bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study to isolate and identify the bacterial colonies prevalent on the surfaces of common gadgets of college going students
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Dhabale Pallavi , Bisen Mohini , Wat Pallavi , Raut Pragati
Published: May 2021

A study was carried out to identify and isolate pathogenic bacterial population present on the common gadgets of college going students. These gadgets if harboured with microbes can cause serious diseases to the bearer causing serious impact on their health. A total of 100 samples of college bags, purses, wrist watches and mobile phones of staff and students from the college campus were randomly collected.
Characterization of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treated Cholecalciferol Using LC-MS and GC-MS Spectrometry
Authors: Trivedi Dahryn , Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Branton Alice , Jana Snehasis
Published: May 2021

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, which widely used for the prevention and treatment rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, etc. The impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of cholecalciferol were evaluated using LC-MS and GC-MS spectroscopy. The test sample cholecalciferol was divided into control and treated parts. Only, the treated cholecalciferol was received the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples at retention time (Rt) ~22 minutes exhibited the mass of the molecular ion peak at m/z 385.25 (calcd for C27H45O+, 385.35). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was increased by 0.74% compared with the control sample. But, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM and PM+2/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was significantly increased by 66.39% and 62.69%, respectively compared with the control sample. Hence,13C, 2H, 17O, and 18O contributions from C27H44O+ to m/z 386 and 387 in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The isotopic abundance ratios of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) and PM+2/PM (18O/16O) in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased as compared to the control sample. The increased isotopic composition of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated cholecalciferol might have altered the neutron to proton ratio in the nucleus via the possible mediation of neutrino. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the treated cholecalciferol may increase the intra-atomic bond strength, increase its stability. The new form of cholecalciferol would be better designing novel pharmaceutical formulations that might be more stable and more efficacious for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, infections, influenza, cognitive impairment in older adults, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, etc.
The Innermore Ossein- Enchondroma
Authors: Bajaj Anubha
Published: May 2021

Preface Frequently, benign bone tumours are an incidental discovery wherein clinical symptoms are contingent to tumour location and magnitude and manifest as localized pain, swelling, skeletal deformities or pathologic fracture. Radiographic imaging is a cogent methodology of discerning the neoplasms.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: May 2021
Authors: Davila Raquel E.
Published: May 2021

Article Title: Obesity Primer for the Practicing Gastroenterologist
Contribuições aos estudos toponímicos da libras através da análise de sinais que designam cidades brasileiras
Authors: Urbanski Ítalo Rullian Webster , Ferreira Daiane , Xavier André Nogueira
Published: May 2021

Topônimos são palavras que nomeiam lugares e acidentes geográficos (DICK, 1990). Este trabalho apresenta resultados da análise de 888 topônimos da Libras que designam cidades de 14 estados brasileiros e regiões administrativas do DF. Os dados foram coletados no Youtube e as informações sobre sua origem, ou seja, se formados sem influência do português (nativos) ou por meio de empréstimos dessa língua, foram registradas em um banco de dados criado no programa Access do pacote Office da Microsoft. Nesse banco, foram registrados também, no caso dos empréstimos, os tipos de processos que  os constituíram, a saber, (1) calque (tradução literal ou aproximada), (2) inicialização, (3) combinação de letra(s) do alfabeto manual da libras que remetem à(s) letra(s) inicial(is) do topônimo escrito em português com outros parâmetros fonológicos da libras e (4) soletração manual. Os resultados indicam que os topônimos analisados, em sua maioria, são empréstimos do português e que estes, mais frequentemente, são formados por meio do terceiro processo.
Políticas de desarrollo (in)sostenible en Pampa del Indio, Chaco (Argentina)
Authors: Castilla Malena
Published: May 2021

Durante las últimas décadas, en la región chaqueña se han implementado una serie de políticas y proyectos de desarrollo ejecutadas por organismos nacionales y financiadas por agencias de crédito internacional que buscaban, según sus propios objetivos aumentar la productividad, competitividad y comercialización regional de manera sostenible. En la localidad de Pampa del Indio, provincia del Chaco una de estas políticas fue el de pavimentación y rehabilitación de la Ruta Provincial N.° 3 a partir de la ejecución del proyecto de Infraestructura Vial del Desarrollo Norte Grande 7991AR, en la cual confluyeron una heterogeneidad de actores entre los que se destacaron el Banco Mundial, el Ministerio de Planificación de la Nación, fundaciones, pueblos indígenas, entre otros. Por ello, este artículo se propone analizar ciertas prácticas y acciones implementadas por los actores que confluyeron en la ejecución de este proyecto de desarrollo sostenible. El presente trabajo se enmarca en la investigación realizada durante la formación posdoctoral en la zona que comenzó en la formación de grado (2011) y continua hasta la actualidad, por ello a lo largo de las páginas retomaremos fragmentos de entrevistas realizadas en el trabajo de campo, además de analizar documentos y materiales teóricos referidos a la problemática aquí presentada.
Representaciones en torno a la gobernanza en organismos internacionales, una aproximación a partir del análisis estadístico de contenido.
Authors: Kelly Julian , Romano Silvina Alejandra , Lavornia Juan Manuel , Bitar Sebastian
Published: May 2021

La gobernanza es un término polisémico frecuentemente utilizado en las ciencias ambientales, la economía y las relaciones internacionales, cuyo sentido se encuentra en disputa. El carácter transnacional y la complejidad de las problemáticas donde se intersectan economía y ambiente, constituyen factores que contribuyen a la ubicuidad del término en las tres disciplinas señaladas. En este artículo estudiamos el sentido que se le da a la gobernanza en documentos y material de divulgación de organismos internacionales, globales y de América Latina, a partir de las representaciones sociales presentes en los mismos, realizando un análisis de contenido a través de la estadística textual.

 

Palabras claves: Gobernanza; Lexicometría; Ambiente; América Latina
Fondo Agropecuario de Emergencias: ¿una herramienta de fortalecimiento al desarrollo rural de los productores rurales?
Authors: Trucco Ignacio Tomas , Vázquez Lucia , Moroy Gustavo , Miranda Scheuer Junior
Published: May 2021

El objetivo del artículo fue comprender la estructura operativa del Fondo Agropecuario de Emergencias (FAE) que se lleva a cabo en Uruguay ante una emergencia agropecuaria, particularmente las emergencias declaradas en los años de 2018 y 2020, teniendo como guion la comprensión de su aporte al desarrollo rural y a la producción familiar. La estrategia metodológica se compone por un trabajo de campo, complementado por estudios bibliográficos. El FAE ha planteado mejoras a los beneficiarios, entre ellas se puede observar la contribución a mitigar situaciones adversas en situaciones extremas, pero en lo que refiere al apoyo económico la tasa de interés resulto inadecuada y hubo inconvenientes logísticos para la distribución de insumos. Se constató que la estructura operativa del FAE ha generado apoyo a los beneficiarios, particularmente a los productores familiares, ante las situaciones de emergencias agropecuarias declaradas, lo que se interpreta en acciones puntuales al desarrollo rural.
Efficiency of capital formation of utility enterprises: the case of Ukraine
Authors: Slobodyanik Yulia , Bagatska Kateryna , Silakova Hanna , Krot Liudmyla , Korbutiak Alina
Published: May 2021

The paper aims to analyze the approaches to capital formation of Ukrainian utility enterprises, identify their impact on the financial results of entities and formulate recommendations to ensure the efficiency of utility enterprises. The methodological basis of the study is comparative analysis, theoretical studies, statistical information, analytical data prepared by governmental and non-governmental bodies, the best practices. In the course of the research were collected and processed empirical data of 30 utility enterprises from 11 regions of Ukraine with different economic, demographic, climatic and administrative conditions. The conducted research confirms that the capital invested in the municipal enterprises does not increase their efficiency. Funding from a municipal budget without disclosure of the criteria for providing such resources does not enlarge the profitability of utility enterprises and often used to cover their losses, which lead to capital disruption. In order to increase the efficiency of utility enterprises and the fair distribution of municipal budget funds it was proposed to introduce the disclosure of additional information about capital formation; to strengthen the managers’ responsibility for the quality of publishing information with the introduction of special KPIs; and to conduct financial and performance audit, including in terms of capital formation.
Auditor's professional skepticism: a case from Ukraine
Authors: Fabiianska Viktoriia , Kutsyk Petro , Babich Iryna , Ilashchuk Svitlana , Voronko Roman , Savitska Svitlana
Published: May 2021

The authors conducted a study of the modern concept of professional skepticism of an auditor in Ukraine to develop proposals in accordance with the main directions of its development and improvement based on positive foreign experience. The research methodology is based on theoretical generalizations and the use of scientific tools, including comparative analysis, surveys of auditors to determine the level of their professional scepticism. 124 questionnaires were distributed to auditors in Ukraine in order to conduct empirical studies to determine the level of professional scepticism of auditors. A total of 92 questionnaires were received, accounting for 74% of responses. The study uses a questionnaire method to determine the level of professional scepticism of participants on the thirty questions identified by HURTT (2010). The authors substantiated the need to develop a separate working document for the auditor, which should contain a list of questions, the answers to which would enable the head of the audit group (the head of the audit firm responsible for the quality control system of the audit firm) to summarize information on the use of professional skepticism by the group members in the audit process for confidence that the audit engagement was carried out with a high level of professionalism and professional independence. The use of the Hurtt scale of professional skepticism (2010) to measure the level of professional skepticism of auditors in Ukraine is quite acceptable for ensuring quality control procedures for audit services both at the intra-firm level and at the level of external quality control.
Conceptual Framework for Digitization of Depreciation Policy
Authors: Trachova Darya , Diachek Svitlana , Vyhovska Nataliia , Havryliuk Olha , Chaban Нalyna , Kadatska Tetiana
Published: May 2021

The articles object is a process of accounting and information support for the formation of depreciation policy. The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual framework for a common accounting and information space of depreciation policy. First, the authors consider the benefits of total digitalization of the organization and methodological support of depreciation policy process and make some assumptions related to the concept of enterprise’s economic data protection.  Since the scientific challenge is how to effectively monitor and quickly adjust depreciation policy, the authors have chosen methods to analyze the relations between business, government regulation, and economic data security. In the course of the research, a survey of 376 enterprises of Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine was conducted. To identify impact of the enterprise size on the availability of information about individual indicators, they are grouped according to the selected system of taxation (simplified and general). In addition, the survey results and monitoring of the beta version of depreciation policy's information portal were presented. It was also concluded that the accounting indicators can be used to quickly adjust the depreciation policy at the state level.
On sub-class sizes of mutually permutable products
Authors: Li Jinbao , Yang Yong
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we investigate the influence of sub-class sizes on a mutually permutable factorized group in which the sub-class sizes of some elements of its factors have certain quantitative properties. Some criteria for a group to be

p

p

-nilpotent or

p

p

-supersolvable are given.
Effect of delocalization of nonbonding electron density on the stability of the M–Ccarbene bond in main group metal-imidazol-2-ylidene complexes: a computational and structural database study
Authors: Tetteh Samuel , Ofori Albert
Published: May 2021

The M–Ccarbene bond in metal (M) complexes involving the imidazol-2-ylidene (Im) ligand has largely been described using the σ-donor only model with donation of σ electrons from the sp-hybridized orbital of the carbene carbon into vacant orbitals on the metal centre. Analyses of the M–Ccarbene bond in a series of group IA, IIA and IIIA main group metal complexes show that the M-Im interactions are mostly electrostatic with the M–Ccarbene bond distances greater than the sum of the respective covalent radii. Estimation of the binding energies of a series of metal hydride/fluoride/chloride imidazol-2-ylidene complexes revealed that the stability of the M–Ccarbene bond in these complexes is not always commensurate with the σ-only electrostatic model. Further natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses at the DFT/B3LYP level of theory revealed substantial covalency in the M–Ccarbene bond with minor delocalization of electron density from the lone pair electrons on the halide ligands into antibonding molecular orbitals on the Im ligand. Calculation of the thermodynamic stability of the M–Ccarbene bond showed that these interactions are mostly endothermic in the gas phase with reduced entropies giving an overall ΔG > 0.
Four Square Step Test Performance in Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Mutchie Heather L. , Orwig Denise L. , Beamer Brock , Conroy Vincent , Guralnik Jack , Magaziner Jay , Gruber-Baldini Ann L.
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

Preventing subsequent falls in persons recovering from hip fracture is paramount. The Four Square Step Test (FSST) is a fast, easy measure of dynamic balance, with times more than 15 seconds previously associated with multiple fall risk in older adults. This study investigates among hip fracture patients (1) FSST performance, and how (2) unique population characteristics (such as fracture side) and (3) cognition impact FSST performance.

Methods:

Patients with hip fracture (n = 40) 60 years and older came from an ancillary study to a larger randomized controlled trial testing two 16-week in-home physical therapy interventions after completion of usual care rehabilitation. Baseline measurers included: FSST, demographics, fracture characteristics, Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS), Hooper Visual Organization Test (HVOT), and Trails Making Tests (TMT) A and B.

Results:

Of 40 patients with hip fracture, 13 did not complete the FSST at baseline and were significantly older (P = .040) and performed worse on cognitive tests (3MS, HVOT, TMT-B; P < .05). Mean FSST time was 24.3 ± 13.1 seconds for the other 27, of whom 7 finished in less than 15 seconds. A significant 3-way interaction was observed, such that those with left-side pertrochanteric fractures who performed poorly on the HVOT did significantly worse on the FSST (P < .01, R
2 = 0.93).

Discussion:

Almost one-third of patients with hip fracture could not perform the FSST after completing usual care rehabilitation. Inability to perform the FSST was not random, as those without the FSST were physically and cognitively worse than those who did perform the FSST. Among those who could attempt the FSST, few performed well. Cognitive ability related to spatial orientation and fracture characteristics such as fracture side and fracture type has a synergistic effect on FSST performance.

Conclusions:

This is one of the first studies to assess the FSST in a population with hip fracture. At 4 months after hip fracture, most patients cannot perform the FSST in less than 15 seconds. Fracture side and fracture type appear important to FSST performance, as does cognition. More work needs to be done longitudinally to study the FSST in patients with hip fracture.
Measuring the Wages of Whiteness: A Project for Political Economists
Authors: Atal Maha Rafi
Published: May 2021

This comment responds to the recently held Global Research in International Political Economy roundtable on race in IPE. In particular, it argues that scholars of political economy could draw fruitfully on the notion of “whiteness as property” from the critical race theory subfield of law in order to trace the workings of whiteness, and race more broadly, as a material force in the economy.
Motivational and value-based component of future teachers’ readiness for moral education: Concept clarification
Authors:   South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, Savchenkov Alexey Viktorovich , Uvarina Natalia Viktorovna ,   South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The article is devoted to future teachers’ professional values as a regulatory basis for enhancing their readiness for moral education provision which includes integrated personal and professional values, beliefs and attitudes, commitment to moral education and self-motivation. The article reviews and analyzes international and Russian studies on teacher education in order to clarify the content of the motivational and value-based component of future teachers readiness for moral education. Materials and Methods. The study adopts systematic, axiological, contextual, nuclear and person-centered approaches as well as S.L. Rubinstein’s structural approach to studying personality. The research methods include analysis and generalization of scholarly literature. Results. The main results consist in the analysis of contemporary international and Russian scholarly literature on the problem of future teachers’ readiness for moral education. In international sources, pre-service teachers’ readiness for moral education provision is associated with mastering new instructional strategies, general and internal regulations of teacher’s behavior, a flexible combination of theoretical and practical preparation for implementing moral education. Russian researchers consider readiness for moral education as: (1) a set of relevant knowledge, skills and competencies; (2) a focus on humanistic and ethical values; (3) personality traits including benevolence, humanistic outlook, sociability, and empathy. The authors clarify the content of motivational and value-based component of readiness for moral education provision, which includes: values of moral education (they regulate teaching activities and help to realize the importance of teaching profession for society); integration of personal and professional values and attitudes (serves as the basis for the formation of sustainable motivation for moral education); commitment to moral education provision (determined by personal interest in teaching and wider social contexts of teaching profession); self-motivation (enables to implement moral education interventions in challenging or stressful environments). Conclusions. The study concludes that values and motivation play a significant role in developing future teachers’ readiness for moral education provision. The content of this component incorporates stable and flexible personality traits of future teachers.
50 Jahre WiSt
Authors: Issing Otmar
Published: May 2021

Die WiSt feiert in diesem Jahr bereits ihr 50. Jubiläum. Gründungsherausgeber Otmar Issing blickt in seinem Beitrag auf die Anfänge in den 1970er Jahren zurück. Ein Nobelpreisträger hat schon damals im allerersten Vorwort hervorgehoben, was die Zeitschrift bis heute ausmacht: Die neuesten Forschungserkenntnisse und Strömungen unter Wirtschaftswissenschaftlern sowie Praktikern verständlich auf den Punkt zu bringen.
Gemeinkostenmanagement
Authors: Hoffjan Andreas , Kranemann Sara
Published: May 2021

Aufgrund der Tertiärisierung der Wirtschaft gewinnt das Management von Gemeinkosten sowohl in der betriebswirtschaftlichen Forschung als auch in der unternehmerischen Praxis zunehmend an Bedeutung. Der vorliegende Beitrag beleuchtet daher sowohl zum einen Entstehungsursachen dieser besonderen Kostenart sowie präsentiert als auch diskutiert mögliche Lösungsansätze für ein effektives und effizientes Gemeinkostenmanagement.
Foreign Language Teaching Practices: Online Projection
Authors: Tareva Elena G.
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, educational technologies, in particular, digital means and methods of teaching have become the subject of research studied from different angles. Of interest are educational practices that most successfully disseminate a positive learning experience. The purpose of this paper is to consider the phenomenon of ‘best/effective educational practices’ and present a set of those that have successfully proven to be effective in teaching foreign languages in a digital environment, in the context of distance learning. The research methods comprised an analysis of existing approaches to productive educational practices, their classification and spheres of application and a survey of 48 experienced higher education teachers followed by the processing and systematization of the data obtained. The research results are an innovative classification of educational practices recommended for teaching foreign languages in a digital environment followed by recommendations for the development of new teaching technologies that can ensure the quality of development of foreign language communicative competence of students.
Commitment to activities and quality of life and associated factors in patients with chronic pain
Authors: Castro S Sandro Max , da Cunha Daltro Carla Hilário , Cavalcante Castro Martha Moreira , Castro Camila Cavalcante , Souza Borges Raphael de , Matos Marcos Almeida
Published: May 2021

ackground Chronic pain leads to functional and social disability, emotionally impacting individuals. Objective: To describe the main impairments of activities of daily living, anxious and depressive symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic pain. Methods: Cross-sectional study with patients at the Chronic Pain Clinic attended between June / 2016 and March / 2019. Clinical and socio-demographic variables were collected, using the Hospital scale for Anxiety and Depression, Visual Numerical Scale for Pain, SF-36 scale for Quality of Life, and data analysis using the SPSS statistical program. Results: The mean age was 50.0±10 years, being (89.6%) female. There was a predominance of people with a partner, with religion, complete high school education and unemployed. Degenerative disease was the most frequent diagnosis (68.9%); pain intensity ranged from moderate to severe, score 6-8 (7). Most used drugs were analgesics (93.3%) followed by antidepressants (70.7%). Physical activity as an adjuvant treatment (41.5%), and anesthetic blocks (39.6%). When investigating daily activities, the work showed total limitation followed by movement; and, partially, leisure and home activity. The quality of life was well below the median, with the physical and emotional aspects being worse. Related to the subjects' activities, sleep is the most compromised; followed by partial difficulties with appetite and sexual activity. Most show self-esteem moderately satisfied with the treatment, even with anxious and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Pain has a very significant impact on quality of life; compromises and limits daily activities and reveals more presence of anxious and depressive symptoms in people suffering from chronic pain.
Beware of cryptococcomas when treating Cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Nascimento Rafael Ferreira , André, Diogo Raposo , Gouveia Fabiana , Faria Nancy , Reis Ana Paula
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The authors describe a rare presentation of central nervous system cryptococcosis in an immunocompromised patient. Case description: An HIV-positive patient, with poor adherence to the treatment, presented with a seventeen days history of severe headache. On the neurological exam there was only evidence of neck stiffness, he had a CD4 count of 23 cells/μl and plasma HIV RNA viral loads of 364,000 copies/ml. Lumbar puncture revealed positive for cryptococcal antigen virus and so treatment with amphotericin B was started. During his admission the patient developed an expressive aphasia with visual hallucinations and the brain MRI revealed cerebral cryptococcomas. After 98 days of treatment general and neurological examination was normal and the patient was discharged home. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare and severe complication of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in immunocompromised patients.
Hearing loss and cognition: a discussion for audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals
Authors: L Beck Douglas , Bant Sarah , A Clarke Nathan
Published: May 2021

Among researchers, clinicians and patients, there is widespread and growing interest in the relationship between hearing and cognition. The Cognition in Hearing Special Interest Group (SIG) is part of the British Society of Audiology (BSA) and is uniquely positioned to explore the relationship between hearing loss, amplification and cognitive ability and cognitive decline. The multiplicity of emerging reports concerning hearing loss and cognition is increasing rapidly. In light of this vast growth, there is a risk that clinicians may be left uncertain regarding the nature and extent of the emerging evidence linking hearing and cognition. The trickle-down corollary of such uncertainty can negatively impact patient care. Answering challenging questions and disseminating complex information about the latest evidence-based hearing science are a daily part of any clinician’s role and those in audiology services may be asked “How does my hearing loss affect my chance of getting dementia?” or “can hearing aids help people with dementia?” This discussion is therefore, based on articles and information our committee members selected to represent the status quo. The Cognition in Hearing SIG aims, through this discussion article, to provide clinicians a contemporary understanding of research on this topic. We will discuss evidence concerning hearing loss and cognition and how it relates to people living with hearing loss and cognitive decline or dementia, and we shall pose some challenges and opportunities for future research and clinical practice evidence. Therefore, to address these aims in an accessible manner for clinicians, the Cognition in Hearing SIG shall address the following broad questions: What is the relationship between hearing loss and cognition? What do we know about hearing loss and cognitive performance? Is there a link between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia? Can we intervene on the relationship between hearing loss and cognition?
Techniques for collecting and breeding Diptera Muscomorpha in the laboratory
Authors: Henrique Marchiori Carlos
Published: May 2021

Some species of dipterous included in the infraorder Muscomorpha are of fundamental medical and veterinary importance, since they can produce myiasis and act towards transmission of pathogens to humans and animals. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of techniques for collecting and breeding Diptera Muscomorpha (flies) in the laboratory. The adults collected in the field were placed in a freezer for a period of 2 minutes, to be anesthetized by the cold facilitating the separation. After separation, the adults were transferred to a cage (30 cm long x 15 cm wide x 15 cm high) containing water-soaked gauze, a mixture of milk powder, brewer's yeast and sugar to feed them. For oviposition of adult females, minced meat (baits) was provided. This content with eggs and larvae was transferred to plastic cups containing fermented food for pupae development of larvae. The cups were later transferred to the adult cages for emergence. The fermented feed used as oviposition medium was the most attractive for females in the laboratory, but also maintained adequate humidity and temperature for egg development. The mixture of powdered milk, sugar and brewer's yeast was ideal for adult food. This substrate increased adult longevity and average egg productivity per female.
HAIR REMOVAL POTENTIAL OF KERATINASE PRODUCED BY BACILLUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM FEATHER WASTE
Authors: Dada Michael Tunde , Wakil Sherifah
Published: May 2021

Keratins are tough, fibrous proteins found as the major protein component in hair. Chemical hair removal is harsh and results in severe toxicity and pollution, hence, a need for a non-chemical enzymatic hair removal process. The aim of this study is to characterise keratinase from isolated keratin-degrading Bacillus licheniformis-K51, Bacillus subtilis-K50 and Bacillus sp.-K53 and investigate its potential in hair removal. The collagenolytic ability of keratin-degrading keratinases obtained from Bacillus licheniformis-K51, Bacillus subtilis-K50 and Bacillus sp.-K53 was determined using standard methods. The depilatory potential of keratinase (directly and as part of the constituent of formulated depilatory cream) was determined in vitro on goat skin and in vivo on Wistar rat. Purified keratinases from Bacillus licheniformis-K51 (EZYKer-51), Bacillus subtilis-K50 (EZYKer-50) and Bacillus sp.-K53 (EZYKer-53) did not show significant collagenolytic activities. In vitro treatment of goat skin with EZYKer-51 showed total hair removal within 24 hours and partial hair removal with EZYKer-50 and EZYKer-53. The formulated depilatory cream containing EZYKer-51 showed highest keratinolytic activity (22.20±0.63 U/mL) followed by EZYKer-50 (20.52±0.46 U/mL) and EZYKer-53 (17.06±0.81 U/mL). In vivo depilatory action using formulated cream took 40 min, while that of commercial cream was achieved within 20 min.
Keratinase from Bacillus licheniformis-K51 exhibited complete hair-removal function which makes it potentially suitable in industrial processes involving removal of hair.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY OF ARISTOLOCHIC ACID IN DEVELOPING ZEBRAFISH (Danio rerio) EMBRYOS: CARDIOVASCULAR FAILURE AND INHIBITED CAUDAL FIN REGENERATION
Authors: Manjunatha Bangeppagari , Sreevidya B. , Lee Sang Joon , Liu Ke-Chun
Published: May 2021

The study employed a green fluorescent vascular endothelium transgenic line, Tg (VEGFR2: GFP), to evaluate the effects of aristolochic acid (AA) at various concentrations on cardiovascular and fin imperfections in developing zebrafish embryos. The findings reveal that the intersegmental vessels (ISVs), dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessels (DLAVs), and fin regeneration in the embryos were attenuated and underdeveloped in comparison to the control at 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 µM/L concentrations of AA. At 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf), pericardial sac edema, yolk sac edema, and slight trunk curvature were detected in the surviving larvae at 10 and 20 µM/L. These consequences were more pronounced at AA concentrations of 30 and 40 µM/L. A gradual reduction in survival, hatching, heart rate, length, and diameter of ISVs and DLAVs was observed at 10, 20, 30, and 40 µM/L when the embryos were 48 hpf. In addition, the fin redevelopment of the zebrafish embryos was also constrained in the treatment groups. The embryos exhibited heartbeats; however, blood circulation was terminated in response to the additive effect of AA at 10 and 20 µM/L concentrations. Furthermore, at higher AA levels, the embryos did not hatch. Instead, they died. The present study verified that AA has a significant toxic effect on zebraﬁsh embryos. These outcomes may add to the existing knowledge of the possible toxicological impacts of AA and pave the path toward the sustainable development of treatments that promote human health.
COMPOSITION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF THE LEAVES OF ARTEMISIA HERBA ALBA ASSO (ASTERACEAE) AND ITS INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY ON CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS FABRICIUS (COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE)
Authors: Mohammed Elhourri , Riffi Ouassima Riffi , Fliou Jamila , El Idrissi Mostafa , Amechrouq Ali
Published: May 2021

In order to  develop a strategy for the safe management of insect pests in stored agricultural commodities, the essential oil of Artemisia herba alba Asso. was tested against Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius raised on seeds of Cicer arietinum (L.) at 20-30°C and 65±5% relative humidity under storage conditions. Chickpea seeds were fumigated with concentrations of essential oil and then infested by young adults of bruchids. On each treated or control lot, 10 newly emerged pairs were released. The number of dead bruchids and number of eggs hatched and unhatched from the seeds were counted. At the end of their development, adults emerged from treated and untreated seeds were counted separately by sex and the success rate was calculated. Three replicates were conducted for each treatment.
The essential oil extracted from Artemisia herba alba Asso was  analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The chromatogram of the essential oil of Artemisia herba alba Asso shows 15 signals relating to the 15 compounds of which camphor is the major constituent with a percentage of 96.15%. The results of the biological tests obtained showed that the essential oil of Artemisia herba alba Asso exerts repellent and toxic effects on Callosobruchus maculatus. It causes a high mortality of adults and affects its fertility, fertility, and success rate in a very significant way compared to controls. These show that fumigation of stored commodities with the essential oil of Artemisia herba alba Asso against insect pests can be considered under storage conditions without risk to consumers and the environment.
TWO NOVEL CLUSTERS OF NOCARDIOPSIS RECOVERED FROM HALOALKALINE ENVIRONMENT: POTENTIAL RESOURCE OF MULTI-ADVANTAGEOUS LIPASES
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Moh.
Published: May 2021

Wadi El Natrun district in the northwest of Cairo, Egypt, represents a highly stable unique ecology containing dual stress of salinity and alkalinity. Bioprospecting lipase producers in such an environment helps in finding enzymes of novel properties. Seven Nocardiopsis strains were recovered from Wadi El Natrun region, and their distribution within the phylogeny of the genus showed a particular pattern of two clusters descending from two evolutionary lineages. All strains produced highly alkaline lipase (optimum pH: 9- 11) in different amounts. The principal features of lipases from all strains, not only from the most potent one, were realized in a comparative profile to prospect more of their possible advantages in industrial biocatalysis. Most of the lipases were thermophilic; the optimum temperature was 50-55°C in lipases from five isolates. Activation energy of all lipases varied considerably between 5.52 and 13.58 Kcal/mole. WN4L lipase exhibited the highest thermal stability (half-life time=99 min at 70°C). Interestingly, different lipases exhibited good stabilities in water-immiscible organic solvents which highlighted their suitability in the two-partitioning system applications. A general prospect about characteristic features of Wadi El Natrun lipases was realized; they share the multi-advantages of high alkalophilicity, tendency to be thermophilic, and readiness to work in acetone and water-immiscible solvents. Considering the extensive variation, each lipase appeared of a unique profile that enables to choose the most compatible one according to the specific circumstances of the interested industrial process. Moreover, a cocktail enzyme preparation of such lipases could be used as a multi-task lipase formula.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF PLASMID-MEDIATED VEROTOXIN GENE PRODUCING NON-O157 ESCHERICHIA COLI USING MOLECULAR DYNAMIC SIMULATIONS
Authors: KHAN Md FAZLUL karim , Rashid Shah Samiur , Ramli Aizi Nor Mazila , Kabir Muhammad Nomani , Maziz Mohammad Nazmul Hasan
Published: May 2021

Plasmid-mediated Non-O157 VTEC is a pathogenic E. coli serotype, are responsible for many life-threatening diseases such as diarrhoea. The thermostable crystal structure has been widely sought after for industry and therapeutic applications through the structural analysis. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Genbank Database has been sourced to obtain plasmid-mediated Verotoxin genes producing non-O157 MN 696158 (Vtx1-1) and MN688720 (Vtx2) sequences. The tertiary structure of MN696158 (Vtx1-1) and MN688720 (Vtx2) was generated by operating MODELLER. The result exposed multiple templates during modelling processes have improved the local stereochemical quality of the produced models. The structural analysis also disclosed the similarities and differences between the models (Vtx1-1 and Vtx2). Furthermore, the thermal stability profile of plasmid-mediated non-O157 VTEC were studied. The molecular dynamics simulations of plasmid-mediated non-O157 VTEC structures (Vtx1-1 and Vtx2) illustrated the interactions between amino acids. On the other hand, Vtx1-1 and Vtx2 showed noticeable differences in their relative conformational flexibility and stability at elevated temperature. However, it is expected that the information of the thermal stable of plasmid-mediated non-O157 VTEC models can be used for potential vaccine candidate through protein engineering in future.
University experience of a tutorial action programme during the COVID-19 lockdown in teacher training at a Valencian University (Spain)
Authors: Martínez-Bello Vladimir E. , Díaz-Barahona José , Bernabé-Villodre María Del Mar
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is perceived as the worst modern-times pandemic. This entirely new health situation entailed a new challenge to the education system. To our knowledge, the impact of alternative teaching methods derived from the social distancing imposed by COVID-19 on university student perception in teacher education has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyse an educative experience developed in a Faculty of Teaching from March 2020 to July 2020 in order to overcome the challenge imposed by COVID-19. A qualitative approach was used for data collection and analysis using four information sources: (a) The final written documents developed by the working groups (b) The online oral presentation of their work (c) The semi-structured interviews conducted through videoconferencing during the lockdown and, (d) The focus groups meetings. We have identified 8 major categories. Our results show that: (a) students find videoconferences are a tool that offsets the issues of social distancing; (b) intrinsic motivation is essential to overcome the perceived barriers; (c) the move to a virtual environment allowed students to deepen their methodological skills; (d) students now see themselves more competent regarding academic information research; e) the constant interaction among group members and the teacher is a key element to achieve a positive experience during social isolation; (f) new logistic and operational dynamics for cooperative working were constructed as a result of using videoconferences. We highlighted the barriers and facilitators perceived by students during the implementation of a tutorial action during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immune response in atopic dermatitis: main pathogenetic mechanisms and stage-dependent correlations with age in regard to dermatological and non-dermatological systemic processes
Authors: Drozhdina M. B. , Suslova E. V.
Published: May 2021

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases caused by both terminal defects in keratinocyte differentiation, and pronounced type 2 immune responses. Atopic dermatitis is a fairly heterogenous disease, depending on the age subtype caused by activation of the Th22, Th17/IL-23 and Th1 cytokine pathway. Clinical studies using classical and targeted therapies have helped to determine contribution of various immune axes to the disease phenotype.

We present the modern activation theory mediated by Th2 reactions, due to congenital lymphoid cells of the 2nd group. Correlations between immune response in acute (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-31, CCL18, IL-22, S100A proteins) and chronic (IFNγ, CXCL9, and CXCL10) manifestations of atopic dermatitis are described. The theory of relationship between clinical manifestations and overexpression of some cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) is discussed. The correlation was shown between peripheral blood phenotype in atopic dermatitis of early childhood and in adult patients and individual production of serum biomarkers. In addition to excess Th17 production, early onset of atopic dermatitis in children correlated with elevated levels of antimicrobial peptides, which may serve as a signaling marker that triggers the disease. The article provides information about relationship between atopic dermatitis and other systemic non-allergic processes and diseases (psoriasis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, obesity). Despite different polarity of T cells in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and different groups of cytokines produced in these diseases. Psoriasis is most of all due to Th17 associated with activation of IL-17, whereas atopic dermatitis is a consequence of Th2 dominance and associated excessive production of IL-4 and IL-13. The both diseases show activation of Th1 and Th22 with increased production of interferon-γ and IL-22, respectively. The article also concerns an interesting hypothesis on effects of the TWEAK protein upon clinical course of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In response to increased TWEAK activity, keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts produce a number of chemoattractant and pro-inflammatory factors commonly found in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, in particular IL-13 and IL-17. TWEAK is not a single etiological factor for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, but it causes the production of chemokines that promote chemotaxis of pathogenic inflammatory cells into the skin. With further studies of this pathogenetic factor, it will be possible to synthesize a new targeted drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Phenotypic and functional changes of NK cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia treated with hypomethylating drugs
Authors: Zhigarev D. I. , Khoreva M. V. , Gankovskaya L. V.
Published: May 2021

Natural killer cells (NK cells) are cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in maintaining immunological surveillance and in developing an innate immune response. Since the discovery of NK cells in 1973, the mechanisms of their functioning have been studied in details, and there is currently no doubt that they play a special role in the process of recognition and destruction of transformed and malignant cells. Understanding the role of NK cells in antitumor immunity, on the one hand, leads to emergence of new immunotherapeutic strategies and, on the other hand, allows to adjust the existing treatment regimens for tumor diseases, in accordance with the principle of primum non nocere. Optimization of cancer therapy protocols executed in order to protect immune cells from death and functional impairment is an important problem that cannot be successfully resolved without regular aggregation of the results from disparate studies and critical analysis of the all accumulated data.

The objective of this review is to create a relevant and holistic picture of changes in the phenotypic and functional characteristics of NK cells in patients with two related hematological diseases – myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For the treatment of both illnesses, drugs from the group of hypomethylating agents are used, the acting mechanism of which, unlike classical cytostatic agents, is based on modulation of the tumor cell genes expression. All the cells of the body are being affected, including NK cells, since these drugs act nonspecifically. Such an interaction leads to a hypomethylation of NK cell DNA and changes the expression of functional receptors, which, in turn, provide the development of antitumor NK cell immune response.

Of course, just the fact of changing gene expression in certain cells does not allow us to fully judge the drug’s impact on the state of immune system. Meanwhile, the origin of this change and its role are important in the context of the disease pathogenesis. Ultimately, a simple description of an increase or decrease in a single receptor expression is not illustrative, since it can lead to uncertain consequences. For this reason, the current review, in addition to describing the existing data on the changes of NK cell receptors expression under the influence of hypomethylating drugs, gives a special attention to critical analysis of functional characteristics of NK cells, including their cytotoxic activity aimed at malignant blast cells, being a determinant of clinical course in the described diseases.