bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of sous vide processing to enhance the quality of beef short ribs
Authors: Karki Roman , Bremer Phil , Silcock Patrick , Oey Indrawati
Published: March 2022

The aim of this research was to study the effect of sous vide temperature (60, 65, and 70°C) and time (12, 24, and 36 h) combination on the quality of beef short ribs namely colour, cooking loss (%), shrinkage (%), soluble collagen (%), myfibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), Warner Bratlzler Shear force (WBSF), and Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) parameters. Aluminium and polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and polyamide plastic laminate pouch was recommended for sous vide processing due to no detrimental effect on colour owing to its low oxygen permeability. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in shrinkage in volume (%), cooking loss (%), and the proportion of soluble collagen (%) and MFI when sous vide temperature and the processing time were increased to 70°C and 36 h, respectively. WBSF and the TPA hardness value were significantly lower (p < 0.05) at 70°C than at 60°C both for 36 hours due to higher level of solubilisation of collagen and myofibrillar fragmentation by prolonged heating in the moist in-pack environment and overpressure created by saturated steam. As the use of a laminate pouch reduced the oxidation of red myoglobin to brown metmyoglobin, the effect of sous vide temperature and time on International Commission on Illumination (CIE) hue angle and Chroma was not significant. Based on the data obtained, process optimisation using third order regression was conducted and the results revealed that optimum sous vide processing temperature and time combination for beef short ribs was 60°C and 34.06 h.
Full-length ITS1 Genes Amplicon Analysis of Gut Mycobiome Using Nanopore Flongle Sequencing Reveals Unique Fungal Communities between Indoor and Outdoor Felines in Malaysia
Authors: Tay Darren Dean , Siew Shing Wei , Kamal Shamrulazhar Shamzir , Razali Mohd Najib , Ahmad Hajar Fauzan
Published: March 2022

The gut mycobiome exhibits major influence on the feline gastrointestinal health and disease but received less attention due to low microbial abundance. This study aims to characterise the fungal community and compare the microbial diversity between indoor and outdoor cats that devoured to different diets. The fecal samples used in this study were obtained from five indoor and five outdoor cats. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced by targeting the full-length internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region using Flongle flow cell on MinION™ sequencing platform. We discovered that the Ascomycota phylum and Peniophorella genus were numerous in indoor cats, whereas the Basidiomycota phyla and Pichia genus were abundant in outdoor cats. The genus Peniophorella formed the core mycobiome in both indoor and outdoor feline populations. Furthermore, alpha diversity (p-value = 0.0207) revealed that the fungal composition of outdoor cats had greater variety within the sample than that of indoor cats. The mycobiome composition differed significantly between the two groups, as demonstrated by beta diversity (p-value = 0.009) using the Bray-Curtis index distance technique. Overall, indoor cats have greater amounts of Peniophorella, whereas outdoor cats have higher Trichosporon and unclassified Sordariaceae. The study also suggests that keeping a cat indoors or left as a stray will affect their respective gut mycobiome.
Default mode network is associated with wise advising from the second- but not the third-person perspective
Authors: Zheng Yanbin , Dong Guang-Heng , Glassman Harley , Huang Chenli , Xuan Ran , Hu Chao
Published: March 2022

Advice-giving is an important way to share life experiences and promote wisdom in society. We hypothesized that resting-state Default Mode Network (DMN) activity should be associated with increased wisdom when advising from a self-related perspective due to the DMN's involvement in reflection of personal life experiences. In our study, 52 participants provided advice on various life dilemmas using either a second- or third-person perspective after receiving a resting-state functional MRI scan. The results showed that participants felt significantly smaller psychological distance from advising protagonists on life dilemmas from the second- than the third-person perspective. Additionally, the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in regions of the DMN (e.g., prefrontal cortex) was significantly correlated with metacognitive humility when advising from the second- but not the third-person perspective. Taken together, resting-state DMN activity may contribute to wise advising from a second-person perspective but not a third-person perspective, which involves greater self-distancing.
Elderly Onset Male MELAS: A Case Report
Authors: Diao Sheng Peng , Peng Zhong-Xing , Liu Ai-Qun , Zhou Zhi-Hua , Yu Qing-Yun , Hong Ming-Fan
Published: March 2022

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is the most common mitochondrial disease. MELAS in the elderly onset is rarely seen. We herein describe the case of a 61-year-old male MELAS patient. He had experienced acute migraine-like headaches as the first symptoms. Laboratory data showed elevated lactate and creatine kinase levels. Brain MRI showed a high signal intensity lesion in the left occipital-temporal-parietal lobe on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MR angiography revealed reversible vasoconstriction of the middle cerebral arteries and bilateral superficial temporal arteries. Muscle biopsy suggests minor muscle damage. A genetic study revealed a mitochondrial DNA A3243G point mutation. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is a high incidence in the elderly. Elderly patients with high signal intensity on brain DWI are easily misdiagnosed as ischemic stroke. MELAS should be considered in elderly stroke-like attack patients with multi-lobe DWI high signal without corresponding responsible cerebrovascular disease. MELAS can be preliminarily considered according to MRA, DWI, muscle enzyme, and lactic acid. Suspected patients can be diagnosed with MELAS by muscle biopsy and/or gene detection. Reversible dilation of bilateral superficial temporal arteries supports mitochondrial dysfunction as one of the pathogenesis of migraine.
Is the Arabic version of the WeeFIM instrument reliable and feasible enough to measure functional independence in Egyptian children with burns?
Authors: othman Eman
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The adaptation of the Arabic WeeFIM instrument to an interview format suitable for burned children with communicative and/or cognitive problems with evaluation of its feasibility and reliability.
Methods
An observational study with two measurements within a 2-week time period in a sample of 53 patients with healed burns who were aged 3 to 16 years. Feasibility was evaluated by the assessment of the frequency of missing answers per item and administration time. The reliability was assessed by a test-retest procedure. For content validity, experts were asked to complete all questions in the Arabic Index of Content Validity (ICV).
Results
The Arabic version of WeeFIM has borderline reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.619 and Pearson correlation coefficient: r = 0.986). There was an acceptable percent to have a feasible test as 83.963% of the filled questionnaires had no missing answers and 16.037% had missing answers. The ICV showed that all the questions were relevant except for two questions: Question 15, for expression, and question 18, for memory.
Conclusion
The Arabic version of WeeFIM has high test-retest reliability, borderline internal consistency, and excellent feasibility in measuring the functional outcome of burned children.
Occurrence of Pfcrt SNP at Codon 72&76 and Pfmdr1 SNPs at Codons 86&184 and 1034,1042&1246 in Out-Patients from a Malaria Endemic Region in Southwest, Nigeria.
Authors: MO Oniya , ET Obimakinde , IA Simon-Oke , OJ Afolabi , AO Adeogun , TA Oyeniyi
Published: March 2022

The research identified, ipso facto, Pfcrt gene SNP at codon 72&76 and Pfmdr1 gene SNPs at codons 86 &184 and 1034,1042 &1246 from malaria patients in Ifedore LGA in Ondo State, Nigeria. Thick blood film microscopy was used to examine blood samples from 2,063 febrile malaria patients within the study area. Four hundred positive samples were used to make Dry Blood Spots (DBS) on Whatmann No.3 paper. The parasite DNA was extracted from the DBS samples using spin column-based DNA purification kit. Identification and genotyping of the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes of the parasite were done using Nested PCR method. Molecular analysis of the 400 positive samples yielded 352 positive results after testing with various plasmodia markers with only Plasmodium falciparum detected in the study area. Results obtained from genotyping the mutant genes showed that of all the 352 P. falciparum isolates examined, Pfmdr1 SNP at codons 86&184 recorded the highest prevalence (11.08%), followed by Pfmdr1 SNP at codon 1034,1042&1246 (7.95%) while Pfcrt SNP at codon 72&76 recorded the lowest prevalence (3.41%). A prevalence of 19.32% coexistence of the three SNPs of the mutant genes was observed among the study population (p<0.05). The existence of the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant genes suggests resistance of P. falciparum to most malaria drugs used in the treatment of malaria in the study area. Therefore, it is important to monitor resistance to treatment regimes and therapeutics to aid management of malaria in endemic areas.
Coral and Seawater Metagenomes Reveal Key Microbial Functions to Coral Health and Ecosystem Functioning Shaped at Reef Scale
Authors: Lima Laís Farias Oliveira , Alker Amanda , Papudeshi Bhavya , Morris Megan , Edwards Robert , de Putron Samantha , Dinsdale Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

The coral holobiont is comprised of a highly diverse microbial community that provides key services to corals such as protection against pathogens and nutrient cycling. The coral surface mucus layer (SML) microbiome is very sensitive to external changes, as it constitutes the direct interface between the coral host and the environment. Here we investigate whether the bacterial taxonomic and functional profiles in the coral SML are shaped by the local reef zone and explore their role in coral health and ecosystem functioning. The analysis was conducted using metagenomes and metagenome assemble genomes (MAGs) associated with the coral Pseudodiploria strigosa and the water column from two naturally distinct reef environments in Bermuda: inner patch reefs exposed to a fluctuating thermal regime and the more stable outer reefs. The microbial community structure in the coral SML varied according to the local environment, both at taxonomic and functional levels. The coral SML microbiome from inner reefs provides more gene functions that are involved in nutrient cycling (e.g., photosynthesis, phosphorus metabolism, sulfur assimilation) and those that are related to higher levels of microbial activity, competition, and stress response. In contrast, the coral SML microbiome from outer reefs contained genes indicative of a carbohydrate-rich mucus composition found in corals exposed to less stressful temperatures and showed high proportions of microbial gene functions that play a potential role in coral disease, such as degradation of lignin-derived compounds and sulfur oxidation. The fluctuating environment in the inner patch reefs of Bermuda could be driving a more beneficial coral SML microbiome; potentially increasing holobiont resilience to environmental changes and disease.
"Somos como el gato del gato": narcomenudeo en jóvenes universitarios de Baja California, México
Authors: Gómez San Luis Anel Hortensia , Almanza Avendaño Ariagor Manuel , Salinas Boldo Claudia , Be Ramírez Pedro Antonio
Published: March 2022

La inseguridad, la violencia, el crimen organizado, el narcomenudeo y el consumo de drogas son problemáticas que progresivamente se han incrementado en México, particularmente en estados del norte del país. Esta situación generó un estudio de teoría fundamentada con el fin de comprender los significados, experiencias y expectativas de jóvenes universitarios que participan en actividades relacionadas con el narcomenudeo. En el estudio participaron 32 jóvenes universitarios (15 hombres y 17 mujeres), inscritos en diferentes facultades per- tenecientes a dos universidades públicas de Baja California. Los resultados muestran que los jóvenes construyen sus conocimientos sobre el narcotráfico a partir de diversas fuentes. Sus trayectorias de consumo de drogas les permiten incursionar en el narcomenudeo, ya sea para continuar con el consumo, por poder o reafirmación social, por diversión, por complicidad con sus pares o para obtener ingresos. Se concluye que la universidad es un espacio utilizado por algunos jóvenes para socializar, consumir y vender drogas. La educación universitaria no garantiza la omisión de actividades ilegales por parte de sus estudiantes. Se sugiere re- estructurar las políticas y programas de prevención del crimen atendiendo los significados, experiencias y expectativas de la juventud.
Repercusiones psicológicas en víctimas secundarias de desaparición: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Hernández Brussolo Ricardo , Quiñones Soto Juan , Limas Hernández Alfredo
Published: March 2022

En México está documentada la desaparición de más de 60 mil personas hasta lo que va del siglo XXI. La desaparición es un delito de lesa humanidad que afecta a la víctima directa y las indirectas, como son familiares y amistades, con impactos diversos y secuelas psicológicas. Objetivo: Conocer la experiencia psicológica de la desaparición en víctimas secundarias a nivel personal, familiar, comunitario y social. Metodología: Revisión sistemática de bibliografía. Resultados: Los familiares de las personas desaparecidas experimentan incertidumbre y paradojas por falta de información sobre la localización de la(s) víctima(s). Las víctimas secundarias presentan reacciones en el plano individual, familiar, comunitario y social. Conclusiones: se cuestiona si los diagnósticos clínicos de duelo, depresión y estrés postraumático son adecuados para conocer la experiencia de las víctimas secundarias de desaparición. Los familiares se encuentran en situaciones de incertidumbre y con percepciones ambiguas, paradójicas, que pueden sobrepasar la clasificación de los trastornos mentales.
Claves de las migraciones afroeuropeas. Extracto del mayor desastre humanitario
Authors: Gomariz Acuña Tomás Pedro , Barbeito Iglesias Roberto Luciano
Published: March 2022

La crisis humanitaria en la frontera afroeuropea urge a revisar las políticas europeas de migración y refugio. Asunto dado por las concepciones ultraproteccionistas europeas. En realidad, las migraciones mediterráneas y africanas no justifican todas estas reservas. Las políticas europeas están creando daños personales irreparables y perjuicios a los fundamentos de nuestro ordenamiento, además de ayudar al crimen organizado. Conjunto de cosas analizados en este artículo, contrastando las principales medidas practicadas con los malos resultados obtenidos. Cuestión de donde sólo surge el clamor contra las posturas restrictivas que se han desarrollado sobre las migraciones. Lamentablemente, con ello, nadie puede eludir la responsabilidad de Europa en el mayor desastre en esta materia.
Acompañando al adulto mayor, una experiencia que da vida
Authors: Herrera Calderón María Fernanda , Arango Mesa Jennifer , Palacio Rendón Mariana
Published: March 2022

Este artículo es el resultado de un proceso de práctica social llevado a cabo en un hogar geriátrico del municipio de Envigado, Antioquia. Tiene como propósito reconocer la importancia del acompañamiento del adulto mayor desde los entornos familiares y sociales, y enriquecer el conocimiento por medio de las experiencias significativas que ha tenido el adulto siendo partícipe de la sociedad. La investigación tiene enfoque cualitativo de corte documental que mediante la elaboración de fichas bibliográficas de los distintos referentes teóricos consultados, permitió constatar que los cuidadores son los entes encargados de acompañar el proceso de aceptación del paso del tiempo, para que de este modo el adulto mayor pueda ver en dichaetapa una oportunidad de caminar a su lado, a fin de salir del aislamiento al que han sido condenados. Se concluye que mediante la implementación de estrategias de acompañamiento significativas se puede mejorar su calidad de vida.
Los procesos de resistencia como factores protectores en familias desplazadas en Palestina, Caldas
Authors: Calderón García Andrea , Jiménez Giraldo Jennifer , Santa Montoya Pámela Constanza
Published: March 2022

El objetivo principal de la siguiente investigación es reconocer los procesos de resistencia de las familias sobrevivientes de desplazamiento intraurbano vivenciado en el municipio de Palestina, Caldas. Se desarrollaron como categorías teóricas centrales la resistencia y el desplazamiento intraurbano, siendo este un fenómeno psicosocial que tiende a ser invisibilizado por ser presentado al interior de un mismo territorio. Además, se realizó una investigación de tipo cualitativa en la que se analizó el discurso de las familias con el propósito de visibilizar cómo se dio este fenómeno en el municipio y en la sociedad en general.
Competencias genéricas en el ámbito de la psicología organizacional: una revisión teórica
Authors: Berrío Amariles Juan David , Arana Medina Claudia Marcela , Betancur Arias Juan Diego
Published: March 2022

Para conceptualizar las competencias genéricas se hace necesario realizar una revisión sucinta del constructo desde la psicología del trabajo. Así las cosas, se define este como una mezcla de comprensión, conocimiento, habilidades y capacidades (Cabeza et al., 2015). Una competencia supone la integración de una serie de elementos (conocimientos, técnicas, actitudes, procedimientos, valores) que una persona pone en juego en una situación problemática concreta al demostrar que es capaz de resolverla (Villa & Poblete, 2011).
Parametric studies on SEA parameters for coupled plates made of composite laminate
Authors: Shastry Sridhar N , Swamy Subrahmanya S
Published: March 2022

Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) has been used to compute velocity responses and Coupling Loss Factors (CLF) for two composite laminates joined in a 'L' junction configuration. Two case studies were carried on SEA. The effect of fibre orientation on SEA parameters was studied. The effects of internal damping were also determined. The computation of SEA parameters has been done using classical wave approach and Finite Element Method using Nastran/Patran. CLF determined using classical wave approach is independent of fibre orientation and internal damping factor. This study using FEM reveals that the SEA parameters vary in comparison with classical wave approach as fibre orientation and internal damping are also considered in the analysis. Also, by classical wave approach, the CLF varied linearly with the increase in frequency while there was some scatter in CLF determined by finite element method.
Water pricing and affordability in the US: public vs. private ownership
Authors: Zhang X. , González Rivas M. , Grant M. , Warner M. E.
Published: March 2022

We examined the 500 largest community water systems in the US to explore whether ownership is related to annual water bills, and the percent of income that low-income households spend on water. Regression results show that, among the largest water systems, private ownership is related to higher water prices and less affordability for low-income families. In states with regulations favorable to private providers, water utilities charge even higher prices. Affordability issues are more severe in communities with higher poverty and older infrastructure. Water policy needs to address ownership and regulation and explore new mechanisms to ensure water affordability for low-income residents.
Effects of seedling thickness on the production and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) ‘Santa Rita’ in Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Almeyda Carbajal Diego , Casas Díaz Andrés Virgilio , Zuzunaga Bedón Mirna
Published: March 2022

Onion crop begins with seedling preparation and finishes with transplanting. In some Peruvian onion-productive areas, it is assumed that seedling thickness is important to have a better yield. Four different seedling thickness of red onion (Allium cepa L.) were evaluated between February and June 2017 in Santa Rita de Siguas, Arequipa, Peru. The seedling thicknesses evaluated were very thin (2.00 mm – 3.49 mm), thin (3.50 mm – 4.99 mm), standard (5.00 mm – 6.49 mm) and thick (6.50 mm – 7.99 mm). The plant density was 340 000 plants ha−1. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four treatments and five replications. The variables evaluated were plant height (cm), leaf number, stemlike diameter (mm), bulb diameter (mm), total yield (t ha−1), and marketable yield categories (t ha−1). The leaf number, plant height, and stemlike diameter among treatments were significantly different, with higher values in the “standard” and “thick” treatments up to 60 days after transplanting. The harvest was earlier in the “standard” and “thick” treatments. The “very thin” and “thin” treatments needed more days to harvest than the others. The “thin” treatment showed the highest total yield. There were no significant differences between marketable yield categories in all treatments. It was concluded that seedling thickness upon transplanting influences the yield under the conditions in this study.
Los derechos humanos de los pueblos indígenas de la Amazonía en el siglo XXI: límites del desarrollo sustentable y el ascenso de la nueva derecha en Brasil
Authors: Lunelli Isabella Cristina , Almeida Marina Correa de
Published: March 2022

Este artículo es resultado de investigación realizada sobre la presencia y agencia indígena en los entornos urbanos de la Amazonía brasileña entre los años 2003-2020, como consecuencia de las transformaciones socio espaciales resultantes de la expansión de las fronteras mercantiles sobre la región. La reconfiguración del capitalismo en América Latina en las últimas décadas han resultado en nuevas problemáticas para la realización de las formas de reproducción integral de la vida de los pueblos indígenas en sus territorios ancestrales, bien cómo ha provocado el flujo migratorio hacia las principales zonas urbanas de la región, impactando en la protección y garantía de derechos humanos colectivos. El objetivo de este artículo es visibilizar las principales causas y consecuencias de la reconfiguración del capitalismo en la Amazonía para la vida y los derechos de los pueblos indígenas, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta el ascenso de la derecha conservadora al poder. Para tanto, se realiza un abordaje espacio temporal desde una perspectiva multiescalar, que permite establecer la relación entre el modelo extractivista-exportador y los derechos humanos y, así, comprender y visibilizar los límites y posibilidades de la actuación estatal para la garantía de la continuidad cultural y sobrevivencia física de estos pueblos.
MicroRNA-17-5p Promotes Vascular Calcification by Targeting ANKH
Authors: Li Xiangqi , Xu Jiahong , Wang Xing , Shi Chao , Tan Jiaorong , Lu Jiancan , Huang Junling
Published: March 2022

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may participate in the process of vascular calcification.
However, the role of microRNA-17-5p in vascular calcification has not been clarified. In this
study, we showed the effects of microRNA-17-5p on vascular calcification.

Materials and Methods:

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were transfected with miR-17-5p
mimics, a miR-17-5p inhibitor or negative control (NC) using Lipofectamine 2000. Then the cells
were induced by an osteogenic medium. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization
were determined. Osteocalcin (OC), bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2), Collagen Ia (Colla),
Runx2, and ankylosis protein homolog (ANKH) gene expressions were determined by reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Vascular calcification was developed using a renal failure
model.

Results:

The ALP activity was increased when miR-17-5p mimics were transfected, whereas the
miR-17-5p inhibitor reduced ALP activity (p < 0.05). The number and average area of mineral
nodes in the miR-17-5p mimic group was larger than those in the corresponding control and NC
groups (p < 0.05). The number and average area of the mineral nodes in the miR-17-5p inhibitor
group were smaller than those in the corresponding control and NC groups (p < 0.05). Bmp2,
OC, Col1a and Runx2 were higher in the miR-17-5p mimics group compared to those in the control
and NC groups. ANKH expression was decreased in VSMCs with the miR-17-5p mimics and increased
in VSMCs with miR-17-5p inhibitor. ANKH siRNA intervention also promoted mineralization.
The miR-17-5p expression was upregulated and ANKH was down-regulated in the aortic arteries
with calcification.

Conclusion:

Our data showed that miR-17-5p may promote vascular calcification by inhibiting
ANKH expression.
Antimutagenic and Antiproliferative Activity of the Coccoloba uvifera L. Extract
Loaded in Nanofibers of Gelatin/Agave Fructans Elaborated by Electrospinning
Authors: Cruz-Salas Carla N. , Prieto Cristina , Calderón-Santoyo Montserrat , Lagarón José M. , Ramos-Hernández Jorge A. , Ragazzo-Sánchez Juan A.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The Coccoloba uvifera L. species is currently considered an important source of compounds
of high biological value such as lupeol. This is related to different and important biological activities to human health.

Objective.:

The objective of this study was to encapsulate the C. uvifera extract in nanofibers made with the biopolymers
gelatin (G)/high-grade polymerization agave fructans (HDPAF) in the proportions 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 0:1,
through the electrospinning process, in addition to evaluating the antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties of the
encapsulated extract.

Method:

The physicochemical characteristics of the nanofibers were evaluated, as well as the antiproliferative and
antimutagenic activities of the encapsulated and unencapsulated extract. SEM evaluation shows nanofibers of smooth,
continuous morphology and nanometric size (50-250 nm). The TGA, FTIR-ATR, HPLC-MS analyses reveal the presence
of the extract in the nanofibers.

Results:

The extract did not show a mutagenic effect during the development of the Ames test, on the other hand, the
MTT test showed the antiproliferative effect at the concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL of extract.

Conclusion:

The extract of C. uvifera loaded in nanofibers elaborated by electrospinning with the G/HDPAF biopolymers
conserves its antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties.
Oakmoss Exhibits Antihyperglycemic Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Amssayef Ayoub , Bouadid Ismail
Published: March 2022

Aims:

The study aimed to assess the antidiabetic effect of Oakmoss.

Background:

Lichens species are dual organisms consisting of a mycobiont (Fungi) and a photoautotrophic partner (Algae). They are widely used in traditional medicine as a treatment against diabetes.

Objective:

This study was designed to assess the antihyperglycemic activity as well as the antihyperlipidemic capacity of Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri (L.)) in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

This study has evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of Oakmoss at a dose of 60 mg/kg on blood glucose levels and lipid profile in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological examination of liver, determination of glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscles (EDL and soleus), antioxidant activity, and phytochemical investigation were also performed.

Results:

Both single and repeated oral doses of Oakmoss (60 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction of blood glucose, triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore, repeated oral administration of Oakmoss during 7 days ameliorated the liver function by increasing its glycogen content and improving its histological architecture in treated diabetic rats. In addition, the aqueous extract of Oakmoss exhibited an antioxidant activity and showed richness in certain phytochemicals especially in phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Conclusion:

Oakmoss, a lichen species, exhibits a potential effect on improving hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic rats.
BPS and BPF are as Carcinogenic as BPA and are Not Viable Alternatives
for its Replacement
Authors: Edaes Felipe Sanches , de Souza Cleide Barbieri
Published: March 2022

Background:

Plastic polymers are omnipresent, and life without them is virtually impossible. Despite the advantages provided by the material, conventional plastic also has harmful effects on the environment and human health. Plastics release microplastics and compounds, such as BPA, which is a xenoestrogen and once absorbed by the body, have an affinity for estrogen receptors α and β, acting as an agonist on human cells, being an endocrine disrupter able to cause various diseases and acting as a potential neoplastic inducer. BPS and BPF are BPA’s analogs, a proposed solution to solve its harmful effects. The analogs can be found in daily use products and are used in several industrial applications.

Objectives:

In the present work, the researchers aimed to conduct a revisional study on BPA's harmful effects on human health, focusing on its carcinogenic potential, discussing its mechanisms of action, as well as its analogs effects, and identifying if BPS and BPF are viable alternatives to BPA's substitution in plastic polymers' production.

Methods:

In this review, articles published in the last 15 years related to the different aspects of conventional plastics and BPA were analyzed and revised with precision. The subjects ranged from conventional plastics and the problems related to their large-scale production, BPA, its negative aspects, and the feasibility of using its analogs (BPS and BPF) to replace the compound. The articles were extensively reviewed and concisely discussed.

Results:

This study demonstrated that BPA has a high carcinogenic potential, with known mechanisms to trigger breast, ovarian, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers, thus elucidating that its analogs are also xenoestrogens, and they can exert similar effects to BPA and, therefore, cannot be considered viable alternatives for its replacement.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that new research should be carried out to develop such alternatives, allowing the substitution of plastic materials containing BPA in their composition, such as developing economically viable and sustainable biodegradable bioplastics for socio-environmental well-being.
Sodium Valproate Modulates the Methylation Status of Lysine Residues 4, 9 and 27 in Histone H3 of HeLa Cells
Authors: Mello Maria Luiza Silveira , Rocha Marina Amorim , de Campos Vidal Benedicto
Published: March 2022

Background:

Valproic acid/sodium valproate (VPA), a well-known anti-epileptic agent, in-hibits histone deacetylases, induces histone hyperacetylation, promotes DNA demethylation, and affects the histone methylation status in some cell models. Histone methylation profiles have been described as potential markers for cervical cancer prognosis. However, histone methylation markers that can be studied in a cervical cancer cell line, like HeLa cells, have not been investigated following treatment with VPA.

Method:

In this study, the effect of 0.5 mM and 2.0 mM VPA for 24 h on H3K4me2/me3, H3K9me/me2 and H3K27me/me3 signals as well as on KMT2D, EZH2, and KDM3A gene expression was investigated using confocal microscopy, Western blotting, and RT-PCR. Histone methylation changes were also in-vestigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Result:

We found that VPA induces increased levels of H3K4me2/me3 and H3K9me, which are indic-ative of chromatin activation. Particularly, H3K4me2 markers appeared intensified close to the nuclear periphery, which may suggest their implication in increased transcriptional memory. The abundance of H3K4me2/me3 in the presence of VPA was associated with increased methyltransferase KMT2D gene expression. VPA induced hypomethylation of H3K9me2, which is associated with gene silencing, and concomitant with the demethylase KDM3A, it increased gene expression. Although VPA induces in-creased H3K27me/me3 levels, it is suggested that the role of the methyltransferase EZH2 in this context could be affected by interactions with this drug.

Conclusion:

Histone FTIR spectra were not affected by VPA under present experimental conditions. Whether our epigenetic results are consistent with VPA affecting the aggressive tumorous state of HeLa cells, further investigation is required.
Зависимость скорости удаления диэлектриков от формы катода
Authors: Зарипов А.А. , Ашуров Х.Б.
Published: March 2022

An optimal shape of the cathode end for electroerosion processing of dielectrics is proposed, which provides an increased rate of removal of dielectrics without changing the physical and technical parameters of the discharge. It has been established that the material removal rate when using a cathode with a conical end is 5 times higher than when using a cylindrical one, which is a consequence of the “natural” superposition of cavitation and ultrasound on pulsed discharges.
Using Smartwatches to Observe Changes in Activity During Recovery From Critical Illness Following COVID-19 Critical Care Admission: 1-Year, Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Hunter Alex , Leckie Todd , Coe Oliver , Hardy Benjamin , Fitzpatrick Daniel , Gonçalves Ana-Carolina , Standing Mary-Kate , Koulouglioti Christina , Richardson Alan , Hodgson Luke
Published: March 2022

Background

As a sequela of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large cohort of critical illness survivors have had to recover in the context of ongoing societal restrictions.

Objective

We aimed to use smartwatches (Fitbit Charge 3; Fitbit LLC) to assess changes in the step counts and heart rates of critical care survivors following hospital admission with COVID-19, use these devices within a remote multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting to support patient recovery, and report on our experiences with this.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicenter observational trial in 8 UK critical care units. A total of 50 participants with moderate or severe lung injury resulting from confirmed COVID-19 were recruited at discharge from critical care and given a smartwatch (Fitbit Charge 3) between April and June 2020. The data collected included step counts and daily resting heart rates. A subgroup of the overall cohort at one site—the MDT site (n=19)—had their smartwatch data used to inform a regular MDT meeting. A patient feedback questionnaire and direct feedback from the MDT were used to report our experience. Participants who did not upload smartwatch data were excluded from analysis.

Results

Of the 50 participants recruited, 35 (70%) used and uploaded data from their smartwatch during the 1-year period. At the MDT site, 74% (14/19) of smartwatch users uploaded smartwatch data, whereas 68% (21/31) of smartwatch users at the control sites uploaded smartwatch data. For the overall cohort, we recorded an increase in mean step count from 4359 (SD 3488) steps per day in the first month following discharge to 7914 (SD 4146) steps per day at 1 year (P=.003). The mean resting heart rate decreased from 79 (SD 7) beats per minute in the first month to 69 (SD 4) beats per minute at 1 year following discharge (P<.001). The MDT subgroup’s mean step count increased more than that of the control group (176% increase vs 42% increase, respectively; +5474 steps vs +2181 steps, respectively; P=.04) over 1 year. Further, 71% (10/14) of smartwatch users at the MDT site and 48% (10/21) of those at the control sites strongly agreed that their Fitbit motivated them to recover, and 86% (12/14) and 48% (10/21), respectively, strongly agreed that they aimed to increase their activity levels over time.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use smartwatch data to report on the 1-year recovery of patients who survived a COVID-19 critical illness. This is also the first study to report on smartwatch use within a post–critical care MDT. Future work could explore the role of smartwatches as part of a randomized controlled trial to assess clinical and economic effectiveness.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.12968/ijtr.2020.0102
Decreased Physical Activity Among Youth Resulting From COVID-19 Pandemic–Related School Closures: Natural Experimental Study
Authors: Grimes Amanda , Lightner Joseph S , Eighmy Katlyn , Steel Chelsea , Shook Robin P , Carlson Jordan
Published: March 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of schools and may have inadvertently resulted in decreased physical activity for youth. Emerging evidence suggests that school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic could have hastened the inactivity of youth, possibly due to a lack of structure outside of school and increased access to sedentary activities.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in physical activity from pre–school closure (before the pandemic) to post–school closure (during the pandemic) among youth in spring 2020.

Methods

This study used a natural experimental design; youth were enrolled in a physical activity study prior to the lockdown, which was enforced due to the pandemic. The number of device-assessed steps per day and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes per week were measured by using a Garmin Vivofit 4 (Garmin Ltd) accelerometer over 8 weeks. Mixed effects models were used to compare physical activity variables, which were measured before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Youth were primarily Hispanic or Latinx (8/17, 47%) and female (10/17, 59%). The number of daily steps decreased by 45.4% during the school closure, from a pre–school closure mean of 8003 steps per day to a post–school closure mean of 4366 steps per day. Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity decreased by 42.5%, from a pre–school closure mean of 80.18 minutes per week to a post–school closure mean of 46.13 minutes per week.

Conclusions

Youth are engaging in roughly half as much physical activity during the school closure as they were prior to the school closure. If additional evidence supports these claims, interventions are needed to support youths’ engagement in physical activity in the Midwest.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ORAL FAST DISSOLVING FILMS OF NAPROXEN SODIUM
Authors: P. HYMA , FATIMA SAKEENA
Published: March 2022

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to prepare ODFs containing Naproxen Sodium, an NSAID, using solvent casting method and to evaluate them to put together a dosage form which can be taken without water, is easy to administer, has a rapid onset of action and can surmount first pass metabolism. Six distinct formulations of naproxen sodium ODF (F1-F6) were created in this investigation by varying the quantity of croscarmellose sodium, a super disintegrant.

Methods: Naproxen Sodium ODF’s were prepared by solvent casting method. Evaluation of prepared ODF’s was done by considering various parameters such as film thickness, folding endurance, disintegration time, surface pH, weight variation, in vitro dissolution test, content uniformity and FTIR.

Results: F6 has shown to be the best fast release formulation in terms of disintegration time (less than 1 minute) and dissolution (103.5 % after 30 min). Formulation F6's other film characteristics, such as weight variation, thickness, pH, and folding endurance, were all within the USP limit.

Conclusion: By virtue of quick disintegration self-administration without water or chewing, oral fast dissolving film (OFDF) is one such new technique to enhance consumer acceptance. The film is an excellent intraoral fast-dissolving medication delivery method by which a wide range of medicines, including neuroleptics, cardiovascular drugs, analgesics, anti-asthmatic, antihistamines and drugs for erectile dysfunction, can be manufactured. From the standpoint of the patient, oromucosal medication delivery is appealing since it allows for easy administration without the need to swallow, as well as better patient safety. As a novel delivery mechanism, the notion of a quick-dissolving dosage form has gained popularity. By lowering dose frequency, this method will deliver optimum therapeutic efficacy, improved bioavailability, and maximum stability. This will also surmount first-pass metabolism of drugs. This method allows for faster medication absorption from the pre-gastric region, perhaps resulting in a faster onset of action.
Some open questions about line arrangements in the projective plane
Authors: Urzúa Giancarlo
Published: March 2022

Despite that the study of line arrangements in the projective plane is old and elemental, there is still a long list of intriguing open questions and applications to modern mathematics. Our goal is to discuss part of that list, focusing on the connection with Chern invariants and pointing towards configurations of rational curves.
Some open questions in real algebraic geometry
Authors: Kucharz Wojciech
Published: March 2022

Many interesting problems arise on the borderline between real algebraic geometry and topology. We focus on 12 open questions. Some of them come from regulous geometry, which emerged as a subfield of real algebraic geometry less than 15 years ago.
The Pursuit of Uniqueness: Extending Valiant-Vazirani Theorem to the Probabilistic and Quantum Settings
Authors: Aharonov Dorit , Ben-Or Michael , Brandão Fernando G.S.L. , Sattath Or
Published: March 2022

Valiant-Vazirani showed in 1985 \cite{VV85} that solving NP with the promise that "yes" instances have only one witness is powerful enough to solve the entire NP class (under randomized reductions).We are interested in extending this result to the quantum setting. We prove extensions to the classes Merlin-Arthur MA and Quantum-Classical-Merlin-Arthur QCMA \cite{AN02}. Our results have implications for the complexity of approximating the ground state energy of a quantum local Hamiltonian with a unique ground state and an inverse polynomial spectral gap. We show that the estimation (to within polynomial accuracy) of the ground state energy of poly-gapped 1-D local Hamiltonians is QCMA-hard, under randomized reductions. This is in stark contrast to the case of constant gapped 1-D Hamiltonians, which is in NP \cite{Has07}. Moreover, it shows that unless QCMA can be reduced to NP by randomized reductions, there is no classical description of the ground state of every poly-gapped local Hamiltonian that allows efficient calculation of expectation values.Finally, we discuss a few of the obstacles to the establishment of an analogous result to the class Quantum-Merlin-Arthur (QMA). In particular, we show that random projections fail to provide a polynomial gap between two witnesses.
Automatic recognition of the landforms origin in the Kola Peninsula based on morphometric variables
Authors: Kharchenko S.V.
Published: March 2022

The automatic geomorphological mapping based on the Earth’s surface remote sensing data has been developed in recent years. The aim of the research is an attempt of automatic creation of the Kola Peninsula geomorphological map at the morphogenetic legend’s principle. It was gained based on the random forest classification technique. As input data a several geomorphometric variables were used only (the basic ones – elevation, slope angle, curvatures etc., and many those of surface texture). Developing such algorithms for different territories and hierarchical levels of landforms analysis contributes to propagate the techniques of the fast geomorphological mapping. On the training data covering only 1,3 % of the study area with known labels for one of thirteen probable landform types, the reconstruction of geomorphological boundaries and the automatic creation of the geomorphological map were carried out. The accuracy of the resulting map was 81 %. Elevation has the greatest discrimination power according to Kola Peninsula landform types. In addition, some area-based local geomorphometric variables characterizing terrain pattern has big discrimination power. The lowest power relates with the “classical” local-based geomorphometric variables. The results of the work can be used in the development of automated landforms mapping systems at the level of morphogenetic types.
Some features of cadastral works with the use of permanent-operating reference stations
Authors: Avrunev E.I. , Kaverin V.N. , Giniyatov A.I. , Kaverin N.V.
Published: March 2022

The authors consider the features of cadastral works using continuously operating reference stations (CORS). One of the key parameters affecting the determining the coordinates of the base station accuracy is its distance from the original CORS, which must be confirmed at the stage of satellite equipment certification. Reliable and effective control of the exactness of satellite positioning is the discrepancy of the measured line length between the base stations being determined and the same length calculated from the coordinates of the base stations obtained as a result of satellite positioning. If this criterion is met, it can be argued that the base stations whose coordinates are determined relative to the original CORS can be the starting points for determining the location of real estate objects. Based on these conceptual provisions, experimental work was carried out in the territory of the Altai Republic to determine the coordinates of the base stations being computed relative to the three CORS with subsequent processing using the criteria proposed in the article. The results of the performed studies enable
Comparison of the frailty among older adults between the nursing home living versus own home living
Authors: AKDAG Serkan Sinan , MERCAN BAŞPINAR Melike , BASAT Okcan
Published: March 2022

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate elder people according to their living place and gender in terms of frailty with the FRAIL Scale.Methods: An observational cross sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020 with 113 patients aged ≥ 65 years who were admitted to a family health center in Istanbul. Patients registered at the nursing home address and patients living at their home address were assigned to the groups by the simple randomization method. A questionnaire including the demographic data and the FRAIL Scale which would evaluate the frailty was performed face-to-face. The Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis.Results: It was observed that 51.3% of 113 individuals over 65 years in the study were male (n = 24), and the mean age was 73.13 ± 6.52 years. Frailty was found to be 21.2% (n = 24), according to the mean score of the FRAIL Scale (1.24 ± 1.26). The frailty rate (29.8%) of own home living elderly was found to be higher than the nursing home living elderly (12.5%) (p = 0.049). The frailty rate of own home living men (27.6%) was higher than the nursing home living men (3.4%) (p = 0.038). In FRAIL scale components, fatigue 19.5% (n = 22), resistance 38.9% (n = 44), ambulation 36.3% (n = 41), disease 10.6% (n = 12), weight loss 18.6% (n = 21) of the scale component were included in the fragility measurement. In the analysis of the answers, the internal consistency of the scale was moderate level (Cronbach alpha = 0.552).Conclusions: According to this study, one out of every five elderly was frail. Based on the fact that the elderly especially own home living men, are more fragile, and nursing home living women are seen at an older age, the results drew attention to the importance of nursing homes in the course of frailty in the future.Keywords: Nursing home, frailty, elderly, reliability