bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Five Labours of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism Work by Racialized Academic Librarians
Authors: Cho Allan , Norlin Elaina , Vong Silvia
Published: November 2023

This study unpacks the experiences of academic librarians that identify as racialized to better understand the weight of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work. The themes that emerged from the interviews with the librarians were emotional labour, interpretive labour, identity labour, racialized labour, and aspirational labour. These forms of labour are often oversimplified, unacknowledged, or unquantifiable. For one line on a curriculum vitae, committee, advisory, or working group related equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work may not be compensated or financially supported to reflect the intensity and expertise needed for the work. It is important to unpack the complexity of the work to demonstrate how to better support racialized librarians that engage with this work that contributes to changes in the academic library and profession.
SOSIALISASI DAN PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN MAKANAN PENCEGAH STUNTING DI DESA TIAMBANG KECAMATAN PEMATANG TIGA KABUPATEN BENGKULU TENGAH
Authors: Rozi Azizah Syavira
Published: November 2023

Kebersihan, lingkungan, dan gizi yang seimbang menjadi beberapa faktor pendukung pertumbuhan, perkembangan dan kesehatan anak. Anak-anak yang kurang mendapat asupan gizi yang cukup, lingkungan yang kurang bersih  dan ekonomi keluarga yang kurang bisa saja mengalami gagal tumbuh kembang. Stunting (kecil) adalah kondisi tinggi badan anak yang kurang berdasarkan usia dibandingkan dengan teman seusianya. Stunting merupakan kondisi yang dirasakan oleh masyarakat sehingga diperlukan pengetahuan lebih dengan masyarakat melalui sosialisasi dan pelatihan pembuatan makanan pencegah stunting. Desa Tiambang merupakan desa yang terletak di Kecamatan Pematang Tiga, Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah yang menjadi salah satu wilayah di Provinsi Bengkulu. Penyelenggaraan Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) sebagai salah satu bentuk pengabdian mahasiswa Universitas Bengkulu dalam Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) di Desa Tiambang memberikan  pengetahuan  dan  pemahaman berupa sosialisasi dan pelatihan pembuatan makanan pencegah stunting sebagai langkah awal dalam memberikan pemahaman kepada masyarakat
WORKSHOP PENERAPAN PJBL DALAM MENUNJANG PELAKSANAAN KURIKULUM MERDEKA DI MGMP MATEMATIKA SMP BENGKULU TENGAH
Authors: Lestary Ratnah , Stiadi Elwan
Published: November 2023

Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan penerapan Project Based Learning (PjBL) dalam menunjang pelaksanaan Kurikulum Merdeka di MGMP Matematika SMP Bengkulu Tengah. Kegiatan ini akan berdampak meningkatkan kompetensi pedagogik guru MGMP SMP Negeri 1 Bengkulu Tengah. Selain itu, kegiatan ini juga meningkatkan kualitas guru agar dapat mengajar dengan baik, merencanakan dan menggunakan strategi pembelajaran dengan tepat, sehingga siswa akan terfasilitasi untuk belajar dengan mudah dan efektif. Akhirnya juga dapat meningkatkan prestasi belajar siswa. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat yang berupa workshop ini, diawali dengan adanya diskusi dengan perwakilan MGMP SMPN Bengkulu Tengah yang kemudian ditindaklanjuti dengan pengajuan pengadaan workshop penerapan Project Based Learning (PjBL) dari prodi Pendidikan Matematika Universitas Bengkulu bagi guru-guru MGMP SMPN Bengkulu Tengah ke Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian pada Masyarakat (LPPM) UNIB. Kegiatan workshop dilakukan pada hari Sabtu, tanggal 29 Oktober 2022, pukul 08.00 - 12.00 WIB. Dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan workshop ini, secara umum tidak mengalami kendala yang berarti saat pelatihan penerapan PjBL. Namun terdapat kendala jaringan internet yang tidak stabil dan tidak adanya pengeras suara ketika pemaparan materi penerapan PjBL, sehingga audio dari pemutaran video tidak terdengar secara maksimal. Terlepas dari kendala tersebut, selama berlangsungnya proses kegiatan ini menunjukkan adanya minat dan respon yang sangat baik dari peserta terhadap penerapan PjBL dalam kelas.
WEBSITE PROFIL DESA KEBUN LEBAR SEBAGAI WADAH TRANSPARANSI DAN PUSAT INFORMASI DESA
Authors: Zuliuskandar Valleryan Virgil
Published: November 2023

Artikel ini membahas tentang pengabdian masyarakat yang dilakukan dalam rangka Kuliah Kerja Nyata Universitas Bengkulu dengan judul "Website Profil Desa Kebun Lebar sebagai Wadah Transparansi dan Pusat Informasi Desa." Tujuan utama dari website ini sebagai wadah transparansi dan pusat informasi bagi Desa Kebun Lebar. Metode pengembangan yang diterapkan dalam pembangunan website ini adalah Software Development Life Cycle dalam Waterfall Model, yang mengikuti tahapan-tahapan pengembangan perangkat lunak secara sistematis. Dalam konteks analisis, penggunaan metode SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) digunakan untuk memahami berbagai aspek yang relevan dalam pengembangan website profil desa. Hal ini membantu untuk merancang website yang memenuhi kebutuhan masyarakat desa secara komprehensif. Selain itu, untuk memastikan kualitas dan fungsionalitas website, metode pengujian Black Box Testing diterapkan. Hasil dari pengabdian ini adalah sebuah website dengan alamat kebunlebar.my.id yang berperan sebagai pusat informasi dan wadah transparansi bagi masyarakat Desa Kebun Lebar. Website ini menyajikan informasi penting tentang desa, seperti profil desa, kegiatan masyarakat, potensi desa, serta informasi pemerintahan dan layanan publik. Diharapkan bahwa pengembangan website ini dapat memberikan manfaat signifikan dalam meningkatkan transparansi pemerintahan desa, akses informasi masyarakat, dan partisipasi aktif dalam pengembangan desa secara keseluruhan.
PEMBINAAN PERSIAPAN KOMPETISI SAINS BIDANG MATEMATIKA JENJANG SMA/MA TAHUN 2021
Authors: Agustinsa Ringki , Siagian Teddy Alfra
Published: November 2023

Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pembinaan dan motivasi dalam meningkatkan kemampuan siswa SMA IT IQRA’ dalam bidang Matematika dalam rangka mempersiapkan siswa untuk ikut serta dalam kegiatan kompetisi sains (KS). Selain itu, dengan kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan pemahaman dan jiwa kompetisi siswa dalam menyelesaikan soal-soal kompetisi sains bidang matematika.  Dalam rangka mencapai tujuan ini, maka diadakanlah kegiatan pembinaan dan pelatihan materi dan soal-soal kompetisi sains dalam rangka mempersiapkan siswa dalam menghadapi kompetisi bidang matematika dan sains tingkat sekolah.  Kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat yang berupa pembinaan dan pelatihan ini, diawali dengan adanya diskusi dengan perwakilan SMA IT IQRA’ yang kemudian dilanjutkan dengan pengajuan pembimbing olimpiade dari pihak sekolah kepada ketua prodi Pendidikan Matematika Universitas Bengkulu. Kegiatan pembinaan dilakukan selama dua belas kali pertemuan yang dilakukan setiap hari selasa dan rabu jam 10.00-11.30. Kegiatan ini dilakukan dari awal bulan Februari hingga akhir bulan Maret. Dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan bimbingan ini, secara umum tidak mengalami kendala yang berarti. Tahapan demi tahapan dalam kegiatan bimbingan intensif dapat dikerjakan dengan lancar sesuai dengan rencana. Hasil bimbingan, pengamatan dan evaluasi selama berlangsungnya proses kegiatan ini menunjukkan adanya minat dan respon yang baik dari peserta terhadap materi yang disampaikan sehingga peserta memiliki pemahanan yang baik terhadap materi yang disampaikan.
Eleştirel Söylem Analizi; Avrupa'da Yükselen Aşırı Sağ ve Olumsuz Öteki Sunumu
Authors: MUTLU Necmettin
Published: November 2023

Bu makale eleştirel söylem analizi aracılığıyla Avrupa’da yükselen sağ partilerin seçim öncesi söylemlerini analiz etmektedir. Avrupa’nın 10 ülkesindeki sağ kanatta yükselen siyasi partiler güncel olarak tartışma konusu olmaya devam etmektedir. Yükselen sağ partilerin iç ve dış politikadaki meselelerde hararetli söylemleri partilerin oy oranlarında artışı da beraberinde getirmiştir. Araştırma; Van Dijk’in söylem analizi yöntemiyle liderlerin olumsuz öteki sunumunda kullandıkları retorik figürlere odaklanmaktadır. Eleştirel Söylem Analizi söylem çalışmalarında diğerlerinin olumsuz sunumuna dair birçok analiz çerçevesi sunmaktadır. Avrupada sağ partilerin olumsuz öteki sunumunda göç ve göçmen, A.B., toplumsal cinsiyet ve iklim karşıtlığına olumsuz öteki sunumunda yer alan retorik figürlere nasıl yatırım yaptığının ortaya konulması literatüre önemli bir katkı olarak değerlendirilmelidir. Çünkü Avrupa sağ partilerinin karşılık bulduğu geniş toplumsal tabanın anlaşılması için tahakküm ile söylem arasındaki ilişkilerin analiz edilmesi gerekmektedir. Böylece bu araştırma Avrupa’da yükselen sağ parti liderlerinin farklı ülkelerde gündem başlıklarında (iklim, cinsiyet, AB, göç) olumsuz öteki sunumundaki benzerliklere ve farklılıkları söylem düzeyinde göstermeyi amaçlamıştır. Söylem analizine dayalı olarak seçilen 10 farklı ülkeden parti liderinin resmî web sitelerinden analiz çerçevesine göre seçim öncesi söylemlerinden seçilen 54 adet alıntı; liderlerin olumsuz öteki sunumunda kullandıkları retoriklerde aynı gündem maddelerini nasıl kullandığını ortaya çıkarmıştır.
Mapping the Levels of English Storytelling of Tour Guides in Jajar Gumregah Tourist Village Trenggalek
Authors: Wahyuningtyas Dwi , Diana Laksmi , Maharani Dian Sasmitha Dwi , Yurenaudia Azzahra , Indriastuti Yudiana
Published: November 2023

Storytelling is part of an adequate tourism promotion. Storytelling can describe a place, a tradition, a culture, and many other things that become tourist attractions. Storytelling is needed to promote tourism in Indonesia, including tourist villages. Tourist villages in Indonesia are part of tourism development in Indonesia. This study then analyzes and map the level of tour guides’ storytelling skill in Desa Wisata Jajar Gumregah Trenggalek. Seven participants were involved in this study by presenting their storytelling and were assessed by the researchers using some assessment criteria: pronunciation, fluency, comprehension, grammar, and expressions. Descriptive qualitative research design was employed in this study. The results indicated various levels of tour guides' storytelling skill, which is influenced by some factors. They are educational background, environment, confidence, and frequency of practice.
Motivational Strategies in EFL Classes in Indonesia
Authors: Februansyah Rizki , Ahsanu Muhammad , Yundayani Audi
Published: November 2023

The current study is aimed at revealing the motivational strategies employed by EFL lecturers in two universities in Purwokerto, Central Java. This research falls into the qualitative category since it attempts to examine the data in the form of testimonies on how they motivated their students in their EFL classes. There were five EFL lecturers involved in this study and to collect the data, the researcher conducted semi-structured interview either offline or online. The collected data were then analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study show that the EFL lecturers employed four strategies namely using music, employing verbal motivation, building rapport with students, and hiring collaborative learning. Theoretically, the research can harness the knowledge on the motivational strategies in the Higher Education Institutions context especially in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language. Practically, the results of the research may become alternative sources for teachers’ self-development.
Overcoming Speaking Barrier
Authors: Wariyati Wariyati , Fadlan Muhammad Noer , Khalid M. , Tambusai Azhary
Published: November 2023

English as a communication has a big role for EFL students. English debate as subject preparation for following national competition among national universities. It provides a challenging to be a good critical speaker. This study was purposed to prove the effectiveness of Debate class implementation as the solving problems of low English Speaking skills. A qualitative research method was implemented by using triangulation as the instrument. The speaking barrier would be the dominant focus that invite more analysis. The research finding showed that there are some speaking barrier owned by students, namely anxiety, articulation, pronunciation, elaborating ideas, vocabulary. The students need a good English speaking competency and convey many ideas in their argument critically. Some phenomenon occurs during the learning process include the confidence and anxiety, vocabulary chosen and also the appropriate statement used in building the argument. The challenge derived the researcher to identify a further research which focus on the tendency found in the learning phenomenon. It answered the curiosity about some problems appear in conveying the argument during the debate chamber.
Innovative cleavable and bioorthogonal conjugation chemistries for application in core-crosslinked polymeric micelles and bioconjugates
Authors:   , Timmers Mattijs
Published: November 2023

The choice of chemistry is very important in drug development. In polymeric micelles, covalent crosslinking and covalent encapsulation can enhance the circulation kinetics of these drugs compared to free drug. This covalent bond between drug and carrier can be chosen to improve the therapeutic index of a drug by introducing selective bonds which are sensitive to for example the acidic environment of the tumor microenvironment. Here, linkers based on the trityl and silyl group are explored as there are acid sensitive and can be tuned with relatively simply chemical modifications. These linker could be applied to achieve tunable, acid sensitive release of the native drug from core-crosslinked polymeric micelles.
In parallel, the chemical possibilities of novel click compound TMTHSI are explored, as this is a promising reagent for biocoinjugates, surface modification or other applications of click chemistry. This TMTHSI compound can be produced at large scale, is remarkably stable against very acidic conditions, and can be used to functionalize antibodies. Besides, a bifunctional reagent could be made which binds specifically to the N-terminus of native proteins.
The combination of the core-crosslinked micelles and this new click reagent led to the development of micelles in which large hydrophilic siRNA could be entrapped, and released with a reductive glutathion trigger. All these results combined underline the importance of choosing the right chemistry for a core-crosslinked polymeric micelle platform.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in mortality risk stratification of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in a South American cohort
Authors: theran leon juan sebastian , dulcey sarmiento luis andres , Meléndez Pedraza María Paula , niño Pedraza Jeisson Andrés , Garzon Mendoza Lucero Andrea , Rubio Barbosa Andrés Felipe , Tarazona Ruiz Angie Patrícia , sanchez Quiñonez Paula Andrea , rodriguez Wiston , Dominguez Gutiérrez Carmen carolina , Muñoz Holguín Luis Carlos , Morales Pinzón Paula Andrea , Esteban Badillo Laura Yibeth
Published: November 2023

Objective. To conduct a comparative assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters with known determinants of prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Material and methods. The prospective single-center study included 60 patients with PAH aged 21-72 years. The study assessed baseline cardiac MRI, right heart catheterization, echocardiography, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and 6-minute walk test (T6MW) levels in a South American cohort. Results. Significant correlations between invasive hemodynamic parameters, NT-proBNP and cardiac MRI parameters were confirmed. There were no significant correlations between the contractility of the right ventricle (RV), RV volume and distance in T6MX, and the functional class (FC) of PAH. Cardiac MRI indicators made it possible to reliably separate low-risk patients from intermediate- and high-risk patients in accordance with the ESC/ERS 2015 scale. According to multivariate regression analysis, the RV end-systolic volume index was >54 ml/m2 (risk ratio 0.2; 95% confidence interval : 0.05-0.9; p=0.004) and 3-4 FC PAH (risk ratio 0.2; 95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.8; p=0.026) remained independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion. The use of cardiac MRI in low-risk patients can significantly improve the early detection of RV myocardial dysfunction and contribute to the timely optimization of PAH-specific therapy. During the follow-up of patients with PAH, the use of cardiac MRI has the potential to reduce the need for repeated invasive examinations
Impact of electrode selection on modeling tDCS in the aging brain
Authors: Indahlastari Aprinda , Dunn Ayden L. , Pedersen Samantha , Kraft Jessica N. , Someya Shizu , Albizu Alejandro , Woods Adam J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Person-specific computational models can estimate transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) current dose delivered to the brain and predict treatment response. Artificially created electrode models derived from virtual 10–20 EEG measurements are typically included in these models as current injection and removal sites. The present study directly compares current flow models generated via artificially placed electrodes (“artificial” electrode models) against those generated using real electrodes acquired from structural MRI scans (“real” electrode models) of older adults.

Methods

A total of 16 individualized head models were derived from cognitively healthy older adults (mean age = 71.8 years) who participated in an in-scanner tDCS study with an F3-F4 montage. Visible tDCS electrodes captured within the MRI scans were segmented to create the “real” electrode model. In contrast, the “artificial” electrodes were generated in ROAST. Percentage differences in current density were computed in selected regions of interest (ROIs) as examples of stimulation targets within an F3-F4 montage.

Main results

We found significant inverse correlations (p < 0.001) between median current density values and brain atrophy in both electrode pipelines with slightly larger correlations found in the artificial pipeline. The percent difference (PD) of the electrode distances between the two models predicted the median current density values computed in the ROIs, gray, and white matter, with significant correlation between electrode distance PDs and current density. The correlation between PD of the contact areas and the computed median current densities in the brain was found to be non-significant.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates potential discrepancies in generated current density models using real versus artificial electrode placement when applying tDCS to an older adult cohort. Our findings strongly suggest that future tDCS clinical work should consider closely monitoring and rigorously documenting electrode location during stimulation to model tDCS montages as closely as possible to actual placement. Detailed physical electrode location data may provide more precise information and thus produce more robust tDCS modeling results.
Comparison of the effects of fentanyls and other μ opioid receptor agonists on the electrical activity of respiratory muscles in the rat
Authors: Cavallo Damiana , Kelly Eamonn , Henderson Graeme , Abdala Sheikh Ana Paula
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Deaths due to overdose of fentanyls result primarily from depression of respiration. These potent opioids can also produce muscle rigidity in the diaphragm and the chest muscles, a phenomenon known as Wooden Chest Syndrome, which further limits ventilation.

Methods: We have compared the depression of ventilation by fentanyl and morphine by directly measuring their ability to induce muscle rigidity using EMG recording from diaphragm and external and internal intercostal muscles, in the rat working heart-brainstem preparation.

Results: At equipotent bradypnea-inducing concentrations fentanyl produced a greater increase in expiratory EMG amplitude than morphine in all three muscles examined. In order to understand whether this effect of fentanyl was a unique property of the phenylpiperidine chemical structure, or due to fentanyl’s high agonist intrinsic efficacy or its lipophilicity, we compared a variety of agonists with different properties at concentrations that were equipotent at producing bradypnea. We compared carfentanil and alfentanil (phenylpiperidines with relatively high efficacy and high to medium lipophilicity, respectively), norbuprenorphine (orvinolmorphinan with high efficacy and lipophilicity) and levorphanol (morphinan with relatively low efficacy and high lipophilicity).

Discussion: We observed that, agonists with higher intrinsic efficacy were more likely to increase expiratory EMG amplitude (i.e., produce chest rigidity) than agonists with lower efficacy. Whereas lipophilicity and chemical structure did not appear to correlate with the ability to induce chest rigidity.
Assessment of the level of professional stress among nurses
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Izevlina N. L.
Published: November 2023

One of the most important tasks in creating a safe hospital environment in a medical organization is to identify, identify and eliminate various risk factors for medical personnel, including the risks of stressful situations. The professional activity of medical personnel is associated with the presence of a variety of stressful situations caused by severe physical, mental, and emotional stress.
The process of improving nursing management activity (fragment of research work)
Authors:   FGBOU HE «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Trunova-Feduleeva N. V.
Published: November 2023

Modern socio-economic trends in the development of the state determine new requirements for the modernization and development of the healthcare system, the effectiveness of which largely depends on the state of the professional level and quality of training of nursing personnel. In accordance with the new tasks facing healthcare, especially in light of the implementation of the priority national project «Health», the functions and organizational forms of activities of nurses are changing. Purpose of the study. To increase the economic efficiency of using medical personnel resources when introducing innovative technologies into nursing practice, through a new approach to managing nursing activities. Results. Development and implementation of a quality management system for nursing care, introduction of new nursing technologies, development and implementation of quality standards for providing nursing care, improving the culture of patient care at all levels, training staff of a high level of development, improving the professional level of nurses, conducting research work in field of nursing. Conclusion. Each nursing specialist must independently and in a timely manner improve the professional level of knowledge, skills and abilities through self-education. Make proposals to management on improving the quality of medical care, on improving the organization of labor and the work of personnel. The implementation of these activities will improve the quality and safety of the nursing care provided and the medical activities of the organization as a whole.
LAPORAN KASUS: HUBUNGAN SEKSUAL UNTUK MENSTIMULASI PROSES PERSALINAN
Authors: Citra Tiara , Sofiyanti Santi
Published: November 2023

Peristiwa kehamilan bagi seorang perempuan serta keluarganya penuh dengan ketidakpastian, diantara ketidakpastian tersebut adalah tanggal persalinan. Hal ini menjadi sumber kecemasan apabila kehamilan telah melewati taksiran persalinan yang berdampak terhadap keputusan untuk mengakhiri kehamilan melalui tindakan induksi atau operasi. Hubungan seksual pada akhir kehamilan diketahui dapat memicu terjadinya persalinan. Studi kasus ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan asuhan kebidanan pada ibu hamil yang melewati taksiran persalinan dengan diberikan anjuran untuk melakukan hubungan seksual. Metode asuhan dilakukan dengan tujuh langkah manajemen kebidanan yang diberikan secara komprehensif mulai trimester ke III kehamilan sampai dengan masa nifas. Hasil Analisis asuhan yang dilakukan mulai trimester III kehamilan tidak ditemukan kondisi patologi, usia kehamilan aterm namun timbul kecemasan karena tanda persalinan belum muncul setelah lewat waktu tanggal taksiran. Anjuran yang diberikan adalah melakukan hubungan seksual untuk merangsang inisiasi persalinan. Tanda persalinan muncul 2 hari setelah asuhan terakhir dan kehamilan tidak lewat waktu. Outcome bayi baik, tanpa adanya kelainan. Asuhan komprehensif dan berkelanjutan dengan memberikan solusi non farmakologis untuk menstimulasi persalinan pada kasus ini dapat mengatasi masalah yang terjadi pada klien.
Investigation of Environmental Pollution in Residential Areas From Littered Wastes
Authors: Moradgholi Marziye , Masihi Najme , Zare Bidoki Maryam , Kazembeigi Farogh
Published: November 2023

Background: The problem of waste littering in urban areas is a widespread issue in most cities and represents a significant challenge in waste management. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of environmental pollution in urban areas in terms of litter density. Methods: The quantity of littered wastes (LWs) was examined across six residential areas, with observations and waste counting conducted over a two-month period on both working days and weekends. The LWs were categorized into four groups, and their on-site density was calculated. Results: The results indicated that the average waste density in the locations studied was 5.08 number/m2 . The lowest recorded LW number was 19.49 number/100 m, while the highest was 30.49 number/100 m. The categories of plastic and tobacco wastes comprised 13.25% and 82.64% of the total LWs, respectively. On average, 0.71 number/100 m of paper were observed in the areas studied, accounting for 2.8% of the total LWs. The presence of suitable waste bins in the areas surveyed underscores the significant influence of individual behavior on urban pollution. Conclusion: Therefore, there is a pressing need to raise awareness among citizens regarding the consequences of littering and to implement more effective urban cleanup methods.
Inorganic and Organic Fe Sources Increased Crude Oil Biodegradation in Soil Under Cultivation of the Canola Plant Inoculated with Piriformospora indica
Authors: Baghaie Amir Hossein
Published: November 2023

Background: This study was done to investigate the impact of drought stress, inorganic and organic Fe sources on biodegradation of crude oil in the Cd polluted soil under cultivation of canola inoculated with Piriformospora indica. Methods: Treatments consist of soil application of pure iron from Fe sources ((Fe sulfate and Fe chelate) (0, 60 and 90 kg Fe pure/ha)), and canola plant inoculated with P. indica cultivated in the Cd (0, 15 and 20 mg Cd/kg soil)-polluted soil that was naturally polluted with crude oil under drought stress. After 70 days, the plants were harvested and the soil and shoot Cd concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). In addition, the biodegradation of crude oil was measured. Results: Using 90 kg/ha pure iron from iron chelate significantly improved the biodegradation of crude oil in the soil by 13.1 and 8.9% under normal soul moisture and drought stress, respectively. Plant inoculation with P. indica had significant effect on increasing the biodegradation of crude oil in the soil by 12.1%. Furthermore, the soil microbial respiration was also increased. The ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) enzyme activity was significantly increased under heavy metal toxicity. Conclusion: Using organic and inorganic Fe sources has significant effects in increasing the biodegradation of crude oil in the soil under normal soil moisture regime and drought stress. Regardless of soil moisture regime, plant inoculation with P. indica had significant effects on reducing the Cd concentration of the plant and increasing the biodegradation of crude oil in the soil, respectively.
Effects of Pit Latrines on Borehole and Well Water in Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Yahaya Tajudeen O. , Bashar Danlami M. , Liman Umar Usman , Umar Ja’afar , Abdulrahim Abdulrakib , Gomo Clement B.
Published: November 2023

Background: Pit latrines are the most common human excreta and urine disposal facilities in low-income countries because they are economical. However, leachate from the facilities may percolate into the ground and compromise groundwater, necessitating periodic monitoring of nearby groundwater. This study assessed the effects of pit latrines on borehole and well water in Adesoye, Barracks, Onigbongbo, Arowojobe, and Shonibare in Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Water samples were analysed for physicochemical parameters (electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, calcium, pH, and chloride), heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, copper, and zinc) and microbial content (bacteria, coliforms, and fungi). The mean values of each parameter was compared with the World Health Organization standards and used to calculate the average daily intake (ADI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of the heavy metals. Results: The physicochemical analysis revealed that each of the borehole and well water samples contained permissible levels of electrical conductivity and calcium. They also contained one or more non-permissible levels of pH, hardness, total dissolved solids, and chloride. The heavy metal analysis revealed non-permissible levels of lead and nickel in all of the water samples, while other heavy metals were within the permissible limits. Total bacteria and coliforms were above the permissible limits in all of the water samples, while fungi were undetected in some samples. The ADI and HQ of the heavy metals were within the threshold limit. Conclusion: The results suggest that groundwater in the areas is unsuitable for consumption. Consumers should treat groundwater and seek experts’ advice before sinking groundwater.
Electrocoagulation Process Efficiency for Removing Effluent Pollution Caused by Drilling of Oil Rigs
Authors: Ale-Tayeb Seyed Mehdi , Derikvand Ehsan , Solimani Babarsad Mohsen , Razaz Majid , Eslami Hossein
Published: November 2023

Background: Electrocoagulation (EC) is a safe method for removing environmental pollutants without the need for additional chemical materials. This study investigates the performance of EC in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity from drilling waste generated by oil rigs. Methods: An experimental study was performed on a pilot scale in an EC reactor provided from a cylindrical glass cell (height: 30 cm and inner diameter: 5 cm), a pair of aluminum and iron electrodes, a power supply, an aeration system. wastewater Samples were collected from one of the drilling rigs in Khuzestan. The effect of current density, operation time and pH parameters on removal of COD, TOC, TSS and turbidity were determined and the optimal values of the parameters were determined. Results: It was found that system voltage, operation time and pH values on the removal efficiency of pollutants were statistically significant at the 0.01 level. The optimum values of pH, current density and operation time were obtained 7, 20 mA/cm2 and 60 minutes, respectively and the removal efficiencies of COD, TOC, TSS and turbidity under the optimum conditions were 72%, 79%, 67% and 63%, respectively. Also, the consumption of energy was estimated to be 8.4 kWh/m3 . Conclusion: The results indicated that the EC process is a cost-effective method in removing pollutants caused by drilling of oil rigs and its efficiency can be improved by applying optimal conditions such as current density and pH.
Moringa oleifera and its application in dental conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Das Moumita , Panda Nihar Ranjan , Bhuyan Ruchi , Bhuyan Sanat Kumar
Published: November 2023

Moringa oleifera is a considerable ethnomedical herb with various bioactive compounds. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of M. oleifera in the prevention and management of various oral conditions. A thorough search was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PubMed Central databases. After screening the data on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 studies were considered for further meta-analysis. The analysis was performed on R programming software (version R-4.0.2) and the results were represented by a forest plot. The estimate obtained via common and random effects model for in vitro studies was statistically insignificant (I2 test P > 0.05) with risk ratios of 8.25 (95% CI: 3.76-18.08) and 7.98 (95% CI: 3.64-17.50) and for in vivo studies were statistically significant (I2 test P )0.05 < with risk ratios of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.90-1.40) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.71-1.32), indicating the efficacy of M. oleifera in oral diseases on animal and clinical trials, whereas it failed to report the efficacy on in vitro level. Future research has to be done to come up with new and more phytoactive compounds from all parts of the plant with proper extraction procedures. The effectiveness of the compounds has to be validated first on in vitro scale followed by clinical trials so that M. oleifera can be used as therapy in preventing and managing oral ailments.
Promising effects of formononetin, a natural isoflavone derived from herbs, against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Mahmoudvand Hossein , Khudair Khalaf Amal , Karbasian Nooshin , Masoori Leila , Zareh Rajabi Pouya , Saki Mojgan , Ghasemian Yadegari Javad
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Formononetin (FMN) is a natural isoflavone found in many plants. This work examined the anti-Toxoplasma effects and cytotoxicity properties of FMN on Toxoplasma gondii. Methods: Effects of FMN (2-64 µg/mL) on tachyzoites forms were measured by cell viability assay for 48 hours. The effects of different concentrations of FMN on infectivity rate, intracellular parasites, and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophage cells (J774-A1) were also evaluated. Results: FMN markedly (P<0.001) reduced the viability rate of tachyzoites forms with an IC50 value of 9.85 μg/mL. FMN also declined the rate of intracellular tachyzoites whereas, FMN increased the FMN production in macrophage cells. Conclusion: The results of the present in vitro study revealed the favorable anti-Toxoplasma effects of FMN against tachyzoites and intracellular forms of T. gondii. Although the accurate anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms of FMN are not clear, our results showed that triggering the NO production might be considered one of the main mechanism actions of FMN for controlling and eliminating T. gondii. However, further surveys are mandatory to assess the effects of FMN in animal models and to evaluate its accurate mechanism actions before its use in clinical phase.
Enhanced wound healing effect of Areca catechu L. ointment via antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory process at grade IIA burns in rats
Authors: Sandhiutami Ni Made Dwi , Fahleni Fahleni , Miftahurrohmah Nur , Widhiyasari Ni Kadek Ari , Azalia Afifah , Amalia Indah
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Areca catechu L. seeds contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids that have antibacterial properties, can prevent skin infections, and have been used empirically for wound healing. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity and effectiveness of A. catechu ointment in wound healing at grade IIA burns in rats. Methods: A. catechu seed extract was formulated into an ointment and then tested for its antibacterial activity using the agar diffusion method. Wound healing testing was conducted by dividing the rats into four groups: negative control, positive control, Formula I (F 1) ointment, and Formula II (F II) ointment. Grade IIA burns were made on the back skin of rats and treatment was performed for 14 days. The wound tissue was taken for histopathological observations. Results: In this study, F II ointment had better antibacterial activity than F I, as indicated by a wider diameter of inhibition against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The scab formed on F II was faster on day 3, the wound diameter was reduced on day 7, and there was a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and coagulative necrosis and an increase in neovascularization and collagen formation on the 7th day (P < 0.05) compared to the negative control and F I. Conclusion: A. catechu seed extract ointment with a concentration of 5.0% (F II) had a better effect on wound healing regarding the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity than that with a concentration of 2.5% (F I).
Evaluation of berberine inhibitory effects on influenza neuraminidase enzyme: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Asadi-Samani Majid , Altememy Dhiya , Jasim Aziz H. , Saffari-Chaleshtori Javad , Moradi Mohammad-Taghi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Due to the high prevalence and drug resistance reported for the influenza virus in recent years, much research is being conducted on the discovery and introduction of more effective drugs against the virus. In this regard, the present bioinformatics study examined the inhibitory effects of berberine, a plant-based alkaloid, on influenza virus neuraminidase using docking and molecular dynamics studies. Methods: To conduct this study, the three-dimensional structure and PDB file of influenza virus neuraminidase were prepared from the protein and molecular information database, and the structure file of the berberine and oseltamivir (as positive control) molecules were prepared from the PubChem database. Using GROMACS software, simulation and molecular dynamics calculations were performed in the absence of an inhibitor. Molecular docking studies were performed using AutoDock software, and re-simulation of the protein-ligand complex was performed using GROMACS software. Results: Berberine was bound to the neuraminidase molecule with three hydrogen bonds and eleven hydrophobic bonds at the binding site. The amount of binding energy (BE) of berberine and oseltamivir was equal to -7.93 and -6.27 kcal/mol with the estimated inhibition constant (EIC) of 1.5 and 25.2 μM, respectively. Over simulation time, the radius of gyration (Rg) of the enzyme at berberine binding increased, but there was no significant difference in system energy changes (TE). Conclusion: Due to berberine binding, structural changes occur in the secondary and tertiary structures of influenza virus neuraminidase. The large number of created bonds, the low level of binding energy, and the low concentration of the EIC indicate the high tendency of berberine to bind to the binding site of neuraminidase.
Neuroprotective effect of water lily (Nymphaea pubescens Willd) seed ethanolic extract against trimethyltin-induced cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in mice
Authors: Belahusna Dinda Fadhilah , Santoso Putra , Rahayu Resti
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Cognitive impairments are profound outcomes of neurodegenerative disease, a global health issue. Water lily (Nymphaea pubescens, Nymphaeaceae) extracts have been reported to counteract oxidative stress. However, their protective effects against neurodegenerative disease remain to be fully investigated. The current study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of water lily seed ethanolic extract on trimethyltin (TMT)-induced cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in a mouse model. Methods: A single dose of TMT (0.6 mg/kg BW) was intraperitoneally injected to young adult male mice followed by daily oral treatments with different doses of water lily seed extract (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW) for 28 days. Thereafter, cognitive behaviors were assessed, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase (CAT) activities were determined, followed by histopathological examination of the brain. Results: The results revealed that, compared to the non-treated group, the water lily extract at doses of 100–400 mg/kg BW was effective in counteracting the decline in memory and spatial cognition of TMT-induced impairment (P<0.05). Moreover, the extract, particularly at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW, substantially lowered the MDA level while elevating the CAT activity level (P<0.05). Water lily seed extract also significantly reduced TMT-induced pyramidal cell degeneration in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that ethanolic extract from water lily seeds could effectively reduce TMT-induced cognitive impairment and MDA levels and enhance CAT activity thereby precluding neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Thus, water lily seed extract is a potent candidate for a natural anti-neurodegenerative supplement.
Phytochemical profiling, pharmacology prediction, and molecular docking study of Chromolaena odorata extract against multiple target proteins in wound healing
Authors: Mokhtar Nur ‘Ainun , Mohamed Tap Fatahiya , Ahmad Rozani Nur Hannani , Ahmad Khairudin Nurul Bahiyah , Rasit Ali Roshafima
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Wounds have a significant influence on socioeconomic and the quality of life. Many attempts have been taken to produce advanced wound dressing to fulfill demands. The incorporation of natural therapeutics like medicinal plants in wound dressings is currently popular. However, several medications have failed to enter the market due to inadequate pharmacokinetics data. Computer-aided tools are now available as advanced drug discovery methods, which can be used to screen pharmaceuticals from phytochemicals found in various medicinal plants. This study aims to evaluate the phytoconstituents of Chromolaena odorata extract and its pharmacological potential as a wound-healing agent. Methods: Phytoconstituents from C. odorata were identified using qualitative screening methods and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their mechanistic properties were assessed using molecular docking and SwissADME tools. Results: Current works revealed that the topmost phytoconstituents in C. odorata were phytol (49.83%), hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (9.40%), linolenic acid (8.07%), and squalene (3.53%). Through SwissADME analysis, all four topmost compounds obeyed Lipinski’s Rule of 5. In silico molecular docking study of these top phytoconstituents against several protein targets involved in wound healing revealed that squalene had the highest binding affinity to GSK3-β (-6.8 kJ/ mol), MMP-9 (-7.4 kJ/mol), and COX-2 (-8.6 kJ/mol) as compared to other ligands (phytol, linolenic acid, and hexadecenoic acid ethyl ester). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the most prominent compound that contributes to C. odorata’s wound healing capacity is squalene and the incorporation of C. odorata in potential wound dressing formulation is justified.
Protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root (licorice) extract against severe acute pancreatitis-induced acute lung injury via suppressing autophagy and inflammation
Authors: EL-Rahmany Nourhan Gamal , Sharaf Eman Hassan Abdel Aziz
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality rate. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of licorice extract administration on L-arginine-induced AP and associated lung tissue damage in rats. Methods: The experimental groups were the healthy control group (G1), L-arginine group (G2), licorice extract group (G3), and licorice extract +L-arginine; (protection group; G4). The protective effect of licorice extract was evaluated by measuring serum amylase and lipase, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase), and inflammatory biomarkers levels (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, toll-like receptor 4, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1), as well as apoptosis assessment via caspase-3 activity and beclin-1 expression. Furthermore, an immunohistochemical assessment of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and a histopathological examination of lung and pancreatic tissues were performed. Results: Licorice extract administration significantly reduced serum amylase, lipase, and inflammatory markers levels that pointed to the local and systemic inflammatory condition of AP induced by L-arginine. Moreover, the administration of licorice extract reversed the significant elevation in oxidative stress markers levels in the pancreas and lung tissues. Furthermore, licorice extract downregulated pancreatic gene expression of beclin-1 and caspase-3 which reversed dysregulated pancreatic autophagy. Conclusion: Licorice extract administration causes modulation of oxidative damage and systemic inflammation associated with acute pancreatic damage. Moreover, licorice extract markedly decreases the biochemical and histopathologic changes in AP, preserving the pancreatic and lung tissues through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.
Anti-atherosclerotic effects of Camellia chrysantha and Gynostemma pentaphyllum extracts mixture
Authors: Nguyen Hong Hanh , Nguyen Ngan Hoang , Nguyen Tu Thi Thanh
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The combination Camellia chrysantha and Gynostemma pentaphyllum is used in Vietnam against hyperlipidemia. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the extract mixture of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum in the atherosclerosis-induced rat model. Methods: Rats were administered with the extract mixture of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum daily (7 and 14 g/kg/day) for 8 weeks upon the start of the study while they were simultaneously put on an atherosclerosis-induced diet. Blood samples were taken to examine the blood lipid indicators of the rats in the beginning, after 4 and 8 weeks of the study, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, the rats’ livers were removed to assess their overall health and the atherosclerosis patterns of their abdominal arteries. Results: The mixture of leaf extracts of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum in the doses of 7 and 14 g/kg/day reduced blood lipid indices, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the atherogenic index (AI). Furthermore, this mixture also increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the blood, decreased the incidence of liver fat, and prevented the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the abdominal aorta in the rats. Conclusion: These results indicate that a mixture of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum has a potential in preventing and treating atherosclerosis