bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulforaphane Reduces Chronic Inflammatory Immune Response of Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Fernández-Prades Laura , Brasal-Prieto Mariano , Alba Gonzalo , Martín Victoria , Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio , Cejudo-Guillen Marta , Santa-Maria Consuelo , Dakhaoui Hala , Granados Beatriz , Sobrino Francisco , Palomares Francisca , Lopez-Enriquez Soledad
Published: June 2023

Background: Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate of vegetables origin with potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. The pleiotropic activities characterization in human dendritic cells (DCs) is poorly summarized. The aim of this work was the study of the immunomodulatory power of SFN in response to an inflammatory microenvironment on human monocyte derived DCs (moDCs).
Methods: The immunological response induced by SFN was studied, evaluating apoptosis and autophagy assays by flow cytometry in moDCs and cancer cell line (THP-1), including moDCs maturation, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokines production under different experimental conditions associated or not with an inflammatory microenvironment, which was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Results: Our results demonstrated that SFN can interact with moDCs, significantly reducing autophagy process and enhancing apoptosis, such as THP-1 cells, in chronic inflammatory microenvironment. Under this chronic inflammation, SFN modulated the phenotypical characteristics of moDCs, which reduction the expression of all markers (CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR and PD-L1), and significantly reduced the Th2 proliferative response together with the reduction of the IL-9 and IL-13 levels. Although we did not find changes in the regulatory proliferative response, we observed an increase in IL-10 levels.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that SFN exerts protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation through moDCs/T-cells modulation towards a regulatory profile. Therefore, SFN may be a potential candidate for use in the treatment of pathologies with an inflammatory profile.
Study on the Prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii as a Causative Agent of Lung Pathology in People with Different Immune Status
Authors: Harizanov Rumen , Tsvetkova Nina , Ivanova Aleksandra , Enikova Raina , Videnova Mihaela , Rainova Iskra , Kaneva Eleonora , Kaftandjiev Iskren , Strashimirov Dimitar , Yancheva-Petrova Nina , Simeonovski Ivan , Levterova Viktoria , Yanev Nikolai
Published: June 2023

Background: Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) commonly affects immunocompromised individuals, whereas in immunocompetent persons, it occurs relatively rarely, and in most cases the Pneumocystis infection is detected as an asymptomatic colonization. The present study aimed to establish the prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in human hosts with different immune status (immunocompromised and immunocompetent), using molecular diagnostic methods, and to compare their diagnostic value with that of classical staining methods. Methods: We used the collected to this moment data from a prospective study on the prevalence of pneumocystosis among the Bulgarian population. Clinical specimens (including throat secretion, induced sputum, tracheal aspirate, and bronchoalveolar lavage collected from 220 patients suspected of PCP (153 immunocompetent and 67 immunocompromised patients) were examined with staining microscopic methods and real-time PCR for detection of P. jirovecii. Results: DNA of the pathogen was detected in 38 (17%) specimens (32 immunocompromised patients and 6 immunocompetent subjects). From all 220 clinical samples examined by staining methods, only in five (2%) P. jirovecii cysts were detected by the Gomori's stain. All patients with PCP were treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but in ten of them (HIV- positive patients) the disease was with fatal outcome. Conclusions: This study is the first for the country including the main available laboratory methods for diagnosis of human pneumocystosis in Bulgaria. Regarding the etiological diagnosis of PCP, in our study the sensitivity of real-time PCR was higher compared to the staining methods. The choice of a method for sample collection and examination has an important role in the efficiency of the laboratory diagnostics.
Do the Blueberries We Purchase in Different Outlets Have Acceptable Quality Attributes?
Authors: Sanchez-Ballesta M. Teresa , Marti-Anders Carmen , Álvarez María Dolores , Escribano M. Isabel , Merodio Carmen , Romero Irene
Published: June 2023

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are becoming increasingly popular for their nutritional and health benefits, and their economic value is therefore increasing. Loss of quality that can occur due to softening and fungal attack is an important consideration when marketing blueberries. Despite the added value of blueberries, no studies have been carried out on how the fruit arrives at the outlets just before purchase by the consumer in terms of firmness, physico-chemical parameters, phenolic compounds and fungal growth. The aim of this work has been, therefore, to investigate possible differences in quality parameters between blueberries purchased from ten different outlets, regardless of the supplier. The results showed that all samples were of acceptable quality, although they all had a low maturity index at the point of sale. On the other hand, differences in the parameters measured were observed between samples of the same cultivar while we could not find differences between conventionally and organically grown blueberries, suggesting that preharvest and postharvest factors could influence the final quality when they reach the consumer.
Streptococcus intermedius Brain Abscess with Lung Abscess and Aortic Valve Endocarditis. A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gavaruzzi Francesca , Chinello Pierangelo , Cucinotta Giuseppe , Oliva Gianluigi , Capone Alessandro , Granata Guido , Al Moghazi Samir , Caraffa Emanuela , Taglietti Fabrizio
Published: June 2023

Streptococcus intermedius is frequently associated with brain and liver abscesses, while pleuropulmonary infections are considered rarer. Even less frequent is the association of lung and brain abscess due to this agent with left heart endocarditis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old man with a brain abscess due to S. intermedius and concomitant lung abscess and aortic native valve endocarditis. He was treated with surgical drainage of the brain abscess and a 4-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone, followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate, obtaining healing of the lesions without relapse of the infection.
Distributed Leadership: School Principal’s Practices Related With Teacher Professional Development for School Improvement
Authors: Galdames - Calderón Marisol
Published: June 2023

Distributed leadership is based on increasing the knowledge of the skills of those who exercise the role of leaders in the school. The objectives are a) to analyse school principals’ practices aimed at creating professional development opportunities linked to teacher leadership for school improvement and b) to relate the perceptions of teacher leaders with professional development opportunities granted by principals. The methods of the study were based on an examination of 21 interviews, between individual semi-structured interviews with school principals and group interviews with teacher leaders at six public schools in Chile, as well as a documentary analysis of institutional educational projects using grounded theory and NVivo 12 software. The results are presented in three categories: management of principals about school organisation, development of the professional capacities of teacher leaders, and management of principals about school coexistence and participation of teacher leaders. The conclusions detailing school principal practices show that distributed leadership practices are helpful in developing teachers’ leadership competencies. Furthermore, this study suggests that training amplifies the beneficial effects of distributed leadership on teachers’ development. Finally, the findings imply that school principals should regularly fulfil their managerial responsibilities and pay more attention to teacher training to improve the school.
Blood ACE2 protein level correlates with COVID-19 severity
Authors: Shevchuk Oksana , Pak Anastasia , Palii Svitlana , Ivankiv Yana , Kozak Kateryna , Korda Mykhaylo , Vari Sandor G.
Published: June 2023

ACE2 impact on the severity of COVID-19 is widely discussed but still controversial. To estimate its role in aspects of the main risk factors and comorbidities, we involved post-COVID-19 patients in Ternopil region (Ukraine). Recruitment period was July 2020 to December 2021. Medical records, treatment modalities and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Serum human ACE2 protein was measured with Cusabio ELISA kits (Houston, TX, USA). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS21.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The level of ACE2 serum protein was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with mild symptoms compared to more severe course of disease, and inversely had changed from 1 to 90 days after recovery. In patients with mild COVID-19, ACE2 level significantly decreased over time, while among critical patients, it increased by 34.1percent. Such results could be explained by ACE2 shedding from tissues into circulation. Loss of the membrane-bound form of the enzyme decreases the virus entry into cells. Our studies did not identify any sex-related ACE2 serum levels correlation. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus. All comorbidities except respiratory diseases contribute to the severity of disease and correlate with ACE2 blood serum level.
Estimation of Height Changes of Continuous GNSS Stations in the Eastern Anatolia Region During the Seasonal Variation
Authors: Tekin Ünlütürk Nihal , Doğan Uğur
Published: June 2023

It is common knowledge that estimating the height component of GNSS stations in general is much more problematic than estimating the horizontal position. Many different effects, such as tectonic signals, non-tectonic signals, atmospheric delay, noise, etc., are known to affect the height component of GNSS stations more than the horizontal component. However, the height component of GNSS stations is still poorly estimated. In this study, the height time series of 37 continuous GNSS stations covering the 2014–2019 date range is used from the Turkish National Permanent GNSS Network-Active (TUSAGA-Active). Since it is easier to interpret the effects of the height component due to its topographic features and seasonal changes being more effective than in the rest of the country, stations were chosen in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The daily coordinates of the GNSS stations were obtained as a result of the GAMIT/GLOBK software solution. By applying time series analysis to the daily coordinate values of the stations, statistically significant trends, periodic and stochastic components of the stations were determined. As a result of the analysis, the vertical velocities of the GNSS stations and the standard deviations of the vertical velocities were determined. Furthermore, when the height components of continuous GNSS stations were examined, it was seen that there were seasonal effects, and it was investigated whether the height components were related to meteorological parameters. For that, simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine how dependent the height components of the continuous GNSS stations were on meteorological parameters. As a result of the analysis, the height components of the continuous GNSS stations are dependent on meteorological parameters such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. In addition, height component time series analysis of continuous GNSS stations was performed by using Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) models from linear time series methods. As a result of the study, the performance of the ARMA modeling results again indicated the dependence of the height component of the continuous GNSS stations on the meteorological parameters.
Safety and Tolerability of Six Months of Isoniazid or Three Months of Rifampicin for Tuberculosis Among Subjects With Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Tamez-Torres Karla , Mongua-Rodríguez Norma , Ferreyra-Reyes Leticia , Torres-González Pedro , Delgado-Sánchez Guadalupe , Martínez-Hernández Maribel , Bobadilla-del-Valle Miriam , Jasso-Sosa Velma , López-Castillo Priscila , Ferreira-Guerrero Elizabeth , Cruz_Hervert Pablo , Sifuentes-Osornio José , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos , García-García Lourdes , Ponce-de-Leon Alfredo
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) associated with diabetes (DM) is a growing problem, particularly in low and medium-resource countries. We conducted an open-label, parallel-group, randomized, and controlled trial in a tertiary care center in Mexico City to assess TB preventive treatment with isoniazid (INH) or rifampicin (RIF) in people with DM. Participants were assigned six months of INH 300mg/day plus pyridoxine 75mg or three months of RIF 600mg/day. The primary outcomes were adverse events resulting in permanent treatment cessation and considered possibly or probably related to study drugs. We included 130 subjects, 68 randomized to INH and 62 to RIF. We prematurely halted the study based on recommendations of the Adverse Event Safety Panel. There was no difference between arms in the overall frequency of adverse events. However, the INH group had significantly more permanent treatment interruptions due to grade 2 recurrent or grade 3 or 4 hepatoxicity. In comparison, the RIF arm had more treatment interruptions due to grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal intolerance. TB preventive treatment is not safe enough to be considered a universal indication to patients with DM and LTBI. These results underline the need to search for alternative TB prevention in DM patients with better safety profiles.
A Comparative Study of Tumor-Specificity and Neurotoxicity Between 3-Styrylchromones and Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Abe Tomoyuki , Sakagami Hiroshi , Amano Shigeru , Uota Shin , Bandow Kenjiro , Uesawa Yoshihiro , U Shiori , Shibata Hiroki , Takemura Yuri , Kimura Yu , Takao Koichi , Sugita Yoshiaki , Sato Akira , Tanuma Sei-ichi , Takeshima Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Background. Many anticancer drugs used in clinical practice cause adverse events such as oral mucositis, neurotoxicity, and extravascular leakage. We have reported that two 3-styrylchromone derivatives, 7-methoxy-3-[(1E)-2-phenylethenyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (compound A) and 3-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-7-methoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (compound B) showed the highest tumor-specificity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines among 291 related compounds. After confirming their superiority by comparing their tumor specificity with newly synthesized 65 derivatives, we investigated the neurotoxicity of these compounds, in comparison with 4 popular anticancer drugs. Methods: Tumor-specificity (TSM, TSE, TSN) was evaluated as the ratio of mean CC50 for human normal oral mesenchymal (gingival fibroblast, pulp cell), oral epithelial cells (gingival epithelial progenitor), and neuronal cells (PC-12, SH-SY5Y, LY-PPB6, differentiated PC-12) to OSCC cells (Ca9-22, HSC-2), respectively. Results: Compounds A and B showed one-order of magnitude higher TSM as compared with newly synthesized derivatives, confirming its prominent tumor-specificity. Docetaxel showed one order of magnitude higher TSM, but two order of magnitude lower TSE than compounds A and B. Compounds A and B showed higher TSM, TSE and TSN values than doxorubicin, 5-FU and cisplatin, damaging OSCC cells at concentrations that do not affect the viability of normal epithelial and neuronal cells. QSAR prediction based on the Tox21 database suggested that compounds A and B may inhibit the signaling pathway of estrogen-related receptors.
Growth and Primary Metabolism of Lettuce Seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.) Are Promoted by an Innovative Iron-Based Fenton Composted Amendment
Authors: Piro Amalia , Oliva Daniela , Nisticò Dante Matteo , Lania Ilaria , Basile Maria Rita , Chidichimo Giuseppe , Mazzuca Silvia
Published: June 2023

Information regarding physiological and molecular plant responses to the treatment with new biofertilizers is limited. In this study a fast-composting soil amendment (FCA), obtained from solid waste by means of a Fenton reaction, was tested to evaluate the effects on the growth of Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia seedlings. Growth rate, leaves and roots biomass, chlorophyll concentration and total soluble proteins of seedlings treated with the 2% FCA soil amendment showed significant increase in comparison with control seedlings. Leaf proteomic analysis revealed that the FCA soil amendment induced the up-regulation of proteins belonging to photosynthesis machinery, carbohydrate metabolism and promoted the up-regulation of the water stress response. Root proteomics indicated that FCA strongly induced the organs morphogenesis and developments; root cap development, lateral root formation, post-embryonic root morphogenesis were the main biological processes enriched by the treatment. Overall, our data suggest that addition of FCA formulation to the base soils might ameliorate plant growth by inducing carbohydrates primary metabolism and the differentiation of a robust root system.
Anatomy and Histochemistry of the Vegetative Organs of Brachystele guayanensis (Lindl.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae), a Potential Medicinal Species
Authors: Santos Igor Soares dos , Silva Marcos José da
Published: June 2023

The orchid genus Brachystele Schltr. comprises 20 species distributed from Mexico to Argentina; 10 are found in Brazil. Anatomical studies of Orchidoideae Lindl. have been scarce, and the anatomy and histochemistry of Brachystele are still largely unknown. We characterized the vegetative organs of B. guayanensis (Lindl.) Schltr. using standard anatomical and histochemical microtechniques. Brachystele guayanensis was observed to display the anatomical characters commonly found in the vegetative organs of representatives of the Orchidaceae and Orchidoideae (including a uniseriate epidermis, thin cuticle, amphistomatic leaves, anomocytic, diacytic and tetracytic stomata, a homogeneous mesophyll, collateral vascular bundles, rhizomes with pericyclic fibers, roots with velamen, uniseriate exodermis, endodermis and pericycle). Histochemical tests confirmed the presence of lignin, proteins, and alkaloids, the lipidic nature of the cuticle, starch grains stored in spiranthosomes in the roots, and the composition of the raphides. Alkaloids were observed in great abundance, especially in the roots, and may have potentially useful medicinal activities, as has been observed in groups phylogenetically related to Brachystele.
Integrated Photovoltaics Potential for Passenger Car With a Focus on the Sensitivity to Electrical Architecture Losses
Authors: Karoui Fathia , Chambion Bertrand , Claudon Fabrice , Commault Benjamin
Published: June 2023

Among the explored solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector, Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics. Thus, we developed a simulation tool of the distance covered by VIPV. It considers various usage patterns and vehicle types, several characteristics of the PV system and all the losses that may decrease energy yield. Focusing on passenger car, simulations indicate the order of influence of the parameters on the outputs of the model: geographic locality, shading, thresholds due to extra-consumption to charge the vehicle battery from PV and frequency of recharge with the grid. With projections of the technology in 2030, with 30 % shading, VIPV cover up to 1444 km yearly distance. This represents up to 12 % of the driven mileage. For the best month, it can get up to 14 km/day. For average Europe and worst-case conditions, VIPV cover only 293 km per year. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of solarized passenger car shows negative balance for low-carbon electricity mix and average solar irradiance. In favorable conditions, the carbon footprint is up to 489 kg CO2-equivalent avoided emissions on 13 years lifespan. Beyond km and LCA focus, VIPV may provide useful functions in non-interconnected zones and for resilience in disaster zones.
Radiomics-Clinical AI Model With Probability Weighted Strategy for Prognosis Prediction in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tang Fuk-Hay , Fong Yee-Wai , Yung Shing-Hei , Wong CHi-Kan , Tu Chak-Lap , Chan Ming-To
Published: June 2023

In this study, we propose a radiomics-clinical probability weighted model for the prediction of prognosis for NSCLC. The model combines radiomics features extracted from RT planning images with clinical factors such as age, gender, histology, and tumor stage. CT images with radiotherapy structures of 422 NSCLC patients were retrieved from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Radiomic features were extracted from gross tumor volume (GTV). Five machine learning algorithms, namely decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), extreme boost (EB), support vector machine (SVM) and generalized linear model (GLM), were optimized by a voted ensemble machine learning (VEML) model. A probabilistic weighted approach is used to incorporate the uncertainty associated with both radiomic and clinical features and to generate a probabilistic risk score for each patient. The performance of the model is evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Radiomic model, clinical factors model and combined radiomic-clinical probability weighted model demonstrated good performance in predicting NSCLC survival with AUC of 0.941, 0.856 and 0.949 respectively. The combined radiomics-clinical probability weighted enhanced model achieved significantly better performance than radiomic model in 1-year survival prediction (chi-square test, p<0.05). The proposed model has the potential to improve NSCLC prognosis and facilitate personalized treatment decisions.
Synthesis of All-Inorganic Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Wang Xiaoqian , Liu Wanli , He Jiazhen , Li Yuqing , Liu Yong
Published: June 2023

Compared with conventional semiconductors, halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have a unique crystal structure and outstanding optoelectronic properties, which offer a wide potential for applications in optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, photodetectors, light emitting diodes, lasers and displays. Rational technological design is providing vital support for the development of perovskite optoelectronics. Herein, high-quality and monodisperse all-inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals with consistent morphology, concentrated size distribution and cubic crystal phase were synthesized employing a modified one-pot hot injection method to independently modulate the stoichiometric ratios of three precursors involving cesium salt, lead source and halide. Mixing two kinds of perovskite NCs with different halogens, in combination with an anion exchange reaction, enables a transition from violet emission to green and finally to red emission over the entire visible region. Our work will be applied to enhance optoelectronic properties and stability of all-inorganic perovskite NCs for serving as light-emitting components in optoelectronic devices, as well as expanding the application areas of perovskite semiconductors for photocatalytic hydrogen generation, CO2 reduction and dye degradation.
Use of Polyelectrolyte Complexes Chitosan-Based for Its Potential Application in Active Food Packaging. A Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Alvarado Nancy , Abarca Romina L , Linares-Flores Cristian
Published: June 2023

The current challenges in the food packaging field are, on one side, replacing plastic from non-renewable sources with biopolymers and, on the other hand, generating a packaging material with attractive properties for the consumer. Nowadays, the consumer is concerned ecologically; the food packaging industry must ahead satisfy their needs. In this sense, incorporating several compounds with properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, or nutraceutical properties results attractive for the consumers. However, many of these properties can be diminished, so an encapsulation system is required. A good encapsulating system is crucial for these purposes, so polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) can be used with that finality. Nowadays, PECs are eye-catching in many fields because of their fascinating properties, which make them very attractive, mainly for being used as encapsulating systems. Hence, this paper reviews the use of PECs in food packaging where chitosan forms polyelectrolyte complexes.
JAC4 Enhances Radiotherapy Effect of NSCLC and Reduces Normal Lung Injury Through Differential Regulation of JWA-mediated DNA Repair
Authors: Wang Luman , Ni Jie , Ding Kun , Zhang Chao , Li Aiping , Zhou Jianwei
Published: June 2023

More than 50% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are treated with radiotherapy (RT) during different phases of treatment. However, radiation pneu-monitis (RP) and resistance often lead to RT failure in NSCLC patients. JWA, a tumor suppressor gene, is known to enhance DNA damage in gastric cancer cells while protect normal cells from DNA damage induced by cisplatin. Recently, we have re-ported that JWA agonist compound 4 (JAC4) effectively protects intestinal epithelium from RT triggered damage in mice. However, the potential synergistic and attenuated effects of JAC4 in chest RT of lung cancer are not been illuminated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of JAC4 on the radiotoxicities of both NSCLC and normal lung tissue. CCK-8 and colony formation assays showed that JAC4 played a bidirectional role in radiation-treated SPCA-1 and BEAS-2B cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays showed that JAC4 in combination with RT increased DNA damage and apoptosis in SPCA-1 cells, while the opposite effect was observed in BEAS-2B cells. Mechanistically, JAC4 inhibited homologous recombination repair (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) in SPCA-1 cells, but not in normal cells. JAC4 increased antioxidant capacity, and reduced oxidative stress and inhibited nu-clear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB, P65) translocation to the nucleus in BEAS-2B cells. Im-portantly, the bidirectional roles of JAC4 on RT were reversed by siJWA in both SPCA-1 and BEAS-2B cells. Finally, the bidirectional effects of JAC4 in combination with RT were further validated in NSCLC xenograft model mice. In conclusion, JAC4 enhanced effect of RT on tumor growth while alleviated RP and lung injury. Our re-sults may provide new strategy for optimizing RT regimen for NSCLC.
Behind Mouse Eyes: The Function and Control of Eye Movements in Mice
Authors: Ambrad Giovannetti Eleonora , Rancz Ede
Published: June 2023

The mouse visual system recently became the most popular model to study the cellular and circuit mechanisms of sensory processing. However, the importance of eye movements in mice only started to be appreciated recently. Eye movements provide a basis for active sensing and deliver insights into various brain functions and dysfunctions. A plethora of knowledge on the central control of eye movements and their role in perception and behaviour arose from work on primates. However, an overview of the known eye movement types in mice and a comparison to primates is missing.Here, we review the eye movement types described to date in mice and compare them to those observed in primates. We discuss the central neuronal mechanisms for their generation and control. Furthermore, we review the mounting literature on eye movements in mice during head-fixed and freely moving behaviours. Finally, we highlight gaps in our understanding and suggest future directions for research.
KOLOM STRUKTUR MODULAR BETON RAMAH LINGKUNGAN DENGAN ABU SEKAM PADI SEBAGAI SUBSTITUSI PARSIAL SEMEN
Authors: Wahyudi Eko Teguh , Habsya Chundakus , Agustin Rima Sri
Published: June 2023

Abstrak : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pemanfaatan abu sekam padi pada persentase 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% sebagai substitusi parsial semen agar diperoleh berat isi segmen kolom struktur modular yang maksimal; menganalisis kolom struktur modular beton yang ramah lingkungan; serta menganalisis perbandingan kolom struktur konvensional dengan kolom struktur modular beton. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan standar uji berat isi segmen kolom mengacu pada SK SNI T-15-1991-03. Perbandingan campuran semen : pasir : kerikil yang digunakan adalah 1 : 2,673 : 2,896 dan FAS sebesar 0.55. Sampel segmen kolom struktur modular berdimensi 300 mm x 300 mm x 150 mm. Sampel diuji setelah perawatan selama 28 hari. Hasil penelitian ini adalah berat isi segmen kolom struktur modular beton sebesar 2317.75 kg/m3 diperoleh pada persentase 10 % abu sekam padi sebagai substitusi parsial semen. Penggunaan variasi abu sekam padi memiliki ciri-ciri beton ramah lingkungan sesuai aspek penilaian sumber dan siklus material pada perangkat Greenship new building versi 1.2. Penggunaan sistem prapabrikasi kolom struktur modular bernilai ekonomis karena dapat mereduksi biaya pembuatan kolom sebesar 18.21 % dibandingkan kolom struktur konvensional.

Abstract : This study aims to analyze the percentage of rice husk ash untilization 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% as a partial substitution of cement in order to obtain the weight of the contents of the maximum modular structure colom; analyze the columns of environmentally friendly concrete modular structures; as well as analyzing the ratio of columns of conventional structures with columns of concrete modular structure. This research is a quantitative research with standard weight test of column segment content refersh to SNI Sk T-15-1991-03. Comparison of cement mixture: sand: gravel used is 1 : 2,673 : 2,896 and FAS of 0.55. Sample modular structure column segments with a dimensional 300 mm x 300 mm x 150 mm.Samples tested after 28 days of treatment. The result of this study is the weight of the contents of the column of concrete modular structure segment of 2317.75 kg / m3 obtained at a percentage of 10% rice husk ash as a partial subtitusion of cement. The use of rice husk ash variations has environmentally friendly concrete characteristics according to the aspects of material resource and cycle on greenship new building device version 1.2. The use of modular structure column pre-manufacturing system is economical because it can reduce the cost of creating columns by 18.21 % compared to conventional structure columns.
Quo Vadis, Turkish IR? Mapping Turkish IR’s Footsteps within the Global
Authors: KARAMIK İrem , ERMİHAN Erman
Published: June 2023

The International Relations (IR) discipline is ascendant because of the theoretical and methodological divisions and controversies within. As it is mostly placed in the Non-Western IR category, Turkish IR is an interesting case in that it reveals the temporal changes of theoretical debates in IR and their local resonance from the purview of a geography that is jammed between the West and the rest. For this reason, this paper examines the literature on the Turkish School of IR (if there is any) and draws some conclusions regarding its current state. This research first utilizes the Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) surveys conducted by the International Relations Council of Turkey (IRCT) between 2007 and 2018. More extensively, the top 20 journals categorized under Google Scholar’s “Diplomacy and International Relations” list are coded based on their titles containing “Turkey.” Articles from the 1922–2021 period are then analyzed considering their authors, abstracts, and keywords. From this analysis, the study finds that studies focusing on Turkey have improved over the years, although there is a need for more theoretical and methodological advancements. As a “peripheral” country in IR, Turkey is still a subject of study by the “center” countries.
Estimation of Laminated Reservoir Properties Using Artificial Neural Network Integration
Authors: Ahmed Ibrahim , Hamdi Zakaria , Bataee Mahmood
Published: June 2023

Due to current economic constraints on companies' capital expenses, the lack of reservoir characterization information has become a challenging issue. As a result, reservoir engineers must make the most of the available data and estimate the reservoir characteristics that are not available. Porosity is typically used to estimate permeability through classical correlations during core analysis. However, due to the effects of complex lithology and pore geometry, it becomes unreliable to predict permeability solely from porosity and using classical relationships. The objective of this study is to enhance the Tortonian reservoir description in Gamma oil field by testing the integration of Flow Zone Indicator (FZI), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Convergent Interpolation (CI) techniques. The study utilized data from one exploratory well and four appraisal wells to model the non-linear relationship between the Tortonian reservoir properties, calculate the effective porosity, estimate the permeability of uncured wells, and create a permeability map for the Tortonian oil reservoir. The results showed that there are three rock types in the Tortonian reservoirs, and effective porosity and permeability logs were successfully estimated. The permeability map created showed a direct relationship with the porosity map, validating the methodology. The reliability of the porosity/permeability relationship increased to 90% after using the integrated techniques presented in this study. By integrating FZI, ANN, and CI techniques, this study has successfully modeled the non-linear relationship between the porosity and permeability of the Tortonian reservoir, enabling an economical improvement in the complex reservoir description with minimum capital budget and available data.
Environmental implications of three Pleurotus isolate growth for water remediation in the perspective of climate change in New Egyptian Delta
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed E. , Salem Hend Abu , Abdelhalim Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Recently the integrated different interdisciplinary studies derived the environmental solutions of the climate change impacts (e.g., cultivation, wastewater treatment, managing groundwater resources). Thus, this paper focused on the application of bioremediation to maximize the use of wastewater for new reclamation areas in the Northwest Egyptian desert (New Egyptian Delta (NED). In NED project, the drainage water samples collected from Nile Delta drains will provide the main unconventional water resources for irrigation through the new Hammam canal. Therefore, threePleurotusisolates were grown moderately on two natural media, the first containingSalviaextract (MDA)and the second containingThymus(TDA) extract replacing potato infusions in standard PDA.Pleurotus ostreatus(P.O) isolate records the highest growth among the 3 tested fungi on modified media. PO records 4.49 and 4.41 cm on (MDA) and (TDA); respectively. There is a marked decrease in the majority of heavy metals concentrations on sterile drainage water amended with liquid PDA broth and inoculated with three testedPleurotusisolates individually. At the end of the incubation period,Pleurotusostereatusare more efficient in the removal of Al, Co, Cr, Ni by 53.15, 95.87, 58.47, 85.07%; respectively.Pleurorotuspulmonarius(P.P) is more potent in the removal of Cd, Si, Sn, Sr, and V by 70.37, 56.59, 41.19, 52.78, 96.24%; respectively.Pleurotusfloridanus(P.F) is actively over the former species in the removal of Ba, Fe, Mo by 87.84, 46.67, 97.34%; respectively. Cu, Mn, Pb, As, Se couldn’t be detected as the control sample recorded measurements below 0.009 mg L-1. Unexpected increase in Zn among the different treatments was detected from 05.04% to 07.01%.
Compressive strength degradation of engineered bamboo subjected to fungal attack
Authors: Chen Chuqiao , Zhang Sijie , Kong Yongbohong , Ji Ting , Huang Wenwen , Hu Yuting , Zhang Dawei , Xiao Yan
Published: June 2023

Glue laminated bamboo (glubam) is a type of engineered bamboo material developed for applications in building structures and interiors. This paper focuses on the fungal (Aspergillus niger) colonization from 14 to 56 days in thick- and thin-strip glubam board with investigation of physical, mechanical (compression), and microcosmic properties. Two-degree of carbonization treatment was employed to improve the antifungal property of the thick-strip glubam. After 56 days of infection, the deep-degree carbonized thick-strip glubam presents better anti-mold properties than medium and non-carbonized specimens. For thin-strip glubam, both parallel and perpendicular to the main bamboo fiber direction were considered. The longitudinal thin-strip glubam retains decent compressive properties, while the transverse specimens stay a stable compressive strength along all fungal tests. The paper reports the experimental values of mass loss, color changes, compressive strengths, modulus of elasticity in compression, and microstructure observations from optical and SEM microscopy at different fungal exposure timespans.
Reliability of three-point fixation and orbital floor reconstruction based on changes in orbital volume measurements and enophthalmos in patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures
Authors: Alharbi Gharam Mefleh , Khalifa Ghada Amin
Published: June 2023

This retrospective cohort study aimed to calculate the amount of enophthalmos and volume difference between the repaired and intact orbits after 3-point fixation of unilateral zygomatic complex fractures (ZMCFs) with the reconstruction of the orbital floor. It was conducted between 2015 and 2020. The orbital volume (OV) was measured by manual tracing methods on pre- and postoperative CT scans. The OV were categorized into OVIntact/pre, OVIntact/post, OVFractured, and OVRepaired. The OVIntact/pre, OVIntact/post, OVFractured were used as control groups. Outcome variables were the mean of the OV, volume difference between repaired and intact orbits, correction rate, and measurements of enophthalmos. The results are considered significant with p-values < .05. The study included 63 patients, and the results showed that the study’s treatment protocol significantly changed the OVFractured from 26.10 ± 1.14 to 21.93 ± 1.25 cc. The volume difference between intact and repaired orbits was ranged from 0.34 ± 0.03 to 0.35 ± 0.02 cc with 98.40% correction rate. Also, the mean of enophthalmos was reduced from 2.48 ± 0.41 to 0.47 ± 0.42 mm. So, it could be concluded that after 3-point fixation of ZMCFs with the reconstruction of the orbital floors, the OV is significantly restored with a minimal volume difference between both orbits about 0.34 ± 0.03 cc and 0.47 ± 0.42 mm enophthalmos.
Biodegradation of fipronil: Molecular characterization, degradation kinetics, and metabolites
Authors: Jaiswal Anjali , Tripathi Animesh , Dubey Suresh Kumar
Published: June 2023

Fipronil (C12H4Cl2F6N4OS), is a commonly used insecticide effective against numerous insects and pests. Its immense application poses harmful effects on various non-target organisms as well. Therefore, searching the effective methods for the degradation of fipronil is imperative and logical. In this study, fipronil-degrading bacterial species are isolated and characterized from diverse environments using a culture-dependent method followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed the homology of organisms with Acinetobacter sp., Streptomyces sp., Pseudomonas sp., Agrobacterium sp., Rhodococcus sp., Kocuria sp., Priestia sp., Bacillus sp., Pantoea sp. The bacterial degradation potential for fipronil was analyzed through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Incubation-based degradation studies revealed that Pseudomonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp. were found to be the most potent isolates that degraded fipronil at 100 mg L-1 concentration, with removal efficiencies of 85.97 % and 83.64 %, respectively. Kinetic parameter studies, following the Michaelis-Menten model, also revealed the high degradation efficiency of these isolates. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed fipronil sulfide, benzaldehyde, (phenyl methylene) hydrazone, isomenthone, etc., as major metabolites of fipronil degradation. Overall investigation suggests that native bacterial species isolated from the contaminated environments could be efficiently utilized for the biodegradation of fipronil. The outcome derived from this study has immense significance in formulating an approach for bioremediation of fipronil-contaminated surroundings.
Intellectual disabilities teaching for medical students: a scoping review
Authors: Towson Georgia , Daley Stephanie , Banerjee Sube
Published: June 2023

Background
People with intellectual disabilities are a marginalized group whose health experiences and outcomes are poor. Lack of skill and knowledge in the health and care workforce is a contributing factor. In England, there is a new legislative requirement for mandatory intellectual disability training to be given to the existing health workforce, including doctors. There is a lack of evidence about effective models of educational delivery of such training in medical schools. We undertook a scoping review to assess the range of intellectual disabilities educational interventions and their effectiveness.
Methods
We included any study from 1980 onwards which reported an educational intervention on intellectual disability, or intellectual disability and autism, for medical students from any year group. Databases searched included PUBMED, ERIC, Scopus and Web of Science as well as searches of grey literature and hand searching two journals (Medical Education and Journal of Learning Disabilities). 2,020 records were extracted, with 1,992 excluded from initial screening, and a further 12 excluded from full-text review, leaving 16 studies for inclusion. Data was extracted, quality assessed, and findings collated using narrative analysis.
Results
We found a variety of intervention types: classroom-based teaching, simulation, placement, home visits, and panel discussions. There was substantial variation in content. Most studies involved lived experience input. Across studies, interventions had different learning outcomes which made it difficult to assess effectiveness. Overall study quality was poor, with high use of non-validated measures, making further assessment of effectiveness problematic.
Conclusions
There is a need for more consistency in intervention design, and higher quality evaluation of teaching in this area.
Integrated application of biochar and chemical fertilizers improves growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) by altering soil biological heath
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Abdullah , Khan Khalid Saifullah , Khalid Rabia , Shabaan Muhammad , Alghamdi Abdulaziz G. , Alasmary Zafer , Majrashi Mosaed A.
Published: June 2023

Aim
Integration of chemical and organic fertilizers not only improves soil biological health and plant growth but also reduces costs of agricultural production, and hence, is an economically feasible approach to sustain plant growth in developing countries.
Methods
We performed a field experiment to evaluate the impact of poultry litter derived biochar (BC; 10 and 20 t ha-1) with and without chemical fertilizers (CF) on soil nutrient availability, microbial abundance, and soil enzymatic activity.
Results
Combined application of BC and CF significantly increased soil nutritional status and organic carbon (SOC), and these improvements were more prominent at higher BC level (20 tons ha-1), which increased soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus by 27, 58, and 61%, respectively. Furthermore, BC20+CF treatment improved soil microbial abundances such as actinomycetes (24%), bacteria (70%), AMF (49%) and saprophytic fungi (38%). In terms of wheat growth and yield attributes, BC20+CF application enhanced spike length (55%), leaf area index (30%), tillers (12%), along with biological yield (26%) and grain yield (36%). BC20+CF application was also proved to be positively correlated with different soil enzymatic activities i.e., urease (24%), dehydrogenase (44%), and β-glucosidase (93%). Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis proved that co-application of BC @ 20 t ha-1 along with CF was the most efficient treatment in terms of improving soil nutrient status and microbial activities.
Conclusions
Hence, combined application of BC and CF could be an efficient tool to improve soil health, plant growth and reduce cost of agricultural production.
The Relationship between Social Support and Dimensions of Elder Maltreatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Marzbani Behnaz , Ayubi Erfan , Barati Majid , Sahrai Parvaneh
Published: June 2023

Introduction and Aims:
Many studies have investigated the relationship between social support and the prevention of elder abuse; however, their results are somehow inconsistent in terms of the association. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the published studies on the relationship between social support and the prevention of elder maltreatment.
Materials and Methods
An electronic search was conducted until January 2023, using such databases as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The present research included cross-sectional, longitudinal, and case-control studies. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two researchers independently. The Newcastle-Ottawa checklist was utilized to evaluate the quality of studies. The random effects model was employed to perform a meta-analysis.
Results
In total, 34 studies were included in this systematic review, out of which 28 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The results showed that 72% of the studies were of high quality, and there is a significant relationship between social support and elder maltreatment. Accordingly, the lack of social support increased overall maltreatment (odds ratio: 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–1.38; I2 = 94.2%, p < 0.0001)). Moreover, lack of social support had an increasing effect on the level of psychological abuse (1.49, 1.12–1.97; 88.5%, p < 0.001), physical abuse (1.42, 0.72–2.78; 70.0%, p = 0.01), and neglect (2.46, 1.10–6.01; 89.1%, p < 0.001), which shows heterogeneities among the results of the included studies. On the contrary, the lack of social support showed a decreasing effect on financial abuse (0.93, 0.87–0.99; 46.0%, p = 0.10)
Conclusion
This systematic review provides evidence that social support in the form of structural or functional support may plays an important role in improving the quality of life of the elderly.