bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity of the ASD-2F
Authors:   Agrovetzashhita LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Engashev S.V. , Kukes V.G. ,   Research Center for Expert Evaluation of Medicinal Product, Moscow, Russian Federation, Poddubikov A.V. ,   I.I.Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sidorov N.G. ,   I.I.Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums, Moscow, Russian Federation, Parfenova O.K. ,   V.N.Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russian Federation, Leonova A.Yu. ,   I.I.Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums, Moscow, Russian Federation, Dorogova O.A. ,   Agrovetzashchita LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

The second fraction of antiseptic Dorogov's stimulator (ASD-2F) is a derivative of raw biological materials, namely a mixture of products of thermal protein degradation. ‘ASD-2B drops’ is dietary supplement containing ASD-2F. Each component of ‘ASD-2B drops’ plays a role in some processes of a living organism. ASD-2F affects the functional activity of many organs and systems of the body and increases the resistance to negative factors, such as microorganisms causing various infectious diseases. The development of multidrug resistance by many microorganisms necessitates the search for new antimicrobial agents. In this study, we examined antimicrobial properties of ‘ASD-2B drops.’ We found that this substance affected the growth of the majority of microorganisms used in our experiments. The therapeutic dose recommended by the manufacturer demonstrated the most pronounced antimicrobial effect, which indicates the effectiveness of ‘ASD 2B drops’ in this dose. Our findings suggest that ASD-2F might have a high clinical significance. Key words: ‘ASD-2B drops,’ second fraction of antiseptic Dorogov's stimulator, antimicrobial activity
Nifuroxazide in initial therapy for acute intestinal infections in adults
Authors:   G.N.Gabrichevsky Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Garbuzov A.A. , Chukhliaev P.V. ,   G.N.Gabrichevsky Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khavkina D.A. ,   G.N.Gabrichevsky Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Meshkova N.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ruzhentsova T.A. ,   G.N.Gabrichevsky Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russian Federation,   REAVIZ Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

The article presents the results of the meta-analysis of the effectiveness of nifuroxazide in the treatment of acute intestinal infections in adults. Objective. To summarize the results of studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of nifuroxazide in acute intestinal infections in adults. Materials and methods. A search was carried out in electronic databases and among paper-based information in accordance with modern requirements for conducting meta-analysis. We selected high-quality randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, in which nifuroxazide was compared with placebo, an alternative antibiotic, or with the absence of antibacterial therapy in the treatment of acute intestinal infections in adults from 18 to 90 years of age. In most studies, the compared medications were prescribed together with other therapies: formulations for rehydration, enterosorbents, and probiotics. Results. A total of 1999 people participated in the studies selected for analysis (541 – in the main group, 1458 – in the comparison group). It was shown that nifuroxazide significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea in acute intestinal infections adults, on average, by 1,35 days. When prescribing nifuroxazide, there was no increase in intoxication, symptoms of gastrointestinal mucosa irritation (nausea, vomiting), and allergic reactions. Conclusion. The meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of nifuroxazide in acute intestinal infections in adults. Key words: antibacterial therapy, adults, diarrhea, intoxication, fever, nifuroxazide, acute intestinal infections
Recombinant interferon α-2b in the treatment of genital herpes: clinical and laboratory rationale and efficacy evaluation
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Gizinger O.A.
Published: April 2022

According to the World Health Organization, a significant part of the population is susceptible to diseases caused by herpes viruses, among which genital herpes occupies a leading position in the incidence and severity of clinical manifestations. A promising strategy for the treatment of herpesvirus infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 is the use of recombinant interferon-α preparations. Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy of using recombinant interferon α-2b with an active substance content of 1.000.000 IU and 3.000.000 IU in the treatment of genital herpesvirus infection. Patients and methods. A retrospective study of 100 patients with recurrent genital herpes 5.5 ± 1.25 per year at the age from 20 to 52 was carried out. The diagnosis was made based on complaints, clinical examination results and laboratory parameters. The presence of herpes virus antigen in the sample material, clinical status, clinical and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Results. The maximum efficacy of therapy for genital herpesvirus infection was registered in patients who received complex treatment with valacyclovir and recombinant interferon α-2b with antioxidants at a dosage of 3.000.000 IU. Key words: antioxidant status, genital herpes, immunity, interferon α-2b
Effect of azoximer bromide on the severity of clinical manifestations in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors:   S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy of the Ministry of Defense, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kasyanenko K. , Maltsev O.V. ,   S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy of the Ministry of Defense, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kozlov K.V. ,   S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy of the Ministry of Defense, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation, Zhdanov K.V. ,   S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy of the Ministry of Defense, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation, Seryi I.F. ,   S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy of the Ministry of Defense, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

We are now observing a constantly growing number of patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection who have active complains for more than 12 weeks. Long-term consequences of the disease significantly impair the quality of life and lead to an overburdened healthcare system, which, in the absence of effective therapeutic strategies, has a significant impact on the quality of medical care. This article discusses the main aspects of pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of post-COVID syndrome, as well as the experience of pharmacological correction of this condition. Objective. To evaluate the effect of azoximer bromide on the resolution of post-COVID syndrome by assessing the duration and severity of the main symptoms within 10 days since treatment initiation, as well as the level of chronic fatigue. Patients and methods. This study included 90 patients (both males and females). The experimental group comprised 55 individuals who received azoximer bromide for 10 days according to the package insert. The control group included 35 individuals who received no therapy. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using special questionnaires; Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results. We found that significantly fewer patients from the experimental group had joint and muscle pain and headache on day 10 of the experiment than patients in the control group. Hyposmia was also less common in the experimental group then in controls by day 10. There was a significant decrease in the severity of headache, joint and muscle pain, attention impairment, dizziness, anosmia among patients receiving azoximer bromide by day 10 compared to those receiving no therapy. Patients in the experimental group also demonstrated significantly less severe fatigue compared to controls as early as day 5 of the experiment. No adverse events were registered during the study. Conclusion. Azoximer bromide demonstrated its clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of post-COVID syndrome. Key words: SARS-CoV-2, post-COVID syndrome, fatigue, shortness of breath, smell and taste disorders
Role of the detoxification system in aggravation of pseudotuberculosis and development of complicated disease in children
Authors:   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Nosareva O.L. , Pomogaeva A.P. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Stepovaya E.A. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Zhavoronok T.V. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation, Shakhristova E.V. ,   Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

Objective. To analyze possible role of changes in the level of erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase (GST), serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and serum 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) in aggravation of pseudotuberculosis and development of complicated disease in children, as well as to identify prognostic factors to predict complicated pseudotuberculosis. Patients and methods. This prospective study included 125 children with pseudotuberculosis of different severity and disease course and 45 healthy children (control group). We measured the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 5'-NT, GST, GGT, as well as the level of total and conjugated bilirubin. Results. We observed increased levels of ALT, 5'-NT, GST, GGT, and conjugated bilirubin in children with mild and moderate pseudotuberculosis during the acute period, as well as in patients with moderate disease during early convalescence. Children with severe pseudotuberculosis during the acute period and early convalescence demonstrated elevated activity of ALT, AST, 5'-NT, GGT, and maximum increase in the level of bilirubin along with comparable activity of GST. Conclusion. We found that an imbalance of detoxification enzymes in the acute period of pseudotuberculosis has a prognostic value for predicting severe and complicated disease later. Key words: children, pseudotuberculosis, glutathione S-transferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, 5'-nucleotidase
Species-specific antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae as an outlook for new diagnostic systems
Authors:   I.I.Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sidorov N.G. , Poddubikov A.V. ,   I.I.Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2022

Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae have always been a significant challenge for healthcare worldwide. Existing diagnostic methods are not always able to identify capsule-free forms of pneumococci or optochin-resistant strains that also play an important role in the development of pneumococcal infections. Such limitations of diagnostic procedures necessitate the development of serotype-independent tests. This review focuses on the antigenic structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae, specific characteristics of teichoic and lipoteichoic acids, and analyzes currently available diagnostic methods. We evaluated the utility of species-specific antigens as candidates for new diagnostic systems. Key words: Streptococcus pneumoniae, teichoic acid, lipoteichoic acid, choline binding proteins, species-specific antigens
Application of the Li-Pro-GP learning model to improve students’ conceptual understanding and creativity
Authors: Yuni Pantiwati  , Permana Fendy Hardian , Kusniarti Tuti , Sari Tasya Novian Indah , Nurrohman Endrik
Published: April 2022

Concept understanding and product creativity of Ma'arif class VII A junior high school students are less than optimal. This problem is because learning activities do not invite students to increase literacy. Based on this, it is necessary to innovate learning. The purpose of this research is to apply Li-Pro-GP learning (Project-Based Science Literacy in the integrated scientific literacy movement strengthening character education) to improve conceptual understanding and creativity of learning poster products. The type of research used is quasi-experimental research (quasi-experimental) using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The research population is seventh-grade junior high school students. While sampling using purposive sampling. The research sample is all Ma'arif junior high school students in class VII A. Data collection techniques use tests and documentation with research instruments, namely written test questions in the form of essays used to pretest and posttest. The measurement of the creativity of the learning poster product uses the product creativity rubric. Data analysis using paired t-test with the help of data processing applications IBM SPSS 26 and Ms.Excel. The results showed that: 1) there was an effect of using the Li-Pro-GP learning model on the ability to understand concepts; 2) there is an effect of using the Li-Pro-GP learning model on the creativity of the learning poster product.
Afectividad, Regulación Emocional, Estrés y Salud Mental en adolescentes del Ecuador en tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Zumba-Tello Doris , Moreta-Herrera Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

Marco Teórico. La adolescencia supone una etapa crucial en el desarrollo humano, producto de cambios biopsicosociales, que impactaran a futuro la salud mental. El objetivo es identificar la relación que guardan la afectividad, las dificultades de regulación emocional y el estrés en la salud mental en una muestra de adolescentes de bachillerato del Ecuador. Método. Estudio de tipo descriptivo, correlacional, comparativo por género y de corte transversal, con las pruebas de Afectos Positivos y Negativos, de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional, de Salud General de Goldberg y de Estrés Percibido. Participantes. Se contó con 1.154 adolescentes procedentes de 21 ciudades del Ecuador (67,7% son mujeres y el 32,3% restante hombres). Con edades entre los 14 a los 19 años (M= 15,69 años; DT =1.06). Resultados. Hay niveles moderadamente elevados en estrés, somatización, ansiedad e insomnio y disfunción social. Existen diferencias (p< .05) por género en las dificultades desregulación emocional, estrés y somatización, con mayor presencia en mujeres que en hombre. Se confirma la relación de los afectos negativos, las dificultades de regulación emocional y el estrés con los problemas en salud mental. Conclusión. El impacto de las emociones y el estrés en el contexto de la pandemia actual es significativo en la salud mental de los adolescentes.
Efectividad de un Programa de Intervención en Habilidades Socioemocionales para el Desarrollo de la Empatía en Alumnos de Primero de Enfermería de una Universidad Privada
Authors: Barqueros-López Sofía , Gómez-Sánchez Rosario , Gómez-Díaz Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Marco teórico: Se apuesta cada vez más por trabajar la empatía, como habilidad de la inteligencia emocional, desde la universidad. Este estudio pretende analizar la eficacia de una intervención en el desarrollo de la empatía en alumnos de enfermería, y ver las diferencias según el sexo. Método: Se trata de un estudio cuasi experimental de medidas repetidas pretest-postest, que se lleva a cabo con 103 estudiantes de enfermería, 70 mujeres y 33 hombres, utilizando el test de Empatía Cognitiva y Afectiva (TECA). Resultados: La dimensión afectiva de la empatía, en sus dos factores (Estrés y Alegría empática) se ha visto mejorada tras la intervención, tanto en hombres (mayor Estrés y Alegría empática) como en mujeres (mayor Alegría empática), aunque sin llegar a una significación estadística. Conclusiones: El programa de intervención mejoró la empatía en su dimensión afectiva, pero sin duda se deben aplicar más sesiones para consolidar y fortalecer los cambios.
Efectividad de un programa de rehabilitación multicomponente para pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido y la influencia del tiempo transcurrido desde la lesión hasta el inicio de la intervención.
Authors: Gómez López María Jesús , Carballo José Luis , Sancho-Domingo Clara
Published: April 2022

Introducción: Las personas con Daño Cerebral Adquirido (DCA) presentan dificultades funcionales a distintos niveles (físico, emocional, cognitivo). Los programas de rehabilitación multicomponente parecen ser efectivos en su recuperación, sin embargo son escasos los estudios que analicen su efectividad en población española. Este trabajo pretende analizar la efectividad de estos programas y el efecto del tiempo trascurrido entre la adquisición del daño y el inicio al tratamiento. Método: Participaron 50 pacientes con DCA del Sistema Nacional de Salud derivados a la clínica UNER, con una edad media de 50,34 años (DT=15,74) siendo el 40% (n=20) mujeres. Los participantes recibieron durante 6 meses cinco sesiones semanales multidisciplinares de neuropsicología, terapia ocupacional, fisioterapia y logopedia. Se evaluó el nivel de funcionalidad antes y después de la intervención con la Medida de Independencia y Evaluación Funcional (Fim+Fam). Asimismo, se compararon las puntuaciones Fim+Fam entre los participantes de inicio temprano al tratamiento (≤3 meses post-daño, ≤3M) y los de inicio tardío (>3 meses post-daño, >3M). Resultados: Se hallaron diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones Fim+Fam antes (M=129,28) y después de la intervención (M=155,52; r=0,61). El grupo ≤3M presentó puntuaciones significativamente superiores (M=174,55) tras la intervención que el grupo >3M (M=142,83; r=0,39). Conclusiones: El programa multicomponente parece ser efectivo en la mejora de la funcionalidad de personas con DCA destacando el área cognitiva. Los resultados sugieren un periodo crítico de inicio al tratamiento de hasta 3 meses que podría optimizar la recuperación del DCA. Son necesarios futuros estudios experimentales con muestras más amplias que corroboren estos resultados.
Prácticas parentales de crianza y bienestar psicológico en adolescentes
Authors: Quintal Morejón Gabriela Arcángel , Flores Galaz Mirta Margarita
Published: April 2022

Marco teórico. La familia, es el núcleo básico de la sociedad, su principal función es la socialización de los hijos (Martínez, 2015) a través de las prácticas de crianza (Oudhof & Robles, 2014).El bienestar psicológico (BP) es el estado resultante cuando se evalúan loslogros alcanzados en la vida y se determina el grado de satisfacción personal con lo que se hizo, hace o puede hacer, desde una mirada personal y subjetiva (Diener & Suh, 2000).Objetivos. Describir la percepción de las prácticas parentales de crianza y el bienestar psicológico en adolescentes, así como también establecer las diferencias por sexo y determinar la relación entre las variables para cada grupo de adolescentes hombres y mujeres. Método.Participaron 464 estudiantes de bachillerato seleccionados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico de escuelas estatales de la ciudad de Mérida, Yucatán, México, 231 hombres y 233 mujeres, con una media de 16.2 y una desviación estándar de 1.10. Se les administraron la Escala de Percepción de Prácticas Parentales de Crianza para Adolescentes (Flores, et. al., 2017) y la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico para Adolescentes (BP-A) (González-Fuentes & Andrade, 2015). Resultados.Se encontraron diferencias significativas por sexo en el factor de comunicación en la escala de percepción de la crianza y en el bienestar psicológico en los factores: relaciones positivas, aceptación, planes a futuro y control personal. Asimismo, las correlaciones evidenciaron que a mayores puntajes en la escala de percepción de la crianza paterna mayores puntajes en el bienestar psicológico sobre todo en las adolescentes mujeres.
Hydroxychloroquine enhances efferocytosis and modulates the gut microbiome in mice with pristane-induced lupus
Authors: Xue Ting-Yin , Hsieh Fei-Hung , Tsay Jun-Chieh J. , Peng Hsin-Yi , Tsao Yen-Chi , Yin Mei-Chin , Chao Che-Yi , Tsai Shu-Yao , Lin Chung-Ping , Chen Jiunn-Horng , Huang Chung-Ming , Chang Hen-Hong , Szondy Zsuzsa , Tsay Gregory J
Published: April 2022

Background An important contributor to the pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the impaired clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) and increasing evidence implicates microbiota dysbiosis as another important player. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is frequently prescribed for the treatment of SLE. Here, we evaluate changes in efferocytosis and the gut microbiome in mice with pristane-induced lupus (PIL) by HCQ administration. Methods PIL mice were studied with or without HCQ and/or resveratrol (RESV). Efferocytosis was determined in RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages from mouse ascites fluid. The gut microbiome was analyzed using Illumina sequencing. Results Both HCQ and RESV enhanced efferocytosis. HCQ also significantly suppressed ascites production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was significantly decreased in PIL mice compared with untreated controls (p<0.05). The F/B ratio in PIL mice was increased by HCQ alone and significantly increased by HCQ combined with RESV. Conclusions In this study, HCQ and RESV enhanced efferocytosis in both RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages of PIL mice. The pristane-induced reduction in the F/B ratio was restored by HCQ treatment. SLE treatment should consider the role of the gut microbiome.
Modeling and Simulation of Low Power Single Event Upset-resilient SRAM cell
Authors: pannu Neha , Prakash Neelam Rup
Published: April 2022

Radiation induced soft errors impact memory circuits and their response gets transposed or disturbed which makes it crucial to protect the memory unit. Radiation-immune memory devices have extensive applications in space, biomedical, smart devices, and wearable devices. A radiation hardened by design circuit using Dual Interlocked Storage Cell (DICE) is implemented with varied transistor sizing to propose the design that has optimum performance and power dissipation. The design is tested for Single Event Upsets using the double exponential current model for current source of maximum amplitude 1 A. The proposed design is validated in Cadence 180nm CMOS technology node at ±10% of VDD = 1.8 V. The sensitivity of the circuit to process, voltage and temperature variations are shown with the help of Monte Carlo simulations. Various iterations performed during simulations make the proposed circuit suitable for use in critical applications.
The intergenerational impact of maternal cancer on school-aged children and adolescents: a scoping review protocol for mapping the existing literature.
Authors: Paterson Amy , Mazingi Dennis , Maswime Salome , Handa Ashok , Peter Noel , Roberts Nia , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Lakhoo Kokila
Published: April 2022

Background
Maternal cancer significantly impacts dependent children and adolescents. While this impact has been described and measured in multiple studies, limited consideration has been given to exploring which population groups are absent from existing studies. The objective of this scoping review is to chart the existing literature on the intergenerational impact of a mother’s cancer on school-aged children and adolescents. This will include geographically mapping where relevant studies have been done in the last two decades and which population groups have been included. The types of studies conducted, and measurement tools used will also be charted.
Methods
A search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL and Social Science Citation Index will be conducted using a combination of keywords and subject headings for the concepts ‘mother’, ‘cancer’ and ‘children/adolescents’. Grey literature will be sought through web searches and contacting organisations and experts in the field. This review will include all literature that focuses on school-aged children with mothers with cancer. All types and stages of maternal cancer will be included. Impact may range from child survival to experiences or concerns. Observational studies published globally from 2001 will be included. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening and full text review using Rayyan software according to the eligibility criteria. An English language restriction will be applied at full text review. Data extraction will be done by two independent reviewers using a data extraction tool. The results will be presented in a combination of graphic, tabular and narrative form.
Discussion
This scoping review will map where the studies informing current understanding of the impact of maternal cancer have been done and identify population groups who may currently be under-represented in this literature. In doing so, it will identify where future studies on this pertinent topic need to be conducted to guide context specific interventions for these vulnerable children and adolescents.
Registration:
This protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. Registration doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/N8SGK.
Effects of oxidized cellulose nanocrystals on the structure and mechanical properties of regenerated collagen fibers
Authors: Ding Changkun , Yue Chengfei , Su Jieliang , Wang Hua , Yang Ning , Cheng Bowen
Published: April 2022

The mechanical properties of regenerated collagen composite materials are of significant importance for promoting its diverse applications. However, the efficient strategy reported so far for enhancing the mechanical properties of regenerated collagen fibers remains limited. Herein, the oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (oCNCs) were successfully prepared in aqueous media by oxidation of the hydroxyl groups on the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an oxidant, and collagen composite fibers were prepared by introducing oCNCs into the collagen matrix via the dry-jet wet spinning technique. The morphology, structures and properties of prepared collagen composite fibers were carefully investigated. These results indicated that oCNCs and CNCs can induce collagen microfibril orientation during the formation process of fibers and protect the possibility of their interactions with collagen molecules. Compared with CNCs, oCNCs offered higher levels of enhancing efficiency and the as-prepared collagen/oCNCs composite fibers exhibited extraordinary improvements in both the tensile strength and toughness with only a 0.05 wt% oCNCs loading. The reason for this improvement is that the hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups of oCNCs can form stronger hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions with collagen molecules, resulting in the synergistic enhancement of the tensile strength, toughness and thermal stability of collagen composite fibers. This work provides an efficient and facile method to achieve collagen composite fibers with high mechanical properties for their broad applications.
Flame retardant hybrid composites manufacturing through reinforcing lignocellulosic and carbon fibers reinforced with epoxy resin (F@LC)
Authors: Hasan K M Faridul , Horváth Péter György , Bak Miklós , Bejó László , Alpár Tibor
Published: April 2022

Novel flame retardant hybrid composites were developed from lignocellulosic and carbon fibers reinforced with epoxy resin using hot pressing technology. The size of the lignocellulosic fibers was within 0.045 to 0.8 mm and carbon fibers within mm 5 to 8 mm. Thickness of the boards were 10 mm and nominal density 730 kg/m3 whereas the dimensions were 400 mm × 400 mm. The developed panels were undergone for internal bonding strength and flexural properties to investigate the mechanical performances. Furthermore, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) test was conducted to examine the morphologies of the products before and after fracture and found the significant presence of both types of fiber in the composite system. The EDX (Energy disruptive X-ray) analysis also displayed the chemical elements present in the developed products. Moreover, The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) study shown a strong chemical interactions among the lignocellulosic and carbon fibers with the thermosetting epoxy polymers. The flame retardancy tests of the composite materials also shown significant thermal stability especially after loading carbon fibers in the composite system. Moreover, significant dimensional stability also noticed which was showing an improving trend with the increase of carbon fibers as the reinforcement. Overall, the composite materials developed from lignocellulosic and carbon fibers with epoxy resin is showing a novel route to the composite community with high mechanical performance and significant flame retardancy.
Effectiveness of nebulized dexmedetomidine as a premedication in flexible bronchoscopy in Indian patients -a prospective, randomized, double blinded study
Authors: Antony Thomas , Acharya Preetam Rajgopal , Acharya Vishak
Published: April 2022

Background: Studies have proven the efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine in patient comfort during flexible bronchoscopy without causing any respiratory depression. Intravenous administration of sedative agents requires expertise and presence of an anaesthetist. This adds to the cost of the bronchoscopy. Inhalational administration of sedative agents can improve the safety profile due to its local action, with similar efficacy. There are only limited studies which have looked at the effects of nebulized dexmedetomidine in bronchoscopy. Dexmedetomidine in nebulized form is an easy non-invasive method of sedation, in situations where manpower is not trained in intravenous sedation. It alleviates the need of an anesthetist, Shortens the duration of the procedure and hospital stay and thus reduces the overall procedural cost to the patient, without any adverse events Methods: The study is prospective, randomized, double blinded. Patients who requires bronchoscopy and is meeting the inclusion criteria is randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine nebulization or saline (0.9%) nebulization after recording the baseline vital parameters. The study parameters are assessed and recorded using a proforma. Patients are assessed both objectively and subjectively using a proforma at specific time periods. Data collected is analyzed using SPSS software Discussion: Commonly used agents for sedation in bronchoscopy including midazolam, fentanyl and dexmedetomidine. However, side effects with intravenous sedative agents like respiratory depression and bradycardia are seen. Dexmedetomidine, a relatively newer drug is proven to be effective agent for sedation compared to the other standard agents used. However nebulized form of dexmedetomidine, being locally acting is comparatively safer with lesser incidence of hemodynamic instability while being as effective as the intravenous form. Trial registration: The study is submitted for registration with the Central Trial Registry – India
Immune checkpoint inhibitors plus chemotherapy in metastatic triple -negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yan , Liu Jun , Zhu Yue , Wang Xiu , Xie Tian wei
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Some studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a favorable efficacy in early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, but the results are controversial in the rescue therapy stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety after chemotherapy plus ICIs in metastatic TNBC patients.Methods: After slytematically searching PubMed and EMBASE up to December 30, 2021, we defined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the efficacy and safety of ICIs plus chemotherapy in metastatic TNBC. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS) in intention-to-treat (ITT) populations or in programmed death protein-1 /programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) positive populations.Results: Five RCTs (N=3104) were included in our meta-analysis. ICIs plus chemotherapy significantly improved PFS in both the ITT (hazard ratio, (HR), 0.82; 95% CI, 0.75–0.90; P < 0.0001) and PD-L1positive populations (hazard ratio, (HR), 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63–0.82; P <0.00001) with mTNBC. However, ICIs plus chemotherapy failed to improve OS in PD-L1 positive or ITT populationgs. In patients with high PD-L1 expression, ICIs combined with chemotherapy can improve not only PFS but also OS.Conclusion: The meta-analysis showed that adding ICIs to therapy significantly improved PFS in both ITT and PD-L1 positive populations with mTNBC. However, there was no benefit to OS. At the same time, in patients with high PDL-1 expression, ICIs combined with chemotherapy benefited both PFS and OS.
Postoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with poor pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Gal Omer , Lewin Ron , Perl Gali , Ulitzky Olga , Brenner Baruch , Kundel Yulia
Published: April 2022

Background: This study sought to evaluate the effect of postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) who respond poorly to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ChT). Methods: The database of a tertiary medical center (2009-2020) was retrospectively reviewed for patients with LAGC in whom the initial treatment strategy consisted of perioperative ChT and surgery. Those who were subsequently referred for postoperative CRT because of a poor pathologic primary-tumor response (ypT3-4, ypN2-3, R1 resection) were selected for the study. CRT consisted of 45 Gy in 25 fractions of 1.8 Gy combined with capecitabine 825 mg/m² twice daily on radiotherapy days or continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil 180 mg/m²/day. Intensity-modulated radiation was planned using computed tomography simulation. Results: The cohort included 26 patients of median age 61 years with LAGC (clinical stage IIA-III) after surgery with D1-D2 lymphadenectomy. R0 resection was achieved in 15 (58%). Pathological stage was III in 69% (IIA-IVA); 73% had pT3-T4 tumors, and 65%, N2-N3 disease. Nineteen patients (73%) also received adjuvant ChT (same as neoadjuvant or different regimen) before postoperative CRT. Treatment was well tolerated, except in one patient with grade 4 vomiting. During a median follow-up time of 29 months (9-140 months), recurrences were documented in 14 patients (54%): 5 regional, 7 distant, 2 combined. Median progression-free survival was 23 months (10-140 months), and median overall survival was not reached. Estimated 5-year survival rates were 42% and 53%, respectively. Conclusions: This small retrospective study suggests that in patients with LAGC who show a poor pathologic response to neoadjuvant ChT, a good outcome relative to reference arms in randomized trials can still be achieved with the addition of postoperative CRT. Further studies of the benefit of a tailored adaptive treatment approach to LAGC based on the response to neoadjuvant ChT are warranted.
Preparation of Ce/Ferroferric Oxide/food waste-derived biochar for aqueous Cr(VI) adsorption
Authors: Tie Jingxi , Zhang Meng , Shen Chenliang , Liu Haiyuan , Zhang Weilong , Du Chunbao
Published: April 2022

Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) causes serious damage to human health. In this study, food waste (FW) was used as raw material to prepare the food waste-derived biochar (FWB), which was further modified using Ce and Fe2+/Fe3+ co-precipitation to obtain Ce dopped magnetic waste-derived biochar (Ce/Fe3O4/FWB ) material for the efficient Cr(VI) adsorption. The morphology, structure, and characteristics of Ce/Fe3O4/FWB composite were thoroughly investigated, and its Cr(VI) uptake behavior was explored. Ce/Fe3O4/FWB showed the best Cr(VI) adsorption of 20.4 mg/g at pH 2.Additionally, the adsorption suited the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and the Langmuir equation, and the intra-particle diffusion the main step limited the Cr(VI) adsorption by Ce/Fe3O4/FWB. The thermodynamic investigation discovered that the adsorption owned a spontaneous and endothermic nature. With increasing concentrations of Cl-, SO42- and PO43-, the Cr(VI) uptake was weakened in the sequence of Cl- ＜SO42- ＜PO43-. Adsorbent preparation for Cr(VI) removal utilizing FW as a raw material is a sustainable and environmentally beneficial technology for FW reclamation and Cr(VI)-bearing wastewater treatment.
Protect peanut kernels from Aspergillus spp and their mycotoxins during storage by aqueous extract of carob pulp
Authors: El-Desouky Tarek A.
Published: April 2022

Recently, the trend of many studies to replace synthetic antifungals commonly used during storage with natural antifungals; Plants extracts are one of the promising strategies for this purpose. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the aqueous extract of carob pulp (AECP) at 1.5, 2.5, and 5mg/ml on the growth of some toxigenic Aspergillus species, and its effectiveness as antimycotoxigenic (aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) during storage red peanut kernels (RPKs) for 90 days. AECP at 5 mg/ml affected inhibition growth, as Aspergillus ochraceus was the most affected, then A. aflatoxiformans recorded (15.7 ± 0.4) and (13.4 ± 0.5), respectively. Whereas study influence of AECP on the accumulation of total AFs and OTA produced by A. parasiticus and A. ochraceus during the storage of RPKs for 90 days. The results reflected that the active compounds in the AECP can protect RPKs for 45 days without detecting any amounts of total AFs and OTA at 5mg/ml. While after 90 days, the percentages of inhibition for the four types (AFB1, AFG1, AFB2, AFG2) and OTA after storage for 90 days compared with positive control samples (85.1, 76.5, 86.5,84.2, and 87.5%), respectively. Finally, AFB1 recorded the lowest inhibition percentages with all treatments; on the contrary, it was OTA.
Gait parameters when walking with or without rollator on different surface characteristics - a pilot study among healthy individuals
Authors: Hansson Eva Ekvall , Akar Yara , Liu Tingting , Wang Cong , Fänge Agneta Malmgren
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Gait parameters can measure risks of falling and mortality and identify early stages of frailty. The use of walking aid changes gait parameters. To identify what a dysfunctional gait is, one must be able to define what a normal gait is both with and without a walking aid. The aim of this study was to describe differences in gait parameters among healthy adults when walking on different surfaces and under different conditions, with and without a rollator. Results: Ten healthy participants walked first without and then with a rollator upslope, downslope and on flat surface, on bitumen and gravel respectively. Step length, walking speed and sideway deviation was measured using an inertial measurement unit. Walking up a slope using a rollator generated the longest step length and walking down a slope using a rollator the shortest. Fastest walking speed was used when walking up a slope with rollator and slowest when walking down a slope with rollator. Sideway deviation was highest when walking down a slope and lowest when walking on gravel, both without rollator. Data from this study provides valuable knowledge regarding gait parameters among healthy individuals, useful for future clinical research relevant for rehabilitation and public health.
An optimized method for high-quality RNA extraction from distinctive intrinsic laryngeal muscles in the rat model
Authors: Kemfack Angela M. , Hernandez-Morato Ignacio , Moayedi Yalda , Pitman Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Challenges related to high-quality RNA extraction from post-mortem tissue have limited RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) application in certain skeletal muscle groups, including the intrinsic laryngeal muscles (ILMs). The present study identified critical factors contributing to substandard RNA extraction from the ILMs and established a suitable method that permitted high-throughput analysis. Here, standard techniques for tissue processing were adapted, and an effective means to control confounding effects during specimen preparation was determined. The experimental procedure consistently provided sufficient intact total RNA (N = 68) and RIN ranging between 7.0 and 8.6, which was unprecedented using standard RNA purification protocols. This study confirmed the reproducibility of the workflow through repeated trials at different postnatal time points and across the distinctive ILMs. High-throughput diagnostics from 90 RNA samples indicated no sequencing alignment scores below 70%, validating the extraction strategy. Significant differences between the standard and experimental conditions suggest circumvented challenges and broad applicability to other skeletal muscles. This investigation remains ongoing given the prospect of therapeutic insights to voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. The present methodology supports pioneering global transcriptome investigations in the larynx previously unfounded in literature.
ATP-citrate lyase B (ACLB) negatively regulates cell death and plant resistance to Verticillium wilt
Authors: Liu Fujie , Ma Zhifeng , Cai Sheng , Dai Lingjun , Gao Jianbo , Zhou Baoliang
Published: April 2022

Background: ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) plays a pivotal role in histone acetylation and aerobic glycolysis. In plant, ACL is a heteromeric enzyme composed of ACLA (45 kD) and ACLB (65 kD). So far, the function of ACL genes in cotton still remains unknown. Results: Here, we genome-widely identified three ACLA homologous sequences and two ACLB homologous in each genome/sub-genome of cotton species. Silencing ACLB in cotton led to intensely cell death at newly-grown leaves and stem apexes. Simultaneously, in ACLB-silenced plants, transcription factors related to senescence including SGR, WRKY23 and Osl57 were observed to be dramatically activated. Further investigation showed that excessive H2O2 was accumulated and pathogenesis-related gene (PR1) expression was evidently enhanced in ACLB-silenced plants, implying that silencing the ACLB genes might induce innate immune responses in cotton. However, as noted, serious cell death happened in newly-grown leaves and stem apexes in ACLB-silenced plants, which led to the failure of subsequent fungal pathogenicity assays. To confirm the role of ACLB gene in regulating plant immune response, the dicotyledonous model plant Arabidopsis was selected for functional verification of ACLB gene. Our results indicate the Arabidopsis mutant aclb-2 enhanced the resistance to Verticillium dahliae infection without causing strong cell death. Ectopic expression of GausACLB-2 in Arabidopsis weakened its resistance to V. dahliae either in Col-0 or in aclb-2 background, in which the expression level of ACLB is negatively correlated with the resistance to V. dahliae. Conclusions: Our study speculates that ACLB has a new function in negatively regulating plant innate immune response, which provides theoretical guidance for developing cotton varieties against Verticillium wilt.
Water allocation, return flows, and economic value in arid basins: Results from a coupled natural-human system model
Authors: Wobus Cameron , Small Eric , Carbone Jared , Livneh Ben , Szafranski William , Kamen Hannah , Modi Parthkumar
Published: April 2022

The allocation of water in the arid western United States is governed by complex water laws that dictate who receives water, how much they receive, and when. Because these rules are generally based on the seniority of water rights, they are not necessarily focused on maximizing economic value across the entire economy. The maximization of value from water use economy-wide is a complex optimization problem that must explicitly consider each user’s peak water demand, willingness to pay function, and the feedbacks among users in a coupled natural-human system model. In this study, we distill these complexities into a simple model of a two-user economy that allows us to explore the relationships among water availability, water use, and value in water-limited systems. We find that the total economic value generated from water-dependent users depends primarily on the total water available in the system. However, for a given volume of water available, the way that water is allocated between the two users also has a significant effect on economic value. The degree to which this allocation affects value depends primarily on the relative willingness to pay for water between the two users, and on the return flows generated from each sector’s water use. While our simple two-user model is an abstraction of the complexities inherent in natural systems, our study provides important insights into the coupled natural-human system dynamics of water allocation and use in water-limited environments.
A Predictive Mortality Model for Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients Treated with Chemoradiation
Authors: Lo Wu-Chia , Chang Chih-Ming , Wu Chia-Yun , Hsieh Chen-Hsi , Shueng Pei-Wei , Cheng Po-Wen , Liao Li-Jen
Published: April 2022

Background: To analyze clinical characteristics in the prediction of early mortality (within 1 year) in advanced oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation. Methods: 147 advanced oropharyngeal cancer patients who underwent curative-intent chemoradiation treatment were retrospectively enrolled. The pre-treatment clinical parameters including inflammatory markers were reviewed.Results: The 1-year overall mortality for all patients was 29% [95% confidence interval (CI): 23-37%]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, hemoglobulin (Hb) < 13.5 gm/dl was an independent indicator of early mortality [Odds ratio (OR) 5.85, 95% CI 2.17-15.75, p < 0.001]. Systemic immune inflammation (SII) ≥ 1820 was also a significant factor for prediction of early mortality (OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.44-15.85, p = 0.011). We further used gander, age, Hb and SII to develop a nomogram to predict early mortality. The c-index of the model was 0.75 (95%CI 0.66-0.83). For patients with low nomogram score (< 14) versus high nomogram score (≥ 14), the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 91% and 71% versus 53% and 29%, respectively. (p < 0.001). A difference in the disease persistence or recurrence rate between patients with high and low nomogram score was significant (73% and 28%, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The pre-treatment Hb < 13.5 gm/dl and SII ≥ 1820 are associated with higher risks of early mortality in patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancers. Nomogram can aid in patient counseling and treatment modality adjustment. The development of a more effective treatment protocol for patients with high nomogram score will be essential.