bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical predictors of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections: A healthcare system analysis
Authors: Singh Harjinder , Sheth Radhika , Bhatia Mehakmeet , Muhammad Abdullah , Bachour Candi , Metcalf David , Kak Vivek
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study was performed to identify patient factors associated with hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HABSI) to guide blood culture collection and empiric antibiotic therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study reviewed the medical records of 350 patients admitted to our health system from September 2017 to April 2020. The patients were 18 years and older and had at least one set of new positive non-contaminant blood cultures collected after 48 hours of admission, defined as HABSI. We developed clinical variables through a literature review associated with it. Univariate relationships between each variable and bacteremia were evaluated by chi-square test. A predictive model was developed through stepwise multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The univariate analysis and stepwise regression analysis showed that temperature >100.4° F (OR: 1.9, CI 1.1 to 3.4), male sex (OR: 1.8, CI 1.0 to 3.0), and platelet count <150,000/µL (OR: 1.8, CI 1.0 to 3.2) were statistically associated with a positive blood culture.

CONCLUSIONS

This model helps identify patients with clinical characteristics associated with the likelihood of HABSI. This model can help guide the appropriate initiation of empiric antibiotics in clinical situations and assist with antibiotic stewardship.
Large structure simulation for landscape evolution models
Authors: Coatléven Julien , Chauveau Benoit
Published: September 2024

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to discuss the efficiency of a new methodology to maintain the accuracy of numerical solutions obtained from our landscape evolution model (LEM). As in every LEM, the tricky part is the coupling between water and sediment flows that drives the nonlinear self-amplification mechanisms. But this coupling is also responsible for the emergence and amplification of numerical errors, as we illustrate here. These numerical instabilities being strongly reminiscent of turbulence-induced instabilities in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we introduce a “large structure simulation” (LSS) approach for LEM, mimicking the large eddy simulation (LESs) used for turbulent CFD. In practice, this treatment consists in a filtering strategy that controls small-scale perturbations in the solution. We demonstrate the accuracy of the LSS approach in the context of our LEM.
Karst aquifer discharge response to rainfall interpreted as anomalous transport
Authors: Elhanati Dan , Goeppert Nadine , Berkowitz Brian
Published: September 2024

Abstract. The discharge measured in karst springs is known to exhibit distinctive long tails during recession times following distinct short-duration discharge peaks. The long-tailed behavior is generally attributed to the occurrence of tortuous, ramified flow paths that develop in the underground structure of karst systems. Modeling the discharge behavior poses unique difficulties because of the poorly delineated flow path geometry and generally scarce information on the hydraulic properties of catchment-scale systems. In a different context, modeling of long-tailed behavior has been addressed in studies of chemical transport. Here, an adaptation of a continuous time random walk–particle tracking (CTRW-PT) framework for anomalous transport is proposed, which offers a robust means to quantify long-tailed breakthrough curves that often arise during the transport of chemical species under various flow scenarios. A theoretical analogy is first established between partially water-saturated karst flow, characterized by temporally varying water storage, and chemical transport involving the accumulation and release of a chemical tracer. This analogy is then used to develop and implement a CTRW-PT model. Application of this numerical model to the examination of 3 years of summer rainfall and discharge data from a karst aquifer system – the Disnergschroef high-alpine site in the Austrian Alps – is shown to yield robust fits between modeled and measured discharge values. In particular, the analysis underscores the predominance of slow diffusive flow over rapid conduit flow. The study affirms the analogy between partially saturated karst flow and chemical transport, exemplifying the compatibility of the CTRW-PT model for this purpose. Within the specific context of the Disnergschroef karst system, these findings highlight the predominance of slow diffusive flow over rapid conduit flow. The agreement between measured and simulated data supports the proposed analogy between partially saturated karst flow and chemical transport; it also highlights the potential ability of the anomalous transport framework to further enhance modeling of flow and transport in karst systems.
Ratio limits of water storage and outflow in a rainfall–runoff process
Authors: Zhu Yulong , Zhou Yang , Xu Xiaorong , Meng Changqing , Wang Yuankun
Published: September 2024

Abstract. Flash floods typically occur suddenly within hours of heavy rainfall. Accurate forecasting of flash floods in advance using the two-dimensional (2D) shallow water equations (SWEs) remains a challenge, due to the governing SWEs being difficult-to-solve partial differential equations (PDEs). Aiming at shortening the computational time and gaining more time for issuing early warnings of flash floods, constructing a new relationship between water storage and outflow in the rainfall–runoff process is attempted by assuming the catchment as a water storage system. Through numerical simulations of the diffusion wave (DW) approximation of SWEs, the water storage and discharge are found to be limited to envelope lines, and the discharge/water-depth process lines during water rising and falling showed a grid-shaped distribution. Furthermore, if a catchment is regarded as a semi-open water storage system, then there is a nonlinear relationship between the inside average water depth and the outlet water depth, namely, the water storage ratio curve, which resembles the shape of a plume. In the case of an open channel without considering spatial variability, the water storage ratio curve is limited to three values (i.e., the upper, the steady, and the lower limits), which are found to be independent of meteorological (rainfall intensity), vegetation (Manning's coefficient), and terrain (slope gradient) conditions. Meteorological, vegetation, and terrain conditions only affect the size of the plume without changing its shape. Rainfall, especially weak rain (i.e., when rainfall intensity is less than 5.0 mm h−1), significantly affects the fluctuations of the water storage ratio, which can be divided into three modes: Mode I (inverse S-shape type) during the rainfall beginning stage, Mode II (wave type) during the rainfall duration stage, and Mode III (checkmark type) during rainfall end stage. Results indicate that the determination of the nonlinear relationship of the water storage ratio curve under different geographical scenarios will provide new ideas for simulation and early warning of flash floods.
The 2020 European Seismic Hazard Model: overview and results
Authors: Danciu Laurentiu , Giardini Domenico , Weatherill Graeme , Basili Roberto , Nandan Shyam , Rovida Andrea , Beauval Céline , Bard Pierre-Yves , Pagani Marco , Reyes Celso G. , Sesetyan Karin , Vilanova Susana , Cotton Fabrice , Wiemer Stefan
Published: September 2024

Abstract. The 2020 update of the European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM20) is the most recent and up-to-date assessment of seismic hazard for the Euro-Mediterranean region. The new model, publicly released in May 2022, incorporates refined and cross-border harmonized earthquake catalogues, homogeneous tectonic zonation, updated active fault datasets and geological information, complex subduction sources, updated area source models, a smoothed seismicity model with an adaptive kernel optimized within each tectonic region, and a novel ground motion characteristic model. ESHM20 supersedes the 2013 European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM13; Woessner et al., 2015) and provides full sets of hazard outputs such as hazard curves, maps, and uniform hazard spectra for the Euro-Mediterranean region. The model provides two informative hazard maps that will serve as a reference for the forthcoming revision of the European Seismic Design Code (CEN EC8) and provides input to the first earthquake risk model for Europe (Crowley et al., 2021). ESHM20 will continue to evolve and act as a key resource for supporting earthquake preparedness and resilience throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region under the umbrella of the European Facilities for Seismic Hazard and Risk consortium (EFEHR Consortium).
TEXT Reviews October 2020
Authors: Cannell Chloe , Cowley Nicholas , Ghosh Roy Sutanuka , Gist Christopher , Magner Brigid , Pharès Claudia , Symes Dominic , Walker Amelia , Webster Mags , White Jessica
Published: September 2024

Margaret McAllister and Donna Lee Brien, Paradoxes in Nurses’ Identity, Culture and Image: The Shadow Side of Nursing, reviewed by Amelia Walker

Ali Alizadeh, Marx and Art, reviewed by Nicholas Cowley

Miles Merrill & Narcisa Nozica, Slam Your Poetry: Write a Revolution, reviewed by Dominic Symes

Diane Comer, The Braided River: Migration and the Personal Essay, reviewed by Jessica White

Paul Hetherington, Moonlight on Oleander: Prose Poems, reviewed by Mags Webster

Michael Earp (ed), Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories, reviewed by Chloe Cannell

Gay Lynch, Unsettled, reviewed by Brigid Magner

Michael Noble, Nicholas Culpeper and the Mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone, reviewed by Christopher Gist

Rob Maddox-Harle & Jaydeep Sarangi (eds), Dancing the Light: Poems from Australia and India, reviewed by Sutanuka Ghosh Roy

Zinia Mitra (ed), The Concept of Motherhood in India: Myths, Theories and Realities, reviewed by Claudia Pharès
TEXT Reviews April 2019
Authors: Owen Bullock Owen , Burns Helen , Carzo Josephine , Costello Moya , Guilar Liam , Hecq Dominique , Muslera Pablo , Sutherland Emily , Telford Simon-Peter , Varatharajan Prithvi , Walker Amelia , Walsh Toni
Published: September 2024

Reviews of new books relevant to creative writing studies, including:

Dominique Hecq and Julian Novitz (eds), Critical Writing with Critical Theory: Inhabitation

review by Simon-Peter Telford

Carol Lefevre, The Happiness Glass; Marion May Campbell, The Man on the Mantlepiece: A Memoir

review by Moya Costello

Jo Jones, Falling Backwards: Australian Historical Fiction and the History Wars

review by Emily Sutherland

Jane Joritz-Nakagawa (ed), women: poetry: migration [an anthology]

review by Dominique Hecq

Rod Mengham, Grimspound and Inhabiting Art

review by Pablo Muslera

Philip Nielsen, Wildlife of Berlin

review by Toni Walsh

Michele Leggott, Vanishing Points

review by Owen Bullock

Eugen Bacon, loveSTRUCK

review by Josephine Carzo

John Kinsella, Open Door; Steve Armstrong, Broken Ground; Chris Wallace-Crabbe, Rondo

review by Amelia Walker

Sreedhevi Iyer, Jungle Without Water

review by Helen Burns

Michael Aiken, Satan Repentant; James Harpur, The White Silhouette

review by Liam Guilar

Jessica L Wilkinson and Simon Charles, Marionette: A biography of Miss Marion Davies (CD)

review by Prithvi Varatharajan
Assessment of Bioenergy Potential in Vindhya Plateau, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Pushpraj Diwan Pushpraj Diwan , Dr. SANDIP GANGIL  , Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhargav  , Manish Kumar
Published: September 2024

Evaluating agricultural residue availability is crucial for assessing sustainable biomass energy production. Crop waste, a byproduct of agricultural production, can be used for soil amendment, animal feed, and energy generation. A survey in seven districts of central India (Bhopal, Damoh, Guna, Raisen, Sagar, Sehore, and Vidisha) was conducted to assess the availability of agricultural residue in the Vindhya Plateau, which comprises about 16% of Madhya Pradesh's geographical area. Agricultural residue availability was determined by selecting a crop, gathering data on yield and generated biomass (including surplus), and estimating the bioenergy potential. The cultivable areas in the selected districts have bioenergy potentials of 19.91, 15.19, 7.88, 21.89, 13.71, 15.09, and 17.21 kJ ha-1 for crops like soybean, rice, wheat, gram, and maize, respectively.  The total residue potential, surplus residue potential, and bioenergy potential of the Vindhya Plateau were assessed as 6.08 MT, 2.42 MT, and 40 GJ, respectively. Vindhya Plateau's Raisen district offers the highest biomass potential, making it ideal for bioenergy development and fuel production from biomass.
Evaluating Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes and Health Risk Assessment in West Midnapore District of West Bengal, India
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Singh Saurabh , Das Arpita , Sahu Harish , Durgam Maheshwar , Khose Suyog , Pohshna Chwadaka , MAILAPALLI DAMODHARA
Published: September 2024

Groundwater quality in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, India is affected by anthropogenic activities as well as by water quality of Subarnarekha and Kangsabati rivers. This study aims to assess quality of groundwater and river water for drinking and irrigation usage, and assess the health risks of the people consuming the water across the rivers. The study also explores the groundwater-river water interaction. The river water and groundwater samples were collected three times during monsoon season from 14 sites across the rivers. The samples were analyzed for 11 water quality parameters, i.e., pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), major anions and cations, and iron (Fe). The groundwater was found slightly acidic (mean pH ~ 6.71) and correlated with nitrate concentrations. Most of the water quality parameters were found within their permissible limits of drinking water. However, elevated concentrations of potassium (K), ammonium (NH4), magnesium (Mg), phosphate (PO4), sodium (Na), and Fe were detected at some places, which were likely due to use of fertilizers. Water quality index (WQI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and percentage Na values were computed to evaluate the groundwater quality. The mean WQI value of 37.07 showed that the majority of groundwater samples met drinking water standards. Groundwater was also found suitable for irrigation (SAR ~ 0.26 to 1.62 meq L-1 and percentage Na ~ 13.10% to 78.12%). Health risk assessments suggested minimal immediate risks, though high Na levels in certain areas raised concerns. Piper plot showed that increased calcium concentrations in groundwater were mainly due to interactions between river water and groundwater. Overall, groundwater quality did not present any harmful health hazards to the community. The findings of this study can be instrumental for groundwater managers in identifying potential areas for treating groundwater quality.
PROPOSAL FOR THE USE OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED EXTRACT AS A COAGULANT IN THE TREATMENT OF DRINKING WATER
Authors: LEON ZERPA FEDERICO , CHIRINZA NICOLAU PENICELA , MUGUIRRIMA PAULINO VASCO , MENDIETA  PINO CARLOS ALBERTO , RAMOS MARTIN ALEJANDRO
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
The present work aims to propose the use of Moringa Oleifera seed extract as a coagulant in water treatment, taking as a reference its efficiency in removing turbidity compared to the use of aluminum sulphate coagulant. The Moringa Oleifera coagulant is easy to acquire and use and when prepared in an optimized way, it complies with the recommended water potability standards. In environmental terms, its use is recommended as it does not transmit harmful by-products to the environment.

Keyword: Coagulant, Moringa Oleifera Seed, Aluminum Sulphate, water treatment.
REFORMA E NORMATIZAÇÕES EM CONTEXTO REACIONÁRIO: IMPLICAÇÕES PARA O ENSINO DE ARTE NOS INSTITUTOS FEDERAIS
Authors: Immianovsky Charles
Published: September 2024

Este texto se insere no debate sobre ensino de arte e educação democrática em contexto reacionário; mais especificamente, versa sobre um conjunto de reformas e documentos normatizadores impostos à educação brasileira e suas implicações na Educação Profissional e Tecnológica nos Institutos Federais e no ensino de arte nessas instituições. Analisa-se três documentos: a Lei Nº 13.415, de 16 de fevereiro de 2017; a Base Nacional Comum Curricular do Ensino Médio de 2018; e a Resolução N° 1, de 5 de janeiro de 2021, do Conselho Nacional de Educação. A análise demonstrou que a Reforma e as normatizações apontam para retrocessos no âmbito da Educação Profissional e Tecnológica nos Institutos Federais, pois ao promoverem o enfraquecimento do Ensino Médio Integrado e do direito dos jovens aos conhecimentos das várias ciências e das artes, acabam por reforçar alguns paradoxos já existentes em torno dessa modalidade de ensino e nessas instituições.
FINALIDADES EDUCATIVAS ESCOLARES NO BRASIL DURANTE A DITADURA CIVIL-MILITAR
Authors: Oliveira Daniel Junior de , Borges Elisabeth Maria de Fátima
Published: September 2024

Esta pesquisa objetiva compreender as finalidades educativas no Brasil durante a ditadura militar. Para isso, foram identificados os conceitos de finalidades educativas escolares com a intencionalidade de proporcionar reflexões sobre o sentido histórico crítico do golpe civil-militar. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão da literatura. Os resultados apontam para o fato de que, durante a ditadura militar, as finalidades educativas foram estabelecidas sob uma perspectiva de controle social, na qual a educação foi utilizada como ferramenta. Conclui-se que as finalidades educativas escolares eram formar sujeitos para concordar com o sistema vigente, ou seja, uma educação para a aceitação e reprodução do interesse de quem detém o poder, bem como a preparação de mão de obra técnica para o mercado.
INTERSECÇÕES ENTRE RACISMO E GORDOFOBIA PARA CONSTRUÇÃO DE UMA EDUCAÇÃO ANTIRRACISTA E ANTIGORDOFÓBICA
Authors: Silva Sulamita Rosa da , Jimenez Jimenez Maria Luisa , Souza Suyanne Héria Vieira de
Published: September 2024

O presente estudo analisou o impacto da interseção entre racismo e gordofobia no ambiente educacional, empregando como base teórica autoras e autores sobre os estudos transdisciplinares das corporalidades gordas, interseccionando com reflexões sobre raça, decolonialidade e interseccionalidade. Além disso, este estudo respaldou-se em uma abordagem netnográfica a partir das contribuições de ativistas gordas no ciberespaço, com o conteúdo ministrado em uma formação online, que teve por título “Intersecções entre Racismo e Gordofobia: uma introdução”, com o objetivo de promover práticas educacionais antirracistas e antigordofóbicas. Espera-se que esta pesquisa estimule debates nos Direitos Humanos, especificamente na educação formal e não formal.
Effect of Neurobic Exercises on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Narnavre Nidhi Devdatt , Suthar Nidhi
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Neurobics focuses on brain exercises. The brain exercise program includes changing daily routines to engage the senses—vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Neurobics activate neuronal systems and increase blood circulation to the brain—aging-related cognitive decline and cognitive impairment greatly impact. Cognitive issues like dementia can lead to disability in older adults. Prioritizing overall health is essential for independence and quality of life. Neurobics means “Neuro + aerobics = Neurobics.”
PURPOSE: Neurobic exercises are a type of brain exercise that aims to stimulate the brain by challenging activities. The primary goal is to enhance memory and cognitive abilities. It is done by utilizing our non-dominant hand to brush our teeth, combing hair, buttoning clothes, etc. This study finds out the effectiveness of neurotic exercise programs on cognitive function in older adults.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To find out the effect of neurobic exercises on cognitive function in older adults
METHODS: An experimental study was done on 42 participants aged between 65-74 years, both males and females were included. Patients are conveniently divided into two groups. Group 1 Interventional group receive neurobic exercise, and group 2 control group receive standard care. The Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (New Zealand Versions - 2020) was used to assess the cognitive functions in older adults before and after the treatments. (4 days/week for 2 weeks.)
RESULT: An independent t-test was employed to compare the groups; the results showed that, for cognitive functions in older persons, p = 0.002 was significant. The t values between the groups were t=29.3 in cognitive functions, respectively.
CONCLUSION: The study concluded that neurobic exercises effectively improved cognitive function in older adults.

Keywords: Neurobic exercises, cognitive functions, older adults, Mini Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination scale.
Genetic Engineering in Crop Improvement for Diseases on Resistance
Authors: Uddin Md Moin , Islam Najmin , Halimuzzaman Md.
Published: September 2024

This research delves into the progressions made in genetic manipulation, specifically focusing on genome editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, to enhance crop resilience against diseases. It underscores the constraints of conventional breeding methods while highlighting the precision and efficacy of contemporary genetic modification tools. The investigation encompasses the identification of resistance genes, gene duplication, vector assembly, plant alteration, and thorough molecular and phenotypic analysis. The discourse also touches upon field experiments and regulatory endorsement procedures to facilitate the advancement and commercialization of robust, disease-resistant crops. By utilizing case studies such as the wheat variety Guinong 29, the study illustrates the potential of genetic engineering in reducing reliance on pesticides, fostering sustainable agriculture, and ensuring global food security. Conventional breeding methods, like backcrossing, are juxtaposed with modern methodologies like CRISPR/Cas9, which allow for accurate genetic modifications. The study sheds light on three categories of site-specific nucleases (SDNs) and their implications on regulatory supervision. Key discoveries consist of successful gene editing in rice and maize, the significance of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) in pathogen identification, and tactics for modifying susceptibility factors. The research underscores the transformative capacity of genetic engineering in enhancing crop development, accentuating the necessity for regulatory adjustments and societal acceptance to guarantee secure and efficient implementation.

Keywords: Genetic Engineering, Crop Improvement, Disease Resistance, Sustainable Agriculture, Public Perception
Efficacy of Allograft in Fracture Healing
Authors: Quasim Laskar Mohammed , Dutta Anshuman , Agarwala Vikash
Published: September 2024

In the last few decades there have been an increased number of accidents leading to trauma including crush injuries and open fractures with bone loss. In Orthopaedic surgery, bone harvested from donor sites is the gold standard for grafting procedure. Although autograft is the standard that all bone graft substitutes must meet or exceed, autograft has significant limitations. Allograft provides an excellent scaffold for the production of the host bone. Allograft bone is available in an unlimited quantity and better quality. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of Allograft in fracture healing.
30 patients who had bone loss due to fractures, which resulted due to trauma, osteomyelitis, non union and other causes, were included in this study. They were treated with allograft as a bone graft substitute in the institution between the period of January 2023 to February 2024.
This study concludes that pure cancellous allograft has properties similar to autograft and has complete graft incorporation. The bone allograft has no donor site morbidity as compared to autograft. The main challenge in using allograft is control of infection which was solved by using meticulous surgical and medical techniques to counter the infection. There was no significant difference in graft incorporation in infected and non-infected patients. Thus, we could conclude that allograft behaves in the same way in infected and non-infected cases.

Keywords: Fracture, Trauma, Allograft, Grafting, Bone Loss
CHARACTER EDUCATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAMIC BASIC EDUCATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOL (MI/SD)
Authors: Delimanugari Daluti , Sibawaihi Sibawaihi
Published: September 2024

This research discusses how to implement character education from an Islamic basic education perspective. The approach in this research uses literature study, namely collecting data from various appropriate literature sources, such as; books, articles, theses and other documents. The discussion in the article, namely character education in Islam, aims to build human beings with noble character through the values taught by Allah and the Messenger of Allah which can be applied in basic education. These values include traits such as siddiq, amanah, tabligh, and fathanah, which are the basis for human interaction with God, fellow humans, and the environment. Character education must start from an early age and include various methods such as example, stories, habits and dialogue. Character education in Islam also includes harmonious relationships with Allah, fellow humans, and the environment, all of which are regulated in the Koran and hadith. The implementation of character education is very important in forming individuals who have good morals and are beneficial to the wider community
IMPLEMENTASI PENDEKATAN HEUTAGOGI: SELF-DETERMINED LEARNING UNTUK CALON GURU SD/MI
Authors: Hikmah Afroh Nailil , Chudzaifah Ibnu , Rohman Wahyudi Agung
Published: September 2024

This research aims to implement a heutagogical approach, or self-determined learning, in the educational process of prospective elementary school (SD) and Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) teachers. The heutagogical approach places prospective teachers at the center of learning, allowing them to take the initiative in designing and managing their own learning processes. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach, where data is obtained through observation, interviews and document analysis related to the heutagogy-based learning process. The research results show that this approach is successful in increasing the motivation and involvement of prospective teachers in the learning process, as well as encouraging the development of critical, creative and reflective thinking skills.
The implementation of heutagogy also helps prospective teachers to be more adaptive and responsive to changes in the educational context, as well as equipping them with the ability to continue learning and developing throughout their careers as educators. Other findings show that prospective teachers who are involved in heutagogy-based learning are able to develop more personalized and relevant learning methods, which not only increase their understanding of the material, but also their readiness to face challenges in the field.
Overall, this research concludes that the heutagogical approach is an effective strategy in preparing prospective elementary/MI teachers to become independent, innovative and competent educators. By adopting this approach, educational institutions are expected to be able to produce teachers who are not only able to teach well, but also have the skills to continue to adapt and develop in facing the ever-changing dynamics of the world of education.
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Floating Beads of Propranolol Hydrochloride
Authors: Pardeshi Madhuri , Barhate Shashikant , Bari Manoj , Samir Shaikh
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The purpose of present research work was to prepare sodium alginate and pectin antihypertensive floating beads of propranolol hydrochloride. Methods:- Floating beads were prepared by using Ionotropic gelation technique using various natural and synthetic polymers in different proportion like sodium alginate, pectin, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose k4m and calcium carbonate. Result:- The floating beads were formulated and evaluated to physiochemical studies, Entrapment efficiency, swelling index, Invitro drug release, drug content, buoyancy studies (Floating time, floating lag time, total floating time) on the basis of evaluation of all floating beads were show good results. Conclusion:- It Concluded that floating drug delivery system are float immediately upon contact with gastric fluid for increasing the bioavailability of drug and patient compliance.
Study of Aqueous Solvent effect and Kinetics in Hydrolysis of Butyle Salicylate in Alkaline Medium of Water and DMF
Authors: Singh A. K.
Published: September 2024

The rate of base catalyzed hydrolysis of butyle salicylate has been studied in in water-DMF mixture containing up to 30-70% (v/v) has been studied over the temperature ranging from 20-400C. The specific rate constant values followed second order kinetics and decreases with increasing proportion of organic solvent. Number of water molecules associated with activated complex has also been calculated at different temperature with the help of slopes of logk against different mole % of waters. Iso-kinetic temperature was calculated and its numerical values are found to be greater than 300, is an indication of great solvent-solute interaction during the hydrolysis of ester.
A Stationary Edge Crack in a Finite Body: A Finite Element Approach
Authors: Kr. Panja Sourav , Ch. Mandal Subhas
Published: September 2024

In the present paper, a stationary edge crack is considered in a finite elastic body under the normal loading condition. A compact analysis of finite element approach of an edge crack is studied and the numerical procedure is implemented in the MATLAB software. The displacements along the cracked surface and the stress components are presented graphically. The convergency of the solution is exhibited by means of graphs.
Indigenous Medicinal Plants against Alzheimer’s disease: A Review
Authors:   PGT Biology, HolyMother’s Academy, Fulwar, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India., Ghosh Shubham , Bhowmik Biplab ,   Department of Zoology, Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha, West Bengal, Indiav, Chatterjee Saptarshi ,   Department of Zoology, University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal, India, Mondal Susmita ,   Department of Zoology, Diamond Harbour Women’s University, Sarisha, West Bengal, India
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is caused due to degeneration of the brain cells that leads to dementia, which is characterized by impaired thinking, remembering and independence in personal daily activities. It is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder caused primarily due to the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau protein hyperphosphorylation, which induce oxidative stress that affects a wide range of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, various risk factors like increasing ageing, head injuries, infections, and environmental factors also contribute to the occurrence of the disease. Globally more than 57.4 million people are affected with AD and the cases are increasing day by day. Still, only two classes of drugs i.e. cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, are available to treat symptoms of AD, however there is no cure or prevention of the disease. Phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants are proven to be effective in various diseases. Here, we aimed to discuss the effects of three native medicinal plants (Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera & Coriandrum sativum) in AD. A potent phytochemical curcumin found in Curcuma longa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and preventing the formation of amyloid-β plaque. Bioactive components such as Witanopherin, witanolides A-Y etc. of Withania somnifera are found to be effective in decreasing the level of inflammatory mediators like IL-1β, Il-6, TNF-α, MCP-1. Moreover, these phytochemicals inhibit amyloidβ and tau protein accumulation, thereby preventing AD. Coriandrum sativum contains active phenolic components which have antioxidant property. Volatile oil from C. sativum proven to be effective for the prevention and reversal of the conditions of AD. Therefore, using these indigenous medicinal plants for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is a better alternative as these natural products are very effective with no side effects.
Exploring the Ethnobotanical Resources of Indian Sundarbans: An Insight into Medicinal Plants
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India., Biswas Goutam , Sarkar Bhanumati ,   Department of Botany, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India, Sarkar Sarthak Ranjan ,   Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India, Sharma Nidhi ,   Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India., Sultana Samima ,   Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India., Madhu Nithar Ranjan ,   Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, West Bengal, India.
Published: September 2024

The Indian Sundarbans, a unique ecosystem comprising mangrove forests and diverse habitats, harbors an extensive array of medicinal plants with profound healing properties. This chapter navigates through the rich source of indigenous medicinal plants of the Sundarbans like Hogla, Hetal, Goran, Bain, Sundari, etc. outlining their traditional uses and potential therapeutic applications. Focusing on the roles of these plants in local healthcare practices, we tried to combine traditional wisdom with current scientific insights that hold great potential for pharmaceutical advancements. Different bioactive compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids) produced by medicinal mangroves have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities and other health-care potentials. Threats of habitat degradation, climate change, and anthropogenic activities pose grave risks to the existence of these invaluable plants, warranting immediate attention to safeguard their biodiversity. In a world where consumers are increasingly seeking natural and sustainable alternatives to promote their health, using plants as a medicinal source is commercially and environmentally feasible.
Beauty with Boon- Dendrobium spp.
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Chandernagore College, Chandernagore, Hooghly, West Bengal, India., Roy Moulik Dr. Sujata
Published: September 2024

Orchids are well known for their aesthetic qualities and are often used as decorative items in homes, offices, and public places. They are admired for their good looks and practical uses of them. Dendrobium is the second-largest genus in the family Orchidaceae. It exhibits a vast diversity in vegetative and floral characteristics and is of considerable interest due to its broad geographic distribution and the high value of hybrids as a floricultural commodity. In China, the “immortality herb” or “gold in medicine” or the No. 1 of the 9 “Chinese immortality herbs”- all refer to Dendrobium. Besides innumerable health benefits and medicinal properties, Dendrobium has been used for cosmetics and fragrance products. Here, some of the aspects of the multifarious Dendrobium are discussed.
Ethnomedicinal plants with antibacterial activity
Authors:   Research Scholar, Vidyasagar University, Department of Botany &Forestry, Midnapore, 721102, West Bengal, India, Maiti Sutapa , Banerjee Nilanja ,   Assistant Professor, Vidyasagar University, Department of Botany & Forestry, Midnapore, 721102, West Bengal, India
Published: September 2024

Despite the successful development of antibiotics, infectious diseases remain the world’s second leading cause of death. At the same time, antibiotic resistance has emerged as a major challenge in the twenty-first century. The abundance of phytochemicals found in medicinal plants offers a promising avenue for the development of new drugs. Plants, which are known for synthesizing a wide range of secondary metabolites, have disease-prevention properties. Plant-derived products have distinct advantages for medical treatments, including potential efficacy and minimal to no side effects. However, developing new antimicrobial compounds from plant extracts appears to be difficult to overcome. Still, ongoing efforts are being made to improve the antimicrobial activity of phytochemical compounds. The information about few ethnomedicinally important plants studied for in vitro antimicrobial activity is provided in this chapter.
Promises for patients with disturbed gut-brain axis signalling: Does the intake of a probiotic mixture improve mental health of healthy subjects?
Authors: Rode Julia
Published: September 2024

Gut microbiota modifications, such as by probiotics, have an effect on health and disease via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, amongst others. Several clinical studies have shown that probiotics might affect brain activity and behaviour in healthy subjects and subjects with disturbed gut-brain axis signalling. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover functional magnetic resonance imaging study, 22 healthy subjects (age 243 years, 6m/16f) underwent a probiotic intervention containing Bifidobacterium longum R0175, Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R1012 (in total at least 3×109 CFU/day) and a placebo intervention in randomised order for 4 weeks each, separated by a 4-week washout period. The probiotic intervention resulted in significantly altered brain response patterns (brain activity and functional connectivity) towards an acute emotional challenge and an acute mental arithmetic stress task, without effects on subjective stress ratings or cortisol response. Also, alterations in non-evoked resting state functional connectivity were observed upon probiotic intervention. Autonomic nervous system function was not significantly affected, neither at rest nor during stress, by the probiotic intervention compared to the placebo. Also, cognitive performance (assessed by Stroop) was not affected by the probiotic intervention. Apart from effects on brain function, also psychological symptoms, such as depression symptoms and sleep patterns, were slightly affected, even if none of the subjects experienced mental dysfunction at baseline. Other ratings, such as anxiety, perceived health, quality of life and perceived workload were not affected. Similarly, the probiotic intervention did not affect perceived stress nor the cortisol awakening response in non-evoked situations. In terms of signalling molecules, serotonin showed slightly higher baseline-corrected serum concentrations after probiotics compared to placebo, while brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations were not affected. Also, markers of intestinal damage or systemic inflammation were not affected. No substantial effects on the gut microbiota composition were observed. The probiotic intervention evoked distinct changes in brain function and subtle changes in psychological symptoms even in a healthy study population. These results give promising hints that patients with a disturbed gut-brain axis function could benefit from probiotic intake.
Investigation of antibiotic resistome in hospital wastewater during the COVID-19 pandemic: Is the Initial Phase of the Pandemic Contributing to Antimicrobial Resistance?
Authors: Wang Changzhi
Published: September 2024

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there has been much speculation about how COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance may be interconnected. In this study, untreated wastewater was sampled from Hospital A designated to treat COVID-19 patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic alongside Hospital B that did not receive any COVID-19 patients. Metagenomics was used to determine the relative abundance and mobile potential of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs), prior to determining the correlation of ARGs with time/incidence of COVID-19. Our findings showed that ARGs resistant to macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines were positively correlated with time in Hospital A but not in Hospital B. Likewise, minor extended spectrum betalactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases of classes B and D were positively correlated with time, suggesting the selection of rare and/or carbapenem-resistant genes in Hospital A. This study highlighted concerns related to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the COVID-19 pandemic that may arise from antibiotic use and untreated hospital wastewater.

Link to OA paper: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c01834
The role of the vaginal microbiome and host factors in BV recurrence after metronidazole treatment
Authors: Klatt Nichole
Published: September 2024

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an inflammatory condition caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that often recurs after treatment and is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes. Clinical criteria such as Amsel or Nugent scores are used for diagnosis, but molecular methods offer more comprehensive bacterial understanding. This six-month longitudinal study explores the relationship between vaginal microbiome, transcriptomics, and cytokine profiles to understand the interplay between host factors, the microbiome and recurrent BV inflammation after treatment.
Association between delivery mode and the healthy newborn meconium microbiota: a systematic review
Authors: Elsafoury Shaimaa
Published: September 2024

Meconium is the newborn’s earliest fecal discharge, representing the intestinal content during in utero life, and was formerly thought to be sterile. Recent hypotheses of how meconium microbiota communities are formed include initial colonization during gestation and further influence by delivery mode and other perinatal factors including maternal health. We examined reports of differentially abundant meconium microbiota and alpha diversity by delivery mode (vaginal versus C-section) for newborns of healthy women. Ten articles met criteria for inclusion, representing 601 vaginal deliveries and 281 C-sections. Reported signatures were standardized using the NCBI taxonomy, and reports of differential alpha diversity were recorded. The only concordance in differential abundance signatures was in the genus Stenotrophomonas, reported in two of 10 studies as overabundant in the meconium of C-section delivery newborns when compared to newborns of vaginal delivery, and Enterococcus, reported in two of 10 studies as less abundant. In conclusion, little consistency is seen in published results on over or under abundance of meconium microbiota by delivery mode. Mode of delivery may play a role in the meconium microbiota; however, low replicability across studies limits conclusions that can be drawn about the contribution of mode of delivery to the infant gut microbiome. Future microbiome studies of low microbial biomass meconium should take extra measures to avoid sample contamination, employ negative controls to assess the effectiveness of these measures, set clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for consistency with previous studies (particularly for antibiotics usage and gestational age), and have larger sample sizes.
Exploring the human lung virome from shotgun metagenomic studies
Authors: Conradie Talya
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The lung virome is an understudied portion of the human microbiome that is gaining increasing attention in medical research due to its public health significance. It is estimated that up to 95% of the lung virome remains uncharacterised. Here, we aim to catalogue the virome associated with the human respiratory tract by reanalysing publicly available data using a newly-developed pipEline for Viral assEmbly and chaRactEriSaTion (EVEREST). Methods: Lung virome studies (n=85) utilising shotgun metagenomics and lung-attributed samples were gathered from public databases. Following manual curation (n=44), bioproject data was inputted into EVEREST (https://agudeloromero.github.io/EVEREST/), resulting in viral discovery and taxonomic classification of known and unknown viruses. Complete and high-quality contigs were further assessed for genomic characterisation. Results: From a singular bioproject (PRJEB32062), 182 viral contigs were captured and 14 were classified as complete/high-quality. Those contigs lengths ranged between 12-387 kilobases. Focusing on three of the complete/high-quality contigs, we discovered two novel prophages (Caudovirales), and a new bacteriophage (Siphoviridae). Additionally, putative protein coding sequence regions were scanned, which ranged between 50-67 proteins. Annotation analysis showed phage-associated proteins, including proteases, DNA binding proteins and tail sheath and tube proteins, among others. Conclusion: We identified known and novel viruses utilising publicly available lung metagenome studies. Knowledge gained in the pulmonary virome will facilitate additional understanding of the virus-host microbiome interaction. We are in the process of expanding the EVEREST pipeline to other uncharacterised human niches. Grant Support: Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, and Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.
Maternal metformin treatment persistently ameliorates high-fat diet-induced metabolic symptoms and modulates gut microbiota in rat offspring
Authors: Song Lin
Published: September 2024

Background:
Maternal high-fat (HF) diet has long-term deleterious effect on offspring’s metabolic phenotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether maternal metformin (MT) administration ameliorates the negative effects of maternal HF diet on offspring and the role of gut microbiota and microbial bile acids (BAs) in it.
Methods:
After mating, the pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to HF diet (60% fat) or standard CHOW diet (11.8% fat) group, and some of the HF diet group rats were co-treated with MT via drinking water (300 mg/kg/day), resulting in three groups according to maternal diet and MT treatment during gestation and lactation. All offspring were weaned on CHOW diet. The intestinal tissues and colon content of offspring rats were collected. In addition, offspring’s hypothalamus gene expression and BA content in plasma of adult male offspring was analyzed.
Results:
Maternal HF diet resulted in increased body weight and adipose depots, increased intestinal and hypothalamic inflammation, changed gene expression of intestinal tight junctions and hypothalamic appetite markers in both male and female offspring at weaning, which continued into adulthood. The effects of maternal HF diet on offspring were alleviated by maternal MT administration. Interestingly, offspring’s microbiota composition in adulthood was profoundly influenced by maternal HF diet and MT administration. Furthermore, the plasma BA content was normalized by maternal MT administration in adult male offspring of HF-fed dams, and maternal MT administration significantly enriched the proportion of the beneficial Lactobacillus genera, which were negatively correlated with plasma unconjugated BA levels.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of maternal MT administration on offspring’s metabolic phenotype, focusing on the microbiota-BA-hypothalamus axis. The present study indicates that maternal MT administration could reshape the gut microbiota in adult offspring, normalize offspring’s plasma BA levels and gene expression of hypothalamic appetite markers, which may contribute to the beneficial effects of maternal MT exposure on offspring’s metabolic phenotype.