bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbial dysbiosis requires vagus nerve integrity to promote depression
Authors: Siopi Eleni , Galerne Mathieu , Rivagorda Manon , Saha Soham , Moigneu Carine , Oury Franck , Lledo Pierre-Marie
Published: September 2022

Chronic stress constitutes a major risk factor for depression that can disrupt various aspects of homeostasis, including the gut microbiome (GM). We have recently shown that GM imbalance affects adult hippocampal (HPC) neurogenesis and induces depression-like behaviors, with the exact mechanisms being under active investigation. Here we hypothesized that the vagus nerve (VN), a key bidirectional route of communication between the gut and the brain, could relay the effects of stress-induced GM changes on HPC plasticity and behavior. We used fecal samples derived from mice that sustained unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) to inoculate healthy mice and assess standard behavioral readouts for anxiety and depression, conduct histological and molecular analyses for adult HPC neurogenesis and evaluate neurotransmission pathways and neuroinflammation. To study the potential role of the VN in mediating the effects of gut dysbiosis on brain functions and behavior, we used mice that sustained subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (Vx) prior the GM transfer. We found that inoculation of healthy mice with GM from UCMS mice activates the VN and induces early and sustained changes in both serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission pathways in the brainstem and HPC. These changes are associated with prompt and persistent deficits in adult HPC neurogenesis and induce early and sustained neuroinflammatory responses in the HPC. Remarkably, Vx abrogates adult HPC neurogenesis deficits, neuroinflammation and depressive-like behavior, suggesting that vagal afferent pathways are necessary to drive GM-mediated effects on the brain.
Structural Barriers or Attitudinal Barriers? Finding From the First Dose Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Outreach Program in Sik District of Kedah of Northern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Awaluddin S Maria , Zainal Hadzri , Khalid Noorul Emilin Abdul , Said Suraya , Bakar Rosmalina Abu
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Outreach program is one of the strategies to reach the underserved population besides investigating the barriers to the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. There is scarce information on the outcome of the COVID-19 outreach program and the reasons for missing the first dose COVID-19 vaccine among adult residents stayed in the rural Sik district. The study aimed to describe the Sik District outreach program's outcome in terms of the proportion of residents being successfully vaccinated and the reasons for missing the first dose COVID-19 vaccine at the public vaccination center. This study also determined the factor associated with structural barriers among residents who missed the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Sik District.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective study on the secondary data and the data analysis was conducted between June to August 2022. The Sik District outreach program was held between October 2021 to January 2022 after a line listing of residents who missed the first dose COVID-19 vaccine was compiled. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression were utilized in analyzing the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authorities before conducting the study.

Results

A total of 486 out of 553 residents were vaccinated through this outreach program, yielding 87.6% of success rate. Most of the residents were noted to have transportation problems (52.6%), followed by vaccine hesitancy (19.8%), vaccine refusal (13.2%), and afraid of needles (8.5%). Only ten residents were successfully vaccinated out of the total 73 residents who were categorized as vaccine refusal following on-site counseling. The proportion of attitude-related barriers was 45.4%, while structural-related was 54.6%. The associated factors for structural barriers in this outreach program were being bed-bound residents, being non-citizen residents, staying away from the health care facilities, and being older age.

Conclusion

This outreach program increases the vaccination coverage rate despite the barriers to the underserved population. The outreach team may have no problem handling the residents with structural barriers, however, dedicated and trained staff are needed for the residents with attitudinal barriers.
Mass distribution campaign of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) during the Covid-19 pandemic in Uganda: Lessons Learned
Authors: Aguma Bush Herbert , Rukaari Medard , Nakamatte Rukia , Achii Pamela , Miti Joel Tutu , Muhumuza Solomon , Nabukenya Mariam , Opigo Jimmy , Lukwago Martin
Published: September 2022

Background: Uganda implemented its fourth mass campaign for the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. This context necessitated modification of implementation guidelines. This article describes the process, challenges and lessons learned.
Methods: Revised implementation guidelines were followed in the process of carrying out the LLIN distribution campaign. Lessons learned were captured from documented activities and reports.
Results: A total of 27,789,044 nets were distributed in 11,287,392 households. Coverage of the net distribution was 93.7% with an average of 5.1 people per household. The campaign design was modified to follow Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) namely social distancing for all distribution activities, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), utilization of e-platforms for training and meetings, electronic data management systems with the use of smartphones and simultaneous registration and distribution. The adaptations worked effectively albeit with a few challenges.
Conclusions: Campaign modifications due to covid-19 pandemic were effective in meeting the goals of distribution of mosquito nets. Electronic data management was key in monitoring distribution activities.
Trial registration: Not Applicable
A 12-month contraceptive implant(s) discontinuation rate among adolescents compared with adults at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Principal Investigator
Authors: Tarat Chanaphat , Uaamnuichai Sutira , Phutrakool Phanupong , Rattawiwa Rattawit , Navyvichit Jade , Sarapat Pagapan , Jaisamrarn Unnop , Santibenchakul Somsook
Published: September 2022

Contraceptive implants are effective in preventing adolescent and unwanted pregnancies. Contraceptive implant discontinuation contributes to financial waste and contraceptive failure. We aimed to study contraceptive implant discontinuation rates in adolescents (10–19 years) compared to adults (20–49 years) and evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with contraceptive implant discontinuation.
This prospective, retrospective cohort study included 2,765 participants who initiated contraceptive implants from October 2016 to December 2021 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Discontinuation at 12 months was determined by medical record review and telephone interviews. The analytic sample consisted of 2,014 participants: 498 adolescents and 1,516 adults. The 12-month contraceptive implant discontinuation rates were 3.83 per 100 person-year for all age groups and 2.84 and 4.16 per 100 person-year for adolescents and adults, respectively. Adolescents had a lower risk of 12-month contraceptive implant discontinuation than adults (adjusted HR = 0.60, 95% Cl 0.31–1.15, p-value = 0.121). The risk of discontinuation was significantly lower among continuous implant users (adjusted HR = 0.29, 95% Cl 0.10–0.79, p-value = 0.016). Side effects, mainly abnormal uterine bleeding, were the most common causes of discontinuation. In conclusion, the incidence of discontinuing contraceptive implants did not differ significantly between adolescents and adults.
Protective Effect of Carica papaya Extracts Against Lead Bioaccumulation in Albino Rats
Authors: Okon Aniekanabasi Jonathan , Olanrewaju Olajumoke Esther , Okon Idorenyin Jonathan , Inah Simon Alain , Aluko Olufemi Oludare , Dania Afe Victor
Published: September 2022

Background Exposure to lead produces a variety of adverse health effects. This study evaluated the protective effect ofCarica papayaleaves(CPL) and seed (CPS) against lead bioaccumulation in albino rats. Methods Thirty male rats weighing 174-196g were assigned to six groups of five animals receiving various treatments: group 1- control; 2-50mg/kg body weight (BW) lead nitrate (PbNO3); 3- 500 mg/kg BW CPL extract; 4- 500 mg/kg BW CPS extract; 5- 50mg/kg BW PbNO3 + 500mg/kg BW CPL; and 6- 50mg/kg BW PbNO3 + 500mg/kg CPS orally for 31 days. Results The study revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in lead bioaccumulation in liver and kidney of the lead treated groups complemented with CPL (0.72 ± 0.28mg/l and 0.85 ± 0.17mg/l) and CPS (0.29 ± 0.10mg/l and 0.36 ± 0.10mg/l), compared to the liver and kidney of animals in the group treated with lead alone (11.32 ± 3.20mg/l and 14.62 ± 3.78mg/l).The reduction in bioaccumulation was however non-significantly higher (P > 0.05) in the group complemented with CPS than CPL. Conclusion This finding suggests that CPL and CPS have the potential of reducing lead bioaccumulation and could be harnessed by pharmaceutical industries for this potential.
Effect of biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under plasticulture conditions
Authors: Filho Jose Franco Da Cunha Leme , Chim Bee K. , Bermand Cameron , Thomason Wade E. , Diatta Andre A.
Published: September 2022

In 2019 and 2020 we investigated the individual and combined effects of two biofertilizers (manure tea and bioinoculant) and one humic acid (HA) product on cannabis biochemical and physiological parameters and soil CO2 evolution under outdoor conditions. Our hypothesis was that HA would increase the microbial activity in the biofertilizers and synergy of both compounds would promote better plant performance and stimulate soil microbial activity. In 2020, the individual and combined application of biofertilizers and HA increased cannabis height, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, aboveground biomass, and bucked biomass by 105, 52, 43, 122 and 117%, respectively. Impacts were greater under suboptimal growing conditions caused by planting delay experienced in 2020. In 2019, planting date occurred in-between the most favorable period and chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were the only parameters influenced by the application of biostimulants. The discrepancies between the two growing seasons reinforce the evidence of other studies that biostimulants efficacy is maximized under stress conditions. This study could not conclusively confirm that the combined use of biofertilizer + HA is a superior practice since affected plant parameters did not differ from application of the compounds singly. Similarly, only one biofertilizer + HA treatment increased soil microbial activity. More research is needed to define optimum rates and combinations of biofertilizer and stimulants for cannabis.
Investigating the reasons for COVID-19 vaccination refusal in Ahvaz, Iran: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Afshari Poorandokht , Alavi Seyed Mohammad , Abedi Parvin , Beheshtinasab Maryam , Dashtpayma Shohreh , Amiri Homayon
Published: September 2022

Background
Around 70% of the Iranian population had received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021. In this study we evaluated the reasons of vaccination refusal among people in Ahvaz, Iran.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 800 participants (400 had been vaccinated and 400 had not) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire was completed by interview. The participants who had not received vaccination were asked about the reasons of their refusal, and their answers were recorded. The Shapiro-Wilk test, the independent t-test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression were used for analyzing data.
Results
Older people were 1.018 times more likely to refrain from vaccination (95% CI: 1.001–1.039). People who were manual workers as well as those who were unemployed/ housewife were .288 and .423 times less likely to receive vaccination, respectively. Illiterate people, and those with high school education were 0.029, and .319 times less likely to receive vaccination (95% CI: 0.007–0.119, and .198-.515, respectively). Participants who had hypertension or suffered from neurological disorders were more likely to receive vaccination. Finally, people affected with severe COVID-19 infection were 3.157 times more likely to get vaccinated (95% CI: 1.672–5.961). Having no trust in the ten existing vaccines in Iran and unacceptance of vaccination were among the top reasons for refusal of vaccination.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that lower level of education and older age were contributed to reluctance for vaccination, while having chronic diseases or being already infected with severe COVID-19 infection were associated with more acceptance of vaccination.
SPMSD: An Partitioning-Strategy for Parallel General Sparse Matrix-Matrix Multiplication on GPU
Authors: cui huanyu , wang nianbin , han qilong , wang yuhua , xu yuezhu
Published: September 2022

SpGEMM (General Sparse Matrix-Matrix Multiplication) is one of the kernels of an algebraic multi-grid method, graph algorithm, and solving linear equations. Due to the non-uniformity of some sparse matrices, the existing parallel SpGEMM algorithms suffer from load imbalance, which will lead to a decrease in computational efficiency. This paper proposes a new algorithm, SPMSD (SpGEMM Based on Minimum Standard Deviation). The algorithm is developed based on a hash table and partition strategy. First, the number of intermediate results in each row of matrix is divided into multiple blocks based on a new partition strategy to ensure the minimum standard deviation among blocks. Second, the input matrix is transformed according to the result of the partition strategy. Finally, SPMSD performs the parallel computation of SpGEMM based on the advantages of fast insertion and also fast access storage of hash table and the calculation process controls the insertion and merging of intermediate results according to the offset to avoid the shortage of atomic operations. The model of the GPU graphics card used in the experiment is NVIDIA Tesla V100 with 5120 cores. These experiments indicate the execution of SPMSD is faster than the existing cuSPARSE libraries by 7.4x. Compared with the Out of Core method, SPMSD improves the computational performance by 1.2x and memory utilization decreased by 0.19x. In summary, the algorithm proposed in this paper further improves the parallel computing efficiency of SpGEMM to an extent.
Assessment of agricultural residue potential for electrification of off-grid communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of Ghana
Authors: Awafo Edward A. , Akolgo Gilbert A. , Awaafo Augustine
Published: September 2022

Background: There is a close link between the lack of electricity access and poverty indicators like illiteracy, high infant mortality, lack of access to health care, malnutrition among others. Most rural communities in Ghana, which are mainly farming communities, lack access to electricity due to the high cost of extending grid connection to these communities, and this worsens their poverty levels.
Methods: This study assessed the technical and theoretical potential of agricultural residues in providing electricity to off-grid communities. The study utilized the crop production figures of maize, cassava, millet and groundnut in Soma and Goyire, which are farming communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, to conduct assessment of the theoretical and technical potential of residues from the crops. The production figures of these crops were obtained from the District office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Expected electricity demand of households, schools and health centres in the study communities were collected and used for the projected load demand estimates.
Results: The study found that 1,767.64 kW of electricity could be generated from the combined residues of maize, cassava, millet and groundnut. This electricity is capable of providing about 27 to 35 times the peak electricity demand of the communities where the studies were conducted. It was also found out that, out of the total electricity demand of the communities, only about 20 kW is needed for use in a school and Community Health Promotion and Services (CHPS) compound, implying electricity from crop residues can also help to improve upon education and health provision in rural communities by using them for electricity generation.
Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that, the potential of crop residue in meeting the electricity demand of off-grid communities is enormous hence must be considered in Ghana’s energy development plans in order to achieve universal electricity access.
Factors associated with mediastinal lymph node positivity in proximal gastric tumor patients undergoing curative surgery
Authors: Parsak Cem Kaan , Topal Uğur , Altiok Merih , Capkinoglu Emir , Bali Cagla , Yalav Orcun , Rencuzogullari Ahmet
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study investigated the risk factors associated with mediastinal lymph node metastases due to proximal gastric cancer.
Methods: The study included patients who had surgical resection and Transcrural lymphadenectomy for proximal gastric tumors between January 2012 and January 2020. The patients were divided into Group1 (negative) and Group2 (positive) according to the positivity of mediastinal lymph nodes. These groups were compared for clinical variables. The diagnostic value of composite immunonutritional and inflammatory indices in predicting lymph node positivity was examined.
Results: There were 88 patients in our study. Group1 included 54 and Group2 included 34 patients.Among the laboratory parameters, only CRP was higher in Group 2 (4.58 vs. 10.7, p= 0.044). The rate of postoperative respiratory complications (5.6% vs. 29.4%, p:0.002) was higher in Group2 The tumor size (25.3 vs. 33 mm, p:0.0001), was higher in Group2. Tumors were more advanced in Group2 (p<0.001). Among the composite indices, only the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio had a diagnostic value, with a sensitivity of 67.65% and a specificity of 55.56% at a cut-off point of >2.19. According to the multivariate analysis, a tumor size of >3 cm, a CRP value of >7, and tumor localization were independent risk factors.
Conlusion: Our study found that mediastinal lymph node positivity was associated with elevated CRP and that these patients had more advanced tumors and poor histopathological characteristics. Knowing the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and mediastinal lymph node positivity in proximal gastric tumors can be useful in determining the surgical strategy for EGJ tumors.
MosTI single-copy transgene insertion in C. elegans using heat-shock inducible Cas9 expression
Authors: Mouridi Sonia El , Frøkjær-Jensen Christian
Published: September 2022

Precise expression of transgenes in C. elegans can be used to understand gene regulation, control cells, or as a starting point for genetic screens. Insertion of single-copy transgenes into well-defined safe-harbor locations is useful when consistent expression levels are required (e.g., to compare expression from different transgenes) or when expression is desired in germ cells. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for inserting single-copy transgenes using Modular Safe-harbor Transgene Insertion (MosTI) and a heat-shock inducible Cas9 expressed from a co-injected plasmid. Inducible Cas9 expression has the advantage of requiring few injections, and many independent single-copy insertions can be generated from a single array line.
Entropy Scaling of Molecular Dynamics in a Prototypical Anisotropic Model near the Glass Transition
Authors: Liszka Karol , Grzybowski Andrzej , Grzybowska Katarzyna , Koperwas Kajetan , Paluch Marian
Published: September 2022

Mysteries of dynamics and thermodynamics of molecular systems in the vicinity of the boundary between thermodynamically nonequilibrium glassy and metastable supercooled liquid states are still incompletely discovered and their theoretical and simulation models are imperfect despite many previous efforts. Among them, the role of total system entropy, configurational entropy, and excess entropy in the temperature-pressure or temperature-density dependence of global molecular dynamics timescale relevant to the glass transition is an essential topic intensively studied for over half of a century. By exploiting a well-known simple ellipsoidal model recently successfully applied to simulate the supercooled liquid state and the glass transition, we gain a new insight into the different views on the relationship between entropy and relaxation dynamics of glass formers, showing the molecular grounds for the entropy scaling of global molecular dynamics timescale.
Myocardial demand-supply imbalance: a propensity-matched analysis of normal-range increased left ventricular mass
Authors: Shakerian Farshad , Rafati Ali , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza , Pasebani Yeganeh , Sarreshtehdari Ali
Published: September 2022

Purpose:
Increased left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMMI) raises mortality risk due to varied cardiovascular complications, the underlying etiology of which revolves around the decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), hence heart failure.
We hypothesized that increased LVMMI assessed with cardiac computed tomography (CT), along with increased end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) and interventricular septal wall thickness at diastole (IVSd), were associated with chest discomfort in patients with normal coronary arteries.
Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 130 patients who had undergone coronary CT angiography in our center between 2018 and 2020. Only normal coronary patients without coexisting medical conditions were recruited in groups with and without chest discomfort. We performed propensity-score matching (PSM) to produce matched groups. Using the previous CT data, we calculated LVMMI, EDVI, and IVSd and compared them between the groups.
Results
After PSM, the LVMMI was significantly higher in the group with chest discomfort both in the total population and in the females, but not in the males (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.08, p-value=0.021 and OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.19, p-value=0.003, for the total population and the females, respectively). EDVI and IVSd were not significantly different between the groups. Moreover, the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed a significant diagnostic accuracy of LVMMI in the females for chest discomfort (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion
We proposed that the increased cardiac CT-derived LVMMI within the normal range, is a potential predictor of chest discomfort due to myocardial demand-supply imbalance, at least in females. Further research is required to establish the results.
A study of risk factors and clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea patients and its relationship with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)
Authors: Ghazala Asraa , Badin Hibaa , Shammaa Majd , Issa Yaman , Nahhas Louay
Published: September 2022

Aim and background: The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Syria, study the severity of the disease and its relationship with smoking, identify the most common symptoms and risk factors and describe the extent to which patients adhere to treatment and its impact on their quality of life.
Methods and materials: This study is a retrospective cohort study, which included 100 patients with OSA diagnosed through home sleep test. Demographics, medical history, signs and symptoms, risk factors, body mass index (BMI), sleep test results and symptoms after treatment were collected from the medical records of the patients and filled out in the information form.
Results: Out of 100 cases, 64 were males, whereas 36 were females. The average age of cases was 54.7 years, most of them over 40 years of age. A statistically significant relationship was found between gender and the average of AHI. The average AHI of males was 43.1 which is significantly higher than the average of females which is 33.5.
We found a statistically significant relationship between the severity of the disease and the patient’s symptoms (p-value<0.05), where silent apnea was a prominent symptom (84.8% in those with severe OSA and 84.2% among patients with moderate OSA)
We also found that the ratio of smoking males with severe OSA was 86.6%, while the ratio of smoking females with severe OSA was 57.1%. We found that 58% of patients were adherent to treatment, of which 35% were using Auto CPAP, whereas 42% were not committed to any treatment.
Conclusion: This study shows how important and dangerous this disorder is and therefore it is necessary to raise people's awareness about the risks and complications of the OSA and urge them to visit specialized centers to investigate this disease. Treatment devices must also be provided at a suitable price for everyone so that patients can use it and adhere to it. Since there are not enough studies on this disease in Syria, more research and studies are required about it.
2.5D Printing of a Yield Stress Fluid
Authors: COLANGES Simon , TOURVIEILLE Jean-Noël , LIDON Pierre , LENG Jacques
Published: September 2022

We report on direct ink writing of a model yield stress fluid and focus on the printability of the first layer, the one in contact with the supporting substrate. We observe a diversity of deposition morphologies that depends on a limited set of operational parameters, mainly ink flow rate, substrate speed and writing density, and also on material properties (e.g., yield stress).Among these morphologies, one of them does not depend on fluid properties (as long as it displays some yield stress) and consists of flat films whose thickness is controllable in a significant range (about 0.1-1 mm) and tunable in real time during printing. We thus demonstrate the ability to print films with thickness gradients and prove that the printing fidelity is mainly due to a competition between yield stress and capillarity.
Assessment of stress response due to C-Mac D-blade guided videolaryngoscopic endotracheal intubation and docking of da Vinci surgical robot using Perfusion Index in patients undergoing transoral robotic oncosurgery
Authors: Shah Shagun Bhatia , Chawla Rajiv , Kaur Charanjeet
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Clinical utility of perfusion index (PI) has entered a new realm as a non-invasive, quantitative index of stress response to endotracheal intubation. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) involves F-K retractor aided docking of the surgical robot producing haemodynamic and stress responses akin to laryngoscopy. We compared the stress response to videolaryngoscopy with that due to docking of da Vinci surgical robot using PI, heart rate and mean arterial pressure evaluated at specific time points post-laryngoscopy and post-docking.
Methods
Twenty-six adult patients, scheduled for TORS under general endotracheal anaesthesia were included in this prospective, observational, single-centric cohort study. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-test, dotted box-whisker plots, trendlines and correlograms for comparative analysis of two stressors, laryngoscopy and docking.
Results: PI values at baseline, post-midazolam, 1min and 3min post anaesthetic-induction, laryngoscopy, 1min, 3min and 10min post-laryngoscopy, predocking, docking, 1min, 3min and 10min post-docking were 4.14, 4.23, 5.69, 6.25, 3.24, 3.68, 4.69, 6.17, 6.84, 4.1, 4.02, 4.31 and 4.79, respectively. PI was significantly higher at laryngoscopy compared with PI at docking (p=0.0044). At 1min and 3min post-laryngoscopy and post-docking, respectively, the differences in PI were statistically insignificant. PI at 10min post-laryngoscopy was significantly lower than PI at 10min post-docking (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: As non-invasively quantified by PI, videolaryngoscopic stress response is more intense but shorter-lived versus that due to docking. PI displays a negative correlation with haemodynamic variables. PI at laryngoscopy is a good predictor of PI at docking, enabling pre-emptive measures (fentanyl bolus; deepening of volatile anaesthesia from MAC-maintenance to MAC-intubation) anticipating the docking-induced stress response.
“Trial registration: ctri.nic.in ; Identifier: CTRI/2019/11/022091.”
Tagungsbericht: „Erzähltheorie(n) und Literaturunterricht. Verhandlungen eines schwierigen Verhältnisses“ (24.–26.03.2022, WWU Münster und PH Schwäbisch Gmünd)
Authors: Lehndorf Helen
Published: September 2022

Der Beitrag informiert über die Tagung „Erzähltheorie(n) und Literaturunterricht“, die vom 24.–26.03.2022 online stattfand und von der PH Schwäbisch Gmünd und der WWU Münster ausgerichtet wurde. Neben der theoretischen Diskussion um geeignete Begriffssysteme für die medienspezifische bzw. medienübergreifende Beschreibung von Narrationen wurden konkrete narratologische Phänomene und Verfahren in ihrer literaturdidaktischen Relevanz erörtert sowie aktuelle Narrationen in unterschiedlichen medialen Erscheinungsformen auf ihr Potential für literarisches Lernen hin befragt. Einen weiteren thematischen Schwerpunkt bildeten Bestandsaufnahmen zum narratologischen Wissen in Lehrwerken und Lehrplänen. Die einzelnen Beiträge werden im Folgenden referiert und vor dem Hintergrund der Frage nach der Funktion, die akademischen Wissen für den Deutschunterricht zukommen kann, kritisch diskutiert.
Behavior of hydrogen defect and framework of Fe-bearing wadsleyite and ringwoodite at high temperature and high pressure
Authors: Jin Yang , Huang Weihua , Wang ZhongPing , Sun Wei , Liu Yan , Xia Qunke , Yang Yan
Published: September 2022

The transition zone is dominated by polymorphs of olivine, wadsleyite, and ringwoodite, which are to date considered the main water carriers in the Earth’s mantle. Despite considerable studies on water solubility and its impact on physical properties of the two minerals, knowledge of their hydrogen defects and framework behavior at high temperature and high pressure is still lacking. Here, we systematically assess this issue, by in situ high-temperature (20–800 °C) infrared spectroscopic studies, in situ high-temperature (20–800 °C) and high temperature-pressure (14.27 and 18.84 GPa, 20–400 °C) Raman spectroscopic studies on the iron-bearing wadsleyite and ringwoodite. The results show that dehydrogenation in wadsleyite happens at a higher temperature than in ringwoodite. The infrared absorption patterns of hydrogen defects in wadsleyite and ringwoodite are temperature sensitive, resulting from hydrogen defects transfer and site-specific stabilities. As for the framework, it is more sensitive to temperature and pressure for ringwoodite than wadsleyite. These results provide new knowledge about hydrogen defects and framework of wadsleyite and ringwoodite at high temperature and high pressure, which is indispensable for understanding water solubility and its impacts on physical properties of these two minerals.
The macroeconomic effects of climate policy: A Keynesian point of view
Authors: Piluso Nicolas , Le Heron Edwin
Published: September 2022

The paper analyzes the effects of introducing a corporate carbon tax on GDP and the effectiveness of this macroeconomic policy. The study is based on constructing a simple Keynesian model with flexible prices. It shows that the carbon tax can have a double beneficial effect on the economy in addition to its favorable effect on the environment: i.e., an increase in GDP and employment. The initial values (y = 100; C = 60; I = 18; G = 16; g(A) = 6) was used to simulate a positive shock of the carbon tax T, increasing from 1.75 to 1.9. The paper considers three different cases depending on the low (Case 1), medium (Case 2), or high (Case 3) sensitivity of the marginal propensity to consume in response to an increase in the prices of goods. In addition, case 4 is considered: stimulus policy associated with climate policy; and case 5 is: policy to increase nominal wages. The results show that the carbon tax can lead to an increase in prices. Although the tax does not excessively negatively affect consumption, it has a positive effect on GDP via the increase in green investments and the induced increase in public spending. Households are, therefore, not necessarily penalized because they benefit from the multiplier effects of the increase in public spending due to the introduction of the ecological tax. Furthermore, stimulus policy is even more effective when combined with an emissions tax.
Analyzing the determinants of financial management behavior of administrators in Nigerian state-owned enterprises
Authors: Sunday Kayode Omolayo , Sibanda Mabutho , Magret Olarewaju Odunayo
Published: September 2022

This study assessed the factors that determine the financial management behavior of administrators in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Nigeria. The rising cases of financial mismanagement, which was associated with the financial management behavior of top administrators in these SOEs, prompted this study. It is believed that identifying the factors that determine the financial management behavior of these administrators would help to find solutions to the problem. Based on the multistage sampling technique, 385 top administrators from the SOEs at the federal level in Nigeria participated in the survey. Quantitative analysis was used to analyze the data and the results show that income, family size, and financial literacy are the most important factors affecting the financial management behavior of the administrators. It is recommended that there should be an improvement in income and other working conditions of the administrators in the SOEs since income has been confirmed to be an important shift factor of financial management behavior. In the same vein, given the role of family size, it is recommended that efforts on population reduction should be intensified. Finally, financial literacy should be given priority in checkmating irresponsible financial management behavior.
Pengaruh Media Pembelajaran Buku Cerita Bergambar Terhadap Minat Baca Siswa Kelas III Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Authors: Hidaya Zahra Yuniar Panca , Laily Idah Faridah , Ummah Inayatul
Published: September 2022

Abstrak: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif dengan desain penelitian pre-experimental desain menggunakan One Group Pretest-Postest. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan observasi, angket dan tes. Sampel yang digunakan adalah sampel jenuh karena seluruh jumlah siswa kelas III dijadikan sampel. Berdasarkan pengolahan lembar observasi, diperoleh skor kategori baik atau sesuai dengan presentase yang didapatkan yaitu 90%. Guru menerapkan media pembelajaran buku cerita bergambar dengan baik di dalam kelas. Selain observasi, pengolahan angket secara keseluruhan diperoleh skor sebanyak 85% yang tergolong dalam kategori sangat kuat karena berada diantara 81%-100%. Maka hasil ini menerangkan bahwa siswa merespon point angket sesuai dengan pilihan siswa. Pengaruh variabel bebas (media pembelajaran buku cerita bergambar) terhadap variabel terikat (minat baca siswa adalah 52,8% sedangkan sisanya 47,2% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan terdapat pengaruh media pembelajaran buku cerita bergambar terhadap minat baca siswa kelas III di MI Nurur Rohmah Kota Cirebon.Abstract: This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach with a pre-experimental research design using a one-group pretest-posttest. Data collection techniques in this study used observation, questionnaires, and tests. The sample used was a saturated sample because the entire number of third-grade students was sampled. Based on the processing of the observation sheet, a good category score was obtained, or in accordance with the percentage obtained, namely 90%. The teacher applies the picture storybook learning media well in the classroom. In addition to observation, the overall questionnaire processing obtained a score of 85%, which is classified in the very strong category because it is between 81% and 100%. So these results explain that students respond to the questionnaire points according to their choice. The influence of the independent variable (pictorial storybook learning media) on the dependent variable (students' reading interest) is 52.8% while the remaining 47.2% is influenced by other factors. As a result, it can be concluded that picture storybook learning media has an impact on the reading interest of third-grade students at MI Nurur Rohmah Cirebon City.
Mesa de seguridad del Estado de Chihuahua 2018-2020, la implementación de políticas de seguridad interior hacia la migración
Authors: Breceda Pérez Jorge Antonio , Vilchis Vidal Agustín , Murillo Martínez Carlos
Published: September 2022

El objetivo de este documento encuentra su base en la actuación de la mesa de seguridad del Estado de Chihuahua respecto a la implementación del término “seguridad interior” en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, particularmente, ¿cómo afecta la ejecución de las diversas políticas públicas a la comunidad migrante? La metodología empleada consistió en un análisis documental sobre el desarrollo del concepto de seguridad interior, migración y la mesa de seguridad del Estado de Chihuahua, México. Es dable mencionar que el término de Seguridad Interior aún sigue en la indefinición, los principales resultados demuestran que existe una incertidumbre conceptual en donde las autoridades jurisdiccionales y políticas se encuentran inmersas, mismas que actúan bajo diversas consideraciones negativas hacia la comunidad migrante, es la relación de ambas variables en donde se encuentra el análisis desarrollado.
Numerical modelling of breaking wave impact loads on a vertical seawall retrofitted with different geometrical configurations of recurve parapets
Authors: Ravindar R. , Sriram V. , Salauddin M.
Published: September 2022

Experiments are the traditional techniques used in coastal engineering to study complex wave structure interactions. However, with the advent of high-performance computing, even performing 1:1 scale numerical simulations has become a reality. The progress aids in extending the parametric investigation or repeating the procedure for comparable structures. In this study, a numerical model in OpenFOAM® with waves2Foam wave boundary conditions is used to simulate wave structure interactions at seawalls with varied geometrical configurations of recurved parapets. The numerical model is validated by employing ForschungsZentrum Küste (FZK)'s large-scale (1:1) experiments. The validated model is then applied to the plain parapet and vertical wall to understand better overtopping behaviour, pressure distribution, and structural loads. Numerical modelling is used in this study to visualise and assess intrinsic parameters such as the velocity profile, vorticity, air entrapment, and entrainment better to understand the dissipation characteristics of seawalls with recurved parapets.
Wound Healing: An Overview of Wound Dressings on Health Care
Authors: Sadeghi-Aghbash Mona , Rahimnejad Mostafa , Adeli Hassan , Feizi Farideh
Published: September 2022

Chronic wound healing is a time-consuming and complicated process. Severe risk for
wound healing that can be life-threatening is bacterial invasion and wound during the healing process.
Therefore, it is necessary to use a sui barrier to create a controlled environment for wound healing.
Various wound dressings such as hydrocolloids, hydrogels, sponges, foams, films, and micro and nanofibers
have been explored in recent decades. High surface-to-volume ratio, high similarity to the
biological structure of the extracellular matrix, high porosity and very small pore size are some advantages
of nanofibers that have become potential candidates for wound healing applications. Different
methods are used to fabricate nanofibers like drawing-processing, template synthesis, self-assembly,
phase separation, force-spinning and electrospinning. Electrospinning is the most desirable method
due to the possibility of producing independent, accessible and controllable nanofibers. The fiberbased
wound dressings and their manufacturing methods have been extensively discussed.
Targeted Mitochondrial Drugs for Treatment of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Injury
Authors: Yi Guang-Hui , Peng Jin-Fu , Salami Oluwabukunmi Modupe , Habimana Olive , Xie Yu-Xin , Yao Hui
Published: September 2022

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a complex hemodynamic pathology that is a leading cause of death worldwide and occurs in many body organs. Numerous studies have shown that mitochon-dria play an important role in the occurrence mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury and that mi-tochondrial structural abnormalities and dysfunction lead to the disruption of the homeostasis of the whole mitochondria. At this time, mitochondria are not just sub-organelles to produce ATP but also important targets for regulating ischemia-reperfusion injury; therefore, drugs targeting mitochondria can serve as a new strategy to treat ischemia-reperfusion injury. Based on this view, in this review, we discuss potential therapeutic agents for both mitochondrial structural abnormalities and mito-chondrial dysfunction, highlighting the application and prospects of targeted mitochondrial drugs in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and try to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of the ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Simvastatin Upregulates Lipoxin A4 and Accelerates Neuroinflammation
Resolution After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Yao , Shi Xia , Zhang Jianbo , Hao Na , Li Wei , Chen Qianwei , Chen Zhi , Feng Hua
Published: September 2022

Background:

Previous studies have demonstrated that statins have the effect of relieving inflammatory brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but the mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study aims to test whether simvastatin exerts an anti-inflammatory effect through regulating the pro-resolving mediators.

Methods:

First, male Sprague–Dawley rats had an injection of 200 μL autologous blood. Then, rats were randomly divided into groups treated with simvastatin (i.p. 2 mg/kg) or vehicle. Next, all rats underwent pro-resolving mediator lipoxin A4 (LXA4) level detection, flow cytometric, immunofluorescence, brain edema measurement, neurological scoring and western blot analysis.

Results:

We found that simvastatin significantly increased the plasma level of LXA4, an endogenous formyl-peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) agonist, in the early stage of ICH. Consistent with the effect of simvastatin, exogenous LXA4 administration also promoted apoptosis of the circulating neutrophils, reduced neutrophils brain-infiltration, and ameliorated inflammatory brain injury after ICH. In addition, similar to simvastatin, exogenous LXA4 markedly decreased the level of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the apoptosis-related proteins myeloid cell leukemia 1(Mcl-1)/Bax ratio (a decreased ratio represents the induction of apoptosis) in circulating neutrophils isolated from ICH rats. Notably, all of the aforementioned effects of simvastatin on ICH were significantly abolished by Boc-2, a selective antagonist of FPR2. Moreover, simvastatin led to a similar Mcl-1/Bax ratio reduction as SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor), but it was abolished by P79350 (a p38 MAPK agonist).

Conclusion:

Collectively, these results suggest that simvastatin ameliorates ICH-mediated inflammatory brain injury, possibly in part by upregulating the level of pro-resolving mediator LXA4 and further stimulating the FPR2/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
DFT and In-silico Investigations, along with In-vitro Antitumor and Antimicrobial
Assessments of Pharmacological Molecules
Authors: Afifi Tarek H. , Naqvi Arshi , Alsehli Mosa H. , Seth Daya S. , El-Gaby Mohamed S.A. , Okasha Rawda M. , Hagar Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background:

Molecules, bearing an active methylene bridge, are deemed to be one of the most fruitful and remarkable precursors that have been incorporated in the synthetic strategy of an assortment of bioactive compounds.

Objective:

The reactive methylene derivatives have been endowed with multiple reactions, which target biological and medicinal applications and are resultant from their structural multiplicity and discrete reactivity.

Methods:

The present report endeavors to synthesize, characterize, and in-vitro evaluate several novel propanoic acid, coumarin, and pyrazole derivatives as antimicrobial and antiproliferative agents. The in-silico molecular docking, physicochemical, pharmacokinetic/ADMET, bioactivity, and drug likeness predictions were conducted for all the synthesized compounds.

Results:

The highest docking score is -9.9 and -8.3 kcal/mol respectively for compound 9 (azo-coumarin) and 13 (acrylic acid derivative) with the target proteins E. coli topoisomerase II, DNA gyrase subunit B and PI3K p110α domain, respectively. Moreover, this study predicts the synthesized molecules that may inhibit the novel COVID-19, obtained through virtual screenings only, where compounds 9, 13, 14, 17, and 19 came to the limelight with good docking scores i.e more than 8 Kcal/mol. Safety profiling of the most potent compound 9 was utilized against normal cell line and hemolytic effect on RBCs.

Conclusion:

The in-silico ADMET studies of the synthesized compounds revealed moderate to good drug likeness, high gastro intestinal (GI) absorption, inhibits the Cytochrome CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 and all the derivatives possess non-cancerous nature. The in-vitro screening demonstrated that several of the novel molecules are promising drug candidates. The density function theory (DFT) theoretical calculations were performed to calculate the energy levels of the FMOs and their energy gabs, dipole moment as well as the molecular electrostatic potential. Such parameters along with the physicochemical parameters could be good tool to confirm the biological activity.
Recent Patents of Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals: Product Development on
Anti-Cancer Drugs and Beyond
Authors: Tharik Abdul Azeeze Mohamed Sheik , Meyyanathan Subramania Nainar
Published: September 2022

Background:

Scientists, academicians, and researchers from academics and the pharmaceutical
industries have all expressed interest in the design and production of pharmaceutical
cocrystals in recent years. The development of novel drug products with enhanced physicochemical
and pharmacological characteristics is aided by the cocrystallization of drug substances.

Objective:

The major problem with drug candidates is their solubility and bioavailability, which
may be solved with the appropriate molecular modifications. The failure of most drug candidates
in earlier clinical trials is also reawakening interest. In that connection, pharmaceutical cocrystals
are vital in the development of dosage forms in the field of pharmaceutical technology. The goal
of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive overview of cocrystal synthesis methods and
characterization techniques.

Conclusion:

In this review, it is evident that the solvent-free technique has several benefits over
solvent-based approaches in the design and production of pharmaceutical cocrystals, and that these
methodologies can also open opportunities for further advancement in the field of cocrystal synthesis.
This manuscript provides a brief overview of each technique for manufacturing pharmaceutical
cocrystals and an analysis of cocrystals. This manuscript has highlighted points on whether
cocrystals comply with the requirements for intellectual property rights and how they will impact
the current pharmaceutical industry. The impact of recent patents on pharmaceutical cocrystals is
examined in depth with relevant examples.