bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does periosteum promote chondrogenesis? A comparison of free periosteal and perichondrial grafts in the regeneration of ear cartilage
Authors: Yoo Hyokyung , Yoon Taekeun , Bae Hahn-Sol , Kang Min-Suk , Kim Byung Jun
Published: October 2021

Background: Elastic ear cartilage is a good source of tissue for support or augmentation in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, the amount of ear cartilage is limited and excessive use of cartilage can cause deformation of the auricular framework. This animal study investigated the potential of periosteal chondrogenesis in an ear cartilage defect model.Methods: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were used in the present study. Four ear cartilage defects were created in both ears of each rabbit, between the central artery and marginal veins. The defects were covered with perichondrium (group 1), periosteum taken from the calvarium (group 2), or periosteum taken from the tibia (group 3). No coverage was performed in a control group (group 4). All animals were sacrificed 6 weeks later, and the ratio of neo-cartilage to defect size was measured.Results: Significant chondrogenesis occurred only in group 1 (cartilage regeneration ratio: mean±standard deviation, 0.97±0.60), whereas the cartilage regeneration ratio was substantially lower in group 2 (0.10±0.11), group 3 (0.08±0.09), and group 4 (0.08±0.14) (p= 0.004). Instead of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis was observed in the periosteal graft groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the amount of osteogenesis or chondrogenesis between groups 2 and 3. Group 4 showed fibrous tissue accumulation in the defect area.Conclusion: Periosteal grafts showed weak chondrogenic potential in an ear cartilage defect model of rabbits; instead, they exhibited osteogenesis, irrespective of their embryological origin.
Desired Resources for Changing Diet Among Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Qualitative Inquiry Informing Future Dietary Interventions
Authors: Silveira Stephanie L. , Richardson Emma V. , Motl Robert W.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 1 million adults in the United States with multiple sclerosis (MS). Persons with MS are interested in diet as a second-line therapy for improving MS symptoms and disease progression. Examination of desired resources regarding diet among persons with MS is necessary for supporting behavior change.

METHODS

Twenty-five adults with MS completed 1-on-1, online semistructured interviews. An inductive, 6-phase, semantic thematic analysis was applied to identify themes associated with participant preferences for dietary behavior change.

RESULTS

The research team crafted 4 key themes from the data that encompassed participants’ desired resources for dietary behavior change. Theme 1, MS-specific evidence, involved the need for clear information about the impact of diet regimens or specific foods on MS. Theme 2, dietary guidelines, was related to guidelines provided by a reliable source such as a registered dietitian. Theme 3, behavioral supports, underscored the need for support for behavior change, including accountability, self-monitoring, motivation, habituation, and incremental changes. Theme 4, diet resources, highlighted tangible resources for supporting dietary change, including recipes, food lists, meal services, or games.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a foundation for guiding dietary interventions for persons with MS that incorporates their needs and preferences and could improve their overall health. Such dietary change can be facilitated by theory-based behavioral interventions that incorporate behavior change techniques such as self-monitoring and goal setting for supporting behavior change.
DEGREE OF POLYMERIZATION OF DUAL CURE RESIN CEMENT MEASURED BY FTIR
Authors: Maletin Aleksandra , Marković Dubravka , Nešković Isidora , Petronijević Branislava , Veljović Tanja , Ristić Ivan
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The degree of polymerization of dental resin cement materi- als is very important for the longevity and quality of the clinical success of the restorative procedure. Insufficiently effective polymerization reaction of dental resin cement materials may result in adverse effects on the mechanical and adhesive performance of the material. It is believed that the proportion of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) mono- mers in the chemical structure of the material significantly influences the polymerization reaction. With the increase in TEGDMA, the degree of conversion of monomers into the polymer increases. Aim: The aim of this study has been to determine the degree of polymerization of dual cure dental resin cement. Material and methods: For the analysis of the degree of polymerization, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used. 10 samples of dual cure resin based cement Variolink II were prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Analysis was performed 24 hours after polymerization procedure. Results: Degree of polymerization of Variolink II resin based cement ranged from 69.2% to 98.7% with a mean value of 85.81%. Conclusion: Variolink II dual cure resin cement contains a significant percentage of TEGDMA which can be the cause of high degree of polymerization. The minimum accep- table percentage of the degree of polymerization of dental resin cement has not yet been established.
DETERMINATION OF EQUILIBRIUM EQUIVALENT OF THORON AND RADON CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF BANJA LUKA
Authors: Ćurguz Zoran , Mirjanić Dragoljub
Published: October 2021

The paper analyzes the relationship of short-lived progenies of radon
and thoron decay. Concentration of progenies is expressed as equilibrium equivalent concentration of EETC (equilibrium equivalent concentration of thoron) and EERC (equilibrium equivalent concentration of radon) abbreviated (EEТC/ EERC). Мeasuring of radon and thoron progenies was carried out in 25 schools in the territory of the City of Banja Luka using CR -39 (RADUET) detectors. Detectors were exposed for six months and were set in the staff room at the height of 30 cm from the ceiling in internal wall. The relationship is determined (EEТC/ EERC) and comparison carried out of obtained results with the world standards, and then the correlation coefficient between radon and thoron was determined.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Đeorđić Dijana , Bošković Marko , Perović Marija , Illés Erzsébet
Published: October 2021

The presented experimental research focuses on obtaining iron oxide nanoparticles with high efficiency for magnetic hyperthermia treatments. They were prepared by two different synthesis methods. The first sample was prepared in the modified process of thermal decomposition of Fe precursor in a polyol solution. The second sample was prepared by coprecipitation based on mixing iron salts solution with NaOH solution. Samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, SQUID measurements, transmission electron microscopy and Zetasizer Nano series. The results derived from two systems obtained by different synthesis methods represent valuable knowledge in the fundamental research on magnetic behavior of nanoparticle systems and also a significant contribution in the developing field of application of magnetic hyperthermia.
Nonequilibrium thermal transport and thermodynamic geometry in periodically driven systems
Authors: Wang Zi , Ren Jie ,   Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology, Center for Phononics and Thermal Energy Science, China-EU Joint Lab on Nanophononics, School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Published: October 2021

With the in-depth understanding of nano-/micro-scaled systems and the developing of the corresponding experimental techniques, the heat transport and energy conversion processes in these small systems have attracted much interest recently. In contrast to the static manipulation methods, which hinge on the steady nonequilibrium sources such as temperature bias, chemical potential difference, etc., the temporal driving methods can control small systems in nonequilibrium non-steady states with much more versatility and universality. The research on periodically driven small systems holds both fundamental and pragmatic promises. This review is based on the fundamental concept of geometry. By analyzing the geometric phase and thermodynamic length in the transport process and the energy conversion process, we provide a unified perspective for the recent researches on the thermodynamic properties of driven nonequilibrium quantum systems. Thermodynamic geometry not only is the intrinsic origin of the nontrivial transport and dissipation, but also provides us with an all-applicable theoretical framework. The discussion over the geometry would yield multiple thermodynamic constraints on the transport and energy conversion, and can naturally construct a general optimization method as well. This will conduce to a better understanding of functionality for nonequilibrium quantum many-body systems acting as thermal machines. Also, this will inspire people to design quantum thermal machines with simultaneously more ideal performance, i.e. higher efficiency, higher power and higher constancy.
A novel role for apatinib in enhancing radiosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer cells by suppressing the AKT and ERK pathways
Authors: Li Lin , Li Yuexian , Zou Huawei
Published: October 2021

Background

Radioresistance is still the major cause of radiotherapy failure and poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Apatinib (AP) is a highly selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Whether and how AP affects radiosensitivity in NSCLC remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the radiosensitization effect of AP in NSCLC and its underlying mechanism as a radiosensitizer.

Methods

The NSCLC cell lines A549 and LK2 were treated with AP, ionizing radiation (IR), or both AP and IR. Expression of VEGFR2 was analyzed by western blot and RT-PCR. Cell proliferation was measured using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution in NSCLC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Nuclear phosphorylated histone H2AX foci immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination treatment. Western blot was used to explore the potential mechanisms of action.

Results

AP inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that AP significantly increased radiation-induced apoptosis. Colony formation assays revealed that AP enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. AP strongly restored radiosensitivity by increasing IR-induced G2/M phase arrest. AP effectively inhibited repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Western blot analysis showed that AP enhanced radiosensitivity by downregulating AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that AP may enhance radiosensitivity in NSCLC cells by blocking AKT and ERK signaling. Therefore, AP may be a potential clinical radiotherapy synergist and a novel small-molecule radiosensitizer in NSCLC. Our study fills a gap in the field of anti-angiogenic drugs and radiosensitivity.
An eco-evolutionary rationale to distinguish alien and native status: why the dingo is a native species on mainland Australia
Authors: Banks Peter B.
Published: October 2021

Distinguishing between whether a species is alien or native can be problematic, especially for introduced species that are long-established in new areas outside of their natural range. Transport by humans is the criterion for alien status used by many definitions, whereas arbitrary time since arrival to a location is often used to define native status. Here I propose an eco-evolutionary approach to distinguish between alien and native status and use this to resolve uncertainty in the status of the dingo in Australia. Dingoes were transported to mainland Australia by humans, but more than 4000 years ago, and dingoes now interbreed with feral domestic dogs. Legally, this mix of events has the dingo classified as native in some jurisdictions and alien in others. I suggest that native status for introduced species should be based on (1) whether the species has evolved in their new environment; (2) whether local species recognise and respond to them as they do towards deep endemic native species, and; (3) whether their impacts benchmark against those of a native species or are exaggerated like those of other alien species. Dingoes are behaviourally, reproductively and morphologically different to close ancestors from south-east Asia, and this difference has a genetic basis indicative of evolution in Australia. There is abundant evidence that native prey species on mainland Australia recognise and respond to them as a dangerous predator, which they are. But there is strong evidence that dingo impacts on prey are not exaggerated, with effect sizes from mensurative experiments similar to those of experiments on native predators rather than alien predators. These three lines of evidence suggest dingoes should be considered native to mainland Australia. I suggest this eco-evolutionary approach to defining native status can be helpful in resolving the often-heated debates about when an alien species becomes native.
Looking to the future: what next for the dingo?
Authors: Newsome Thomas
Published: October 2021

Few animals in Australia evoke as much controversy as the dingo. There are debates about its cultural significance, what to call it, and its ecological and economic impacts. Resolving these debates requires consensus and agreement among researchers, land managers and other stakeholders. To aid this, I briefly summarise how far we have come in terms of increasing our knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of dingoes since the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales held its first symposium on the dingo in 1999. I summarise the key debates that have arisen during this period, and then summarise some of the key recommendations made in papers that were written following the 2019 symposium. I finish with some suggestions for future dingo research, focusing on (1) how we can better understand and appropriately acknowledge the cultural significance of the dingo through research, broader consultations and appropriate representations on national, state and local pest planning committees, (2) produce taxonomic consensus through the appointment of an independent panel and future research using genome-wide DNA technology, and (3) resolving ecological and economic debates via reintroduction experiments in both conservation and managed agricultural landscapes. Without such efforts, I see a future for the dingo that continues to be steeped in controversy and debate.
Quality Assessment of Groundwater of Barind Area, Bangladesh using Integrated Hydrochemical Method
Authors: Ali M. H. , Zaman M. H. , Islam M. A. , Biswas P. , Karim N. N. , Kader M. A.
Published: October 2021

The study was conducted for assessing water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes of groundwater sources. Total 50 water samples were collected from different locations of Nachol and Niamatpurupazilla of Chapainawabgonj and Naogaon district in January 2019 and January 2020. Water quality parameters like pH, electrical conductivity (Ec), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), total hardness (TH), alkalinity, sulphate (SO4), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonia (NH4), phosphate (PO4), chloride (Cl), dissolved oxygen (DO), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were analyzed in the laboratory. All the analyzed parameters were compared with national and international drinking and irrigation water quality standards to understand the overall groundwater quality status of the study area. The study showed that the water samples of almost all the locations were suitable for consumption and irrigation.
Invitro Toxicity of Binary Mixtures of Glyphosate and 2, 2 Dichlorovinyl Dimethyl Phosphate on Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Anuniru C. O. , Ogbulie J. N. , Opurum C. C. , Asiwe E. S.
Published: October 2021

The in vitro toxicity of glyphosate (Gly) and 2, 2 Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) single compound and binary mixtures was assessed against Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. isolated from Otamiri River, Imo state, Nigeria was investigated. The toxicity response was assessed using the inhibitory effect of the single and binary mixtures on isolates dehydrogenase activity; and 2,3,5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was used as the artificial electron acceptor. The binary mixtures were composed using fixed ratios of glyphosate and 2, 2 Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate in ratios of 20% Gly:80% DDVP, 40% Gly: 60% DDVP, 50% Gly: 50% DDVP, 60% Gly: 40% DDVP and 80% Gly: 20% DDVP. Results obtained showed that the isolates exhibited different degrees of logistic and sigmoidal toxicity trends with areas of hormesis at low concentrations of the toxicants. Furthermore, isobolographic analysis on the toxic interaction of the mixtures presented both synergism and antagonism, based on the relative ratio of the component mixtures. Increasing concentration of glyphosate in the binary mixture caused a shift in the interaction effect from antagonism to synergism. Our findings showed that isolates exhibited tolerance to glyphosate and 2,2 dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate and their binary mixtures exposure at concentration range of 0-1000mg/L; above which has deleterious effects on the aquatic organisms. It is evident that there are considerable differences in pesticide sensitivity among the bacterial species and that the presence of glyphosate and 2, 2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate in the aquatic environment may present toxicological risk to microbial diversity.
Current Trend in the Antibiogram of Bacterial Pathogens of Adult Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: T. Oyekale Oluwalana , O. Ojo Bola , E. Oguntunmbi Damilola , I. Oyekale Oluwatoyin
Published: October 2021

Background: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are among the commonest infectious diseases requiring hospitalization. There is an increasing resistance development of bacterial pathogens of LRTIs to the commonly prescribed antibiotics necessitating regular surveillance for these bacteria and their antibiogram.

Aim: To identify bacterial pathogens of adult LRTIs, determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern, and suggest the best empirical treatment of adult LRTIs in the setting.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methods: A total of 194 respiratory samples from 194 consecutive consenting adult in-patient of a Federal Teaching Hospital were processed. Identification of isolated bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates were carried out following the standard protocol.

Results: Bacteria isolation was seen in 52.1% of all specimens, highest isolation rate was from sputum (55.2%). Isolation was higher in males (54.9%) than females (48.1%) but no significant difference was seen (P=0.36). Gram negative bacteria were predominantly isolated (64.4%) and Klebsilla pneumoniae was the most common (33.7%). Eight extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers and 3 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were also detected. All isolates were sensitive to imipenem and meropenem. All MRSAs were sensitive to vancomycin. There was poor sensitivity pattern seen against most antibiotics tested.

Conclusion: Gram negative bacteria were the predominant bacterial pathogen isolated, and isolates were resistant to most antibiotics tested, though, all were sensitive to carbapenems. Levofloxacin plus gentamicin, and carbapenems were the suggested first and second line empirical treatment of choice respectively for adult LRTIs in this and similar settings.
Solutions of Klein-Gordon Equation by the Laplace Decomposition Method and Modified Laplace Decomposition Method
Authors: Wayal R. M.
Published: October 2021

In this article, the Laplace decomposition method and Modified Laplace decomposition method have been employed to obtain the exact and approximate solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation with the initial profile. An approximate solution obtained by these methods is in good agreement with the exact solution and shows that these approaches can solve linear and nonlinear problems very effectively and are capable to reduce the size of computational work.
Evaluation of Bean Common Mosaic Disease and Associated Aphid Vector, Aphis fabae L., on Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Production in Lower Eastern Kenya
Authors: A. Muute Ngela , Muli Benjamin , Charles Orek
Published: October 2021

Production of common bean in Kenya is constrained by pests and diseases and to improve bean yields amongst majority small-scale farmers, appropriate management strategies should be adopted. Bean common mosaic disease (BCMD) caused by bean common mosaic virus and vectored by bean aphids and infected seeds, substantially inhibit common bean production in Kenya. An extensive and diagnostic field survey was conducted in six agro ecological zones (AEZs) of lower eastern Kenya during the long and short rains of 2018 to determine BCMD incidence (BCMD-I), severity (BCMD-S), bean aphid abundance (BAA), bean aphid incidence (BAI) and the management strategies applied by farmers. Significant (P≤0.001) variations observed for these traits between bean varieties, rainy seasons and AEZs implied that farmers could select and grow a tolerant bean variety or grow a variety either in a season or an AEZ with low BCMD and bean aphid pressure. Such included AEZ-UMSA with least mean BCMD-I (42%), BCMD-S (1.9) and BAI (11%) compared to two AEZs (LHSH & LM4) that showed BCMD-I of >70%, BCMD-S >3.0 and BAI >50%. The AEZs differences could be attributed to variations in altitudes, temperature and humidity that influences vector (aphid) movement.  Of the nine  bean varieties identified during the survey, Selian 14 was the most preferred by farmers (at ~35%) with relatively lower BCMD-I (~49%) and BAI (~35%) compared to the least (<5%) farmer-preferred variety Wairimu that showed higher BCMD-I (56%) and BAI (~68%). Therefore variety Selian 14 was considered tolerant to BCMD and bean aphid. Significant (P≤0.001) and positive correlations (r = 0.67) between BAI and BCMD-I implied an effective control of bean aphids could reduce the impact of BCMD on bean production. On visual diagnostics, >75% of farmers could generally identify diseased or pest-infested bean crops and stage of growth of the crop most affected. None (0%) could however identify BCMD symptoms although ~40% identified the vector bean aphids with ~26% implementing some form of aphid or pest management strategy. On management, season-driven early planting and bean intercropping were the most applied strategies (>80%), crop rotation and weed control accounted for ~71%, certified seeds at 1% and non-chemical or pesticide applications (0%). Both low adoption of certified seeds and no chemical aphid control were attributed to high costs, despite the possibility the two factors could have contributed to higher incidences and severity of BCMD in the study area as the disease is both seed and vector-borne.  In summary, lack of knowledge and training among farmers on diagnosis and management of aphid-pests and BCMD, were cited as the main constraints for low bean cultivation. This study therefore recommends provision of adequate extension services and farmer training in lower eastern Kenya for improved bean yield and subsequent better family livelihoods and income.
Genetic Diversity for Yield and Its Component Traits in Blackgram (Vigna mungo. L Hepper)
Authors: Pallavi Bairi , M. Lal Gaibriyal
Published: October 2021

Thirty eight genotypes were subjected to genetic divergence by using D2 statistics. The genotypes were grouped into 7 clusters by D2 analysis. Cluster I consisted of maximum accessions (32) followed by cluster II, III IV, V, VI, VII consisted of only 1 accession. The inter-cluster distances were greater than intra-cluster distances, revealing that considerable amount of genetic diversity existed among the accessions. Maximum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster I (56.58) indicating that some genetic divergence still existed among the genotypes. This could be made use of in the yield improvement through recombination breeding. Highest mean values exhibited no. of seeds per plant in cluster II (198.97), days to maturity in cluster VII (93.11), harvest index in cluster V (76.15) and plant height in cluster IV (69.59). The character contribution maximum towards diversity among the accessions were seed yield per plant (18.40%), followed by harvest index (14.32%), biological yield (11.98%), no. of pods per plant (10.76%), pod length (9.80%) and no. of seeds per plant (7.56%). These characters combining with early maturity were the major traits causing genetic divergence among the accessions. It was assumed that maximum mount of heterosis will be manifested in cross combinations involving the parents belonging to most divergent clusters.
Analysis of the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Unfermented Palm Sap Reserved for Infant Feeding
Authors: Don Rodrigue Voko Bi Rosin , Christell Assohoun-Djeni Nanouman Marina , Bakary Coulibaly , Clément Kouassi Kouassi
Published: October 2021

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters that could contribute to the depreciation of the quality of unfermented palm sap used for infant feeding.

Study Design: A survey was conducted in 20 villages and camps to determine if the practice was still current. Also, unfermented sap was produced from 5 palms by resource persons to control the quality during the days of exploitation.

Place and Duration of Study: The survey was carried out from March 1st to 30th in villages and camps in Central and Central-Western Cote d'Ivoire. The production of the sap took place during one week in the village of Akpessekro.

Methodology: 30 people, without distinction randomly crossed were questioned on the food consumed at the age of 0 to 6 months. Also, in the unfermented sap produced acidity, sugar content, loads of GAM, thermotolerant coliforms, enterococci, yeasts and molds were determined and multiple correlations were established between all parameters.

Results: In the villages and camps, palm sap is less and less used as infant food. During the first two days of palm farming, the acidity (6 < pH < 6.11) approximates that of breast milk or milk substitutes. However, after these two days, the acidity becomes high and the sugar content too low for infant feeding. In the unfermented sap, the loads of coliform fecal contamination germs are higher than the required standards. Also, the large load of lactic acid bacteria (≥1.5E+04 ufc/ml) and yeasts (1.4E+04 ufc/ml) present in the sap contribute to a depreciation of its quality over the days and when the sap is left to rest.

Conclusion: The quality of unfermented palm sap as infant food is not guaranteed. This is one of the reasons why this practice is in decline nowadays.
Action of Finite Group Presentations on Signal Space
Authors: Samaila D. , Shu’aibu G. N. , Modu B. A.
Published: October 2021

The use of finite group presentations in signal processing has not been exploit in the current literature. Based on the existing signal processing algorithms (not necessarily group theoretic approach), various signal processing transforms have unique decomposition capabilities, that is, different types of signal has different transformation combination. This paper aimed at studying representation of finite groups via their actions on Signal space and to use more than one transformation to process a signal within the context of group theory. The objective is achieved by using group generators as actions on Signal space which produced output signal for every corresponding input signal. It is proved that the subgroup presentations act on signal space by conjugation. Hence, a different approach to signal processing using group of transformations and presentations is established.
The Effect of Antibiotics and Drugs on the Duration of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Khattab Amin , Aljohani Fahad Dakilallah , Halawani Roa , Eltahir Heba Mahmoud , Shehata Ahmed M. , Ihmaid Saleh K. , Aldhafiri Ahmed , Abouzied Mekky , Elbadawy Hossein M. , Mghrbi Najawa , Matar Heba M. H.
Published: October 2021

This is a single center, retrospective, observational study carried out in Ohud hospital, the main referral hospital for SARS-CoV-2 infections in the region of Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was carried on hospitalized patients with moderate to severe symptoms, including critically ill patients in the intensive care unit mostly of them requiring oxygen or mechanical ventilator support. Medical records from 432 cases were investigated showing that the majority of infected population were adults with an average age of 48 years, where 68.3% were males and the mortality rate was 5.6%. Duration of the disease was determined as the period between the first positive and the first negative PCR results. Patients who received antibiotics or Metoclopramide showed shorter duration of the disease time course while those who received Hydroxychloroquine, Omeprazole or Calcium exhibited longer durations before obtaining a negative PCR result. Regression analysis furtherly confirmed that antibiotics administration was associated with shorter course of disease while hydroxychloroquine or omeprazole were correlated with longer duration of the disease. Antiviral drugs, however, showed no correlations to the COVID-19 duration of stay in hospital. Finally, combining antibiotics and antiviral agents did not result in a better outcome, suggesting that the use of antibacterial agents helps in the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Autistic Effects of Nootropic Drug Brahmi against Propionic Acid-induced Behavior and Memory Impairment in Rat Model
Authors: Anamika P. K. , Muralidharan P.
Published: October 2021

Aims: To evaluate the hydro alcoholic effect of Brahmi against propionic acid-induced behavior and memory impairment in rat model.

Study Design: This includes preclinical study on Sprague Dawley rats in which Propionic acid induced and evaluation of in vivo and in vitro models were performed.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, C L Baid Metha College of Pharmacy Jan 2019 to June 2021.

Methodology: We include a total of 27 adult Sprague Dawley Rats and induced propionic acid intracerebroventricular route to induce autism. Drug treatment using hydro alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri was given in 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg was compared with negative group rats and control groups. In vivo parameters like Actophotometer and marble burying test was done, In vitro analysis of Serotonin and Glutamate was estimated in the above treated groups.

Results: The locomotor activity of rat was recorded individually for each animal using Actophotometer. HAEBM (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) treated rat produced an increase in the level of significance (P<0.0001) on day one. In marble burying test Rats were located for thirty minutes in a standard cage covered with 5 cm depth of wood chip bedding with ten marbles evenly spaced. HAEBM (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.001) level of burying when compared to group-II rats (P<0.01). In this research study 5HT level showed a significant (P<0.001) increase in Group III, Group IV when compared with group-II (P<0.01). Glutamate is an excitatory Neurotransmitter. Group II showed significant increase (P<0.001) in the level of Glutamate but on drug treated groups III and IV shows decrease in concentration of glutamate.

Conclusion: The present study findings showed that the hydro alcoholic root extract of brahmi possesses neuroprotective activity with significant nootropic effects. The hydro alcoholic root extract of Bacopa monnieri. L showed the presence of various Gabapentin and flavonoids phenols may be the reason for its neuroprotection and memory improvement effects.
Diosgenin Nanoparticles Competes Plain Diosgenin on Reviving Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations in DMBA Induced Rat Mammary Carcinoma via Modulating the AhR-Nrf-2 Signaling Cascades
Authors: Vengaimaran Manobharathi , Dhamodharan Kalaiyarasi , Sankaran Mirunalini
Published: October 2021

Background: Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin spotted as a primary ingredient in many traditional Chinese medicines, has sparked the attention of researchers owing to its multi-targeted cytotoxicity towards a multitude of cancers. Regrettably, its true potential was bounded by its impoverished physicochemical properties. In order to fully exploit its ability, we plan to fabricate diosgenin into nanoparticle by encapsulating with biodegradable polymer chitosan.

Aim: The current research intends to uncover the therapeutic potency of diosgenin encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles (DG@CS-NP) on 7,12dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced rat mammary carcinoma by optimizing biochemical and histopathological modifications via attenuating Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) - nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factors (Nrf-2) signaling.

Methodology: Breast cancer was induced with a single dose of DMBA (25 mg/kg b.wt). Orally supplied DG 10mg/kg b.wt. and DG@CS-NP 5 mg/kg b.wt to DMBA-induced tumor-bearing rats shortly after tumor onset. After the experimental period, biochemical and histopathological studies were performed using mammary tissue sections. Furthermore, architectural immunohistochemistry was used to reveal the expression of AhR and Nrf-2 in experimental rats. Additionally, diosgenin interactions with these proteins were also evidently confirmed by molecular docking analysis.

Result: We noticed that there is an elevated level of lipid peroxidative marker, phase-I detoxification enzymes, total cholesterol (TC), phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA) with boosted AhR expressions as well as diminished levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and Phase – II detoxification enzymes with downtrodden Nrf-2 expressions in the mammary tissues of DMBA-induced rats. On the other contrary, oral dosing of DG@CS-NP 5 mg/kg b.wt, dramatically reverted them to near-normal tiers. Interestingly, molecular docking analyses also corroborate these insights by highlighting diosgenin's significant interactions with AhR and Nrf-2 targets.

Conclusion: As an outcome of our observations, we conclude that nano-encapsulation of diosgenin is a potent targeted therapeutic candidate posing a massive impact on breast cancer than plain diosgenin.
Anti Ulceration Efficacy of Boiled Aqueous Leaf Extract of Morinda lucida on Ethanol Induced Gastric Ulceration Rats
Authors: Amadi Nkiruka Millicent , Achukwu Peter Uwadiegwu , Onwukwe S. O. , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Anoh Nonyelum V. , Okpokwu Victoria I.
Published: October 2021

Stomach ulceration study was carried on 25 groups (5 rats each of the groups), groups (E, E1, E2, , E3 and EC, placed on 24 hours fasting before the single dose of intra peritoneal dose administration of 5ml/kg body weight of 99% ethanol and  after one hour, received daily extract of dilution doses of ((500, 1000, 1500) mg /kg) body weight and 100 mg /kg body weight cimentidine (standard drug) respectively for 7 days. Groups (EA1, EA2, , EA3 and EAC, ) were treated with the same extract doses and drug concentration for 7 days before the dose ethanol administration. Group Eand 0 served as a positive control and a negative control respectively. On day 9, target organs; stomach and intestines were harvested under anaesthetize weighed, gross macroscopically and histomorphological studied. Result of the study showed plant inhibition on ethanol induced gastric ulceration; the standard drug (cemetidine) and the mapped extract doses of ((500, 1000, 1500) mg /kg) body weight respectively showed normal organ architecture. Ulcer index study activities 70% indicating evidence of curative and preventive index range 35 to 43% showed some inhibition as seen on the gastric mucosa of the treated group. It was observed that the treatment and anti- ulceration effect of boiled aqueous leaf extract metabolites showed reduction on the histomorphological changes in the gastric mucosa and provided inhibition effectiveness of ethanol induced injury.
A Mini-Review: Nanoparticles as Vaccine Delivery System
Authors: Abd Frial G. , Abdulazeem Lubna , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Rasheed Ahamed H. , Abdulrazzaq Sumaya Ayad
Published: October 2021

Vaccination has proven to be one of the most important medical breakthroughs in history. Three important features must be present in every vaccine that is effective over time: Safety, stability, and the ability to elicit a sustained and sufficient immune response with a modest number of doses are all important requirements. To develop protective immunity against diseases, vaccinations using attenuated or dead entire animals (first generation), subunit vaccines (second generation), and RNA or DNA vaccines (third generation) have all been employed . Traditional vaccines, on the other hand, have issues such as returning to their virulent condition or only giving protection for a short period of time. As a result of these limitations, scientists have resorted to recombinant proteins, such as subunit vaccines, which target a specific portion of the pathogen. Subunit vaccines are preferred over live or inactivated whole organism vaccines because they are more pure and identified with respect to cell receptoes, have a better safety profile, and are easier to scale up. Despite their advantages, subunit vaccinations have certain disadvantages. For example, most antigens are only mildly immunogenic on their own, necessitating the inclusion of an adjuvant in the formulation.
Overview on Cardiac Cirrhosis and Congestive Hepatopathy - A Review
Authors: Hussein Mohammed Salah , Almujil Sarah Jamal , Banheem Ahmed Saeed S. , Alsuhaymi Nasser Naif , Alhelali Mansour Hemaid , Aldukhi Dhiyaa Hassan A. , Alsaedi Khalil Rafed B. , Al-Wagdani Naif Mohammed , Almadi Ebtesam Ali S. , Aladhadh Khalid Mohammed A. , AlAjmi Fahad A. M. R. H.
Published: October 2021

Cardiac cirrhosis (congestive hepatopathy) refers to a group of hepatic abnormalities that develop as a result of right-sided heart failure.  Cirrhosis of the liver can be induced by any right-sided pathology that leads to right-sided heart failure, which leads to increased venous congestion and pressure in the hepatic sinusoids. Because cardiac cirrhosis might be asymptomatic or diagnosed incorrectly due to other types of liver disease, determining its prevalence is difficult. The underlying heart disease, rather than the hepatic congestion and damage, is usually the cause of death in cardiac cirrhosis. The control of the underlying cardiac disease, as well as the optimization of cardiac output, are the mainstays of congestive hepatopathy treatment. Diuresis can help with hepatic congestion, but it must be used with caution to avoid causing hepatic ischemia. Hemodynamic therapy may be able to reverse the early stages of congestive hepatitis. The widespread use of heart transplantation (HT) and considerable breakthroughs in medical and surgical treatments have drastically altered the profile of CH patients. In this overview we will be looking at the disease cause, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Juventudes universitárias: masculinidades em disputa
Authors: Morais Gabriel
Published: October 2021

O artigo visa problematizar como jovens universitários compreendem o conceito de masculinidades e de que forma ocorrem suas performatividades naquele ambiente. Como esses jovens fundamentam o que é “ser homem” e seus conflitos em relação as possibilidades de vivenciar os gêneros. Para tal, o artigo trabalha com um recorte: alunos, em sua maioria de dezoito anos, da Universidade de São Paulo, campus Butantã, mais especificamente da Escola de Comunicações e Artes. A análise é feita a partir de vários encontros extra- curriculares realizados no segundo semestre de 2019 tanto dentro como fora do espaço universitário. É a partir desse panorama que é possível refletir como homens e mulheres estão em disputa em seu caminho de (re)significar “ser homem”. Enquanto homens ainda estão em um primeiro estágio de consciência sobre a ação normalizadora, as mulheres já conseguem identificar, classificar e agir em torno da norma, principalmente por serem dela as principais vítimas.
Orientação sexual e cirurgia de redesignação: a passabilidade e a manutenção de relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais em mulheres trans
Authors: Pascio Monteiro Frida , Porchat Patrícia
Published: October 2021

O artigo problematiza duas categorias – mulheres heterossexuais e mulheres não-transgenitalizadas – utilizadas para selecionar entrevistadas para a pesquisa ‘Vivências afetivo-sexuais de mulheres travestis e transexuais’. Discute-se as noções de sexo biológico, orientação sexual e identidade de gênero e de quais pressupostos  partimos para definir a orientação sexual de pessoas trans. Também se discute a necessidade da cirurgia de redesignação sexual para diferenciar mulheres travestis de mulheres transexuais. A pesquisa inclui uma abordagem abordagem autoetnográfica, em virtude de uma das autoras ser uma mulher transexual heterossexual e não-transgenitalizada (à época da escrita do artigo). A passabilidade surge como referência primordial para a manutenção de uma legitimidade estética da transição e como fator minimizante das violências e transfobia vivenciadas. Por fim, analisa-se como esses elementos (orientação sexual, cirurgia de redesignação sexual e passabilidade) ajudam a manter os relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais que essas mulheres vivenciam.
Homem trans com homem cis dá lobisomem? Professores de ciências perante corpos lobisbixas
Authors: Dos Santos Charlie Drews , Xavier Allan Moreira , Miranda Meiri Aparecida Gurgel de Campos
Published: October 2021

Neste texto procuramos apresentar os resultados parciais de pesquisa de Mestrado, na qual nos debruçamos sobre as concepções de professores de ciências e de biologia da educação básica sobre o tripé sexo, gênero e sexualidade, sendo estes os componentes da matriz de inteligibilidade heterossexual. Especificamente debatemos as concepções prévias e reações das professoras participantes da pesquisa perante a existência de homens transgêneros que se relacionam afetivo-sexualmente com homens cisgêneros, constituindo-se assim casais lidos como gays. Para tal, apresentamos aos participantes uma HQ do desenhista estadunidense Bill Roundy, no qual ele, enquanto homem cis gay, tenta explicar como são seus relacionamentos com homens trans. Configura-se, pelo dito popular, que “homem com homem dá lobisomem”, então, como base nos estudos transviados (queer) e na pedagogia dos monstros, procuramos destrinchar o quanto um homem trans com um homem cis também se constitui um lobisomem/lobisbixa que pode embaralhar as categorias conceituais do ensino de ciências, assim como alguns pressupostos positivistas presentes no próprio campo de ciências da natureza, concluindo que a união citada causa sim um certo estranhamento, ao passo que, dependendo do recorte, pode também reafirmar alguns padrões cis-heteronormativos.
Numerical Evaluation of Cooling Technology for Preventing Thermal Runaway in Batteries
Authors: Jung Juyeong , Kwon Taesoon , Park Won-Hee , Lee Duckhee
Published: October 2021

The growth of the energy market due to global eco-friendly policy issues is leading to the growth of the lithium-ion battery market related to the energy storage system (ESS). However, if a fire occurs in an ESS using lithium-ion batteries, it is difficult to penetrate fire extinguishing agents due to the structural characteristics of lithium-containing electrical fire and cell-unit batteries. For this reason, ESS needs to study fire prevention and diffusion prevention systems; in this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are utilized to evaluate the cooling properties of PCM and thermoelectric devices, which are easy to apply in practice. In the PCM model, the correlation between the mass of the PCM and its temperature rise time confirmed that temperature control through PCM is possible when the temperature of the heating battery is out of the normal range. In the thermoelectric module, the numerical results of the model with an output of 40 W under the input power of 200 W confirmed that the heating value and the output of the thermoelectric module can create thermal equilibrium in a short time.
Analysis of the Actual Situation of Suicide Among Firefighting Officials
Authors: Ko Gi-Bong , Chae Jin , Park Seung-gyun
Published: October 2021

This study analyzed the various methods of and reasons for committing suicide among 90 firefighters within a 10 year period (2010-2019). The study discovered that: the suicide rate per 100,000 people has gradually decreased in the general public and police, while the number of suicides among firefighters continues to increase; the suicide rate arranged in increasing order by province, was Gyeonggi < Seoul < Jeonnam < Gyeongbuk < Busan whereas the suicide rate in terms of the number of staff followed the order of Jeonnam < Ulsan < Chungbuk < Gyeonggi < Seoul; the highest suicide rates were found among firefighters in the Sobangjang (fire sergeant) position, who were in their 40s, and who had served fewer than 10 years; the reasons for committing suicide were family discord, depression, hopelessness, debt, and job stress in that order; those in their 20s and 50s committed suicide due to depression while family discord appeared to be the cause for those in their 30s and 40s. To prevent firefighters from committing suicide, we need to initiate a dedicated psychological counseling organization, run a firefighters’ suicide prevention program at the fire academy, and strengthen the psychological autopsy for firefighters’ suicide and statistics management, etc.
A Prediction Model of Casualties Based on Machine Learning for Selection of Fire Scenario
Authors: Seo Donggoo , Park Byunghun , Lee Younghyun , Lee Wonhee , Kim Jungjae , Song Hojun
Published: October 2021

This study has developed a model that predicts casualties (dead and injured people) using the Classification And Regression Tree (CART). Based on the fire statistics collected over a decade, this model aims to select the appropriate risk-assessment scenarios and fire prevention and safety methods applicable on individual buildings. Our evaluation indicates that this CART model can accurately predict 48 scenarios based on 5 variables related to the types of fire, fire growth rates, and evacuation situations, and calculate the corresponding probabilities for each occurrence. This model is expected to improve future quantitative fire risk assessments.
Evaluation of Neural Network Model for Estimating Pile Load Capacity
Authors: Lee Byungsik
Published: October 2021

Neural network models based on deep learning algorithms are increasingly used for estimating pile load capacities as supplements of bearing capacity equations and field load tests. A series of hyperparameter tuning is required to improve the performance and reliability of developing a neural network model. In this study, the number of hidden layers and neurons, the activation functions, the optimizing algorithms of the gradient descent method, and the learning rates were tuned. The grid search method was applied for the tuning, which is a hyperpameter optimizer supplied by the developing platform. The cross-validation method was applied to enhance reliability for model validation. An appropriate number of epochs was determined using the early stopping method to prevent the overfitting of the model to the training data. The performance of the tuned optimum model evaluated for the test data set revealed that the model could estimate pile load capacities approximately with an average absolute error of 3,000 kN and a coefficient of determinant of 0.5.