bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroreactivity of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen among hepatitis B surface antigen‐screened negative blood donors and its implications for blood safety in a resource‐constrained country
Authors: Yu Rhoda T. , Punzalan Kenneth Aristotle P. , Bhatnagar Sonu , Lutero Raymond B. , Chamen Iza Mae S. , Masangkay Catherine B. , Arcellana‐Nuqui Elizabeth Y.
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Transfusion‐related hepatitis B infections have been reduced significantly with the implementation of blood screening using both serology and nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) in developed countries. However, in resource‐constrained countries, where NAT is inaccessible, the risk persists from early acute and occult cases. This study aimed to determine the antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) reactive rate among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐screened negative blood donors and its impact on blood safety in the Philippines.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1602 HBsAg‐negative samples, randomly collected from nine leading blood service facilities representative of each region in the Philippines, were tested for anti‐HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM), Total and antibodies to HBsAg (anti‐HBs) using the Architect i2000SR Immunoassay Analyser (Abbott Laboratories, IL). Anti‐HBc IgM and/or Total repeat reactive were further tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) NAT using the Cobas TaqScreen MPX v2.0 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel).

Results

Overall, 19.16% HBsAg‐negative samples (n = 307/1602) were reactive for either anti‐HBc IgM or Total or a combination of both, of which 1.3% (n = 4/307) had detectable HBV‐DNA and 80.5% (n = 247/307) were anti‐HBs positive. About the anti‐HBs titres, 30.27% (n = 485/1602) were positive (≥10 IU/L) with 55.67% (n = 270/485) having titres ≥100 IU/L. Anti‐HBs‐only‐positive samples were 14.85% (n = 238/1602).

Conclusion

We observed a high anti‐HBc reactive rate (19.16%) with 3.7% anti‐HBc‐only reactive (anti‐HBs negative) and 1.3% HBV‐DNA positive. This warrants the need to reconsider existing screening practices to improve blood safety in the country.
OPTIMISATION OF HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT USING MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: Asus Zainab , Jian Xiang Beh , Che Daud Zul Hilmi
Published: January 2024

The focus of the research is on the optimization of the hybrid electric vehicle energy management using machine learning. The objective of this research is to develop the algorithm by using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and to identify the optimal operation mode for SHEV based on the power demand use by using the algorithm. First of all, this research focus on the series hybrid electric vehicle and the vehicle used is an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Suitable formula will be used to complete the modeling of the vehicle in Energetic Macroscopic Representation (EMR) form and the model constructed by using Matlab Simulink. Then, Support Vector Machine is used to optimize the energy management in the vehicle. The training data from New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycles (WLTC) with 3 classes will put be inside the SVM to undergo training and then the optimal operation modes for each driving cycle will be obtained by using Linear SVM. Then, the obtained results which are the predicted operation mode using the driving cycles and are plotted in the graph. The pattern of the graph is analyzed and then the best predicted operation mode with the highest accuracy among all the driving cycles is chosen. The trained model of the driving cycle with the highest accuracy is used to predict the optimal operation mode for ATV so that to have higher efficiency in energy management by using the Classification Learner inside the Matlab.
TRIBOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BIODIESEL DERIVED WASTE PALM COOKING OIL (WPCO)
Authors: Nasaruddin Noorannisa Irdina , Hamdan Siti Hartini , Halid Izzati
Published: January 2024

The demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources is rising globally, which has increased interest in biodiesel manufacturing. The generation of biodiesel derived waste palm cooking oil (WPCO) is the main topic of this study. A versatile and easily accessible feedstock for the synthesis of biodiesel is palm frying oil, which is frequently used in culinary applications. WPCO is transformed into biodiesel using a process called transesterification, in which the oil's triglycerides combine with an alcohol, usually methanol, in the presence of a catalyst.

The oils were analyzed for their chemical and physical properties such as viscosity and density. The frictional test was carried out using Pin-on-Disc Tribometer for different loads and speeds. The findings show that lubricants based on WPCO and WPME have remarkable anti-wear properties and have promise for usage in industrial and automotive applications. WPCO is found to have better performance to be used as an engine lubricant while WPME has the lowest potential to be a lubricant because of its low viscosity and high coefficient of friction. It can be found that WPCO which has higher viscosity presents a wear scar diameter of 1.888 mm and a total average CoF of 0.4296. As for WPME, the wear scar diameter is 2.062 mm with a CoF of 0.5483. The surface area of WPCO values was found to be about 9.2% less than WPME. The higher the CoF, the larger the wear scar diameter. The lubricant film of WPME is too thin to provide total surface separation. Contact between the surface asperities occurs.
GASOLINE ENGINE LUBE OIL WEAR STABILITY
Authors: Bahak Mohd Zubil , Radi Fatin Humaira
Published: January 2024

Lubricant has an important function in protecting the parts of an engine where to minimise the wear formation on the surface between two moving parts. The mixing of lube oil SAE10W-30 Petronas oil and Shell oil may have caused an effect to the wear stability of the lubricant. The aim of this study is to determine the behaviour of the oil’s viscosity, COF and WSD of the ball using the FBM. The experiment was done under different speed and the mixture was rested. Based on the analysis, the viscosity is thinning as the temperature gets high. The thinnest oil is 20% Shell mixture and 5% Shell is the thickest but viscosity was not affected by the rested time. COF has decreased as the speed increased. However, longer resting period did not give any effect as the speed higher but has increased COF. The WSD was increased by the higher concentration of Shell as well as the speed. Overall, different concentration of Shell oil and rested time has an effect on the lubricity performance.
Nyonya Culture Expression in Malaysian Chinese Media Based on Facebook
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Syed Zainudin Sharifah Sofiah , Salwah Yaakup Hani
Published: January 2024

In the digital age, the Malaysian Chinese media has become an important communication platform for Malaysian Chinese and has a key influence on cultural communication. Nyonya culture, a unique product of the fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures, has gained widespread attention and use in the media. In this research, 19 Facebook posts were coded and analyzed to investigate Nyonya culture as a comprehensive cultural symbol, its transmission of traditional Chinese culture in the five dimensions of food, crafts, traditional customs, social affairs, and media entertainment, as well as the integration of new cultural symbols. The study aims to provide a new approach to integrating and disseminating Nyonya culture in the context of digitalization, as well as providing a unique perspective on the dissemination of traditional culture through Malaysian Chinese media.
Unveiling the Influence of TikTok Dependency on University Students’ Post-COVID-19 Health Protective Behavior
Authors: Yang Yang , Adnan Hamedi Mohd , Alivi Mumtaz Aini , Sarmiti Nor Zaliza
Published: January 2024

In the post-COVID-19 era, Chinese university students have become more reliant on TikTok for health information, which has shaped their health-related behavior. In order to investigate how university students’ reliance on health information on TikTok influenced their health protective behaviors in response to COVID-19, a survey questionnaire was designed to measure the following four constructs: TikTok dependency, health information seeking, TikTok trust, and health Protective behavior. A total of 426 respondents in China participated in the survey and the data was analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that respondents who have higher TikTok dependency tend to have higher post-COVID-19 health protective behavior. Study results also found that health information seeking and TikTok trust partially mediate the relationship between TikTok dependency and post-COVID-19 health protective behavior separately. To conclude, the results highlight the important role of TikTok as a social media platform for university students’ post-COVID-19 health protective behavior in Wuhan of China.
Injury hospitalisations for children and young people: a 20-year review
Authors: Pollock Zoe , Draper Glenn , Constantine Will , Chalker Elizabeth , Freebairn Louise
Published: January 2024

Background

Childhood injuries can have significant lifelong consequences. Quantifying and understanding patterns in injury severity can inform targeted prevention strategies and policies. This study examines the characteristics of child injury hospitalisations in the Australian Capital Territory over 20 years.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of Admitted Patient Care Collection data for persons aged 0–24 years who were hospitalised for an injury between July 2000 and June 2020. Injury severity was assessed using International Classification of Injury Severity Scores based on survival risk ratios.

Results

The age standardised rate for injury hospitalisations increased significantly from 10.2 per 1000 in 2000/2001 to 21.0 per 1000 in 2019/2020, representing an average annual per cent change of 3.6%. Almost two-thirds of injuries were for men, however the rate of injury hospitalisations increased more rapidly in women. The majority of injuries (81.8%) were classified as minor. The proportion of injuries classified as serious increased with age. For moderate and serious injuries, injuries to the head were the most common type of injury, while falls were the leading cause. Self-harm injuries emerged as a leading contributor to the increase in injuries in young people aged 13–24 years old.

Conclusion

This study emphasises the concerning upward trend in injury hospitalisations among children and young people over the past two decades. Given Australia is yet to formalise a national injury prevention strategy, understanding the patterns and characteristics of injuries is vital to developing effective prevention interventions to reduce harm and improve child safety.
Exploring (Im)Politeness Strategies in Indirect Reports in Persian across Genders
Authors: Nikpoo Iman , Allami Hamid
Published: January 2024

Politeness and impoliteness strategies create a vital social practice in our daily and professional interactions. Being once an issue in the code of conduct protocols, (im)politeness nowadays marks an interdisciplinary scientific field. Regarding this importance, this study explored the politeness and impoliteness strategies used in changing direct speech to indirect speech among male and female Persian speakers. Eighty Iranian Persian speakers (36 males and 44 females) were given a discourse completion task. Brown and Levinson’s taxonomy of politeness strategies and Culpeper’s impoliteness taxonomy were used to analyze the sample. The findings revealed that the propositional content of a direct speech was maintained in the indirect speech in Persian with different attitudinal manners. The results also demonstrated a significant difference between the male and female participants in terms of impoliteness indirect strategies; however, there was no significant difference between them on the output strategies. Additionally, the results revealed that the most frequent politeness strategies used by Persian speakers included positive politeness, negative politeness, off-record, and bold on-record, respectively. The implications of the current research may lead to a deeper and greater understanding of the role of politeness strategies applied in language learning and teaching in EFL contexts.
Piña, Why is the Sky Blue? Crafting Cyber Transfeminist and Filipinx Futurisms through Creative Technologies
Authors: Largo Marissa , Pino Fritz
Published: January 2024

Stephanie Comilang and Simon Speiser’s Piña, Why is the Sky Blue? (2022) animates speculative aesthetics through creative technologies that give rise to decolonial futures. The installation centers on the fictive artificial intelligent figure, Piña, who carries Philippine and Ecuadorian ancestral and matriarchal data into the present and to diasporic communities who have been separated from this knowledge and culture by colonial suppression and global migration. Recapitulating the connection of these two former Spanish colonies, the artist duo generates Piña as a gender-fluid embodiment of digital systems designed to archive and convey Philippine and Ecuadorian Indigenous worldviews for the future. Echoing the aesthetic and political impulses of Indigenous futurisms and Afrofuturism, the authors argue that this work crafts Filipinx futurisms, global Indigenous resurgence, and what the authors coin as “cyber transfeminist aesthetics” by eluding binary categorizations—both gendered and computational, collapsing geographies and temporalities through virtual reality and enlivening ancestral epistemologies.
Nomenclatural and Taxonomic notes in Leandra s. str. (Melastomataceae; Miconieae)
Authors: VALENTE BEATRIZ N. , A. BAUMGRATZ JOSÉ FERNANDO , REGINATO MARCELO
Published: January 2024

(Nomenclatural and taxonomic notes in Leandra s.str. (Melastomataceae; Miconieae). This contribution provides 24 lectotypifications and eight new synonyms in Leandra s. str. mainly related to Oxymeris clade taxa. Lectotypes were designated for the names L. acuminata, L. alpestris, L. barbinervis, L. breviflora, L. calvescens, L. circumscissa, L. debilis, L. dentata, L. fastigiata, L. gracilis, L. hirtella, L. lutea, L. lutea var. glabriuscula, L. mourae, L. multisetosa, L. pallida, L. pallida var. brevifolia, L. riedeliana, L. sphaerocarpa, L. saldanhae, L. sulfurea var. robusta, L. tomentosa, L. tomentosa var. major and L. vesiculosa. The following taxa were treated as synonyms: Leandra circumscissa under L. sulfurea, L. fastigiata under L. velutina, L. lutea var. glabriuscula under L. lutea, L. tomentosa var. major under L. tomentosa, L. pallida var. brevifolia under L. pallida, L. pallida var. brevifolia f. villosula under L. pallida, L. pallida var. caparoensis under L. pallida, L. pallida var. hispidula under L. pallida, L. saldanhae under L. barbinervis, L. sulfurea var. robusta under L. sulfurea and L. thyrsiflora under L. sulfurea. In addition, clarifications regarding the holotypes of L. sulfurea, L. thyrsiflora and L. velutina are also provided.
Review of Microleon Butler, 1885 (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) from Taiwan with description of a new species based on morphology and DNA barcoding
Authors: SOHN JAE-CHEON , SHIH LI-CHENG , WU SHIPHER
Published: January 2024

The Taiwanese species of Microleon are reviewed with morphological and DNA data. Our review recognized two congeners, including a new species, M. taiwanensis n. sp. and one known species, M. longipalpis Butler, 1885. The findings from this study request a reconsideration of the previous records of Microleon from Taiwan. The minor differences in external appearance among the species of Microleon pose a challenge for reliable identification. Our study shows that examination of the male genitalia and COI barcoding helps distinguish the species. A checklist of the world species of Microleon with their distributional range is provided.
Combination antimicrobial therapy: in vitro synergistic effect of anti-staphylococcal drug oxacillin with antimicrobial peptide nisin against Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Sharafi Toktam , Ghaemi Ezzat Allah , Rafiee Maryam , Ardebili Abdollah
Published: January 2024

The ability of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus to form strong biofilm on plastic devices makes them the major pathogens associated with device-related infections (DRIs). Biofilm-embedded bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics, making biofilm infections very difficult to effectively treat. Here, we evaluate the in vitro activities of anti-staphylococcal drug oxacillin and antimicrobial peptide nisin, alone and in combination, against methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) clinical isolates and the methicillin-resistant S. aureus ATCC 43,300. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC) of oxacillin and nisin were determined using the microbroth dilution method. The anti-biofilm activities of oxacillin and nisin, alone or in combination, were evaluated. In addition, the effects of antimicrobial agents on the expression of icaA gene were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. MIC values for oxacillin and nisin ranged 4–8 µg/mL and 64–128 µg/mL, respectively. Oxacillin and nisin reduced biofilm biomass in all bacteria in a dose-dependent manner and this inhibitory effect was enhanced with combinatorial treatment. MBEC ranges for oxacillin and nisin were 2048–8192 µg/mL and 2048–4096 µg/mL, respectively. The addition of nisin significantly decreased the oxacillin MBECs from 8- to 32-fold in all bacteria. At the 1× MIC and 1/2× MIC, both oxacillin and nisin decreased significantly the expression of icaA gene in comparison with untreated control. When two antimicrobial agents were combined at 1/2× MIC concentration, the expression of icaA were significantly lower than when were used alone. Nisin/conventional oxacillin combination showed considerable anti-biofilm effects, including inhibition of biofilm formation, eradication of mature biofilm, and down-regulation of biofilm-related genes, proposing its applications for treating or preventing staphylococcal biofilm-associated infections, including device-related infections.
Integrating network pharmacology and animal experimental validation to investigate the action mechanism of oleanolic acid in obesity
Authors: Liu Tianfeng , Wang Jiliang , Tong Ying , Wu Lele , Xie Ying , He Ping , Lin Shujue , Hu Xuguang
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity, a condition associated with the development of widespread cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and other health complications, has emerged as a significant global health issue. Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound that is widely distributed in various natural plants, has demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties. However, the mechanism by which OA fights obesity has not been well studied.

Method

Network pharmacology was utilized to search for potential targets and pathways of OA against obesity. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to validate the interaction of OA with core targets, and an animal model of obesity induced by high-fat eating was then employed to confirm the most central of these targets.

Results

The network pharmacology study thoroughly examined 42 important OA targets for the treatment of obesity. The key biological processes (BP), cellular components (CC), and molecular functions (MF) of OA for anti-obesity were identified using GO enrichment analysis, including intracellular receptor signaling, intracellular steroid hormone receptor signaling, chromatin, nucleoplasm, receptor complex, endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and RNA polymerase II transcription Factor Activity. The KEGG/DAVID database enrichment study found that metabolic pathways, PPAR signaling pathways, cancer pathways/PPAR signaling pathways, insulin resistance, and ovarian steroidogenesis all play essential roles in the treatment of obesity and OA. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to screen nine main targets: PPARG, PPARA, MAPK3, NR3C1, PTGS2, CYP19A1, CNR1, HSD11B1, and AGTR1. Using molecular docking technology, the possible binding mechanism and degree of binding between OA and each important target were validated, demonstrating that OA has a good binding potential with each target. The molecular dynamics simulation’s Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), and Radius of Gyration (Rg) further demonstrated that OA has strong binding stability with each target. Additional animal studies confirmed the significance of the core target PPARG and the core pathway PPAR signaling pathway in OA anti-obesity.

Conclusion

Overall, our study utilized a multifaceted approach to investigate the value and mechanisms of OA in treating obesity, thereby providing a novel foundation for the identification and development of natural drug treatments.
Electroconvulsive therapy for adolescents with severe depressive episode and suicidality: retrospective comparison between responders and non-responders
Authors: Ren Hao , Wang Xinglian , Zhang Zheng , Zhong Xiufen , Luo Qinghua , Qiu Haitang , Huang Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

For adolescents with major depression who exhibit suicidal tendencies, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is increasingly adopted in clinical practice. Yet, the precise mechanisms behind its effectiveness remain elusive, and studies on factors that influence treatment outcomes are scarce.

Methods

In this retrospective comparative study, we included all adolescent severe depressive episode patients with suicidal tendencies admitted to the Psychiatry Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2017 and 2021 and received ECT treatment. By collecting data on personal history, medical history, and standard treatment features, we established demographic, disease, medication, and ECT treatment factors variables. Patients were divided into effective and ineffective groups based on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale scores, and differences between outcomes were compared. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with ineffectiveness.

Results

A total of 494 adolescent severe depressive episode patients with suicidal behavior who received ECT were included in this study. According to CGI-I scores, the treatment was effective in 361 patients (73.1%) and ineffective in 133 patients (26.9%). Logistic regression analyses showed that 8 to 12 and 12 to 16 ECT sessions reduced the risk of ineffectiveness compared to fewer than 4 sessions. The risk of ineffectiveness decreased with age and increased with comorbidity with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Compared to sertraline, escitalopram was associated with a heightened risk of futility, whereas olanzapine and aripiprazole demonstrated a reduced risk when contrasted with quetiapine.

Conclusions

ECT's ineffectiveness in treating adolescent severe depressive episode with suicidal behavior decreases with age, and comorbidity with OCD significantly increases the risk of treatment failure. Fewer than 8 ECT sessions may hinder achieving satisfactory results.
Using formative research to inform a mental health intervention for adolescents living in Indian slums: the ARTEMIS study
Authors: Mukherjee Ankita , Yatirajula Sandhya Kanaka , Kallakuri Sudha , Paslawar Srilatha , Lempp Heidi , Raman Usha , Essue Beverley M. , Sagar Rajesh , Singh Renu , Peiris David , Norton Robyn , Thornicroft Graham , Maulik Pallab K.
Published: January 2024

Background

Adolescents are vulnerable to stressors because of the rapid physical and mental changes that they go through during this life period. Young people residing in slum communities experience additional stressors due to living conditions, financial stress, and limited access to healthcare and social support services. The Adolescents’ Resilience and Treatment nEeds for Mental Health in Indian Slums (ARTEMIS) study, is testing an intervention intended to improve mental health outcomes for adolescents living in urban slums in India combining an anti-stigma campaign with a digital health intervention to identify and manage depression, self-harm/suicide risk or other significant emotional complaints.

Methods

In the formative phase, we developed tools and processes for the ARTEMIS intervention. The two intervention components (anti-stigma and digital health) were implemented in purposively selected slums from the two study sites of New Delhi and Vijayawada. A mixed methods formative evaluation was undertaken to improve the understanding of site-specific context, assess feasibility and acceptability of the two components and identify required improvements to be made in the intervention. In-depth interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders (adolescents, parents, community health workers, doctors, and peer leaders), along with quantitative data from the digital health platform, were analysed.

Results

The anti-stigma campaign methods and materials were found to be acceptable and received overall positive feedback from adolescents. A total of 2752 adolescents were screened using the PHQ9 embedded into a digital application, 133 (4.8%) of whom were identified as at high-risk of depression and/or suicide. 57% (n = 75) of those at high risk were diagnosed and treated by primary health care (PHC) doctors, who were guided by an electronic decision support tool based on WHO’s mhGAP algorithm, built into the digital health application.

Conclusion

The formative evaluation of the intervention strategy led to enhanced understanding of the context, acceptability, and feasibility of the intervention. Feedback from stakeholders helped to identify key areas for improvement in the intervention; strategies to improve implementation included engaging with parents, organising health camps in the sites and formation of peer groups.

Trial Registration

The trial has been registered in the Clinical Trial Registry India, which is included in the WHO list of Registries, Reference number: CTRI/2022/02/040307. Registered 18 February 2022.
Lead generation of UPPS inhibitors targeting MRSA: Using 3D-QSAR pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Qandeel Basma M. , Mowafy Samar , Abouzid Khaled , Farag Nahla A.
Published: January 2024

Undecaprenyl Pyrophosphate Synthase (UPPS) is a vital target enzyme in the early stages of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. UPPS inhibitors have antibacterial activity against resistant strains such as MRSA and VRE. In this study, we used several consecutive computer-based protocols to identify novel UPPS inhibitors. The 3D QSAR pharmacophore model generation (HypoGen algorithm) protocol was used to generate a valid predictive pharmacophore model using a set of UPPS inhibitors with known reported activity. The developed model consists of four pharmacophoric features: one hydrogen bond acceptor, two hydrophobic, and one aromatic ring. It had a correlation coefficient of 0.86 and a null cost difference of 191.39, reflecting its high predictive power. Hypo1 was proven to be statistically significant using Fischer’s randomization at a 95% confidence level. The validated pharmacophore model was used for the virtual screening of several databases. The resulting hits were filtered using SMART and Lipinski filters. The hits were docked into the binding site of the UPPS protein, affording 70 hits with higher docking affinities than the reference compound (6TC, − 21.17 kcal/mol). The top five hits were selected through extensive docking analysis and visual inspection based on docking affinities, fit values, and key residue interactions with the UPPS receptor. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations of the top hits were performed to confirm the stability of the protein–ligand complexes, yielding five promising novel UPPS inhibitors.

Graphical Abstract
In vitro antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential of an endophytic Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Sharma Avinash , Rashid Muzamil , Chauhan Pooja , Kaur Sukhraj , Kaur Amarjeet
Published: January 2024

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens is one of the major health concerns facing mankind as different bacterial strains have developed resistance to antibiotics over the period of time due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Besides this, ability to form biofilms is another major factor contributing to antibiotic resistance, which has necessitated the need for exploration for novel and effective compounds with ability to inhibit biofilm formation. Endophytic fungi are reported to exhibit antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential and could serve as a potent source of novel antibacterial compounds. Majority of the bioactivities have been reported from fungi belonging to phylum Ascomycota. Endophytic basidiomycetes, inspite of their profound ability to serve as a source of bioactive compounds have not been exploited extensively. In present study, an attempt was made to assess the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and biofilm dispersion potential of an endophytic basidiomycetous fungus Schizophyllum commune procured from the culture collection of our lab. Ethyl acetate extract of S. commune showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica and Vibrio cholerae. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract were in the range of 1.25-10 mg/ml against the tested bacterial pathogens. The mode of action was determined to be bactericidal which was further confirmed by time kill studies. Good anti-biofilm activity of S. commune extract was recorded against K. pneumoniae and S. enterica, which was further validated by fluorescence microscopy. The present study highlights the importance of endophytic basidiomycetes as source of therapeutic compounds.
Rasal1 regulates calcium dependent neuronal maturation by modifying microtubule dynamics
Authors: Deurloo M. H. S. , Eide S. , Turlova E. , Li Q. , Spijker S. , Sun H.-S. , Groffen A. J. A. , Feng Z.-P.
Published: January 2024

Background

Rasal1 is a Ras GTPase-activating protein which contains C2 domains necessary for dynamic membrane association following intracellular calcium elevation. Membrane-bound Rasal1 inactivates Ras signaling through its RasGAP activity, and through such mechanisms has been implicated in regulating various cellular functions in the context of tumors. Although highly expressed in the brain, the contribution of Rasal1 to neuronal development and function has yet to be explored.

Results

We examined the contributions of Rasal1 to neuronal development in primary culture of hippocampal neurons through modulation of Rasal1 expression using molecular tools. Fixed and live cell imaging demonstrate diffuse expression of Rasal1 throughout the cell soma, dendrites and axon which localizes to the neuronal plasma membrane in response to intracellular calcium fluctuation. Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation demonstrate direct interaction of Rasal1 with PKC, tubulin, and CaMKII. Consequently, Rasal1 is found to stabilize microtubules, through post-translational modification of tubulin, and accordingly inhibit dendritic outgrowth and branching. Through imaging, molecular, and electrophysiological techniques Rasal1 is shown to promote NMDA-mediated synaptic activity and CaMKII phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Rasal1 functions in two separate roles in neuronal development; calcium regulated neurite outgrowth and the promotion of NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic events which may be mediated both by interaction with direct binding partners or calcium-dependent regulation of down-stream pathways. Importantly, the outlined molecular mechanisms of Rasal1 may contribute notably to normal neuronal development and synapse formation.
Fast rapidly convergent penetrable scattering computations
Authors: Paul Jagabandhu , Pandey Ambuj , Rathish Kumar B. V. , Anand Akash
Published: January 2024

We present a fast high-order scheme for the numerical solution of a volume-surface integro-differential equation. Such equations arise in problems of scattering of time-harmonic acoustic and electromagnetic waves by inhomogeneous media with variable density wherein the material properties jump across the medium interface. The method uses a partition of unity to segregate the interior and the boundary regions of the scattering obstacle, enabling us to make use of specially designed quadratures to deal with the material discontinuities in a high-order manner. In particular, the method uses suitable changes of variables to resolve the singularities present in the integrals in conjunction with a decomposition of Green’s function via the addition theorem. To achieve a reduced computational cost, the method employs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) based acceleration strategy to compute the integrals over the boundary region. Moreover, the necessary offgrid evaluation of the density and the inter-grid transfer of data is achieved by applying an FFT-based refined-grid interpolation strategy. We validate the performance of the method through multiple scattering simulations. In particular, the numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can handle high-contrast material properties without any adverse effect on the number of GMRES iterations.
Asymmetric threshold effects of digitization on inflation in emerging markets
Authors: Emara Noha , Zecheru Daniela
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes the dynamic asymmetric effects of digitization on domestic inflation for a sample of 54 advanced economies (AEs) and emerging markets (EMs) over the period 2004–2018. Using Katz and Calorda’s Digital Ecosystem Development Index and employing the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation methodology, the results of the paper reveal that the improvement in digitization has a statistically significant nonlinear deflationary effect with an exact threshold level of 43.22 points, that is, that the marginal effect of the digital penetration is larger when its level is lower than the threshold level. For EMs, with a level of digitization below the average of our full sample, policymakers must continue to invest in and expand on their digital ecosystem until the threshold level is achieved. Our results show that investment in human capital and improvement in governance can reinforce these deflationary effects. Hence, to obtain the maximum positive impact of increasing digitization on domestic inflation, EM governments should focus on maximizing school enrollment, controlling corruption, establishing rule of law, protecting the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and implementing accountability measures.
Efficacy of pulse oximetry for early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Yoo Ju-Hyung , Park Sang-Hoon , Oh Hyun-Cheol , Ha Joong-Won , Yoon Han-Kook
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) are crucial for preventing severe complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) using a pulse oximeter for early diagnosis of PE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Materials and methods

We consecutively examined 1645 patients who underwent TKA between January 2015 and November 2019. Postoperative SpO2 was measured with a pulse oximeter, which was stopped if SpO2 was maintained at ≥ 95% until postoperative day 2 (POD2). To diagnose PE, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was performed for specific indications, including persistently low SpO2 < 95% (group 1), sudden decrease in SpO2 (group 2), and decrease in SpO2 after POD3 with presenting symptoms (group 3). Also, we divided the patients into unilateral, simultaneous and sequential TKA groups and compared the results with specific statistical techniques.

Results

Of the 1645 patients who underwent TKA, there were 20 patients with PE (1.2%), and symptomatic PE was observed in only 4 patients (0.24%). CTPA was performed in 58 (3.5%) patients, of whom 20 were diagnosed with PE. In groups 1 (n = 34), 2 (n = 21), and 3 (n = 3), CTPA was performed 2.4, 2.6, and 8.3 days after TKA, respectively, and 12, 8, and 0 patients were diagnosed with PE, respectively. Of the 782, 416, and 447 unilateral, simultaneous, and sequential (done in same admission with interval 1 or 2 weeks) patients with TKA, 38, 18, and 2 received CTPA, and 13, 6, and 1 were diagnosed with PE, respectively. All patients diagnosed with PE have persistently low SpO2 < 95% (group 1), or sudden decrease in SpO2 (group 2) until POD2. Of the patients diagnosed with PE, SpO2 decreased without the presentation of symptoms in 16 patients (11 and 5 from groups 1 and 2, respectively) and with the presentation of symptoms, such as mild dyspnea and chest discomfort, in 4 patients (1 and 3 from groups 1 and 2, respectively).

Conclusions

Measuring SpO2 using a pulse oximeter until POD2 was an effective method for early diagnosis of PE after TKA. No case of morbidity or mortality was observed after early diagnosis with early stage CTPA and management of PE. We recommend measuring SpO2 with a pulse oximeter for early diagnosing of PE in TKA.
An overview of Aloe vera impact on the healing process of Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Kania Anna , Kałużyński Grzegorz , Pełka Maciej , Fijałkowska Justyna , Ciulkiewicz Łukasz
Published: January 2024

Introduction and aim Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic condition that affects an increasing number of people each year[1]. Healing the ulceration requires cooperation between patients, specialists and scientists in order to achieve satisfactory results. Treating this type of wound is not only a therapeutic challenge[1,2,3,4,5,6], but also an economic one, which is why so much scientific research has already been made on this phenomenon[2,3]. Still scientists continue their quest for new cost-effective alternatives to current therapeutic options that would be consistent with contemporary  knowledge and available engineering capabilities in pursuance of creating techniques and new dressings that will accelerate the healing of DFUs[2,3,7,8]. Factors such as stress, obesity, certain medications, and chronic diseases appear to negatively affect the process of repair [1,9,10,4,6,11]. Studies prove that aloe vera gel due to its healing properties, can be considered as a potential dressing that will expedite the mending process of diabetic foot ulceration[12,13,14]. 

In this paper, we performed a literature review of the applicability of aloe vera in the healing process of DFUs.

 

Materials and methods Searching the available literature, including randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews, we drew on databases focusing on the effects of treatment for diabetic foot ulceration using Aloe vera. 

 

Conclusion: The current scientific research on the use of Aloe vera  gel in diabetic foot ulcer treatment indicates that this method is safe, effective and inexpensive[2,3]. However the difficulty of treatment and the increasing prevalence of this type of wound pose a challenge to finding new solutions and exploring mechanisms in which aloe vera can have a possible role in the wound healing process. Nevertheless, this paper presents a promising impact of Aloe vera gel applicability in the healing process of diabetic foot ulcer.
Tinkering and Modeling
Authors: Tai William
Published: January 2024

In high school Geometry, three dimensional solids are often overlooked and not part of the regular curriculum. The exclusion of three-dimensional (3D) geometry can affect spatial relationships and cause learner anxiety, correlating to a negative relationship with environmental navigation (Lawton, 1994). To mitigate learner anxiety in the introduction and manipulation of spatial figures, Tinkercad was utilized for creative virtual design and papier mâché was used for a hands-on, artistic approach to mathematics.
Fortune-Telling Finches: Linear Functions as Predictors
Authors: Johnson Brian , Bramwell Rebecca
Published: January 2024

This lesson gives students experience with block coding Finch robots to move across plexiglass surfaces. It builds student computational thinking skills, mathematical self-efficacy, and interest in technology careers (McLurkin, et al., 2013; Martin, 2019; Kazi, 2023). Finch robots are small, physical robots that can be coded to move in a space. In this 8th grade math unit, conducted in the library, students identify relationships between variables while using block coding to make predictions and test hypotheses. This lesson extends students' knowledge of linear functions through observing patterns and using the guess and check strategy to complete a variety of challenges.
Virtual Roller Coaster Design
Authors: Jamison Frank
Published: January 2024

This lesson offers a technology-enriched educational experience for 10th grade students that focuses on applying geometry, trigonometry, and physics. Students design a virtual roller coaster by applying geometric shapes (e.g., circles, triangles, and polygons), trigonometric ratios (e.g., sine, cosine, tangent), and physics principles (e.g., forces, energy conservation, motion dynamics).
Students are challenged to make simulations that reach a height of 100 feet, a track length of 1000 feet, and incorporate one or more loops. They explore concepts like the Pythagorean Theorem, circular motion, and centripetal forces. Assessments focus on precision and creativity, presentation effectiveness, and depth of reflective discussions.
Designing Collaborative Tech-Rich Learning: Building a Multi-Player Game Controller with Makey Makeys
Authors: Turcotte Nate
Published: January 2024

This lesson challenges learners to consider the educational benefits of using games to support teaching and learning practices through a Makey Makey design challenge. A Makey Makey is a digital toolkit that creates a closed-loop circuit by connecting alligator clips to conductive materials. I introduce the Makey Makey during a unit exploring the use of gaming technologies in PK-12 classrooms. During this lesson, groups of learners use a Makey Makey to build a multi-player game controller. This article describes a lesson that has been successfully integrated with undergraduate students in an Introduction to Technology in Education course and with middle and high school students.
Constructing co-parenthood: first-time parents’ experiences and meanings of co-parental cooperation at four to six months postpartum
Authors: Ranta Minna , Böök Marja Leena , Paloniemi Susanna , Rönkä Anna
Published: January 2024

In the reorganisation of the family that inevitably follows childbirth, parents need to develop strategies for co-parental cooperation. Drawing on the theoretical framework of family systems theory and co-parenting, this study explores how Finnish heterosexual first-time parental couples construct co-parental cooperation at four to six months postpartum. Qualitative survey and diary data were analysed using thematic analysis and typification. Seven areas that couples saw as promoting or hindering co-parental cooperation, and three different co-parenting family types (alternating parents, equal sharers and stressed searchers) were identified. Many couples experienced working together in an equal, supportive and mutually satisfying way. Parents’ daily communication and experiences of mutual support were perceived as necessary for well-functioning co-parental cooperation. However, couples’ daily lives were complicated by various challenges (for example, fathers’ overtime work and imbalance in parenting roles). Parents’ egalitarian aspirations should be considered in political decision making, the work culture and the services offered to families.
Welcoming 2024: editorial
Authors: Korotkova Olga
Published: January 2024

Editor-in-Chief Olga Korotkova summarizes the Journal’s progress in 2023, outlines near-future plans, and introduces the editors who recently joined the board.
Antibiotypes and genetic characteristics of fluoroquinolone- and beta-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from food-producing animals
Authors: Egwu E. , Iroha C. S. , Moses I. B. , Ibiam F. A. , Orji I. , Okafor-Alu F. N. , Eze C. O. , Iroha I. R.
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim: Farm animals, including cattle, have been implicated as antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogen reservoirs. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles and genetic characteristics of cattle colonized by fluoroquinolone-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: We randomly collected 100 fresh fecal samples from 100 cattle in major abattoirs and analyzed the samples using standard microbiological methods. Isolates were further characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 16S rRNA sequence primers. Phenotypic detection of ESBL production was performed using the double disk synergy test. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli were determined using the disk diffusion method, whereas molecular characterization of ESBL- and fluoroquinolone-resistant genes was performed by PCR using specific primers.

Results: A total of 20 (20%) ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated from 100 animal fecal samples. Isolates were generally multidrug-resistant (MDR) with a resistance rate of 100% to 45% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin, cephalosporins, and ciprofloxacin. The average multiple antibiotic resistance index values of the isolates ranged from 0.5 to 0.8. BlaTEM (75%), followed by blaCTX-M (20%) and blaSHV (5.0%) was the most predominant ESBL gene among the isolates. The Aac-lb-6-cr fluoroquinolone-resistant gene was harbored by 90% of the isolates, whereas Qnr was absent.

Conclusion: This study showed a high frequency of MDR ESBL-producing E. coli harboring ESBL and fluoroquinolone-resistant genes in fecal samples of cattle with serious public health consequences if not adequately addressed.

Keywords: Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes, fluoroquinolone resistance genes, cattle, multidrug-resistance.
Enzyme characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from duck excreta
Authors: Ludfiani Dini Dwi , Asmara Widya , Arianti Forita Dyah
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim: The production of lignocellulosic biomass waste in the agricultural sector of Indonesia is quite high annually. Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass waste through fermentation technology can be used as feed and biofuel. Fermentation technology requires the involvement of micro-organisms such as bacteria (lactic acid bacteria or LAB). LABs can be isolated from various sources, such as duck excreta. However, there have not been many reports of LAB from duck excreta. The present study aimed to characterize LAB enzymes isolated from duck excreta and obtain LAB enzymes with superior fermentation properties.

Materials and Methods: A total of 11 LAB cultures obtained from duck excreta in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were tested. Enzyme characterization of each LAB was performed using the API ZYM kit (BioMérieux, Marcy-I’Etoile, France). The bacterial cell suspension was dropped onto the API ZYMTM cupule using a pipette and incubated for 4 h at 37°C. After incubation, ZYM A and ZYM B were dripped onto the API ZYM cupule, and color changes were observed for approximately 10 s under a strong light source.

Results: Esterase activity was moderate for all LABs. The activity of α-chymotrypsin, β-glucuronidase, α-fucosidase, and α-mannosidase was not observed in a total of 10 LAB. The phosphohydrolase and amino peptidase enzyme activity of seven LABs was strong. Only six LAB samples showed protease activity. The glycosyl hydrolase (GH) activity was observed in a total of 8 LAB, while the activity of 2 LAB was strong (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis K5 and Lactobacillus brevis M4A).

Conclusion: A total of 2 LABs have superior properties. L. lactis subsp. lactis K5 and L. brevis M4A have a high potential to be used in fermentation. They have the potential for further research, such as their effectiveness in fermentation, lignocellulose hydrolysis, feed additives, molecular characterization to detect specific enzymes, and their specific activities.

Keywords: API ZYM, duck, enzyme, excreta, lactic acid bacteria.