bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Metabolic and Digestive Functions of Bacterial Gut Symbionts In Cephalotes Turtle Ants
Authors:   , Bechade Benoit , Russell Jacob A
Published: February 2023

Gut bacterial symbionts can support animal nutrition by facilitating digestion and providing valuable metabolites. Such associations have been extensively studied among termites and corbiculate bees, revealing the intricate integration of gut microbial communities as nutritional symbionts of their social insect host. In ants, while only a few clades are known to harbor prevalent specialized symbionts, some host abundant and diverse gut bacterial symbionts. The turtle ant lineage (sister genera Cephalotes and Procryptocerus) is one of these clades, which makes it an appealing model to study the nature and evolution of ant-bacteria nutritional symbioses. While the conserved turtle ant adult-associated symbionts recycle nitrogen, they may also participate in the digestion of their host's fiber-rich diet, while interacting with co-occurring microbes and hosts in unique, symbiotic ways. Additionally, nothing is known about the roles of the environmentally acquired bacterial symbionts of larvae. To explore bacterial contributions toward turtle ant nutrition, I used shotgun metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics on turtle ant guts. Among larval gut bacteria, the Enterobacteriales could catabolize predominant dietary fibers including cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignins, starches and pectins (i.e., homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I). At the adult stage, specialized gut symbionts encoded conserved capacities to deconstruct a similar set of dietary fibers. One adult-associated gut symbiont that was not able to digest fibers was highly prevalent among turtle ants and appeared as a central component of the nitrogen recycling, amino acid and sulfur metabolism pathways in turtle ant guts. The study on this newly described Ischyrobacter davidsoniae reveals a partitioned N-recycling uricolytic pathway likely regulated by fluxes of N-charged metabolites in the gut, and unveils, for the first time, intra-gut localization of a single turtle ant-associated symbiont. The diverse set of digestive enzymes and metabolic pathways encoded by individual symbionts among Cephalotes life stages suggests conserved and specialized symbiont-driven digestive and nutritional functions. Such roles have characterized >50 million years of Cephalotes evolution, shaping dietary exploitation and success of these diverse arboreal ants. Using state-of-the-art meta-omic techniques, this research project reveals how turtle ants, like other herbivorous social insects, have adopted symbiotic solutions to cope with limitations of plant-based diets.
Peningkatan kualitas basic swimming techniques klub Arwana Kota Kediri melalui program pelatihan dan parenting
Authors: Putra Rendhitya Prima , Muharram Nur Ahmad , Herpandika Reo Prasetiyo , Pratama Budiman Agung , Weda Weda , Kurniawan Wing Prasetya , Alsabah Muhammad Akbar Husein , Sari Nendika Dyah Ayu Murika , Setiawan Irwan , Lusianti Septyaning
Published: February 2023

Latar belakang masalah dari pelatihan ini adalah masih minimnya pemahaman dari orang tua tentang program latihan yang diberikan oleh pelatih, sehingga sering terjadinya komunikasi yang kurang baik dan juga teknik dari atlet kurang sesuai dengan kebutuhan dari masing-masing gaya yang ada didalam cabang olahraga renang. Dengan metode pendekatan pendampingan, pelatihan, dan pembinaan, program pengabdian pada masyarakat memberikan warna baru dalam meningkatkan teknik renang yang baik melalui program basic swimming techniques di Kota Kediri. Materi yang disampaikan adalah program parenting dalam meningkatkan kualitas basic swimming techniques di Kota Kediri khususnya pada club Arwana serta pemahaman yang dalam waktu 5 hari ini menghasilkan respon yang positif dari orang tua wali. Adapun hasil yang didapatkan adalah adanya pemahaman yang berkaitan tentang langkah–langkah yang harus dilakukan ketika melakukan gerakan teknik dalam berenang, sebagai contoh gerakan upper body dan lower body yang mengalami perubahan yang signifikan. Berdasarkan hasil dilapangan dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan best time dari masing-masing atlet baik pada kategori 200 meter, 100 meter dan juga 50 meter dengan peningkatan rata-rata 200 meter = 20.15, 100 meter = 11.05, dan 50 meter = 04.10.
Profil pengetahuan dan penanganan awal demam anak usia pra sekolah
Authors: Illahika Anung Putri , Pravitasari Dwi Nurwulan , Afro 'Iffah Najati Ummi' , Darmajik Dinda Alifia
Published: February 2023

Seorang anak membutuhkan kesehatan yang baik untuk melalui fase pertumbuhan dan perkembangan. Maka dari itu, kesehatan anak harus terjaga agar dapat menjalani fase pertumbuhan dan perkembangan dengan baik. Angka kesehatan anak usia pra sekolah masih menduduki posisi yang rendah dengan rata-rata dalam 1 minggu terdapat 2 siswa mengalami keluhan kesehatan. Beberapa keluhan kesehatan termasuk demam. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan tambahan pengetahuan mengenai demam dan penanganannya. Metode yang digunakan yaitu penyuluhan dan workshop secara daring, dengan media power point, video, poster atau leaflet serta modul. Adapun tahapan pelaksanaannya adalah penyuluhan, workshop dan analisis data. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah 40% ibu memiliki pengetahuan yang buruk tentang demam, namun setelah kegiatan pelatihan berkurang menjadi 32,5%. Dalam pelaksanaan penanganan awal demam sebesar 55% ibu mampu melakukan dengan baik, peningkatan persentase 85% didapat setelah responden mengikuti kegiatan ini. Kesimpulan yang dapat diambil adalah metode pemahaman ibu mengenai demam dan pelaksanaan penanganan awal demam meningkat dengan adanya penyuluhan disertai workshop.
Internalisasi nilai karakter melalui pendampingan permainan olahraga tradisional pada masa pandemi covid-19
Authors: Kadiyanto Deddy Whinata , Purnama Sapta Kunta
Published: February 2023

Tujuan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah mendorong pemahaman yang baik dari kaum milenial untuk memahami hakikat kegiatan yang mereka lakukan melalui nilai-nilai moral yang ada dalam permainan olahraga tradisional. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilaksanakan bekerja sama dengan Dinas Pemuda dan Olahraga Kota Surakarta. Proses pendampingan ini dilaksanakan dalam beberapa tahapan, meliputi: pemberian ceramah, workshop, open class, praktik permainan dan refleksi. Program pendampingan ini melibatkan 400 siswa dari 10 sekolah dasar yang ditunjuk olah Dinas Pemuda Olahraga Kota Surakarta. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Februari sampai dengan bulan Agustus 2021. Hasil pendampingan ini menunjukkan bahwa pendampingan nilai-nilai karakter melalui permainan olahraga tradisional pada masa pandemi covid-19 pada Dinas Kepemudaan dan Olahraga Surakarta dengan indikator tangguh, bersih dan sehat, disiplin, sportifitas, handal, berdayatahan, bersahabat, kooperatif, diterminatif, kompetitif, ceria, dan gigih. Namun penelitian ini hanya sebatas pada pendampingan nilai-nilai karakter melalui permainan olahraga tradisional di Dinas Kepemudaan dan Olahraga Surakarta, untuk pendampingan selanjutnya akan dilakukan se Kabupaten Jawa Tengah.
Identifikasi fisik dominan atlet renang melalui program tes parameter di PRSI Kabupaten Tulungagung
Authors: Pratama Budiman Agung , Harmono Setyo , Sulistiono Sulistiono , Himawanto Wasis , Atrup Atrup , Surawan Surawan
Published: February 2023

Pada olahraga renang ada beberapa komponen kondisi fisik dominan yang harus diketahui, sedangkan mitra belum memiliki data kondisi fisik dominan atlet yang dibina kususnya atlet renang dalam persiapan menuju event Porprov 2022. Tujuan pada kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat yakni melakukan analisa kondisi fisik dominan atlet renang. Metode yang digunakan pada kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat yakni tes kondisi fisik atlet renang, intrumen tes yang digunkana terdapat 10 komponen item tes, data dianalisis menggunakan rata-rata dan persentase. Hasil kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat analisis kondisi fisik atlet putra dan putri yang dipersiapkan untuk event Porprov 2022 menujukkan bahwa 72% atlet memiliki kemampuan kurang, 28% cukup, sedangkan kurang sekali, baik dan baik sekali masing-masing meliliki persentase 0%. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa kondisi fisik atlet putra dan putri yang dipersiapkan untuk event Porprov 2022 memiliki kemampuan kondisi fisik kurang.
Sosialisasi program perilaku cuci tangan pakai sabun untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan cuci tangan pakai sabun dan pencegahan covid-19
Authors: Darmawan Arief , Qoriana Dela Evia , Henggaryanti Sharieka
Published: February 2023

Penyebaran Virus COVID-19 dapat masuk ke dalam tubuh apabila orang tersebut memegang barang yang terkontaminasi oleh droplet. Perlu adanya upaya pencegahan penanggulangan penyebaran COVID-19. Sasarannya adalah anak-anak TPQ Sabilul Hidayah dengan total 20 anak Dusun Wangkal, Desa Dalisodo, Kecamatan Wagir, Kabupaten Malang dengan metode sosialisasi & simulasi praktik cuci tangan dengan sabun serta air mengalir. Tujuan dari pengabdian masyarakat ini untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan mencegah penularan COVID-19. Metode yang digunakan adalah sosialisasi dengan 2 tahap, yaitu tahap persiapan yang dilakukan dengan kegiatan survey lokasi yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui perilaku hidup bersih & sehat yang dilakukan oleh anak-anak, & tahap pelaksanaan yang dilakukan dengan 3 kegiatan penyuluhan, simulasi, & penyebaran angket. Desain dalam pengabdian ini menggunakan The One Shot Case Study. Hasil dari kegiatan tersebut anak-anak mengalami peningkatan dalam hal pengetahuan & perilaku tentang Perilaku Hidup Bersih & Sehat melalui Cuci Tangan Pakai Sabun sebagai upaya pencegahan COVID-19, dengan hasil nilai post-test 89,5% dan nilai Sig. (2-tailed) = 0,001< 0,05 maka H0 ditolak dan H1 diterima. Sehingga simpulan dalam pengabdian ini dengan adanya sosialisasi dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan, penerapan perilaku hidup bersih & sehat dengan mencuci tangan menggunakan sabun & air mengalir sehingga dapat mencegah penularan COVID-19.
Pelatihan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat terhadap murid TPQ Riyadlul Qur'an II
Authors: Kurniawan Ari Wibowo , Novitasari Erika , Putri Difta Fitri
Published: February 2023

Kesadaran diri Aaak-anak di Desa Banjarsari tentang pentingnya menjaga kebersihan dan kesehatan tubuh masih kurang. Program kerja Pelatihan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS) memiliki tujuan untuk mencegah penyakit dan kematian pada anak usia dini. Pelaksanaan program dilakukan dengan empat tahap, yaitu tahap perencanaan, persiapan, pelaksanaan, akhir. Tahap persiapan yaitu observasi dan koordinasi dengan guru TPQ Riyadlul Qur’an II. Tahap persiapan yaitu persiapan materi, hadiah, dan ember kran cuci tangan. Tahap pelaksanaan berupa edukasi makan makanan sehat, tujuh langkah cuci tangan, menggosok gigi dan penyerahan hadiah. Tahap akhir yaitu evaluasi, dilakukan dengan pengisian google form. Hasilnya dari 39 murid adalah 38 anak memahami pentingnya cuci tangan, 28 anak memahami tujuh langkah cuci tangan, 21 anak memahami prosi makanan sehat, 25 anak memahami dampak jika tidak menggosok gigi, 28 anak memahami aturan menggosok gigi. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa lebih dari setengah anak-murid berhasil memahami materi yang diberikan. Perlu pembiasaan sejak dini yang diberikan orang tua di rumah untuk meningkatkan kesadaran kebersihan dan kesehatan tubuh dalam kegiatan sehari-hari.
Perilaku hidup sehat di era pandemi covid-19 melalui latihan fisik low-impact dan asupan gizi seimbang pada siswa SMA
Authors: Sulistyorini Anita , Rahmawati Windi Chusniah , Paramita Farah , Leilina Anisa Nanda , Putriningdyah Qurotu’aini , Nuradela Nadia , Ayu Cendani Kusuma
Published: February 2023

Aktivitas fisik remaja, khususnya siswa SMA di masa pandemi Covid-19 ini menurun dikarenakan salah satu kebijakan pemerintah untuk menekan penyebaran virus Covid-19 melalui kegiatan pembelajaran daring. Pembelajaran daring menjadikan siswa harus belajar di depan komputer atau gawai tanpa melakukan aktivitas fisik lebih dari 2 jam per hari, kondisi ini membuat siswa kurang gerak atau mempunyai aktivitas sedentari yang tinggi. Aktivitas sedentari remaja ini diikuti dengan pola makan kurang baik selama masa pandemi, yaitu mengonsumsi makanan dan minuman tinggi kalori tanpa melakukan aktivitas fisik sehingga menimbulkan permasalahan kesehatan salah satunya obesitas. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah sebagai upaya pemecahan masalah kesehatan obesitas dan aktivitas sedentari remaja dengan memberikan edukasi kesehatan dan praktik tentang latihan fisik low impact dan asupan gizi seimbang kepada siswa SMA. Metode edukasi kesehatan melalui Google Meet dilanjutkan praktik latihan fisik low impact dan konsumsi makanan sesuai pedoman gizi seimbang oleh peserta dari mitra yang terdiri atas 50 siswa SMA selama 30 hari. Pendampingan dilakukan melalui WhatsApp Group serta peserta melakukan unggah kegiatan praktik setiap hari ke link google form yang tersedia. Semua peserta melaksanakan latihan fisik low impact dan menerapkan asupan bergizi seimbang sesuai panduan di WhatsApp. Diharapkan dengan menerapkan perilaku hidup sehat melalui latihan fisik low-impact yang rutin serta asupan gizi seimbang ini, aktivitas sedentari dan masalah obesitas di kalangan siswa SMA dapat dicegah atau berkurang. Setelah 30 hari melakukan latihan fisik low impact dan menerapkan pola makan gizi seimbang, didapatkan hasil aktivitas sedentari peserta berkurang yang ditunjukkan dengan hasil aktivitas fisik peserta yang meningkat (aktivitas fisik tinggi naik dari 35% menjadi 37%). Sedangkan untuk angka obesitas peserta dari 8% mengalami kenaikan 9% setelah kegiatan selesai. Berdasar hasil tersebut, tujuan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dapat dikatakan tercapai dengan catatan angka obesitas masih perlu dikurangi dengan konsistensi menerapkan asupan gizi seimbang pada peserta.
Cultura e ideología: la imagen de España en la lexicografía bilingüe español-italiano
Authors: Calvo Rigual Cesáreo
Published: February 2023

Los diccionarios son transmisores de ideología: no solo la transmiten los diccionarios monolingües, en los que hasta ahora se ha estudiado preferentemente, sino también los bilingües. Estos últimos ponen en relación usuarios de dos lenguas, a los que se transmite inevitablemente una imagen del otro país. Se estudia en esta contribución la imagen de España que los principales diccionarios bilingües italiano-español transmiten a los usuarios italianos. Tradicionalmente se ha ofrecido una imagen de España basada en los tópicos españoles más arraigados entre los extranjeros (toros, paella, flamenco), pero se observa en esos diccionarios una evolución hacia una imagen más actual y moderna de España, en la que no desaparecen los tópicos mencionados, pero se reflejan con mayor amplitud los profundos cambios que España ha experimentado en los últimos cuarenta años.
Verbos de apoyo y diccionarios de ELE: dificultades para la consulta lexicográfica
Authors: Huete-García Ángel
Published: February 2023

La expresión de las emociones es un aspecto sociocultural y lingüístico difícil para los aprendices de ELE a causa de la amplia variedad de estructuras lingüísticas que existen para expresarlos. A partir del análisis de los últimos estudios en lexicografía pedagógica desde una perspectiva teórica, este artículo presenta un análisis lexicográfico, además de lingüístico, de las construcciones con los verbos de apoyo dar, pasar y poner —cuando en español sirven para expresar emociones— en los principales diccionarios monolingües de ELE existentes. Los resultados ofrecen datos objetivos sobre la naturaleza gramatical de estas formas y ayudan a ofrecer una óptica distinta de cómo abordar este tema en la microestructura de futuras herramientas lexicográficas para que estas puedan ser útiles para los aprendices.
EDITORIAL - REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GESTÃO E INOVAÇÃO (RBGI) V. 9, n. 2, Janeiro/Abril, 2022
Authors: Panizzon Mateus
Published: February 2023

This document introduces the articles published at the issue.
OVE’s Review of Project Completion Reports (PCRs) and Expanded Supervision Reports (XSRs): The 2022 Validation Cycle
Authors: Yamamoto Chiaki , Riveros Luisa , De Santis Stefania , Peña-Habib Oliver , King Julie
Published: February 2023

This report summarizes the results of the Office of Evaluation and Oversight's (OVE's) annual validation of Project Completion Reports (PCRs) and Expanded Supervision Reports (XSRs). PCRs are self-assessments of project performance by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); XSRs are their equivalent for IDB Invest. Both PCRs and XSRs are intended to serve as accountability and learning tools.
Tratamiento de aguas residuales municipales
Authors: Chernicharo Carlos Augusto de Lemos , Bressani Ribeiro Thiago
Published: February 2023

La presente serie de notas técnicas fue desarrollada como parte de los Talleres de Conocimiento en Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales en Ecuador, llevado a cabo entre el 23 de septiembre del 2021 y el 21 de octubre del 2021. El taller de 32 horas tuvo como objetivo fortalecer las capacidades técnicas de las instituciones nacionales involucradas en el sector, la academia y los gobiernos municipales, en temas de planificación, diseño, construcción y operación optimizada de los sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales.
Internet technology usage and female employment: Evidence from a Chinese general social survey
Authors: Gao Jiacheng , Liu Yue
Published: February 2023

This study empirically analyzes the effect of internet technology usage on female employment and their wage income by constructing logit and quantile regression models to examine the moderating effect of years of education. The results show that internet technology usage significantly suppresses the likelihood of female employment and reduces their wage income before their years of education reach the target requirement but has a differential effect on the wage income of females at different levels. After females have reached their years of education target, internet technology usage significantly increases their likelihood of obtaining employment and improving their wage income. The positive effect of internet technology usage on female employment and their wage income is more obvious as the years of education increases. Therefore, this study proposes that females should be encouraged to strengthen their internet technology usage skills and improve their education level.
Effect of Fixed Tracheal Cuff Volume vs Fixed Tracheal Cuff Pressure on Hemodynamic Parameters and Postoperative Airway Complications, A Prospective Randomized Control Trial in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Pula Ravikanth , Katakam Swapna , Sunanda Gooty , Thakur Nagarjuna
Published: February 2023

Background: The current study is aimed to compare the effect of fixed cuff volume and fixed cuff pressure technique on hemodynamic parameters and on postoperative complications.
Methods: The prospective, randomised, controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital with 100 patients aged between 18 to 60 yrs. The patients who are undergoing for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were enrolled after obtaining ethical committee approval. Patients were randomized based on computer generated random numbers into two groups, fixed volume (7ml) group (group V, n-50) and fixed cuff pressure group (group P, n-50). The ETT cuff was filled with 7 ml of air in the fixed volume technique, and in the fixed cuff pressure group -cuff pressure was maintained at 20 cmH2O, after intubation. Tracheal tube cuff pressures were measured by AMBU cuff pressure gauge manometer. Hemodynamic parameters SBP, DBP, MAP and PR were noted at the time of cuff inflation, after extubation in the both the groups. Post-operative sore throat, hoarseness and cough was assessed at the time of extubation in the both the groups.
Results: Mean age in both the groups was 41 years. Statistical significance (P< 0.0001) was observed in Group P in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), MAP, HR whereas no significance was seen in group V. The percentage of post-operative complications like hoarseness, cough, sore throat, and dysphagia were seen to be less in group P when compared to group V.
Conclusion: With present data we could conclude that the fixed minimal cuff pressure (20 mm H2O) is an ideal and reliable technique in reducing the post-operative complications along with maintenance of hemodynamic parameters.
Efficacy of Oral Gabapentin and Intravenous Paracetamol for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Prospective Randomised Double Blind Study
Authors: Kadyan Nishu , Aggarwal Reema , Prasad Ramnandan
Published: February 2023

Background: Post-operative pain is a matter of great concern for anaesthesiologists and surgeons. We compared the efficacy of oral Gabapentin and intravenous Paracetamol for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries.
Methods: After obtaining written informed consent and ethical committee approval, a total of 70 patients undergoing laporoscopic surgeries were randomly allocated into two groups- 35 patients included in Group A were given 600 mg oral Gabapentin 2 hours before the surgery and Group B patients were given 1gm I.V. PCM 30 minutes before the surgery.  The NRS scores at 30 min, 2 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours were recorded. The time at which first rescue analgesic given and Different hemodynamic parameters like heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were also recorded at different time intervals.
Results: NRS scores and MAP was higher in Group B with a significant p-value at 8 and 12 hours. The need of first rescue analgesic required was at 7.79±3.49 hours in Group A. In Group B requirement of first rescue analgesia was at 6.09±2.75 hrs. The total dose of tramadol used was significantly higher in Group B with mean 92.86±36.67 than Group A 64.29±28.62 with statistically significant p-value (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Both oral Gabapentin and intravenous Paracetamol are effective modes of postoperative analgesia hence both can be used as preemptive analgesic agents. Oral Gabapentin has a longer duration of action up to 12 hours in the postoperative period while intravenous Paracetamol is effective up to 6 hours postoperatively.
Liver Transplantation in a Patient with Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type 1: A Case Report of Two Cases
Authors: Uslu Ahmed , Çekmen Nedim , Ersoy Zeynep , Torgay Adnan
Published: February 2023

Crigler Najjar syndrome(CNS); is a disease in which the diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (bilirubin-UGT) enzyme function, which plays a role in the glucuronidation of bilirubin, is deficient as a result of mutation in the uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene.1 As a result, non-hemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is seen. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is seen as a curative treatment option in Crigler Najjar syndrome type 1 (CNS1). In this case report, we present our patients who were 11 months old and 8 years old with a diagnosis of CNS1, whose bilirubin levels were controlled by preoperative daily phototherapy and plasmapheresis, and who had OLT from their parents to two siblings. We wanted to show the importance of a close follow-up and multidisciplinary treatment approach in the early period before OLT in CNS1 patients and thus the benefit to the patient's prognosis in the postoperative period.
A five-year systematic review and meta-analysis study on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strains in Iran
Authors: Soroush Setareh , Rezaei Faranak , Ghanbari Fatemeh , Halimi Shahnaz , Taherikalani Morovat
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: One of the most prevalent drug-resistant bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epi- dermidis (MRSE) causing healthcare infections. Previously, a meta-analysis study on the frequency of MRSE was conducted from Mar 2006 to Jan 2016 in Iran. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in this prevalence in the last 5 years in different cities in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Published articles on the frequency of MRSE were collected from the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Iranian databases from the beginning of 2016 to the end of 2020. Of the 503 records identified, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, and their extracted data were analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis version 2.0 (Biostat).
Results: The analysis showed that the frequency of MRSE has decreased significantly in the last five years and reached 60.8 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 54.2-66.9] among culture-positive cases of S. epidermidis in Iran.
Conclusion: The noticeable reduction in the prevalence of MRSE in Iran could be due to the improvement of infection con- trol programs and interruption of the pathogen transmission cycle. Another influential reason is the significant reduction in methicillin prescriptions by physicians for infections caused by staphylococci.
Evaluation PCR panel of the FilmArray® pneumonia plus for pathogen detection of ventilator-associated pneumonia in children and its impact on therapeutic management
Authors: Debbagh Fayrouz , Houmich Toufik Ben , Guennouni Morad , Sahraoui Houssameddine , Lamrani Hanchi Asma , Mouaffak Youssef , Younous Said , Soraa Nabila
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second most common nosocomial infection in pediatric intensive care units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of multiplex PCR in the diagnosis of VAP and its impact on the clinical and prognostic outcome of children in the ICU.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study from March to November 2021, including bronchial samples collected from 38 intubated children hospitalized in ICU. The detection of respiratory pathogens was performed by the FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel plus (FAPP).
Results: Multiplex PCR (mPCR) detected exclusively 46 potentially pathogenic bacteria, giving a sensitivity of 93%, spec- ificity of 90%, negative predictive value of 100%, and positive predictive value of 23%. Overall, the sensitivity of mPCR was higher for Gram-negative bacteria (100%) than Gram-positive (92%). Bacterial etiology was the most frequent (69.3%), represented mainly by Moraxella catarrhalis (11.4%), followed by viral etiology (30.7%), with Rhinovirus/Enterovirus as the most prevalent virus. FAPP enabled a change in antibiotic therapy in 39.5% of the patients, with a 73.3% survival rate.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of mPCR in diagnosing VAP and improving antimicrobial therapy.
Isolation and screening of Thermoactinomycetaceae family members as an extremophilic poor investigated and promising natural source of antimicrobial substances
Authors: Seyed Shirazi Seyedeh Reihaneh , Hamedi Javad
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Recent evidences have shown that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause severe infections and is resistant to almost all commercially available antibiotics. Therefore, screening unknown sources of biological compounds such as the Thermoactinomycetaceae family as extremophilic bacteria may be helpful to find new antimicrobial agents.
Materials and Methods: Various samples were collected from different ecosystems, including desert, volcano, compost, and forest. They were cultured on Soil extract agar and Water agar. The antimicrobial activity of the isolates was evaluated using agar overlay and well diffusion methods. Members of the Thermoactinomycetaceae family were selected for further study: Their ability to grow at different temperatures, NaCl concentrations, and pH values, enzyme production ability, antimicrobial secondary screening, fractionation of their supernatants and so on.
Results: According to molecular identification of active isolates against MRSA, three strains, including Laceyella sacchari UTMC 2705, Thermoactinomyces sp. UTMC 2721, and Laceyella sp. UTMC 2731, belonged to Thermoactinomycetaceae were identified. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of their extracts were tested against some pathogenic bacteria, showing their antimicrobial activity with a broad spectrum. The results of TLC bioautography of the extracts showed that the most active fractions were semi-polar. Also, the results of HPLC analysis showed the existence of several UV-active compounds in their extracts.
Conclusion: The present study highlighted the importance and potential of Thermoactinomycetaceae members as a less-known source of antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria.
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of carotenoid pigment extracted from Rhodotorula glutinis strain on food-borne bacteria
Authors: Naisi Soheila , Bayat Mansour , Salehi Taghi Zahraei , Rahimian Zarif Bahareh , Yahyaraeyat Ramak
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Carotenoid pigments are among the most important pigments and have many applications in various food, cosmetics, hygiene industries and biotechnology. These pigments are produced by plants and microorganisms including Rhodotorula spp. This research intended to study the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of the carotenoid pigment from Rhodotorula glutinis on food spoilage bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium).
Materials and Methods: The R. glutinis was isolated from milk samples of cows with mastitis and ITS sequence-based typing was performed on them. After extracting the pigment from R. glutinis, its purity was examined using thin-layer chromatography. Following that, the broth microdilution method was used to evaluate antimicrobial effects of the pigment and MtP assay and subsequently scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the antibiofilm effects. In addition, the sub-MIC effects of the pigment on expression of quorum-sensing (QS) genes in S. Typhimurium isolates (sdiA and luxS) and S. aureus isolates (hld) were studied. Finally, the degree of toxicity of the pigment was analyzed using the MTT assay.
Results: ITS sequence analysis of R. glutinis revealed that the recently separated isolates exhibited strong differences with the strains recorded in NCBI database in genetic structure. The pigment produced by R. glutinis had strong antimicrobial effects and its mean MIC against S. Typhimurium isolates (17.0 μl.ml-1) was higher than the mean MIC against the S. aureus isolates (4.1 μl.ml-1). Electron microscope images and real-time observations indicated that the sub-MIC values of the pigment suppressed biofilm formation by suppressing expression of QS genes. In addition, the mentioned pigment at high MIC concentrations did not have toxic effects on Vero cells.
Conclusion: This research suggests that R. glutinis pigment is effective in destroying the planktonic form of food spoilage bacteria and degrading food spoilage biofilm-forming bacteria. Moreover, considering the low toxicity level of R. glutinis pigment for eukaryotic cells, we can suggest its use as a natural antibacterial preservative in various food materials.
The role of Spirulina platensis on the proliferation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Saberian Mostafa , Shahidi Delshad Elham
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Spirulina platensis micro-algae have some effects on cellular procedures. The proliferative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) will be decreased after repetitive passage.
Materials and Methods: The stromal cells were isolated, and then proven by differentiating to adipogenesis and osteoblastic lineage. The cell markers such as CD90 and CD105 were detected by flowcytometry. MSCs were treated with extract of S. platensis in logarithmic concentrations. MTT and ATP assays were done to determine cell proliferation capacity. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the extract were evaluated.
Results: The results obtained from differentiation confirm cells’ potential for osteoblastic and adipoblastic differentiation. Detection of CD90 and CD105 markers over 70% proved that the majority of cells are MSCs. Statistical analyzes revealed a significant increase in MSCs proliferation in the concentration of 0.9 µl/ml S. platensis. DPPH assay demonstrated that the extract could scavenge free radicals up to 57%. Additionally, the extract showed the inhibition zone up to 11 mm against a different strain of bacteria by agar well diffusion assay.
Conclusion: Secreting nutritional elements, S. platensis extract can be used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and growth agent for enhancing the proliferation of MSCs. Furthermore, the optimum concentration for cell treatment with S. platensis’s extract was investigated.
Antigenicity and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 surface glycoprotein fragment in CHO cells
Authors: Karimi Sahar , Nazarian Shahram , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah , Dorostkar Roohollah , Amani Jafar
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) glycoprotein that projects from the virus surface is highly immunogenic. It is considered to be the target of many neutralizing antibodies as well as a target in vaccine design efforts. Evaluation the immunogenicity of a recombinant fragment of the spike protein (rfsp) that is comprised of Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), S1/S2 cleavage site, and fusion peptide (FP) as immunogenic proteins of SARS-COV-2, in BALB/c mice and evaluation of the efficacy of epitopes rfsp as  a multi-subunit chimeric vaccine.
Materials and Methods: The present study made use of CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary K1) cells to create a cell line for constant expression rfsp. The rfsp was purified with Ni-NTA chromatography and confirmed by Western blotting. The immunogenicity and neutralizing antibody efficacy of rfsp were evaluated in BALB/c mice. ELISA was employed to test rfsp via sera of COVID-19 convalescent patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 alpha and delta variants.
Results: Our results showed significant differences in antibody titers in immunized mice compared to the control groups and neutralizing antibodies were positive, sera from mice immunized are capable of bound SARS-CoV-2 virus, chimer peptide is capable bound antibodies patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and patients infected with delta variant SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusion: Overall, these results indicate that rfsp protein would be a novel potential antigen candidate for the development of a subunit SARS CoV-2 vaccine and rfsp has the potential to be a useful option for the development of the assays for serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Antiviral activity of biosynthesized copper nanoparticle by Juglans regia green husk aqueous extract and Iron nanoparticle: molecular docking and in-vitro studies
Authors: Ahmadi Mahsa , Elikaei Ameneh , Ghadam Parinaz
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and viruses is attracting interest because of the antiviral potential of NPs. This study aims to investigate the antiviral potential of NPs against Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1).
Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies were conducted by Molegro virtual docker software. An extract of Juglans regia green husk was utilized to biosynthesize copper-oxide nanoparticles (CuNPs). The cytotoxicity of NPs was evaluated by MTT assay. Different treatment assays were conducted. Another assay was designed to employ the concentration of 300 μg/ml of CuNPs, which is the highest concentration that did not precipitate. Finally, chemically synthesized Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were utilized to adsorb CuNPs. The antiviral effect of FeNPs was investigated, separately.
Results: Docking results confirmed that NPs could interact with the HSV-1 glycoproteins and prevent viral entry. MTT assay results illustrated that the minimum non-toxic concentration (MNTD) of CuNPs is 100 μg/ml which did not exhibit antiviral properties. Employing a noncytotoxic concentration of FeNPs (300 mg/ml) in combination with cytotoxic concentration of CuNPs (300 μg /ml), eliminated the cytotoxicity effects of CuNPs. Exposure of the virus with the combination of CuNPs and FeNPs resulted in 4.5 log10 TCID50 reductions in HSV-1. While treating HSV-1 with only FeNPs reduced the titer of virus by 3.25 log10 TCID50 .
Conclusion: The results highlight that combination of CuNPs and FeNPs have antiviral activity against HSV-1. Moreover, FeNPs demonstrated antiviral properties against HSV-1 separately.
Hygienic feeding practices of home prepared complementary foods and associated factors in slum households with children of age 6-24 months: a case study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tenna Abiyot , Tesfahun Esubalew , Derseh Dejene
Published: February 2023

Currently, developing countries are challenged with foodborne diseases especially children during the period of complementary feeding. This is getting worse in slum households which are characterized by poor environmental hygiene and a lack of basic facilities. To assess hygienic feeding practices and associated factors of home-prepared complementary foods in slum households with children of age 6-24 months in Addis Ababa. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 602 mother/caregiver-child pairs were included in this study. Three sub-cities were randomly selected and all woreda in each sub-city having slum households were included. Households with children of age from 6-24 months were included using systematic random sampling. A structured pretested questionnaire and observation checklist was used to collect data. Multivariable bivariate logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with feeding practices. The magnitude of good hygienic feeding practice was 60.8% with [95%CI: (57- 65%)] and it has a positive association with fathers having secondary education and above [AOR=2.59, 95%CI: (1.06-6.68)], mothers/ caregivers having a variety of feeding utensil for their children [AOR=1.89, 95%CI:(1.23-2.91)], mothers/ caregivers that never give leftover food for their children [AOR=3.47, 95CI%:(1.86-6.49)], child feeding methods involving spoon [AOR=3.14, 95%CI: (1.22-8.06)] and having hand washing facility after toilet [AOR=2.14,95%CI:(1.26-3.64)] and it has a negative association with mothers/caregivers having children aged between 19-24 months [AOR=0.490, 95%CI:(0.293-0.82)] and mothers/ caregivers not in union with their husband [AOR= 0.534, 95%CI: (0.296-0.96)]. The practice of hygienic feeding of complementary food is poor. Therefore, interventions targeting those associated factors should be made in order to improve hygienic feeding and minimize the contamination of foods.
Stochastic Modelling and Simulation of Free Radical Polymerization of Styrene in Microchannels using a Hybrid Gillespie Algorithm
Authors: Iwuchukwu Edward Uchechukwu , Vianna Ardson dos Santos Junior
Published: February 2023

Most recently, the production of polystyrene by Free Radical Polymerization (FRP) via microchannels has been a subject of core interest due to the efficiency of a micro-or milli-reactor brings. In addition, especially in pilot experimentations, a micro or milli-reactor has been known widely to be efficient in monitoring the microstructural end-use features or properties of the polymer as the chain propagates and ultimately terminates. However, the limitations posed by using micro or milli-reactors in process intensification such as clogging of pores can be a bottleneck when tracking the common phenomena associated with FRP such as cage, gel, and glass effects. In this work, the simulation of the synthesis of polystyrene in FRP via microchannels is computed using a robust and time-efficient hybrid Gillespie Algorithm (GA) or Hybrid Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (HSSA). The obtained results of the end-use properties of polystyrene such as Monomer conversion, Polydispersity Index, Number-Average Molar Mass and Weight Average Molar Mass were compared to experimental data. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results reported in this work. Hence, stochastic simulations prove to be an effective tool in making decisions in the context of process intensification of chain growth polymerization reactions even at a large scale.
Compósitos de polipropileno reforçados com nanopartículas de alumina e fibras curtas de carbono.
Authors: Ferreira João Lucas Alexandre Nunes Galvão , Rocha Marisa Cristina Guimarães
Published: February 2023

Nesse trabalho, materiais compósitos à base de polipropileno (PP) carregados com nanopartículas de alumina (Al2O3) e reforçados com fibras de carbono curtas (FC), foram desenvolvidos, visando a obtenção de materiais leves, com alta rigidez, resistência mecânica e estabilidade térmica, passíveis de serem processados em equipamentos comumente usados nas indústrias de polímeros e automotiva. Com essa finalidade, polipropileno foi processado com alumina, em teores definidos através de metodologia de superfície de resposta inserida no software Minitab, de forma a se avaliar o efeito da incorporação de alumina e do polipropileno graftizado com anidrido maleico (PP-g-AM) usado como compatibilizante em algumas amostras. Os compósitos que apresentaram as melhores propriedades mecânicas, no caso, compósitos híbridos PP/PP-g-AM/Al2O3 foram usados como matriz e preparados utilizando teor de alumina de 6% m/m e teores de fibras de carbono variáveis, entre 10% m/m e 15% m/m. As propriedades dos materiais obtidos foram avaliadas através de diversas técnicas de caracterização como: ensaios mecânicos em tração, termogravimetria (TGA), calorimetria diferencial exploratória (DSC) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). No presente artigo serão apresentados os resultados do ensaio mecânico em tração. Foi obtido nesse trabalho materiais à base de polipropileno com rigidez e resistência mecânica superiores as apresentadas pelo polipropileno.
Jute fabric in the development of a smart thermochromic textile
Authors: Hiller Ana Paula , Marquardt André Luiz , Bierhalz Andrea Cristiane Krause , Steffens Fernanda
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the market has shown a growing interest in adding value to textile materials through the search for natural processes that are less harmful to the environment. In this context, the use of natural fibers from plants provides very attractive properties, such as biodegradability, UV protection, acoustic insulation, among others. In this way, the purpose of this work was to functionalize a fabric from jute fiber with a thermochromic agent, making it a material with an intelligent property, being able to react thermally to the environment in which it is inserted. Through the analysis of reflectance spectrophotometry, the L*, a* and b* coordinates of the targeted and functionalized tissues were observed. When the ?E of the samples functionalized at 4 different points was analyzed, good homogeneity of the thermochromic agent in the tissue was verified. The aging effect of the thermochromic agent was evaluated on the tissue for 1, 15 and 30 days after functionalization, where a slight increase in the b* value was observed, which indicates a certain loss of blue coloration in the sample. It was verified, therefore, that the functionalized jute fabric presented satisfactory results, allowing its use in other areas of application, mainly when referring to the interaction with the environment in which it is inserted.
Videogame “Detonado”: Análise e ranqueamento dos atributos de videogames de nona geração e as diferenças nas preferências entre gênero e faixa etária.
Authors: Nascimento Mario Do
Published: February 2023

O artigo teve como objetivo descobrir quais atributos são considerados importantes em um videogame de nona geração e qual a relevância destes para o consumidor. Além disso, levantar o perfil sociodemográfico do gamer e verificar as diferenças de preferencias entre os atributos. Para isso, realizou-se uma survey, distribuída nos principais grupos gamers do Facebook, obtendo 404 respondentes. Para verificar as diferenças entre as variáveis sociodemográficas foi utilizado o teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney e de Kruskal-Wallis. Foram descobertos e ranqueados 39 atributos, bem como percebida diferenças significativas nas notas atribuídas por gênero e faixa etária. Entender os atributos de um produto bem como o perfil de um consumidor é de suma importância não somente para os participantes dessa indústria, mas também para futuros estudos acadêmicos no tema, já que são poucos os estudos nessa área. 

 

Palavras-chave: videogames; atributos; gamer; gênero; jogos
Liquidity And Deposit Insurance: The Case Of Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institutions In Low-Income Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Moyo Zibusiso , Mukorera Sophia
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between liquidity and deposit insurance of Deposit-taking Microfinance Institutions (DTMFIs) in Low-Income Sub-Saharan Africa (LISSA). Several DTMFIs in the region defaulted in meeting withdrawals on deposits and collapsed with depositors’ funds. The failure of DTMFIs to be liquid has dire consequences such as contagion risk due to the sudden and unexpected deposit runs and oblivion of depositors’ funds, which further condemn the small savers into extreme poverty levels. Panel data from the Microfinance Information Exchange for the years 2006 to 2017 of 64 DTMFIs sampled across 18 LISSA countries was utilised. The estimated random effects results showed that explicit deposit insurance is positive and significantly related to liquidity. Additionally, the capital adequacy ratio and the Basel implementation dummy are positive and significant determinants of liquidity. The study concluded that designing and implementing explicit deposit insurance schemes mitigates liquidity risk in depository microfinance and maintaining adequate capital adequacy levels and implementation of Basel recommendations improves the liquidity positions of the LISSA DTMFIs. The study recommended formulation of deposit insurance policies that embrace microfinance deposits of all types and adherence to the Basel capital adequacy standards complements deposit protection in hedging liquidity risk.