bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of strain elastography in the differential diagnosis of ruptured epidermal cyst and superficial abscess
Authors: Kim Ji Na , Park Hee Jin , Kim Myung Sub , Moon Juhee , Park Jae Hyung , Kim Eugene , Kim Young Hwan
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of strain elastography (SE) in the differential diagnosis of ruptured epidermal cyst and superficial abscess.Methods: This retrospective study included 34 patients with ruptured epidermal cysts and 17 patients with superficial abscesses who underwent ultrasonography (US) including SE. The SE characteristics were classified into four grades (1 to 4) according to elasticity. The largest length and height of the lesion and their ratio were evaluated on the US images. Involvement of more than half of the depth of the dermis and the presence of the submarine sign were assessed.Results: The inter-reader agreement of US and SE findings showed excellent or almost perfect agreement. The height, length, ratio of height to length, and more-than-half-depth sign did not significantly differ between ruptured epidermal cysts and superficial abscesses for either reader (reader 1, P=0.071, P=0.129, P=0.806, and P=0.102, respectively; reader 2, P=0.173, P=0.053, P=0.669, and P=0.060, respectively). The submarine sign was significantly more frequent in ruptured epidermal cysts than in superficial abscesses (both readers, P<0.001). The difference in SE scores between ruptured epidermal cysts and superficial abscesses, which are harder than ruptured epidermal cysts, was statistically significant (reader 1, P=0.046; reader 2, P=0.028).Conclusion: The SE score and submarine sign may be useful characteristics for distinguishing ruptured epidermal cyst from superficial abscess.
Pandemia e Ensino
Authors: Martins Mendes Jallys , Pereira Barbosa Maxsuel , Da Silva Márcia Juliana
Published: June 2021

O presente artigo é o resultado da experiência de implantação do Ensino Remoto Emergencial na Escola Estadual Antonio Gröhs, em Água Boa-MT, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O problema estruturador deste trabalho é: como professores e estudantes da Escola Estadual Antonio Gröhs têm enfrentado os desafios postos pela pandemia de COVID-19 no contexto do Ensino Remoto Emergencial? Para tanto, objetivou-se analisar os efeitos da pandemia no ensino ofertado pela escola em questão, a partir da experiência do ensino remoto. Assim, foram aplicados questionários ao corpo docente e discente para o levantamento de dados referentes ao uso de recursos tecnológicos, além de compreender a complexidade do comprometimento dos estudantes com a nova modalidade de ensino, bem como apresentar os desafios enfrentados por estudantes e professores no contexto desta pandemia. A metodologia utilizada teve como base um estudo quantitativo, efetuado por meio de questionários aplicados a professores e alunos. Este trabalho fundamenta-se em Arruda (2020), Freire (1996), Morán (2015), Moreira e Schlemmer (2020), Schneiders (2018) e também nos documentos normativos do MEC e da SEDUC-MT. Ao final do estudo, percebemos que, mesmo como alternativa viável no atual cenário pandêmico, o ensino presencial é imprescindível.
Currículo escolar em tempos de pandemia
Authors: DE MOURA SILVA ROBSON JOSÉ , DE OLIVEIRA HILDERLINE , PAIVA RODRIGUES GERALDO
Published: June 2021

A sociedade vem sofrendo diversas mudanças em todas as esferas da vida devido a pandemia da COVID-19. O cotidiano se transformou de forma rápida com a chegada de novas práticas na educação. Diante disso, este artigo visa discutir de que forma o currículo escolar poderá ser desenvolvido durante a pandemia. A pesquisa é exploratória e com abordagem quantitativa e aplicação de questionário através do Google forms junto a professores da Educação Infantil até docentes do Ensino Superior da cidade do Natal. Os achados da pesquisa evidenciaram que houve impactos e muitos desafios na rotina escolar em nível mundial e que foi necessário criar contextos educativos e propostas de ensino-aprendizagem, na tentativa de dar seguimento ao currículo escolar, mesmo que de forma remota, constatamos que houve uma busca pela efetivação do direito à educação.
Distance Educators Attitudes and Actions towards Inclusive Teaching Practices
Authors: Cash Catherine , Cox Thomas , Hahs-Vaughn Debbie
Published: June 2021

As distance education continues to increase, it is vital that postsecondary institutions contribute time and resources towards sustaining inclusive teaching practices that decrease barriers and increase opportunities for diverse student populations. This study examined faculty (n = 116) attitudes and actions surrounding online accommodations and inclusive teaching practices that were based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles using the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory-Distance Education (ITSI-DE) online survey instrument. A Pearson product moment correlation confirmed a statistically significant correlation between faculty attitudes and actions towards inclusive teaching practices. Next, a multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) affirmed statistically significant differences between faculty attitudes and actions towards inclusive teaching practices based on gender. The implications of this research and future research recommendations are offered.
Course Redesign: Implementing Project-Based Learning to Improve Students’ Self-Efficacy
Authors: Krsmanovic Masha
Published: June 2021

This research examined the effects of a first-year elective course redesign on promoting students’ self-efficacy. By implementing a project-based approach in the course curriculum, the study investigated if, and to what extent, did such redesign improve student belief in their ability to master course-related outcomes. Two­-tailed independent samples t-test at an alpha level of .01 were conducted to answer the research question and compare self-efficacy of students who completed the course under the traditional curriculum (n = 821) and students who completed the course under the new curriculum (n = 881). The results revealed statistically significant differences in students’ responses for all learning outcomes before and after the curriculum redesign.
"Into the Unknown": Supervising Teacher Candidates During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Maher Steffany Comfort , Zollman Alan
Published: June 2021

In mid-March, our public schools ended classroom instruction due to COVID-19. The timing of the suspension of face-to-face instruction was in the middle of the student teaching clinical experience for our secondary education teacher candidates. Without preparation, teacher candidates were to guide their middle and high school students through online learning. University faculty were experiencing a similar challenge — how to support and direct their teacher candidates in mid-experience.

This was a change in the logistics of teaching and in the focus of education. The first priority of the school was not high-stakes standardized testing, nor daily pacing guides, but rather the emotional and social health of students.

            This change in the schools’ priorities fit well with the preparation of our teacher candidates at our Midwest regional teaching university. Our focus was to prepare teachers of students, not teachers of mathematics or English. While our secondary teacher candidates did not have all the tools and technology skills needed to switch to online teaching immediately, they did know it was the relationship with the learner that was most important.

The second change of the schools’ priorities was a time-allocation switch from mostly teaching to mostly planning, communicating, and supporting one another as teachers. Our teacher candidates already knew that effective communication makes everyone a better instructor and benefits student learning. In order to help our teacher candidates make this transition, we developed the Clinical Practice Interview Protocol and met with our candidates regularly online.

            A third aspect was teacher candidates’ prior experience as students of online classes themselves. Many had taken several online or hybrid university courses and knew what worked well and what they needed to avoid as an online teacher.

            In this reflective essay, we discuss how the university supervisor supported and facilitated our teacher candidates in preparing and implementing quality instruction.
An efficient method to generate kidney organoids at the air-liquid interface
Authors: Kumar Gupta Ashwani , Z. Ivancic David , A. Naved Bilal , A. Wertheim Jason , Oxburgh Leif
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of kidney dysfunction continues to increase worldwide, driving the need to develop transplantable renal tissues. The kidney develops from four major renal progenitor populations: nephron epithelial, ureteric epithelial, interstitial and endothelial progenitors. Methods have been developed to generate kidney organoids but few or dispersed tubular clusters within the organoids hamper its use in regenerative applications. Here, we describe a detailed protocol of asynchronous mixing of kidney progenitors using organotypic culture conditions to generate kidney organoids tightly packed with tubular clusters and major renal structures including endothelial network and functional proximal tubules. This protocol provides guidance in the culture of human embryonic stem cells from a National Institute of Health-approved line and their directed differentiation into kidney organoids. Our 18-day protocol provides a rapid method to generate kidney organoids that facilitate the study of different nephrological events including in vitro tissue development, disease modeling and chemical screening. However, further studies are required to optimize the protocol to generate additional renal-specific cell types, interconnected nephron segments and physiologically functional renal tissues.
Physicochemical and biological characterization of a xanthan gum-polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel obtained by gamma irradiation
Authors: López-Huante Tania , Del Prado-Audelo Marí­a L. , Caballero-Florán Isaac H. , Reyes-Hernández Octavio D. , Figueroa-González Gabriela , González-Del Carmen Manuel , Giraldo-Gomez David M. , Sharifi-Rad Javad , González-Torres Maykel , Cortes Hernán , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo
Published: June 2021

Xanthan gum (XG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are two polymers with low toxicity, high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high hydrophilicity, making them promising candidates for multiple medical aspects. The present work aimed to synthesize a hydrogel from a mixture of XG and PVP and crosslinked by gamma irradiation. We assessed the hydrogel through a series of physicochemical (FT-IR, TGA, SEM, and percentage of swelling) and biological (stability of the hydrogel in cell culture medium) methods that allowed to determine its applicability. The structural evaluation by infrared spectrum demonstrated that a crosslinked hydrogel was obtained from the combination of polymers. The calorimetric test and swelling percentage confirmed the formation of the bonds responsible for the crosslinked structure. The calorimetric test evidenced that the hydrogel was resistant to decomposition in contrast to non- irradiated material. The determination of the swelling degree showed constant behavior over time, indicating a structure resistant to hydrolysis. This phenomenon also occurred during the test of stability in a cell culture medium. Additionally, microscopic analysis of the sample revealed an amorphous matrix with the presence of porosity. Thus, the findings reveal the synthesis of a novel material that has desirable attributes for its potential application in pharmaceutical and biomedical areas.
Development of a guar gum film with lysine clonixinate for periodontal treatments
Authors: Robles-Kanafany Casandra Marilú , Del Prado-Audelo Marí­a Luisa , González-Torres Maykel , Giraldo-Gomez David M. , Caballero-Florán Isaac H. , González-Del Carmen Manuel , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Figueroa-González Gabriela , Reyes-Hernández Octavio D. , Cortés Hernán , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo
Published: June 2021

Periodontal pain is a public health problem derived from different conditions, including periodontal diseases, prosthetic complications, and even extractions performed by dentist. There are various treatments to control acute dental pain, being the administration of analgesics, such as Lysine Clonixinate (LC), a common practice. Unfortunately, higher and repeated dosages are usually required. The purpose of this work was to develop a prolonged release pharmaceutical form as an alternative treatment for dental pain. Hence, we conceived a film based on guar gum and loaded different concentrations of LC. We evaluated the film's appearance, brittleness, strength, and flexibility, and then chose one formulation for adequate characteristics. Subsequently, we assessed the morphology, thermal behavior, and swelling properties of the films (LC-free and –loaded). Finally, we performed the release studies of LC from the films in vitro using a simulated saliva medium and employed several mathematical models to evaluate the release kinetics. Guar gum is a natural polymer obtained from the endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus that presents properties such as biosafety, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Thus, it represents a potential excipient for use in pharmaceutical formulations. Moreover, our results revealed that the LC-loaded film presented a high adherence, suitable swelling behavior, high LC content, and a prolonged drug release. Therefore, the LC-loaded film may be considered a potential option to be applied as an alternative to treat dental pain.
Development of films from natural sources for infections during wound healing
Authors: Leyva-Gómez Gerardo , González-Torres Maykel , Alcalá-Alcalá Sergio , Bernal-Chávez Sergio A. , Morales-Morfin Juan C. , González-Del Carmen Manuel , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Figueroa-González Gabriela , Reyes-Hernández Octavio D. , Del Prado-Audelo Marí­a Luisa , Cortés Hernán
Published: June 2021

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and due to its barrier function, it is susceptible to multiple injuries. The appearance of infections during the wound healing process is a complication that represents a formidable hospital challenge. The presence of opportunistic bacteria with sophisticated resistance mechanisms is difficult to eradicate and compromises patients' lives. Therefore, the search for new efficacious treatments from natural sources that prevent and counteract infections, in addition to promoting the healing process, has increased in recent years. In this respect, films with the capability to protect wounds and release drugs are the presentation that predominates commercially in the hospital environment. Those films can offer several mechanical advantages such as physical protection to prevent opportunistic bacteria's entry, regulation of gas exchange, and capture of exudate through a swelling process. Wound dressings are generally curative materials easily adaptable to different anatomical regions, with high strength and elasticity, and some are even bioabsorbable. Additionally, the components of the films can actively participate in promoting the healing process. Even more, the film can be made up of carriers with other active participants to prevent and eradicate infections. Therefore, the extensive versatility, practicality, and usefulness of films from natural sources to address infectious processes during wound healing are relevant and recurrent themes. This work presents an analysis of the state-of-the-art of films with natural products focused on preventing and eradicating infections in wound healing.
High-performance thin-layer chromatography fingerprinting and anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem.: A laboratory-based study
Authors: Taheri Yasaman , Naderi Nima , Ayatollahi Seyed Abdulmajid , Baghalpour Navid , Mahroo-Bakhtiyari Javad , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting and in-vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of different leaf extracts (ethanolic extract, n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. plant. A total of one hundred and twenty-four Wistar rats for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive tests (carrageenan and formalin tests, respectively) were treated with two doses of the ethanolic extract (100 and 300 mg/kg), two doses of other plant fractions (30 and 100 mg/kg), Diclofenac (25 mg/kg) as the positive control, and normal saline as the negative control group, by oral gavage route. HPTLC fingerprinting is used for assay of terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and antioxidant activity. Treatment of the animal with the ethanolic extract at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg, both ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions at the dose of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg decreased the pain score in the formalin test and paw edema caused by carrageenan relative to control group significantly. Moreover, these extracts reported the highest amounts of flavonoid contents. In conclusion, phytochemicals present in Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. leaves have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Future studies are needed to identify the compounds with the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential present in the plant.
Physicochemical, antioxidant and enzymes activities of grape fruit peel and pomace enriched functional drinks
Authors: Ali Sidra Muhammad , Imran Ali , Arshad Muhammad Umair , Ahmed Rabia Shabir , Imran Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Experiment was conducted to determine the proximate, minerals, antioxidant capacities and enzymes activities of grape fruit peel and grape fruit pomace along with sensorial evaluation of functional drinks. In this milieu, values of grapefruit peel and pomace powder for moisture, fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, ash, and NFE were recorded as 10.85±1.34,8.9±0.08 , 9.27±0.03, 7.69±0.02, 60.22±2.32, 50.33±2.1, 6.13±0.02, 6.13±0.01, 2.97±0.01 ,2.16±0.01 ,10.56±1.97, 24.97±2.4, respectively whilst in time intervals highest TPC for peel (118.66±8.9) mg/g was observed in 60 min followed by (102.33±7.6) mg/g at 90 min and (82.02±5.5) mg/g at 30 min respectively Whereas, the recorded TPC for pomace at 30, 60 and 90 minute were (112.73±9.1) mg/g has observed in 60 min followed by (97.21±7.9) mg/g at 90 min and (84.55±5.8) mg/g at 30 min respectively. Among the time intervals highest flavonoids contents of peel were at 60 min 52.3±1.9% followed by 52.51±1.7% at 90 min and minimum 50.72±1.4% at 30 min. The highest ABTS value was observed for peel content 248.33±5.6 Î¼g/ml in ethanol extract followed by methanolic extract 212.11±4.4 Î¼g/ml least in water extract 152.5±3.2 Î¼g/ml. The means reviewed FRAP activity highest value for ethanol in peel and pomace were (92.66±5.3 µg/ml Fe2+/g) & (82.47±4.2 µg/ml Fe2+/g) followed by methanol (86.33±4.1 µg/ml Fe2+/g) & (76.83±3.4 µg/ml Fe2+/g) and least in water (66.46±2.2 µg ml Fe2+/g) &(54.24±2.1 µg/ml Fe2+/g) respectively. The color acceptability varied significant effect between 7.49 to 7.55 in T0 to T3. Likewise, storage imparted more significant decline from 7.72 to 7.30 at 0th to 60th days, respectively. The flavor scores were 7.59, 7.41, 7.26 and 7.53 in T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The overall acceptability of drink was significantly increase from initiation (0th) day to termination (60th) day as 7.68 to 6.9.
In vivo acute toxicity, laxative and antiulcer effect of the extract of Dryopteris Ramose
Authors: Nazir Sana , Khan Haroon , Khan Sajjad Ali , Alam Waqas , Ghaffar Rukhsana , Khan Sayed Hurmat Ali , Daglia Maria
Published: June 2021

Dryopteris ramosa (D. ramosa) is one of the most traded medicinally important plants of Himalayan region. Apart from other uses, D. ramosa is traditionally also used to treat gastric ulcers and as a laxative. The present study was designed to investigate the role of methanolic crude extract of Dryopteris Ramosa (MEDR) in acute toxicity, against loperamide induced constipated mice model, antiulcer effect of methanolic extract of D. Ramosa and cholinomimetic like effect of methanolic extract of D. Ramosa. The crude extract was investigated for the presence of active compounds (secondary metabolites) such as alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and tannins following the standard methods. The antiulcer effect was investigated in mice using the ethanol induced ulcer model at various doses i.e. 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses. Constipation was induced in the mice via loperamide (3mg/kg body weight). The control group received normal saline. Different doses of plant extracts (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day) were administered for 7 days. Various parameters like feeding characteristics, gastrointestinal transit ratio, body weight, fecal properties and the possible mechanism of action of D. Ramosa on intestinal motility were monitored. Various Phytochemicals like saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, carbohydrate, alkaloids and triterpenes were found in D. Ramosa. The acute toxicity study showed that MEDR was associated with no mortality except mild and moderate sedation at the highest tested doses (1500 and 2000 mg/kg). MEDR also showed significant antiulcer activity against ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis. The extract enhanced the intestinal motility, normalized the body weight of constipated mice and increased the fecal volume which are indications of laxative property of the herb. The 200 mg/kg body weight dose of the extract was found effective. The presence of various Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glycosides and tannins might be responsible for the antiulcer activity of D. Ramosa. This study provides the scientific background for the folkloric use of D. Ramosa as antiulcer agent. The laxative action of the extract compares positively with Duphalac, (standard laxative drug). These findings have therefore evidence scientific background to the folkloric use of the herb as a laxative agent.
Assessment of renal and hepato-protective potential of guava leaves in male Sprague dawley rats
Authors: Nasir Makia , Tahir-Nadeem Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Ahmad Tanvir , Imran Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Present research project was an attempt to explore the functional/nutraceutical worth of guava leaves from two locally grown varieties (Ruby & Safeda). For the purpose, guava leaves extract was fed to experimental male Sprague Dawley rats to explore the nutraceutical potential of guava leaves against hepatotoxicity. Two studies were performed on two types of rats i.e. study I (normal rats), study II (hepatotoxic rats). In both studies, 250 mg/kg each of pink guava leaves extracts (T1) and white guava leaves extracts (T2) was added in the feed. Feed intake and body weights of the rats were recorded. At the end of the first and eighth week of study, the blood samples of the rats were analyzed to check the effect of guava leaves extracts on renal functioning (Alkaline Phosphatase, Alanine Transaminase and Aspartate Transaminase) as well as liver functioning parameters including urea and creatinine. In both studies, comparatively higher feed consumption was observed in the control group than the rest of the treatments. At the end of study I, the highest weight (207±9.21 g) was observed in T0 whereas, during study II, the maximum value (202±5.58 g) was found in T2 (rats consuming white guava leaves extract) that indicates its effectiveness against hepatotoxicity. Regarding renal functioning tests, pink guava leaves were more effective in decreasing urea and creatinine levels in rats as compared to the white guava leaves in both study plans. Likewise, in each of study trial, pink guava leaves were more effective in reducing AST, ALT and ALP than white guava leaves and control. From the present investigation, it is deduced that guava leaves were effective against hepatotoxicity.
Phytochemical investigation and effective therapeutic potential of plants extracts against breast and ovarian cancer cell lines: compounds from zizyphus mauritiana and triticum aestivum
Authors: Tabassam Qudsia , Ahmed Sibtain , Mehmood Tahir , Iqbal Mudassir , Saeed Shagufta , Ahmad Muhammad Mushtaq , Sultan Ayesha , Rehman Muhammad Misbah ur , Qadir Rahman , Ullah Azmat , Abdul Rehman Natasha
Published: June 2021

ancer is the leading cause of death, accounting for approximately one out of six people dying with this disease worldwide. Among all, the breast and ovarian cancers are top-ranked causes of women mortalities compared to other disorders. Although, there is advancement in technologies, but still, there are unresolved concerns to overcome the global disease burden. Currently, plants are being explored as a natural remedy to cure disorders. This research was planned to explore phytochemicals in methanolic extracts of Zizyphus mauritiana and Triticum aestivum, and their pharmacological activities were studied through Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacteria, in vitro breast cancer cell line and ovarian cancer cell line to find out novel candidates in disease control and prevention. Eleven different types of bioactive compounds were analysed in the tested extracts. The highest crude extracts percentage (75±0.02) was observed with Z. mauritiana. The extracts showed promising cell growth inhibition and tumor initiation inhibition in potato disc assay. MTT assay and Incucytes imaging analysis revealed that Z. mauritiana extract had a higher anticancer potential with 40 ± 0.92 cell viability against breast cancer cells (SKBR3) and 45 ±0.29 against ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3). In conclusion, these extracts could be used as chemotherapeutics owing to their cheapness, and easy availability. While detailed study is required for further purification and characterization of bioactives/target compounds and in-vivo activity confirmations.
Reinwardtia indica: phytochemical screening and evaluation of wound healing activity of the extracts in experimental model rats
Authors: Gurung Roshani , Koirala Niranjan , Gurung Paru , Tamang Bishnu Maya , Chettri Sarita , Basnet Bibek , Pandey Trishna , Nassan Mohamed A. , Alqarni Mohammed , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Adhikari Sundar
Published: June 2021

Reinwardtia indica is traditionally used for wound healing. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the wound healing activity of leaves extracts of R. indica using the excision wound model in rats. The leaves of R. indica were collected from Gondrang, Chitwan, Nepal.  Leaves were shade dried, extracted by double maceration and subjected to phytochemical screening. Then, the fusion method was used for the formulation of ointment and evaluated. Rats (n=24) were divided into four groups with 6 in each. Excision wound model was used, 2 cm diameter (314 mm2), 2 mm depth wound was created. The treatment was given daily topically to all groups and the % mean wound contraction rate was calculated on days 4, 8, 12 and 16.  The result was analyzed statistically using Graph pad prism version 5. Phytochemical test revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, phenol, terpenoid, carbohydrate, etc.  All the evaluation parameters showed satisfactory results. The extract of R. indica ointment (2% w/w and 5% w/w) increased the wound contraction rate day by day. The % means wound contraction rate, on day 12, (80% and 88%), and on day 16, (97% and 100%) and statistically significant difference was at p<0.0001. The R. indica extract ointment showed an increased wound contraction rate. So, in further R. indica could be used for commercial production of wound healing ointment.
Preventive role of propolis against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in Sprague dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) animal modelling system
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Arshad Rizwan , Zahoor Tahir , Liaqat Atif , Qaisrani Tahira Batool , Rafiq Saima , Javed Muhammad Sameem , Raza Nighat , Murtaza Shamas , Farooq Umar , Imran Muhammad , El-Ghorab Ahmed , Bacha Umar , Ahmad Ishtiaque , Gulzar Nabila , Mehmood Zaffar , Muzaffar Rizwana , Gondal Tanweer Aslam , Perveen Rashida , Rehman Habib-ur , Shah Syed Abdul Majeed , Shah Abdul Sattar , Akhtar Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad Inam , Umer Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Human diets with functional ingredients showed promising role in management of diseases of modern age like hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and even cancer. The study designed to elucidate role of honeybee propolis for management of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia states through animal modeling system. Hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was used for development of functional drink with standard recipe and addition of specified dose of extracts (400mg/500mL). Animals were grouped into three studies including study-I fed on regular diet, study-II fed on sucrose enrich diet and study-III fed on diet enriched with cholesterol and monitored to evaluate the results. Various parameters like feed consumption, liquid intake of animals measured regularly whereas body weight recorded at the end of each week of study. At the end of the study animals were analyzed for different blood indicators like blood lipid indices (cholesterol, LDL, HDL concentration and triglyceride contents)), glucose concentration and insulin contents as well. The maximum feed and drink intake were examined in animals, fed with control diet whereas a non substantial mode of intake was recorded in rest of two groups of animals. The consumption of honeybee propolis based drink reduced cholesterol (6.63% to 10.25%) and LDL (9.96% to 11.23%), whilst a sharp increase in HDL level was ranged as 4.12 to 4.49% among animal groups fed with high cholesterol and high sucrose diet. Blood glucose level was decreased by 10.25% and 6.98% however 6.99% and 4.51% increase were observed in plasma insulin level in both studies, study-II and study-III correspondingly. The overall findings of the study showed that drinks prepared using propolis of propolis found effective for management of hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in present animal modelling system.
Computational hunting of natural active compounds as an alternative for Remdesivir to target RNA-dependent polymerase
Authors: Saeed Mohd , Saeed Amir , Alam Md Jahoor , Alreshidi Mousa
Published: June 2021

The hunt for potential lead/drug molecules from different resources, especially from natural resources, for possible treatment of COVID-19 is ongoing. Several compounds have already been identified, but only a few are good enough to show potential against the virus. Among the identified druggable target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, this study focuses on non-structural RNA-dependent RNA polymerase protein (RdRp), a well-known enzyme for both viral genome replication and viral mRNA synthesis, and is therefore considered to be the primary target. In this study, the virtual screening followed by an in-depth docking study of the Compounds Library found that natural compound Cyclocurcumin and Silybin B have strong interaction with RdRp and much better than the remdesivir with free binding energy and inhibition constant value as êžŒ-6.29 kcal/mol and 58.39 µMêžŒ, and êžŒ-7.93kcal/mol and 45.3 µMêžŒ, respectively. The finding indicated that the selected hits (Cyclocurcumin and Silybin B) could act as non-nucleotide anti-polymerase agents, and can be further optimized as a potential inhibitor of RdRp by benchwork experiments.
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: phytochemical composition, cytotoxicity, proximate analysis and their biological activities
Authors: Modi Bindu , Koirala Niranjan , Aryal Surya Prasad , Shrestha Jiban , Koirala Shishir , Upadhyaya Jitendra , Basnyat Ram Chandra , Nassan Mohamed A. , Alqarni Mohammed , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: June 2021

The present research work has been performed to evaluate the phenolic content, flavonoids content, and cytotoxicity of a multidimensional medicinal plant; Tinospora cordifolia and as well as to determine nutritive value by proximate analysis. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents of Tinospora cordifolia were found to be significantly greater in methanol extract as compared to corresponding hexane extract. Brine shrimp bioassay indicated Tinospora cordifolia is pharmacologically active. The percentage composition of different nutrition parameters namely moisture, total ash, crude fat, protein, fibre, carbohydrate, and vitamin C were assessed. The nutritive values of fresh and dried stem samples were evaluated as 156.44 Kcal/100g and 232.61 Kcal/100g respectively. From Gas column mass spectrometry analysis, it can be reported that inositol, 1-deoxy-, trans-sinapyl alcohol, n-hexadecanoic acid were present in the major amount in methanol stem extract. The findings from this study reveal Tinospora cordifolia contains an adequate amount of phenolic and flavonoids content, vital bioactive antioxidant compounds, and a good source of carbohydrates and fibers which potentially adds to the overall value of the plant.
Synthesis by gamma irradiation of hyaluronic acid-polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel for biomedical applications
Authors: Godoy-Alvarez Fernanda Kamila , González-Torres Maykel , Giraldo-Gomez David M. , Sánchez-Sánchez Roberto , Pérez-Dí­az Mario A. , González-Del Carmen Manuel , Figueroa-González Gabriela , Reyes-Hernández Octavio D. , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Cortés Hernán , Del Prado-Audelo Marí­a Luisa , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo
Published: June 2021

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most attractive natural polymers employed in biomaterials with biological applications. This polysaccharide is found in different tissues of the body because it is a natural component of the extracellular matrix; furthermore, it has crucial functions in cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Since its biological characteristics, HA has been utilized for the new biomaterial's development for tissue engineering, such as hydrogels. These hydrophilic macromolecular networks have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, making them potential candidates to be applied in biomedical fields. Different mechanisms to obtain hydrogels have been described. However, the research of new non-toxic methods has been growing in recent years. In this study, we prepared a new hydrogel of HA and polyvinyl alcohol by the cost-effective technique of cross-linking by gamma irradiation. The hydrogel was elaborated for the first time and was characterized by several methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Likewise, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of the biomaterial and its influence on cell migration in human fibroblasts. Furthermore, we provide preliminary evidence of the wound closure effect in a cellular wound model. The novel hydrogel offers an increase of HA stability with the potential to expand the useful life of HA in its different medical applications.
Repositioning students as co-creators of curriculum for online learning resources
Authors: McDonald Aaron , McGowan Heath , Dollinger Mollie , Naylor Ryan , Khosravi Hassan
Published: June 2021

Amid increasing calls for universities to transition to online learning, there is a need to explore how platforms and technology can provide positive student experiences and support learning. In this paper, we discuss the implementation of an online peer learning and recommender platform in a large, multi-campus, first-year health subject (n = 2095). The Recommendation in Personalised Peer Learning Environments (RiPPLE) platform supports student’s co-creation of learning resources and allows for students to provide feedback and rate their peers’ submissions. Our results indicated that both student engagement and academic performance were positively impacted for users by the introduction of the RiPPLE platform, but that academic preparedness, in the form of students’ ATAR scores, strongly influenced their engagement and the benefits received.
Implications for practice or policy:

We explored if students were willing to co-create learning resources online.
Our study piloted an online platform known as Recommendation in Personalised Peer Learning Environments (RiPPLE).
Critical analysis provides insights into fostering online engagement and peer learning.
We further offer recommendations for future practice on how to embed online student co-creation of curriculum.
Acting in secret: Interaction, knowledge construction and sequential discussion patterns of partial role-assignment in a MOOC
Authors: Chen Ken-Zen , Yeh Hsiao-Han
Published: June 2021

Forum discussions have been utilised widely as a means of facilitating learning interaction and social-knowledge construction in online learning. Much research has been conducted on the instructional interventions that benefit asynchronous discussions. Role-playing, or assigning roles to discussants, has been proven effective in promoting interactivity and knowledge construction in the context of both face-to-face and online learning. However, assigning and rotating roles to thousands of learners in massive open online courses (MOOCs) and preparing them to act properly in their roles sounds impractical to MOOC instructors due to work overload. The present study provided three types of role assignment in a MOOC during various course offerings: fall offerings with no role-assignment, spring offerings with partial role-assignment and summer offerings with full role-assignment. Through the examination of the discussion patterns and role-assignment differences among 4,239 students and 5,439 posts in 56 forums, we suggest that partial role-assignment is as effective as full-role assignment. By assigning as few as 10 students with rotating roles, MOOC instructors can leverage this effective strategy while minimising their effort in preparing the discussants and moderating the discussions. These students act behind the scenes and improve the behavioural patterns of asynchronous discussions.
Implications for practice or policy:

MOOC instructors and teaching assistants can leverage a partial role-assignment strategy to improve asynchronous discussion quality with manageable effort.
MOOC platform leaders and instructional designers may explore work-smart teaching strategies that are viable in practice without overburdening instructors.
Remarks on Manifolds with Two-Sided Curvature Bounds
Authors: Kapovitch Vitali , Lytchak Alexander
Published: June 2021

We discuss folklore statements about distance functions in manifolds with two-sided bounded curvature. The topics include regularity, subsets of positive reach and the cut locus.
Infini-Rien: Ist Pascals Wettargument formallogisch ungültig?
Authors: Hoffmann Christian
Published: June 2021

In the Infini-Rien fragment of his Pensées, Blaise Pascal develops an argument for the rationality of faith in God, which posthumously became known as Pascal’s Wager and at the same time represents a cornerstone of modern probability theory. While this betting argument has been the subject of much philosophical investigation, the contribution of this paper lies in the following: On the one hand, the bet is reconstructed in its basic features as well as its structure with the help of modern decision and probability theory tools. Thus, it is shown that Pascal’s betting argument, in distinction to Hacking 1972 for instance, has the form of an a fortiori argument. On the other hand, as far as objections to Pascal’s argument are concerned, it is true that the premises have often been called into doubt, more or less convincingly. On the other hand, this article is dedicated to the question, often emphatically – especially in Hacking 1972 – and perhaps carelessly affirmed in Pascal research, whether Pascal’s premises imply his conclusion at all.
Data-driven model predictive control: closed-loop guarantees and experimental results
Authors: Berberich Julian , Köhler Johannes , Müller Matthias A. , Allgöwer Frank
Published: June 2021

We provide a comprehensive review and practical implementation of a recently developed model predictive control (MPC) framework for controlling unknown systems using only measured data and no explicit model knowledge. Our approach relies on an implicit system parametrization from behavioral systems theory based on one measured input-output trajectory. The presented MPC schemes guarantee closed-loop stability for unknown linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, even if the data are affected by noise. Further, we extend this MPC framework to control unknown nonlinear systems by continuously updating the data-driven system representation using new measurements. The simple and intuitive applicability of our approach is demonstrated with a nonlinear four-tank system in simulation and in an experiment.
Pro-coagulant imbalance in patients with community acquired pneumonia assessed on admission and one month after hospital discharge
Authors: Tripodi Armando , Rossi Simona C. , Clerici Marigrazia , Merati Giuliana , Scalambrino Erica , Mancini Ilaria , Baronciani Luciano , Boscarino Marco , Monzani Valter , Peyvandi Flora
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Patients hospitalized because of community-acquired-pneumonia (CAP) are at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although plasma procoagulant imbalance play a role, mechanisms are not completely understood. We aimed to investigate whether there is a measurable state of procoagulant imbalance following inflammation determined by CAP.

Methods

We analyzed blood from 51 CAP patients at admission and 51 healthy subjects (HS) for (i) pro and anticoagulants, (ii) thrombin generation (TG) with or without thrombomodulin (TM), which is the physiologic activator of the protein C anticoagulant pathway and(iii) by assessing the ratio between von Willebrand-factor (VWF) and its protease ADAMTS13. Thirty patients were re-analyzed one month after discharge when CAP was resolved.

Results

Median levels of TG parameters, including the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), the ETP-TM-ratio (with/without TM), peak-thrombin and velocity index were higher in patients at baseline than HS. In particular, the median (IQR) ETP-TM-ratio in patients vs. HS was 0.88 (0.83–0.91) vs. 0.63 (0.48–0.71), p<0.001. Factor (F)VIII, a potent procoagulant involved in TG was higher in patients at baseline than HS [195 U/dL (100–388) vs. 127(108–145)], p<0.001]. The ratio of VWF/ADAMTS13 was higher at baseline than HS. Cumulatively, the findings indicate a state of pro-coagulant imbalance, which (although reduced), remained high [i.e., ETP-TM-ratio, 0.80 (0.74–0.84); FVIII, 152 U/dL (122–190)] one month after discharge when the infection was resolved.

Conclusions

Patients with CAP possess a state of pro-coagulant imbalance, which remains substantially high, even when the infection is resolved. The findings suggest CAP patients as candidates for antithrombotic prophylaxis even after the resolution of infection. Clinical trials are warranted to assess the benefit/risk ratio of prophylaxis extension.
A Note on Meromorphic Functions Associated With Beseel Function Defined by Hilbert Sapce Operator
Authors: Venkateswarlu B. , Reddy P. Thirupathi , Shilpa R. Madhuri , Swapna G.
Published: June 2021

In this paper,we introduce and study a new subclass of meromorphic functions associated with a certain differential operator on Hilbert space. For this class, we obtain several properties like the coefficient inequality, growth and distortion theorem, radius of close-to-convexity, starlikeness and meromorphically convexity and integral transforms. Further, it is shown that this class is closed under convex linear combinations.
Lexical stress assignment preferences in L2 German
Authors: O’Brien Mary Grantham , Sundberg Ross
Published: June 2021

Assigning stress to the appropriate syllable is consequential for being understood. Despite the importance, second language (L2) learners’ stress assignment is often incorrect, being affected by their first language (L1). Beyond the L1, learners’ lexical stress assignment may depend on analogy with other words in their lexicon. The current study investigates the respective roles of the L1 (English, French) and analogy in L2 German lexical stress assignment. Because English, like German, has variable stress assignment and French does not, participants included English- and French-speaking German L2 learners who assigned stress to German nonsense words in a perceptual preference and a production task. Results suggest a role of the L1, with English-speaking German L2 learners performing more like L1 German speakers. While French-speaking German L2 learners’ performance could not be predicted by other factors, L2 German proficiency and the ability to produce analogous words were predictive of English-speaking German L2 learners’ production performance.
Design of English hierarchical online test system based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Xiahui , Zhang Dan , Asthana Abhinav , Asthana Sudeep , Khanna Shaweta , Verma Chaman
Published: June 2021

Large amount of data are exchanged and the internet is turning into twenty-first century Silk Road for data. Machine learning (ML) is the new area for the applications. The artificial intelligence (AI) is the field providing machines with intelligence. In the last decades, more developments have been made in the field of ML and deep learning. The technology and other advanced algorithms are implemented into more computational constrained devices. The online English test system based on ML breaks the shackles of the traditional paper English test and improves the efficiency of the English test. At the same time, it also maintains the fairness of English test and improves the marking speed. In order to realize an online English test system based on ML and facilitate the assessment of students’ college English courses, this paper mainly adopts relevant research and design on the main functional modules, key technologies, and functional realization of the online English test. The brand-new powerful teaching software and the online examination system can help schools to conduct more systematic and scientific management. The conclusion shows that as brand-new and powerful teaching software, the online examination system can help schools to conduct more systematic and scientific management.
Crystal structure of 3-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium hexafluoridophos-phate(V), C9H15F6N2O2P
Authors: Yuan Kun , Xiong Wan-Ming , Nie Xu-Liang , Peng Da-Yong , Chen Jing
Published: June 2021

C9H15F6N2O2P, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.3781(15) Å, b = 13.970(3) Å, c = 12.904(2) Å, β = 104.500(2)°, V = 1462.3(5) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0677, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1977, T = 296(2) K.
Future directions of chemical theory and computation
Authors: Lu Yuyuan , Deng Geng , Shuai Zhigang
Published: June 2021

Theoretical and computational chemistry aims to develop chemical theory and to apply numerical computation and simulation to reveal the mechanism behind complex chemical phenomena via quantum theory and statistical mechanics. Computation is the third pillar of scientific research together with theory and experiment. Computation enables scientists to test, discover, and build models/theories of the corresponding chemical phenomena. Theoretical and computational chemistry has been advanced to a new era due to the development of high-performance computational facilities and artificial intelligence approaches. The tendency to merge electronic structural theory with quantum chemical dynamics and statistical mechanics is of increasing interest because of the rapid development of on-the-fly dynamic simulations for complex systems plus low-scaling electronic structural theory. Another challenging issue lies in the transition from order to disorder, from thermodynamics to dynamics, and from equilibrium to non-equilibrium. Despite an increasingly rapid emergence of advances in computational power, detailed criteria for databases, effective data sharing strategies, and deep learning workflows have yet to be developed. Here, we outline some challenges and limitations of the current artificial intelligence approaches with an outlook on the potential future directions for chemistry in the big data era.