bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptom prevalence and Secondary Attack Rate of SARS-CoV-2 in Rural Kenyan Households: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gallagher Katherine , Nyiro Joyce , Agoti Charles , Nyagwange James , Karani Angela , Bottomley Christian , Murunga Nickson , Githinji George , Mutunga Martin , Ochola-Oyier Lynette , Kombe Ivy , Nyaguara Amek , Kagucia E Wangeci , Warimwe George , Agweyu Ambrose , Tsofa Benjamin , Bejon Philip , Scott J , Nokes David
Published: April 2023

Background We estimated the secondary attack rate of SARS-CoV-2 among
household contacts of PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in rural Kenya and
analysed risk factors for transmission. Methods We enrolled incident
PCR-confirmed cases and their household members. At baseline, a
questionnaire, a blood sample, and naso-oropharyngeal swabs were
collected. Household members were followed 4, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days
after the date of the first PCR-positive in the household;
naso-oropharyngeal swabs were collected at each visit and used to define
secondary cases. Blood samples were collected every 1-2 weeks. Symptoms
were collected in a daily symptom diary. We used binomial regression to
estimate secondary attack rates and survival analysis to analyze risk
factors for transmission. Results A total of 119 households with at
least one positive household member were enrolled between October 2020
and September 2022, comprising 503 household members; 226 remained in
follow up at day-14 (45%). A total of 43 secondary cases arose within
14 days of identification of the primary case, 81 household members
remained negative. The 7-day secondary attack rate was 4% (95%CI
1-10%), the 14-day secondary attack rate was 28% (95%CI 17-40%). Of
38 secondary cases with data, 8 reported symptoms (21%, 95%CI 8-34%).
Antibody to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at enrolment was not associated
with risk of becoming a secondary case. Conclusion Households in our
setting experienced a lower 7-day attack rate than a recent
meta-analysis indicated as the global average (23-43% depending on
variant), and infection is mostly asymptomatic in our setting.
Neem seed oil improves redox imbalance and exhibits antihyperglycemic, antilipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Brai Bartholomew , Ometere Ruth , Komolafe Titilope , Amosun Busayo , Komolafe Kayode , Ogungbe Ifedayo
Published: April 2023

Neem (Azadirachta indica) plant components are popularly applied in
ethnomedicine for the management of numerous diseases. The current study
aimed to assess the anti-diabetic potential and mechanism of neem seed
oil (NSO) in a rodent model of type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by a
chronic high-fat diet and a single low-dose of streptozotocin. Diabetic
animals (blood glucose levels ≥ 220 mg/dL) were post-treated (orally)
with NSO (200 and 400 mg/kg) or the standard drug, metformin (150
mg/kg), for 30 days. Two other groups served as the negative and
positive controls. NSO significantly (p<0.05) reversed
diabetes-induced hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance,
dyslipidemia, and oxido-inflammatory imbalances typified by alterations
in the NADH/NAD+ ratio (p<0.001), elevations in the levels of
C-reactive protein, 4-hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde, and
pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and Il-1β), and reductions in
endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, gene expression of
inflammatory cytokines and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) was
upregulated in the hepatic and pancreatic tissues of NSO-treated
animals. The protective effect of NSO was corroborated by the
histological assessment of the pancreatic tissue. The results revealed
that the anti-diabetic potential of NSO proceeded through its
hypolipidemic activity and modulation of redox and inflammatory
signaling events in the hepatic and pancreatic tissues.
Visual outcomes after bevacizumab-based therapy for optic pathway glioma
Authors: Siegel Benjamin , Nelson Daniel , H Jason Peragallo , MacDonald Tobey , S David Wolf
Published: April 2023

In optic pathway glioma (OPG), bevacizumab-based therapy (BBT) has
promising effects on radiographic tumor burden, but impact on vision is
less clear. This single-institution study characterized visual acuity
(VA) and visual field (VF) outcomes in 17 pediatric OPG patients treated
with BBT. VA was stable or improved in 14 patients. Nine patients had
evaluable VF data, 6 of whom experienced stability or improvement. Among
6 patients with vision deterioration as a treatment indication, stable
or improved was observed for both VA and VF in 5 patients. In summary,
BBT was associated with favorable visual outcomes in most patients with
OPG.
The Importance of Explicitly Representing the Streambed in Watershed Models
Authors: Shuai Pin , Jiang Peishi , Coon Ethan , Chen Xingyuan
Published: April 2023

The streambed is the critical interface between the aquatic and
terrestrial systems and hosts important biogeochemical hot spots within
river corridors. Although the streambed characteristics are
significantly different from those of its surrounding soil, the
streambed itself has not been explicitly represented in watershed
models. We developed an integrated hydrologic model that explicitly
incorporated a streambed layer to examine the hydrological effects of
streambed characteristics including hydraulic conductivity (K), layer
thickness, and width on the exchange fluxes across the streambed as well
as the streamflow at the watershed outlet. The numerical experiments
were performed in the American River Watershed, a headwater, mountainous
watershed within the Yakima River Basin in central Washington. Despite
having a negligible effect on the watershed streamflow, an explicit
representation of the streambed with distinctive properties dramatically
changed the magnitude and variability of the exchange flux. In general,
larger streambed K along with a thicker streambed layer induced larger
exchange fluxes. The exchange flux was most sensitive to the streambed
width or the mesh resolution of the streambed. A smaller streambed width
(or a finer streambed resolution) increases exchange fluxes per unit
area while reducing the overall exchange volumes across the entire
streambed. The amount of baseflow decreased by 6% as the streambed
width decreased from 250 m to 50 m. This finding is important because
these hydrological changes may in turn affect the exchange of nutrients
and contaminants between surface water and groundwater and the
associated biogeochemical processes. Our work demonstrated the
importance of representing streambed in fully distributed, process-based
watershed models in better capturing the exchange flow dynamics in river
corridors.
The Neglected Mpox Virus: From Historical Review to Future Perspectives
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Yan-Xia , Liang Xiao-Yi , Liu Ya-Fang , Gao Wei , Yuan Hang , Jin Yu-Qing , Ren Zhiguang , Ji Xin-Ying , Wu Dongdong
Published: April 2023

Mpox (MPX), a zoonotic infection reported as early as 1970, is a
double-stranded DNA virus, Mpox virus (MPXV), belonging to the genus
Orthopoxvirus. MPX, a virus closely related to smallpox, was once
considered a geographically restricted infection because it was
predominantly endemic in West and Central Africa, except for the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However, in May 2022, a rare
case of MPX was diagnosed in the UK. As of February 25, 2023, 86,127
confirmed cases and 97 deaths have been reported globally. It spreads
through close contact with an infected person, infected animal, or an
object which an infected person has touched. Although most people
infected with MPXV may present with mild symptoms and will recover fully
within a few weeks, people can have serious diseases and complications
and may need to be hospitalized with it. Although smallpox vaccines and
antiviral drugs are also effective against MPX, there is still no
specific vaccine or drug for MPXV infection. Therefore, we need to take
the right attitude and measures to stop the MPXV outbreak. In this
review, we summarize the characteristics, mechanisms, immunology, and
transmission of MPXV, as well as current vaccines, diagnostics, and
treatments used for MPX, and provide clues for controlling MPX outbreaks
and preventing such diseases.
Deciphering the proficiency of aliphatic/aromatic functionality on heteroatom embedded planar polycyclic core: towards an advanced onsite detection of Tetracycline and Oxytetracycline
Authors: Parui Retwik , Zehra Nehal , Iyer Parameswar Krishnan
Published: April 2023

The development of planar luminogens with isoelectronic B-N moiety and
replacing the conventional C=C bonds is an unusual approach to tune the
optical properties of organic materials in solution and condensed phase.
Herein, three boron congeners and their analogous carbon congeners are
developed via engineering the aliphatic / aromatic functionality
unveiling the role of each functionality on intermolecular packing and
luminogenic behavior. The boron-fused molecules exhibited slip-stack
packing orientation governed by B-π interactions and showed aggregation
induced emission in the condensed state unlike the carbon analogs which
had a typical aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) phenomena. Notably, the
offset dimeric arrangement in octyl chain substituted boron congener
offers highly emissive nano-assemblies and solid-state luminescence
which was utilized for fluorescence-based rapid detection of broadly
used tetracycline and oxytetracycline antibiotics. This detection was
further translated into a prototype technique using a smartphone-based
platform for easy, onsite detection. Examining the structure-property
relationship could lead to the development of highly emissive unusual
luminogens by restricting the detrimental π-π stacking via insertion of
BN moiety into cyclic hydrocarbon framework. This promising strategy
provides access to potential planar luminogens while generating unusual
photophysical properties for advanced applications.
Acquired unilateral naevoid telangiectasia in a healthy boy
Authors: Grimaldi M , Pranteda G , Talerico C , Pranteda G , Di Napoli A.
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Nasal Type Mimicking Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Authors: Delgado-Jimenez Yolanda , Pérez Gala Silvia , Nam-Cha Syonghyun , Jones-Caballero Maria , Fraga Javier , García-Díez Amaro , Fernández-Herrera Jesús
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Sera from Patients with Palmoplantar Pustulosis Show Immunoreactivity Against Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hagforsen Eva , Hedstrand Håkan , Rönnelid Johan , Nilsson Bo , Michaëlsson Gerd
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma - Comparing the Diagnostic Methods of SIAscopy and Dermoscopy
Authors: Terstappen Karin , Larkö Olle , Wennberg Ann-Marie
Published: April 2023

"Pigmented basal cell carcinomas can be difficult to distinguish clinically from melanoma. Dermoscopy has proven to be useful in the differential diagnosis of the two tumour types. SIAscopy (Spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis) is a fairly new technique of imaging pigmented skin lesions that has been presented previously as a useful tool in diagnosing melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SIAscopy can be useful in diagnosing pigmented basal cell carcinomas. Twenty-one pigmented basal cell carcinomas were analysed, comparing dermoscopic and SIAscopic findings. The results, in this limited setting, show that SIAscopy has no advantages over dermoscopy when diagnosing pigmented basal cell carcinomas. On the contrary, pigmented basal cell carcinomas show, in SIAscopy, similar features to those previously reported for melanoma. ","PDF
Large Subcutaneous Abscesses Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum Infection
Authors: Moriuchi Reine , Arita Ken , Ujiie Hideyuki , Kodama Kazuo , Shimizu Tadamichi , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
A Study of the Mu Opioid Receptor Gene Polymorphism A118G in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis with and without Pruritus
Authors: Xiang Wei Lin , Floreani Annarosa , Variola Angella , El Younis Cherif , Bergasa Nora V.
Published: April 2023

The increase in opioidergic tone by the central administration of morphine, which binds to the mu opioid receptor, is associated with pruritus. Pruritus is a symptom of cholestasis, which appears to result, in part, from increased opioidergic tone; a central mechanism has been proposed. The single nucleotide polymorphism Al18G in exon 1 of the opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) gene, which codes for the mu opioid receptor, has been associated with alterations in functions mediated by the endogenous opioid system. In this study we found A118G in heterozygosity in 29% of the DNA samples from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis from the USA and from Italy with and without pruritus. A118G was 1.5 times more frequent in the samples from patients without pruritus from the USA than in the rest of the samples. The possibility of protection from pruritus associated with A118G supports the study of genetic polymorphisms of the OPRM1 gene in patients with cholestasis.
Spontaneous Regression of Generalized Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia in a 2-year-old Boy
Authors: Koizumi Hiroko , Okuyama Ryuhei , Tagami Hachiro , Aiba Setsuya
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Bullous Pemphigoid of the Perineum and Perianal Area: A Rare Localized Form in Adults
Authors: Patsatsi Aikaterini , Lazaridou Elisabeth , Papagaryfallou Ioannis , Sotiriadis Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness Syndrome Lacking Subjective Hearing Impairment
Authors: Nemoto-Hasebe Ikue , Akiyama Masashi , Yamada Nanako , Inoue Yoshitsugu , Touge Chizu , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Sporotrichoid Nodules Caused by Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Yu Lin Teo Rachael , Tay Yong-Kwang , Poh Wee-Teng
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract
p63 Constitutes a Useful Histochemical Marker for Differentiation of Pagetoid Bowen's Disease from Extramammary Paget's Disease
Authors: Memezawa Ai , Okuyama Ryuhei , Tagami Hachiro , Aiba Setsuya
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract
Sweet's Syndrome: A Retrospective Clinical, Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Analysis of 11 Cases
Authors: Corazza Monica , Michela Lauriola Maria , Borghi Alessandro , Marzola Andrea , Virgili Annarosa
Published: April 2023

The aim of this paper is to report our clinical experience of Sweet's syndrome, a severe dermatological disease which may be extremely important to recognize for the early diagnosis of a neoplastic disorder. Eleven patients affected by Sweet's syndrome, treated at the Department of Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy, during 1998 to 2004, were evaluated. A retrospective analysis was performed. Data on age, sex distribution, clinical data, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings and therapy were collected. We observed one patient with idiopathic form, 5 patients affected by the para-inflammatory variant and 5 para-neoplastic cases (with haemoproliferative diseases). The cases with the para-inflammatory form were affected by minor infectious manifestations. Prolonged follow-up is necessary to verify that a case of idiopathic variant is not really a paraneoplastic form. Based on immunohistochemical analysis, we cannot exclude that true histiocytes, immunoreactive for CD68/PGM, infiltrate the dermis in Sweet's syndrome lesions.
Bilateral Scrofuloderma of the Axilla Masquerading as Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Müller Hansgeorg , Eisendle Klaus , Zelger Bernhard , Zangerle Robert
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract
Sudden Eruption of Pigmentary Spots on Vitiligo Universalis Patient: Possible Misdiagnosis
Authors: Chun Han Eun , Lee Kyu-yeop , Shin Jung-U , Kee Park Yoon , Ryung Roh Mi
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis and Dysregulated Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sauer Mikkelsen Carsten , Bisgaard Mikkelsen Dorthe , Dall Madsen Helle , Erik Andersen Poul , Ravn Pernille , Bygum Anette
Published: April 2023

This article does not have an abstract.
Cutaneous Malignancies. A surgical perspective
Authors: Naysmith Lisa
Published: April 2023

Abstract is missing (Book review)
Análisis de aceptabilidad y percepción del consumidor de aplicaciones alimentarias de subproductos de café
Authors: Salomé-Martínez Salomé , Jaramillo-Gamboa René Andrés
Published: April 2023

La explotación cafetera a nivel global aumenta constantemente debido a la alta demanda de esta bebida. Esta actividad genera una gran cantidad de subproductos, que generalmente son desechados, produciendo impacto medioambiental negativo. En este contexto, se busca aprovechar estos elementos en distintos mercados de la industria de alimentos. Existe escasa información sobre la aceptabilidad sensorial y percepción del consumidor en aplicaciones alimentarias de estos subproductos, por lo cual, el objetivo de este estudio se centró en evaluar estos elementos, en tres condiciones: a ciegas, expectante e informada, de bebidas y galletas elaboradas con subproductos de café. Se trabajó con café de especie arábica para el desarrollo de bebidas (cáscara deshidratada) y galletas (harina de lámina plateada), la aceptabilidad de los productos se evaluó mediante escala hedónica y, para conocer la percepción de los consumidores, se aplicó la prueba Check All That Apply (CATA), ambas pruebas en las tres condiciones de evaluación. En general, la aceptabilidad de las bebidas fue entre “me disgusta ligeramente” y “no me gusta ni me disgusta”, de acuerdo con la concentración. La bebida de 250 g/L presentó una aceptabilidad significativamente mayor y, de acuerdo con la condición de evaluación, la aceptabilidad fue mayor en condición expectante. En cuanto a las galletas, la aceptabilidad las categorizó como productos que disgustan ligeramente a gustan bastante, no existieron diferencias significativas, por lo que se deduce que su aceptabilidad no se vio influenciada por la cantidad de subproducto utilizado ni por la condición de evaluación. Se pudo concluir que la aceptabilidad y percepción del consumidor frente a nuevos productos puede ser influenciada por el tipo de producto y la información que el consumidor posee sobre este.
Rhesus Blood Group C (RH2) is Associated with Protection against SARS-Cov-2 Infections
Authors: MS Motswaledi
Published: April 2023

Background: Previous reports showed a 40% reduction in the odds of being HIV-positive in RH2-heterozygotes. In addition, those lacking the gene were 24 times and 33 times more likely to be HIV-infected than heterozygotes or homozygotes, respectively. A four-year longitudinal study observed lower HIV viral load and slower disease progression in RH2-positive individuals. Thus, the current study sought to establish if the same phenomenon applied to SARS-CoV-2 infections. We also compared the plasma levels of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid protein antibodies following full vaccination against COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Erythrocytes were phenotyped using anti-C and anti-c. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were also measured in plasma of fully vaccinated persons (Oxford Astra-Zeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinovac, and Moderna vaccines) and compared across RH2 phenotypes. Results: RH2 expression on erythrocytes (n=319) was associated with lower odds for SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR= 0.42, 95%CI: 0.22-0.80, p=0.008). The strength of the serological reaction between anti-C and erythrocytes was predictive of a COVID-19 diagnosis (Mantel-Haenszel Chi Square = 9.44, p=0.002). However, there was no difference in the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across categories of RH2, regardless of the vaccine taken. Discussion: RH2-positivity and stronger anti-C reaction were associated with protection against SARS-CoV-2, practically duplicating previous observations regarding HIV infection. Since both pathogens are ssRNA viruses, the primary mechanism likely involves Toll-like receptors that favor a TH1 response. The TH1 polarization is also suggested by protection against infection devoid of a superior humoral response. Further investigations could potentially provide a new approach to treat or prevent both viruses and other single-stranded RNA viruses.
Evaluation of Antibody Response in COVID-19 Recovered Population of Swat Kp, Pakistan
Authors: I Khan
Published: April 2023

A novel coronavirus disease now known as the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It poses a huge challenge to the society, economy, and public health worldwide. At present, the antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 remain largely unknown especially in remote regions of developing countries. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antibody response in COVID-19 recovered patients and vaccinated individuals of district Swat. COBAS-511 machine was used for quantitative detection of COVID-19 antibodies in 3 cc venous blood collected from selected patients and was stored in collection tubes followed by subsequent centrifugation to separate the serum. Further to ensure the variable factors does not affect the accuracy of the study, 95 questionnaires were distributed where the participants were asked to disclose basic information (name, age, gender, address, area, COVID-19 test, vaccinated or nonvaccinated, signs and symptoms, antibiotics/antivirals used during the infection time) since it is important to confirm patients' health status and to clearly determine whether they can donate plasma. Participant’s age ranging from 15 to 63 were involved in these studies. As per findings of this study, people aged 45 to 55 years had high levels of antibodies against COVID-19. In age wise antibody response level women were found to have higher antibody levels than men. Among the variable factors, the most common pre-complications were heart disease and diabetes, such individuals had higher levels of anti-COVID-19 antibodies than those with no prior health complications. The level of antibodies was significantly higher in patients that received anti-COVID-19 vaccines post recovery as compared to those that did not receive vaccine. However further study will be required to validate these preliminary observations.
Association of attitude to illness with adherence to treatment in patients with chronic gastritis
Authors: Smakotina S. A. , Koroleva T. O.
Published: April 2023

Aim. To study the associations between the attitude towards illness and the level of compliance in patients with chronic gastritis.Materials and Methods. The study included 302 patients with chronic gastritis which have been stratified into 4 groups: 1) 96 patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated chronic gastritis and high treatment adherence; 2) 110 patients with HP-negative chronic gastritis and high treatment adherence; 3) 36 patients with HP-associated gastritis who refused treatment; 4) 60 patients with HP-associated gastritis and moderate treatment adherence. The level of adherence to treatment and personal response to the disease was assessed using Davydov and TOBOL questionnaires, respectively. Interrelations of the studied parameters were evaluated using correlation analysis.Results. Eradication of HP was associated with a high treatment adherence. The majority of patients (56.0%) had adaptive behavioural response, whilst mixed (18.2%) and maladaptive types (12.5% for intrapsychic and 11.6% for interpsychic orientation) were less frequently observed. In patients who refused treatment, adaptive behavioural response was less common than anosognosic and maladaptive attitudes. Correlation analysis revealed that treatment adherence positively correlates with harmonious and ergopathic attitudes.Conclusion. Attitude to illness affects adherence to treatment in patients with chronic gastritis.
Collecting Society in the Administration of Copyright Law in Nigeria: An Appraisal
Authors: Nwogu Mary Imelda Obianuju
Published: April 2023

Infringement on copyright works has been on the increase in Nigeria, particularly, book, music, and film piracy. This has greatly militated against the rights of copyright owners depriving them of benefiting from the fruits of their labor and nothing to show in terms of return on investments. Consequently, there is the need to have a solid collective management structure in place as provided in S.39 of the copyright Act 2004. The establishment of collecting society also known as Collective Management Organization is very important and useful to right owners for the collection and sharing of royalties, granting of licenses, monitoring of users and taking steps to enforce rights where necessary. Having gone through textbooks, case laws, statutes, and internet materials, it is clear that collecting society is necessary in the administration of Copyright. Many collecting societies should be established for fair competition, effective and efficient management of the rights of Copyright owners. This will prevent the risk of monopoly to a collecting society.
HOW TEACHERS IN AN INFORMAL ENGLISH TRAINING INSTITUTION TREAT YOUNG LEARNERS’ ORAL ERRORS
Authors: Faris Ihsan Nur Iman , Budiarti Dian
Published: April 2023

Corrective feedback needs to be used carefully to treat young learners’ oral errors as it should not inhibit learners from communicating. This study aims to investigate the use of corrective feedback strategies by informal English training center teachers in Bandung. Classroom observation and coding were used to collect and categorize data regarding errors committed by students and teachers’ use of corrective strategies.  The study found that pronunciation errors (49%) were most frequently committed, followed by grammar (27%), vocabulary (20%), and the use of L1 (4%) errors. To treat those errors, the teachers apply corrective feedback strategies, which mostly were in the form of recast (46%) and elicitation (35%). Other corrective feedback strategies such as explicit correction (11%), metalinguistic feedback (6%), repetition (1%), and paralinguistic signal (1%) were found less frequently. This study suggests teachers consider several factors such as types of errors, learning factors, and learners’ factors when deciding the corrective feedback strategies.
Pengembangan Mikrosfer Asiklovir menggunakan Kitosan dan Natrium Tripolifosfat: Faktor Suhu Inlet
Authors: Muntu Cynthia Marisca , Sadono  , Melinda Natalia Suwito
Published: April 2023

Abstract—Acyclovir is an antiviral used for the treatment of herpes simplex but it's a short half-life, thereby increasing the administration frequency. To overcome this problem, the acyclovir microsphere system was created with chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (NTPP). The formulation used a spray drying method which is influenced by the inlet temperature. Three variations of the inlet temperature are given, i.e. 170 oC (M1), 180 oC (M2), and 190 oC (M3). Physicochemical characterization obtained the same results on the three microspheres. They showed the occurrence of cross-linking between chitosan and NTPP. The average particle sizes of M1, M2, and M3 microspheres were 8.52 µm, 8.92 µm, and 9.83 µm respectively. All microspheres' morphology was spherical with a rough surface. The moisture content of M1, M2, M3 microspheres were 6.63%, 5.49%, 4.63%, respectively. The swelling index of M1, M2, and M3 microspheres obtained from 0.5-4 hours were 143.11-258.86%, 167.26-239.61%, and 152.49-259.60%. The recovery of M1, M2, and M3 microspheres was 33.93%, 47.26%, and 35.09% respectively. The acyclovir encapsulation efficiency of M1, M2, and M3 microspheres were 115.32%, 117.14%, and 111.16% respectively. Dissolution testing showed all three microspheres have the potential for controlled drug delivery systems. The inlet temperature affects the microsphere characteristics and the best inlet temperature was 180 oC.

 

Abstrak—Asiklovir merupakan antivirus yang digunakan untuk terapi herpes simplex karena tingkat selektivitasnya tinggi tetapi waktu paruhnya cepat sehingga meningkatkan frekuensi pemberiannya. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini asiklovir dibuat sistem mikrosfer. Dalam penelitian ini kitosan digunakan sebagai polimer dan natrium tripolifosfat (NTPP) sebagai penyambung silang. Pembuatannya menggunakan metode spray drying yang dipengaruhi oleh suhu inlet, sehingga diberikan tiga variasi suhu inlet yaitu 170 oC (M1), 180 oC (M2), dan 190 oC (M3). Karakteristisasi fisikokimia meliputi identifikasi gugus fungsi, perubahan melting point, dan energi entalpi memperoleh hasil yang sama pada ketiga mikrosfer yaitu terjadinya ikatan sambung silang antara kitosan dengan NTPP. Ukuran partikel rata-rata mikrosfer M1, M2, M3 berturut-turut adalah 8,52 µm, 8,92 µm dan 9,83 µm. Morfologi bentuk ketiga mikrosfer adalah sferis dengan permukaan kasar. Kandungan lembap mikrosfer M1, M2, M3 berturut-turut adalah 6,63%, 5,49%, 4,63%. Indeks pembengkakan mikrosfer M1, M2, M3 yang diperoleh dari 0,5-4 jam berturut-turut adalah 143,11-258,86%, 167,26-239,61% dan 152,49-259,60%. Perolehan kembali mikrosfer M1, M2, M3 berturut-turut adalah 33,93%, 47,26% dan 35,09%. Efisiensi enkapsulasi asiklovir M1, M2, M3 berturut-turut adalah 115,32%, 117,14% dan 111,16%. Pengujian disolusi asiklovir menunjukkan ketiga mikrosfer berpotensi untuk sistem penghantaran obat terkendali. Suhu inlet berpengaruh terhadap karakteristik mikrosfer asiklovir dan suhu terbaik adalah 180 oC.
Transluminal Migration of Oesophageal Foreign Bodies: A Series of Three Patients
Authors: Tong Lim Iu , Ming Ong Fei , Ramasamy Viji , Mohan Singh Avatar Singh , Mohamad Irfan
Published: April 2023

Inadvertent ingestion of foreign bodies, particularly fish bone, are a common complaint in the otolaryngology emergency practices in Southeast Asia. Due to its thin, linear, and sharp pointed end, fish bone has the potential to penetrate through the oesophagus wall, or migrate extraluminally towards the surrounding structures in the neck, resulting in bizarre and lethal complications. We present an unusual case of extraluminal migration of foreign body (FB) and 2 cases of completely embedded FB in the oesophagus wall. We aim to share our experience in both conservative approach and transcervical approach for these difficult clinical problems. All of them have minimal rigid oesophagoscopy findings but possess the radiological evidence of FB. Computed tomography scan have higher sensitivity and provide good preoperative guidance, it should be done early and performed in the event of negative endoscopic evaluation. Prompt diagnosis and early retrieval of FB can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.
Numerical Modeling of Submerged Vane Flow.
Authors:   Iskenderun Technical University, Hatay – TURKEY, TAŞAR Bestami , ÜNEŞ Fatih ,   Iskenderun Technical University, Hatay – TURKEY, GEMİCİ Ercan ,   Bartin University, Bartin – TURKEY, DEMİRCİ Mustafa ,   Iskenderun Technical University, Hatay – TURKEY
Published: April 2023

Scours in rivers occur due to high flow velocities. In order to reduce scour, flow velocities need to be reduced. Submerged vane structures are effective in both reducing the flow rate and directing the flow. In this study, numerical modeling was made with submerged vane structures. Models of the measured flow velocities in the channel, where submerged vane experiments were performed before, were compared with the results of the submerged vane experiment by using the 3-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. In the present CFD model, continuity and momentum, turbulence model equations are applied. For the turbulence viscosity, k-ε turbulence model is used. The results of the present model are compared with the previous experimental work.
19 Molecular Docking Analysis of Volatile Compounds from Fraction of Eichhornia crassipes Herbs Ethanol Extract As α-Glucosidase Inhibitor
Authors: Diniatik Diniatik , Retnowati Eka , D. Djalil Asmiyenti
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a degenerative disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar (hyperglycemia).Inhibiting it will prevent the uptake of glucose in the plasma. One of the plants that can be usedas antidiabetic is E. crassipes herbs. This research aims to know the interaction between volatilechemical compounds from ethyl acetate fraction and ethanol fraction of ethanol extract of E. crassipesherbs with the α-glucosidase enzyme. This study used ethanol extract of E. crassipes herbs with avariation of ethyl acetate fraction and ethanol fraction then analyzed the fraction using GC-MS (GasChromatography-Mass Spectroscopy). The ethyl acetate fraction contained 2-pyridine-propanoicacid, alpha.-methyl-.beta.-oxo-,Ethyl ester;1-propanol-1-di; carbamic acid, methyl ester; acetic acid,aminooxy-, hydrazide; (2R) - [2-2H2] glycine methyl ester hydrochloride. The ethanol fractioncontained semicarbazide hydrochloride; carbonic dihydrazide; hydroxy-acetaldehyde; 1-propanol-1-di; acetic acid, and hydroxyl. The result of docking with the α-glucosidase enzyme is 2-pyridinepropanoicacid, alpha.-methyl-.beta.-oxo-, the Ethyl ester of the ethyl acetate fraction having ΔG is-4.14 Kcal/mol. Semicarbazide hydrochloride from the ethanol fraction has ΔG of -3.17 Kcal/mol.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, docking molecular, (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms Herbs, ethylacetate fraction, α-glucosidase enzyme.
Reflexiones en torno a las estrategias de continuidad pedagógica desplegadas durante la pandemia por Covid- 19 y su influencia en las trayectorias académicas de estudiantes de Sociología de la FaHCE - UNLP
Authors: Cotignola Mariela , Pamela Ferroni , Kiperszmid Miguel
Published: April 2023

En el presente artículo nos proponemos reflexionar sobre la experiencia de transitar las carreras de Sociología en la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación en el contexto de pandemia por Covid-19. Especialmente, describiremos las estrategias académico-institucionales desplegadas frente al desafío de garantizar la continuidad pedagógica, tales como la adecuación de las normativas de los regímenes de enseñanza y promoción, los cambios en las modalidades de dictado de las materias, la revisión de programas y formatos de evaluación y otras intervenciones implementadas ad hoc. Sin perder de vista el carácter súbito e inédito que obligó a implementar las mencionadas estrategias, exploraremos cómo fue su influencia en los tramos iniciales y finales de las trayectorias académicas de les estudiantes de las carreras de Sociología. Para ello, analizaremos la información contenida en los registros académico-administrativos disponibles en la Facultad puestos en diálogo con información documental y las percepciones de les actores institucionales involucrades.
PERANCANGAN ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE EVENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PADA UNIVERSITAS
Authors: Sandi Risky Tri , Sardjono Wahyu
Published: April 2023

Abstract - Inovasi pada universitas perlu dilakukan tidak hanya dari sisi akademik, namun dari sisi non-akademik seperti pengadaan event (seminar, conference, webinar, exibition, serta workshop) yang dapat membekali mahasiswa untuk mengembangkan hardskill maupun softskill sesuai dengan minat dan bakat yang berguna dalam dunia pekerjaan. Event management system mengintergrasikan semua informasi event serta menjadi platform mahasiswa yang mendukung proses pendaftaran hingga selesainya pengadaan event. Proses pengadaan event pada yang dilakukan oleh salah satu universitas di Indonesia masih belum efektif, dimana informasi tidak terintegrasi. Oleh karena itu diperlukan Perancangan enterprise architecture menggunakan framework TOGAF ADM yang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan Universitas dari sisi bisnis, sistem informasi, teknologi informasi, serta infrastruktur. Event management system sangat berguna bagi mahasiswa, serta membantu fakultas guna mengintegrasikan informasi yang terpisah, serta menyelesaikan proses manual untuk membuat proses bisnis menjadi efektif dan efisien guna mendukung visi dan misi Universitas.
Different damaging effects of volatile anaesthetics alone or in combination with 1 and 2 Gy gamma-irradiation in vivo on mouse liver DNA: a preliminary study
Authors: Benković Vesna , Milić Mirta , Oršolić Nada , Knežević Anica Horvat , Brozović Gordana , Borojević Nikola
Published: April 2023

As the number of radiotherapy and radiology diagnostic procedures increases from year to year, so does the use of general volatile anaesthesia (VA). Although considered safe, VA exposure can cause different adverse effects and, in combination with ionising radiation (IR), can also cause synergistic effects. However, little is known about DNA damage incurred by this combination at doses applied in a single radiotherapy treatment. To learn more about it, we assessed DNA damage and repair response in the liver tissue of Swiss albino male mice following exposure to isoflurane (I), sevoflurane (S), or halothane (H) alone or in combination with 1 or 2 Gy irradiation using the comet assay. Samples were taken immediately (0 h) and 2, 6, and 24 h after exposure. Compared to control, the highest DNA damage was found in mice receiving halothane alone or in combination with 1 or 2 Gy IR treatments. Sevoflurane and isoflurane displayed protective effects against 1 Gy IR, while with 2 Gy IR the first adverse effects appeared at 24 h post-exposure. Although VA effects depend on liver metabolism, the detection of unrepaired DNA damage 24 h after combined exposure with 2 Gy IR indicates that we need to look further into the combined effects of VA and IR on genome stability and include a longer time frame than 24 h for single exposure as well as repeated exposure as a more realistic scenario in radiotherapy treatment.
Political Risk and Quality of Governance as Determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the Transition Countries
Authors: Dašić Miloš
Published: April 2023

This paper uses dynamic panel data methods to examine the political indicators and governance quality indicators as determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Balkan and non-Balkan countries in transition. Our empirical model shows that the determinants, such as political terror scale and the control of corruption, have significant and plausible effects in the Balkan and non-Balkan countries in transition. In addition, analyzed factors such as government effectiveness and regulatory quality, which play important political roles in determining foreign direct investment flows into countries in transitions and help explain the differing attractiveness of individual countries to foreign investors in our empirical model, do not play a significant role in the inflow of foreign direct investment
Ecosystem of Social Enterprises - A Comparative Review of the Practice of European Countries and the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Talić Miljana , Stefanović Suzana
Published: April 2023

Due to the influence of numerous factors that make it difficult to find the innovative solutions to social and environmental problems that social enterprises deal with, there is a need for a joint action of social enterprises, both with each other and with other actors operating in their environment. In order to overcome the challenges more easily, which they face in their business, social enterprises and social entrepreneurs should take advantage of networking. Business networks can bring many benefits to their members, and networks in the social sector are of particular importance. Recently, networking has taken place within the broader framework of so-called ecosystems. With this in mind, the aim of this paper is to shed more light on the specifics of networking of social enterprises, i.e. their connection to ecosystems. The Social Entrepreneurship Network (SEN) has played a key role in the development of this sector in European countries. Also in the Republic of Serbia, networking of social enterprises with civil society organizations has significantly contributed to the creation of public policies and the promotion of social enterprises.
A legal status for Irish social enterprise-an overlooked opportunity?
Authors: Hofmayer Sarah
Published: April 2023

This paper argues that a dedicated legal status for Irish social enterprises - or the wider social economy - holds to date a mostly overlooked potential to increase clarity of what social enterprises are and for social enterprises themselves on governance. A legal status takes an agnostic approach towards the enterprise’s legal form while offering certain incentives and privileges for those that meet the criteria. A review of recent trends across Europe points towards a legal status being the preferred approach in more recent years, with country reports pointing towards lessons learnt in terms of aiming to capture and support the sector holistically. This paper concludes that while promising as a concept, further research is needed to validate the potential in the Irish context.
Changeability of transport behaviour in a large city from the perspective of working days and Sundays: The case of Łódź, Poland
Authors: Wiśniewski Szymon , Borowska-Stefańska Marta , Dulebenets Maxim , Kowalski Michał , Masierek Edyta
Published: April 2023

The transport behaviour of Lodz residents with a view to constructing a balanced traffic model to include both private and public transport is examined in this paper. A survey was conducted among 6,000 Łódź citizens using mixed-mode techniques: CAWI and CATI: respondents were asked to complete a travel log for the previous day and the previous Sunday. This served as a basis for further analyses, performed with PTV simulation software, following a four-step model. The main results of the study are presented, including the mobility rate of Łódź residents, the motivations and duration of journeys, and the division of transport tasks into workdays and Sundays, indicating that a higher private carload is typical for home-other and other-home trips on Sundays compared to working days. The number of home to work and work-home trips via private cars is higher for working days compared to Sundays. Furthermore, the simulated traffic load of the public transport system is much higher for working days compared to Sundays. A higher percentage of non-motorised trips and longer trip duration are found to be common for Sundays as well.
Spatial changes in the Hungarian and Slovenian cattle sector before and after accession to the European Union
Authors: Fertő Imre , Csonka Arnold , Bojnec Štefan
Published: April 2023

A comparative analysis of the spatial transformation of two different farm-size cattle systems, in Hungary and Slovenia, is presented in this paper. Concentration, mobility, and spatial autocorrelation measures are used to study spatial cattlestock distribution and their changes over time, as well as spatial cattle-stock clustering using data from two agricultural censuses. Results confirm the decline in cattle stock on large-size farms in Hungary and on small-size farms in Slovenia, with a relative increase in the importance of medium-size farms in both countries. The decline and spatial changes in cattle stock are greater in Hungary than in Slovenia. Hungarian cattle clusters are concentrated in flat areas with medium- and large-size largely commercial farms, whilst in Slovenia they predominate in mainly hilly grassland and partly cornsilage areas on small and some medium-size family farms. Such specific cattle clustering is linked to geographical and farm-size structural characteristics that can also be linked to agricultural-policy-measure-related support for cattle and dairy, associated with less-favoured or disadvantaged-area status linked to geographical and structural land and farm characteristics typical of Slovenian mountain and particularly hilly areas. These spatial changes in the cattle sector have socioeconomic, land use, and environmental implications in terms of ecological sustainability and rural livelihoods.
Continuous Monitoring of the Mining Activities, Restoration Vegetation Status and Solar Farm Growth in Coal Mine Region Using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Adjiski Vancho , Zubíček Václav
Published: April 2023

Land reclamation of previously mined regions has been incorporated in the mining process as awareness of environmental protection has grown. In this study, we used the open-pit coal mine Oslomej in R. N. Macedonia to demonstrate the activities related to the monitoring process of the study area.

We combined the Google Earth Engine (GEE) computing platform with the Landsat time-series data, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Random Forest (RF) algorithm, and the LandTrendr algorithm to monitor the mining impacts, land reclamation, and the solar farm growth of the coalfield region between 1984 and 2021.

The data from the sequential Landsat archive that was used to construct the spatiotemporal variability of the NDVI over the Oslomej mine site (1984-2021) and the pixel-based trajectories from the LandTrendr algorithm were used to achieve accurate measurements and analysis of vegetation disturbances.

The different land use/land cover (LULC) classes herbaceous, water, mine, bare land, and solar farm in the Oslomej coalfield area were identified, and the effects of LULC changes on the mining environment were discussed. The RF classification algorithm was capable of separating these LULC classes with accuracies exceeding 90 %. We also validated our results using random sample points, field knowledge, imagery, and Google Earth.

Our methodology, which is based on GEE, effectively captured information on mining, reclamation, and solar farm change, providing annual data (maps and change attributes) that can help local planners, policymakers, and environmentalists to better understand environmental influences connected to the ongoing conversion of the mining areas.
The Complex System of Mining and Energy Resources: Premises for Clusterization
Authors: Radu Sorin Mihai , Bărbulescu Adrian , coandreș Ciprian , Mvodo Charles Rostand Mvongo , Scutelnicu Ioan Petru , Khamis Jamal , Lihoacă Alexandra , Burian Alexandru A.
Published: April 2023

The article shows that when dealing with many enterprises in mining areas, it is necessary to search for methods of efficiency, ways of maximizing the utility of their operation in accordance with the requirements for the consumption of useful mineral substances, primary energy resources and energy and in relation to their production potential. Clustering in the complex system of mining and energy resources is an approach that refers to geographical concentrations of interconnected companies and institutions in a certain field (mining and energy), related industries and entities for competition. Mainly, the authors deal with issues related to conceptual approaches related to clustering, anthropogenic impacts and mining/energy clustering, the delimitation of “clusters - links - infrastructure” alignments for the promotion of the mining and energy industry / economy in a collaborative regime. The conclusions are useful to the developers of strategies, tactics and programs in the field of the new industry and mining/energy economies in Romania and in other reference countries studied by the authors from the perspective of the article’s theme.