bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS RANGKAIAN OSCILATOR COLPITTS 20 KHZ UNTUK PENERAPAN MODULASI AMPLITUDO (AM)
Authors: Waluyo  , Rachmat S  , Yoyok HPI
Published: April 2021

Rangkaian Osilator Colpitts adalah suatu osilator yang cukup efektif digunakan sebagai pembangkit gelombang sinus. sehingga dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai gelombang pembawa (carrier). Pada osilator colpitts menggunakan dua buah kapasitor dan sebuah induktor yang disebut rangkaian tank (tank circuit). Fungsi dari kedua kapasitor ini adalah sebagai pembagi tegangan keluaran dan masukan ke penguat. Komponen induktor dan dua kapasitor ini yang akan menentukan frekuensi resonansi pada oscilator colpitts. Pada artikel ini akan membahas analisis oscilator colpitts yang diterapkan pada modulator AM. Hasil pengujian rangkaian osilator colpitts dengan mengubah-ubah harga kapasitor C1 dan C2 yakni antara : 10 nF dan 100 nF, sedang induktor dibuat tetap L=10 mH, diperoleh amplitudo osilator sekitar Vo = 5,5 - 12,6 V dan besar frekuensi sekitar : 5,4 – 7,6 Khz. Sedang untuk hasil pengujian osilator colpitts yang diterapkan pada modulasi amplitudo (AM), dengan tegangan input : 7,5 -12,6 Volt, diperoleh bentuk gelombang AM masih kurang bagus atau sempurna. Hal ini disebabkan amplitudo tegangan input lebih kecil dibanding amplitudo gelombang pembawa (osilator). Sedangkan untuk besar tegangan input antara : 15-22,4 Volt, ternyata menghasilkan gelombang termodulasi AM sangat bagus, hal ini disebabkan amplitudo input besarnya hampir sama dengan amplitudo gelombang pembawa (carrier) yakni sekitar 22 Volt.
PENGATURAN PERANGKAT EXHAUST PADA RUANG MEROKOK MENGGUNAKAN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: Abdul Rasyid  , Mochammad Junus  , Arinalhaq Fatachul  , Binti Asfaki Ludiyah  , Marina Annisa Fitri
Published: April 2021

Jumlah Perokok di Indonesia cukup besar, untuk Kesehatan bagi non perokok , sudah banyak disediakan ruang khusus untuk para perokok yang akan menikmati rokoknya dan ruangan yang tersedia banyak yang menggunakan kipas angin penghisap (Exhaust) , dalam hal ini Exhaust yang disiapkan bersifat statis atau tetap, tentang besar penghisapannya. Untuk kenyamanan dan kesehatan para perokok perlu diatur, besar atau kecil hisapan dari kipas angin penghisap atau Exhaust ini, besar kecilnya hisapan berdasarkan kepadatan asap rokok dalam satuan PPM (Part Permillion) di ruangan khusus perokok tersebut dan kepadatan Asap Rokok ditentukan dengan menggunakan sensor Gas MQ-135 Air Quality. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang dan membuat alat kontrol untuk mengatur kecepatan hisap perangkat kipas penghisap atau Exhaust berdasarkan kepadatan polusi asap rokok dalam ruangan, sehingga membuat nyaman dan cukup menyehatkan bagi para perokok dalam ruangan tersebut. Selanjutnya hasil pengukuran kadar asap rokok dan besaran kecepatan perangkat Exhaust ditampilkan di ruangan merokok menggunakan display monitor, dan dengan XBee tx maupun rx secara wireless hasil pengaturan dapat diamati melalui Laptop atau PC.
PERANCANGAN APLIKASI TELEGRAM UNTUK MONITORING DAN KENDALI KOLAM IKAN OTOMATIS
Authors: Putri Elfa Mas'udia  , Megasari Wulan Sakti  , Saddoni Mei Raharjo  , Aad Hariyadi  , Ahmad Wahyu Purwandi
Published: April 2021

Ikan lele termasuk salah satu hewan yang banyak dikonsumsi oleh masyarakat Indonesia. Cara perawatan dan perkembang biakan ikan lele relatif lebih mudah, namun kebanyakan pengontrolan terhadap kualitas air kolam yang meliputi suhu, tingkat keasaman, dan tingkat kekeruhan air masih dilakukan secara manual menggunakan alat ukur. Untuk pemberian pakan ikan dan pengurasan kolam juga dilakukan secara manual, hal ini tentu saja kurang efektif dan memungkinkan terjadinya human eror. Beberapa alat telah dikembangkan untuk mengatasi permasalahan diatas namun terbatas pada output yang hanya bisa diakses pada jarak yang dekat. Pada penelitian ini penulis ingin melakukan pengembangan dengan memanfaatkan aplikasi telegram untuk dapat memonitoring kualitas air dan melakukan kontrol dari jarak yang jauh dengan memanfaatkan aplikasi telegram. Sistem ini dibuat menggunakan Arduino sebagai mikrokontroler dan berbagai alat pendukung seperti Sensor Suhu DS18B20, Sensor pH E201C, Sensor Turbidity MJKDZ, Sensor Ultrasonik JSN-SR04. Hasil pembacaan dari sensor telah berhasil ditampilkan pada Bot Telegram dengan rata-rata error sebesar 1,02% dan mampu memberikan perintah sesuai dengan tombol yang tersedia dengan delay sebesar 14.008 ms. Petani ikan dapat mengetahui keadaan kolam secara real time, mampu melakukan kontrol secara sederhana dan mampu memberikan pakan secara otomatis selama 0.5 detik dengan berat 5% dari bobot ikan lele
ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN MODEL COST231-HATTA DAN WALFISCH IKEGAMI SEBAGAI FORMULA LINK BUDGET PADA LINTAS KOMUNIKASI DOWN LINK BASE STATION
Authors: Aisah  , Moh. A. Anshori  , Kristina  , Ahmad Nur Siswanto
Published: April 2021

Analisis perhitungan dan pengukuran untuk membandingkan Model Okumura-Hatta, Cost231-Hatta dan Walfisch Ikegami sebagai formula link budget pada lintas komunikasi down link base station, perhitungan menggunakan data dari salah satu operator di Indonesia wilayah Malang. Hasil penelitian dapat digunakan sebagai suatu masukan atau rekomendasi bagi operator seluler/vendor sebagai bahan pertimbangan bagi operator menggunakan formula link budget untuk memprediksi rugi-rugi propagasi yang tepat dengan teknologi yang digunakan dan disesuaikan dengan morfologi. Parameter yang dianalisis adalah radius sel sebagai jarak maksimal yang dapat dijangkau oleh base station. Perbandingan nilai radius sel hasil perhitungan dan pengukuran dianalisis untuk mengetahui hasil yang mendekati dengan nilai yang sebenarnya. Perhitungan link budget coverage area menggunakan 3 model, yaitul Okumura-Hatta untuk menghitung coverage area sistem GSM, Cost-231 Hatta untuk sistem DCS, dan Walfisch Ikegami untuk sistem UMTS 2100. Pengukuran menggunakan drive test untuk mengukur level daya sinyal yang dipancarkan oleh base station. Hasil drive test diperoleh nilai radius sel terjauh adalah 980 m dan nilai level daya sebesar -91 dBm, sedangkan hasil perhitungan nilai radius sel nilai yang mendekati dengan nilai pengukuran adalah model Walfisch Ikegami nilai radius sel sebesar 1,06 km dan 1,05 km dan nilai level daya sebesar - 90 dBm.
Non-atopic Neonatal Thymic Innate Lymphoid Cell Subsets (ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3) Identification and the Modulatory Effect of IgG From Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus (Derp)-Atopic Individuals
Authors: de Sousa Thamires Rodrigues , Sgnotto Fábio da Ressureição , Fagundes Beatriz Oliveira , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Victor Jefferson Russo
Published: April 2021

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are classified into distinct subsets termed ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3 cells. The existing literature lacks evidence identifying ILCs and their subsets in the human thymus but already demonstrates that they can exert several functions in regulating immune responses. Furthermore, it was already described that IgG's repertoires could modulate lymphocytes' maturation in the human thymus. Here we aimed to identify ILCs subsets in the human thymus and provide insight into the possible modulatory effect of purified IgG on these cells. Thymic tissues were obtained from 12 infants without an allergic background (non-atopic), and a literature-based peripheral ILCs staining protocol was used. Purified IgG was obtained from non-atopic individuals (n-At), atopic individuals reactive to allergens non-related to dust mites (nr-At), and atopic individuals reactive to the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp-At). As with all tissues in which they have already been detected, thymic ILCs are rare, but we could detect viable ILCs in all tested tissues, which did not occur with the ILC1 subset. ILC2 and ILC3 NKp44+ subsets could be detected in all evaluated thymus, but ILC3 NKp44- subset could not. Next, we observed that Derp-At IgG could induce the expression of ILC2 phenotype, higher levels of IL-13, and lower levels of IL-4 when compared to IgG purified from non-atopic or non-related atopic (atopic to allergens excluding dust mites) individuals. These results contribute to the elucidation of human thymic ILCs and corroborate emerging evidence about IgG's premature effect on allergy development-related human lymphocytes' modulation.
Doxycycline Induces Apoptosis of Brucella Suis S2 Strain-Infected HMC3 Microglial Cells by Activating Calreticulin-Dependent JNK/p53 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Zhao , Wang Yanbai , Yang Huan , Guo Jiayu , Wang Zhenhai
Published: April 2021

Neurobrucellosis is a chronic complication of human brucellosis that is caused by the presence of Brucella spp in the central nervous system (CNS) and the inflammation play a key role on the pathogenesis. Doxycycline (Dox) is a widely used antibiotic that induces apoptosis of bacteria-infected cells. However, the mechanisms of Brucella inhibition of microglial apoptosis and Dox induction of apoptosis are still poorly understood. In this study, we found that Brucella suis S2 strain (B. suis S2) increased calreticulin (CALR) protein levels and inhbited HMC3 cell apoptosis. Hence, we constructed two HMC3 cell line variants, one with stable overexpression (HMC3-CALR) and one with low expression of CALR (HMC3-sh-CALR). CALR was found to decrease levels of p-JNK and p-p53 proteins, as well as suppress apoptosis in HMC3 cells. These findings suggest that CALR suppresses apoptosis by inhibiting the JNK/p53 signaling pathway. Next, we treated HMC3, HMC3-CALR and HMC3-sh-CALR cell lines with B. suis S2 or Dox. Our results demonstrate that B. suis S2 restrains the JNK/p53 signaling pathway to inhibit HMC3 cell apoptosis via increasing CALR protein expression, while Dox plays the opposite role. Finally, we treated B. suis S2-infected HMC3 cells with Dox. Our results confirm that Dox induces JNK/p53-dependent apoptosis in B. suis S2-infected HMC3 cells through inhibition of CALR protein expression. Taken together, these results reveal that CALR and the JNK/p53 signaling pathway may serve as novel therapeutic targets for treatment of neurobrucellosis.
Phenome-Wide Association Study With Focus on Oral Health Disparities and Individuals Who Did Not Have Cancer
Authors: Bezamat Mariana , Modesto Adriana , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: April 2021

The goal of this study was to test if oral health outcomes are associated with the same genetic markers in Black and White individuals who did not have cancer. From a total of 6,100 subjects from the Dental Registry and DNA Repository project, 1,042 individuals who self-identified as White and 266 as Black without a history of cancer were included in this analysis. Genotyping data from IRE1—rs196929, RHEB—rs2374261 and rs1109089, AXIN2—rs2240308 and rs11867417, and RPTOR—rs4396582, present in cell regulatory pathways, were analyzed. We ran separate analyses in self-reported Black and White groups to reduce possible confounding effects of population stratification. Internal diagnostic codes from our dental registry were converted into Phecodes in order to run the analysis using the PheWAS package, installed in R Studio software. Periodontitis was associated with RHEB in both Black and White patients, with the minor allele increasing the likelihood of developing periodontitis in the White group and yielding a protective effect in the Black individuals. The presence of ulcers and gingivitis were associated with RPTOR and AXIN2, respectively, in the White group, but an association was not detected for the Black group. On the other hand, phenotypes such as dental fracture, diseases of the tongue, attrition, erosion, abrasion, fordyce granules, and torus and exostosis were uniquely associated with the Black group. Periodontitis associated with RHEB in both Black and White patients, and associations found in Black individuals may be the result of social disparities that lead to higher levels of stress, and these observed differences require further study.
Reactions Related to CAR-T Cell Therapy
Authors: Miao Lele , Zhang Zhengchao , Ren Zhijian , Li Yumin
Published: April 2021

The application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy as a tumor immunotherapy has received great interest in recent years. This therapeutic approach has been used to treat hematological malignancies solid tumors. However, it is associated with adverse reactions such as, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), off-target effects, anaphylaxis, infections associated with CAR-T-cell infusion (CTI), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), B-cell dysplasia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and coagulation disorders. These adverse reactions can be life-threatening, and thus they should be identified early and treated effectively. In this paper, we review the adverse reactions associated with CAR-T cells, the mechanisms driving such adverse reactions, and strategies to subvert them. This review will provide important reference data to guide clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy.
Atrioventricular Conduction in Mesial Temporal Lobe Seizures
Authors: Pensel Max C. , Basili Luca M. , Jordan Arthur , Surges Rainer
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Asymmetric cerebral representation of autonomic function could help to stratify cardiac complications in people with epilepsy, as some seizures are associated with potentially deleterious arrhythmias including bradycardia and atrioventricular (AV) conduction block. We investigated seizure-related changes in AV conduction and ascertained whether these alterations depend on the hemisphere in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE).

Methods: EEG and ECG data of people with pharmacoresistant mTLE undergoing pre-surgical video-EEG telemetry with seizures independently arising from both hippocampi, as determined by intracranial depths electrodes were reviewed. RR and PR intervals were measured using one-lead ECG. Statistics were done with paired student's t-tests and linear regression analysis. Data are given as mean ± SD.

Results: Fifty-six seizures of 14 patients (5 men, age 34.7 ± 9.8 years) were included (2 seizures per hemisphere and patient). There were no differences of absolute PR intervals and HR before and during unilateral ictal activity between left- and right-sided hippocampal seizures. Peri-ictal modulation of AV conduction, however, appeared greater with left-sided seizures, as the slope of the PR/HR correlations was significantly steeper with seizures originating in the left hippocampus. PR lengthening >200 ms or full block did not occur in any seizure.

Conclusions: Our data show that on average, PR intervals shortens with mesial temporal lobe seizures with more prominent effects in seizures with left-sided onset, supporting the notion of lateralized cerebral control of cardiac function. The clinical relevance of this subtle finding is unclear but may indicate a lateralized susceptibility to seizure-related AV node dysfunction in mTLE.
Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Elucidating the Molecular Basis Forthe Pharmacologic Effects of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.)
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Lin-Fu , Hu Xiao-Ru , Wei Feng , Ma Shuangcheng
Published: April 2021

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) is used widely in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its numerous pharmacologic effects. However, the mechanisms of action of the chemical constituents of licorice and their structure–function relationships are not fully understood. To address these points, we analyzed the chemical compounds in licorice listed in the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and TCM Integrated database. Target proteins of the compounds were predicted using Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of TCM v2.0. Information on the pharmacologic effects of licorice was obtained from the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and disease-related genes that have been linked to these effects were identified from the Encyclopedia of TCM database. Pathway analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database were carried out for target proteins, and pharmacologic networks were constructed based on drug target–disease-related gene and protein–protein interactions. A total of 451 compounds were analyzed, of which 211 were from the medicinal parts of the licorice plant. The 241 putative targets of 106 bioactive compounds in licorice comprised 52 flavonoids, 47 triterpenoids, and seven coumarins. Four distinct pharmacologic effects of licorice were defined: 61 major hubs were the putative targets of 23 compounds in heat-clearing and detoxifying effects; 68 were targets of six compounds in spleen-invigorating and qi-replenishing effects; 28 were targets of six compounds in phlegm-expulsion and cough-suppressant effects; 25 compounds were targets of six compounds in spasm-relieving and analgesic effects. The major bioactive compounds of licorice were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory properties of liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid and isoliquiritin apioside were demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, kaempferol, and kumatakenin were the main active flavonoids, and 18α- and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid were the main active triterpenoids of licorice. The former were associated with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, whereas the latter were implicated in the other three pharmacologic effects. Thus, the compounds in licorice have distinct pharmacologic effects according to their chemical structure. These results provide a reference for investigating the potential of licorice in treatment of various diseases.
Follow-Up of Adefovir Dipivoxil Induced Osteomalacia: Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Predictors
Authors: Zhao Jiao , Feng Wei-guang , Wei Zhe , Zhou Jian , Chen Xiao-yun , Zhang Zhen-lin
Published: April 2021

Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) is widely used for chronic hepatitis B therapy in China. To explore the clinical features and prognosis of ADV-induced osteomalacia and to analyze the association between osteomalacia and genetic variants in 51 drug transporters genes. Clinical and follow-up data of the ADV-treated patients were collected. Target capture sequencing was used to identify genetic variations of 51 drug transporter genes. A total of 193 hepatitis B patients treated with ADV were enrolled, of whom 140 had osteomalacia. The other 53 without osteomalacia were included in the control group. The median duration of ADV treatment before the onset of osteomalacia was 6.5 years (range:1.5–7 years). We found that most patients with osteomalacia had hypophosphatemia, high serum alkaline phosphatase levels, hypouricemia, nondiabetic glycosuria, proteinuria. Stopping ADV administration, supplementing calcitriol and calcium were effective treatments. During 3–6 months of follow-up, the clinical symptoms and biochemical indicators of patients with osteomalacia have been significantly improved. There was no significant difference in duration of adefovir treatment in patients with or without osteomalacia (p = 0.791). Through regression analysis, we found that age was a risk factor for osteomalacia [per 1 year, odds ratio (OR), 1.053; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.020–1.087; p = 0.015]. 1992 single nucleotide variants were found using target capture sequencing. However, the associations of genetic variants of 51 drug transporter genes and the risk of osteomalacia were negligible. Osteomalacia is prone to occur in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with long-term ADV at a therapeutic dose. After standard treatment, the prognosis is mostly good. We failed to find genetic variants that can predict the risk of ADV-induced osteomalacia.
CNS-Draining Meningeal Lymphatic Vasculature: Roles, Conundrums and Future Challenges
Authors: das Neves Sofia Pereira , Delivanoglou Nickoleta , Da Mesquita Sandro
Published: April 2021

A genuine and functional lymphatic vascular system is found in the meninges that sheath the central nervous system (CNS). This unexpected (re)discovery led to a reevaluation of CNS fluid and solute drainage mechanisms, neuroimmune interactions and the involvement of meningeal lymphatics in the initiation and progression of neurological disorders. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the development, morphology and unique functional features of meningeal lymphatics. An outline of the different factors that affect meningeal lymphatic function, such as growth factor signaling and aging, and their impact on the continuous drainage of brain-derived molecules and meningeal immune cells into the cervical lymph nodes is also provided. We also highlight the most recent discoveries about the roles of the CNS-draining lymphatic vasculature in different pathologies that have a strong neuroinflammatory component, including brain trauma, tumors, and aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Lastly, we provide a critical appraisal of the conundrums, challenges and exciting questions involving the meningeal lymphatic system that ought to be investigated in years to come.
Assessment of Job Stress of Clinical Pharmacists in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nguyen-Thi Hai-Yen , Do-Tran Minh-Thu , Nguyen-Ngoc Thuy-Tram , Do Dung Van , Pham Luyen Dinh , Le Nguyen Dang Tu
Published: April 2021

Objectives: The official implementation of clinical pharmacy in Vietnam has arrived relatively late, resulting in various stressors. This study aims to evaluate job stress level and suggest viable solutions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on clinical pharmacists (CPs) in 128 hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Job stress questions were derived from the Healthcare Profession Stress Inventory (HPSI).

Results: A total of 197 CPs participated, giving a response rate of 82.4%. Participants were found to have moderate job stress with an overall mean stress score of 1.5 (0.4) and stress rate of 52.8%. The sample size was statistically adequate and the HPSI was valid and reliable. Patient care responsibility was the main stressor, especially in public hospitals, followed by job conflicts. Lack of experience, low income, and inability to participate in clinical ward rounds caused significant stress to CPs regarding job recognition and job uncertainty. More practice-oriented training programs in bachelor curricula and clinical practice should be applied to help CPs gain more experience, self-confidence, and diminish job stress.

Conclusion: CPs in HCMC have moderate stress. More practice-oriented training programs should be prioritized to lessen stress for CPs.
Multi-Spectroscopic and Molecular Simulation Approaches to Characterize the Intercalation Binding of 1-Naphthaleneacetic Acid With Calf Thymus DNA
Authors: Hu Xing , Luo Xiaoqiao , Zhou Zhisheng , Wang Rui , Hu Yaqin , Zhang Guimei , Zhang Guowen
Published: April 2021

1–Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), having high-quality biological activity and great yield-increasing potential in agricultural production, is a broad-spectrum plant growth regulator. Although NAA is of low toxicity, it can affect the balance of the human metabolism and damage the body if it is used in high quantity for a long time. In this study, the interaction of NAA with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was investigated under simulated human physiological acidity (pH 7.4) using fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible absorption, and circular dichroism spectroscopy combined with viscosity measurements and molecular simulation techniques. The quenching of the endogenous fluorescence of NAA by ctDNA, observed in the fluorescence spectrum experiment, was a mixed quenching process that mainly resulted from the formation of the NAA–ctDNA complex. NAA mainly interacted with ctDNA through hydrophobic interaction, and the binding constant and quenching constant at room temperature (298 K) were 0.60 × 105 L mol−1 and 1.58 × 104 L mol−1, respectively. Moreover, the intercalation mode between NAA and ctDNA was verified in the analysis of melting point, KI measurements, and the viscosity of ctDNA. The results were confirmed by molecular simulation, and it showed that NAA was enriched near the C–G base of ctDNA. As shown in circular dichroism spectra, the positive peak intensity of ctDNA intensified along with a certain degree of redshift, while the negative peak intensity decreased after binding with NAA, suggesting that the binding of NAA induced the transformation of the secondary structure of ctDNA from B-form to A-form. These researches will help to understand the hazards of NAA to the human body more comprehensively and concretely, to better guide the use of NAA in industry and agriculture.
Protein Electrophoresis and Haptoglobin Values for Captive Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus)
Authors: Bartlett Susan L. , Lamberski Nadine , Arheart Kristopher L. , Cray Carolyn
Published: April 2021

Serum samples collected from 37 clinically normal bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) and 13 abnormal bongo were tested using assays for acute-phase proteins (APPs) and by protein electrophoresis. Abnormal bongo samples (n = 27) had significantly higher levels of fibrinogen (FIB) (p < 0.001) and trending but not significantly increased haptoglobin (HP) (p = 0.07) vs. samples from normal bongo (n = 37). There were no significant differences in values for total white blood cell counts or for any of the fractions determined by protein electrophoresis. Clinically normal female bongo (n = 19) had significantly lower levels of FIB than normal males (n = 18) (p = 0.014), and this observation was also made with samples from the clinically abnormal group (p = 0.004). Many weak to moderate significant correlations were observed with increasing age, including increased globulins, FIB, and HP and decreased albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio and albumin. In clinical cases reviewed in this study, mild HP changes categorized this reactant as a minor APP, which contrasts with the major APP classification of HP in the related species of the cow. The preliminary data indicate that the quantitation of these APPs may offer value in assessing inflammation in this species, but additional studies are needed.
Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Noise Levels in Urban Areas—A Pre/during Comparison of Long-Term Sound Pressure Measurements in the Ruhr Area, Germany
Authors: Hornberg Jonas , Haselhoff Timo , Lawrence Bryce T. , Fischer Jonas L. , Ahmed Salman , Gruehn Dietwald , Moebus Susanne
Published: April 2021

Background: A major source of noise pollution is traffic. In Germany, the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown caused a substantial decrease in mobility, possibly affecting noise levels. The aim is to analyze the effects of the lockdown measures on noise levels in the densely populated Ruhr Area. We focus on the analysis of noise levels before and during lockdown considering different land use types, weekdays, and time of day. Methods: We used data from 22 automatic sound devices of the SALVE (Acoustic Quality and Health in Urban Environments) project, running since 2019 in Bochum, Germany. We performed a pre/during lockdown comparison of A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure levels. The study period includes five weeks before and five weeks during the SARS-CoV-2 induced administrative lockdown measures starting on 16 March 2020. We stratified our data by land use category (LUC), days of the week, and daytime. Results: We observed highest noise levels pre-lockdown in the ‘main street’ and ‘commercial areas’ (68.4 ± 6.7 dB resp. 61.0 ± 8.0 dB), while in ‘urban forests’ they were lowest (50.9 ± 6.6 dB). A distinct mean overall noise reduction of 5.1 dB took place, with noise reductions occurring in each LUC. However, the magnitude of noise levels differed considerably between the categories. Weakest noise reductions were found in the ‘main street’ (3.9 dB), and strongest in the ‘urban forest’, ‘green space’, and ‘residential area’ (5.9 dB each). Conclusions: Our results are in line with studies from European cities. Strikingly, all studies report noise reductions of about 5 dB. Aiming at a transformation to a health-promoting urban mobility can be a promising approach to mitigating health risks of noise in cities. Overall, the experiences currently generated by the pandemic offer data for best practices and policies for the development of healthy urban transportation—the effects of a lower traffic and more tranquil world were experienced firsthand by people during this time.
Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Naser Abdallah , Dahmash Eman , Alsairafi Zahra , Alwafi Hassan , Alyami Hamad , Jalal Zahraa , Al Rajeh Ahmed , Paudyal Vibhu , Alhartani Yosra , Turkistani Fawaz , Hassanin Fadi
Published: April 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of the general public in the Middle Eastern countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted between the 19th of March and the 6th of April 2020 in three Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) to explore the knowledge and practices of the Middle Eastern population regarding COVID-19. A previously developed questionnaire was adapted and used for this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of COVID-19 knowledge. Results: A total of 1208 participants (members of the public) participated from the three countries (Jordan = 389, Saudi Arabia = 433, and Kuwait = 386). The majority of participants (n = 810, 67.2%) were females aged 30 to 49 years (n = 501, 41.5%). Participants had moderate overall COVID-19 knowledge, with a mean (SD) score of 7.93 (±1.72) out of 12 (66.1%). Participants had better knowledge about disease prevention and control (83.0%), whereas the lowest sub-scale scores were for questions about disease transmission routes (43.3%). High education level was an important predictor of greater COVID-19 knowledge scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Further public education is needed to address the relatively low level of education regarding the transmission of COVID-19 in the Middle Eastern countries. Policymakers are recommended to develop informative COVID-19 related campaigns that specifically target young people (university students), unemployed individuals, and those with lower levels of education.
Nephrotoxicity as a Complication of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer, Melanoma and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Jagieła Joanna , Bartnicki Piotr , Rysz Jacek
Published: April 2021

Acute kidney injury is a common complication of many medical procedures, including those used in cancer treatment. Both chemotherapy and immunotherapy may result in deterioration of kidney function, which may lead to an increase in mortality among patients with cancer. Antineoplastic agents can affect any element of the nephron, leading to the appearance of clinical symptoms such as proteinuria, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic interstitial nephritis and acute kidney injury. The medical literature describing renal complications occurring during chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic treatment in neoplasms, such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, was analysed. The immune system plays an important role in controlling the development of neoplasms and fighting them. Oncological treatment algorithms include immunotherapy as monotherapy, combined with chemotherapy or chemotherapy as monotherapy. In the treatment of the above-mentioned neoplasms immunotherapeutics are used, such as checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) (i.e., ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (i.e., bevacizumab, ramucirumab) and a variety of chemotherapeutic agents (irinotecan, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, gefitinib, erlotinib, gemcitabine, cisplatin, paclitaxel, carboplatin, doclitaxel, vinorelbine, topotecan, etoposide). In our article, we focused on the number and type of renal complications as well as on the time of their manifestation when using specific treatment regimens. Our analysis also includes case reports. We discussed treatment of immunological complications and adjustments of the dose of chemotherapeutic agents depending on the creatinine clearance. Analysing the data from the literature, when two immunotherapeutic agents are used together, the number of recorded renal complications increases. Bevacizumab and ramucirumab are the cause of the largest number of renal complications among the immunotherapeutic agents described above. Cisplatin is the best-described substance with the greatest nephrotoxic potential among the chemotherapeutic agents. Crucial for renal complications are also cancer stage, previous chemotherapy and other risk factors of AKI such as age, comorbidities and medications used. Due to the described complications during oncological treatment, including kidney damage, it seems necessary to elaborate standards of cooperation between oncologists and nephrologists both during and after treatment of a patient with cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research and develop algorithms for management of a cancer patient, especially during such an intensive progress in oncology.
Usability of Ultrasonic Frequency Testing for Rapid Generation of High and Very High Cycle Fatigue Data
Authors: Fitzka Michael , Schönbauer Bernd M. , Rhein Robert K. , Sanaei Niloofar , Zekriardehani Shahab , Tekalur Srinivasan Arjun , Carroll Jason W. , Mayer Herwig
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonic fatigue testing is an increasingly used method to study the high cycle fatigue (HCF) and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) properties of materials. Specimens are cycled at an ultrasonic frequency, which leads to a drastic reduction of testing times. This work focused on summarising the current understanding, based on literature data and original work, whether and how fatigue properties measured with ultrasonic and conventional equipment are comparable. Aluminium alloys are not strain-rate sensitive. A weaker influence of air humidity at ultrasonic frequencies may lead to prolonged lifetimes in some alloys, and tests in high humidity or distilled water can better approximate environmental conditions at low frequencies. High-strength steels are insensitive to the cycling frequency. Strain rate sensitivity of ferrite causes prolonged lifetimes in those steels that show crack initiation in the ferritic phase. Austenitic stainless steels are less prone to frequency effects. Fatigue properties of titanium alloys and nickel alloys are insensitive to testing frequency. Limited data for magnesium alloys and graphite suggest no frequency influence. Ultrasonic fatigue tests of a glass fibre-reinforced polymer delivered comparable lifetimes to servo-hydraulic tests, suggesting that high-frequency testing is, in principle, applicable to fibre-reinforced polymer composites. The use of equipment with closed-loop control of vibration amplitude and resonance frequency is strongly advised since this guarantees high accuracy and reproducibility of ultrasonic tests. Pulsed loading and appropriate cooling serve to avoid specimen heating.
Application of Construction and Demolition Waste in Civil Construction in the Brazilian Amazon—Case Study of the City of Rio Branco
Authors: Souza Fernando da Silva , Carvalho José Maria Franco de , Silveira Gabriela Grotti , Araújo Vitória Cordeiro , Peixoto Ricardo André Fiorotti
Published: April 2021

The lack of usable aggregates for civil construction in Rio Branco (capital of Acre, a Federal State in the Amazon region) makes the production and use of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) an alternative of great interest. In this study, a comprehensive characterization of CDW collected from 24 construction sites of six building types and three different construction phases (structures, masonry, and finishing) was carried out. The fine and coarse recycled aggregates were produced and evaluated in 10 different compositions. The aggregates’ performance was evaluated in four mixtures designed for laying and coating mortars with a total replacement of conventional aggregates and a mixture designed for a C25 concrete with 50% and 100% replacement of conventional aggregates. CDW mortars showed lower densities and greater water retention, initial adhesion, and mechanical strength than conventional mortars. CDW concretes presented lower densities and greater resistance to chloride penetration than conventional concrete, with a small mechanical strength reduction. The recycled CDW aggregates proved to be technologically feasible for safe application in mortars and concrete; for this reason, it is believed that the alternative and proposed methodology is of great interest to the Amazonian construction industry, considering the high costs of raw materials and the need for defining and consolidating a sustainable development model for the Amazon region.
Selected Aspects of Electrochemical Micromachining Technology Development
Authors: Skoczypiec Sebastian , Lipiec Piotr , Bizoń Wojciech , Wyszyński Dominik
Published: April 2021

The paper focuses on the fundamentals of electrochemical machining technology de-elopement with special attention to applications for micromachining. In this method, a material is removed during an anodic electrochemical dissolution. The method has a number of features which make it attractive technology for shaping parts with geometrical features in range of micrometres. The paper is divided into two parts. The first one covers discussion on: general characteristics of electrochemical machining, phenomena in the gap, problems resulting from scaling down the process and electrochemical micromachining processes and variants. The second part consists of synthetic overview of the authors’ research on localization of pulse electrochemical micromachining process and case studies connected with application of this method with use of universal cylindrical electrode-tool for shaping cavities in 1.4301 stainless steel. The latter application was conducted in two following variants: electrochemical contour milling and shaping carried out with sidewall surface of rotating tool. In both cases, the obtained shape is a function of electrode tool trajectory. Selection of adequate machining strategy allows to obtain desired shape and quality.
Fatigue Performance Evaluation of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Based on Statistical Analysis of Self-Heating
Authors: Guo Shaofei , Liu Xuesong , Zhang Hongxia , Yan Zhifeng , Fang Hongyuan
Published: April 2021

AZ31B magnesium alloy is the experimental material in this study. Considering its anisotropy, fatigue assessment based on self-heating is carried out for both the extrusion direction and the transverse direction. The self-heating behavior in the two orientations is compared. Similar to steels, an obvious inflection point that corresponds to the fatigue limit can be found in the self-heating vs. load curve for AZ31B. A new fatigue limit assessment method is proposed based on a statistical analysis of self-heating data. This method can provide a satisfactory assessment of the fatigue limit for AZ31B in the both orientations.
Theoretical and Experimental Identification of Frequency Characteristics and Control Signals of a Dynamic System in the Process of Turning
Authors: Świć Antoni , Gola Arkadiusz
Published: April 2021

The article presents the results of the experimental validation of the developed static, time and frequency characteristics under interference and longitudinal feed control of a dynamic system in the process of turning axisymmetric parts. The experiments were conducted on a test bench, consisting of a 16B16P center lathe, a measuring system and a PC with a measurement card. The experiments were carried out to verify the assumptions of the baseline model of the turning process. As part of the study, we determined the static characteristics of the machining process, the time characteristics of the object under interference and under longitudinal feed rate control, and the frequency characteristics of the machine tool system under longitudinal feed rate control. During the experiments, we recorded the observed input and output signal curves and the observed characteristics of the interferences acting on the object, as well as the numerical values of the parameters of the equations describing the model, and in particular the gain of the elastic system, which is difficult to determine by analytical methods. The positive results of the experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed models and their usefulness for automation of machining processes.
Hydrothermal Crystallization of Bismuth Oxychlorides (BiOCl) Using Different Shape Control Reagents
Authors: Bárdos Enikő , Márta Viktória A. , Fodor Szilvia , Kedves Endre-Zsolt , Hernadi Klara , Pap Zsolt
Published: April 2021

Bismuth oxychloride photocatalysts were obtained using solvothermal synthesis and different additives (CTAB—cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAC—cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, PVP–polyvinylpyrrolidone, SDS–sodium dodecylsulphate, U—urea and TU—thiourea). The effect of the previously mentioned compounds was analyzed applying structural (primary crystallite size, crystal phase composition, etc.), morphological (particle geometry), optical (band gap energy) parameters, surface related properties (surface atoms’ oxidation states), and the resulted photocatalytic activity. A strong dependency was found between the surface tension of the synthesis solutions and the overall morpho-structural parameters. The main finding was that the characteristics of the semiconductors can be tuned by modifying the surface tension of the synthesis mixture. It was observed after the photocatalytic degradation, that the white semiconductor turned to grey. Furthermore, we attempted to explain the gray color of BiOCl catalysts after the photocatalytic decompositions by Raman and XPS studies.
Scaffold-Type Structure Dental Ceramics with Different Compositions Evaluated through Physicochemical Characteristics and Biosecurity Profiles
Authors: Fabricky Mihai M.C. , Gabor Alin-Gabriel , Milutinovici Raluca Adriana , Watz Claudia Geanina , Avram Ștefana , Drăghici George , Mihali Ciprian V. , Moacă Elena-Alina , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Galuscan Atena , Buzatu Roxana , Duma Virgil-Florin , Negrutiu Meda-Lavinia , Sinescu Cosmin
Published: April 2021

The design and development of ceramic structures based on 3D scaffolding as dental bone substitutes has become a topic of great interest in the regenerative dentistry research area. In this regard, the present study focuses on the development of two scaffold-type structures obtained from different commercial dental ceramics by employing the foam replication method. At the same time, the study underlines the physicochemical features and the biological profiles of the newly developed scaffolds, compared to two traditional Cerabone® materials used for bone augmentation, by employing both the in vitro Alamar blue proliferation test at 24, 48 and 96 h poststimulation and the in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The data reveal that the newly developed scaffolds express comparable results with the traditional Cerabone® augmentation masses. In terms of network porosity, the scaffolds show higher pore interconnectivity compared to Cerabone® granules, whereas regarding the biosafety profile, all ceramic samples manifest good biocompatibility on primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); however only the Cerabone® samples induced proliferation of HGF cells following exposure to concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL. Additionally, none of the test samples induce irritative activity on the vascular developing plexus. Thus, based on the current results, the preliminary biosecurity profile of ceramic scaffolds supports the usefulness for further testing of high relevance for their possible clinical dental applications.
Visible Light-Cured Antibacterial Collagen Hydrogel Containing Water-Solubilized Triclosan for Improved Wound Healing
Authors: Jin Longhao , Park Kyeongsoon , Yoon Yihyun , Kim Hyeon Soo , Kim Hyeon Ji , Choi Jae Won , Lee Deuk Yong , Chun Heung Jae , Yang Dae Hyeok
Published: April 2021

Infection is one of several factors that can delay normal wound healing. Antibacterial wound dressings can therefore promote normal wound healing. In this study, we prepared an antibacterial wound dressing, consisting of visible light-cured methacrylated collagen (ColMA) hydrogel and a 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)/triclosan (TCS) complex (CD-ic-TCS), and evaluated its wound healing effects in vivo. The 1H NMR spectra of ColMA and CD-ic-TCS revealed characteristic peaks at 1.73, 5.55, 5.94, 6.43, 6.64, 6.84, 6.95, 7.31, and 7.55 ppm, indicating successful preparation of the two material types. In addition, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy proved an inclusion complex formation between HP-β-CD and TCS, judging by a unique peak observed at 280 cm−1. Furthermore, ColMA/CD-ic-TCS exhibited an interconnected porous structure, controlled release of TCS, good biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity. By in vivo animal testing, we found that ColMA/CD-ic-TCS had a superior wound healing capacity, compared to the other hydrocolloids evaluated, due to synergistic interaction between ColMA and CD-ic-TCS. Together, our findings indicate that ColMA/CD-ic-TCS has a clinical potential as an antibacterial wound dressing.
Research and Development of Novel Refractory of MgO Doped with ZrO2 Nanoparticles for Copper Slag Resistance
Authors: Gómez-Rodríguez Cristian , Antonio-Zárate Yanet , Revuelta-Acosta Josept , Verdeja Luis Felipe , Fernández-González Daniel , López-Perales Jesús Fernando , Rodríguez-Castellanos Edén Amaral , García-Quiñonez Linda Viviana , Castillo-Rodríguez Guadalupe Alan
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the corrosion mechanism on 100 wt.% MgO and 95 wt.% MgO with 5 wt.% nano-ZrO2 ceramic composites. First, MgO powder and powder mixtures (MgO + nano ZrO2) were uniaxially and isostatically pressed; then, they were sintered at 1650 °C. Corrosion by copper slag was studied in sintered samples. Physical properties, microstructure, and penetration of the slag in the refractory were studied. Results reveal that ZrO2 nanoparticles enhanced the samples’ densification, promoting grain growth due to diffusion of vacancies during the sintering process. Additionally, magnesia bricks were severely corroded, if compared with those doped with nano-ZrO2, mainly due to the dissolution of MgO grains during the chemical attack by copper slag.