este trabalho resulta do projeto A agenda externa do Brasil para a África: avaliações e
propostas, no qual se analisa a atuação do Brasil no regime internacional de facilitação
e proteção de investimentos, a fim de realizar um balanço dos efeitos do novo Acordo de Cooperação e Facilitação de Investimentos (ACFI) para os investimentos brasileiros em Angola e Moçambique. Neste texto, apresentam-se: o contexto histórico de surgimento dos tratados bilaterais de investimentos; as crescentes críticas de natureza política, econômica e social sobre os efeitos dos tratados sobre as políticas públicas dos países signatários, bem como o contexto atual de reformas dos modelos de acordo, no qual se insere o ACFI do Brasil; e a inserção dos países africanos no regime internacional de investimentos, com seu enquadramento legislativo doméstico, bilateral e regional para facilitação e proteção do investimento estrangeiro. Por fim, fornece-se um panorama sobre as políticas públicas relevantes ao investimento estrangeiro em Angola e Moçambique, mostrando um quadro comparativo do ACFI assinado com o Brasil e os demais tratados bilaterais de investimentos em vigor em cada um desses países.
Evaluating Rotation Periods of M Dwarfs across the Ages
Authors: Popinchalk Mark , Faherty Jacqueline K. , Kiman Rocio , Gagné Jonathan , Curtis Jason L. , Angus Ruth , Cruz Kelle L. , Rice Emily L.
Published: July 2021

In this work we examine M dwarf rotation rates at a range of ages to establish benchmarks for M dwarf gyrochronology. This work includes a sample of 713 spectroscopically classified M0–M8 dwarfs with new rotation rates measured from K2 light curves. We analyze data and recover rotation rates for 179 of these objects. We add these to rotation rates for members of clusters with known ages (5–700 Myr), as well as objects assumed to have field ages (≳1 Gyr). We use Gaia DR2 parallax and

(
G
–

G

RP

)

photometry to create color–magnitude diagrams to compare objects across samples. We use color–period plots to analyze the period distributions across age, as well as incorporate Hα equivalent width and tangential velocity where possible to further comment on age dependence. We find that the age of transition from rapid to slow rotation in clusters, which we define as an elbow in the period–color plots, depends on spectral type. Later spectral types transition at older ages: M4 for Praesepe at ≈700 Myr, one of the oldest clusters for which M dwarf rotation rates have been measured. The transition from active to inactive Hα equivalent width also occurs at this elbow, as objects transition from rapid rotation to the slowly rotating sequence. Redder or smaller stars remain active at older ages. Finally, using Gaia kinematics we find evidence for rotation stalling for late Ms in the field sample, suggesting the transition happens much later for mid- to late-type M dwarfs.
Energy Injection Driven by Precessing Jets in Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglows
Authors: Huang Bao-Quan , Liu Tong
Published: July 2021

Jet precession is considered to universally exist in different-scale astronomical phenomena, including gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). For the long-lived GRB central engine, the relativistic precessing jets will periodically inject kinetic energy into the external shocks, then significantly modulate the shapes of the light curves (LCs) in GRB afterglows. In this paper, we adopt the standard external shock model to investigate the effects of jet precession on GRB X-ray afterglows in cases with different parameters, i.e., the steady or time-dependent jet powers, precession periods, precession angles, and viewing angles. In the case where the jet powers are in steady or slow decay and the jet can sweep across the line of sight, shallow decay (or plateau) segments should appear; otherwise, a giant bump will emerge in the GRB afterglow LCs. We show that jet precession is a new plausible mechanism of the energy injection in GRBs. Moreover, some observed X-ray transients without GRB associations might be powered by the precessing jets.
The Changing Lightcurve of the Double-mode RR Lyrae Variable Star V338 Boo
Authors: Carrell Kenneth , Wilhelm Ronald , Olsen Faith , Tom Andrew , Vetters Garath , McElhannon Anna
Published: July 2021

We present an analysis of the lightcurve extracted from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Full Frame Images (FFIs) of the double-mode RR Lyrae V338 Boo. We find that the fundamental mode pulsation is changing in amplitude across the 54 days of observations. The first overtone mode pulsation also changes, but on a much smaller scale. Harmonics and combinations of the primary pulsation modes also exhibit unusual behavior. Possible connections with other changes in RR Lyrae pulsations are discussed, but a full understanding of the cause of the changes seen in V338 Boo should shed light on some of the most difficult and unanswered questions in stellar pulsation theory, and astrophysics more generally.
The Effects of Cigarette Advertisement and Peer Influence on Adolescent’s Smoking Intention in Indonesia
Authors: Sutrisno Resti Yulianti , Melinda Fani
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of smoking among adolescents keeps increasing. Based on data from the Regional Health Research 2013, the prevalence of child smokers aged 10–18 years old was 7.2–9.1% in 2018. In fact, it exceeds the government’s target to reduce the number of child smokers in 2019 to 5.4%. Cigarette advertising is one of the reasons children are attracted to smoking, and Indonesia ranks first in ASEAN for youth exposure to tobacco advertisement and promotion.

AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the factors that affect the urge to smoke in adolescents, specifically the influence of friends who smoke and exposure to cigarette advertisements in Sleman, Indonesia.

METHODOLOGY: A non-experimental study with a correlation study and a cross-sectional approach. The sample was 318 respondents with a total sampling technique on first-grade junior high school students from three schools. The research instruments used were a questionnaire on exposure to cigarette advertisements, smoker friends, and the intention to smoke. The bivariate analysis used was the chi-square correlation test.

RESULTS: Most of the respondents were exposed to cigarette advertisements in the medium category (56.6%), most of the respondents had smoking friends (57.2%), 11% of respondents had the desire to smoke shortly, and 15.1% of respondents had a desire to smoke for an extended period. The correlation test results between exposure to cigarette advertisements and smoking friends and the desire to smoke in the near and long term showed a p-value of <0.001.

CONCLUSION: There was a significant relationship between exposure to cigarette advertisements and friends who smoke and the intention to smoke in the near and long term among adolescents in Sleman Regency, Indonesia.
Revison of Metaplagia Coquillett (Diptera: Tachinidae) with description of five new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica
Authors: Fleming AJ , Wood D. Monty , Smith M. Alex , Hallwachs Winnie , Janzen Daniel
Published: July 2021

We revise the genus Metaplagia Coquillett, 1895 and describe five new species from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. All new species were reared from an ongoing inventory of wild-caught caterpillars spanning a variety of species within the family Sphingidae (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). Our study provides a concise description of each new species using morphology, life history, molecular data and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species, the authors provide a re-description of the genus and a revised key to the species of Metaplagia.

The following five new species of Metaplagia are described: Metaplagia leahdennisae Fleming & Wood sp. n., Metaplagia lindarobinsonae Fleming & Wood sp. n., Metaplagia paulinesaribasae Fleming & Wood sp. n., Metaplagia robinsherwoodae Fleming & Wood sp. n. and Metaplagia svetlanakozikae Fleming & Wood sp. n.

The following is proposed by Fleming & Wood as new combination of Plagiomima Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1891: Plagiomima latifrons (Reinhard, 1956) comb. n.
The economic costs of biological invasions in Africa: a growing but neglected threat?
Authors: Diagne Christophe , Turbelin Anna J. , Moodley Desika , Novoa Ana , Leroy Boris , Angulo Elena , Adamjy Tasnime , Dia Cheikh A.K.M. , Taheri Ahmed , Tambo Justice , Dobigny Gauthier , Courchamp Franck
Published: July 2021

Biological invasions can dramatically impact natural ecosystems and human societies. However, although knowledge of the economic impacts of biological invasions provides crucial insights for efficient management and policy, reliable syntheses are still lacking. This is particularly true for low income countries where economic resources are insufficient to control the effects of invasions. In this study, we relied on the recently developed "InvaCost" database – the most comprehensive repository on the monetised impacts of invasive alien species worldwide – to produce the first synthesis of economic costs of biological invasions on the African continent. We found that the reported costs of invasions ranged between US$ 18.2 billion and US$ 78.9 billion between 1970 and 2020. This represents a massive, yet highly underestimated economic burden for African countries. More alarmingly, these costs are exponentially increasing over time, without any signs of abatement in the near future. The reported costs were mostly driven by damage caused by invaders rather than expenses incurred for management. This trend was highly skewed towards a few regions (i.e. Southern and Eastern Africa) and activity sectors (i.e. agriculture) and incurred by a small number of invasive taxa (i.e. mainly three insect pests: Chilo partellus, Tuta absoluta, Spodoptera frugiperda). We also highlight crucial, large gaps in current knowledge on the economic costs of invasions that still need to be bridged with more widespread research effort and management actions across the continent. Finally, our study provides support for developing and implementing preventive measures as well as integrated post-invasion management actions at both national and regional levels. Considering the complex societal and economic realities in African countries, the currently neglected problem of biological invasions should become a priority for sustainable development.
The economic costs of biological invasions in Central and South America: a first regional assessment
Authors: Heringer Gustavo , Angulo Elena , Ballesteros-Mejia Liliana , Capinha César , Courchamp Franck , Diagne Christophe , Duboscq-Carra Virginia Gisela , Nuñez Martín Andrés , Zenni Rafael Dudeque
Published: July 2021

Invasive alien species are responsible for a high economic impact on many sectors worldwide. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies assessing these impacts in Central and South America. Investigating costs of invasions is important to motivate and guide policy responses by increasing stakeholders’ awareness and identifying action priorities. Here, we used the InvaCost database to investigate (i) the geographical pattern of biological invasion costs across the region; (ii) the monetary expenditure across taxa and impacted sectors; and (iii) the taxa responsible for more than 50% of the costs (hyper-costly taxa) per impacted sector and type of costs. The total of reliable and observed costs reported for biological invasions in Central and South America was USD 102.5 billion between 1975 and 2020, but about 90% of the total costs were reported for only three countries (Brazil, Argentina and Colombia). Costs per species were associated with geographical regions (i.e., South America, Central America and Islands) and with the area of the countries in km2. Most of the expenses were associated with damage costs (97.8%), whereas multiple sectors (77.4%), agriculture (15%) and public and social welfare (4.2%) were the most impacted sectors. Aedes spp. was the hyper-costly taxon for the terrestrial environment (costs of USD 25 billion) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was the hyper-costly taxon for the aquatic environment (USD 179.9 million). Six taxa were classified as hyper-costly for at least one impacted sector and two taxa for at least one type of cost. In conclusion, invasive alien species caused billions of dollars of economic burden in Central and South America, mainly in large countries of South America. Costs caused by invasive alien species were unevenly distributed across countries, impacted sectors, types of costs and taxa (hyper-costly taxa). These results suggest that impacted sectors should drive efforts to manage the species that are draining financial sources.
Economic costs of biological invasions in the United Kingdom
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Bartlett Angela C. , Turbelin Anna J. , Haubrock Phillip J. , Diagne Christophe , Pattison Zarah , Courchamp Franck , Catford Jane A.
Published: July 2021

Although the high costs of invasion are frequently cited and are a key motivation for environmental management and policy, synthesised data on invasion costs are scarce. Here, we quantify and examine the monetary costs of biological invasions in the United Kingdom (UK) using a global synthesis of reported invasion costs. Invasive alien species have cost the UK economy between US$6.9 billion and $17.6 billion (£5.4 – £13.7 billion) in reported losses and expenses since 1976. Most costs were reported for the entire UK or Great Britain (97%); country-scale cost reporting for the UK's four constituent countries was scarce. Reports of animal invasions were the costliest ($4.7 billion), then plant ($1.3 billion) and fungal ($206.7 million) invasions. Reported damage costs (i.e. excluding management costs) were higher in terrestrial ($4.8 billion) than aquatic or semi-aquatic environments ($29.8 million), and primarily impacted agriculture ($4.2 billion). Invaders with earlier introduction years accrued significantly higher total invasion costs. Invasion costs have been increasing rapidly since 1976, and have cost the UK economy $157.1 million (£122.1 million) per annum, on average. Published information on specific economic costs included only 42 of 520 invaders reported in the UK and was generally available only for the most intensively studied taxa, with just four species contributing 90% of species-specific costs. Given that many of the invasive species lacking cost data are actively managed and have well-recognised impacts, this suggests that cost information is incomplete and that totals presented here are vast underestimates owing to knowledge gaps. Financial expenditure on managing invasions is a fraction (37%) of the costs incurred through damage from invaders; greater investments in UK invasive species research and management are, therefore, urgently required.
Our Future is Still the Future of 1973: Shell's Foresight and the Petrocultural Penumbra
Authors: Diamanti Jeff
Published: July 2021

This article argues that the economic abstraction of fossil fuels into the medium of the market after 1973 makes its force and function in the global economy difficult to see, in the way that the source of a penumbra is obscured by the distribution of its effects over the visual field,
but that Shell's invention of a unique (and now widely adopted) technique for scenarios thinking on the cusp of the 1970s oil crises helps us see the emergence of that recursive futurity in media res. Hence, while the eventual dominance of energy futures trading would, by the end of the 1980s,
come to hold the present and future of the global economy to the concrete and abstract materialism of fossil fuels, the focus in this essay is on a novel form of writing that same future strategically and analytically moments before the energy market is restructured. The genealogy offered
is of the so-called 'decision scenario' invented by Shell and it is interesting today for its redefinition of oil from commodity to medium of the market as such, narrating an emergent concept of oil that would eventually get actualised and operationalised in the financial sector over a decade
later – even as it would recede from view in discussions of neoliberalism, the post-industrial, and postmodern culture.
Affective Politics, Activism and the Commons: From Wechto Grenfell
Authors: Blackman Lisa
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on the activism of the Walterton and Elgin Action Group (WEAG) who successfully campaigned against attempts by the UK Conservative government in the 1980's to sell off their council homes to private tenders. Focusing on their inventive and creative actions, and
the composition of the group not usually associated with militancy, the article takes the formation of WEAG as an example of affective politics and the cultivation of a housing commons-through-difference. What was foregrounded and became important were the relations of mutual dependence and
care that existed and could be mobilised to stir collective action across categories of race, class, gender, disability and age. These relations existed at the nexus of personal histories including those of migration, poverty, displacement, social exclusion, homelessness, neglect and discrimination.
These histories were mobilised within an area that had a strong history of community development and activism, and amongst a diverse group of tenants who had shared, yet different histories of displacement, suffering, and struggle having been forced to live in substandard conditions with little
hope for the future. The Homes for Votes scandal and the WEAG campaign hover at the edges of the Grenfell tower tragedy in the present, making links across shared geographies and histories, particularly of displacement and suffering as well as community activism and politics, reminding us
of what was and is possible beyond the devastation and neglect symbolised by the charred remains of the tower.
Lipid profile and C-reactive protein changes to elastic-band resistance training in young healthy men
Authors: Kalvandi F. , Azizbeigi R. , Azizbeigi K.
Published: July 2021

Resistance bands are a device for resistance training routine or rehabilitation program and come in various sizes, lengths, and strengths. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of elastic resistance training (ERT) on lipid profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP) changes in young and healthy men. Twenty untrained young and healthy men voluntarily participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the ERT (n=10) and control group (n=10). The ERT group performed three non-consecutive sessions per week for eight weeks. Blood was sampled before training and this was repeated after 72 h of the interval of the last session of ERT. The concentration of CRP and lipid profiles, including changes of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), were measured. Also, changes in body fat percentage (BF%) were measured. It was observed that CRP was not significantly affected by ERT (P>0.05). Also, TC and TG did not change significantly due to ERT (P>0.05). However, ERT increased the HDL-C concentration (P=0.001) and significantly decreased LDL-C (P=0.033). It is concluded that although the elastic resistance training failed to improve CRP; however, with a positive impact on some of the lipid profiles and health indices, it can be a useful, simple and low-cost exercise training in health promotion.
Effects of dietary aflatoxin on biochemical parameters and histopathology of liver in Matrinxã (Brycon cephalus) and Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fish
Authors: Michelin E. C. , Bedoya-Serna C. M. , Carrion L. C. S. , Levy-Pereira N. , Cury F. S. , Passarelli D. , Lima C. G. , Yasui G. S. , Sousa R. L. M. , Fernandes A. M.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate biochemical parameters and histopathology of liver in Matrinxã (Brycon cephalus) and Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fish chronically exposed to dietary aflatoxins. Fish feed was artificially contaminated with aflatoxins and the treatments were: Control – feed without toxin; Treatment A – feed + 10 μg aflatoxin B1(AFB1)/kg; Treatment B – feed + 20 μg AFB1/kg; and Treatment C – feed + 50 μg AFB1/kg. Matrinxã and Pacu juvenile fish were placed in tanks for 180 days. Five experimental units per treatment were monthly sampled and submitted to blood collection and removal of hepatic tissue. Thus, twenty blood and liver samples for each species were collected monthly, adding up to 240 samples analysed. To verify biochemical changes, analyses included total proteins, albumin, globulins, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The hepatic tissue was examined microscopically and the slides presenting histopathological changes were photo-documented. There was effect of treatment (P<0.05) for AST and ALP in Matrinxã, while no effect (P>0.05) was observed in Pacu. A reduction (P<0.05) in AST and ALP values during the time of exposure was observed in all treatments for both species. Fatty degeneration and liver damage were observed for both species in treatments exposed to aflatoxins. Fatty degeneration in Pacu was noticed after 30 days of exposure, while in Matrinxã it was observed after 60 days. Disorganisation of the hepatocyte cord arrangement was also observed in those treatments exposed to aflatoxin, following 90 days of exposure in Matrinxã, and after 60 days in Pacu. Therefore, aflatoxins have little influence on biochemical parameters in the species evaluated. However, exposure to aflatoxins caused liver changes, such as cell death, fatty and hydropic degeneration, thus it could be concluded that both species are susceptible to the toxic effects of long-term exposure to dietary AFB1.
Analysis of aflatoxin M1 contamination in milk and cheese produced in Mexico: a review
Authors: Jiménez-Pérez C. , Alatorre-Santamaría S. , Tello-Solís S. R. , Gómez-Ruiz L. , Rodríguez-Serrano G. , García-Garibay M. , Cruz-Guerrero A.
Published: July 2021

Due to the carcinogenic character of aflatoxins when present in foods, these compounds are considered a risk to human health. This systematic review aimed at compiling the available research data on detection and quantification of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and common types of cheese produced in Mexico in the past two decades. A limited number of studies were found that matched the purpose of our review. Only ten research works focused on the evaluation of AFM1 content in milk while three studies analysed the occurrence of this mycotoxin in oaxaca and panela cheeses. HPLC-FD and ELISA were the methods of choice utilised to detect AFM1. Concentrations higher than 0.5 μg AFM1/kg, a maximum limit set in current food regulation in Mexico, were found in major dairy brands consumed in Mexico. Analysis of raw milk produced during the rainy season in the states of Jalisco (2007) and Chiapas (2013) showed mycotoxin levels within the regulation limits while milk samples obtained during the dry season in the Mexico City and the State of Mexico (2008) exceeded that threshold. For cheeses, 33% of the artisanal produced oaxaca type samples from Veracruz (2016) and 55% of those acquired in Mexico City (2019) were found above the limit set for milk. In contrast, the panela cheese samples obtained in Baja California and Guanajuato (2009) complied with the AFM1 regulation. Additionally, the presence of AFB1 and its hydroxylated metabolites other than AFM1 were determined in the major milk brands at concentrations that could be of high risk for human health. Similar results were reported for both artisan and industrially produced oaxaca cheese. Finally, mycotoxins enter human food chain through animals fed with contaminated fodder. Our systematic review demonstrated the urgent need to amend the existing food regulation in Mexico to include mycotoxins as potent contaminants in cheese.
Development of a Clinical Judgment Scale for Japanese Nurses
Authors: Kawase Yoshiko , Miyashita Mika , Okayasu Masako , Hirai Yuka
Published: July 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to assess the clinical judgment of nurses based on the clinical judgment process.

Method:

Based on a qualitative analysis of interviews with specialized and certified nurses and extant literature, a scale comprising 44 question items was created. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,444 nurses working in 28 general hospitals, psychiatric wards, cardiac care units, and intensive care units in Japan.

Results:

Valid responses were obtained from 610 nurses. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the 23 items extracted by item analysis, and two factors, “theoretical and practical reasoning” and “grasping the condition by observation,” were extracted. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the fit of the model. Cronbach's alpha confidence factor was 0.943 for the first factor and 0.924 for the second factor.

Conclusion:

These results support the factor validity and reliability of the clinical judgment scale.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2021;52(8):383–391.]
Primer registro de regeneración posincendio de Adesmia bijuga (Fabaceae), una especie en peligro crítico de Chile central
Authors: Gómez Persy , Garrido Pedro , Espinoza Sergio , San Martín José
Published: July 2021

Adesmia bijuga es una especie endémica de la zona central de Chile y es considerada como En Peligro Crítico para la flora vascular chilena. Actualmente el conocimiento acerca de la dinámica de la regeneración de esta especie es deficiente. Nuestro estudio indica que A. bijuga tiene la capacidad de recuperarse después de un incendio.
Small UAS and Delivery Drones: Challenges and Opportunities The 38th Alexander A. Nikolsky Honorary Lecture
Authors: Chopra Inderjit
Published: July 2021

During the past two decades, there has been major growth of small-unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAV) for hobbyists and rapidly expanding commercial and military applications. The impetus for this dramatic expansion has been due to the explosion of mobile technology in terms of microelectronics, data processing and transmission capability, high-energy-density batteries, miniaturized integrated programmable chips, and innovations in computer vision and videography/photography. However, there are many challenges to overcome before these small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) can be used for routine commercial and military applications, which include reliability, sizable payload and range, stringent navigation/guidance requirements, and precision takeoff/landing and robust autonomous flight in constrained and low-altitude gusty environment. The objective of this paper is to cover state-of-the-art of sUAS and delivery drones, identify technology gaps and key scientific barriers, and present future research needs for high payoff applications.
Comparison of Two Dosages of Ketamine in Preventing Fentanyl-Induced Coughs in Children
Authors: Shafa Amir , Shahhosseini Sedighe , Rajaee Elham
Published: July 2021

Background:

Fentanyl is a short-acting drug used to induce anesthesia. Here, we aimed to compare the two doses of ketamine to prevent fentanyl-induced cough in children under general anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

This is a randomized, clinical trial which was performed in 2019 in Imam Hossein Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The study population consisted of children between 6 months and 2 years who were candidates for general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into three groups, each containing 31 patients. Groups 1 and 2 received 0.1 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg intravenous ketamine, respectively, 1 min before fentanyl injections. Group 3 received the same volumes of normal saline 0.9%. Patients were observed and evaluated for the incidence and intensity of coughs 1 min and 3 min after fentanyl injections.

Results:

We showed that the frequency of coughs 1 min after fentanyl injection was significantly lower in Group 2 compared to other groups (P < 0.001). Three min after fentanyl injection, the frequencies of coughs were significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2 compared to Group 3 (P < 0.001). We also showed that the intensity of coughs was significantly lower in Group 2 compared to other Groups 1 and 3 min after fentanyl injection (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The administration of 0.2 mg/kg ketamine is more effective than 0.1 mg/kg dosage in the prevention of fentanyl-induced cough. We also showed that this method could bring more stable hemodynamics and oxygenation saturation inpatients. The comparison of the two dosages was a novel issue in the recent literature.
Effect of a Selection of Skin Penetration Enhancers on Topical Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Boswellic Acids in Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema in Rats
Authors: Hajhashemi Valiollah , Safaei Sadaf
Published: July 2021

Background:

Boswellia species have been used for treatment of chronic inflammatory disease. Several studies have documented the anti-inflammatory effect of Boswellic acids (BAs) after systemic administration. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of some skin penetration enhancers on topical anti-inflammatory effect of BAs in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar rats weighting 180–220 were used. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan test. BAs dissolved in ethanol, propylene glycol 2%, 5%, olive oil and applied topically. Menthol, D-limonene, or eucalyptus oil 0.5%, 1% were also tested as other skin penetration enhancers and applied topically 30 min prior to subplantar injection of carrageenan into the right hind paw of rats. The volume of the paw was measured at 0 and 4 h after carrageenan with a digital plethysmometer and the difference was used as an index of inflammation. Piroxicam gel was used as a standard drug.

Results:

A 4% ethanolic solution of BAs showed significant anti-inflammatory effect. Propylene glycol (2% and 5%) in alcohol did not change the effect. Olive oil also enhanced penetration of BAs. Menthol 0.5%, 1% and D-limonene 0.5%, 1% did not show any significant change compared to olive oil alone. In the present study, eucalyptus oil 1% in olive oil was known as the best carrier for transdermal delivery of BAs.

Conclusion:

BAs have considerable topical anti-inflammatory effects and olive oil alone or especially in combination with eucalyptus oil can be promising vehicles for skin penetration of topical BAs.
Inhibition of histone deacetylase 6 by tubastatin A as an experimental therapeutic strategy against glioblastoma
Authors: Urdiciain Alejandro , Bermúdez-Lekerika Paola , Meléndez Bárbara , Rey Juan A. , Idoate Miguel A. , Riobo-Del Galdo Natalia A. , Castresana Javier S.
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim:

Glioblastoma is the most lethal brain tumor. No effective curative treatment is available yet, and it is treated by surgery, temozolomide (TMZ), and radiotherapy, with an average overall survival of around 15 months. Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) are being explored against a variety of tumors, including glioblastoma. Specific inhibitors of HDAC6, such as tubastatin A (Tub A), may potentially be beneficial as HDAC6 has been demonstrated to be the most expressed HDACs in glioblastoma. Our aim was to test whether Tub A could reverse the malignant phenotype of U87MG cells via the inhibition of HDAC6.

Materials and Methods:

U87MG cells were treated with cyclopamine (Cyp), TMZ, and Tub A. Two double treatments were performed as well (Cyp + Tub A and TMZ + Tub A). Colony formation, wound healing, Caspase-Glo 3/7, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, luciferase assay, and Western blot assays were conducted to determine clonogenic and migration capacity, apoptosis, activation of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, acetylation of α-tubulin and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and autophagic flux of U87MG glioblastoma cells, respectively.

Results:

Tub A treatment caused a reversal of the U87MG malignant phenotype by reducing its clonogenic and migratory cellular potential, and inducing apoptosis. Sonic Hedgehog pathway inhibition, together with reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and reduced autophagic flux, was also induced by the effect of Tub A.

Conclusions:

HDAC6 might be a good target for glioblastoma treatment.
CpG2 hypermethylation in the CD95L promoter is associated with survival in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Farrukh Hameed N. U. , Zhou Yuyao , Jin Lei , Xu Ying , Zhang Jie , Chen Hong , Xue James , Wu Jinsong
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim:

Blockade of CD95/CD95 ligand (CD95 L) signaling is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), while methylation of a single cytosine-phosphate-guanine site (CpG2) upstream of the CD95 L promoter has been identified as a prognostic biomarker for GBM. Here, we conducted the first investigation of CD95 L expression and CpG2 methylation levels in the CD95 L promoter in GBM patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this observational study, tissue samples were collected from 69 patients with a primary diagnosis of World Health Organization Grade IV GBM treated at the Department of Glioma Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University and tested for CD95 L expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The CpG2 methylation status of the samples was also evaluated, and its impact on overall survival (OS) was assessed by univariate analysis. The study was approved by the Hospital Institutional Review Board (approval No. 220) on July 7, 2015.

Results:

The IHC results showed a CD95 L detection rate of at least 43.5% for tissue samples with IHC scores of 2+ or 3+ and 78.3% for those with IHC scores of 1+, 2+, or 3+. Patients with high CpG2 methylation levels (≥52% higher than the median value; n = 32) had significantly longer median survival compared with those with low CpG2 methylation levels (n = 29) (22.95 vs. 14.5 months; P = 0.0084). GBM patients who underwent gross total tumor resection (n = 57) showed similar results. Those in the high CpG2 methylation group had longer median OS compared with that of patients in the low CpG2 methylation group (23.5 vs. 18.0 months; P = 0.0141).

Conclusions:

Our results showed a significant prevalence of CD95 L expression in GBM patients, whereas CpG2 hypermethylation within the CD95 L promoter was positively associated with survival. These findings support that CD95/CD95 L signaling blockade has potential as a therapeutic strategy targeting treatment-resistant GBM.
Pure primary ovarian carcinoid tumor with carcinoid syndrome and cervical carcinoma
Authors: Mishra Pritinanda , Sasmal Prakash K. , Jena Saubhagya K. , Senapati Swagatika , Patra Susama
Published: July 2021

Carcinoid tumors are defined as rare slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors. A majority of primary ovarian carcinoids occur in association with mature cystic teratoma or are metastatic to the ovary. A 48-year-old post-menopausal woman presented with progressive facial puffiness, and intractable diarrhea. Radiological imaging suggested a 10 × 9 × 9.2 cm right ovarian mass. She underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathological examination revealed primary pure carcinoid tumor of the ovary with the synchronous presence of early invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, along with the icthyosis uteri. The patient is doing well on 5 years of follow-up post-surgery without any recurrence or metastasis. In this report, we intend to highlight the rare association of cervical carcinoma and ichthyosis uteri with this tumor. In addition, we present a short review of the literature, over a decade of ovarian carcinoids associated with carcinoid heart disease.
Fetus papyraceus—A surprise finding in a “normal” placenta
Authors: Singaravel Saranya , Yadav Poonam C.
Published: July 2021

In the case of single fetal demise in a twin gestation, the fate of the dead twin, surviving twin, and mother depend on the exact time of fetal demise. The dead twin may “vanish” in a first trimester death; form a mummified “fetus papyraceus” due to mechanical compression in the second trimester or show changes of maceration in the third trimester. Hematological complications in the mother and neurological complications in the surviving twin may ensue in later trimester deaths. We report a unique case of an undiagnosed fetus papyraceus incidentally detected in an otherwise normal placenta. Identification of such cases is essential due to the occurrence of severe complications in some of the cases, medicolegal implications for the caregivers, and to improve the understanding of embryological development and fetal demise in twin or multiple gestations.
Histopathological changes in the right atrial appendages triggering atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shah Saloni Naresh , Varghese Renu G' Boy , Theodore Sanjay
Published: July 2021

Background:

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is as an abnormal irregular rhythm with chaotic generation of electrical signals in the atria of the heart. Various studies in the West have proved that atrial substrates, like isolated atrial amyloidosis can trigger the development of atrial fibrillation. In India, these structural changes have been analyzed on autopsied hearts.

Aim:

To determine the role of Atrial Amyloid as a substrate for Atrial fibrillation in ante mortem hearts.

Methods and Results:

Atrial appendages were obtained from seventy five patients undergoing open heart surgery at a tertiary care hospital in south India. They were stained with Hematoxylin &Eosin, Masson's Trichrome and Congo red stains and were examined for myocarditis, fibrosis and amyloidosis, respectively. 30 (40%) patients were in AF. Amyloid deposits were seen in 3 cases. All the three were in AF and had undergone mitral valve replacement (MVR) (P<0.05). 2 out of the 3 amyloid-positive cases showed active myocarditis and severe scarring but there was no statistically significant correlation between these factors.

Conclusion:

Amyloid and myocarditis, independently act as an arrythmogenic substrates in the development of atrial fibrillation and are also increasingly associated with female gender and MVR. We hypothesize that the amyloid deposits are due to isolated atrial amyloidosis as they were seen only in young individuals. Some patients in sinus rhythm (SR) had large left atria and myocarditis and probably are at a higher risk for developing AF. Hence, follow-up of these patients is required for prevention of severe organ damage and timely therapeutic intervention.
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of ovary in children
Authors: Sarkar Piyabi , Sengupta Moumita , Chatterjee Uttara , Ghosh Dipak
Published: July 2021

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) are rare and heterogeneous group of ovarian neoplasms which belong to the sex cord-stromal category of tumors. SLCTs are classified into well, intermediate, and poorly differentiated types. Retiform growth pattern and heterologous elements are commonly found in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors. SLCTs are usually encountered in the third decade of life and patients most often present with virilization. Here, we report two cases of SLCTs of the ovary, both in 2-year-old girls without any hormonal symptoms. The first case was a retiform variant of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor and the second was a well-differentiated SLCT. Because of its wide spectrum of morphology, several tumors enter in the differential diagnosis and the presence of heterologous elements further complicates the diagnosis. Here, we have described the morphological characteristics of these tumors and discussed their differential diagnoses. SF-1, WT1, and α-inhibin are useful immunostains in establishing the diagnosis and differentiating these from the more the common ovarian germ cell tumors in children.
A tale of tripartite
Authors: Sengupta Moumita , Dasgupta Saugat , Basu Keya , Mukherjee Sriranjan , Sarkar Sucharita , Chowdhury Arpita Roy , Pandey Rajendra , Bandopadhyay Manimoy
Published: July 2021

Background:

Crescentic glomerulonephritis (Cr GN) is pattern of glomerular injury resulting from wide range of diseases sharing a common pathogenesis.

Objectives:

The objective of our study was to analyze the clinicopathological spectrum and outcome of Cr GN with special reference to its immunopathological subtypes using a panel of immunofluorescence stains.

Materials and Methods:

Native renal biopsies with crescentic pattern of injury were included. Detailed Clinical and laboratory variables were analyzed along with the treatment protocol and renal outcome, wherever available. Renal biopsy slides were evaluated for various glomerular and extraglomerular features. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 57 cases of Cr GN were included; majority (47.36%) of cases were pauci-immune in nature. Among clinical features, ranges of proteinuria and creatinine level were significantly different between subgroups. The various light microscopic parameters, including proportion of cellular crescents and capillary wall necrosis were different. Presence of arteriolar changes also showed association with unfavorable outcome. Three unusual associations, including IgA nephropathy, membranous glomerulonephritis and Hepatitis B infection were detected. Adequate follow-up information was available in 35 of the patients. Of these, 14 were dialysis-dependent at the last follow-up.

Conclusions:

Type III Cr GN (pauci-immune Cr GN) was the commonest cause of Cr GN in our population. Adult patients required renal replacement therapy more frequently than pediatric cases those are chiefly infection associated. Critical appraisal of clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescence finding help to identify individual subtypes as treatment and outcome varies accordingly.
CD3-positive plasmablastic lymphoma reported in two cases
Authors: Wong Yin Ping , Masir Noraidah , Chew Mian Xin
Published: July 2021

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive subtype of mature large B cell lymphoma involving almost exclusively the extranodal regions particularly the oral cavity, frequently described in immunocompromised patients. PBL is characterized histologically by diffuse proliferation of large neoplastic cells resembling B immunoblasts or plasmablasts. The diagnosis of PBL can be difficult due to its ambiguous histopathological features mimicking most large cell lymphomas and lacking a distinctive immunophenotypic pattern. They typically lack expression of CD20 and CD79a but may express plasma cell marker, CD138. Aberrant immunoexpression of CD3, a T-cell marker in PBL in the absence of other B-cell markers is exceptionally rare, may potentially lead to incorrect interpretation. Herein, we report a case series of CD3-positive PBL of oral cavity in two individuals, which were initially misdiagnosed as high-grade T-cell lymphomas including extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. Useful distinguishing clinical settings, histomorphological features, immunohistochemistry and molecular expression profiles of PBL are discussed.
Metabolic syndrome awareness and attitudes among family medicine residents in Riyadh 2019–2020
Authors: Alshuniefi Abeer S. , Aljuhani Nasser K. , Allafi Abrar H. , Alruwayshid Mashael S. , Alaraik Enas F. , Alreshidi Fatmah , Almughais Ebtehaj S.
Published: July 2021

Context:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of metabolism diseases which includes over increase of the body weight, high insulin levels, elevated blood pressure, and abnormal level of cholesterol; these disorders may increase the risk of evolving coronary heart diseases. Primary health care physicians are responsible for caring for general patients and thus must have sufficient knowledge about MS, positive attitudes, and good medical practices.

Aims:

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of family medicine residents in Riyadh regarding the diagnosis, management, and preventive measures of MS.

Methods and Material:

This study is a cross-sectional; it was conducted on family medicine residents in Riyadh using a survey to investigate the demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the residents regarding MS.

Results:

This study included 224 physicians, of whom 35.3% had a high level of knowledge, 63.8% had positive attitudes, and 50% had good practices. No factors were associated with knowledge level; conversely, male gender and training at the KFMC were significantly associated with attitude (P = 0.009 and 0.004, respectively), and training level R1 and R2 were significantly related to the level of practice (P = 0.013 and 0.015, respectively).

Conclusions:

The family medicine residents reported a low knowledge level; however, more than half of them had positive attitudes and half had good practices.
“Covishield and Covaxin” – India's contribution to global COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Raina Sunil Kumar , Kumar Raman
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to bring in its wake not only morbidity and mortality but also an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems, human dignity, and work across the world. The availability and possible delivery of a safe and effective vaccine to populations across the world are not only being seen as a hope to surmount these challenges but also as a show of human resilience in the face of adversity. Nations need to galvanize their resources and make the availability of vaccines universal, without which the real benefits of its development cannot be realized. Despite its large domestic needs, our country is being looked upon with both hope and expectation to deliver at this crucial juncture in the evolution of human civilization, and India is more than willing to do its part.