bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Exercise Interventions on Irisin and Interleukin-6 Concentrations and Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Makiel Karol , Suder Agnieszka , Targosz Aneta , Maciejczyk Marcin , Haim Alon
Published: January 2023

Irisin (IR) is a biomarker that is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the available evidence on the association of IR, physical activity, and MetS status are contradictory. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise intervention on IR and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and indicators of carbohydrate metabolism in males with MetS. The study included 62 males with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, BMI 33.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2) randomly assigned to: examined group 1 (EG1, n = 21) with aerobic exercise intervention, examined group 2 (EG2, n = 21) with combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention, both for 12 weeks, and the control group (CG, n = 20) without intervention. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (body fat [BF], fat free mass [FFM]) as well as a biochemical blood analysis (irisin [IR], interleukin-6 [IL-6], insulin [INS] and glucose [GL]) were performed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks of intervention, and 4 weeks after ending the intervention (follow-up). Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed. In EG1, an increase in IR level was observed as well as decreases in IL-6, BF, and GL levels in relation to the initial measurement. In EG2, decreases in IL-6, BF, and INS levels were observed as well as an increase in FFM level. In CG, no changes were found. Aerobic-resistance exercise led to a greater reduction in the concentrations of IL-6 and INS and more favorable changes in body composition (BF and FFM) than the use of aerobic training alone in males with MetS.
The Various Silane Agents in Universal Adhesives on Repair Strength of Resin Composite to Resin Composite
Authors: Leelaponglit Seelassaya , Maneenacarith Apichai , Wutikhun Tuksadon , Klaisiri Awiruth
Published: January 2023

The aim of this investigation was to examine the bonding efficacy of a universal adhesive containing various silane agents to repair aged resin composite with new resin composite. Ninety resin composite specimens were created with nanofilled resin composite and aged for 5000 cycles in a thermocycler. The specimens were sorted into nine groups (n = 10) at random based on the methods used to treat the surfaces with/without silane agent (Si), and adhesive agents (Single bond universal, SU; Single bond universal plus, SUP; Clearfil Tri-S bond universal, CFU; and Single bond 2, SB2). A template was placed on the treated surface of the aged resin composite, and then the resin composite was filled into the template. The shear bond strength (SBS) test was conducted using a universal tester and failure patterns were determined. The statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey’s test. The lowest SBS values were exhibited in the no surface treatment group (7.69 ± 2.57 MPa). The highest SBS values were exhibited in Si + SUP group (28.04 ± 1.62 MPa), with a significant difference compared to SUP group (22.69 ± 2.21 MPa), Si + SU group (22.08 ± 1.83 MPa), Si + CFU group (21.98 ± 1.54 MPa), and Si + SB2 group (21.85 ± 2.18 MPa). The experimental group demonstrated a predominance of adhesive failure at the junctions between the aged resin composite and the new resin composite. In conclusion, The SUP, which incorporates 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane (3-MPTES), has a positive effect on the repaired shear bond strength of resin composite to resin composite both with and without the use of a silane agent prior to the use of the SUP when compared with a conventional adhesive agent (SB2) and other universal adhesives (SU and CFU). Moreover, an additional silane agent used prior to the SUP application has the highest shear bond strength.
Green Carbon Dots: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jing Hong , Bardakci Fevzi , Akgöl Sinan , Kusat Kevser , Adnan Mohd , Alam Mohammad , Gupta Reena , Sahreen Sumaira , Chen Yeng , Gopinath Subash , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: January 2023

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new category of crystalline, quasi-spherical fluorescence, “zero-dimensional” carbon nanomaterials with a spatial size between 1 nm to 10 nm and have gained widespread attention in recent years. Green CDs are carbon dots synthesised from renewable biomass such as agro-waste, plants or medicinal plants and other organic biomaterials. Plant-mediated synthesis of CDs is a green chemistry approach that connects nanotechnology with the green synthesis of CDs. Notably, CDs made with green technology are economical and far superior to those manufactured with physicochemical methods due to their exclusive benefits, such as being affordable, having high stability, having a simple protocol, and being safer and eco-benign. Green CDs can be synthesized by using ultrasonic strategy, chemical oxidation, carbonization, solvothermal and hydrothermal processes, and microwave irradiation using various plant-based organic resources. CDs made by green technology have diverse applications in biomedical fields such as bioimaging, biosensing and nanomedicine, which are ascribed to their unique properties, including excellent luminescence effect, strong stability and good biocompatibility. This review mainly focuses on green CDs synthesis, characterization techniques, beneficial properties of plant resource-based green CDs and their biomedical applications. This review article also looks at the research gaps and future research directions for the continuous deepening of the exploration of green CDs.
A Study on the Law of Ring-Shear Band Evolution
Authors: Qiao Jiyan , Lu Xiaobing , Zhang Xuhui
Published: January 2023

A separate-bottom Couette cell is used to carry out ring-shear tests on sand and hydrate, and the evolution of shear bands is recognized using the tracer method. Based on experimental verification, a numerical simulation method is applied to study the shear band variation law with the height and strength of the sample. Analyzing the distribution of stress and strain gives a dimensionless number (c+ρgH·tgφ)H/αGL that affects the characteristics of the shear band, which indicates that the evolution direction and form of the shear band are controlled by the stiffness ratio of strength to load. Furthermore, the dimensionless law of the height and width of the shear band is given quantitatively.
Association between Anthropometric Measurements and Vascular Disease: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Costa Davide , Andreucci Michele , Isabella Francesco , Ielapi Nicola , Peluso Antonio , Bracale Umberto Marcello , Serra Raffaele
Published: January 2023

The aim of this article is to assess the most studied anthropometric measurements in a population of patients with vascular disease (VD) such as chronic venous disease (CVD), carotid stenosis (CS), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is a cross sectional study that recruited consecutive patients with VD (CVD, CS, AAA, PAD) referred to Vascular Surgery Units of two hospitals in the period July 2019–March 2022. Several anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), waist-to-stature ratio (WSR) were recorded. In a one-way ANOVA test, no statistical significance for all anthropometric variables were found, but the post hoc analysis performed with Tuckey test, show significant difference for height (p-value: 0.017) and WHR (p-value: 0.005) when compared AAA and CS groups with CVD, respectively. Height seems positively associated with AAA, and negatively associated with CVD. WHR seems positively associated with CS and negatively associated with CVD. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of anthropometric measures as independent predictors for vascular disease onset, progression, and response to treatments.
Land Consumption Dynamics and Urban–Rural Continuum Mapping in Italy for SDG 11.3.1 Indicator Assessment
Authors: Cimini Angela , De Fioravante Paolo , Riitano Nicola , Dichicco Pasquale , Calò Annagrazia , Scarascia Mugnozza Giuseppe , Marchetti Marco , Munafò Michele
Published: January 2023

For the first time in human history, over half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. This rapid growth makes cities more vulnerable, increasing the need to monitor urban dynamics and its sustainability. The aim of this work is to examine the spatial extent of urban areas, to identify the urban–rural continuum, to understand urbanization processes, and to monitor Sustainable Development Goal 11. In this paper, we apply the methodology developed by the European Commission-Joint Research Center for the classification of the degree of urbanization of the Italian territory, using the ISPRA land consumption map and the ISTAT population data. The analysis shows that the availability of detailed and updated spatialized population data is essential to calculate SDG indicator 11.3.1, which assesses the ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate. Three new indicators are also proposed to describe the main trends in urban sprawl, analyzing the spatial distribution of land consumption in terms of infill and settlement dispersion. The research shows good results in identifying class boundaries and describing the Italian urbanized landscape, highlighting the need for more detailed spatialized demographic data. The classification obtained lends itself to a variety of applications, such as monitoring land consumption, settlement dynamics, or the urban heat islands, and assessing the presence and state of green infrastructures in the urban context, driving the development of policies in urban areas toward sustainable choices focused on urban regeneration.
Climbing Colloidal Suspension
Authors: Kobayashi Motoyoshi , Sugimoto Takuya , Sato Shunsuke , Ishibashi Ryouichi
Published: January 2023

Mixtures of powder and liquid are ubiquitous in nature as well as industries and exhibit complex flowing and deforming behaviors, including sol to gel transition under shear stress. In order to better understand the characteristic features of this type of mixture, we observed the behavior of a mixture of colloidal silica particles and water as a model system under vibration. The mixture showed different states, from powder-like to viscous fluid-like, with increasing content of water. At certain concentrations of silica particles (around 70 wt. %) and under relatively faster vibration (over 17 Hz), we observed that the colloidal suspension of silica particles and water climbed up the wall of a container against gravity. The main purpose of this paper is to report how we can observe the climbing suspension of colloidal silica. The rheological measurements of the climbing suspension demonstrated that the climbing suspension showed shear-thickening behavior, where force chain networks and normal stress differences are considered to develop. Therefore, we speculate that the transient formation and breaking of force networks and normal stress differences under vibration contribute to the occurrence of the climbing suspension. The tunable nature of colloidal suspensions may help to elucidate the climbing mechanism in the future.
Alfalfa Xeno-miR168b Target CPT1A to Regulate Milk Fat Synthesis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Jia Jingying , Duan Hongjuan , Liu Baobao , Ma Yanfen , Ma Yun , Cai Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

It was shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the synthesis of milk fat; thus, this manuscript evaluated whether exogenous miRNA (xeno-miRNAs) from alfalfa could influence the milk fat content in dairy cows. At first, mtr-miR168b was screened from dairy cow milk and blood. Then, EdU staining, flow cytometry, Oil Red O staining, qRT-PCR, and WB were applied to explore the effect of xeno-miR168b on the proliferation, apoptosis, and lipid metabolism of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Finally, in order to clarify the pathway that regulated the lipid metabolism of BMECs using xeno-miR168b, a double-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the target gene related to milk fat. These results showed that overexpression of xeno-miR168b inhibited cell proliferation but promoted apoptosis, which also decreased the expression of several lipid metabolism genes, including PPARγ, SCD1, C/EBPβ, and SREBP1, significantly inhibited lipid droplet formation, and reduced triglyceride content in BMECs. Furthermore, the targeting relationship between CPT1A and xeno-miR168b was determined and it was confirmed that CPT1A silencing reduced the expression of lipid metabolism genes and inhibited fat accumulation in BMECs. These findings identified xeno-miR168b from alfalfa as a cross-kingdom regulatory element that could influence milk fat content in dairy cows by modulating CPT1A expression.
The Role of Advanced Glycation End Products on Dyslipidemia
Authors: Vekic Jelena , Vujcic Sanja , Bufan Biljana , Bojanin Dragana , Al-Hashmi Khamis , Al-Rasadi Khaild , Stoian Anca Pantea , Zeljkovic Aleksandra , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: January 2023

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and glucose homeostasis are common consequences of insulin resistance and usually co-segregate in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Insulin-resistant subjects are characterized by atherogenic dyslipidemia, a specific lipid pattern which includes hypertriglyceridemia, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and increased proportion of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Chronic hyperglycemia favors the processes of non-enzymatic glycation, leading to the increased production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Apart from direct harmful effects, AGEs are also potent inducers of oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, increased AGEs’ production may induce further qualitative modifications of small, dense LDL particles, converting them to glycated LDLs. These particles are even more atherogenic and may confer an increased cardiovascular risk. In this narrative review, we summarize the available evidence of the pathophysiological role and clinical importance of circulating AGEs and glycated LDLs in patients with dyslipidemia, particularly those with DM and related complications. In addition, we discuss recent advances and the issues that should be improved regarding laboratory assessment of AGEs and glycated LDLs, as well as the possibilities for their therapeutic modulation.
Chiral Bromonium Salt (Hypervalent Bromine(III)) with N-Nitrosamine as a Halogen-Bonding Bifunctional Catalyst
Authors: Yoshida Yasushi , Ao Tatsuya , Mino Takashi , Sakamoto Masami
Published: January 2023

There has been a great focus on halogen-bonding as a unique interaction between electron-deficient halogen atoms with Lewis basic moieties. Although the application of halogen-bonded atoms in organic chemistry has been eagerly researched in these decades, the development of chiral molecules with halogen-bonding functionalities and their utilization in asymmetric catalysis are still in the\ir infancy. We have previously developed chiral halonium salts with amide functionalities, which behaved as excellent catalysts albeit in only two reactions due to the lack of substrate activation abilities. In this manuscript, we have developed chiral halonium salts with an N-nitrosamine moiety and applied them to the Mannich reaction of isatin-derived ketimines with malonic esters. The study focused on our novel bromonium salt catalyst which provided the corresponding products in high yields with up to 80% ee. DFT calculations of the chiral catalyst structure suggested that the high asymmetric induction abilities of this catalyst are due to the Lewis basic role of the N-nitrosamine part. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first catalytic application of N-nitrosamines.
Enhancement of Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline by Co-Doped TiO2 Templated by Waste Tobacco Stem Silk
Authors: Li Quanhui , Jiang Liang , Li Yuan , Wang Xiangrong , Zhao Lixia , Huang Pizhen , Chen Daomei , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: January 2023

In this study, Co-doped TiO2 was synthesized using waste tobacco stem silk (TSS) as a template via a one-pot impregnation method. These samples were characterized using various physicochemical techniques such as N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized material was used for the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) under visible light (420–800 nm). No strong photodegradation activity was observed for mesoporous TiO2 synthesized using waste TSS as a template, mesoporous Co-doped TiO2, or TiO2. In contrast, Co-doped mesoporous TiO2 synthesized using waste TSS as a template exhibited significant photocatalytic degradation, with 86% removal of TCH. Moreover, owing to the unique chemical structure of Ti-O-Co, the energy gap of TiO2 decreased. The edge of the absorption band was redshifted, such that the photoexcitation energy for generating electron–hole pairs decreased. The electron–hole separation efficiency improved, rendering the microstructured biotemplated TiO2 a much more efficient catalyst for the visible-light degradation of TCH.
Multiple Pulse Amperometry—An Antifouling Approach for Nitrite Determination Using Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes
Authors: Saraiva Douglas P. M. , Braga Daniel V. , Bossard Bruna , Bertotti Mauro
Published: January 2023

Nitrite is a ubiquitous pollutant in modern society. Developing new strategies for its determination is very important, and electroanalytical methods present outstanding performance on this task. However, the use of bare electrodes is not recommended because of their predisposition to poisoning and passivation. We herein report a procedure to overcome these limitations on carbon fiber microelectrodes through pulsed amperometry. A three-pulse amperometry approach was used to reduce the current decay from 47% (after 20 min under constant potential) to virtually 0%. Repeatability and reproducibility were found to have an RSD lower than 0.5% and 7%, respectively. Tap water and synthetic inorganic saliva samples were fortified with nitrite, and the results obtained with the proposed sensor were in good agreement with the amount added.
Sigma-1 Receptor Activation Improves Oligodendrogenesis and Promotes White-Matter Integrity after Stroke in Mice with Diabetic Mellitus
Authors: Song Wenjing , Yao Yang , Zhang Heling , Hao Xin , Zhou Liping , Song Zhixiao , Wei Tiantian , Chi Tianyan , Liu Peng , Ji Xuefei , Zou Libo
Published: January 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for stroke and exacerbates white-matter damage in focal cerebral ischemia. Our previous study showed that the sigma-1 receptor agonist PRE084 ameliorates bilateral common-carotid-artery occlusion-induced brain damage in mice. However, whether this protective effect can extend to white matter remains unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were treated with high-fat diets (HFDs) combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection to mimic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Focal cerebral ischemia in T2DM mice was established via injection of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) into the hippocampus. Three different treatment plans were used in this study. In one plan, 1 mg/kg of PRE084 (intraperitoneally) was administered for 7 d before ET-1 injection; the mice were sacrificed 24 h after ET-1 injection. In another plan, PRE084 treatment was initiated 24 h after ET-1 injection and lasted for 7 d. In the third plan, PRE084 treatment was initiated 24 h after ET-1 injection and lasted for 21 d. The Y-maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests were used to assess neurobehavioral outcomes. We found no cognitive dysfunction or white-matter damage 24 h after ET-1 injection. However, 7 and 21 d after ET-1 injection, the mice showed significant cognitive impairment and white-matter damage. Only PRE084 treatment for 21 d could improve this white-matter injury; increase axon and myelin density; decrease demyelination; and increase the expressions of myelin regulator 2‘-3‘-cyclic nucleotide 3‘-phosphodiesterase (CNpase) and myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG) (which was expressed by mature oligodendrocytes), the number of nerve/glial-antigen 2 (NG2)-positive cells, and the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRα), all of which were expressed by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in mice with diabetes and focal cerebral ischemia. These results indicate that maybe there was more severe white-matter damage in the focal cerebral ischemia of the diabetic mice than in the mice with normal blood glucose levels. Long-term sigma-1 receptor activation may promote oligodendrogenesis and white-matter functional recovery in patients with stroke and with diabetes.
Organophosphorus Chemistry 2021
Authors: Keglevich György
Published: January 2023

Forty years have passed since a real “phosphabenzene” (a phosphinine) was prepared for the first time applying steric protection methodology with the sterically demanding 2,4,6-tri-tertiary-butylphenyl (“supermesityl”) group [...]
A Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Recognition of Hypochlorite Anions Based on Dicyanoisophorone Skeleton
Authors: Liu Chang-Xiang , Xiao Shu-Yuan , Gong Xiu-Lin , Zhu Xi , Wang Ya-Wen , Peng Yu
Published: January 2023

A novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (SWJT-9) was designed and synthesized for the detection of hypochlorite anion (ClO−) using a diaminomaleonitrile group as the recognition site. SWJT-9 had large Stokes shift (237 nm) and showed an excellent NIR fluorescence response to ClO− with the color change under the visible light. It showed a low detection limit (24.7 nM), high selectivity, and rapid detection (within 2 min) for ClO−. The new detection mechanism of SWJT-9 on ClO− was confirmed by 1H NMR, MS spectrum, and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, the probe was successfully used to detect ClO− in HeLa cells.
Grafting Causes Physiological Changes and Promotes Adventitious Root Formation in Rejuvenated Soft Shoots of Taxodium hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan’
Authors: Wang Zhiquan , Shi Qin , Chen Peipei , Sun Feng , Creech David , Lu Zhiguo , Yin Yunlong , Yu Chaoguang
Published: January 2023

Taxodium hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan’ has been widely used as a timber tree in river network areas and coastal regions and is mainly propagated by cuttings. However, when trees age, their capacity to form adventitious roots becomes weaker. We successfully enhanced the rooting ability of shoots in T. hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 302’ by their rejuvenation based on grafting. We recorded temporal variation in endogenous auxin, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellins (GAs), trans-zeatin-riboside (TZR), soluble sugar and H2O2 after root induction. Auxin, soluble sugars and H2O2 levels were higher in rejuvenated shoots than in mature shoots, whereas the opposite was true for ABA and GAs. Notably, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and GA3 presented higher contents with more obvious differences in T. hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 302’ rejuvenated shoots vs. mature shoots compared with other kinds of auxin and GAs. The evident improvement in the rooting ability of rejuvenated shoots after grafting likely resulted from the differential regulation of plant hormones, carbohydrates and redox signaling. In addition to the physiological basis of improved rooting ability by grafting, this study provided a theoretical basis for the optimization of subsequent propagation techniques in T. hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan’ and potentially other Taxodium spp.
A Critical Review of Sustainable Vanillin-modified Vitrimers: Synthesis, Challenge and Prospects
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Abdur , Hasan Md. Nabiul , Dayan Md. Anisur Rahman , Ibna Jamal Mohammad Salman , Patoary Mohammed Kayes
Published: January 2023

Nearly 90% of thermosets are produced from petroleum resources, they have remarkable mechanical characteristics, are chemically durable, and dimensionally stable. However, they can contribute to global warming, depletion of petroleum reserves, and environmental contamination during manufacture, use, and disposal. Using renewable resources to form thermosetting materials is one of the most crucial aspects of addressing the aforementioned issues. Vanillin-based raw materials have been used in the industrial manufacturing of polymer materials because they are simple to modify structurally. Conversely, traditional thermosetting materials as a broad class of high-molecular-weight molecules are challenging to heal, decompose and recover owing to their permanent 3-D crosslinking network. Once the products are damaged, recycling issues could arise, causing resource loss and environmental impact. It could be solved by inserting dynamic covalent adaptable networks (DCANs) into the polymer chains, increasing product longevity, and minimizing waste. It also improves the attractiveness of these products in the prospective field. Moreover, it is essential to underline that increasing product lifespan and reducing waste is equivalent to reducing the expense of consuming resources. The detailed synthesis, reprocessing, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of partly and entirely biomass thermosetting polymers made from vanillin-modified monomers are covered in the current work. Finally, the review highlights the benefits, difficulties, and application of these emerging vanillin-modified vitrimers as a potential replacement for conventional non-recyclable thermosets.
Comparison of Conventional Extraction Techniques with Superheated Steam Distillation on Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Syzygium aromaticum L. Essential Oil
Authors: Ayub Muhammad Adnan , Goksen Gulden , Fatima Ambreen , Zubair Muhammad , Abid Muhammad Amin , Starowicz Małgorzata
Published: January 2023

Syzygium aromaticum L. is an aromatic plant with a significant amount of essential oil (EO), which is used in food, medicine, for flavoring, and in the fragrance industry. The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the chemical composition, yield, and antioxidant and antifungal activities of Syzygium aromaticum essential oils extracted by the conventional hydro-distillation, steam distillation, and the emerging superheated steam distillation methods. It was noticed that the extraction methods significantly influenced the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils. The maximum yield was obtained using superheated steam distillation, followed by hydro-distillation and steam distillation. The antioxidant potential of EO extracts was evaluated following the scavenging of 2,2-dipenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and ferric reducing power assays. Results revealed that EO extracted superheated steam distillation exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. GC-MS analysis depicted eugenol (47.94–26.50%) and caryophyllene (20.24–9.25%) as the major compounds of Syzygium aromaticum EOs. The antimicrobial activity of EO extracts was evaluated, via the resazurin microtiter plate assay, microdilution broth assay, and disc diffusion methods, against normal and food pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. After comparative evaluation, it was observed that superheated steam extracted EO exhibited the highest antimicrobial potential. Overall, methodical evaluation disclosed that superheated steam distillation is an effective method to extract EOs from plant sources, with greater yield and promising biological activities.
Stick–Slip Characteristic Analysis of High-Speed Train Brake Systems: A Disc–Block Friction System with Different Friction Radii
Authors: Lu Changlin , Wang Quan , Wang Zhiwei , Mo Jiliang , Zhu Song , Jin Wenwei
Published: January 2023

Inspired by the difference in the friction radii of the pads from the high-speed train brake system, stick–slip experiments for a disc–block friction system with different friction radii were carried out via a test device. Based on the test results, the stick–slip vibration characteristics of the disc–block friction system with variation in the friction radius were analyzed, and the corresponding Stribeck model parameters in exponential and fractional forms were identified. The experimental results show that with an increase in the friction radius the vibration amplitude first increased and then decreased and the frequency of stick–slip vibration increased. The identified Stribeck model parameters show that the decay factors increased, the static friction coefficient decreased, and the dynamic friction coefficient decreased first and then increased as the friction radius increased. Moreover, the identified Stribeck model in an exponential form can more accurately reflect the stick–slip characteristics of a disc–block friction system than the model in a fractional form. It can be further applied in the investigation of the dynamic behaviors of high-speed train brake systems.
Laser hemorrhoidoplasty versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade II/III hemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wee Ian Jun Yan , Koo Chee Hoe , Seow-En Isaac , Ng Yvonne Ying Ru , Lin Wenjie , Tan Emile John Kwong-Wei
Published: January 2023

Purpose: This study compared the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LH) vs. conventional hemorrhoidectomy (CH) in patients with grade II/III hemorrhoids.Methods: PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing LH against CH in grade II/III hemorrhoids. The primary outcomes included postoperative use of analgesia, postoperative morbidity (bleeding, urinary retention, pain, thrombosis), and time of return to work/daily activities.Results: Nine studies totaling 661 patients (LH, 336 and CH, 325) were included. The LH group had shorter operative time (P<0.001) and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.001). Postoperative pain was lower in the LH group, with lower postoperative day 1 (mean difference [MD], –2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], –3.44 to –0.75; P=0.002) and postoperative day 7 (MD, –3.94; 95% CI, –6.36 to –1.52; P=0.001) visual analogue scores and use of analgesia (risk ratio [RR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42–0.81; P=0.001). The risk of postoperative bleeding was also lower in the LH group (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.12– 0.28; P<0.001), with a quicker return to work or daily activities (P=0.002). The 12-month risks of bleeding (P>0.999) and prolapse (P=0.240), and the likelihood of complete resolution at 12 months, were similar (P=0.240).Conclusion: LH offers more favorable short-term clinical outcomes than CH, with reduced morbidity and pain and earlier return to work or daily activities. Medium-term symptom recurrence at 12 months was similar. Our results should be verified in future well-designed trials with larger samples.
Optimal anastomotic technique in rectal surgery to prevent anastomotic leakage
Authors: Kitaguchi Daichi , Ito Masaaki
Published: January 2023

Complications after colorectal surgery remain inevitable, and anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe and potentially fatal complications. Generally, anastomotic leakage is associated with severe peritonitis, the need for emergency reoperation, and an increased mortality rate. Additionally, particularly after rectal cancer surgery, it has a negative impact on long-term outcomes, including postoperative anorectal function, local recurrence, and survival. To prevent anastomotic leakage, understanding the characteristics of each anastomotic technique and establishing a stable anastomotic procedure are important. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a relatively new advanced surgical access technique for pelvic dissection and facilitates different anastomotic techniques without the need for transabdominal rectal transection. Especially, stapled anastomosis in TaTME, also known as double purse-string circular stapled anastomosis or the single stapling technique (SST), has gained much attention as an alternative to the conventional double stapling technique (DST). In this article, we describe the DST, SST, and hand-sewn anastomosis as anastomotic techniques after rectal surgery, focusing mainly on the differences between conventional anastomotic techniques and SST in TaTME. Furthermore, the blood flow evaluation method for the reconstructive colon before anastomosis, which is extremely important in anastomotic leakage prevention regardless of the anastomotic type, is also described.
Gestión de la calidad del proceso de internacionalización en tiempos de coronavirus (covid-19): experiencia de la Universidad de la Habana
Authors: Gascón Pérez Araiz , Batista Mainegra Amado , González Legarda Silvia
Published: January 2023

La internacionalización como proceso estratégico de las universidades, es una vía para lograr estándares académicos de calidad. En tiempos de COVID-19, ha resultado ser uno de los principales desafíos a los cuales se enfrenta la educación superior. Por lo cual, presentamos la experiencia de la Universidad de La Habana, frente a esta pandemia. Es por ello que el objetivo del trabajo es analizar la incidencia de la COVID-19 en la gestión de la calidad del proceso de internacionalización en la Universidad de La Habana. La metodología utilizada se basó en el análisis documental y la síntesis de literatura especializada en los temas abordados, la observación y la experiencia de los autores en estos meses de cuarentena y distanciamiento social. Cuba y su sistema de educación superior, se han preparado para responder al nuevo escenario impuesto por la aparición de la COVID-19, a través de la implementación de políticas educativas. A partir de ahí la Universidad de La Habana se trazó una serie de acciones que han permitido el ajuste de calendarios docentes, la contribución desde la investigación para eliminar la propagación de la pandemia, la colaboración con resultados de la innovación, al cuidado de estudiantes y trabajadores docentes y no docentes, todo ello con la garantía de la continuidad de actividades formativas cuando la situación epidemiológica lo permita. En la actualidad, la pandemia de COVID-19 deja metas complejas para la comunidad universitaria, a partir de este punto, la Universidad de La Habana se trazará estrategias para lograr que el proceso de internacionalización continúe manteniendo los estándares de calidad que presentaba hasta el momento.
TRANSFORMACIÓN DE BIOMASA LIGNOCELULÓSICA EN BIOCOMBUSTIBLE DE SEGUNDA GENERACIÓN: ESTADO DEL ARTE DEL PRETRATAMIENTO
Authors: Luzardo Gorozabel Binnie Patricia , Ruíz Reyes Enrique , Pérez Parra Jean Carlos
Published: January 2023

El aumento en la emisión de gases contaminantes causado por las actividades antropogénicas derivadas de la utilización de combustibles fósiles, es una de los principales problemas ambientales al que se le está buscando solución mediante la implementación de energías alternativas, con el fin de minimizar los efectos del calentamiento global y brindar seguridad energética. El aprovechamiento de residuos es uno de estos enfoques, este propone la utilización de materiales de desecho para la creación de nuevos productos sin afectar los cultivos destinados a la alimentación u otros servicios de primera necesidad. Es por ello que en varias investigaciones se ha analizado la utilización de diferentes tipos de biomasas como fuente de energía renovable, debido a que son de fácil adquisición y pueden ser convertidas en combustibles. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el estado del arte del uso de la biomasa lignocelulósica como materia prima para la obtención de biocombustibles de segunda generación a través de una revisión de la literatura de los últimos diez años. Se realizó la búsqueda del empleo de la misma como materia prima para su bioconversión a combustible de segunda generación, desde la identificación de la estructura y composición de la matriz lignocelulósica, pretratamientos y parámetros que influyen en su conversión, posible formación de subproductos de carácter inhibidor, producción de biocombustible en Latinoamérica y Ecuador, hasta las perspectivas futuras de su viabilidad. La revisión de la literatura destacó que la generación de biocombustible a partir de biomasa lignocelulósica es considerada como una alternativa a la demanda energética, siendo así una solución al aumento de la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero y a la generación de residuos.
The Voice of the Body: Why AI Should Listen to It and an Archive
Authors: Qian Kun , Hu Bin , Yamamoto Yoshiharu , Schuller Björn W.
Published: January 2023

The sound generated by body carries important information about our health status physically and psychologically. In the past decades, we have witnessed a plethora of successes achieved in the field of body sound analysis. Nevertheless, the fundamentals of this young field are still not well established. In particular, publicly accessible databases are rarely developed, which dramatically restrains a sustainable research. To this end, we are launching and continuously calling for participation from the global scientific community to contribute to the Voice of the Body (VoB) archive. We aim to build an open access platform to collect the well-established body sound databases in a well standardized way. Moreover, we hope to organize a series of challenges to promote the development of audio-driven methods for healthcare via the proposed VoB. We believe that VoB can help break the walls between different subjects toward an era of Medicine 4.0 enriched by audio intelligence.
Cognitive Physics—The Enlightenment by Schrödinger, Turing, and Wiener and Beyond
Authors: Li Deyi
Published: January 2023

In the first half of the 20th century, 5 classic articles were written by 3 outstanding scholars, namely, Wiener (1894 to 1964), the father of cybernetics, Schrödinger (1887 to 1961), the father of quantum mechanics, and Turing (1912 to 1954), the father of artificial intelligence. The articles discuss the concepts such as computability, life, machine, control, and artificial intelligence, establishing a solid foundation for the intelligence of machines (how can machines recognize as humans do?) and its future development.
The Role of Preceptor and Knowledge of Students on Triage Skills in The Emergency Unit
Authors: Huriani Emil , Mailani Fitri , Nur’arita Vebby Fitri
Published: January 2023

Nurse profession students are required to have skills in triage. So that when students do triage, there will be no over-triage and under-triage. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the preceptor role and knowledge of nursing profession students' perceptions of triage skills. This study was a descriptive-analytic study using a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used a consecutive sampling technique where the research was conducted for one month. The number of respondents in this study was 84 students of the nursing profession. Data were collected using instruments preceptor role questionnaire (PRQ), triage knowledge questionnaire (TKQ), and triage skill questionnaire (TSQ). Analysis of the research data showed that 58.3% of the students' preceptor roles were good, 53.6% had sufficient triage knowledge, and 58.3% of students perceived their triage skills to be good. There were significant correlations between the preceptor's role and expertise with the perception of triage skills of nursing profession students with a p-value <0.05. It is recommended to improve the knowledge and skills of professional nursing students through lectures on triage using a role-play or scenario learning system to enhance the knowledge and skills of triage students of the nursing profession.Keywords: triage skills; preceptor role; knowledgePeran Pembimbing dan Pengetahuan Terhadap Keterampilan Triase Mahasiswa di Instalasi Gawat DaruratABSTRAKMahasiswa program profesi ners dituntut untuk kompeten dalam melakukan keterampilan triase sehingga terhindar dari kesalahan dalam melakukan triase seperti over triage dan under triage. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi hubungan peran preseptor dan pengetahuan dengan keterampilan triase pada mahasiswa program profesi ners. Desain penelitian adalah deskriptif analitik dengan pendekatan cross-sectional study. Jumlah sampel adalah 84 orang mahasiswa program profesi ners yang praktek di Instalasi Gawat Darurat salah satu rumah sakit di Kota Padang. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan yaitu Preceptor Role Questionnaire (PRQ), Triage Knowledge Questionnaire (TKQ), dan Triage Skill Questionnaire (TSQ). Analisis statistik yang digunakan adalah uji Chi-square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peran preseptor baik (58,3%), pengetahuan triase cukup (53,6%), dan keterampilan triase mahasiswa baik (58,3%). Peran preseptor dan pengetahuan berhubungan dengan keterampilan triase mahasiswa program profesi ners dengan (p < 0,05). Disarankan agar institusi pendidikan menerapan metode pembelajaran role play atau skenario untuk perkuliahan mengenai triase agar dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan triase mahasiswa program profesi ners. Kata Kunci: keterampilan triase, peran preseptor, pengetahuan
Benefits of Progressive Muscle Relaxation to Improve Sleep Quality in Youth
Authors: Suratih Kanthi , Budi Erindra
Published: January 2023

Sleep disturbances are common among teenagers in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the implementation of online learning. .The results of several systematic reviews and meta-analyses on eight databases to determine the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents (aged < 18 years) found anxiety and depression disorders, reactions to emotional and mental health, psychological distress, and behavioral disorders, sleep disturbances, nightmares and it all can affect aspects of adolescent life, especially in orphanages where they do not have relatives and parents. So it is felt that it is very important to do a non-pharmacologic therapeutic action to overcome these problems and progressive muscle relaxation is one of the easy methods to be carried out by teenagers in orphanages. This study aims to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on adolescent sleep quality. using method. pre- and post-test experiments with a control group. Involving research subjects as many as 42 teenagers. Data were analyzed by paired t test not using the SPSS 21 program. There was a significant difference between the control and treatment groups with a mean of 6,52  and 4,20  and getting a p-value of 0.003 so that it can be concluded that the implementation of progressive muscle relaxation can be useful for making good sleep quality for adolescents in orphanages.Keywords: progressive muscle relaxation; sleep quality; teenagersManfaat Relaksasi Otot Progresif Untuk Tingkatkan Kualitas Tidur RemajaABSTRAK Gangguan tidur sering terjadi di kalangan remaja di era pandemi Covid-19 akibat penerapan pembelajaran daring. .Hasil beberapa tinjauan sistematis dan meta-analisis pada delapan database untuk mengetahui dampak COVID-19 pada anak dan remaja (usia <18 tahun) ditemukan gangguan kecemasan dan depresi, reaksi terhadap kesehatan emosional dan mental, tekanan psikologis, dan perilaku gangguan, gangguan tidur, mimpi buruk dan itu semua dapat mempengaruhi aspek kehidupan remaja terutama di panti asuhan dimana mereka tidak memiliki kerabat dan orang tua. Sehingga dirasa sangat penting dilakukan tindakan terapi non farmakologis untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut dan relaksasi otot progresif merupakan salah satu metode yang mudah dilakukan oleh remaja di panti asuhan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh relaksasi otot progresif terhadap kualitas tidur remaja. menggunakan metode. eksperimen sebelum dan sesudah tes dengan kelompok kontrol. Melibatkan subyek penelitian sebanyak 42 remaja. Data dianalisis dengan uji t berpasangan tidak menggunakan program SPSS 21. Terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara kelompok kontrol dan perlakuan dengan mean 6,52 dan 4,20 serta mendapatkan p-value 0,003 sehingga dapat disimpulkan penerapan relaksasi otot progresif dapat bermanfaat untuk membuat tidur nyenyak. kualitas remaja di panti asuhan. Kata kunci: relaksasi otot progresif; kualitas tidur; remaja
Analisa Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Kepatuhan Kunjungan KB pada Ibu PKK saat Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Tejo Putri Ellatyas Rahmawati , Dewinataningtyas Candra , Sari Mia Ashari Kurnia , Farokah Atik
Published: January 2023

ABSTRAKPertengahan tahun 2020 tercatat jumlah penduduk Indonesia sebesar 271,7 juta jiwa dengan tiap angka kelahiran 18 per 1000 populasi dan angka TFR 2,3. Hasil data yang diperoleh dari SDKI 2017 penggunaan KB mencakup lebih dari  60% dengan mayoritas akseptor KB PIL dimana tingkat  efektifitasnya mencapai 46%. Metode yang dilakukan BKKBN dalam mengendalikan ledakan penduduk di masa pandemik dunia Covid-19 ialah dengan penggunaan kontrasepsi. Tujuan penelitian ialah untuk mengetahui hubungan kepatuhan kunjungan KB ditinjau dari pengetahuan,sikap dan perilaku di Dusun Tanggung Desa Bubakan Kabupaten Pacitan tahun 2021.Jenis penelitian yang digunakan oleh peneliti menggunakan deskriptif analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel yang terlibat dalam penelitian ini adalah Ibu kelompok PKK dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 25 orang. Metode pengumpulan dengan menggunakan kuesioner online yang dibagikan melalui whatsapp group. Hasil olah data untuk mengetahui hubungan pengetahuan dengan perilaku kunjungan KB menggunakan metode Uji Fisher Exact Test dengan hasil p value 0,032 ( kurang dari 0,05) yaitu ha diterima yang berarti ada pengaruh antara pengetahuan dengan kepatuhan dan untuk mengetahui hubungan sikap dengan kepatuhan kunjungan KB dengan metode Uji Fisher Exact Test didapatkan hasil p value 0,023 (kurang dari 0,05) yang berarti bahwa ha diterima yaitu ada hubungan antara sikap dengan perilaku kepatuhan. Kata Kunci : pengetahuan; sikap; kepatuhan; keluarga berencana; covid-19