bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development, Characterization and Stability Evaluation of Topical Gel Loaded With Ethosomes Containing Achillea millefolium L. Extract
Authors: Andleeb Mehwish , Shoaib Khan Haij Muhammad , Daniyal Muhammad 
Published: April 2021

Background: Delivering plant extract at high loading with intact antioxidants and efficient skin permeation always remains a challenge. To address this, we prepared a stable gel formulation containing nanoethosomes loaded with Achillea millefolium L. (AM) extract for topical drug delivery.Method: The AM extract was tested at first for phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and FTIR examination. The nanoethosomes containing AM extract were synthesized and characterized by size, surface charge, and morphology, and entrapment efficiency (EE) was determined. The optimized nanoethosomes were then incorporated to develop a topical gel formulation and subjected to skin for permeation, pH, viscosity, and organoleptic evaluation for up to three months.Results: The AM ethanolic extract demonstrated 88% free radical scavenging activity and notable phenolic and flavonoid contents of up to 123 mg GAE/g and 42 mg QE/g, respectively. The optimized nanoethosomes encapsulated with AM extract (240 nm) were spherical in shape, with −31.1 mV of surface charge, and showed considerable entrapment efficiency (90%). Furthermore, the selected topical gel remained stable during the study period. The Exvivo permeation study of ethosomal gel showed the highest release percentage of 79.8%.Conclusion: The study concludes that topical gel loaded with nanoethosomes containing AM extract is an encouraging approach for topical drug delivery.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Potential of Standardized Extract of Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon
Authors: Tiwari Raj Kumar , Chanda Silpi , M Udayabanu , Singh Manisha , Agarwal Shriya 
Published: April 2021

Aims: Scientific biological evaluation of standardized extracts is becoming one of the central needs for the globalization of customary medication in current times. And to validate the presence of active constituents in crude medicinal extracts, analytical techniques like HPLC and HPTLC are the most suitable authentication systems. In the current study we aimed to standardize and evaluate Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon (Verbenaceae). For its unique anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Evaluation and analysis of the plant, therefore, offers a new platform for the development of the herbal drug and could prove to be a safe and cost effective treatment for arthritis management.Methods: The aqueous extract of C. serratum, a common plant in the Southeastern Asian region, was used for phytochemical investigation and standardization by HPTLC and HPLC. The standardized HPLC method was further validated by using ICH guidelines. The standardized extract was investigated for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model was performed to evaluate the activity. Paw diameter, joint diameter, arthritic score, and body weight was accepted as a parameter for the evaluation of biological activity.Results: HPTLC method revealed the presence of ursolic acid with an Rf value of 0.38 and the amount quantified was 0.03% w/w. The presence of the bioactive phytochemical was further analyzed and confirmed by HPLC for which the validation was done successfully in accordance with ICH guidelines. The assay content for ursolic acid was found to be 0.059% with relative standard deviation (RSD) &lt;2.5% for specificity and precision with spike recovery between 95–110%. The anti-arthritic activity of aqueous extract exhibited COX-2 and TNF-α inhibition as observed in various parameters like paw edema, arthritic index, and joint diameter. Plant extract showed reclamation of arthritis in regard to body weight, arthritic score, paw edema, and joint diameter. The extract showed significant results for TNF-α and COX-2(p &lt; 0.0001). The plant extract also exhibited in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity.Conclusion: The current study established the scientific basis of ethnomedicinal use of the plant for anti-inflammatory purposes and the management of arthritis and can also be used for quality control purposes.
The Affinity of Hemoglobin for Oxygen Is Not Altered During COVID-19
Authors: Gille Thomas , Sesé Lucile , Aubourg Eric , Fabre Emmanuelle E. , Cymbalista Florence , Ratnam Kayaththiry Caroline , Valeyre Dominique , Nunes Hilario , Richalet Jean-Paul , Planès Carole 
Published: April 2021

Background: A computational proteomic analysis suggested that SARS-CoV-2 might bind to hemoglobin (Hb). The authors hypothesized that this phenomenon could result in a decreased oxygen (O2) binding and lead to hemolytic anemia as well. The aim of this work was to investigate whether the affinity of Hb for O2 was altered during COVID-19.Methods: In this retrospective, observational, single-center study, the blood gas analyses of 100 COVID-19 patients were compared to those of 100 non-COVID-19 patients. Fifty-five patients with carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) ≥8% and 30 with sickle cell disease (SCD) were also included (“positive controls” with abnormal Hb affinity). P50 was corrected for body temperature, pH, and PCO2.Results: Patients did not differ statistically for age or sex ratio in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups. Median P50 at baseline was 26 mmHg [25.2–26.8] vs. 25.9 mmHg [24–27.3], respectively (p = 0.42). As expected, P50 was 22.5 mmHg [21.6–23.8] in the high HbCO group and 29.3 mmHg [27–31.5] in the SCD group (p &lt; 0.0001). Whatever the disease severity, samples from COVID-19 to non-COVID-19 groups were distributed on the standard O2-Hb dissociation curve. When considering the time-course of P50 between days 1 and 18 in both groups, no significant difference was observed. Median Hb concentration at baseline was 14 g.dl–1 [12.6–15.2] in the COVID-19 group vs. 13.2 g.dl–1 [11.4–14.7] in the non-COVID-19 group (p = 0.006). Among the 24 COVID-19 patients displaying anemia, none of them exhibited obvious biological hemolysis.Conclusion: There was no biological argument to support the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 could alter O2 binding to Hb.
A Preliminary Investigation on Plasma Cell Adhesion Molecules Levels by Protein Microarray Technology in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Liu Wanying , Zheng Yanqun , Zhang Fuxu , Zhu Mo , Guo Qian , Xu Hua , Liu Caiping , Chen Haiying , Wang Xiaoliang , Hu Yao , Zhang Tianhong , Lin Zhiguang , Zhang Chen , Li Guanjun , Jiang Kaida , Liu Xiaohua 
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental disorder, and there is a great difficulty to diagnose and treat. Hitherto, relatively few studies have explored the correlation between the levels of plasma cell adhesion molecules and MDD.Methods: Thirty outpatients with acute episodes of MDD in Shanghai Mental Health Center and 34 healthy volunteers from the community were recruited as subjects. Protein microarray technology was applied to compared the differences in plasma levels of 17 kinds of adhesion molecular proteins between the two groups. Meanwhile, the diagnostic value of different proteins in depression was discussed by using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results: The levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Related Cell Adhesion Molecule-1(CEACAM-1) and Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NrCAM) in MDD patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P &lt; 0.05). The area under ROC curve of CEACAM-1 combined with NrCAM was 0.723, with the sensitivity 0.800 and the specificity 0.676.Conclusion: The plasma levels of CEACAM-1 and NrCAM were significantly up-regulated in MDD, and their combined application was of potential diagnostic value, deserving to expand the sample size for further verification.
Review: How Can Intelligent Robots and Smart Mechatronic Modules Facilitate Remote Assessment, Assistance, and Rehabilitation for Isolated Adults With Neuro-Musculoskeletal Conditions?
Authors: Atashzar S. Farokh , Carriere Jay , Tavakoli Mahdi 
Published: April 2021

Worldwide, at the time this article was written, there are over 127 million cases of patients with a confirmed link to COVID-19 and about 2.78 million deaths reported. With limited access to vaccine or strong antiviral treatment for the novel coronavirus, actions in terms of prevention and containment of the virus transmission rely mostly on social distancing among susceptible and high-risk populations. Aside from the direct challenges posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic, there are serious and growing secondary consequences caused by the physical distancing and isolation guidelines, among vulnerable populations. Moreover, the healthcare system’s resources and capacity have been focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, causing less urgent care, such as physical neurorehabilitation and assessment, to be paused, canceled, or delayed. Overall, this has left elderly adults, in particular those with neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) conditions, without the required service support. However, in many cases, such as stroke, the available time window of recovery through rehabilitation is limited since neural plasticity decays quickly with time. Given that future waves of the outbreak are expected in the coming months worldwide, it is important to discuss the possibility of using available technologies to address this issue, as societies have a duty to protect the most vulnerable populations. In this perspective review article, we argue that intelligent robotics and wearable technologies can help with remote delivery of assessment, assistance, and rehabilitation services while physical distancing and isolation measures are in place to curtail the spread of the virus. By supporting patients and medical professionals during this pandemic, robots, and smart digital mechatronic systems can reduce the non-COVID-19 burden on healthcare systems. Digital health and cloud telehealth solutions that can complement remote delivery of assessment and physical rehabilitation services will be the subject of discussion in this article due to their potential in enabling more effective and safer NMSDK rehabilitation, assistance, and assessment service delivery. This article will hopefully lead to an interdisciplinary dialogue between the medical and engineering sectors, stake holders, and policy makers for a better delivery of care for those with NMSK conditions during a global health crisis including future pandemics.
System Immersion in Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation of Motor Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Høeg Emil Rosenlund , Povlsen Tina Myung , Bruun-Pedersen Jon Ram , Lange Belinda , Nilsson Niels Christian , Haugaard Kristian Birkemose , Faber Sune Mølgård , Hansen Søren Willer , Kimby Charlotte Kira , Serafin Stefania 
Published: April 2021

Background: As the elderly population continues to grow, so does the demand for new and innovative solutions to tackle age-related chronic diseases and disabilities. Virtual Reality (VR) has been explored as a novel therapeutic tool for numerous health-related applications. Although findings frequently favors VR, methodological shortcomings prevent clinical recommendations. Moreover, the term “VR” is frequently used ambiguously to describe e.g., video games; the distinction remains vague between immersive VR (IVR) systems and non-immersive VR (NVR). With no distinct demarcation, results of outcome measures are often pooled in meta-analyses, without accounting for the immersiveness of the system.Objective: This systematic review focused on virtual reality-based rehabilitation of older adults (+60) in motor rehabilitation programs. The review aims to retrospectively classify previous studies according to the level of immersion, in order to get an overview of the ambiguity-phenomenon, and to utilize meta-analyses and subgroup analyses to evaluate the comparative efficacy of system immersion in VR-based rehabilitation.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials, describing virtual rehabilitation or video games interventions for older adults (+60). Main outcomes were pain, motivation, mobility, balance, and adverse events.Results: We identified 15 studies which included 743 patients. Only three studies utilized IVR. The rest used various NVR-equipment ranging from commercial products (e.g., Nintendo Wii), to bespoke systems that combine tracking devices, software, and displays. A random effects meta-analysis of 10 studies analyzed outcome measures of mobility, balance, and pain. Protocols and dosage varied widely, but outcome results were in favor of immersive and non-immersive interventions, however, dropout rates and adverse events were mostly in favor of the control.Conclusions: We initialize a call-for-action, to distinguish between types of VR-technology and propose a taxonomy of virtual rehabilitation systems based on our findings. Most interventions use NVR-systems, which have demonstrably lower cybersickness-symptoms than IVR-systems. Therefore, adverse events may be under-reported in RCT-studies. An increased demand for IVR-systems highlight this challenge. Care should be given, when applying the results of existing NVR tools to new IVR-technologies. Future studies should provide more detail about their interventions, and future reviews should differentiate between NVR and IVR.
Noninvasive Ultrasound Stimulation of Ventral Tegmental Area Induces Reanimation from General Anaesthesia in Mice
Authors: Bian Tianyuan , Meng Wen , Qiu Meihong , Zhong Zhigang , Lin Zhengrong , Zou Junjie , Wang Yibo , Huang Xiaowei , Xu Lisheng , Yuan Tifei , Huang Zhili , Niu Lili , Meng Long , Zheng Hairong 
Published: April 2021

Evidence in animals suggests that deep brain stimulation or optogenetics can be used for recovery from disorders of consciousness (DOC). However, these treatments require invasive procedures. This report presents a noninvasive strategy to stimulate central nervous system neurons selectively for recovery from DOC in mice. Through the delivery of ultrasound energy to the ventral tegmental area, mice were aroused from an unconscious, anaesthetized state in this study, and this process was controlled by adjusting the ultrasound parameters. The mice in the sham group under isoflurane-induced, continuous, steady-state general anaesthesia did not regain their righting reflex. On insonation, the emergence time from inhaled isoflurane anaesthesia decreased (sham:

13.63
±
0.53

min

, ultrasound:

1.5
±
0.19

min

,

p
<
0.001

). Further, the induction time (sham:

12.0
±
0.6

min

, ultrasound:

17.88
±
0.64

min

,

p
<
0.001

) and the concentration for 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) of isoflurane (sham: 0.6%, ultrasound: 0.7%) increased. In addition, ultrasound stimulation reduced the recovery time in mice with traumatic brain injury (sham:

30.38
±
1.9

min

, ultrasound:

7.38
±
1.02

min

,

p
<
0.01

). This noninvasive strategy could be used on demand to promote emergence from DOC and may be a potential treatment for such disorders.
Features of hospital wastewater treatment
Authors: Пукемо М.М. , Кулаков А.А. , Желтухин Р.В. 
Published: April 2021

При высоких концентрациях азотных соединений и низком содержании органических веществ в сточных водах денитрификация протекает не в полной мере, что приводит к высокому содержанию нитратов в очищенной воде. Описан опыт применения дополнительного субстрата для обеспечения денитрифицируемого азота нитратов требуемым органическим веществом. Выявлено глубокое угнетение биоценоза при высоких концентрациях хлорпроизводных в поступающих на очистку сточных водах. При концентрации общего хлора 5,4–6,8 мг/л процессы биологической очистки практически не протекали, а биопленка на поверхности загрузки не формировалась. Отмечено, что состав сточных вод больничного комплекса отличается низким содержанием органических веществ (БПК5 в среднем 42,3 мг/л, ХПК в среднем 128,9 мг/л) при концентрации общего азота 43,4 мг/л. Экспериментально подтверждена эффективность применения сахарозы в качестве субстрата для денитрификации сточных вод больничного комплекса. Расход сахара составил 0,17 кг/м3 при соотношении БПК5/азот общий 0,95 в поступающих на очистку сточных водах.
At high concentrations of nitrogen compounds and low concentrations of organic substances in wastewater, the process of denitrification does not proceed in full, resulting in a high concentration of nitrates in the effluent. The experience of using an extra substrate to supply the denitrified nitrate nitrogen with the required organic matter is described. Deep suppression of biocenosis at high concentrations of chlorine derivatives in raw wastewater was revealed. At a total chlorine concentration of 5.4–6.8 mg/l, neither biological treatment processes proceeded, nor a biofilm formed on the media surface. It is noted that the composition of the hospital wastewater is characterized by a low concentration of organic matter (BOD5 was on average 42.3 mg/l, COD – on average 128.9 mg/l) with a total nitrogen concentration of 43.4 mg/l. The effectiveness of using sucrose as a substrate for the denitrification of hospital wastewater has been experimentally confirmed. The sugar consumption was 0.17 kg/m3 at the ratio of BOD5/total nitrogen of 0.95 in the incoming wastewater.
Anomalous photoluminescence properties of emissive polymer originating from modulated chemical structures affected by antioxidant effect of natural β-carotene
Authors: Magata Yuuki , Ohtani Naoki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We investigated the antioxidant effect of natural β-carotene on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of emissive polymers and extracted the β-carotene from spinach using column chromatography. The follow-up observation of the PL spectra of β-carotene-doped poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) revealed anomalous properties; the PL intensity gradually increased. In addition, the PL peaking-wavelength was blue-shifted. To evaluate this phenomenon, we performed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and PL measurements of other two emissive polymers whose chemical structures resemble those of MDMO-PPV. MDMO-PPV and β-carotene were mixed in the solution for the NMR measurement and irradiated by UV to accelerate the chemical reactions. NMR measurement clearly shows that the chemical structure of MDMO-PPV was changed by β-carotene-doping. In particular, the conjugated double-bond structure of the main chain backbone was shortened by the cleavage of the alkene, breaking the side chains of the methoxy groups. Thus, the origin of the blue-shifted PL spectra can be attributed to these changes in the MDMO-PPV’s chemical structure. To confirm this, the PL properties of MDMO-PPV and two other β-carotene-doped emissive polymers in oxygen gas were evaluated. Their PL intensities exhibited similar increases, but their peaking-wavelengths were not blue-shifted. This indicates that although β-carotene can improve the PL lifetime of emissive polymers, the chemical structures of some polymers can be easily destroyed.
Low temperature growth of In2O3 films via pulsed laser deposition with oxygen plasma
Authors: Pan Chengyu , Saito Katsuhiko , Tanaka Tooru , Guo Qixin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In2O3 films were deposited on c-plane sapphire substrates by using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) without and with oxygen plasma at various growth temperature. The crystal structure, optical properties and surface morphologies were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, spectrophotometer and atomic force microscope. XRD analysis revealed that all films have the body-centered cubic structure with a preferable (222) orientation. The results of XRC, Raman spectroscopy and spectrophotometer prove the superiority of plasma-assisted PLD. The low temperature growth of crystal In2O3 film paves the way to be compatible with the established silicon microfabrication processes.
Schottky barrier diodes fabricated on high-purity type-IIa CVD diamond substrates using an all-ion-implantation process
Authors: Shigematsu Seiya , Oishi Toshiyuki , Seki Yuhei , Hoshino Yasushi , Nakata Jyoji , Kasu Makoto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We fabricated a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) on ion-implanted diamond substrates. The SBDs contained lightly doped regions under the Schottky electrodes and heavily doped regions beneath the Ohmic contacts. The current remained below 6.4 × 10−11 A at reverse biases of up to 10 V, but increased sharply at a forward bias of −3.5 V. The Schottky barrier height and ideality factor under forward bias were estimated to be 1.1 eV and 10, respectively. The hole concentrations obtained by measuring the capacitance at various supplied voltages were in good agreement with the values obtained from the Hall effect measurements.
PENGARUH PROMOSI KESEHATAN DENGAN METODE CERAMAH DAN METODE CERAMAH DENGAN MEDIA VIDEO TERHADAP PERILAKU IBU HAMIL TENTANG PERSALINAN AMAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS BATUNADUA PADANGSIDEMPUAN TAHUN 2015
Authors: Yuliani Restu , Aritonang Evawany Y , Syarifah Syarifah 
Published: April 2021

Health promotion is basically a process of communication and behavior change process through health education. Health promotion activities can achieve maximum results, if the methods and media health promotion is of great concern and must be adapted to the target. The type of research was a quasi experimental (quasi experimental) with a pretest-posttest design, The population in this study, all pregnant women are entering the third trimester gestational age 37-39 weeks, in the region of 40 health centers Padangsidempuan Batunadua pregnant women. Samples numbered 40 pregnant women are 20 pregnant women group lecture and 20 pregnant women media group lecture with video media. The data were analyzed by using univariat and bivariat analysis with paired sample t-test pairs. The results showed that there are significant health promotion with a lecture and lecture with video media to change knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women on safe childbirth and health promotion methods most influential in improving knowledge, attitudes and actions of pregnant women in conducting safe childbirth in the work area Padangsidempuan Batunadua health centers is a lecture with video media. Need to improve knowledge and attitudes about safe childbirth so as to provide encouragement and support to pregnant women who give birth safely, health workers Batunadua Health Center suggested to use a lecture with video media in delivering health promotion to pregnant mothers because of a lecture with video media can portray a moving object together with natural sounds or sound accordingly.