bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggravation of Reflux Finding Score (RFS) after thyroidectomy
Authors: Yoon Hyung-Joon , Kim Hee Ryung , Song Chang Myeon , Lee Ji Young , Ahn You Hern , Tae Kyung
Published: July 2021

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has been suggested as a possible cause of post-thyroidectomy syndrome. However, the pathophysiology and relationship between thyroidectomy and LPR have not been well investigated. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between thyroidectomy and LPR by assessing changes in LPR-related symptoms and laryngoscopic findings before and after thyroidectomy. Ninety-five patients who underwent thyroidectomy with or without central neck dissection were included. The reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI) were investigated one day before surgery and two, four, six, and twelve months after surgery. The RFS scores increased significantly after thyroidectomy and decreased to the preoperative level 12 months after surgery. The RSI scores increased after surgery and decreased gradually by 12 months postoperatively, although it was not statistically significant. The RSI and RFS scores improved with the administration of proton pump inhibitors. In conclusion, LPR-related laryngoscopic findings were exacerbated after uncomplicated thyroidectomy. Further studies using pH-monitoring and esophageal manometry are required to investigate the possible deterioration of LPR itself and the UES pressure after thyroidectomy.
Integral methods for automatic quantification of fast-scan-cyclic-voltammetry detected neurotransmitters
Authors: Espín Leonardo X. , Asp Anders J. , Trevathan James K. , Ludwig Kip A. , Lujan J. Luis
Published: July 2021

Modern techniques for estimating basal levels of electroactive neurotransmitters rely on the measurement of oxidative charges. This requires time integration of oxidation currents at certain intervals. Unfortunately, the selection of integration intervals relies on ad-hoc visual identification of peaks on the oxidation currents, which introduces sources of error and precludes the development of automated procedures necessary for analysis and quantification of neurotransmitter levels in large data sets. In an effort to improve charge quantification techniques, here we present novel methods for automatic selection of integration boundaries. Our results show that these methods allow quantification of oxidation reactions both in vitro and in vivo and of multiple analytes in vitro.
High-risk clones of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from the University Hospital Establishment of Oran, Algeria (2011–2012)
Authors: Zemmour Assia , Dali-Yahia Radia , Maatallah Makaoui , Saidi-Ouahrani Nadjia , Rahmani Bouabdallah , Benhamouche Nora , Al-Farsi Hissa M. , Giske Christian G.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the study was to characterize the resistome, virulome, mobilome and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated (CRISPR-Cas) system of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(ESBL-KP) clinical isolates and to determine their phylogenetic relatedness. The isolates were from Algeria, isolated at the University Hospital Establishment of Oran, between 2011 and 2012. ESBL-KP isolates (n = 193) were screened for several antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) using qPCR followed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Representative isolates were selected from PFGE clusters and subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Genomic characterization of the WGS data by studying prophages, CRISPR-Cas systems, Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), serotype, ARGs, virulence genes, plasmid replicons, and their pMLST. Phylogenetic and comparative genomic were done using core genome MLST and SNP-Based analysis. Generally, the ESBL-KP isolates were polyclonal. The whole genome sequences of nineteen isolates were taken of main PFGE clusters. Sixteen sequence types (ST) were found including high-risk clones ST14, ST23, ST37, and ST147. Serotypes K1 (n = 1), K2 (n = 2), K3 (n = 1), K31 (n = 1), K62 (n = 1), and K151 (n = 1) are associated with hyper-virulence. CRISPR-Cas system was found in 47.4%, typed I-E and I-E*. About ARGs, from 193 ESBL-KP, the majority of strains were multidrug-resistant, the CTX-M-1 enzyme was predominant (99%) and the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes was high withaac(6′)-lb-cr(72.5%) andqnr’s(65.8%). From 19 sequenced isolates we identified ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase genes:blaCTX-M-15(n = 19),blaOXA-48(n = 1),blaCMY-2(n = 2), andblaCMY-16(n = 2), as well as non-ESBL genes:qnrB1(n = 12),qnrS1(n = 1) andarmA(n = 2). We found IncF, IncN, IncL/M, IncA/C2, and Col replicon types, at least once per isolate. This study is the first to reportqnrSin ESBL-KP in Algeria. Our analysis shows the concerning co-existence of virulence and resistance genes and would support that genomic surveillance should be a high priority in the hospital environment.
Perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among Nepalese older adults in eastern Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yadav Uday Narayan , Yadav Om Prakash , Singh Devendra Raj , Ghimire Saruna , Rayamajhee Binod , Kanti Mistry Sabuj , Rawal Lal Bahadur , Ali ARM Mehrab , Kumar Tamang Man , Mehta Suresh
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all age groups worldwide, but older adults have been affected greatly with an increased risk of severe illness and mortality. Nepal is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The normal life of older adults, one of the vulnerable populations to COVID-19 infection, has been primarily impacted. The current evidence shows that the COVID-19 virus strains are deadly, and non-compliance to standard protocols can have serious consequences, increasing fear among older adults. This study assessed the perceived fear of COVID-19 and associated factors among older adults in eastern Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 among 847 older adults (≥60 years) residing in three districts of eastern Nepal. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Multivariate logistic regression identified the factors associated with COVID-19 fear.

Results

The mean score of the FCV-19S was 18.1 (SD = 5.2), and a sizeable proportion of older adults, ranging between 12%-34%, agreed with the seven items of the fear scale. Increasing age, Dalit ethnicity, remoteness to the health facility, and being concerned or overwhelmed with the COVID-19 were associated with greater fear of COVID-19. In contrast, preexisting health conditions were inversely associated with fear.

Conclusion

Greater fear of the COVID-19 among the older adults in eastern Nepal suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of older adults should be prioritized. Establishing and integrating community-level mental health support as a part of the COVID-19 preparedness and response plan might help to combat COVID-19 fear among them.
Diversity analysis of genes encoding Mfa1 fimbrial components in Porphyromonas gingivalis strains
Authors: Sakae Kotaro , Nagano Keiji , Furuhashi Miyuna , Hasegawa Yoshiaki
Published: July 2021

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, is associated with the development of periodontal disease. The genetic diversity in virulence factors, such as adhesive fimbriae, among its strains affects the bacterial pathogenicity. P. gingivalis generally expresses two distinct types of fimbriae, FimA and Mfa1. Although the genetic diversity of fimA, encoding the major FimA fimbrilin protein, has been characterized, the genes encoding the Mfa1 fimbrial components, including the Mfa1 to Mfa5 proteins, have not been fully studied. We, therefore, analyzed their genotypes in 12 uncharacterized and 62 known strains of P. gingivalis (74 strains in total). The mfa1 genotype was primarily classified into two genotypes, 53 and 70. Additionally, we found that genotype 70 could be further divided into two subtypes (70A and 70B). The diversity of mfa2 to mfa4 was consistent with the mfa1 genotype, although no subtype in genotype 70 was observed. Protein structure modeling showed high homology between the genotypes in Mfa1 to Mfa4. The mfa5 gene was classified into five genotypes (A to E) independent of other genotypes. Moreover, genotype A was further divided into two subtypes (A1 and A2). Surprisingly, some strains had two mfa5 genes, and the 2nd mfa5 exclusively occurred in genotype E. The Mfa5 protein in all genotypes showed a homologous C-terminal half, including the conserved C-terminal domain recognized by the type IX secretion system. Furthermore, the von Willebrand factor domain at the N-terminal was detected only in genotypes A to C. The mfa1 genotypes partially correlated with the ragA and ragB genotypes (located immediately downstream of the mfa gene cluster) but not with the fimA genotypes.
Seroprevalence and associated factors of HIV and Hepatitis C in Brazilian high-security prisons: A state-wide epidemiological study
Authors: Defante Ferreto Lirane Elize , Guedes Stephanny , Braz Pauli Fernando , Soligo Rovani Samyra , Aní Caovilla Follador Franciele , Paula Vieira Ana , Himovski Torres Renata , Colares Coelho Harnoldo , Welter Wendt Guilherme
Published: July 2021

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is much higher in prisons than in community settings. Some explanatory factors for this burden include putative aspects of the prison environment, such as unprotected sexual relations and sexual violence, use of injectable drugs and syringe sharing. Nonetheless, efforts in better understanding the dynamics of both HCV and HIV are scarce in developing countries such as Brazil, which poses a risk not only to the inmates but to the community as well. In this investigation, we sought to determine the seroprevalence and sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors associated with HIV and anti-HCV antibodies among men detained at high-security institutions. This is an epidemiological, proportionally stratified observational study including 1,132 inmates aged 18 to 79 years-old (Mage = 32.58±10.18) from eleven high-security prisons located in the State of Paraná, Brazil. We found that HIV and anti-HCV prevalence were 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0–2.5) and 2.7% (95% CI: 1.0–2.5), respectively. Risk factors associated with HIV included not receiving intimate visits (OR = 8.80, 95% CI: 1.15–66.88), already having another sexually transmitted infection (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.47–10.29), and reporting attendance in HIV preventive campaigns (OR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.58–11.36). Moreover, anti-HCV seroprevalence was associated with higher age (OR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.61–10.07), criminal recidivism (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.02–6.52), and the use of injectable drugs (OR = 7.32, 95% CI 3.36–15.92). Although prisons might increase the risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV and HCV, the adoption of permanent epidemiological surveillance programs could help reducing the circulation of viruses, involving strategies focusing on screening, treating, and preventing infections to assure proper prisoner health. Moreover, these policies need to take place inside and outside the prison environment to offer continued assistance to former prisoners once they leave the institution.
Collective memory for American leaders: Measuring recognition for the names and faces of the US presidents
Authors: Putnam Adam L. , Drake Sarah Madison , Wang Serene Y. , DeSoto K. Andrew
Published: July 2021

Collective memory studies show that Americans remember their presidents in a predictable pattern, which can be described as a serial position curve with an additional spike for Abraham Lincoln. However, all prior studies have tested Americans’ collective memory for the presidents by theirnames. How well do Americans know thefacesof the presidents? In two experiments, we investigated presidential facial recognition and compared facial recognition to name recognition. In Experiment 1, an online sample judged whether each of the official portraits of the US presidents and similar portraits of nonpresidents depicted a US president. The facial recognition rate (around 60%) was lower than the name recognition rate in past research (88%), but the overall pattern still fit a serial position curve. Some nonpresidents, such as Alexander Hamilton, were still falsely identified as presidents at high rates. In Experiment 2, a college sample completed a recognition task composed of both faces and names to directly compare the recognition rates. As predicted, subjects recognized the names of the presidents more frequently than the faces. Some presidents were frequently identified by their names but not by their faces (e.g. John Quincy Adams), while others were the opposite (e.g. Calvin Coolidge). Together, our studies show that Americans’ memory for the faces of the presidents is somewhat worse than their memory for the names of the presidents but still follows the same pattern, indicating that collective memories contain more than just verbal information.
Sense of coherence, social support and religiosity as resources for medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based survey among 4324 health care workers within the German Network University Medicine
Authors: Schmuck Jonas , Hiebel Nina , Rabe Milena , Schneider Juliane , Erim Yesim , Morawa Eva , Jerg-Bretzke Lucia , Beschoner Petra , Albus Christian , Hannemann Julian , Weidner Kerstin , Steudte-Schmiedgen Susann , Radbruch Lukas , Brunsch Holger , Geiser Franziska
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in severe detrimental effects on the mental well-being of health care workers (HCW). Consequently, there has been a need to identify health-promoting resources in order to mitigate the psychological impact of the pandemic on HCW.

Objective

Our objective was to investigate the association of sense of coherence (SOC), social support and religiosity with self-reported mental symptoms and increase of subjective burden during the COVID-19 pandemic in HCW.

Methods

Our sample comprised 4324 HCW of four professions (physicians, nurses, medical technical assistants (MTA) and pastoral workers) who completed an online survey from 20 April to 5 July 2020. Health-promoting resources were assessed using the Sense of Coherence Scale Short Form (SOC-3), the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI) and one item on religiosity derived from the Scale of Transpersonal Trust (TPV). Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured with the PHQ-2 and GAD-2. The increase of subjective burden due to the pandemic was assessed as the retrospective difference between burden during the pandemic and before the pandemic.

Results

In multiple regressions, higher SOC was strongly associated with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. Higher social support was also related to less severe mental symptoms, but with a smaller effect size, while religiosity showed minimal to no correlation with anxiety or depression. In professional group analysis, SOC was negatively associated with mental symptoms in all groups, while social support only correlated significantly with mental health outcomes in physicians and MTA. In the total sample and among subgroups, an increase of subjective burden was meaningfully associated only with a weaker SOC.

Conclusion

Perceived social support and especially higher SOC appeared to be beneficial for mental health of HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the different importance of the resources in the respective occupations requires further research to identify possible reasons.
Therapeutic efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists for left ventricular thrombus: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kitano Tetsuji , Nabeshima Yosuke , Kataoka Masaharu , Takeuchi Masaaki
Published: July 2021

Background

Although several meta-analyses have compared efficacies of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for treatment of left ventricular thrombus (LVT), those meta-analyses included no single-arm studies.

Methods and results

PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles investigatingthrombus resolution,stroke,any thromboembolism,major bleeding,any bleeding, orall-cause deathin LVT treated with VKAs or DOACs, and single-class meta-analyses were also included (PROSPERO database, CRD42021230849). Event rates were pooled using a random effects model. Meta-regression analysis was performed to explore factors that may influence outcomes. 2,612 patients from 23 articles were included (VKAs: 2,004, DOACs: 608). There were no significant differences between VKAs and DOACs in the frequency ofthrombus resolution(VKAs: 0.75 [95% confidence interval; 0.67 to 0.81], DOACs: 0.75 [0.67 to 0.82]),stroke(VKAs: 0.06 [0.04 to 0.10], DOACs: 0.02 [0.01 to 0.01]),any thromboembolism(VKAs: 0.08 [0.05 to 0.13], DOACs: 0.03 [0.01 to 0.10]),major bleeding(VKAs: 0.06 [0.04 to 0.09], DOACs: 0.03 [0.01 to 0.06]),any bleeding(VKAs: 0.08 [0.05 to 0.12], DOACs: 0.08 [0.06 to 0.10]), andall-cause death(VKAs: 0.07 [0.04 to 0.13], DOACs: 0.09 [0.05 to 0.16]). Meta-regression analysis revealed that increased duration of follow-up was associated with lower-rates ofstroke(estimate: -0.040, p = 0.0495) with VKAs, but not with DOACs. There was significant publication bias forthrombus resolution,stroke,any thromboembolism,any bleeding, andall-cause death.

Conclusions

Efficacy and adverse outcomes of therapy with DOACs and VKAs do not differ. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the optimal anticoagulant strategy.
Editorial: Refashioning stories for celebrity counterpublics
Authors: Moro Sabrina , Nandy Samita , Obbard Kiera , Zolides Andrew
Published: July 2021

Using celebrity narratives as a starting point, this Special Issue explores the social significance of storytelling for social change. It builds on the 8th Centre for Media and Celebrity Studies conference, which brought together scholars and media practitioners to explore how narratives inspired by the lives of celebrities, public intellectuals, critics and activists offer useful rhetorical tools to better understand dominant ideologies. This editorial further problematizes what it means to be a popular ‘storyteller’ using the critical lens of celebrity activism and life-writing. Throughout the issue, contributors analyse the politics of representation at play within a wide range of glamourous narratives, including documentaries, memoirs, TED talks, stand-up performances and award acceptance speeches in Hollywood and beyond. The studies show how we can strategically use aesthetic communication to shape identity politics in public personas and bring urgent social change in an image-driven celebrity culture.
The artwork as an ecological object
Authors: Goodfellow Paul
Published: July 2021

Contemporary art is not a simple system based on the creation and dissemination of aesthetic and conceptual objects, but a complex set of institutional and social processes with different motivations, audiences and environments. Likewise, the contemporary artwork cannot be represented as a singular object, but a complex set of material, technological, social and psychic relations. This complexity can be traced to the 1960s when three cultural developments: the expansion of the artwork, the increase in ecological awareness and the proliferation of systems thinking, and systems technology converged, shifting our focus from the material world to the underlying processes, relationships and data. This understanding leads to a focused description of the complex artwork Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson and how this work can be understood in systems, specifically ecological-systems terms. Such complex work extends beyond the confinement of the original material object to include a vast network of physical and social relations, and this expanded work is more accurately described as simultaneously system and object, or ecological object.
Diccionario de Turismo
Authors: Ivars Baidal Josep Antoni
Published: July 2021

Reseña de: Diccionario de Turismo (2021). Blanco Romero, A., Blázquez Salom, M., de la Calle Vaquero, M., Fernández Tabales, A., García Hernández, M., Lois González, R. C., Mínguez García, M. C., Navalón García, R., Navarro Jurado, E. y Troitiño Torralba, L. Ediciones Cátedra, Madrid. 389 pp. ISBN 978-84-376-4200-0.
La relación entre la infraestructura de conocimiento científico y el crecimiento industrial brasileño
Authors: Quintino Heliana Mary da Silva , Holanda Francisco Sandro Rodrigues , Moura Fábio Rodrigues de , Santana José Ricardo de , Santos Luiz Diego Vidal , Silva Dayanne Santos
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo utiliza la metodología de vectores autorregresivos en datos de panel para estimar la relación causal entre los indicadores de la cadena de conocimiento científico y tecnológico y el desempeño industrial brasileño. Los resultados del modelo muestran que algunos de los vínculos implícitos en esta cadena son bastante grandes, aunque no particularmente robustos. Concluimos que Brasil se encuentra en un proceso aún tenue de endogenización del conocimiento en su sistema económico industrial.
Contra el fuego en el Burgos del Setecientos
Authors: Sanz de la Higuera Francisco José
Published: July 2021

Los incendios ocurridos en el caserío de la ciudad de Burgos en el devenir del siglo XVIII hicieron imprescindible la adquisición y mantenimiento de una bomba contra el fuego por parte del Ayuntamiento. La construcción de las casas con madera, la quema de carbón y leña en las chimeneas y braseros en los interiores domésticos y la existencia de industrias potencialmente peligrosas en la ciudad pre-industrial hacían preciso, a todas luces, disponer de un sistema anti-incendios eficaz, rápido y funcional con el que atajar el grave peligro que se cernía sobre la población.
Pengembangan Teknologi Proses Ekstraksi Titanium, Nikel, dan Tembaga untuk Kemandirian Industri Nasional
Authors:   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Subagja Rudi
Published: July 2021

Dalam orasi ini, akan dipaparkan intisari dari rangkaian hasil-hasil kegiatan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, meliputi penelitian pemanfaatan ilmenit Indonesia menjadi TiO2, penelitian pemanfaatan bijih nikel laterit kadar rendah Indonesia menjadi konsentrat dan logam nikel, serta penelitian pemanfaatan malasit menjadi logam tembaga. Hasil dari kegiatan penelitian ini akan memberikan kontribusi yang besar bagi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi untuk menciptakan kemandirian industri nasional, serta membantu memecahkan masalah pemanfaatan dan peningkatan nilai tambah sumber daya mineral ilmenit, nikel laterit, dan malasit Indonesia.
Structural, Electronic, Molecular Orbital Analysis and Charge Distributions on Nitrate Salt of Guanidine through DFT and TD-DFT Methods
Authors: Thangarasu S. , Siva V. , Shameem A. , Murugan A. , Athimoolam S. , Bahadur S. Asath
Published: July 2021

Guanidinium nitrate, a non-linear optical material has been systematically studied through quantum chemical (density functional theory and Hartree Fock) methods. Studies on Mulliken charge, Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and hyperpolarizability analyses have been performed. The Mulliken population analyses were carried out for the optimized molecular geometry by HF and B3LYP methods with 6-311++G(d,p) levels. The molecular orbital parameters of guanidinium nitrate have been calculated by FMO analysis. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis indicates the electron delocalization on the guanidinium nitrate and also its low value of energy gap indicates electron transfer. Optical property has been investigated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation. The second-order hyperpolarizability value of the ion pairs is much greater than urea, which confirms the good NLO nature of guanidinium nitrate.
Spectral, Theoretical and Biological Studies of 3-((4-Mercaptophenyl)imino)-
1-phenylindolin-2-one Schiff Base and Its Organotellurium(IV) Complexes
Authors: Kumar Manish , Darolia Poonam Jangra , Antil Nidhi , Dalal Mahak , Narwal Jitender , Verma K.K. , Garg Sapana
Published: July 2021

Schiff base ligand (3-((4-mercaptophenyl)imino)-1-phenylindolin-2-one) of 1-phenylindoline-2,3-dione
and 4-aminothiophenol was synthesized by refluxing. Organotellurium(IV) complexes of type
(RTeCl3.NPhIATP and R2TeCl2.NPhIATP, where R = 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl and
3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl, NPhIATP = Schiff base ligand). The ligand and its organotellurium(IV)
complexes (9a-f) were characterized by FT-IR, molar conductance, elemental analyses, UV-vis, mass,
1H & 13C NMR spectral studies. Geometry of all the compounds were optimized and octahedral geometry
have been proposed for all the tellurium(IV) complexes. Molecular docking was studied to find the
binding interactions between ligand (NPhIATP) and receptor proteins: E. coli (3t88) and S. aureus
(3ty7). The antimicrobial activity of ligand and its tellurium(IV) complexes have been screened against
bacteria and fungi. All the organotellurium(IV) complexes complexes showed good activity to ligand
towards different studied microorganisms.
Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of the Aerial Parts of Cyperus rotundus (Cypereaceae)
Authors: Hamidou Abdoulaye , Momeni Jean , Gade Isaac Silvère , Tamfu Alfred Ngenge , Talla Emmanuel , Ngo Bum Elisabeth , Laurent Sophie , Henoumont Celine
Published: July 2021

The present study reports the chemical constituents, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and α-amylase activities of the aerial part of Cyperus rotundus collected in Cameroon. Phytochemical study leads to the isolation of six known compounds alongwith lupeol (1), stigmasterol (2), tetracosanoic acid (3), a mixture of β-sitosterol (4a) and stigmasterol (4b), ursolic acid (5) and saikogenin F (6). Compounds 3, 5 and 6 were isolated for the first time from this species. The structures of these compounds were determined using spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometry and comparison with the literature data. Biological activities carried out on the extracts showed that the methanol extract exhibited good antiradical scavenging activity against DPPH radical (IC50 = 2.873 μg/mL) and very good ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC50 = 7.535 μg/mL). It appeared that the mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate extract at the dose 100 mg/kg protected 66% of mice against convulsion induced by the pentylenetetrazol and 50% of protection when using picrotoxin at the same dose. All the extracts and compounds from this plant showed no inhibition against α-amylase related to antidiabetic activity.
Variations in the L-DOPA Content, Phytochemical Constituents and
Antioxidant Activity of Different Germlines of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.
Authors: Rakesh B. , Bindu K. Hima , Praveen N.
Published: July 2021

In this study a ‘wonder plant’ Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., which is commercially important medicinal
plant of the Fabaceae family known for its treatment in Central Nervous System disorders like Dementia,
Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc. have been selected. Different germplasms have been collected to analyze
the phytochemical variations between them and quantify the L-DOPA in root, stem, leaves and seeds
of all the five germlines using HPLC. Along with the biochemical assays, antioxidant activity by
DPPH, phosphomolybdneum method, the metal chelating and reductive potential activity of all the
germplasms were studied. All parts of the plant have shown the presence of L-DOPA but, seeds have the
highest quantity followed by the roots, stem and leaves. Arka Shubra seeds showed high L-DOPA content
(51.9 mg/g) while the other germplasms showed L-DOPA ranging from 43-45 mg/g. Highest content of
carbohydrates (258.8 mg/g) and phenolics (157.0 mg/g) was seen in the seeds of Arka Aswini. While the
seeds and leaves of Arka Charaka showed high protein (332.2 mg/g) and flavonoid (10.2 mg/g) content,
respectively. High proline (1.74 mg/g) was observed in the seeds of Arka Shubra. Antioxidant studies
revealed that Arka Charaka and Arka Daksha to be having high reductive power and free radical
scavenging activity by phosphomolybdate method while high metal chelating activity was observed
in Arka Aswini (88.7%) and high antioxidant activity by DPPH method was seen in Arka Shubra
(86.5%).
Investigating the Chaperoning Effect of Nanoparticles in
Chemically Denatured zDHFR: An in vitro Study
Authors: Gupta P. , Verma A.K. , Chaudhuri (Chattopadhyay) P.
Published: July 2021

Maintenance of native structure and function of the protein is a major concern for industrial production
of aggregation prone therapeutically important recombinant proteins. Aggregation may results due to
change in the native conformation of proteins under different stress conditions. To overcome the problem
of protein aggregation, role of silver and gold nanoparticles have been investigated. The nanoparticles
owing to their affirmative interaction with the proteins possess chaperoning activities and protect the
native state from denaturation. In the present study, through performing chemical denaturation of
zebrafish dihydrofolate reductase using denaturants like guanidine hydrochloride and urea in the
presence and absence of gold and silver nanoparticles and monitoring the process through enzyme
activity assay and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, we have demonstrated the impact of nanoparticles
in maintaining native conformation of proteins. Further, the outcome of refolding studies of DHFR
protein with nanoparticles monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy was also reported.
Is Freezing the Future? Investigating Interest of Elective Oocyte Freezing Amongst Singaporean Women
Authors: Bach Sara
Published: July 2021

A novel technological innovation called Elective Oocyte Freezing (EOF) has emerged as a solution for women who wish to preserve their fertility to delay childbearing for non-medical reasons. This technology has grown in popularity as women have undertaken a greater role in the workforce and faced the dilemma of balancing work and family. In spite of the rising trend of Singaporean women postponing childbearing to advance their careers, EOF is currently prohibited in Singapore. Many Singaporean individuals have declared this policy to be both outdated and a threat to women’s reproductive rights. However, prior to this survey, no research, to my knowledge, has analyzed Singaporean female professionals' interests in EOF, if made available. Through this quantitative, cross-sectional, 4-part survey, I conclude that if EOF was permitted, encouraged, and subsidised by the Singaporean government, Singaporean women possess a strong interest in freezing their eggs for social purposes This paper further demonstrates an existing positive relationship between 48 Singaporean female professionals’ interest in EOF prior to and following reading an information leaflet. Specifically, after being informed of the social benefits presented by EOF, participants were significantly more inclined to freeze their eggs if such practice was permitted in Singapore. This conclusion suggests that the Singaporean government should re-evaluate their position on EOF in order to facilitate childbearing dilemmas faced by the increasing number of women entering the country’s workforce each year. Additionally, as this policy is currently a subject of debate in Singapore, the implications of this research, revealing Singaporean female professionals’ interest in EOF, create a foundation for both future research and the possible evaluation of this policy. If this conclusion is corroborated with subsequent research, further evidence may substantiate my findings regarding the desires of Singaporean women and possibly result in a change of legislation.
Association of Body Mass Index With Risk of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Hengjing , Boakye Daniel , Chen Xuechen , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in young adults has been increasing in recent decades in many countries for still widely unclear reasons. Suspected candidates include increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, but specific evidence on their role for early-onset CRC (EOCRC) is sparse. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize available evidence on the association of body mass index (BMI) with EOCRC.

METHODS:

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to February 2021 for studies that evaluated the association of BMI (before diagnosis but not near diagnosis) with CRC risk and reported specific results for EOCRC. Results from studies with similar BMI groupings were summarized in meta-analyses using random-effects models.

RESULTS:

Twelve studies were eligible and included. Results of 6 studies were pooled in meta-analyses, which yielded a higher risk of EOCRC for overweight and obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) compared with normal weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.68). An increasing risk with increasing BMI was observed, with much higher risk for obesity (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.40–2.54) than for overweight (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19–1.47).

DISCUSSION:

Obesity is a strong risk factor for EOCRC, and its increasing prevalence in younger generations is likely to substantially contribute to the increase in EOCRC. Efforts to limit the obesity epidemic in adolescents and younger adults may be crucial for reducing CRC incidence in future generations of adults.
Types of obesity and their impact on long-term outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Miklishanskaya S. V. , Mazur N. A.
Published: July 2021

Large prospective studies involving several hundred thousands to several million people from the general population have shown that people with obesity have a higher overall mortality rate than people with a normal BMI. The use of BMI in predicting the prognosis of people with cardiovascular disease has led to the inverse relationship between BMI and risk of death. Obesity, determined by BMI, is very heterogeneous in determining prognosis in different groups of patients. The use of imaging techniques during the examination revealed that poor health effects are associated with the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue. New evidence also suggests that ectopic deposition of fat (in the liver, in the epicardium) may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The number of studies examining the direct effect of visceral adipose tissue on mortality is very limited. Their results are extremely contradictory, based not on prospective observations, but on the construction of statistical models. Adipose tissue is currently considered as an endocrine and paracrine organ. Deposition of adipose tissue in the internal organs, in addition to metabolic disorders), probably leads to the formation of local adverse effects. The above data lead us to the conclusion that it is necessary to create a new classification that would improve the stratification of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and death in people with obesity.
Konsep Toleransi dalam Keberagaman: Analisis atas Penafsiran Q 49: 13 dalam al-Qur’an dan Tafsir Kemenag versi Website
Authors: Nisa Sofia Aulia Zakiyatun
Published: July 2021

Artikel ini berupaya menemukan konsistensi narasi toleransi yang digaungkan oleh Kementerian Agama Republik Indonesia dalam al-Qur’an dan Tafsir Kemenag versi website melalui penafsiran atas Q 49: 13. Keragaman yang dimiliki masyarakat Indonesia dan tantangan globalisasi menjadikan isu ini penting untuk dikaji. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan analisis data menggunakan content analysis. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa toleransi Kemenag memiliki tiga prinsip; Pertama, saling mengenal satu sama lain meski berbeda ras, suku, budaya, dan agama. Kedua, tolong-menolong dalam kebajikan atas perbedaan yang ada. Ketiga, kerjasama untuk bersama-sama membangun kemajuan kelompok, bangsa, dan negara. Untuk membawa pesan toleransi dalam keberagaman Indonesia pada era modern, Al-Qur’an dan Tafsirnya versi website memiliki relasi terhadap peningkatan wacana toleransi secara kelembagaan. Konsep ini menjadi dasar bagi seluruh lembaga dibawah Kemenag di seluruh Indonesia untuk mengusung semangat yang sama dalam menyebarluaskan wacana dan tindakan yang bernuansa toleran. Konsistensi yang dilakukan merupakan bagian dari keseriusan Kemenag dalam menjaga keutuhan bangsa yang beragam. Hal ini merupakan implementasi dari kewajibannya sebagai lembaga negara yang bertanggung jawab dalam mengkonsep dan menyebarkan sikap toleran dalam keberagaman.
Next generation sequencing
Authors: Bösl Elsbeth , Samida Stefanie
Published: July 2021

Next Generation Sequencing led to major knowledge gains in the molecular life sciences. But the new technology provides data that pose new challenges to both science and society. New fields of research are emerging and questions of identity on the basis of genetic analyses are being negotiated.
Negotiating Jewishness through genetic testing in the State of Israel
Authors: Kohler Noa Sophie
Published: July 2021

In Israel, several hundred thousand citizens form a minority group that wishes to be acknowledged as Jewish by the state authorities. Most of them immigrated from the former Soviet Union and cannot provide sufficient evidence of their maternal ancestors’ affiliation with a Jewish community. This has a direct impact on their civil rights. Based on a scientific research article on matrilineal genetic markers among Eastern and Central European Jews, the rabbinical dean of an institute for advanced Jewish studies in Jerusalem proposed to accept, under certain conditions, the presence of specific genetic markers as legal proof of “Jewishness.” Genetic testing here is meant to become a tool for empowerment and (re)claiming Jewish status. This case raises many questions concerning a biological understanding of Judaism and shows how genetic ancestry testing could be used to uphold the religious orthodox narrative.
Making kin
Authors: Brück Joanna , Frieman Catherine J.
Published: July 2021

Thanks to next generation sequencing (NGS), we can now access ancient biological relationships, including ancestry and parentage, with a startling level of clarity. This has led to recentering of kinship within archaeological discourse. In this paper, we argue that blood and biology are key elements of kin-making only in so far as they are contextualized and made sense of through social relations. We argue that the conceptions of kinship that underpin archaeogenetic studies are the product of a particular historical and political context. Archaeology, with its focus on the material remains of the past, provides opportunities to examine how other forms of material and technological intervention (including ritual, exchange, and the sharing of food) facilitated the creation of kinship links not solely rooted in the human body. Here, we consider the extent to which the social salience of biological relationships identified through ancient DNA analysis can be addressed without imposing contemporary forms of familial structure and gender ideology onto the past.
Германия. 2020
Authors: Belov Vladislav , Gracheva Maria , Kotov Aleksandr , Meden Natalia , Ogneva Aleksandra , Romanova Ekaterina , Trunov Fillip
Published: July 2021

В научной монографии ведущие отечественные германисты исследуют важнейшие политические и экономические процессы в ФРГ в 2020 г. – год, в котором отмечалось 30-летие объединения страны и подводились итоги этого сложнейшего процесса. Особое внимание авторы уделяют влиянию на экономику и политику Германии пандемии коронавируса, в т.ч. активному вмешательству государства в регулирование хозяйственных процессов. В условиях кризиса, вызванного коронавирусом, оно продолжило цифровую и энергетическую трансформацию народного хозяйства. Пандемия оказала влияние на сферу образования, которая была вынуждена перейти на дистанционное обучение. В контексте земельных выборов исследуется ситуация в этаблированных партиях и их перспективы в 2021 г., в котором будет избран новый состав Бундестага и сформировано новая правительственная коалиция. Дан подробный анализ политических и экономических германо-российских отношений, в т.ч. в новой сфере хозяйственной кооперации – водородной энергетике. Исследуются новые аспекты внешнеполитического сотрудничества Германии с Африкой.
«Глобальная Британия» в преддверии брекзита
Authors: Godovanyuk Kira
Published: July 2021

В монографии исследуются особенности внешней политики Великобритании после референдума о членстве страны в Европейском союзе. На фоне брекзита и кризиса евроатлантической солидарности перед британским руководством стояла задача сформулировать новые стратегические приоритеты во внешней политике. Концепция «Глобальной Британии», предложенная брекзитёрами, в силу своей незавершённости пока не отвечает на все вызовы, связанные с вероятной утратой международного влияния. Правительству Соединённого Королевства необходимо разрешить многочисленные стратегические дилеммы, в т.ч. определить параметры отношений с ЕС и укрепить «особые отношения» с Вашингтоном, сформулировать адекватную собственным интересам линию на китайском направлении, а также сформулировать долгосрочную стратегию в отношении РФ. Брекзит ознаменовал новую страницу во внешней политике Великобритании, однако именно последствия коронакризиса 2020 г. ускорят разработку внешнеполитической стратегии страны. Лондон будет встраиваться в новый мировой порядок с высокой степенью информационной конфронтации и экономической конкуренции.
Maternal Oxycodone Treatment Results in Neurobehavioral Disruptions in Mice Offspring
Authors: Martin Rachel E. , Green Madison T. , Kinkade Jessica A. , Schmidt Robert R. , Willemse Tess E. , Schenk A. Katrin , Mao Jiude , Rosenfeld Cheryl S.
Published: July 2021

Opioid drugs are increasingly being prescribed to pregnant women. Such compounds can also bind and activate opioid receptors in the fetal brain, which could lead to long-term brain and behavioral disruptions. We hypothesized that maternal treatment with oxycodone (OXY), the primary opioid at the center of the current crisis, leads to later neurobehavioral disorders and gene expression changes in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of resulting offspring. Female mice were treated daily with 5 mg OXY/kg or saline solution (control; CTL) for two weeks before breeding and then throughout gestation. Male and female offspring from both groups were tested with a battery of behavioral and metabolic tests to measure cognition, exploratory-like, anxiety-like, voluntary physical activity, and socio-communication behaviors. qPCR analyses were performed for candidate gene expression patterns in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of OXY and CTL derived offspring. Developmental exposure to OXY caused socio-communication changes that persisted from weaning through adulthood. Such offspring also showed cognitive impairments, reduced voluntary physical activity, and weighed more than CTL counterparts. In the hippocampus, prenatal exposure to OXY caused sex-dependent differences in expression of genes encoding opioid receptors and those involved in serotonin signaling. OXY exposure induced changes in neuropeptide hormone expression and the epigenetic modulator,Dnmt3a, in the hypothalamus, which could result in epigenetic changes in this brain region. The findings suggest cause for concern that consumption of OXY by pregnant mothers may result in permanent neurobehavioral changes in their offspring. Further work is needed to determine the potential underpinning epigenetic mechanisms.
Heterogeneous Expression of Nuclear Encoded Mitochondrial Genes Distinguishes Inhibitory and Excitatory Neurons
Authors: Wynne Meghan E. , Lane Alicia R. , Singleton Kaela S. , Zlatic Stephanie A. , Gokhale Avanti , Werner Erica , Duong Duc , Kwong Jennifer Q. , Crocker Amanda J. , Faundez Victor
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial composition varies by organ and their constituent cell types. This mitochondrial diversity likely determines variations in mitochondrial function. However, the heterogeneity of mitochondria in the brain remains underexplored despite the large diversity of cell types in neuronal tissue. Here, we used molecular systems biology tools to address whether mitochondrial composition varies by brain region and neuronal cell type in mice. We reasoned that proteomics and transcriptomics of microdissected brain regions combined with analysis of single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNAseq) could reveal the extent of mitochondrial compositional diversity. We selected nuclear encoded gene products forming complexes of fixed stoichiometry, such as the respiratory chain complexes and the mitochondrial ribosome, as well as molecules likely to perform their function as monomers, such as the family of SLC25 transporters. We found that the proteome encompassing these nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes and obtained from microdissected brain tissue segregated the hippocampus, striatum, and cortex from each other. Nuclear-encoded mitochondrial transcripts could only segregate cell types and brain regions when the analysis was performed at the single-cell level. In fact, single-cell mitochondrial transcriptomes were able to distinguish glutamatergic and distinct types of GABAergic neurons from one another. Within these cell categories, unique SLC25A transporters were able to identify distinct cell subpopulations. Our results demonstrate heterogeneous mitochondrial composition across brain regions and cell types. We postulate that mitochondrial heterogeneity influences regional and cell type-specific mechanisms in health and disease.
Factors Related to Utilization of Maternal Child Health Handbook Data by Midwives
Authors: Dharmawan Yudhy , Pradana Atha Rifqia , Winarni Sri
Published: July 2021

Midwives are one of the health workers utilizing the MCH (Maternal Child Health) handbook which records the data used to prevent infant, under-five, and maternal mortality. This study aimed to investigate factors related to utilization of the MCH handbook data, namely individual, organizational, and operational techniques. Quantitative approach was used in a cross-sectional survey with a structured questionnaire. Thirty-one  midwives were selected as the sample from Active Alert Village in Temanggung district with rural and urban area representative consideration. Besides, descriptive data were tabulated, and inferential analysis was conducted by Pearson product-moment correlation. Result showed the rate of MCH Handbook data utilization was 78.54%. Also, data requirement perception, data filling skill, motivation, attitudes of midwives and facilities availablity (p < 0.05) are  significantly related. The MCH handbook data utilization was determined by the individual factor, but with no significant relationship to operational and organizational factors except facilities availability.  Therefore, efforts are required to improve data utilization by increasing data requirement perception, data filling skills, motivation and midwives attitudes.