bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Efficacy, Impact and Feasibility of Community-based House Screening as a Complementary Malaria Control Intervention in Southern Africa: a Study Protocol for a Household Randomized Trial.
Authors: Sangoro Peter Onyango , Fillinger Ulrike , Saili Kochelani , Nkya Theresia Estomih , Marubu Rose , Masaninga Freddie , Trigo Sonia Casimiro , Tarumbwa Casper , Hamainza Busiku , Baltazar Candrinho , Mberikunashe Joseph , Chisanga Brian , Kassie Menale , Chanda Emmanuel , Mutero Clifford Maina
Published: April 2021

Background: Concerted effort to control malaria has had a substantial impact on transmission of the disease in the past two decades. In areas where reduced malaria transmission is being sustained through insecticide-based vector control interventions, primarily long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), non-insecticidal complementary tools will likely be needed to push towards malaria elimination. Once interruption in local disease transmission is achieved, insecticide-based measures can be scaled down gradually and eventually phased out, saving on costs of sustaining control programmes and mitigating any unintended negative health and environmental impacts posed by insecticides. These non-insecticidal methods could eventually replace insecticidal methods of vector control. House screening, a non-insecticidal method, has a long history in malaria control, but is still not widely adopted in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to add to the evidence-base for this intervention in low transmission settings by assessing the efficacy, impact and feasibility of house screening in areas where LLINs are conventionally used for malaria control. Methods: A two-armed, household randomized clinical trial will be conducted in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe to evaluate whether combined use of house screens and LLINs affords better protection against clinical malaria in children between 6 months and 13 years compared to the sole use of LLINs. Eight hundred households will be enrolled in each study area, where 400 households will be randomly assigned the intervention, house screening and LLINs while the control households will be provided with LLINs only. Clinical malaria incidence will be estimated by actively following up one child from each household for 6 months over the malaria transmission season. Cross-sectional parasite prevalence will be estimated by testing all participating children for malaria parasites at the beginning and end of each transmission season using rapid diagnostic tests.CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) will be used to sample adult mosquitoes and evaluate the impact of house screening on indoor mosquito density, species distribution and sporozoite rates.Discussion: This study will contribute epidemiological data on the impact of house screening on malaria transmission and assess the feasibility of its implementation on a programmatic scale. Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered on 11th August 2020. Registration number PACTR202008524310568.
Pan Evaporative Changes in Trans-boundary Godavari River basin, India
Authors: Jhajharia Deepak , Gupta Shivam , Mirabbasi Rasoul , Kumar Rohitashw , Patle G. T.
Published: April 2021

Pan evaporative changes are one of the key components of water resources management of a basin under changing climate and anthropogenic-induced warming. This study was undertaken for trans-boundary Godavari River (India) to identify trends through the Mann-Kendall (MK) test after removing the effect of significant lag-1 serial correlation from the climatic time-series by pre-whitening in pan evaporation (Epan) and in the probable causative meteorological parameters responsible for evaporative climatic changes in a large basin. Further, the Pettitt’s test was applied on Epan time series for estimating the change point year of Epan to find out the effective year when the change in pattern started reflecting in the time-series. At seasonal (monthly) time scales, statistically significant decreasing trends in Epan were witnessed in pre-monsoon season (in the months of March, April and May) over all the seven sites of the Godavari basin. Four sites witnessed statistically significant increasing trends in Tmin (Tmax) in July (December) and in monsoon (post monsoon) season in the basin. Statistically significant decreasing (increasing) trends in wind speed (relative humidity) in pre-monsoon and in month of March at these seven sites support the observed decline in the evaporative demand in the basin leading to possible enhancement in the total yield of the basin. Results of stepwise regression analysis showed that wind speed followed by relative humidity was found to be two main causative parameters of the observed decline in the Epan under the warmer environments in the basin. Pettitt’s test shows year 1991–1992 to be the probable year of change in the Epan in the Godavari river basin.
Development of Gut Microbiota Along with its Metabolites of Preschool Children
Authors: Xiong Jingjing , Hu Hongwei , Xu Chuanzhi , Yin Jianwen , Liu Mei , Zhang Lizhi , Duan Yong , Huang Yongkun
Published: April 2021

Aim: To reveal the changes of intestinal microbial abundance and composition, as well as the microbiota metabolic levels of bile acids and short chain fatty acids of healthy preschool children during their growth. Methods: Feces of 120 healthy newborns and 150 healthy children aged 6 months to 6 years were collected. Then the composition of intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rRNA, and the contents of bile acids and short chain fatty acids in feces were detected by LC-MS and GS methods, respectively. Results: The composition and function of intestinal microflora were not stable in neonatal period but significantly improved at 6 months after birth, and gradually stabilized and tended to adult-like formation after 2-3 years old. The levels of short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids were consistent with the development of gut microbiota. Conclusion: The age of 6 months may be a critical period for the development of intestinal microflora in children.
Comparison of extended reality and conventional methods of basic life support training: protocol for a multinational pragmatic clinical trial (XR BLS trial)
Authors: Im Chang Woo , Lee Dong Keon , Jo You Hwan , Chang Todd , Song Joo Lee , Luu Cindy , Mackinnon Ralph , Katherine Kuyt , Pillai Suresh , Lee Chuen Neng , Jheon Sanghoon , Ahn Soyeon , Won Seung Hyun
Published: April 2021

BackgroundConventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for the general public involves the use of a manikin and a training video, which has limitations of lack of realism and immersion. To overcome these limitations, virtual reality and extended reality technologies are being used in the field of medical education. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of the extended reality (XR)-based basic life support (BLS) training.MethodsThis study is a prospective, multinational, multicentre, randomized controlled study. Four institutions in 4 countries will participate in the study. A total of 154 participants will be randomly assigned to either the XR group or the conventional group stratified by institution and sex (1:1 ratio). Each participant who is allocated to either group will be sent to a separate room to receive training with an XR BLS module or conventional CPR training video. All participants will perform a test on a CPR manikin after the training. The primary outcome will be mean compression depth. The secondary outcome will be overall BLS performances, including compression rate, correct hand position, compression and full release and hands-off time. DiscussionUsing VR to establish a virtual educational environment can give trainees a sense of realism. In the XR environment, which combines the virtual world with the real world, trainees can more effectively learn various skills. This trial will provide evidence of the usefulness of XR in CPR education.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04736888. Registered on 29 January 2021
Evolution law of overall damage of concrete gravity dam under near-fault ground motion
Authors: Zhai Yafei , Zhang Liaojun , Zhang Hanyun , Ma Tianxiao , Cui Binghui
Published: April 2021

Strong earthquake cases of concrete gravity dams show that the foundation damage has an important influence on the seismic response and damage characteristics of the dam body. Compared with non-pulse ground motions, pulse-like near-fault ground motions have a wider response spectrum sensitive zone, which will cause more modes of the structure to respond, resulting in more serious damage to the structure. In order to study the real dynamic damage characteristics of concrete gravity dams under the action of near-fault ground motions, this paper takes Koyna gravity dam as the object and establishes a multi-coupling simulation model that can reasonably reflect the dynamic damage evolution process of dam concrete and foundation rock mass. A total of 12 near-fault ground motion records with three types of rupture directivity pulse, fling-step pulse and non-pulse are selected, deep research on the overall damage evolution law of concrete gravity dams. Considering the additional influence of different earthquake mechanisms, different site types and other factors on the study, the selected ground motion records are from the same seismic events (Chi-Chi), the same direction but different stations. The results show that the foundation of the concretes gravity dam often get damaged before the dam body under the action of strong earthquakes. Compared with the near-fault non-pulse ground motion, the structural damage of the gravity dam under the action of the near-fault directivity pulse ground motion is significantly increased, and causes greater damage and displacement response to the dam body. The near-fault fling-step pulse ground motion has the least impact on the dynamic response of the gravity dam structure.
The NUDGE Trial Pragmatic Trial to Enhance Medication Adherence: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Glasgow Russell E. , Knoepke Christopher E. , Magid David , Grunwald Gary K. , Glorioso Thomas J. , Waughtal Joy , Marrs Joel C. , Bull Sheana , Ho P. Michael
Published: April 2021

Background Nearly half of patients do not take their cardiovascular medications as prescribed, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Mobile and digital technologies for health promotion and disease self-management offer an opportunity to adapt behavioral “nudges” using ubiquitous mobile phone technology to facilitate medication adherence. The Nudge pragmatic clinical trial uses population-level pharmacy data to deliver nudges via mobile phone text messaging and an artificial intelligent interactive chat bot with the goal of improving medication adherence and patient outcomes in three integrated healthcare delivery systems. Methods The Theory of mHealth, the Expanded RE-AIM/PRISM, and the PRECIS-2 frameworks were used for program planning, implementation and evaluation, along with a focus on dissemination and cost considerations. During the planning phase, the Nudge study team developed and piloted a technology-based nudge message and chat bot of optimized interactive content libraries for a range of diverse patients. Inclusion criteria are very broad and include patients in one of three diverse health systems who take medications to treat hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. A target of approximately 10,000 participants will be randomized to one of 4 study arms: usual care (no intervention), generic nudge (text reminder), optimized nudge, and optimized nudge plus interactive AI chat bot. The PRECIS-2 tool indicated that the study protocol is very pragmatic, although there is variability across PRECIS-2 dimensions.Discussion The primary effectiveness outcome is medication adherence defined by the proportion of days covered (PDC) using pharmacy refill data. Implementation outcomes are assessed using the RE-AIM framework, with particular focus on reach, consistency of implementation, adaptations, cost, and maintenance/sustainability. The project has limitations including limited power to detect some subgroup effects, medication complications (bleeding) and longer-term outcomes (myocardial infarction). Strengths of the study include the diverse health care systems, a feasible and generalizable intervention, transparent reporting using established pragmatic research and implementation science frameworks, strong stakeholder engagement and planning for dissemination and sustainment.Trial registration The study was funded by the NIH grant number is 4UH3HL144163-02 issued 4/5/19. The Clinicaltrial.gov identifier number is NCT03973931 which was registered on 6/4/2019. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03973931
Analysis of the gap in enterprise access to renewable energy between rural and urban areas in Cameroon
Authors: Juliot Mpabe Bodjongo Mathieu , Christol Ekane Ekome Guy , Kabwe Omoyi epse Essomme Fanny
Published: April 2021

Permanent access to energy is an essential pillar of economic development. However, there is a growing evidence that contemporary energy systems are not able to provide energy to the entire population on a sustainable basis and at affordable prices. In the face of these challenges, renewable energy can play an important role, especially in rural areas where access to centralized electricity grids is difficult. This paper aims to examine the access gaps of enterprises to renewable energy between rural and urban areas in Cameroon. The analysis is based on a sample of 209,482 enterprises, taken from the Second General Census of Enterprises in Cameroon (RGE-2) carried out by the National Institute of Statistics (NIS). The econometric estimations, obtained using the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition, reveal that access rate to renewable energy for firms in rural areas is lower than that of firms located in urban areas. An increase in the level of education of the promoter of an enterprise, obtaining credit from banks, microfinance and savings, and the formalization of enterprises in rural areas can also contribute to reducing the gap in rural areas in terms of accessing to renewable energy. The discrimination suffered by rural enterprises related to the gender of entrepreneurs, the sector of activity, the business environment and professional experience tend to increase this gap. To reduce this gap, there is a need to promote access to finance for rural enterprises and their migration from the informal to the formal sector.
Assessment of the socio-economic and environmental development of a region: A result-oriented approach
Authors: Burkynskyi Borys , Horiachuk Valerii , Laiko Oleksandr , Shlafman Nataliya , Krivtsova Olena
Published: April 2021

Assessment of the socio-economic and environmental development of regions is one of the main tasks of regional policy, especially in the context of the decentralization reform in Ukraine. Biased and unsubstantiated assessment can disorient management bodies and significantly reduce efficiency and effectiveness of management, which leads to negative consequences. The paper aims to assess the development of Ukrainian regions based on the result-oriented approach. The analysis of available methodical approaches to the assessment has shown that they have significant conceptual flaws and do not provide a reasonable and transparent assessment. The proposed methodical approaches are as follows: the use of a model of sustainable development and assessments in the social, economic and environmental fields; transition from an integral indicator to a limited range of key indicators (results); use of additional indicators that complement the main ones; calculation of the rating of a region in the world; determination of the trend of changes in key indicators over the past 10 years; qualitative assessment of the regions’ state based on thresholds. Based on the proposed approach, the socio-economic and environmental development of Odesa region is assessed.
AcknowledgmentsThis publication was prepared within the framework of the scientific project “Organizational and economic mechanism of increasing productivity of entrepreneurial activity in Ukraine” at the expense of the budget program “Support of priority areas of scientific research development” (КПКВК6541230).
The Effect Analysis of Braden Scale on Pressure Ulcer in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Silalahi Desri Kristina , Mukhtar Husneni , Sari Sheizi Prista , Sari Eka Afrima , Barus Dandi Trianta
Published: April 2021

The research aimed to analyze the Braden Scale on the incidence of compressive wounds in elderly people who lived in homes, whether they were or not under the supervision of health workers. The research was analytic with a cross-sectional study. With the purposive sampling technique, the data collection was carried out from several areas in Bandung from October to November 2017. Moreover, the analysis used was multiple regression to see the effect of the Braden Scale on pressure ulcers. The multiple linear regression model was also tested. The results show that 48,22% of pressure ulcer factors can be influenced by sensory perception, humidity, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction. Sensory perception, activity and friction have significant influence on incidence of pressure ulcers. Meanwhile, the humidity, mobility, and nutrition do not significantly influence it.
Trans-regional rice supply paradigm reveals unsustainable water use in China
Authors: Wu Liang , Wang Min , Avishek Kirti
Published: April 2021

Rice is an important staple food for more than half of the global population and one of the largest water consumers on earth. Improving the efficiency of water embedded in rice production and supply could have great implications for food and water security. This study starts from Yunnan, a traditional rice producing and consuming province in southwest China, and analyses its rice supply structure and dynamics, together with embedded water footprints (WFs) of three other regions: Northeast China, South and Southwest China and Southeast Asia. The results show that Yunnan has been through drastic food change in the past decades, leading to an increasing production and supply gap. Yunnan is found to have the least WF (778.2 m3/t) for rice production across the study regions, while Northeast China consumes the highest blue WF (364.6 m3/t) and blue to total WF ratio (97.7%). The study indicates that Northeast China is at risk of groundwater deficit due to rice production and export and the current rice production and consumption pattern is inefficient. The study suggests that policies for groundwater extraction, water resource price and international trade need to be in place to ensure sustainable food supply and water use at regional and national levels.
Update of river health assessment indicator system, weight, and assignment criteria in China
Authors: Liu Yin , Su Huidong , Zhang Shuanghu , Jin Tiantian
Published: April 2021

Comprehensive assessment of river health is challenging due to the diversity of rivers, the complexity of their ecosystem and functional service. This paper updates the river health assessment indicator system, weight, and assignment criteria in China by reviewing and examining the peer-reviewed literature. We propose an indicator system, weight, and criteria, validated by nine case studies and able to assess the country-scale river health. Our analysis shows that the rule layer of indicator system includes hydrology, water quality, aquatic organism, physical habitats, and functional service; its corresponding weights are set to 0.15, 0.21, 0.18, 0.22, and 0.24, respectively. The ten most representative indicators are selected that incorporates the indicator layer with their corresponding weights. The evaluation based on case studies shows that in eight out of nine cases, our results are consistent with those obtained in previous studies. Therefore, the suggested index system, weight, and three-assessment criteria are well suited for the complex cases in China. This paper can serve as a reference for a river health assessment and present a comprehensive listing of assessment criteria.
Plantas bioativas para uso no paisagismo
Authors: FARIAS MENEGAES JANINE , Backes Fernanda Alice Antonello Londero
Published: April 2021

O paisagismo tem como finalidade ornamentar ambientes, utilizando espécies vegetais com aptidões multifuncionais, como as plantas bioativas, além de considerar, também, uma forma de preservação do patrimônio vegetal. As plantas bioativas são aquelas que apresentam princípios ativos que possibilitam diversos benefícios aos seres vivos, desde comestível, medicinal a ornamental. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre o uso de plantas bioativas no paisagismo, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica em livros, artigos e plataformas digitais. Observou-se que há um grande número de espécies vegetais (arbóreas, arbustivas e de forração) que podem ser caracterizadas como bioativas, sendo a essas atribuídas um ou mais usos quanto a sua finalidade, seja alimentar, medicinal, condimentar, aromática, fitorremediadora de ambientes contaminados, fungicida e inseticida natural, entre outros. Os dados publicados na literatura indicam que o uso de plantas bioativas em áreas planejadas através do paisagismo pode ser multifuncional, a escolha da espécies podem auxiliar tanto em aspectos estéticos, psicológicos e alimentares.
Análise da comunidade zooplanctônica em fitotelmos de bromélias, Rio de janeiro, Brasil
Authors: SAMPAIO Gabriela Silva , SILVA Yemna Gomes da , FARIAS Julia de Morais , RAMOS Beatriz Rodrigues D'Oliveira , FREITAS Yasmin de Góes Cohn , BRANCO Christina Wyss Castelo , MIRANDA Viviane Bernardes dos Santos
Published: April 2021

As bromélias, devido às suas características morfológicas, são capazes de fornecer microhabitats para diversas formas de vida, dentre elas destacam-se os organismos zooplanctônicos. Desse modo, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a comunidade zooplanctônica presente em bromélias de uma região natural de mata atlântica. Variáveis limnológicas foram mensuradas in situ e as amostras de zooplâncton coletadas utilizando ferramentas específicas, sendo posteriormente analisadas em microscópio óptico. Os táxons mais representativos encontrados foram os protistas dos grupos Cryptophyta e Ciliophora. A maior riqueza encontrada foi de rotíferos, provavelmente relacionada aos altos valores de abundância de ciliados e flagelados, que os servem de alimento. Também foi possível observar as interações faunísticas que existem nesse habitat, obtendo como exemplo o mecanismo de hiperforesia. Por fim, graças à variedade de táxons zooplanctônicos encontrados, desmistifica-se a ideia de que esse ambiente se comporta apenas como um criadouro de vetores de doenças.
Bacteriophages: from Isolation to Application
Authors: Abdelsattar Abdallah , Dawoud Alyaa , Makky Salsabil , Nofal Rana , Aziz Ramy , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: April 2021

Bacteriophages are considered as a potential alternative to fight pathogenic bacteria during the
antibiotic resistance era. With their high specificity, they are widely used in various applications: medicine,
food industry, agriculture, animal farms, biotechnology, diagnosis, etc. Many techniques have been
designed by different researchers for phage isolation, purification, and amplification, each of which has
strengths and weaknesses. However, all aim at having a reasonably pure phage sample that can be further
characterized. Phages can be characterized based on their physiological, morphological or inactivation
tests. Microscopy, in particular, opened a wide gate, not only for visualizing phage morphological
structure, but also for monitoring biochemistry and behavior. Meanwhile, computational analysis of
phage genomes provides more details about phage history, lifestyle, and the potential for toxigenic or
lysogenic conversion, which translate to safety in biocontrol and phage therapy applications. This review
article summarizes phage application pipelines at different levels, and addresses specific restrictions and
knowledge gaps in the field. Recently developed computational approaches, which are used in phage
genome analysis, are critically assessed. We hope that this assessment provides researchers with useful
insights for the selection of suitable approaches for phage-related research aims and applications.
Gene Therapy in the Anterior Eye Segment
Authors: Amador Cynthia , Shah Ruchi , Ghiam Sean , Kramerov Andrei A. , Ljubimov Alexander V.
Published: April 2021

:

This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye, including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments, including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.
The Bioactive Potential of Culturable Fungal Endophytes Isolated From the Leaf of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don
Authors: Singh Sucheta , Verma Surjeet , Yadav Dharmendra K. , Kumar Anant , Tyagi Rekha , Gupta Priyanka , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar U. , Darokar Mahendra P. , Srivastava Santosh K. , Kalra Alok
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Endophyte is considered a source of natural bioactive secondary metabolites
that provides an array of bioactive lead compounds. The present study was aimed to determine
the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential of fungal endophytes isolated from Catharanthus
roseus.

Methods:

A total of seven fungal endophytes crude extract were screened against bacterial pathogens.
Of these, Curvularia geniculata CATDLF7 crude extract exhibited the most potent inhibitory
activity against bacterial pathogens. Hence, CATDLF7 crude extract was subjected to chromatographic
separation. This purification leads to the isolation of six pure compounds (1PS - 6PS). Of
these, 3PS was found to be a major constituent and most effective against clinical isolates of methicillin-
resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values
ranging from 100 to 200 μg/ml. Based on the spectroscopic data, 3PS was characterized as α,β-
dehydrocurvularin. This compound also showed synergistic interaction with norfloxacin and reduced
its MIC up to 32-folds with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.09.

Results:

To understand the possible antibacterial mechanism of action, α,β-dehydrocurvularin
alone (100 μg/ml) exhibited efflux pump inhibitory potential by 0.84 fold decreasing in ethidium
bromide (EtBr) fluorescence. In addition, α,β-dehydrocurvularin inhibited inflammatory cytokines
TNF-α and IL-6 production, which is further validated by molecular docking scores -4.921 and
-5.641, respectively, for understanding orientation and binding affinity.

Conclusion:

Overall, the results highlighted identifying bioactive compound α,β-dehydrocurvularin,
which could be used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent.
Increased Fetal Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Potential Synergy Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Espinoza Cristian , Fuenzalida Barbara , Leiva Andrea
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of death worldwide. Evidence
suggests that the risk for CVD can increase at the fetal stages due to maternal metabolic diseases,
such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia
(MSPH). GDM is a hyperglycemic, inflammatory, and insulin-resistant state that increases
plasma levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides, impairs endothelial vascular tone regulation,
and due to the increased nutrient transport, exposes the fetus to the altered metabolic conditions of
the mother. MSPH involves increased levels of cholesterol (mainly as low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol) which also causes endothelial dysfunction and alters nutrient transport to the fetus. Despite
that an association has already been established between MSPH and increased CVD risk, however,
little is known about the cellular processes underlying this relationship. Our knowledge is further
obscured when the simultaneous presentation of MSPH and GDM takes place. In this context,
GDM and MSPH may substantially increase fetal CVD risk due to synergistic impairment of placental
nutrient transport and endothelial dysfunction. More studies on the separate and/or cumulative
role of both processes are warranted to suggest specific treatment options.
Synthesis, Biophysical Characterization, and Anti-HIV-1 Fusion Activity of DNA Quadruplex-based Inhibitors with Dipeptide MT Hook Conjugation
Authors: Xu Liang , Han Zeye , Ren Hongqian
Published: April 2021

Background:

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection is the reason for
the epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The development of HIV-1 fusion
inhibitors has gained increasing attention as they were found to be effective in the early stage of
HIV-1. DNA G-quadruplex-based inhibitors have been found to interact with HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein,
showing anti–HIV-1 fusion activity. C-peptide-derived molecules with Met-Thr terminal
also showed potent anti-fusion activity; the Met-Thr dipeptide adopted a hook-like structure
(termed MT hook) in the hydrophobic pocket to “anchor” inhibitors to the N-terminal heptad repeat
(NHR) of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp41.

Objective:

Our work was to conjugate MT hooks to the 5'-terminal ends of DNA quadruplex-based inhibitor and demonstrate its biophysical characterization and anti–HIV-1 fusion activity.

Methods:

A 6-aminohexanol phosphonamidite was utilized in solid synthesis for the conjunction
of oligodeoxynucleotide and MT dipeptide. Hydrophobic groups were introduced by a nucleoside
analogue from the base site. Circular dichroism spectrum and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
were used to confirm the helix formation. A cell-cell fusion assay was carried out to
test the anti-fusion activity.

Results:

The conjugate G1 showed improved anti-cell-cell fusion activity than quadruplex without
MT hook. The MT hook did not affect the oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) G-quadruplex assembly. It
was also proved that G1 could effectively interfere with endogenous 6-helical bundle (6HB) formation
between the N-terminal heptad repeat N36 (NHR) and the C-terminal heptad repeat C34
(CHR) during virus fusion course.

Conclusion:

In this work, a conjugate of DNA-oligopeptide was successfully synthesized. The conjugation
of MT hook did improve the anti-fusion activity of DNA G-quadruplex-based inhibitors.
Our results can provide information regarding structure-activity relationships of DNA helix-based
inhibitors and a reference for the follow-up experimental studies.
Prevalence and Predictors of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use Among Elderly Patients Using Updated Beers Criteria 2019: A Single Centered Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Chinthalapudi Syam Sundar , Cheeti Srilakshmi , Bajpai Aditi , Deepika S. , Thunga Girish , Rashid Muhammed , Acharya Raviraja V. , Nair Sreedharan
Published: April 2021

Background:

Inappropriate medication use poses a sizable health safety hazard in the elderly owing to aging-associated physiological and anatomic changes. Inappropriate drug prescribing and polypharmacy in this population elevate the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADR). The study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predictors of Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) use in elderly patients according to updated Beers Criteria 2019.

Method:

Medical records of 402 patients aged ≥65 years admitted to a tertiary care hospital from June 2018 to May 2019 were analyzed. The patients who received at least one PIM based on the 2019 Updated Beers Criteria were considered as test cases and others as control. Data were presented as descriptive statistics, and logistic regression was performed to assess the factors affecting the outcomes.

Result:

The mean age was found to be 73.7 ±6.4 years in the test and 70.5±5.5 years in the control group. The prevalence of PIMs to be used with caution was found to be 54%. Whereas the prevalence of PIMs to be avoided and to be used with reduced dose was found to be 45% and 1%, respectively. The most prescribed PIMs were aspirin, diuretics, long-acting sulfonylureas, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Increasing age, polypharmacy, and the number of drugs in medication history were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with a substantial risk of PIM use. The risk of developing serious and moderate drug-drug interactions (DDIs) was significantly high in the test group (p<0.05) when compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of PIMs was observed in this study. Age, polypharmacy, and ≥ 3 drugs in medication history were identified as risk factors for PIM use, and at a higher risk of developing DDIs. Continuous medication reviews by clinical pharmacists can aid in reducing the occurrence of PIMs amongst geriatrics.
Research Progress of Bionic Water Strider Robot
Authors: Jiang Jingang , Tan Qiyun , Yu Xiaoyang , Wu Dianhao , Yao Liang
Published: April 2021

Background:

The bionic water strider robot can achieve sliding, jumping, and other movements
on the water surface, having advantages of small size, light weight, flexible movements, and other
characteristics. It can detect the quality of water, investigate and search the water surface, and perform
some other operations. It has a very broad range of applications and development prospects.
Therefore, the trend of biomimetic water strider robots is attracting more and more attention.

Objective:

This study aimed to review the bionic water strider robot and introduce its classification,
characteristics, and development.

Methods:

This paper reviews various productions and patents related to the bionic water strider robot
from 2003 to the present. The sources of the papers include CNKI, Wanfang, Patent publication announcement
in China, Web of Science, IEEE, Elsevier, Springer-Verlag, Espacenet, and FPO IP Research
& Communities. To obtain the results, an endnote was used for documentation, and citeSapce
was used for visual analysis.

Results:

The mechanical structure of existing bionic water strider robots has been analyzed and compared.
Furthermore, the typical characteristics are concluded. The main problems in its development are
analyzed, and the development trend is foreseen. Furthermore, the current and future research prospects
of the productions and patents on the bionic water strider robot are discussed.

Conclusion:

The optimization and development of the structure of the bionic water strider robot and the
development of associated components help to improve the simulation of the water strider's motion and
perform a better task in a complex water surface environment. In the future, with the improvement in the
research, the bionic water strider robot will develop into miniaturization, intelligence, and integration.
Comprehensive assessment and its relationship with high school students learning
Authors: Mendoza Israel David Carofilis , Alcívar Yenny Rossana Comboza , Sabando María Virginia Garcés , Pico Nory Andreina Sornoza
Published: April 2021

The research aims to analyze comprehensive assessment and its relationship with student learning in a particular educational unit in the city of Portoviejo. The applied methodology has a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative), an exploratory research was carried out to analyze the problem. The research techniques used were the survey of the teaching staff of the institution and the academic averages of the elementary school students. The results reflected that in the institution the comprehensive evaluation is partially applied, which is reflected in an acceptable academic performance. It was concluded that teachers apply evaluative instruments as they deem necessary, there is no homogeneity between hetero-evaluation, co-evaluation and self-evaluation.
NILAI KEARIFAN LOKAL SASAK DALAM PERSEKOLAHAN DI LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Habibudin Habibudin
Published: April 2021

Nilai-nilai kearifan lokal Sasak dapat berperan untuk membangun perdamaian di tengah kehidupan masyarakat. Namun sayangnya nilai-nilai tersebut hanya hidup dalam alam pikiran, belum berperan dalam membentuk sikap dan perilaku damai. Penelitian ini bertujuan meng-analisis nilai-nilai perdamaian dalam nilai-nilai kearifan lokal etnis Sasak pada kehidupan di sekolah. Penelitian ini menggunakan paradigma kualitatif dengan jenis grounded theory. Pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data menggunakan model interaktif, yakni pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, pengambilan simpulan. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan nilai-nilai perdamaian yang terkandung dalam nilai-nilai kearifan lokal etnis Sasak terdiri atas 10 (sepuluh) nilai, yakni saling ajinang (saling meng-hormati, menghargai), tertip-terpi (tertib-teratur), teguq (tanggung jawab), solah perateq, (baik hati), soloh (toleransi, cinta damai), tetes (partisipatif), saling saduq (saling percaya), besemeton (persaudaraan), ra’i (empati), dan bedadayan (kerja sama).THE VALUES OF SASAK LOCAL WISDOM IN SCHOOLING IN EAST LOMBOKThe values of Sasak local wisdom play a role in building peace in people's lives. But unfortunately, these values only live in the realm of the mind, have not played a role in shaping peaceful attitudes and behaviors. This study aims to analyze the values of peace in the local wisdom values of the Sasak ethnic group in school life. This study uses a qualitative paradigm with a type of grounded theory. Collecting data through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis used an interactive model, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research findings show that the peace values contained in the local wisdom values of the Sasak ethnic group consist of 10 (ten) values, namely ajinang (mutual respect, respect), tertip-terti (orderly), teguq (responsibility ), solah perateq, (kindness), soloh (tolerance, love of peace), drops (participative), mutual trust (mutual trust), besemeton (brotherhood), ra'i (empathy), and bedadayan (cooperation).
Peran komite sekolah dalam meningkatkan mutu pendidikan: Studi pada SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta
Authors: Irawan Effendy , Nurhadi Nurhadi , Yuhastina Yuhastina
Published: April 2021

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mendiskripsikan peran komite sekolah dalam upaya peningkatan mutu pendidikan di SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif, dengan teknik pengumpulan data wawancara mendalam. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik analisis data kualitatif model Miles & Huberman. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa disfungsi tugas komite sekolah sebagai penindaklanjut aspirasi masyarakat tidak mempengaruhi turunnya mutu pendidikan di SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta. Hal ini karena perangkat pendidikan SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta sebagai sebuah sistem sosial bersifat otopoietik yang dapat memperbaharui ketidakberfungsian pada salah satu atau beberapa subsistem pendidikan. Partisipasi diperluas dalam berbagai aspek baik sarana, prasarana, maupun kerajasama dengan stake holderThe role of school committees in improving the quality of education: Studies at SMP Negeri 1 SurakartaThis study aims to reveal the role of the school committee in efforts to improve the quality of education in SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques by interview. Data analysis was performed using the Milles & Huberman analysis technique model. The conclusion of this study is the dysfunction in the school committee's duties as a follow-up role for community aspirations does not affect the decline in the quality of education at Surakarta 1 Public Junior High School. This is because the educational apparatus of Surakarta 1 Public Junior High School as a social system is autopoietic which can renew the malfunctioning in one or several of its subsystems. Participation is expanded in various aspects, including facilities, infrastructure, and cooperation with stakeholders
Effectiveness of Guided Inquiry-Based on Blended Learning in Improving Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Saekawati Rita , Nasrudin Harun
Published: April 2021

This research aims to examine the effectiveness guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning on reaction rate material to improve students' critical thinking skills. The design in this research is the One Group Pretest and Posttest Design. The subjects in this research were students of SMAN 1 Kalitidu Bojonegoro in class XI IPA 1. The method used to collect data was the test, observation, and student response questionnaires. Data analysis used the percentage, mean, N-Gain, and Paired sample t-test. The results showed that the guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning was carried out well with an average percentage of the implementation of phase 1 was 98%, phase 2 was 93.76%, phase 3 was 100%, phase 4 was 93.75%, phase 5 was 100%. The average score of the N-gain critical thinking skills is 0.73 with the high category. There is a significant difference in the results of critical thinking skills between before and after being given a guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning. The results showed the guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning effectively improving students' critical thinking skills. Efektivitas Inkuiri Terbimbing Berbasis Blended Learning dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir KritisPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji keefektifan model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing berbasis blended learning pada materi laju reaksi dalam meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik. Design pada penelitian ini adalah One Group Pretest and Posttest Design. Sasaran dalam penelitian ini yaitu peserta didik XI IPA 1 SMA Negeri 1 Kalitidu Bojonegoro. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan berupa tes, observasi dan angket respon. Analisis data menggunakan teknik persentase, mean, n-gain, dan uji Paired Sample T-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing berbasis blended learning terlaksana dengan baik dengan rata-rata persentase keterlaksanaan fase 1 sebesar 98%, fase 2 sebesar 93,76%, fase 3 sebesar 100%, fase 4 sebesar 93,75%, fase 5 sebesar 100%. Nilai rata-rata N-gain kemampuan berpikir kritis adalah sebesar 0,73 dengan kategori tinggi. Terdapat perbedaan hasil keterampilan berpikir kritis yang signifikan antara sebelum dan sesudah diberikan model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing berbasis blended learning. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing berbasis blended learning efektif untuk meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik.
As Lições de um Desastre
Authors: RSP Editor
Published: April 2021

A reprovação de todos os candidatos que se apresentaram àprimeira prova (eliminatória) de Administração Pública, no Concursopara provimento dos cargos iniciais da Carreira de Técnicode Administração — e foram apenas 41 dentre mais de 200 inscritos— não terá surpreendido aos observadores isentos da realidadeadministrativa federal. Neste mesmo local, em abril, chegamos aantecipar tal resultado. Na ocasião, alguns tacharam o nosso comentáriode ferino e destituído de qualquer espírito construtivo;já outros apenas discerniram indícios de um melancólico pessimismo.Relendo agora aquêle Editorial, admitimos de bom gradoo que os críticos haviam assinalado: talvez pouco oportuna, a ironialá estava; mas não era verdade que o viciasse qualquer pessimismo,e menos ainda que nêle se encontrassem observações semespírito construtivo.
Do Tribunal de Contas como Tribunal de Justiça
Authors: Coelho Jurandyr
Published: April 2021

O Tribunal tem jurisdição sôbre todo o território nacional e exerce essaatribuição sôbre as pessoas e matérias sujeitas à sua competência, a qualabrange todos os responsáveis por dinheiros, valores e material pertencentess Nação, ou pelos quais esta responda, ainda quando exerçam êles suas funçõesou residam no exterior, bem como sôbre os herdeiros, fiadores e representantesdos mesmos responsáveis. A jurisdição sôbre as contas públicas éprópria e privativa. Intangível, única e privativa, nesse particular, é a autoridadedo Tribunal.
Критический ток в длинном джозефсоновском контакте во внешнем магнитном поле при сильном пиннинге
Authors: Зеликман М.А.
Published: April 2021

Проведен анализ возможных токовых распределений при пропускании тока через периодически модулированный длинный джозефсоновский контакт, находящийся во внешнем магнитном поле. Рассмотрен случай, когда величина параметра пиннинга больше критического значения. Показано, что максимальная величина незатухающего тока при любом значении внешнего магнитного поля определяется только длиной контакта и не зависит от внешнего магнитного поля. Для расчета использован подход, основанный на анализе непрерывного видоизменения токовой конфигурации, протекающего в направлении уменьшения потенциала Гиббса. Ключевые слова: джозефсоновский контакт, сверхпроводимость, пиннинг.
Электрическое сопротивление и магнитная восприимчивость сплавов CoFeSiBNb + REM при высоких температурах
Authors: Русанов Б.А. , Сидоров В.Е. , Михайлов В.А. , Svec Sr. P. , Janickovic D.
Published: April 2021

Electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility of Co48Fe25Si4B19Nb4 + R (R = Nd, Sm, Tb, Yb) alloys in crystalline and liquid states were studied in present work. Electronic characteristics (effective magnetic moment, density of states at the Fermi level and paramagnetic Curie temperature) were calculated from experimental data. It is shown that all rare earth metals that were used should increase the glass-forming ability of alloys, but neodymium and samarium can have the greatest effect.