bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Masticatory Structure and Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy—A Pilot Study
Authors: Szuflak Karolina , Malak Roksana , Fechner Brittany , Sikorska Dorota , Samborski Włodzimierz , Mojs Ewa , Gerreth Karolina
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Muscle tension around the head and neck influences orofacial functions. The data exist concerning head posture during increased salivation; however, little is known about muscle tightness during this process. This study aims to investigate whether or not any muscles are related to problems with eating, such as drooling in individuals with cerebral palsy; (2) Methods: Nineteen patients between the ages of 1 and 14 were examined prior to the physiotherapy intervention. This intervention lasted three months and consisted of: relaxing muscles via the strain-counterstrain technique, functional exercises based on the NeuroDevelopmental Treatment-Bobath method, and functional exercises for eating; (3) Results: the tone of rectus capitis posterior minor muscle on the left side (p = 0.027) and temporalis muscle on the right side (p = 0.048) before the therapy, and scalene muscle on the right side after the therapy (p = 0.024) were correlated with drooling behavior and were considered statistically significant. Gross motor function was not considered statistically significant with the occurrence of drooling behavior (p ≤ 0.05). Following the therapeutic intervention, the frequency of drooling during feeding decreased from 63.16% to 38.89% of the total sample of examined patients; (4) Conclusions: The tightness of the muscles in the head area can cause drooling during feeding.
Factors Influencing Accounting Outsourcing Using the Transaction Cost Economics Model
Authors: Tomašević Ivana , Đurović Sandra , Abramović Nikola , Weis Lidija , Koval Viktor
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the results of research conducted to identify the factors that influence the decisions of company management to outsource accounting services. A transaction cost economics (TCE) model was used to analyse factors that influence high levels of outsourcing of accounting tasks in the case of Montenegro, where, based on our sample, 75.4% of companies enter outsourcing arrangements with bookkeeping agencies or with external accountants. With an adaptation of International Accounting Standards (IAS) and legal requirements for submission of standardised year-end reports, there is evident growth of bookkeeping and financial service providers on the market and an evident trend of companies entering accounting service outsourcing with those agencies. A survey was developed to investigate 12 variables that, according to the TCE model, influence outsourcing decisions. The selection of variables was based on previous research in the field using the TCE or Resource-Based View model (the most common models used for this analysis). In contrast, new variables were introduced that measure the effects of the introduction of IAS through legal reporting obligations in Montenegro. By developing the model this way, it became possible to predict 47% of the variance of the dependent variable and to identify the main factors (other than price) that influence the decision of managers to outsource accounting services.
Designing Highly Active S-g-C3N4/Te@NiS Ternary Nanocomposites for Antimicrobial Performance, Degradation of Organic Pollutants, and Their Kinetic Study
Authors: Ramzan Maryam , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Alhujaily Ahmad , Mahmood Qaiser , Aroosh Komal , Bahadur Ali , Qayyum Muhammad Abdul , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Al-Anazy Murefah Mana , Elkaeed Eslam B.
Published: April 2023

The current research is about the synthesis of pure nickel sulfide, a series of Te (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt.%)-doped NiS (Te@NiS) nanoparticles (NPs), and a series of S-g-C3N4 (10, 30, 50, 70, and 80 wt.%)/Te@NiS nanocomposites (NCs), fabricated through a hydrothermal route. XRD and FTIR spectroscopic techniques demonstrated the successful synthesis of NPs and NCs. SEM-EDX images confirmed the flakelike structure and elemental constituents of the fabricated materials. Tauc plots were drawn, to calculate the band gaps of the synthesized samples. Te doping resulted in a significant reduction in the band gap of the NiS NPs. The photocatalytic efficiency of the NPs and NCs was investigated against MB, under sunlight. The results obtained for the photocatalytic activity, showed that 1%Te@NiS nanoparticles have an excellent dye degradation capacity in sunlight. This was made even better by making a series of SGCN/1% Te@NiS nanocomposites with different amounts of S-g-C3N4. When compared to NiS, Te@NiS, SGCN, and 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS, the 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS NCs have excellent antifungal ability. The higher impact of SGCN/Te@NiS, may be due to its enhanced ability to disperse and interact with the membranes and intracellular proteins of fungi. The 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS NCs showed excellent antibacterial and photocatalytic efficiency. Thus, the 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS NCs might prove fruitful in antibacterial and photocatalytic applications.
Connecting the Smart Village: A Switch towards Smart and Sustainable Rural-Urban Linkages in Spain
Authors: García Fernández Cristina , Peek Daniël
Published: April 2023

This research focuses on the dimensions of the Smart Village concept to understand to what extent smart development in the countryside could contribute to reducing disparities between rural and urban realities. Population imbalances and intensifying climate impacts are prime challenges for rural areas, which also need to counter diminishing infrastructure and the lack of digital competencies to enhance their attractiveness. Cities, in turn, face their own set of challenges, such as contamination, natural resources exploitation, and high population densities. Local governments have been embracing the Smart City approach to accomplish sustainable development, which might also benefit the revitalization of rural areas if conducted through a tailored regional approach. Enhanced connectivity between rural and urban realities through smartness is, therefore, becoming an important element for the shaping of adaptive, energy-efficient, and resilient communities.
Optimization of a Turbine Flow Well Logging Tool Based on the Response Surface Method
Authors: Qu Jun , Xue Qilong , Wang Jin , Sun Jinchao , Li Jiong
Published: April 2023

As the exploration of ultra-deep layers and the development of geothermal resources continue, obtaining more accurate downhole parameters becomes increasingly important. Flow measurement, in particular, is a complex parameter that presents significant challenges. In order to enhance the accuracy of the turbine flow logging tool, this research focuses on optimizing the turbine flow metering structure through a range of methods. A calculation model related to the measurement process is established, and the flow field characteristics in the flowmeter are analyzed using CFD software. The sensitivity of various geometric parameters to the meter coefficient is also analyzed, and the significance of 11 influencing factors is classified and optimized using the Plackett–Burman climbing test design. The Box–Behnken design method is then used to conduct an experimental design for the significant influencing factors, and the results show that the regression model fits the actual situation well. The response surface method is used to optimize the structural parameters, and an orthogonal experimental design is carried out for the selected non-significant influencing parameters to obtain the optimal structure combination. After optimization based on the response surface method, the stability of turbine flow measurement accuracy is improved by 34.5%.
Two New Cases of Bachmann–Bupp Syndrome Identified through the International Center for Polyamine Disorders
Authors: Michael Julianne , VanSickle Elizabeth , Vipond Marlie , Dalman Abby , Prokop Jeremy , Schwartz Charles E. , Rajasekaran Surender , Bachmann André S. , Barth Magalie , Prouteau Clément , Almagor Yotam , Berkun Lina , Alterescu Gheona , Bupp Caleb P.
Published: April 2023

Recent identification of four additional polyaminopathies, including Bachmann–Bupp syndrome, have benefited from previous research on Snyder–Robinson syndrome in order to advance from research to treatment more quickly. As a result of the discovery of these conditions, the potential for treatment within this pathway, and for other possible unidentified polyaminopathies, the International Center for Polyamine Disorders (ICPD) was created to help promote understanding of these conditions, research opportunities, and appropriate care for families. This case study provides insights from two new patients diagnosed with Bachmann–Bupp syndrome, further expanding our understanding of this ultra-rare condition, as well as a general discussion about other known polyaminopathies. This work also presents considerations for collaborative research efforts across these conditions, along with others that are likely to be identified in time, and outlines the role that the ICPD hopes to fill as more patients with these polyaminopathies continue to be identified and diagnosed.
The Impact of MOSE (Experimental Electromechanical Module) Flood Barriers on Microphytobenthic Community of the Venice Lagoon
Authors: Baldassarre Laura , Natali Vanessa , De Pascale Fabio , Vezzi Alessandro , Banchi Elisa , Bazzaro Matteo , Relitti Federica , Tagliapietra Davide , Cibic Tamara
Published: April 2023

MOSE is a system of mobile gates engineered to temporarily isolate the Venice Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and to protect the city from flooding during extreme high tides. Within the framework of the Venezia2021 program, we conducted two enclosure experiments in July 2019 (over 48 h) and October 2020 (over 28 h) by means of 18 mesocosms, in order to simulate the structural alterations that microphytobenthos (MPB) assemblages might encounter when the MOSE system is operational. The reduced hydrodynamics inside the mesocosms favored the deposition of organic matter and the sinking of cells from the water column towards the sediment. Consequently, MPB abundances increased over the course of both experiments and significant changes in the taxonomic composition of the community were recorded. Species richness increased in summer while it slightly decreased in autumn, this latter due to the increase in relative abundances of taxa favored by high organic loads and fine grain size. By coupling classical taxonomy with 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding we were able to obtain a comprehensive view of the whole community potential, highlighting the complementarity of these two approaches in ecological studies. Changes in the structure of MPB could affect sediment biostabilization, water turbidity and lagoon primary production.
A Review for the Special Issue on Paramecium as a Modern Model Organism
Authors: Van Houten Judith
Published: April 2023

This review provides background and perspective for the articles contributing to the Special Issue of MDPI Micro-organisms on Paramecium as a Modern Model Organism. The six articles cover a variety of topics, each taking advantage of an important aspect of Paramecium biology: peripheral surface proteins that are developmentally regulated, endosymbiont algae and bacteria, ion channel regulation by calmodulin, regulation of cell mating reactivity and senescence, and the introns that dwell in the large genome. Each article highlights a significant aspect of Paramecium and its versatility.
Paediatric Asthma and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aldriwesh Marwh G. , Al-Mutairi Abrar M. , Alharbi Azzah S. , Aljohani Hassan Y. , Alzahrani Nabeel A. , Ajina Reham , Alanazi Abdullah M.
Published: April 2023

Evidence from the literature suggests an association between the microbiome and asthma development. Here, we aimed to identify the current evidence for the association between asthma and the upper airway, lower airway and/or the gut microbiome. An electronic systemic search of PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct and Web of Science was conducted until February 2022 to identify the eligible studies. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of the bias tools were used to assess quality of included studies. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were identified as being significantly higher in the asthmatic children compared with the healthy controls. The high relative abundance of Veillonella, Prevotella and Haemophilus in the microbiome of the upper airway in early infancy was associated with a higher risk of asthma development later in life. The gut microbiome analyses indicated that a high relative abundance of Clostridium in early childhood might be associated with asthma development later in life. The findings reported here serve as potential microbiome signatures associated with the increased risk of asthma development. There is a need for large longitudinal studies to further identify high-risk infants, which will help in design strategies and prevention mechanisms to avoid asthma early in life.
Redistribution and Activation of CD16brightCD56dim NK Cell Subset to Fight against Omicron Subvariant BA.2 after COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Peng Huiyun , Xiang Tianxin , Xu Fei , Jiang Yuhuan , Zhong Lipeng , Peng Yanqi , Le Aiping , Zhang Wei , Liu Yang
Published: April 2023

With the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases globally, vaccination must be prioritised to achieve herd immunity. Immune dysfunction is detected in the majority of patients with COVID-19; however, it remains unclear whether the immune responses elicited by COVID-19 vaccination function against the Omicron subvariant BA.2. Of the 508 enrolled patients infected with Omicron BA.2, 102 were unvaccinated controls, and 406 were vaccinated. Despite the presence of clinical symptoms in both groups, vaccination led to a significant decline in nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, pulmonary infection, and overall clinical symptoms and a moderate rise in body temperature. The individuals infected with Omicron BA.2 were also characterised by a mild increase in both serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels after vaccination. There were no significant differences or trend changes between T- and B-lymphocyte subsets; however, a significant expansion of NK lymphocytes in COVID-19-vaccinated patients was observed. Moreover, the most effective CD16brightCD56dim subsets of NK cells showed increased functional capacities, as evidenced by a significantly greater IFN-γ secretion and a stronger cytotoxic potential in the patients infected with Omicron BA.2 after vaccination. Collectively, these results suggest that COVID-19 vaccination interventions promote the redistribution and activation of CD16brightCD56dim NK cell subsets against viral infections and that they could facilitate the clinical management of patients infected with Omicron BA.2.
Links between Soil Bacteriobiomes and Fungistasis toward Fungi Infecting the Colorado Potato Beetle
Authors: Chertkova Ekaterina , Kabilov Marsel R. , Yaroslavtseva Olga , Polenogova Olga , Kosman Elena , Sidorenko Darya , Alikina Tatyana , Noskov Yury , Krivopalov Anton , Glupov Viktor V. , Kryukov Vadim Yu.
Published: April 2023

Entomopathogenic fungi can be inhibited by different soil microorganisms, but the effect of a soil microbiota on fungal growth, survival, and infectivity toward insects is insufficiently understood. We investigated the level of fungistasis toward Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana in soils of conventional potato fields and kitchen potato gardens. Agar diffusion methods, 16S rDNA metabarcoding, bacterial DNA quantification, and assays of Leptinotarsa decemlineata survival in soils inoculated with fungal conidia were used. Soils of kitchen gardens showed stronger fungistasis toward M. robertsii and B. bassiana and at the same time the highest density of the fungi compared to soils of conventional fields. The fungistasis level depended on the quantity of bacterial DNA and relative abundance of Bacillus, Streptomyces, and some Proteobacteria, whose abundance levels were the highest in kitchen garden soils. Cultivable isolates of bacilli exhibited antagonism to both fungi in vitro. Assays involving inoculation of nonsterile soils with B. bassiana conidia showed trends toward elevated mortality of L. decemlineata in highly fungistatic soils compared to low-fungistasis ones. Introduction of antagonistic bacilli into sterile soil did not significantly change infectivity of B. bassiana toward the insect. The results support the idea that entomopathogenic fungi can infect insects within a hypogean habitat despite high abundance and diversity of soil antagonistic bacteria.
Characterization of Cell Death Induced by Imine Analogs of Trans-Resveratrol: Induction of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species Leading to, or Not, Apoptosis without the Increase in the S-Phase of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Ksila Mohamed , Ghzaiel Imen , Pires Vivien , Ghrairi Taoufik , Masmoudi-Kouki Olfa , Latruffe Norbert , Vervandier-Fasseur Dominique , Vejux Anne , Lizard Gérard
Published: April 2023

Trans-resveratrol (RSV) is a non-flavonoid polyphenol (stilbene) with numerous biological activities, such as anti-tumor activities. However, RSV is rapidly metabolized, which limits its therapeutic use. The availability of RSV analogues with similar activities for use in vivo is therefore a major challenge. For this purpose, several isomeric analogues of RSV, aza-stilbenes (AZA-ST 1a–g), were synthesized, and their toxicities were characterized and compared to those of RSV on murine N2a neuronal cells using especially flow cytometric methods. All AZA-ST 1a–g have an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) between 11.3 and 25 µM when determined by the crystal violet assay, while that of RSV is 14.5 µM. This led to the characterization of AZA-ST 1a–g—induced cell death, compared to RSV, using three concentrations encompassing the IC50s (6.25, 12.5 and 25 µM). For AZA-ST 1a–g and RSV, an increase in plasma membrane permeability to propidium iodide was observed, and the proportion of cells with depolarized mitochondria measured with DiOC6(3) was increased. An overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also observed on whole cells and at the mitochondrial level using dihydroethidium and MitoSox Red, respectively. However, only RSV induced a mode of cell death by apoptosis associated with a marked increase in the proportion of cells with condensed and/or fragmented nuclei (12.5 µM: 22 ± 9%; 25 µM: 80 ± 10%) identified after staining with Hoechst 33342 and which are characteristic of apoptotic cells. With AZA-ST, a slight but significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was only detected with AZA-ST 1b (25 µM: 17 ± 1%) and AZA-ST 1d (25 µM: 26 ± 4%). Furthermore, only RSV induced significant cell cycle modifications associated with an increase in the percentage of cells in the S phase. Thus, AZA-ST 1a–g—induced cell death is characterized by an alteration of the plasma membrane, an induction of mitochondrial depolarization (loss of ΔΨm), and an overproduction of ROS, which may or may not result in a weak induction of apoptosis without modification of the distribution of the cells in the different phases of the cell cycle.
Volatile Organic Compounds of Bacillus velezensis GJ-7 against Meloidogyne hapla through Multiple Prevention and Control Modes
Authors: Wu Wentao , Zeng Yuanling , Yan Xirui , Wang Zhuhua , Guo Liwei , Zhu Youyong , Wang Yang , He Xiahong
Published: April 2023

The Bacillus velezensis GJ-7 strain isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Panax notoginseng showed high nematicidal activity and therefore has been considered a biological control agent that could act against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla. However, little was known about whether the GJ-7 strain could produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that were effective in biocontrol against M. hapla. In this study, we evaluated the nematicidal activity of VOCs produced by the fermentation of GJ-7 in three-compartment Petri dishes. The results revealed that the mortality rates of M. hapla J2s were 85% at 24 h and 97.1% at 48 h after treatment with the VOCs produced during GJ-7 fermentation. Subsequently, the VOCs produced by the GJ-7 strain were identified through solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). Six characteristic VOCs from the GJ-7 strain fermentation broth were identified, including 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-pentanone, 5-methyl-2-hexanone, 2-heptanone, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, and 6-methyl-2-heptanone. The in vitro experimental results from 24-well culture plates showed that the six volatiles had direct-contact nematicidal activity against M. hapla J2s and inhibition activity against egg hatching. In addition, 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-heptanone showed significant fumigation effects on M. hapla J2s and eggs. Furthermore, all six of the VOCs repelled M. hapla J2 juveniles in 2% water agar Petri plates. The above data suggested that the VOCs of B. velezensis GJ-7 acted against M. hapla through multiple prevention and control modes (including direct-contact nematicidal activity, fumigant activity, and repellent activity), and therefore could be considered as potential biocontrol agents against root-knot nematodes.
Optimization of the Brewing Conditions of Shanlan Rice Wine and Sterilization by Thermal and Intense Pulse Light
Authors: Wu Xiaoqian , Zhang Yunzhu , Zhong Qiuping
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to optimize the brewing conditions of Shanlan rice wine (SRW) and select a suitable sterilization method. The response surface method experiment was used to optimize the brewing process of SRW. LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) and GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) were used to analyze the physicochemical components, free amino acids, and flavor metabolites of the thermal-sterilized SRW and the SRW sterilized by intense pulsed light (IPL), respectively. Results showed that the optimum fermentation conditions of SRW were as follows: fermentation temperature, 24.5 °C; Qiuqu amount (the traditional yeast used to produce SRW), 0.78%; water content, 119%. Compared with the physicochemical properties of the control, those of the SRWs separately treated with two sterilization methods were slightly affected. The 60 s pulse treatment reduced the content of bitter amino acids, maintained sweet amino acids and umami amino acids in SRW, and balanced the taste of SRW. After pasteurization, the ester content in wine decreased by 90%, and the alcohol content decreased to different degrees. IPL sterilization slightly affected the ester content and increased the alcohol content. Further analysis of the main flavor metabolites showed that 60 s pulse enhanced the important flavor-producing substances of SRW. In conclusion, 60 s pulse is suitable for sterilizing this wine.
Effect of Ag Modification on the Structure and Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2/Muscovite Composites
Authors: Qin Fengqiu , Zhang Ling , Luo Yuhao , He Lili , Lu Shiji , Xu Li , Zhu Xiaodong , Feng Wei
Published: April 2023

Ag/TiO2/muscovite (ATM) composites were prepared by the sol–gel method and the effects of Ag modification on the structure and photocatalytic performance were investigated. The photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), photoluminescence spectra (PL) and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the obtained composites was evaluated by taking 100 mL (10 mg/L) of Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution as the target pollutant. The muscovite (Mus) loading releases the agglomeration of TiO2 particles and the specific surface area increases from 17.6 m2/g (pure TiO2) to 39.5 m2/g (TiO2/Mus). The first-order reaction rate constant increases from 0.0009 min−1 (pure TiO2) to 0.0074 min−1 (150%TiO2/Mus). Ag element exists in elemental silver. The specific surface area of 1-ATM further increases to 66.5 m2/g. Ag modification promotes the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes and increases the visible light absorption. 1%Ag-TiO2/Mus (1-ATM) exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity. After 100 min, the rhodamine B (RhB) degradation degrees of PT, 150%TiO2/Mus and 1-ATM are 10.4%, 48.6% and 90.6%, respectively. The first-order reaction rate constant of 1-ATM reaches 0.0225 min−1, which is 25 times higher than that of pure TiO2.
1-Benzyl-5-bromo-3-hydrazonoindolin-2-ones as Novel Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modeling Insights
Authors: Al-Warhi Tarfah , Almahli Hadia , Maklad Raed M. , Elsayed Zainab M. , El Hassab Mahmoud A. , Alotaibi Ohoud J. , Aljaeed Nada , Ayyad Rezk R. , Ghabour Hazem A. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , El-Ashrey Mohamed K.
Published: April 2023

Human health is experiencing several obstacles in the modern medical era, particularly cancer. As a result, the cancer therapeutic arsenal should be continually expanded with innovative small molecules that preferentially target tumour cells. In this study, we describe the development of two small molecule series (7a–d and 12a–e) based on the 1-benzyl-5-bromoindolin-2-one scaffold that connected through a hydrazone linker to a 4-arylthiazole (7a–d) or 4-methyl-5-(aryldiazenyl)thiazole (12a–e) moiety. The anticancer activity of all the reported indolin-2-one derivatives was assessed against breast (MCF-7) and lung (A-549) cancer cell lines. The 4-arylthiazole-bearing derivatives 7c and 7d revealed the best anticancer activity toward MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 7.17 ± 0.94 and 2.93 ± 0.47, respectively). Furthermore, the VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity for 7c and 7d was evaluated. Both molecules disclosed good inhibitory activity, and their IC50 values were equal to 0.728 µM and 0.503 µM, respectively. Additionally, the impacts of 7d on the cell cycle phases as well as on the levels of different apoptotic markers (caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2) were assessed. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations are carried out to explore the binding mode of 7d within the VEGFR-2 active site.
Safflower Flavonoid 3′5′Hydroxylase Promotes Methyl Jasmonate-induced Anthocyanin Accumulation in Transgenic Plants
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Ahmad Naveed , Zhang Qingyu , Wakeel Umar Abdul , Wang Nan , Zhao Xu , Zhou Kang , Yao Na , Liu Xiuming
Published: April 2023

Flavonoids are the most abundant class of secondary metabolites that are ubiquitously involved in plant development and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Flavonoid biosynthesis involves multiple channels of orchestrated molecular regulatory factors. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been demonstrated to enhance flavonoid accumulation in numerous plant species; however, the underlying molecular mechanism of MeJA-induced flavonoid biosynthesis in safflower is still not evident. In the present study, we revealed the underlying molecular basis of a putative F3′5′H gene from safflower imparting MeJA-induced flavonoid accumulation in transgenic plants. The constitutive expression of the CtF3′5′H1 gene was validated at different flowering stages, indicating their diverse transcriptional regulation through flower development in safflower. Similarly, the CtF3′5′H1-overexpressed Arabidopsis plants exhibit a higher expression level, with significantly increased anthocyanins and flavonoid content, but less proanthocyanidins than wild-type plants. In addition, transgenic plants treated with exogenous MeJA revealed the up-regulation of CtF3′5′H1 expression over different time points with significantly enhanced anthocyanin and flavonoid content as confirmed by HPLC analysis. Moreover, CtF3′5′H1- overexpressed Arabidopsis plants under methyl violet and UV-B irradiation also indicated significant increase in the expression level of CtF3′5′H1 with improved anthocyanin and flavonoid content, respectively. Noticeably, the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assay of CtF3′5′H1 in safflower leaves also confirmed reduced anthocyanin accumulation. However, the CtF3′5′H1 suppression in safflower leaves under MeJA elicitation demonstrated significant increase in total flavonoid content. Together, our findings confirmed that CtF3′5′H1 is likely mediating methyl jasmonate-induced flavonoid biosynthesis in transgenic plants via enhanced anthocyanin accumulation.
The Effect of Genotyping on the Number of Pharmacotherapeutic Gene–Drug Interventions in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Kerskes Catharina H. M. , van den Eijnde Carien J. M. E. , Aarnoudse Albert-Jan L. H. J. , Grouls René J. E. , Deiman Birgit A. L. M. , Deenen Maarten J.
Published: April 2023

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3–5 are polypharmacy patients. Many of these drugs are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and CYP450. Genetic polymorphism is well known to result in altered drug metabolism capacity. This study determined the added value of pharmacogenetic testing to the routine medication evaluation in polypharmacy patients with CKD. In adult outpatient polypharmacy patients with CKD3-5 disease, a pharmacogenetic profile was determined. Then, automated medication surveillance for gene–drug interactions was performed based on the pharmacogenetic profile and the patients’ current prescriptions. Of all identified gene–drug interactions, the hospital pharmacist and the treating nephrologist together assessed clinical relevance and necessity of a pharmacotherapeutic intervention. The primary endpoint of the study was the total number of applied pharmacotherapeutic interventions based on a relevant gene–drug interaction. A total of 61 patients were enrolled in the study. Medication surveillance resulted in a total of 66 gene–drug interactions, of which 26 (39%) were considered clinically relevant. This resulted in 26 applied pharmacotherapeutic interventions in 20 patients. Systematic pharmacogenetic testing enables pharmacotherapeutic interventions based on relevant gene–drug interactions. This study showed that pharmacogenetic testing adds to routine medication evaluation and could lead to optimized pharmacotherapy in CKD patients.
Feasibility Simulation of 3D Benchtop Multi-Pinhole X-ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography with Two Novel Geometries
Authors: Ye Binqiang , Deng Luzhen , Jiang Shanghai , Cao Sijun , Zhao Ruge , Feng Peng
Published: April 2023

In this work, we developed and validated two novel imaging geometries of benchtop multi-pinhole X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) systems with Geant4 Toolkit. One of the Monte Carlo (MC) models utilized a fan beam source to illuminate a single slice of the object, a detector and a multi-pinhole collimator to image each slice’s X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The other model consisted of a cone-beam X-ray source (designed as a 5 mm wide fan beam to reduce simulation time) to scan the whole object, two detectors and two multi-pinhole collimators to image the emissions. The phantom used in the simulations included four sections, each with three cone-shaped gold nanoparticle (GNP) inserts (5 mm in height, 3 mm in diameter across the top) with center-to-center distances of 4 mm, 4.5 mm and 4.86 mm. The GNPs concentration was 0.1 wt. %, 0.3 wt. %, 0.5 wt. % and 0.7 wt. %, respectively. The diameter of the multi-pinhole collimator was 1 mm. Performance was evaluated for pinhole-detector-distance (PDD) of 5 cm, 3.5 cm and 2.5 cm, and the results for different object layers and for single pinhole and multi-pinhole (9 pinholes) imaging were compared. The data showed that results worsened with decreasing GNPs insert diameters and with decreasing PDD (object-pinhole-distance was fixed). The multi-pinhole configurations performed better than a single pinhole. The detection limit for the first multi-pinhole operation was 0.21 wt. %; the second was 0.24 wt. %. Detection limits for the single pinhole were 0.32 wt. % and 0.35 wt. %, respectively. The first MC model could acquire 2D slice images of the object without rotation and the second MC model could image the 3D object efficiently. These two novel multi-pinhole systems could potentially provide a bioimaging modality for nanomedical applications.
RNN-LSTM-Based Model Predictive Control for a Corn-to-Sugar Process
Authors: Meng Jiaqi , Li Chengbo , Tao Jin , Li Yi , Tong Yi , Wang Yu , Zhang Lei , Dong Yachao , Du Jian
Published: April 2023

The corn-to-sugar process is difficult to control automatically because of the complex physical and chemical phenomena involved. Because the RNN-LSTN model has been shown to handle long-term time dependencies well, this article focused on the design of a model predictive control system based on this machine learning model. Based on the historical data, we first reduced the input variable dimension through data preprocessing, data dimension reduction, sensitivity analysis, etc., and then the RNN-LSTM model, with these identified key sites as inputs, and the dextrose equivalent value as the output, was constructed. Then, through model predictive control using the locally linearized RNN-LSTM as the predictive model, the objective value of the dextrose equivalent was successfully controlled at the target value by our simulation study, in different situations of setpoint changes and disturbances. This showed the potential of applying RNN-LSTM-Based model predictive control in a corn-to-sugar process.
Optimization of Flow and Mixing in a Venturi Tube Mixer with a Two-Step Method Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Tang Zhenxin , Huang Fenglei , Yao Zixiong , Cai Ziqi , Ma Xin , Li Zhipeng , Gao Zhengming
Published: April 2023

To achieve efficient mixing in a Venturi tube mixer (VTM), an optimization with a two-step method for this mixing device based on a Venturi tube (VT) was carried out using numerical simulation. Firstly, the effects of the structural parameters on the flow in VT were revealed, and the optimized configuration was determined for the following VTM. Subsequently, by introducing a jetting tube, the suction capacity, energy consumption and mixing quality were used to evaluate the performance of VTM under various configurations and operating conditions. According to the effects of the structural parameters on the mixing quality of VTM, an empirical formula for mixing quality with structural parameters was proposed. Finally, an optimized VTM was proposed. This work can provide a valid suggestion for the design and optimization of such a mixing device.
Recycling of Post-Consumer Polystyrene Packaging Waste into New Food Packaging Applications—Part 2: Co-Extruded Functional Barriers
Authors: Welle Frank
Published: April 2023

Post-consumer polystyrene (PS) recyclates behind a functional barrier of virgin PS polymer is an attractive way to introduce post-consumer PS recyclates in packaging materials. However, until now, there has been no official guidance published on how to test the performance of a functional barrier. In addition, no threshold limits for the evaluation of post-consumer recyclates behind FBs have been published by competent authorities. This is a drawback in the food law compliance evaluation and novel technology notification of post-consumer recyclates behind a functional barrier. In this study, co-extruded yogurt cups with an artificially spiked core layer were investigated with respect to migration of the applied surrogates. The applied migration kinetic testing method into the gas phase was shown to be sensitive and suitable for the evaluation of the functional barrier performance. For consumer safety evaluation, two worst-case scenarios were used. As a result, due to the high processing temperatures used during co-extrusion, the virgin PS functional barrier layer was partly contaminated with the surrogates from the core layer. However, on the basis of the conditions, data, and the evaluation presented, the use of post-consumer recycled PS behind an FB of virgin PS can be considered as safe.
Dynamically Implementing the μ¯-Scheme in Cosmological and Spherically Symmetric Models in an Extended Phase Space Model
Authors: Giesel Kristina , Liu Hongguang
Published: April 2023

We consider an extended phase space formulation for cosmological and spherically symmetric models in which the choice of a given μ¯-scheme can be implemented dynamically. These models are constructed in the context of the relational formalism by using a canonical transformation on the extended phase space, which provides a Kuchař decomposition of the extended phase space. The resulting model can be understood as a gauge-unfixed model of a given μ¯-scheme. We use this formalism to investigate the restrictions to the allowed μ¯-scheme from this perspective and discuss the differences in the cosmological and spherically symmetric case. This method can be useful, for example, to obtain a μ¯-scheme in a top-down derivation from full LQG to symmetry-reduced effective models, where, for some models, only the μ0-scheme has been obtained thus far.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI DAN DISIPLIN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI DIREKTORAT PENILAIAN ALAT KESEHATAN DAN PKRT
Authors: Anisa Friska Dianti , Nuridin Nuridin
Published: April 2023

To determine the effect of competence and work discipline on employee performance in the Directorate of Medical Device Assessment and PKRT. Purpose this research is included in the category of causal associative research using a quantitative approach. The research was conducted by distributing questionnaires to respondents, all of whom are employees of the Directorate for the Assessment of Medical Devices and PKRT, while the research method uses simultaneous and partially linear regression analysis. The hypothesis states that competence and work discipline simultaneous have a positive effect on employee performance. The hypothesis that partially states that competence and work discipline affect employee performance in the Directorate of Medical Device Assessment and PKRT.
PENGARUH”RETURN ON ASSET, CURRENT RASIO DAN DEBT TO EQUITY RASIO TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM PT. SIDOMUNCUL TBK
Authors: Zubaidah Siti , Sunartiyo Sunartiyo
Published: April 2023

Stock prices, namely prices that occur on the stock exchange at a certain time, can change up or down in a very fast matter of time, either in minutes to second. Stock prices are usually influenced by supply and demand. If shares occur in the capital market, the more investors who buy shares from a company, the share price of that company will increase. The purpose of this study was to determine how the influence of return on asset, current ratio and debt to equity ratio on stock prices at PT. Sidomuncul Tbk. The method in this study uses quantitative methods with the sampling technique is purposive sampling. The data analysis technique used is the classical assumption test and hypothesis testing. determination test.The results of the study show that simultaneously and partially the return on assets, current ratio and debt to equity have an effect on the stock price of PT. Sidomuncul, tbk.
IMPORTÂNCIA DO REFORÇO POSITIVO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE COMPETÊNCIAS SOCIAIS EM ADOLESCENTES ATRAVÉS DO TREINO DE HABILIDADES SOCIAIS
Authors: CHRISTINE OLIVEIRA DE ALBUQUERQUE JÉSSICA
Published: April 2023

In the process of socialization in adolescence, it is common to identify relationship problems, often resulting from low repertoire of social skills or inadequate communication. It is also common to observe low self-esteem, cognitive distortions or a low sense of self-efficacy, which can lead to the development of depression as a result of social isolation and lack of external reinforcers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop social skills, especially in childhood and adolescence, for the development of emotional health in adult life. The objective of this work is to demonstrate how Social Skills Training together with Positive Reinforcement can be tools for developing social skills, with a focus on assertiveness. Result demonstrated with the case study of a teenager during her internship at PUC, who had behavioral changes, showing greater emission of assertive behaviors in new social situations, with this, expanding her social repertoire. Demonstrating effective social skills training for adolescents through positive reinforcement.
Foro Mundial sobre la Educación. Marco de Acción Regional. «Educación para todos en las Américas»
Authors: - -
Published: April 2023

Diez años después de la «Conferencia Mundial de Educación para Todos» (Jomtien, 1990), los países de América Latina, El Caribe y América del Norte, evaluaron los progresos realizados en la Región hacia el logro de los objetivos y metas entonces formulados. Reunidos en Santo Domingo del 10 al 12 de febrero del 2000, los países renuevan en el presente Marco de Acción Regional sus compromisos de Educación Para Todos para los próximos quince años.
KARAKTERISTIK PASIEN PERDARAHAN INTRASEREBRAL BERDASARKAN FAKTOR RISIKO, KLINIS, DAN LOKASI DI RS DUSTIRA CIMAHI PERIODE 2019-2020
Authors: Kusuma Andri Anugrah , Liliana Anita , Asad Nabila
Published: April 2023

Perdarahan intraserebral (PIS) meningkat pada pasien yang memiliki riwayat hipertensi, usia tua, dan berjenis kelamin laki-laki. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui karakteristik pasien PIS berdasarkan insidensi, faktor risiko, manifestasi klinis, dan lokasi perdarahan. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan cross sectional yang diambil dari rekam medik meliputi usia, jenis kelamin, anamnesis, pemeriksaan fisik, dan hasil CT Scan. Sampel penelitian sejumlah 49 rekam medik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan insidensi 7,7%, jumlah pasien PIS terbanyak adalah perempuan (51,02%) dengan usia ≥65 tahun (36,73%). Perdarahan di ganglia basalis menyebabkan hemiparese (31,91%), perdarahan di talamus paling sering dengan hemiparese (36,84%), perdarahan batang otak sering dengan aphasia dan hemiparese (26,32%), perdarahan serebelum dengan sakit kepala dan hemiparese (33,33%), sedangkan perdarahan di lobar paling sering dengan hemiparese (36,67%). Pasien dengan hipertensi sebanyak 67,35% dengan 32,65% pasien mengalami krisis hirpertensi. Gejala penurunan kesadaran (31,33%), dan lokasi perdarahan di ganglia basalis (40,82%). Dari hasil tersebut terdapat faktor yang bisa diintervensi atau dicegah terjadinya strok seperti pengelolaan tekanan darah secara optimal yang bisa dilakukan dengan menggiatkan edukasi bagi masyarakat dengan faktor risiko tersebut secara terus menerus. Simpulan dari hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa PIS merupakan penyakit yang sering menyerang pada perempuan berusia tua yang memiliki riwayat hipertensi. Perdarahan intraserebral paling sering terjadi di ganglia basalis dengan gejala hemiparese dan tekanan darah ≥180/120 mmHg
INFERTILITAS PADA WANITA AKIBAT INFEKSI GONORE
Authors: Fitriani Fatimah , Oktriana Putri , Prasetyorini Budi Eko , Amelinda Nathania , Negara Achmad Satya , Ellistasari Endra Yustin
Published: April 2023

Gonore (GO) merupakan infeksi menular seksual (IMS) akibat Neisseria gonorrhoeae, bakteri gram negatif yang bersifat patogen obligat intraseluler penyebab infeksi permukaan mukosa organ reproduksi pria dan wanita, faring, rektum, dan konjungtiva. Infeksi GO ascending pada tuba falopii berdampak jangka panjang dan serius pada organ reproduksi wanita. Kerusakan organ reproduksi pada infeksi GO dan respon inflamasi dapat menyebabkan penyakit radang panggul, jaringan parut tuba falopi, risiko kehamilan ektopik, dan infertilitas tuba wanita. Tujuan penulisan tinjauan pustaka ini untuk memahami dampak infeksi N. gonorrhoeae terhadap infertilitas wanita sehingga dapat meningkatkan kesadaran untuk melakukan deteksi dini serta memberikan penanganan yang tepat dalam upaya pencegahan terjadinya infertilitas.
ASEPSIS BETWEEN THE DENTAL OFFICE AND LABORATORY: A TUNISIAN CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Oumaima Tayari , Hela Haloui , Safa Jemli , Jamila Jaouadi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: For a long time, the prevention of cross-contamination in dentistry has mainly been concentrated in the operating room. Activity related to laboratory work, a potential source of pathogen transmission, is therefore often overlooked. In addition, the practice of prosthodontics often gives the impression that aseptic measures cannot be rigorously applied. Several factors account for this situation. Designing a prosthesis involves handling a certain number of potentially contaminated and heat-sensitive objects (prostheses, impressions, wax tubes, occlusion bites, etc.). The items transferred between the dental office and the dental laboratory as well as the prosthetic instruments constitute the main chain of cross contamination in prosthodontics. Thus, an evaluation of the dentists and prosthetists’ compliance with regard to their asepsis through a cross-sectional study was necessary. Methods: two anonymous questionnaires were distributed. The first was among the dentists and the second to dental prosthetists in the public and private sectors.  Results: From the 302 questionnaires distributed, only 220 were filled-in. 78% of the dentists and 37% of the prosthetists know the disinfection protocol of reusable instrumentation. 80.3% of the dentists and 74.1% of the prosthetists disinfect their prosthetic work but with varying percentages according to the group of items (impressions, prosthesis, etc.). 71.5% of the practitioners and 18.5% of the technicians disinfect their laboratory instruments systematically. However, 45% of the dentists and 54% of the prosthetists think they are not exposed to infections. Discussion: The results showed an insufficient level of knowledge and compliance to ensure asepsis of the prosthetic work both in the public and private sectors, contributing to a relatively high level of exposure to infections compared to a Canadian study. Conclusion: Given the insufficient compliance and in order to remedy these deficiencies, a simple decontamination protocol is suggested. Improving awareness and providing continuous training are then required.
DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH SERVICES ON PATIENT SATISFACTION AT THE DENTAL CLINIC IN INCREASING PATIENT SATISFACTION
Authors: Maramis Jeana Lydia , Yuliana Ni Made , Tobeonda Farenzia Imelda
Published: April 2023

Background: Quality health services are one of the basic needs that everyone needs to increase satisfaction when receiving services. Patient satisfaction is an important indicator and is commonly used to measure quality in health services. There are 5 dimensions in assessing service quality, namely tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy dimensions. Problems regarding the quality of health services on patient satisfaction affect the strengths and weaknesses of health service centers, one of which is dental and oral health services. Purpose: this study aims to determine the quality of dental and oral health services on patient satisfaction at the Dental Clinic of the Sonder Health Center, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province. Method: Analytical observation with a cross sectional study approach. The sample used was 52 patients who underwent treatment at the dental clinic of the Sonder Health Center, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province, using accidental sampling as a sampling technique. Data collection techniques using a questionnaire. The results showed that the services of health workers at the dental polyclinic at the Sonder Health Center, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province in increasing patient satisfaction based on the five dimensions studied were in the satisfied category, but the assurance dimension was the most dominant. After statistical tests, it turned out that the dimensions of reliability and assurance indicated that there was a significant effect on patient satisfaction, and on the dimensions of tangibles, responsiveness, and empathy, it was stated that there was no effect on patient satisfaction.