bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Riffing on writing
Authors: Arya Rina
Published: April 2024

My article looks at the problems generated by essay writing for two students that I taught contextual studies to, some ten years ago. Both students, bright and engaged, were poorly served by an assessment mechanism that failed to adapt to their needs – for cultural reasons, in the case of one student and due to educational needs in the other. The article explores the challenges that the students had, not in writing per se, but in the conceptual understanding of what a critical essay is, uncovering some of the limitations of art and design at tertiary level. Using my reflections as an educator, this article seeks to understand how to overcome unhelpful binaries that thwart creativity and to propose other ways of moving forward. This article is a response to Jenny Rintoul’s ‘“I came here to do art, not English”: Antecedent subject subcultures meet current practices of writing in art and design education’ (2022) in WoW Special Issue 1 of Journal of Writing in Creative Practice.
Eight poor copies (electric speech)
Authors: Parry Owen G.
Published: April 2024

This article emerges from a series of phone calls with the visual artist Beth Emily Richards in anticipation of her exhibition Poor Copy at The Northern Charter in Newcastle and Jerwood Arts London in 2018. A gossipy piece, it draws lines of connection between telephones, telepathic cats, urban legends and ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson’s apparent visitation to Devon in 2003. This visit which, as lore goes, is also contested forms the basis for Richards’ subsequent show and sustained engagement with contemporary mythmaking. Calling up lovers of the telephone Jacques Derrida, Hélène Cixous and Avital Ronell, celebrity impersonators and television illusionists, this article writes in and through the mystics of ‘electric speech’. The outmoded phone call is engaged as both a ‘conduit for thought’ and a poor copy – the line is cut or stalked, or a story is interrupted or interfered with – revealing a forensic fascination with the sinister and the unknown.
Inconfidências de um ilustre desconhecido: Álcifron, Epístolas
Authors: Pereira Reina Marisol
Published: April 2024

Disponibiliza-se adiante a tradução de 123 ‘cartas’ em prosa ática, atribuídas a Álcifron. De datação, naturalidade e atividade ignotas, o autor reparte por 4 grupos sociais, designadamente rústicos, pescadores, parasitas e cortesãs, a ficção epistolar conservada de modo disperso em múltiplos manuscritos, todos tardios face à conceção. Numa linguagem elegante, expõem-se através de um rol de figurantes ora masculinos ora femininos, ora de nome reconhecido ora não afamados, sob pretenso laço intimista de estima, alvitres de cariz didático, enredando realidade e fantasia, motivos típicos de uma Segunda Sofística. Assim, um rol de elementos de tradição cultural helénica de índole religiosa, heortonímia, toponímia, costumes, vícios, virtudes, filosofia, afetos, comportamentos.
Mulheres, Raça e Etnicidades: Introdução aos Feminismos Decoloniais
Authors: Martins Catarina
Published: April 2024

Este livro apresenta-se como um manual introdutório aos Feminismos Pós-coloniais e Decoloniais e às temáticas relacionadas com os feminismos de mulheres racializadas e os feminismos do Sul global. Baseia-se na experiência acumulada na lecionação da disciplina “Mulheres, Raça e Etnicidades” do Doutoramento em Estudos Feministas da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Coimbra/Centro de Estudos Sociais. Estruturado em torno de referências bibliográficas fundamentais, que são interpretadas e explicadas, o volume oferece uma introdução aos debates mais atuais no âmbito dos feminismos negros nos Estados Unidos da América, na Europa e no Brasil, bem como dos feminismos africanos, asiáticos e da América Latina, e ainda dos feminismos islâmicos.
Colonizing the Unlikely: Brachyspira in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Tidwell Jasmine , Fusco Jennifer , Nguyen Minh Thu T. , Nam Ga Hie , Goldenberg Steven
Published: April 2024

Chronic diarrhea is a common condition that medical professionals often encounter. We present an unusual case of chronic diarrhea in a relatively young, immunocompetent man that was attributed to Brachyspira. The patient's clinical presentation was not specific, and he underwent workup for common infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune causes, all unrevealing. During colonoscopy, no abnormalities were detected; however, histopathology revealed the presence of Brachyspira. Following a course of metronidazole, the patient showed marked improvement in his diarrhea. It is worth noting that the patient's social history did not align with the established risk factors mentioned in the existing literature.
Atypical Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: A Red Herring
Authors: Bentley Blake H. , Cecil Alexa E. , Lippert William C.
Published: April 2024

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is an intrahepatic etiology of acute cholestasis commonly defined by pruritus and increased bile acids, liver transaminases, and, occasionally, bilirubin. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive agent associated with various forms of hepatoxicity, ranging from transient rises in serum aminotransferase levels, acute cholestatic injury, and chronic hepatic injury. In this report, we present a 20-year-old pregnant woman who presented with cholestatic liver injury due to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with a clinical picture complicated by increased levels of azathioprine metabolites.
Autrán Dental
Authors: Noelle Enrique , Ballo Cristina , Oliván Bartomeu , Arteche Eva
Published: April 2024

Localizada no Passeig de Gràcia, 86, em Barcelona, na Espanha. Autrán Dental é um espaço recém-criado, localizado no centro neurálgico da rotina das pessoas, na avenida com a maior identidade arquitetônica da cidade e em frente ao edifício Pedrera, objeto de culto de todos os amantes da arquitetura gaudiniana e, por extensão, de grande parte dos visitantes da cidade.
Para onde vai nossa Odontologia?
Authors: Borges Gilberto Antônio
Published: April 2024

A evolução nas últimas décadas em qualquer atividade profissional, sobretudo em função da tecnologia da informação e da explosão da interação por meio das redes sociais, tem provocado mudanças significativas. Todavia, essas mudanças nem sempre resultam em benefícios. Nessa perspectiva, a Odontologia, como área de saúde tão elementar, muitas vezes tem sido negligenciada por algumas práticas preocupantes.
DENTES NÃO IRROMPIDOS: devem ser removidos ou podem ser apenas controlados? As INDICAÇÕES e os CUIDADOS
Authors: Consolaro Alberto , Cardoso Mauricio de Almeida , Hadaya Omar
Published: April 2024

RESUMO: Quais são os critérios para se deixar um dente não irrompido nos ossos maxilares? Para controlar essa situação, requer-se um conhecimento prévio sobre o folículo pericoronário, especialmente sobre sua estrutura, funções e possíveis consequências de sua permanência. Imagiologicamente, existem critérios para se afirmar que ele está normal, e isso envolve avaliar a imagem, a espessura, o contorno e os limites do folículo pericoronário. Algumas doenças são exclusivas do folículo pericoronário e, por isso, podem ser chamadas de foliculopatias; mas outras doenças também ocorrem nessa estrutura, além das exclusivas. Existem três indicações principais para a remoção dos dentes não irrompidos e que devem ser compartilhadas, inclusive com os pacientes portadores, para que não se adie sua remoção cirúrgica.
Instagram Nu e Cru
Authors: Ottoboni Thiago
Published: April 2024

Chegamos para mais uma edição. Realmente estamos muito felizes com a repercussão da revista, com conteúdo real e verdadeiro, buscando ajudar e compartilhar com vocês, de maneira clara e objetiva, para auxiliar nas suas aplicações clínicas. Nessa edição, seguem mais alguns casos, agora imaginando que os feeds do Instagram, sem mostrar o número de curtidas, devem ter deixado muita gente "triste", por ter comprado curtidas e seguidores.
Indonesian Society is Not Disabled Friendly?
Authors: Napsiah Napsiah , Wijayanti Yani Tri
Published: April 2024

The case of a state official required a Deaf person to answer questions submitted to a Deaf person on World Disabilities Day in 2021 by using spoken language and refusing to use sign language because it was considered that the disabled have the same abilities as the non- disabled group. The perception of these state officials is a representation of the Indonesian population in understanding disabilities. The purpose of this research is to prove that Indonesia already has a policy to align the life positions of disabled people with non-disabled people, but these policies do not reach the community level, so that people are not friendly to people with disabilities. This research uses descriptive qualitative method by analyzing interview data and indirect observation, as well as combining secondary data obtained from previous research, the website found that facilities in the form of infrastructure were uneven and low sign language skills for non-disabled groups led to a lack of knowledge about the existence of disabilities. The result of this study shows that the disabled group cannot adapt to their own environment so that the existence of disabilities is not widely known by the public. The lack of knowledge about people with disabilities causes people to think that disabled groups are the same as non-disabled groups. Such perception is then considered by the people of Indonesia to be unfriendly to persons with disabilities.
Cohesiveness as a Symbolic Power of Mobile Legends Online Game Community
Authors: Rahmatiah Rahmatiah , Wiroto Dondick Wicaksono , Husain Nurhayati , Taan Hapsawati , Iskandar Abdul Malik
Published: April 2024

Online games played in groups require cohesiveness and effective coordination among team members for successful cooperation. The sociological study of cohesiveness remains neces- sary because the analysis of interactions found in number of studies has not been sufficient- ly in-depth. These studies have failed to reveal the social significance of the term “cohesiveness” or the importance of good coordination as a symbolic force within a group. Several Mobile Legends players in Gorontalo are part of a community renowned for their remarkable reputation in winning matches worldwide. This success has led to the expansion of the group into 3 squads (sparring groups). This research aims to explore how community cohesiveness can serve as a symbolic force, employing qualitative methods with a narrative approach to provide detailed analysis. As a symbolic force, cohesiveness develops through three processes: the initial emergence of cohesiveness, its progression towards community superiority, and finally how the community maintains its cohesion. The symbolic power of community cohesiveness encompasses role symbols and attitude symbols among its members.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Law on the Elimination of Reactionary Thought and Culture Under Kim Jong-Un’s Leadership
Authors: Dwijayani Rista Herjani , Maksum Ali
Published: April 2024

This study aims to explain how Korean Wave, or Hallyu, influenced the enactment of theElimination of Reactionary Thoughts and Culture Laws in North Korea. To answer the ques-tions, this research used securitization theory and a qualitative descriptive method. The re-search combined several sources of literature, such as journals, books, the official website of the South Korean government, and several official reports from online media in East Asia. The results of the research show that the Law on the Elimination of Reactionary Thoughts and Culture, which was passed by the North Korean government, was caused by the negative assumptions made by the leader of the country about the spread of Hallyu or Korean Wave in his country. The various distributions of South Korean cultural content are viewed as a "threat" to the continuity of North Korean ideology. Meanwhile, South Korean cultural products have inevitably spread rapidly and massively in almost all parts of the world. Therefore, the North Korean government needs laws with legal force and ideological campaigns to prevent public disturbances caused by foreign cultural influences, especially those from South Korea.
Bonding, Bridging and Linking Capital: How Social Capital was Mobilized During the PPKM Micro in Malang Raya
Authors: Chawa Anif Fatma , Putra Moch Hisyam , Susanti Anik
Published: April 2024

This article aims to explain how community based approached has been adopted during the implementation of PPKM mikro (micro restriction) which is assumed to be more effective in handling the covid-19 pandemic. The implementation of PPKM mikro involves various parties ranging from the lowest level of Indonesian government (RT/RW or households) to the central government and community members. By utilizing Putnam’s social capital perspective, this study examines how all these parties established the social relations or networks during the PPKM mikro. This study employs a case study approach to examine the implementation of PPKM mikro in Malang Raya, East Java Province. This study found that the PPKM micro has used the social capital pre-existing in neighbourhood circumference (RT/RW). This social capital was expanded and enforced during PPKM micro under the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs No.3 of 2020 concerning PPKM micro. Moreover, this enforcement also generates all the types of social capital which are bonding, bridging and linking social capital. Bonding social capital was established at RT/RW level. Bridging social capital emerged from the relations between or inter RT/RW levels established by visual information represented by flags of different colours ranging from green, yellow, orange, to red informing the number of households confirmed with positive covid-19 in each RT/RW. Linking social capital was formed from social relations between RT/RW with the highest levels of government including the village, district, municipality/regency and central government.
Corrosion Resistance of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete using Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and Sea Water
Authors: Dasar Amry , Patah Dahlia , Sainuddin Sainuddin , Caronge Muhammad Akbar
Published: April 2024

POFA (palm oil fuel ash) and seawater have the possible to be used in concrete as an effort to reduce construction costs and environmental waste problems. POFA contains pozzolanic properties such as those contained in cement so it has the possible to be used as a mineral in concrete mixtures. Therefore, the use of POFA and seawater in concrete mixtures have the potential to be implemented, but it is obligatory to pay awareness to the potential for corrosion that also follows. This study aims to evaluate the use of POFA up to 20% as a replacement for cement and the effect of mixing seawater on the strength and corrosion of reinforcing bar in concrete. The compressive strength of concrete was evaluated by carrying out a compressive test on a cylindrical specimen with 100 mm in diameter and 200 mm in height at 7 days and 28 days of age. Furthermore, a concrete cylinder specimen with a diameter of 10 mm reinforcement was used to evaluate the potential for corrosion. Measurement of corrosion estimation using the half-cell potential (HCP) method based on ASTM C876-15. Test results show the use of up to 10% POFA to replace cement by mixing seawater and treated with fresh water has a high strength that is almost the same as normal concrete. The risk of corrosion is also not detected and proven by actual measurements of corrosion. Furthermore, HCP values more negative than -400 mV are predicted to experience corrosion in the reinforcement area above 10%.
Ethos discursif et identités citoyennes dans la presse française pendant la pandémie du Covid-19 à travers les éditoriaux du quotidien Le Monde
Authors: Ráčková Lucia , Schmitt Francois
Published: April 2024

The ethos of the journalist is based on his representations of the public space. Updated in the discourse, they participate in the construction of citizen identity. This is what we show through an enunciative analysis of editorials from the daily “Le Monde” during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. The analysis highlights an increasingly marked identity divide during the crisis.
Russie, pays, espace postsoviétique : postsoviétique dans la construction de l’identité discursive dans la presse écrite d’information
Authors: Rębkowska Agata
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to show the role of the prefixe post in the construction of discursive identity of actors described with a country name or its reformulation in the French media discourse. The observation of uses of this prefixe added to the the adjective sovétique (Soviet), which completes a proper name or its discursive reformulation (such as état/pays/espace – state/country/space), allowed to distinguish the most common effects of the use of post: the referential blurring, which contributes to the creation of the collective identity of the agents, the memorial character of the adjective postsoviétique, which constructs the discursive identity of agents by constantly recalling the past, as well as the appearance of the adjective in proximity to axiologically marked structures.
L’identité brisée. L’image de soi et les marques de subjectivité dans Le Journal de Rutka
Authors: Mitura Magdalena
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to reconstruct the self-image by Rutka Laskier, a Jew who died at the age of fourteen in the gas chamber of Auschwitz. It was explicated in the diary she wrote during four months in 1943. This short period of time was enough for her to feel the necessity for finding answers to vital questions due to her impending death. The girl’s lucidity of her tragic situation cracks her identity in statu nascendi and, consequently, disrupts the unity of her textual image. The methodology stays within the framework of the linguistics of enunciation, applied to literary texts. The exploration of the image of Rutka in her writing is done through the traces of subjectivity realised by deictic, affective, evaluative and modal qualifiers.
University Admission: Is Achievement a Sufficient Criterion?
Authors: Tampieri Alessandro
Published: April 2024

We analyse university admissions using a statistical discrimination model where students differ by ability and social group. In this university system, candidates are evaluated on the basis of their expected human capital, which includes both their innate abilities and the knowledge acquired during their schooling. Consequently, students determine their study effort based on the behaviour of universities. Interestingly, we find that students from a less advantaged group need a lower grade to gain admission to the best universities. If a university cannot discriminate between social groups, all students with the same grade will attend universities of the same quality, but with different levels of human capital.
Mechanical properties and thermal stability of high-temperature (cooking temperature)-resistant PP/HDPE/POE composites
Authors: Ma Yulong , Yang Kang , Zhang Yi , Wang Juheng , Zeng Shu , Huang Xiaoxiao
Published: April 2024

The heterogeneous nucleation process of polypropylene (PP)/high density polyethylene (HDPE)/thermoplastic elastomer (POE) composites was realized through blending modification, and characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis, were used to analyze the pattern of the impact of modified dicyclohexyl-terephthalamide (TMB-5) on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the PP/HDPE/POE composites. The results indicated that the modified TMB-5 was advantageous to the improvement of the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the high-temperature (cooking temperature)-resistant PP/HDPE/POE composites. When the amount of added modified TMB-5 was 0.4%, the impact strength and tensile strength of the PP/HDPE/POE composites increased to 36.3 kJ/m2 and 31.7 MPa, respectively, which were, respectively, 99.5% and 8.5% higher than those of the materials prepared when the amount of added modified TMB was 0.1%. The materials had higher storage modulus in room-temperature and high-temperature environments: 2,438.2 MPa (room temperature), 1,103.9 MPa (120°C), and 1,054.8 MPa (140°C). In addition, the capability of the PP/HDPE/POE composites to crystallize was improved continuously, and the crystallinity increased considerably. At the same time, the crystallization and melting temperatures increased, β-crystal formation was induced, and glass transition temperature increased, thus effectively improving the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the high-temperature (cooking temperature)-resistant PP/HDPE/POE composites.
Temperature-dependent development and life tables of Palpita unionalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Mansour Amany
Published: April 2024

Palpita unionalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the primary pests in olive orchards, damaging buds and fruits of the olive tree. The present study investigated the biology of P. unionalis across a temperature gradient and elaborated on the corresponding life tables for a better understanding of its population dynamics in the environment. The biology of the pest was studied at six temperatures (17, 20, 22, 25, 27, and 30 °C). The duration and survival of immature stages, sex ratio, and survival of emerged adults were evaluated. The female fecundity and longevity (pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods) were calculated. The life tables were elaborated from these parameters. The life cycle of P. unionalis was significantly longer at 17 °C and shorter at 30 °C. Larval survival was significantly reduced at 30 °C, however, adult survival was at a maximum, yet their sex ratio was not affected by temperature. The lower temperature, 20 °C, was optimal for fecundity (586.3 eggs), which was reflected in the highest net reproductive rate (105.7 offspring per individual). The thermal constant (K) and the lower thermal threshold (t
0) for egg to adult period were 582.9 degree days and 7.1 °C, respectively. Based on the current study, it is concluded from the parameters of biology and life tables that temperature has a significant role in the population growth of P. unionalis. This should be considered throughout the monitoring and management of P. unionalis at different agro-ecologies in the context of global warming.
Trajectory of the body mass index of children and adolescents attending a reference mental health center
Authors: Echeveste-Navarrete Juliana , Zavaleta-Ramírez Patricia , Castilla-Peon Maria Fernanda
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The primary objective was to describe the standardized body mass index (z-BMI) trajectory of children and adolescents admitted to a psychiatric reference center in Mexico City according to their diagnosis and medication use. The secondary objective was to compare z-BMI between antipsychotic users and non-users.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. The psychiatric diagnosis, prescribed medications, serial heights, and weights were collected from the medical records.

Results

The median baseline z-BMI of the 129 analyzed cases was 0.88 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0–1.92), and the prevalence of excessive weight (obesity or overweight) was 46.8 %. At the end of follow-up (median 50.3 weeks), the median change in z-BMI was −0.09 (IQR: −0.68 to 0.42). New long-term users of antipsychotics (n=29) had an increase in their z-BMI, in contrast to never-users (median difference 0.73, p=0.01) and to previous users (median difference 0.92, p=0.047). The 59 subjects with excessive weight at admission had a median z-BMI change of −0.39 (IQR: −0.81 to −0.04). Among patients with excessive weight and depression, there was a greater decrease in z-BMI in sertraline users (n=13) compared with fluoxetine users (n=15) (median −0.65 vs. 0.21, p<0.001).

Conclusions

New long-term users of antipsychotics showed a significant increase in their z-BMI. Patients with depressive disorders and obesity on sertraline therapy tended to show a decrease in their z-BMI.
Concept and feasibility of the Augsburg Longitudinal Plasma Study (ALPS) – a prospective trial for comprehensive liquid biopsy-based longitudinal monitoring of solid cancer patients
Authors: Sommer Sebastian , Schmutz Maximilian , Hildebrand Kathrin , Schiwitza Annett , Benedikt Selinah , Eberle Maria , Mögele Tatiana , Sultan Aziz , Reichl Lena , Campillo Maria , Uhrmacher Luise , Nikolic Ana Antic , Bundschuh Ralph , Lapa Constantin , Kuhlen Michaela , Dintner Sebastian , Langer Angela , Märkl Bruno , Wendler Thomas , Tehlan Kartikay , Kröncke Thomas , Wahle Maria , Mann Matthias , Casadei Nicolas , Pogoda Michaela , Hummler Simone , Sax Irmengard , Schlesner Matthias , Kubuschok Boris , Trepel Martin , Claus Rainer
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Liquid biopsy (LBx) provides diagnostic, prognostic and predictive insights for malignant diseases and offers promising applications regarding tumor burden, tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution.

Methods

The Augsburg Longitudinal Plasma Study (ALPS) is a prospective trial for patients with metastatic cancer that comprises sequential collection of LBx samples, tumor tissue, radiological imaging data, clinical information and patient-reported outcomes. Peripheral blood plasma is collected based on the individual patient’s staging intervals and LBx-derived ctDNA analyses are performed using CAncer Personalized Profiling sequencing (CAPP-seq).

Results

From April 2021 to October 2023, 419 patients have been enrolled. A total of 1,293 LBx samples were collected, 419 samples (100 %) at the beginning of the study and an average of 3 (range 1–12) during the 30-month follow-up period of the current interim analysis. 380 tissue biopsy (TBx) samples (90.7 %) were available at baseline and 39.6 % had ≥1 TBx samples at follow-up. Lung cancer patients are most prevalent in ALPS (n=147), followed by colorectal (n=38), prostate (n=31) and gastroesophageal cancer (n=28). On average, 12.0 ng/mL plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) could be isolated. First CAPP-seq analyses in 60 patients comprised 110 samples and demonstrated a detection sensitivity of 0.1 %.

Conclusions

The first interim analysis of ALPS confirms feasibility for comprehensive longitudinal evaluation of LBx and demonstrates suitability for ctDNA evaluation.
Modeling credit risk with mixed fractional Brownian motion: An application to barrier options
Authors: Hussain Javed , Ali Munawar
Published: April 2024

This article aims to examine the pricing of debt and equity in the context of credit risk structural models, where the value of a company’s assets is influenced by mixed fractional Brownian motion. Three distinct scenarios are analyzed, including when the assets are trade-able, fixed, and subject to partial recovery of debt. The study culminates with the evaluation of debt pricing under the barrier model, where a bankruptcy threshold is established for the company’s asset value.
Liquid biopsy as a new era in endometrial cancer
Authors: Zhuri Drenushe , Yalcintepe Sinem
Published: April 2024

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most frequent invasive cancers of the female genital tract, and despite the rising incidence of EC worldwide and the poor overall survival of patients, no viable blood-based biomarker exists to detect and track EC recurrence during routine follow-up. Identification of new genetic targets and biomarkers linked to enhanced recurrence risk and medication response is a primary clinical issue in the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer. In this regard, liquid biopsy has become a breakthrough in human cancers. A liquid biopsy blood test has the advantage of being more sensitive than traditional imaging and is a minimally invasive complement to needle or excision biopsies of tissue. Here in this article, we discussed the advances and limitations of liquid biopsy. The detection of biomarkers and variations in liquid biopsy may help the diagnostic process of endometrial cancer cases.
In silico modified UV spectrophotometric approaches to resolve overlapped spectra for quality control of rosuvastatin and teneligliptin formulation
Authors: Attimarad Mahesh , Venugopala Katharigatta Narayanaswamy , Nair Anroop B. , Aldhubiab Bandar , Nagaraja Sreeharsha
Published: April 2024

A binary blend of rosuvastatin (ROS) and teneligliptin (TEN) used for the management of cardiovascular complications require a simple, analytical process for the quality assurance of this formulation. UV absorption spectra of ROS and TEN showed overlapping spectra. Hence, the overlapped spectra of ROS and TEN were separated by ratio difference, ratio first derivative; constant extraction coupled with exponentiation with division spectrum, and induced dual-wavelength methods. The proposed methods were authenticated by following the international council for harmonization criteria. A good linear relationship was demonstrated by all four methods, in 2–15 and 2–30 µg/mL for ROS and TEN, respectively. The high percentage retrieval of 98.96–100.22 and 98.72–99.73% for ROS and TEN, respectively, with small relative error, assured the correctness of the techniques. The validated techniques were employed for concurrent evaluation of ROS and TEN from binary formulation and laboratory-prepared mixture. The standard addition process verified the reliability of the projected procedures. The developed methods showed same accuracy and precision when compared to the HPLC methods along with safer solvent. Finally, the environmental sustainability of the presented UV spectroscopic procedures was found to be better than the reported HPLC method. Hence, eco-friendly, simple, and accurate mathematically processed UV spectroscopic procedures can be employed for simultaneous quantification of ROS and TEN for routine quality control study.
Resveratrol modulates signalling to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by angiotensin II and high glucose
Authors: Çetin Arzu , Kırça Mustafa , Yeşilkaya Akın
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by hyperglycemia plays a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. This study aims to examine the impact of angiotensin II (Ang II) and high glucose on VSMC proliferation and the phosphorylation status of key signalling proteins, specifically ERK1/2, Akt, and STAT3. Furthermore, we assess the inhibitory effects of resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, on these signalling pathways.

Methods

Primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from rat aortas were cultured in both standard media (SM: 5.5 mM) and high glucose media (HGM: 25 mM) and then treated with Ang II (100 nM). Proliferation was assessed using the WST-1 assay, and protein analysis was performed through immunoblotting.

Results

Ang II increased VSMC proliferation by 39 % in standard glucose environments and 17 % in high glucose environments. Resveratrol effectively suppressed Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation in both media. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Ang II also induced STAT3 phosphorylation by 29 and 18.5 % in SM and HGM, respectively. However, resveratrol treatment reduced STAT3 phosphorylation to control levels.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that resveratrol reduces VSMC proliferation induced by Ang II and high glucose conditions, exerting its inhibitory effects by suppressing ERK1/2, Akt, and STAT3 phosphorylation. These results provide valuable insights into the cardioprotective properties of resveratrol.
Investigating the anti-cancer compounds from Calliandra harrisii for precision medicine in pancreatic cancer via in-silico drug design and GC-MS analysis
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Ali Imran , Aziz Tariq , Javed Khushbakht , Saleem Ayesha , Hanif Nimra , Alharbi Metab
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic cancer is a fatal illness caused by mutations in multiple genes. Pancreatic cancer damages the organ that helps in digestion, resulting in symptoms including fatigue, bloating, and nausea. The use of medicinal plants has been crucial in the treatment of numerous disorders. The medicinal plant Calliandra Harrisi has been widely exploited for its possibilities in biology and medicine. The current study aimed to assess the biopotential of biologically active substances against pancreatic cancer. The GC-MS data of these phytochemicals from Calliandra Harrisi were further subjected to computational approaches with pancreatic cancer genes to evaluate their potential as therapeutic candidates. Molecular docking analysis revealed that N-[Carboxymethyl] maleamic acid is the leading molecule responsible for protein denaturation inhibition, having the highest binding affinity of 6.8 kJ/mol among all other compounds with KRAS inflammatory proteins. Furthermore, ADMET analysis and Lipinski’s rule validation were also performed revealing its higher absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the hepatotoxicity test demonstrated that phytochemicals are non-toxic, safe to use, and do not cause necrosis, fibrosis, or vacuolar degeneration even at excessive levels. Calliandra Harrisi has phytoconstituents that have a variety of pharmacological uses in consideration.
Singing the Old Song: The Historical Politics of the Masyumi Party in the 1950s in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Wirayuda Arya Wanda
Published: April 2024

Masyumi, Indonesia’s first modern Islamic party, introduced new methods of political campaigning in East Java because of its traditional Islamic base. However, this case has not been seriously studied by scholars. Using the historical method, this article aims to explain the historical politics of the Masyumi party, which temporarily saved the party from declining trust and support. In its analysis, this article uses the perspective of past politics. This article shows how the strategy of the Masyumi Party sustained the party’s dream of an ideal Indonesian state. The strategy of the Masyumi Party in East Java, Indonesia, often differed from other provinces because of its historical politics. The party was more interested in attacking the communist groups than other parties. This was because these groups used the issue of Masyumi’s radicalism in rebellions in other regions. As a result, Masyumi was not concerned with other political forces, such as traditional Muslims and their patron-client relationships, and illiterate society. Although the Masyumi Party did not survive, partly because the Communist Party influenced the Indonesian government, the historical politics of this first Islamic party is important for future research in cities or regencies in East Java with a large traditional Islamic base.Masyumi, partai Islam modern pertama di Indonesia, memperkenalkan metode baru dalam kampanye politik di Jawa Timur karena basis Islam tradisionalnya. Namun, hal ini belum banyak dikaji secara serius oleh para akademisi. Dengan menggunakan metode historis, artikel ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan sejarah politik partai Masyumi yang untuk sementara waktu menyelamatkan partai tersebut dari penurunan kepercayaan dan dukungan. Dalam analisisnya, artikel ini menggunakan perspektif sejarah politik. Artikel ini menunjukkan bagaimana strategi Partai Masyumi mempertahankan mimpi partai tentang negara Indonesia yang ideal. Strategi Partai Masyumi di Jawa Timur, Indonesia, sering kali berbeda dengan provinsi lain karena sejarah politiknya. Partai ini lebih tertarik untuk menyerang kelompok-kelompok komunis daripada partai-partai lain. Hal ini dikarenakan kelompok-kelompok tersebut menggunakan isu radikalisme Masyumi dalam pemberontakan di daerah lain. Akibatnya, Masyumi tidak peduli dengan kekuatan politik lain, seperti Muslim tradisional dan hubungan patron-klien mereka, dan masyarakat yang buta huruf. Meskipun Partai Masyumi tidak bertahan, sebagian karena Partai Komunis mampu mempengaruhi pemerintah Indonesia, sejarah politik partai Islam pertama ini penting untuk penelitian di masa depan di kota-kota atau kabupaten di Jawa Timur yang memiliki basis Islam tradisional yang besar.
Predictors of radioiodine (RAI)-avidity restoration for NTRK fusion-positive RAI-resistant metastatic thyroid cancers
Authors: Syed Abdul Rehman , Gorana Aakash , Nohr Erik , Yuan Xiaoli-Kat , Amin MASc Parthiv , Ghaznavi Sana , Lamb Debbie , McIntyre John , Eszlinger Markus , Paschke Ralf
Published: April 2024

Context

Two-thirds of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients have radioiodine (RAI)-resistant disease, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality. For rare NTRK and RET fusion-positive metastatic, RAI-resistant thyroid cancers, variable success of re-induction of RAI avidity during treatment with NTRK or RET inhibitors has been reported.

Case presentation and results

We report two cases with RAI-resistant lung metastases treated with larotrectinib: an 83-year-old male presenting with an ETV6::NTRK3 fusion-positive tumor with the TERT promoter mutation c.-124C>T, and a 31-year-old female presenting with a TPR::NTRK1 fusion-positive tumor (and negative for TERT promoter mutation). Post larotrectinib treatment, diagnostic I-123 whole body scan revealed unsuccessful RAI-uptake re-induction in the TERT-positive tumor, with a thyroid differentiation score (TDS) of −0.287. In contrast, the TERT-negative tumor exhibited successful I-131 reuptake with a TDS of −0.060.

Conclusion

As observed for RAI-resistance associated with concurrent TERT and BRAF mutations, the co-occurrence of TERT mutations and NTRK fusions may also contribute to re-sensitization failure.
MacroTSH: still a big problem for clinicians and clinical biochemists: lessons from a case report
Authors: Raverot Véronique , Metrat Stéphanie , Perrin Pauline , Abeillon Juliette , Lasolle Hélène
Published: April 2024

MacroTSH still interferes with TSH assays. We present here a case report illustrating the difficulties that can arise in such conditions and attempt to discuss the steps involved in diagnosis.
Effect of bacterial nanocellulose and plant-containing facial serum on hyperpigmentation in in-vitro conditions
Authors: Kucuk Sibel Dikmen , Groso Anthony , Collet Guillaume , Daniellou Richard , Caliskan Ufuk Koca
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the effect of some herbal extracts, such as licorice root, white mulberry leaf, green tea leaf, and grape seed, with a combination of bacterial nanocellulose and some bioactive materials, such as ascorbic acid, niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and alpha-arbutin, on treatment of hyperpigmentation. The effect of the prepared emulsions on hyperpigmentation was revealed by analyzing their tyrosinase inhibition properties, their ability to stop melanin production, or their properties of whitening the brown spot on the skin. In addition to the physicochemical properties of the 5 different emulsions obtained, tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase enzyme activities, antioxidant properties, cytotoxicity, and microbiological analyzes were performed by cell-culture modelling. Finally, a dermocosmetic facial serum was designed that is compatible with skin pH, is homogeneously mixed, has good spreading properties, does not cause any microbiological growth, does not inhibit elastase activity while stimulating collagenase activity, reduces melanin production by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, and does not have any toxic effects.
Effect of process parameters on quality of alfalfa block
Authors: Du Haijun , Lei Ting , Ma Yanhua , Li Yubin , Yang Xianyong , Du Xiaochen
Published: April 2024

To address the imbalance in the supply of grass resources caused by seasonality and regional factors, it is crucial to efficiently store and transport alfalfa. Exploring suitable grass feed processing techniques contributes to the stable transportation of grass blocks and long-term storage of nutritional components. The Central Composite Design response surface design was used to design experiments, with moisture content and compressive force as the test factors. Based on the experimental results, it was found that lower moisture content and a certain compressive force were beneficial for the stability, high density, and protein storage of alfalfa blocks. The microscopic examination of alfalfa particles revealed that a certain moisture content (15%) facilitates the formation of solid bridges between particles, leading to more stable alfalfa blocks. The final optimized process parameters were moisture content of 14.3% and compressive force of 34.8 kN. Under these conditions, the density of the molded alfalfa block was 1001 kg/m3, with R-CP at 96.96%, R-EE at 67.23%, and R-CF at 114.13%.
Mechanical, morphological and wear resistance of natural fiber / glass fiber-based polymer composites
Authors: Sumesh K. R. , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Khan Tabrej , Ajithram A. , Ahmed Omar Shabbir
Published: April 2024

Natural fibers along with glass fibers were used as the reinforcement of an epoxy matrix for the betterment of mechanical and wear applications. The combination of overall wt% up to 20 resulted in 23.8 MPa of tensile strength compared to 15.5 MPa for untreated fibers. The wt% of areca fiber (AF) (20 wt%)/glass fibers (GF) (20 wt%) with 5% alkali treatment yielded a maximum tensile strength up to 62.6% in comparison to untreated fiber at lowest percentage of 10 wt%. The increase in flexural strength with alkali treatment was observed from 20 to 50 wt% hybrid fiber incorporation. The alkali treated fibers, untreated fiber combinations achieved 33.8% and 26.8% improvement with impact properties. A decrease in the wear loss was shown with the increase in wt% of hybrid fiber incorporation from 20 to 40 wt%. The interfacial adhesion of fiber with matrix created a pressure absorbing zone that was positively influenced with applying higher loads. The frictional rate was highly increasing with increase in hybrid fiber wt% and also with higher loads applied. The SEM results for treated 20 wt% AF+20 wt% GF with hybrid fiber incorporation observed better results due to improved adhesion of fiber with matrix phase.
Enhancement on physicomechanical properties of short-rotation teak woods by non-biocide chemical and thermal treatments
Authors: Basri Efrida , Rahayu Istie Sekartining , Saefudin  , Santoso Adi , Sulastiningsih Ignasia Maria , Damayanti Ratih , Martha Resa , Darmawan Wayan
Published: April 2024

Lactic acid (LA), citric acid (CA), and glycerol (G) are renewable and environmentally friendly chemicals that could improve the qualities of short-rotation teak (SRT) woods. This study investigated the effect of thermal and chemical modification using 20% aqueous solutions (w/w) of LA, CA, and G and their mixtures in the same composition on physical and mechanical properties of SRT teak wood. The impregnation process was initiated by vacuum process for 1 h and pressure (12.2 bar) for 2 h, followed by thermal (150 °C) treatment for 6 h on the SRT wood samples after being removed from the vacuum-pressure tube. Retention (R), weight percent gain (WPG), density (D), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), leachability (WL), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured. FTIR spectrometry and SEM analyses were performed. The wood impregnated with a mixture of 10% LA + 10% CA provided the highest ASE values of 50.1%, and the lowest leaching resistance of 1.54%. Based on wood strengths (MOE and MOR) and physical properties, as well as supported by FTIR and SEM analysis, the use of 10% LA + 10% CA is the most prospective as an impregnant formula for SRT wood modification of this research.
Self-Medication using Chlorpheniramine Maleate in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Fathoni Rifqilya Nurul , Ebtavanny Tamara Gusti , Yunita Ema Pristi
Published: April 2024

Self-medication refers to the use of medications by a person without consulting health professionals and  prescription. One of the common drugs used for self-medication is chlorpheniramine maleate (CTM), a drug indicated to relieve symptoms of allergy. However, the lack of knowledge about the indications of CTM leads to its significant misuse. Long-term effects of CTM misuse include heart rate regularity disorder, central nervous system disorders, and even coma. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between sociodemographic factors and the appropriateness of CTM use for self-medication from the perspective of the experience of using CTM for self-medication. This cross-sectional study was performed in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, from October to November 2022 on 117 respondents sampled randomly using cluster sampling method. A questionnaire that was already proven as valid and reliable was used. Results for the appropriateness of CTM use showed that 95.7% of respondents were in good category, 3.4% were in fair category, and 0.9% were in poor category. The hypothesis tests, which were the Somers’d test and the contingency coefficient, showed no correlation between age (p=0.242), gender (p=0.307), income level (p=0.789), experience (p=0.176), and the appropriate use of CTM for self-medication. However, there is a correlation between education level (p=0.048) and the appropriate use of CTM for self-medication, albeit very weak (r=0.065). Therefore, only the level of education affects the appropriate use of CTM for self-medication.
Dysobinol Extracted from Chisocheton Macrophyllus Triggers Proliferation Inhibition, Potential Apoptosis, and Cell Cycle Arrest of He La Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Gaffar Shabarni , Hafiz Ersanda , Wiraswati Hesti Lina , Ishmayana Safri , Nurlelasari Nurlelasari
Published: April 2024

Dysobinol is a new limonoid from C. macrophyllus seeds reported to have an anticancer activity. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxic activity of Dysobinol against HeLa cancer cell lines and evaluate its mechanism of action by determining the expression level of several carcinogenesis genes related to apoptosis and cell cycle. In this experimental study, the cytotoxic activity was determined using the MTS assay and gene expression by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The result shows that Dysobinol has an anticancer activity in a dose and time-dependent manner against HeLa cells and was categorized as toxic with IC50 values of 52.92, 52.70, and 14.96 μg/ml for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Dysobinol significantly increased the expression of Bax, Cas-8, and Cas-3 and decreased the expression of Cyc D1 at both doses (IC50 and 2x IC50) but only high doses (2x IC50) could affect Cas9 and NF-κB expressions, indicating that Dysobinol can induce apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway and inhibits the cell cycle through the Cyc D1 regulator. Dysobinol has the potential to be developed as a chemotherapy drug or an adjuvant agent for cervical cancer treatment.