bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Dislipidemia Effectiveness Test of Turmeric Ethanol Extract (Curcuma Longa) in Male Wistar Mice Given Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Authors: Huajing Ke , Florenly Florenly , Ginting Johannes Bastira , Fioni Fioni
Published: January 2022

Dyslipidemia is a lipid metabolic disorder that is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). According to the American Heart Association, data from 2013 to 2016, as many as 92.8 million adults in America have total cholesterol of more than 200 mg / dL. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, can lower cholesterol levels due to inhibiting the reabsorption of cholesterol derived from the outside (exogenous) and increasing the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor so that fat synthesis can run well. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of mangosteen peel ethanol extract as an anti-dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats given Propylthiouracil (PTU). This study is an experimental study with a Pre-test and Post-test group only control design approach that uses male Wistar rats as test animals and turmeric extract. The study was conducted in March 2021, at the Herbarium Medanese FMIPA USU, the Pharmacognosy Laboratory of the FACULTY of Pharmacy USU, and the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology USU. Descriptive data analysis (Central tendency and Dyspersi) in the form of lipid profiles (LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol, and Triglycerides), color, texture, weights. Then analyzed with One-Way Anova if the distributed data is normal, if the distributed data is not normal, then the Kruskal-Wallis test is used. The results and conclusions, turmeric ethanol extract (Curcuma Longa) III (151.70 ± 0.95 mg/dl) can significantly decrease total cholesterol compared to the control group (178.50 ± 6.05mg/dl) (P-value < 0.05). Turmeric ethanol extract (Curcuma Longa) III (110.00 ± (109-112) mg/dl) may significantly lower triglyceride levels compared to the control group (167.00 (162-179) mg/dl). (Value P = 0.027). Turmeric ethanol extract (Curcuma Longa) III (68.50 ± 1.28 mg/dl) significantly lowered LDL levels compared to the control group (107.20 ± 3.60 mg/dl). (P-value < 0.05). Turmeric ethanol extract (Curcuma Longa) III, (61.00 (60-62) mg/dl) may significantly increase HDL levels compared to the control group (28.50 (37-45) mg/dl). (Value P = 0.027). Turmeric ethanol extract (Curcuma Longa) III significantly lowered SGOT (Value = 0.027) and SGPT (Value P < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Shellac dan Gelatin untuk Konsolidasi Artefak Kayu
Authors: Haldoko Leliek Agung
Published: January 2022

Wood is a hygroscopic organic material, prone to damage and weathering, especially by humidity. The moisture in the wood will trigger biotic activities such as fungus, which can decompose of wood materials, that is, cellulose. Moreover, wood is susceptible to insect attacks such as termites. This condition will cause the wood to become brittle so that the strength of the wood will decrease. To strengthen brittle wood, consolidation treatments are needed. Material for wood consolidation that has been used is Paraloid B72 with acetone solvent, which is not easy to find everywhere

Materials tested for wood artifacts consolidations were shellac and gelatin with a concentration of 5%, 7,5%, and 10%. As a comparison, the material used for wood consolidation is Paraloid B72 10%. Test parameters used include SEM test, density test, compressive strength test, color change test, fungal growth observation, and FTIR test.

Test results have shown that shellac 7,5% and 10% can be an alternative to Paraloid B72 as a wood artifacts consolidation material. Shellac 7,5% is the optimum concentration for wood artifacts consolidation because materials will be more efficient. This material can fill the wood pores and increase the density by 13,89%. The resulting compressive strength value reached 248,01 kg/cm2 or increased by 43,18%, higher than Paraloid B72 10%. Shellac 7,5% does not change the color of the wood and safe from fungal growth when applied to wood. This material also does not change the chemical composition of wood.

Keywords: wood, artifact, consolidation, shellac, gelatin, Paraloid B72
Characterizations of Adjoint Curves According to	Alternative Moving Frame
Authors: ÇAKMAK Ali , ŞAHİN Volkan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the adjoint curve is defined by using the alternative moving frame of a unit speed space curve in 3-dimensional Euclidean space. The relationships between Frenet vectors and alternative moving frame vectors of the curve are used to offer various characterizations. Besides, ruled surfaces are constructed with the curve and its adjoint curve, and their properties are examined. In the last section, there are examples of the curves and surfaces defined in the previous sections.
Blockchain in Corporate Finance: A Review of Use-Case, Opportunities and Risks
Authors: Marotta Gianfranco , Au Cam-Duc
Published: January 2022

In the era of the digital revolution, organizations are surrounded by disruptive technologies and find themselves constantly in the middle of change processes. In recent years, blockchain technology has evolved tremendously, and in the future, it may fundamentally influence and change the finance and accounting domain of the early 21st century. Originally the blockchain technology was created only as technology to introduce the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, however by now the blockchain is considered by experts as a major innovation beyond its initial scope.
In light of these changing circumstances, innovative opportunities, as well as new challenges, arise. This creates many questions and academic debates among researchers all over the globe as to which business models and functions in the financial sector may become obsolete or where to streamline and enhance processes through blockchain applications.
The paper addresses the research question to what extent the blockchain technology is capable of changing well-known business processes and finance functions within companies. In doing so, it shows the opportunities and challenges, which are based on an extensive literature-review by the authors. The paper presents current use cases on market and finishes with an outlook on the future potential of blockchain.
Silviculture of South American temperate native forests
Authors: Donoso Pablo J. , Promis Alvaro , Loguercio Gabriel A. , Attis Beltrán Hernan , Casseli Marina , Chauchard Luis M. , Cruz Gustavo , González Peñalba Marcelo , Martínez Pastur Guillermo , Navarro Celso , Núñez Patricio , Salas-Eljatib Christian , Soto Daniel P. , Vásquez-Grandón Angélica
Published: January 2022

Background: South America has the largest area of temperate forests in the Southern Hemisphere, which grow in diverse site conditions. The aim of this paper is to review the practices of silviculture applied and recommended for these temperate forests, and to discuss prospects to develop new silvicultural proposals to improve sustainability, adaptation and in-situ conservation of forest ecosystems.
Methods: We reviewed the silviculture knowledge in four major forest types: 1) The Nothofagus-dominated forests of south-central Chile; 2) the Angiosperm-dominated evergreen forests; 3) the Nothofagus and Austrocedrus chilensis (D.Don) Pic. Serm. & Bizzarri forests in the Argentinean Northern Patagonia; and 4) the Cool temperate Nothofagus forests and Magellanic rainforests.
Results: In Chile, both Nothofagus-dominated and Angiosperm-dominated evergreen forests are diverse in tree species, and mixed-species silviculture with commercially valuable species of variable shade tolerance is most promising. Some secondary forests can reach growth rates as high as 20 m3ha-1yr-1. After thinnings, stands with 35–60% of residual densities have shown the best responses in growth. Even-aged silvicultural methods have shown a rapid reorganization and development of new cohorts, although, where Chusquea species are conspicuous, regeneration establishment requires controlling competing vegetation. Preliminary results also show interesting prospects for single-tree selection cuts in uneven-aged forests. East of the Andes, in Argentina, mixed Nothofagus forests and pure and mixed Nothofagus and A. chilensis forests occur. The shelterwood method has been the most practised and successful in the mixed Nothofagus forests, with abundant regeneration, and good growth rates. For A. chilensis forests, an adaptive management approach is proposed, conditioned by the cypress disease attack (e.g., Phytophthora austrocedri). Conversion of pure A. chilensis to mixed A. chilensis–N. dombeyi forests could increase growth considerably. Finally, in the cool temperate Nothofagus forests and Magellanic rainforests, shared by Chile and Argentina, the regular shelterwood cuts have been the most common silvicultural method, with massive regeneration a decade after the regeneration felling. Since the two major Nothofagus species in these forests regenerate well in gaps, uneven-aged silviculture seems also promising.
Conclusions: There is abundant knowledge about the silviculture of these forest types. However, there are opportunities for several silvicultural systems to better contribute to sustainable forest management, reverse forest degradation, and cope with climate change challenges, primarily through developing mixed and single-species productive and carbon-rich forests, with greater adaptive capacity.
Effectiveness of rebamipide in treatment of erosions in stomach mucosa
Authors: Baryshnikova N. V. , Sousova Ya. V.
Published: January 2022

The aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the drug Rebamipide-SZ when used in combination with proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of erosive changes in the gastric mucosa.

Materialsandmethods.40patientsweremonitoredwhohaderosivelesionsofthestomach:20patients(group1)witherosivegastritisnotassociatedwithHelicobacterpylori,20patients(group2)witherosivechangesinthegastricmucosawhiletakingnonsteroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs(NSAIDs).Beforethestartoftherapyandaftertheendoftreatment,patientsunderwenta comprehensive examination: assessment of complaints according to the survey data, assessment of the severity of dyspepsia on the GIS scale, assessment of gastroenterological complaints on the GSRS scale, assessment of the effectiveness of treatment on the visual-analog scales of abdominal pain and general well-being, assessment of quality of life (questionnaire SF-36), upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy with biopsy (one biopsy from the stomach body, one biopsy from the antrum of the stomach) for verification of Helicobacter pylori infection (rapid urease test) and histological examination, assessment of side effects. All patients were prescribed therapy: Rebamipide-SZ one tablet three times a day after meals for a month and a proton pump inhibitor (rabeprazole) 20 mg two times a day for 15–30 minutes before meals for a month.

Results.There was a complete relief of epigastric pain and a significant decrease or complete relief of dyspeptic complaints. When assessing the dynamics of endoscopic changes after usage of Rebamipide-SZ therapy, there was a regression of hyperemia of the gastric mucosa and complete epithelization of erosions in the stomach in almost all patients. Histological analysis of the gastric mucosa before and after treatment showed a decrease in the severity of acute and chronic inflammatory changes. There were no adverse events, no new complaints, no negative changes in clinical and biochemical blood tests during treatment. No allergic reactions were observed.

Conclusion.The intake of Rebamipide-SZ is highly effective and safe for patients with various etiology erosive lesions of the gastric mucosa, including those caused by taking NSAIDs. Rebamipide-SZ can be recommended for course use in the complex therapy of patients with various pathologies of the upper gastrointestinal tract as a gastroprotective agent that helps restore the permeability of the gastric mucosa.
Infection with Tomato Mosaic Virus Reduces Lycopene Accumulation in Tomato Fruits
Authors: Zafar Zobia , Shah Saad H. , Numan Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz , Ali Asad , Shah Hussain , Iqbal Zafar , Fahim Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Despite Lycopene content in tomato germplasm (both local and exotic) was evaluated against isolates of tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), using a locally preferred hybrid i.e., Rio Grande as a control. Promising lines with resistance to ToMV were assessed by total carotenoid and lycopene content in virus-challenged tomato genotypes using spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC. Our data showed that virus infection significantly lessens the total carotenoid and lycopene content in tomato fruit. Lycopene content was significantly reduced in infected tomato compared to healthy, in locally cultivated hybrid Rio Grande. The germplasm GT-47 (CLN-2123-E) showed 60% decrease in lycopene content in infected tomato when in comparison to healthy produce. The virus infection, however, exhibited less deleterious effect on DPPH-based anti-oxidant potential of the ToMV infected tomato genotypes.
Prevalence, Intensity, and Morphological Variability of Wheat Blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) in Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Ababa Girma , Adugna Girma , Hundie Bekele
Published: January 2022

Studies of the wheat Zymoseptoria tritici blotch (ZTB) status in different locations, on agronomic practice, and pathogen variability has not yet been studied in Ethiopia. As a result, the goal of this study was to determine ZTB's distribution and intensity, as well as the morphological variability of isolates. In Oromia's central-southeastern region, zones and districts were purposefully chosen, whereas kebeles were determined via a systematic sampling procedure. In a generalized linear model (GLM), the mean comparison of fixed effects was examined using least significant difference (LSD) tests. Colony texture, shapes, and colors were used to identify isolate variability. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between disease intensity and the independent variable, and multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the magnitudes of the association. A total of 108 fields were examined, with the percent occurrence of zones (88.9 to 100%) and districts (77.8 to 100%) recorded. ZTB intensity was not significantly different across districts (p 0.05) while severity was significantly different across zones (p 0.01). Weed infestation (r = 0.78 and r = 0.20) and growth phases (r = 0.72 and r = 0.36) had a positive correlation, although plowing frequency (r = -0.77 and r = -0.43) had a negative correlation with incidence and severity. There are 43 isolates classified into four colors, three textures, and three growth forms. The ZTB epidemics in current research areas are need more consideration and they should be prioritized for integrated management. Our data suggest that weed control, soil tillage, and crop rotation are all effective ways to mitigate the effects of wheat ZTB.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTE MASK REINFORCED POLYESTER COMPOSITE
Authors: DEMİREL Maruf Hurşit , AYDOĞMUŞ Ercan
Published: January 2022

In this research, waste masks (WM) that pollute the environment have been evaluated in the polyester composite. Some physical and chemical properties of the obtained composite have been characterized. In particular, its density, Shore D hardness, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and porosity have been determined. Waste masks were collected, disinfect, ground, dried and added into unsaturated polyester (UP) at the rates of 0 %, 2 %, 5 %, 7 %, and 10 % by mass as a filler. Mask wastes were reinforced to the unsaturated polyester in certain proportions and were homogenized thoroughly for 10 minutes at a mixing speed of 1000 rpm. Then, the chemical reaction has been carried out with the help of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt octoate (Co Oc) catalysts. The chemical bond structure of the produced polyester composites was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). According to the results, both density and Shore D hardness of the composites decreased as the WM ratios in the composites increased. It has been evaluated that the mechanical strength of the polyester composite and porosity raises with increasing WM ratio. The increase in WM by mass in the polyester composite raises thermal conductivity and activation energy.
PREDICTIVE VALUE OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN/ALBUMİN RATIO IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTRAST-INDUCED NEPHROPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE TREATED PERCUTANEOUSLY
Authors: YAŞAR Erdoğan
Published: January 2022

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is known to play an important role in acute kidney injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive effect of the CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) in the detection of CIN in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated percutaneously. A total of 148 acute stroke patients treated percutaneously were included in the study. In the study population, groups were determined according to the development of CIN. The CAR value was calculated by dividing the CRP value by the albumin value. CIN developed in 26 (17%) patients. DM (p=0.031) and HT (p=0.014) diseases were observed at higher rate in the CIN group. Glucose (p<0.001), contrast amount (p<0.001), WBC (p=0.020), NIHSS0 score (p=0.001), and CAR (p<0.001) were higher in the CIN (+) group compared to the CIN (-) group. A cutoff point of 0.393 for CAR was identified with 80.7% sensitivity and 92.6% specificity to predict CIN. The CAR was found to be significantly higher in CIN patients and was also identified as an independent predictor of the development of CIN.
Determinan Sikap Remaja terhadap Pernikahan Dini di Provinsi Banten: Analisis Data SKAP 2019
Authors: Agustin Evi Avicenna , Susanti Sri , Gumilar Rd. Deden
Published: January 2022

Undang-Undang  pernikahan menyebutkan bahwa pernikahan yang ideal untuk laki-laki adalah berusia diatas 21 tahun dan perempuan berusia diatas 19 tahun. Masalah sosial pernikahan usia dini di Indonesia merupakan salah satu fenomena yang banyak terjadi di berbagai wilayah, baik di perkotaan maupun di pedesaan, misalnya tingginya angka perceraian dan kematian ibu dan bayi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi sikap remaja terhadap pernikahan dini di Provinsi Banten berdasarkan Survey Kinerja dan Akuntabilitas Program tahun 2019. Desain penelitian ini adalah cross-sectional dengan jumlah sampel 1.458. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada hubungan antara umur (p=0,001; OR=16,7; 95%CI=12,5-22,4), jenis kelamin (p=0,001; OR=2,51; 95%CI=2,01-3,12), pendidikan (p=0,001; OR=0,09; 95%CI=0,06-0,12), dan pengetahuan (p=0,001; OR=4,11; 95%CI=3,26-5,17) dengan sikap remaja terhadap pernikahan dini. Sedangkan tempat tinggal tidak memiliki hubungan dengan sikap remaja terhadap pernikahan dini (p=0,073). Akses terhadap informasi menjadi isu yang berpengaruh terhadap pengetahuan remaja tentang risiko pernikahan dini sehingga remaja dengan pendidikan rendah dan yang hidup di pedesaan bisa memiliki pengetahuan yang tidak jauh berbeda dengan remaja berpendidikan tinggi dan yang hidup di perkotaan.
Konseling WhatsApp Gateway untuk Meningkatkan Kesiapsiagaan Masyarakat dalam Menghadapi Covid-19
Authors: Andriati Riris , Indah Fenita Purnama Sari , Andiyan Andiyan , Ayu Marta Desri
Published: January 2022

Sampai 31 Maret 2020, Indonesia melaporkan 1.528 kasus terkonfirmasi C dengan 136 kematian dan tingkat kematian (case fatality rate) 8,9%. Pandemi Covid-19 membuat aktifitas menjadi serba terbatas, tidak terkecuali dengan penyebaran informasi sehingga edukasi intensif dibutuhkan untuk membentuk kesiapsiagaan masyarakat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh konseling melalui WhatsApp terhadap kesiapsiagaan masyarakat Villa Pamulang Depok dalam menghadapi Covid-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode quasi experiment yang bersifat analitik dan one group pretest-posttest design. Sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 44 orang yang diperoleh dengan teknik proportional sample. Responden diberikan edukasi melalui WhatsApp selama 14 hari. Pengaruh penyebaran informasi melalui WhatsApp diukur dengan menggunakan paired sampel t-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan antara penyebaran informasi Covid-19 melalui WhatsApp terhadap kesiapsiagaan masyarakat Villa Pamulang Depok dalam mengahadapi Covid-19 dengan p-value=0,004. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan perbedaan kesiapsiagaan Covid-19 sebelum dan sesudah pemberian informasi Covid-19 melalui WhatsApp. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menambahkan pengetahuan terhadap kesiapsiaagan masyarakat sebagai upaya pencegahan Covid-19.
Aplikasi Fitofarmaka Akupresur Menggunakan Aromaterapi Essential Oil Lemon untuk Mengatasi Dismenore pada Remaja
Authors: Khotimah Husnul , Subagio Sri Utami
Published: January 2022

Penanganan dismenore selama ini lebih banyak kepada pemberian terapi farmakologik tetapi jarang menggunakan fitofarmaka seperti akupresur dan aromaterapi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis bagaimana aplikasi akupresur menggunakan aromaterapi essential oil lemon untuk mengatasi nyeri dismenore pada  remaja. Jenis  penelitian  ini  adalah  penelitian  kuantitatif berjenis quasi eksperimen dengan non-equivalent control group design. Populasi dari penelitian ini berjumlah 185. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan pendekatan non-probability sampling (sampling jenuh). Penentuan jumlah sampel dalam peneliti ini memakai perhitungan dari         Sastroasmoro & Ismael dengan jumlah sampel 52 terdiri dari 26 kelompok eksperimen dan 26 kelompok kontrol. Analisis data menggunakan Wilcoxon signed rank test untuk menguji masing-masing kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol dan Mann Whitney untuk membandingkan antara keduanya. Hasil analisis statistik menggunakan Wilcoxon signed rank test pada kelompok eksperimen (p=0,000) dan kelompok kontrol (p=0.000) menunjukkan penggunaan terapi essential oil lemon efektif untuk mengatasi dismenore.  Hasil analisis statistik menggunakan Mann Whitney mendapatkan nilai p 0,000 lebih kecil dari tingkat signifikansi 0,05 (p< 0,05). Artinya akupresur menggunakan aromaterapi lebih efektif untuk mengurangi dismenore dibandingkan akupresur saja. Akupresur yang diberikan membuat responden rileks dan imunitas meningkat, ditambah lagi pemijatan menggunakan aromaterapi yang dihirupkan sampai pada paru memberikan manfaat baik secara psikologis dan fisik.
Observaciones sobre la historia natural de cuatro especies de lagartos (Squamata: Dactyloidae, Gekkonidae, Sphaerodactylidae) en una localidad urbana del occidente de Cuba
Authors: De Armas Luis F.
Published: January 2022

Se registra la muerte accidental de Anolis porcatus (Gray, 1841), Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnés, 1818) y Sphaerodactylus elegans (MacLeay, 1834) en el interior de vasos utilizados como adornos domésticos en un domicilio urbano de San Antonio de los Baños, provincia de Artemisa, Cuba. Además, se reportan el parasitismo del ácaro Pterygosomatidae Geckobia hemidactylii (Lawrence, 1936) en H. mabouia de esta misma localidad (primer registro para la provincia), los hábitos diurnos ocasionales de H. mabouia y S. elegans, así como la captura y muerte (no depredación) de Anolis sagrei y H. mabouia por un perro doméstico (Canis familiaris). También se presentan nuevas evidencias de coprofagia en A. porcatus y anidamiento comunal en H. mabouia.
Posturografía En Niños Entre 6 -11 Años Con Edad Auditiva No Compensada
Authors: Prado Ortiz Karen Dinaluz , Páez Pinilla Amanda Teresa , Suárez Méndez Diana Marcela , Carvajalino Monje Irma , Grimaldos Franco Yadira
Published: January 2022

La posturografía permite evaluar la integración de los tres sistemas sensoriales que intervienen en el control postural y del equilibrio: el vestibular, el visual y el somatosensorial (Ronda, Galvañ, Monerris y Ballester, 2002). La presente investigación busca describir y analizar los resultados de la posturografía en niños entre seis y once años con pérdida auditiva quienes no han compensado su edad auditiva con respecto a su edad cronológica. Fueron evaluados dos grupos: el grupo control conformado por 32 niños con sensibilidad auditiva periférica normal y el grupo de estudio, conformado por 16 niños con pérdida auditiva, quienes usan amplificación auditiva y asisten a la Fundación CINDA para terapia auditiva con el fin de cerrar el GAP existente entre su edad cronológica y su edad auditiva. En la evaluación audiológica se aplicó anamnesis, revisión de historia clínica, audiometría tonal para la verificación de la sensibilidad auditiva periférica y posturografía, con un equipo de la marca NeuroCom, realizándose las siguientes pruebas: Integración sensorial en balance-modificado (CTSIB), límites de estabilidad (LOS) y distribución de peso (WHT). En los resultados se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos de estudio para las tres pruebas en distintas variables. Como conclusión se pudo determinar que existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el grupo control y el grupo de estudio. La intervención con terapia ocupacional influenció positivamente los resultados en la posturografía, sobre todo en el grupo de 10 a 11 años. Se observaron diferencias sucesivas en los tres grupos de edad, indicando un componente de neuromaduración.
Propuesta Para Obtener Consistencias Líquidas Para la Evaluación de la Disfagia
Authors: Aguirre Fernando Delprado , Durango Sánchez Chary , Gómez Yepes Andrea , Rodríguez Sánchez Nini Johanna
Published: January 2022

la iniciativa internacional para la estandarización de la dieta de disfagia (IDDSI) permite, entre otras cosas, clasificar la viscosidad de los líquidos por niveles. Aunque suele ser una herramienta para el tratamiento de la disfagia, puede también usarse en la ejecución de distintos métodos de evaluación para establecer el grado de dificultad que tiene un usuario en el manejo de una viscosidad determinada. Con todo, la iniciativa no determina las medidas específicas de espesante requeridas para obtener cada nivel de viscosidad y sugiere hacer adaptaciones de acuerdo con las condiciones particulares de aplicación (por ejemplo, tipo de espesante o alimentos ofertados en una institución). Este estudio desarrolló una propuesta para la preparación de viscosidades mediante pruebas experimentales, precisando los mililitros de agua y gramos de espesante para cada nivel de viscosidad. Así pues, se especifican las cantidades necesarias de agua y espesante para conseguir los niveles de viscosidad en bebidas de 0-4, verificados a través del test de flujo. Los hallazgos presentados, tienen en cuenta factores influyentes como la ubicación geográfica, temperatura y altitud. Se espera que esta propuesta incida en las dinámicas de evaluación de la deglución en el área clínica colombiana de forma que esta sea más precisa y eficaz. Finalmente, es pertinente realizar futuras investigaciones que determinen medidas específicas de espesante para lograr cambios en la viscosidad de líquidos diferentes al agua e igualmente necesario, replicar esta propuesta con otros espesantes de más fácil acceso para los usuarios y que tengan en cuenta otros aspectos como la palatabilidad.
The Trend of Bacterial Nanocellulose Research Published in the Science Citation Index Expanded From 2005 to 2020: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ho Yuh-Shan , Fahad Halim A. F. M. , Islam Mohammad Tajul
Published: January 2022

To gain insight into the trend of bacterial nanocellulose research, a bibliometric analysis was performed using the Science Citation Index Expanded database from 2005 to 2020. The study concentrated on the publication’s performance in terms of annual outputs and citations, mainstream journals, categories of the Web of Sciences, leading countries, prominent institutions, and trends in research. Current research priorities and future trends were analyzed after summarizing the most commonly used keywords extracted from words in the paper title analysis, authors’ keyword analysis, and KeyWords Plus. The findings revealed that the annual output in the form of scholarly articles on bacterial nanocellulose research steadily increased during the first quartile of the study period, followed by a very rapid increase in the last five-years of the study. Increasing mechanical strength would remain the main future focus of bacterial nanocellulose research to create its scope in different field of applications.
Theoretical Study of Light-Induced Crosslinking Reaction Between Pyrimidine DNA Bases and Aromatic Amino Acids
Authors: Bende Attila , Farcaş Alex-Adrian , Toşa Valer
Published: January 2022

Low-lying electronic excited states and their relaxation pathways as well as energetics of the crosslinking reaction between uracil as a model system for pyrimidine-type building blocks of DNA and RNA and benzene as a model system for aromatic groups of tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe) amino acids have been studied in the framework of density functional theory. The equilibrium geometries of the ground and electronic excited states as well as the crossing points between the potential energy surfaces of the uracil–benzene complex were computed. Based on these results, different relaxation pathways of the electronic excited states that lead to either back to the initial geometry configuration or the dimerization between the six-membered rings of the uracil–benzene complex have been identified, and the energetic conditions for their occurrence are discussed. It can be concluded that the DNA–protein crosslinking reaction can be induced by the external electromagnetic field via the dimerization reaction between the six-membered rings of the uracil–benzene pair at the electronic excited-state level of the complex. In the case of the uracil–phenol complex, the configuration of the cyclic adduct (dimerized) conformation is less likely to be formed.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Inhibition of Hepatic Adipogenesis and Fat Catabolism in Yak for Adaptation to Forage Shortage During Cold Season
Authors: Zheng Juanshan , Du Mei , Zhang Jianbo , Liang Zeyi , Ahmad Anum Ali , Shen Jiahao , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Ding Xuezhi
Published: January 2022

Animals have adapted behavioral and physiological strategies to conserve energy during periods of adverse conditions. Hepatic glucose is one such adaptation used by grazing animals. While large vertebrates have been shown to have feed utilization and deposition of nutrients—fluctuations in metabolic rate—little is known about the regulating mechanism that controls hepatic metabolism in yaks under grazing conditions in the cold season. Hence, the objective of this research was to integrate transcriptomic and metabolomic data to better understand how the hepatic responds to chronic nutrient stress. Our analyses indicated that the blood parameters related to energy metabolism (glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein lipase, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the cold season. The RNA-Seq results showed that malnutrition inhibited lipid synthesis (particularly fatty acid, cholesterol, and steroid synthesis), fatty acid oxidation, and lipid catabolism and promoted gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. For metabolite profiles, 359 metabolites were significantly altered in two groups. Interestingly, the cold season group remarkably decreased glutathione and phosphatidylcholine (18:2 (2E, 4E)/0:0). Moreover, integrative analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome demonstrated that glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism play an important role in the potential relationship between differential expression genes and metabolites. The reduced lipid synthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and fat catabolism facilitated gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the PPAR and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways to maintain the energy homeostasis of the whole body in the yak, thereby coping with the shortage of forages and adapting to the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP).
A 3D Platform to Investigate Dynamic Cell-to-Cell Interactions Between Tumor Cells and Mesenchymal Progenitors
Authors: Golinelli Giulia , Talami Rebecca , Frabetti Stella , Candini Olivia , Grisendi Giulia , Spano Carlotta , Chiavelli Chiara , Arnaud Gaëlle F. , Mari Giorgio , Dominici Massimo
Published: January 2022

We here investigated the dynamic cell-to-cell interactions between tumor and mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) by the novel VITVOⓇ 3D bioreactor that was customized to develop in vivo-like metastatic nodules of Ewing’s sarcoma (ES). MSCs are known to contribute to tumor microenvironment as cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) precursors and, for this reason, they have also been used as anti-cancer tools. Using dynamic conditions, the process of tissue colonization and formation of metastatic niches was recreated through tumor cell migration aiming to mimic ES development in patients. ES is an aggressive tumor representing the second most common malignant bone cancer in children and young adults. An urgent and unmet need exists for the development of novel treatment strategies to improve the outcomes of metastatic ES. The tumor-tropic ability of MSCs offers an alternative approach, in which these cells can be used as vehicles for the delivery of antitumor molecules, such as the proapoptotic TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL). However, the therapeutic targeting of metastases remains challenging and the interaction occurring between tumor cells and MSCs has not yet been deeply investigated. Setting up in vitro and in vivo models to study this interaction is a prerequisite for novel approaches where MSCs affinity for tumor is optimized to ultimately increase their therapeutic efficacy. Here, VITVOⓇ integrating a customized scaffold with an increased inter-fiber distance (VITVO50) was used to develop a dynamic model where MSCs and tumor nodules were evaluated under flow conditions. Colonization and interaction between cell populations were explored by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). VITVO50 findings were then applied in vivo. An ES metastatic model was established in NSG mice and biodistribution of TRAIL-expressing MSCs in mice organs affected by metastases was investigated using a 4-plex ddPCR assay. VITVOⓇ proved to be an easy handling and versatile bioreactor to develop in vivo-like tumor nodules and investigate dynamic cell-to-cell interactions with MSCs. The proposed fluidic system promises to facilitate the understanding of tumor-stroma interaction for the development of novel tumor targeting strategies, simplifying the analysis of in vivo data, and ultimately accelerating the progress towards the early clinical phase.
Accurate Prediction of Inhibitor Binding to HIV-1 Protease Using CANDOCK
Authors: Falls Zackary , Fine Jonathan , Chopra Gaurav , Samudrala Ram
Published: January 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) protease is an important target for treating HIV infection. Our goal was to benchmark a novel molecular docking protocol and determine its effectiveness as a therapeutic repurposing tool by predicting inhibitor potency to this target. To accomplish this, we predicted the relative binding scores of various inhibitors of the protease using CANDOCK, a hierarchical fragment-based docking protocol with a knowledge-based scoring function. We first used a set of 30 HIV-1 protease complexes as an initial benchmark to optimize the parameters for CANDOCK. We then compared the results from CANDOCK to two other popular molecular docking protocols Autodock Vina and Smina. Our results showed that CANDOCK is superior to both of these protocols in terms of correlating predicted binding scores to experimental binding affinities with a Pearson coefficient of 0.62 compared to 0.48 and 0.49 for Vina and Smina, respectively. We further leveraged the Database of Useful Decoys: Enhanced (DUD-E) HIV protease set to ascertain the effectiveness of each protocol in discriminating active versus decoy ligands for proteases. CANDOCK again displayed better efficacy over the other commonly used molecular docking protocols with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.94 compared to 0.71 and 0.74 for Vina and Smina. These findings support the utility of CANDOCK to help discover novel therapeutics that effectively inhibit HIV-1 and possibly other retroviral proteases.
Systematic Characterization of the Group 2 House Dust Mite Allergen in Dermatophagoides microceras
Authors: Hu Rei-Hsing , Wu Chia-Ta , Wu Ting-Shuan , Yu Feng-Yih , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Lue Ko-Huang , Liu Yu-Fan
Published: January 2022

Background

Allergic asthma, a chronic airway inflammatory disease, is a critical public health problem. Indoor house dust mites (HDMs) could cause allergic asthma. The prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides microceras (Der m) was approximately 80% and is related to the immunoglobulin E crossing-reactivity of mites belonging to the same genus, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and Dermatophagoides farina (Der f). However, studies on Der m are scant.

Methods

We used integrated OMICs approaches to identify and characterize the group 2 mite allergen-like protein in Der m (Der m 2). We established a Der m 2-induced allergic asthma mouse model and treated the mice with a fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP-fve) isolated from Flammulina veluptipes to evaluate the allergenicity of Der m 2 and the immunomodulatory effects of FIP-fve.

Results

By performing de novo draft genome assembly and comparative genome analysis, we identified the putative 144-amino acid Der m 2 in silico and further confirmed its existence through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Der m 2 is a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-binding protein. Thus, we examined the LPS-binding activity of recombinant Der m 2 by performing molecular docking analysis, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and a pull-down assay. Der m 2 elicited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 in BEAS-2B cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, and induced airway hyperresponsiveness in mice. Furthermore, in mice sensitized with Der m 2, the administration of FIP-fve in either the earlier stage or the late stage, FIP-fve alleviated allergic asthma by moderating airway inflammation and remodeling.

Conclusions

Der m 2 induced inflammatory responses in cell and mouse models. FIP-fve alleviated inflammation in Der m 2-induced asthma in mice by exerting an immunomodulatory effect.
Consistent Risk Management in a Changing World: Risk Equivalence in Fisheries and Other Human Activities Affecting Marine Resources and Ecosystems
Authors: Roux Marie-Julie , Duplisea Daniel E. , Hunter Karen L. , Rice Jake
Published: January 2022

A changing climate makes the evaluation of human impacts on natural systems increasingly uncertain and affects the risk associated with management decisions. This influences both the achievability and meaning of marine conservation and resource management objectives. A risk-based framework that includes a risk equivalence approach in the evaluation of the potential consequences from human activity, can be a powerful tool for timely and consistent handling of environmental considerations in management advice. Risk equivalence permits a formal treatment of all sources of uncertainty, such that objectives-based management decisions can be maintained within acceptable risk levels and deliver outcomes consistent with expectations. There are two pathways to risk equivalence that can be used to account for the short-term and longer-term impacts of a changing environment: adjusting the degree of exposure to human pressure and adjusting the reference levels used to measure the risk. The first uses existing data and knowledge to derive risk conditioning factors applied to condition management advice on environmental departures from baseline conditions. The second is used to formalise the review and update of management objectives, reference levels and risk tolerances, so they remain consistent with potential consequences from human activity under new biological, ecological and socio-economic realities. A risk equivalence approach is about adapting existing practice to frame environmental considerations within objectives-based risk frameworks, systematically exploring alternative scenarios and assumptions, and conditioning management advice on environmental status. It is applicable to the management of all human activities impacting biological and ecological systems. Concepts of risk, risk conditioning factors, and incremental changes in risk, provide a common currency for the inclusion and communication of environmental effects into advice. Risk equivalence can ensure timely delivery of robust management advice accounting for demonstrated, anticipated or projected environmental effects. This can guide management decisions in a changing world, and greatly facilitate the implementation of an ecosystem approach for the management of human activities.
Blockade of the Notch Signaling Pathway Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization to Suppress Cardiac Fibrosis Remodeling in Mice With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Zhi , Nie Miao , Yu Liming , Tao Dengshun , Wang Qiang , He Yuanchen , Liu Yu , Zhang Yuji , Han Hongguang , Wang Huishan
Published: January 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI) is regarded as a serious ischemic heart disease on a global level. The current study set out to explore the mechanism of the Notch signaling pathway in the regulation of fibrosis remodeling after the occurrence of MI. First, experimental mice were infected with recombination signal binding protein J (RBP-J) shRNA and empty adenovirus vector, followed by the establishment of MI mouse models and detection of cardiac function. After 4 weeks of MI, mice in the sh-RBP-J group were found to exhibit significantly improved cardiac function relative to the sh-NC group. Moreover, knockdown of RBP-J brought about decreased infarct area, promoted cardiac macrophages M2 polarization, reduced cardiac fibrosis, and further decreased transcription and protein expressions of inflammatory factors and fibrosis-related factors. Furthermore, downregulation of cylindromatosis (CYLD) using si-CYLD reversed the results that knockdown of RBP-J inhibited fibrogenesis and the release of inflammatory factors. Altogether, our findings indicated that the blockade of Notch signaling promotes M2 polarization of cardiac macrophages and improves cardiac function by inhibiting the imbalance of fibrotic remodeling after MI.
Estimating Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jeong Seogsong , Lee Gyeongsil , Choi Seulggie , Kim Kyae Hyung , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Sung Min , Kim Kyuwoong , Son Joung Sik , Cho Yoosun , Park Sang Min
Published: January 2022

Background

Concerns about a growing number of colorectal cancer survivors have emerged regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. However, there is not yet a predictive tool that can estimate CVD risk and support the management of healthcare as well as disease prevention in terms of CVD risk among long-term colorectal cancer survivors.

Aim

To develop predictive tools to estimate individualized overall and each subtype of CVD risk using a nationwide cohort in South Korea.

Methods and Results

A total of 4,709 newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer who survived at least 5 years in the National Health Insurance System were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard regression was used for the identification of independent risk factors for the derivation of predictive nomograms, which were validated in an independent cohort (n = 3,957). Age, fasting serum glucose, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, Charlson comorbidity index, household income, body mass index, history of chemotherapy, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption were identified as independent risk factors for either overall CVD or each subtype of CVD subtype. Based on the identified independent risk factors, six independent nomograms for each CVD category were developed. Validation by an independent cohort demonstrated a good calibration with a median C-index of 0.687. According to the nomogram-derived median score, relative risks of 2.643, 1.821, 4.656, 2.629, 4.248, and 5.994 were found for overall CVD, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, total stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhage stroke in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The predictive tools were developed with satisfactory accuracy. The derived nomograms may support the estimation of overall and individual CVD risk for long-term colorectal cancer survivors.
Current Status and Hospital-Level Differences in Care and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in China: Insights From China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Zhao Qinghao , Xu Haiyan , Zhang Xuan , Ye Yunqing , Dong Qiuting , Fu Rui , Sun Hui , Yan Xinxin , Gao Xiaojin , Yang Jingang , Wang Yang , Yang Yuejin
Published: January 2022

Background

With the growing burden of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), developing countries face great challenges in providing equitable treatment nationwide. However, little is known about hospital-level disparities in the quality of NSTEMI care in China. We aimed to investigate the variations in NSTEMI care and patient outcomes across the three hospital levels (province-, prefecture- and county-level, with decreasing scale) in China.

Methods

Data were derived from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry on patients with NSTEMI consecutively registered between January 2013 and November 2016 from 31 provinces and municipalities throughout mainland China. Patients were categorized according to the hospital level they were admitted to. Multilevel generalized mixed models were fitted to examine the relationship between the hospital level and in-hospital mortality risk.

Results

In total, 8,054 patients with NSTEMI were included (province-level: 1,698 patients; prefecture-level: 5,240 patients; county-level: 1,116 patients). Patients in the prefecture- and county-level hospitals were older, more likely to be female, and presented worse cardiac function than those in the province-level hospitals (P <0.05). Compared with the province-level hospitals, the rate of invasive strategies was significantly lower in the prefecture- and county-level hospitals (65.3, 43.3, and 15.4%, respectively, P <0.001). Invasive strategies were performed within the guideline-recommended timeframe in 25.4, 9.7, and 1.7% of very-high-risk patients, and 16.4, 7.4, and 2.4% of high-risk patients in province-, prefecture- and county-level hospitals, respectively (both P <0.001). The use of dual antiplatelet therapy in the county-level hospitals (87.2%) remained inadequate compared to the province- (94.5%, P <0.001) and prefecture-level hospitals (94.5%, P <0.001). There was an incremental trend of in-hospital mortality from province- to prefecture- to county-level hospitals (3.0, 4.4, and 6.9%, respectively, P-trend <0.001). After stepwise adjustment for patient characteristics, presentation, hospital facilities and in-hospital treatments, the hospital-level gap in mortality risk gradually narrowed and lost statistical significance in the fully adjusted model [Odds ratio: province-level vs. prefecture-level: 1.23 (0.73–2.05), P = 0.441; province-level vs. county-level: 1.61 (0.80–3.26), P = 0.182; P-trend = 0.246].

Conclusions

There were significant variations in NSTEMI presentation and treatment patterns across the three hospital levels in China, which may largely explain the hospital-level disparity in in-hospital mortality. Quality improvement initiatives are warranted, especially among lower-level hospitals.