bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Administration of Vitamin D3 and Geniposide Is Less Effective than Single Use of Vitamin D3 or Geniposide in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Lu Yingyu , Chen Jianqiang , He Xueling , Xu Shuoxi , Chen Yong-er , Gao Jie , Hou Shaozhen 
Published: September 2021

With the increasing incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China, Chinese medicinal herbs or relatively active compounds are widely applied in treating UC. These medicines may be combined with other therapeutic agents such as vitamin D3. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these combinations for UC is unclear. Geniposide is an active component in many Chinese herbal medicines. It could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–induced colitis in mice. This study was designed to determine the efficacy and mechanism of the single use and combination of geniposide and vitamin D3 on a mouse model of acute colitis. Data showed that a single administration of geniposide (2 mg/kg) or vitamin D3 (4 IU/day) could significantly improve the symptoms of UC and relieve colon damage. Geniposide and vitamin D could significantly decrease the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and colon, and increase the level of IL-10 in the colon. However, the combined treatment of geniposide (2 mg/kg) and vitamin D3 (4 IU/day) exerted less beneficial effects on UC in mice, indicating by less improvement of UC symptoms, colon damage, and inflammatory infiltration. The combination only downregulated the level of TNF-α in serum and IL-6 in the colon. Our data further demonstrated that geniposide could inhibit the activation of p38 MAPK and then restrict the vitamin D receptor signaling stimulated by vitamin D3. These results implied that the combination of geniposide and vitamin D3 might not be an ideal combined treatment for acute colitis, and the combination of vitamin D supplementary and geniposide (or herbal medicines rich in geniposide) need more evaluation before being applied to treat UC in clinic.
Selective STAT3 Inhibitor Alantolactone Ameliorates Osteoarthritis via Regulating Chondrocyte Autophagy and Cartilage Homeostasis
Authors: Pei Wenbin , Huang Xiaojian , Ni Bowei , Zhang Rui , Niu Guangyi , You Hongbo 
Published: September 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), which is identified by chronic pain, impacts the quality of life. Cartilage degradation and inflammation are the most relevant aspects involved in its development. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), a member of the STATs protein family, is associated with inflammation. Alantolactone (ALT), a sesquiterpene lactone compound, can selectively suppress the phosphorylation of STAT3. However, the pharmacological effect of ALT on OA is still imprecise. In this study, IL-1β (10 ng/ml) was applied to cartilage chondrocytes, which were treated with different concentrations of Alantolactone for 24 h. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX2), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and thrombospondin motifs-5 (ADAMTS5) were detected by western blot. Protein expression of Collagen Ⅱ was observed by western blot, safranin O staining and immunofluorescence. Manifestation of autophagy related proteins such as autophagy-related gene-5 (ATG5), P62, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and PI3K/AKT/mTOR-related signaling molecules were measured by western blot and autophagic flux monitored by confocal microscopy. Expression of STAT3 and NF-κB-related signaling molecules were evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence. In vivo, 2 mg/kg ALT or equal bulk of vehicle was engaged in the destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) mouse models by intra-articular injection, the degree of cartilage destruction was classified by Safranin O/Fast green staining. Our findings reported that the enhance of inflammatory factors containing iNOS, COX2, MMPs and ADAMTS5 induced by IL-1β could be ameliorated by ALT. Additionally, the diminish of Collagen Ⅱ and autophagy which was stimulated by IL-1β could be alleviated by ALT. Mechanistically, STAT3, NF-κB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathways might be involved in the effect of ALT on IL-1β-induced mouse chondrocytes. In vivo, ALT protected cartilage in the DMM mouse model. Overall, this study illustrated that ALT attenuated IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses, relieved cartilage degeneration and promoted impaired autophagy via restraining of STAT3 and NF-κB signal pathways, implying its auspicious therapeutical effect for OA.
Influential Factors of Non-suicidal Self-Injury in an Eastern Cultural Context: A Qualitative Study From the Perspective of School Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Zhou Ying , Li Li , Hou Yanfei , Liu Ding , Yang Xueling , Zhang Xiaoyuan 
Published: September 2021

Background: Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is becoming a serious public health concern worldwide. In recent years, there has seen a significant increase in both the growth rate and cases of NSSI in Eastern countries, such as Japan, India, and China. In China, most schools have a mental health office that comprises mental health professionals (MHPs), who are the first to respond to student mental health problems, which include NSSI. MHPs possess comprehensive knowledge as well as unique insight into adolescent NSSI. However, very few studies on NSSI have incorporated their perspectives. In this work, we seek to add novel insight by conducting a study focusing on adolescent NSSI from the perspective of MHPs.Methods: We recruited a total of 24 MHPs from different schools using purposive sampling and conducted a semi-structured interview on NSSI-related issues. Each interview was voice recorded and lasted ~30 min. A thematic analysis was performed for the responses to study the most common and concerning issues underlying NSSI.Results: We extracted three major themes and eight sub-themes from the interview records, which included (1) the impact of Chinese culture on NSSI (sex-bias discrimination, overly high expectations, and inappropriate parenting style); (2) life events in school (internet use, academic pressure, and romantic relationships); and (3) opinions on the status quo of NSSI in China (ignorance and stigma).Conclusion: Results showed that culturally sensitive influential factors, such as sex-bias discrimination, the imposing of unrealistic expectations for personal achievement, and inappropriate parenting style, should be given more attention to prevent, assess, and intervene in NSSI. Emerging factors of modern society and adolescent lifestyles, such as academic pressure, internet use, and romantic relationships, should also be considered for treatments.
Depressive Symptom and Associated Factors Among School Adolescents of Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Areas in Bangladesh: A Scenario Prior to COVID-19
Authors: Anjum Afifa , Hossain Sahadat , Hasan M. Tasdik , Alin Sayma Islam , Uddin Md. Elias , Sikder Md. Tajuddin 
Published: September 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptom and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban and rural adolescents in the Dhaka district of Bangladesh.Methods: A cross sectional study using two stage cluster sampling procedure was performed. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2,355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2,313 completed the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with depressive symptom among adolescents.Results: A total of 30.1% adolescents were found to be suffering from moderate to severely severe depressive symptom. Females (60.8%) were found suffering significantly more than males (39.2%). Sociodemographic factors, for example, residential setting and family size were found significantly associated with depressive symptom among adolescents. Adjusted estimate of logistic regression shows that physical inactivity (AOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.14–1.84), &gt;2 h/day screen time (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.39–2.03), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.64–3.96), and underweight body image perception (AOR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.70–3.13) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among adolescents.Conclusions: Among urban, semi-urban and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, depressive symptom is quite prevalent. To lessen the spread of depressive symptom among Bangladeshi adolescents, urgent steps should therefore be taken.
Safety Net Provider Attitudes Toward Smoking Cessation Treatment
Authors: Meredith Lindsay R. , Baskerville Wave-Ananda , Friedman Theodore C. , Hurley Brian , Dixon Tasha , Mtume Norma , Rodriguez Luz , Lopez Briana , Hsieh Susan , Ray Lara A. 
Published: September 2021

Background: Cigarette smoking, which poses significant health risks, is prevalent among vulnerable populations commonly treated by safety net providers. A large-scale implementation science project on specialty tobacco use treatment was launched within the Los Angeles County Health Agency. The first phase of this study seeks to summarize and compare smoking cessation treatment attitudes of providers at the Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Mental Health (DMH).Methods: In total, 467 safety net health care providers (DHS = 322; DMH = 145) completed a survey inquiring about attitudes on smoking cessation treatment consisting of locally developed items and those informed by a scale on readiness for organizational change. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were conducted to examine treatment attitudes for DHS and DMH providers.Results: Between agencies, providers largely reported similar attitudes on smoking cessation treatment and expressed positive beliefs regarding the efficacy of smoking cessation aids. Providers slightly or moderately agreed with being prepared to identify and diagnose tobacco use among patients. DMH providers stated that identification of tobacco use was less in line with their job responsibilities (p &lt; 0.0001) and less strongly agreed that varenicline is effective for smoking cessation (p = 0.003), compared with DHS providers.Conclusions: Providers supported smoking cessation aid efficacy but may benefit from additional training on identification and treatment of tobacco use. These findings support the implementation of specialty tobacco cessation treatment programs with training on medications in safety net health care systems, which has the potential to yield large-scale public health benefits.
Efficacy of COVID-19 Treatments: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Jin Huaqing , Wen Yi Feng , Yin Guosheng 
Published: September 2021

Background: We provided a comprehensive evaluation of efficacy of available treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: We searched for candidate COVID-19 studies in WHO COVID-19 Global Research Database up to August 19, 2021. Randomized controlled trials for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients published on peer-reviewed journals were included, regardless of demographic characteristics. Outcome measures included mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospital discharge and viral clearance. Bayesian network meta-analysis with fixed effects was conducted to estimate the effect sizes using posterior means and 95% equal-tailed credible intervals (CrIs). Odds ratio (OR) was used as the summary measure for treatment effect. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to estimate effect sizes of treatments grouped by the treatment classifications.Results: We identified 222 eligible studies with a total of 102,950 patients. Compared with the standard of care, imatinib, intravenous immunoglobulin and tocilizumab led to lower risk of death; baricitinib plus remdesivir, colchicine, dexamethasone, recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor and tocilizumab indicated lower occurrence of mechanical ventilation; tofacitinib, sarilumab, remdesivir, tocilizumab and baricitinib plus remdesivir increased the hospital discharge rate; convalescent plasma, ivermectin, ivermectin plus doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, nitazoxanide and proxalutamide resulted in better viral clearance. From the treatment class level, we found that the use of antineoplastic agents was associated with fewer mortality cases, immunostimulants could reduce the risk of mechanical ventilation and immunosuppressants led to higher discharge rates.Conclusions: This network meta-analysis identified superiority of several COVID-19 treatments over the standard of care in terms of mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospital discharge and viral clearance. Tocilizumab showed its superiority compared with SOC on preventing severe outcomes such as death and mechanical ventilation as well as increasing the discharge rate, which might be an appropriate treatment for patients with severe or mild/moderate illness. We also found the clinical efficacy of antineoplastic agents, immunostimulants and immunosuppressants with respect to the endpoints of mortality, mechanical ventilation and discharge, which provides valuable information for the discovery of potential COVID-19 treatments.
Perception by Palpation: Development and Testing of a Haptic Ferrogranular Jamming Surface
Authors: Rørvik Sigurd Bjarne , Auflem Marius , Dybvik Henrikke , Steinert Martin 
Published: September 2021

Tactile hands-only training is particularly important for medical palpation. Generally, equipment for palpation training is expensive, static, or provides too few study cases to practice on. We have therefore developed a novel haptic surface concept for palpation training, using ferrogranular jamming. The concept’s design consists of a tactile field spanning 260 x 160 mm, and uses ferromagnetic granules to alter shape, position, and hardness of palpable irregularities. Granules are enclosed in a compliant vacuum-sealed chamber connected to a pneumatic system. A variety of geometric shapes (output) can be obtained by manipulating and arranging granules with permanent magnets. The tactile hardness of the palpable output can be controlled by adjusting the chamber’s vacuum level. A psychophysical experiment (N = 28) investigated how people interact with the palpable surface and evaluated the proposed concept. Untrained participants characterized irregularities with different position, form, and hardness through palpation, and their performance was evaluated. A baseline (no irregularity) was compared to three irregularity conditions: two circular shapes with different hardness (Hard Lump and Soft Lump), and an Annulus shape. 100% of participants correctly identified an irregularity in the three irregularity conditions, whereas 78.6% correctly identified baseline. Overall agreement between participants was high (κ= 0.723). The Intersection over Union (IoU) for participants sketched outline over the actual shape was IoU Mdn = 79.3% for Soft Lump, IoU Mdn = 68.8% for Annulus, and IoU Mdn = 76.7% for Hard Lump. The distance from actual to drawn center was Mdn = 6.4 mm (Soft Lump), Mdn = 5.3 mm (Annulus), and Mdn = 7.4 mm (Hard Lump), which are small distances compared to the size of the field. The participants subjectively evaluated Soft Lump to be significantly softer than Hard Lump and Annulus. Moreover, 71% of participants thought they improved their palpation skills throughout the experiment. Together, these results show that the concept can render irregularities with different position, form, and hardness, and that users are able to locate and characterize these through palpation. Participants experienced an improvement in palpation skills throughout the experiment, which indicates the concepts feasibility as a palpation training device.
Gamma Irradiation and the Radiation Shielding Characteristics: For the Lead Oxide Doped the Crosslinked Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol Block Copolymers and the Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol-Boron Nitride Nanocomposites
Authors: Cinan Zehra Merve , Erol Burcu , Baskan Taylan , Mutlu Saliha , Savaskan Yilmaz Sevil , Yilmaz Ahmet Hakan 
Published: September 2021

This work aimed to research the efficiency of gamma irradiation and shielding characteristics on the lead oxide (PbO) doped the crosslinked polystyrene-b-polyethyleneglycol (PS-b-PEG) block copolymers and polystyrene-b-polyethyleneglycol-boron nitride (PS-b-PEG-BN) nanocomposites materials. The crosslinked PS-b-PEG block copolymers and PS-b-PEG-BN nanocomposites mixed with different percentage rates of PbO were used to research gamma-ray shielding characteristics. The synthesis of the copolymer was done by emulsion polymerization methods. The characterization and morphological analyses of irradiated samples were explored handling with the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) methods. The gamma-rays that were emitted from the E 152u source were observed with a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector system and examined with a GammaVision computer program. Our samples, including the different percentage rates of the PS-b-PEG (1000, 1500, 10,000), BN, and PbO, were irradiated in various gamma-ray photon energy regions (from 121.78 keV to 1408.01 keV). Then, Linear-Mass Attenuation Coefficients (LACs-MACs), Half-Tenth Value Layer (HVL), Mean Free Path (MFP), and Radiation Protection Efficiency (RPE) values of the samples were calculated. Via crosschecking the acquired data from samples with and without PbO and BN, it was observed that, if the different percentage rates by weight nano-powder of PbO and BN are added in the polymer mixture, it can be used as a convenient shielding material against gamma rays.
Phases of the Bose–Einstein Condensate Dark Matter Model with Both Two- and Three-Particle Interactions
Authors: Gavrilik Alexandre M. , Nazarenko Andriy V. 
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we further elaborate on the Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) dark matter model extended in our previous work [Phys. Rev. D 2020, 102, 083510] by the inclusion of sixth-order (or three-particle) repulsive self-interaction term. Herein, our goal is to complete the picture through adding to the model the fourth-order repulsive self-interaction. The results of our analysis confirm the following: while in the previous work the two-phase structure and the possibility of first-order phase transition was established, here we demonstrate that with the two self-interactions involved, the nontrivial phase structure of the enriched model remains intact. For this to hold, we study the conditions which the parameters of the model, including the interaction parameters, should satisfy. As a by-product and in order to provide some illustration, we obtain the rotation curves and the (bipartite) entanglement entropy for the case of a particular dwarf galaxy.
Efficacy of Salmonella Bacteriophage S1 Delivered and Released by Alginate Beads in a Chicken Model of Infection
Authors: Gomez-Garcia Janeth , Chavez-Carbajal Alejandra , Segundo-Arizmendi Nallelyt , Baron-Pichardo Miriam G. , Mendoza-Elvira Susana E. , Hernandez-Baltazar Efren , Hynes Alexander P. , Torres-Angeles Oscar 
Published: September 2021

Modern bacteriophage encapsulation methods based on polymers such as alginate have been developed recently for their use in phage therapy for veterinary purposes. In birds, it has been proven that using this delivery system allows the release of the bacteriophage in the small intestine, the site of infection by Salmonella spp. This work designed an approach for phage therapy using encapsulation by ionotropic gelation of the lytic bacteriophage S1 for Salmonella enterica in 2% w/v alginate beads using 2% w/v calcium chloride as crosslinking agent. This formulation resulted in beads with an average size of 3.73 ± 0.04 mm and an encapsulation efficiency of 70%. In vitro, the beads protected the bacteriophages from pH 3 and released them at higher pH. To confirm that this would protect the bacteriophages from gastrointestinal pH changes, we tested the phage infectivity in vivo assay. Using a model chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) infected with Salmonella Enteritidis, we confirmed that after 3 h of the beads delivery, infective phages were present in the chicken’s duodenal and caecal sections. This study demonstrates that our phage formulation is an effective system for release and delivery of bacteriophage S1 against Salmonella Enteritidis with potential use in the poultry sector.
MEJORAMIENTO DEL SISTEMA DE CAPTACIÓN - ADUCCIÓN - DESARENADOR ACUEDUCTO MUNICIPIO DE CALARCÁ, QUINDÍO
Authors: Monsalve-Durango Elkin Aníbal , García-Reinoso Pedro León , Lozano-Sandoval Gabriel 
Published: September 2021

La zona de capación del sistema de acueducto del Municipio de Calarcá en el Departamento del Quindío, localizada en la parte alta del Río Santo Domingo, constantemente quedaba inhabilitada por el alto flujo de material presente en este río de montaña con régimen torrencial. La empresa MULTIPROPÓSITO DE CALARCÁ S.A ESP encargada de prestar entre otros servicios el Acueducto del municipio, solicitó a la Universidad del Quindío, a través del Centro de Extensión de la Facultad de Ingeniería y con el apoyo del grupo de Investigación CIDERA, analizar la situación hidrológica e hidráulica presente, y realizar los estudios que permitieron establecer las acciones de intervención en la zona de captación y la optimización de cada una de las unidades y elementos conexos en captación, canal de aducción y desarenador.
TELAAH FITOKIMIA KULIT KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogaea, L).
Authors: Nisfi Ramdhini Rizki , Mulyani Isna , Aziz Syaikhul 
Published: September 2021

Peanut peel are a waste product of the peanut processing industry with little commercial value. Some of studies have been conducted indicating peanut peel can be beneficial as a source for traditional medicinal products since it is also rich of antioxidants. The aim of this research was to identify the content of secondary metabolites on the peanut peel. The method used was maseration with 96% ethanol. Phytochemical screening and assaying were performed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. The results of TLC analysis showed that the secondary metabolites in peanut peel were positive for flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and quinon.
Keywords: Peanut peel, Phytochemical, Thin-Layer chromatography (TLC)
La dynamique de montée en maturité des ruptures technologiques
Authors: Grison Xavier 
Published: September 2021

Cet article examine une douzaine de ruptures technologiques, concrétisées aux XX e et XXI e siècles pour identifier les caractéristiques génériques de leur montée en maturité. Cette dynamique est similaire à celle d’une rupture de fatigue : elle est précédée d’un long travail, dont la durée s’exprime en décennies. Elle est aussi détectable à l’avance. En revanche, ces exemples contredisent l’idée d’une accélération technologique actuelle. Enfin, cet article examine les freins souvent rencontrés dans la montée en maturité des ruptures technologiques, et sur la façon de les limiter : garder un volume de recherche dédié aux avancées à long terme et améliorer le dialogue, à tous les niveaux, entre les militaires et les ingénieurs de la Direction générale de l’armement (DGA).