bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based hydrogels for antibiotic delivery
Authors:   , Minh Tu 
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate hydrogels fabricated via green approaches for drug delivery application. Biocompatible polymer-based drug delivery systems (DDS) have gained popularity in recent years because of their ability to improve the efficacy and safety of drug delivery by providing targeted and sustained release of drugs to reduce the frequency of dosing, making it more convenient for patients. Chitosan is one of the polymers commonly used for this purpose due to their higher water retention and porosity, which create space for loading medicine into the matrix. However, the potential utilization of endogenous and exogenous stimuli controlling drug release still remains challenging. Therefore, this research is focusing develop chitosan hydrogels used for targeted and controlled amoxicillin release. This study is divided into two main parts. Firstly, the fabrication and characterization of γ-irradiated chitosan (CS)/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels were conducted to figure out the optimal ratio of CS and PVA under different gamma irradiation doses from 10 kGy to 30 kGy. At the ratio of CS/PVA of 50/50, the gel contents, thermal stabilities, mechanical strengths, and swelling degrees significantly increased as compared to those of the neat PVA and CS hydrogels at 25 kGy. Based on the protonate and de-protonate of amino groups on CS backbones in an acidic or basic environment, those γ-irradiated CS/PVA hydrogels were explored as pH-responsive drug carriers. The percentage release of amoxicillin (Amox) was estimated at 85 % and 50 % at pH 2.1 and 7.4 in PBS media. Meanwhile, the amount of Amox was around 34 % at pH 5.5 in DI water. Secondly, ultrasound (US) triggered DDS based on CS/EGDE hydrogel was investigated. The release of Amox from the hydrogel matrix was triggered by US under different US powers (0, 10, 20, and 35 W) at 43 kHz using CS solutions of concentrations ranging from 1.5 wt% to 3 wt%. The greater Amox release was observed in 2% CS compared to 1.5, 2.5, and 3 wt% because of drug-encapsulated effectiveness, crosslink density, and the effect of US on the polymer matrix. Viscoelasticity of CS/EGDE/Amox hydrogel with or without US was carried out to evaluate the softening effect of US on CS/EGDE/Amox hydrogel for lower CS content at 1.5 and 2 wt%, meanwhile at 2.5 or 3 wt% of CS remained unchanged G' value at 0.01 % strain. Moreover, the hydrogels at higher CS concentrations like 2.5 and 3 wt% became somewhat rigid after US irradiation for 120 mins. To study the Amox release mechanism, several models consisting of zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, and Korsmeyer-Peppas were applied. It indicated that Amox release is mediated by a non-Fickian transport mechanism which means the release depended on both diffusion and swellable porous matrix.
Development of a gel-based electrolyte for determination of heavy metals using smartphone
Authors:   , Lersanantasit Nuntanuch 
Published: June 2024

Herein, a portable electrochemical device using biopolymeric gel-based electrolyte for the on-field simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) is presented. Pectin, a natural polymer, was used as a chemical delivery medium due to its biodegradation and fast-dissolving properties. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to detect electrochemical signal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) solution dropped on the pectin-based electrolyte platform. The modification of screen-printed graphene electrode with Sb-Bi bimetallic alloy using both in situ and pre-mixed method was able to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor. The experimental results demonstrated that the developed gel-based electrolyte was capable of generating sharp and well-defined current signals, achieving the low detection limits of 50.98 ng mL-1 for Cd(II) and 40.80 ng mL-1 for Pb(II). The reproducibility, as indicated by the relative standard deviation was found to be less than 10.4% (n=10), when coupled with the NFC potentiostat. Lastly, the obtained sensor was utilized to analyze and quantify the two metals in various samples of cannabis-infused drinking water. The recoveries were obtained within the acceptable range of 80-110%. Moreover, the newly designed platform exhibited several advantages, such as, small sample volume (µL), low-cost, no sample preparation requirements, and biodegradability.
Development of duplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (dLAMP) for detection of carbapenem antibiotic-resistant genes KPC and NDM
Authors:   , Lubis Nindi 
Published: June 2024

Carbapenems are regarded as a last-resort option for treating a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. Unfortunately, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant genes has been on the rise among patients. Some factors contribute to this trend, including prolonged hospital stays, prior antibiotic usage, inappropriate or insufficient antibiotic treatment, and contamination through wounds or feces. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant (CR) genes gained significant attention, particularly after 2005. These CR genes are frequently carried on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids or transposons, enabling their transmission to other bacteria. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and New delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) stand out as the most prevalent CR genes, both in Southeast Asian countries and worldwide. These genes exhibit numerous subtypes, with 123 and 43 subtypes for KPC and NDM, respectively. Hence, in this study, our focus was on KPC and NDM as the most widespread CR genes that have been responsible for numerous global outbreaks in recent times. We developed universal primers for KPC and NDM genes, aiming to detect the subtypes using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) techniques. Additionally, we developed a duplex-LAMP assay which is capable of simultaneously detecting both genes in a single reaction. As a result, the developed dLAMP can detect KPC and NDM in a single reaction using an optimum temperature and incubation time of 55 minutes at 65°C temperature. For visualization, using hydroxyl naphthol blue (HNB) which changed from violet (negative) to blue (positive). With optimum MgSO4 and HNB concentration, 6.5 mM, and 180 mM, showed the highest absorbance at 650 nm. The developed universal primers KPC and NDM proved to be specific only for detecting both genes using PCR. Furthermore, the sensitivity of developed dLAMP in the detection of both genes was ten times higher compared to traditional PCR with approximately 1 hour to determine the positive results of dLAMP.
The impact of the pandemic on the lived experience of people with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Lima de Araújo Juliana , Policarpo Carmo Catiane , Bloc Lucas , Moreira Virgínia 
Published: June 2024

Objective: This article aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lived experience of people with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD). Method: Using the critical phenomenological method, guided by the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty, phenomenological interviews were carried out with 06 participants diagnosed with BAD who were already followed up by a health service linked to the teaching clinic of a University. Results: The units of meaning attributed to the interviewees' accounts were divided into four categories: 1) Intense and reduced cycles; 2) Imprisonment of existence; 3) The other that perplexes me; and 4) Dealing with feelings. The experiences described denote a reduction in the possibilities caused by feelings of fear, imprisonment, irritation, confusion and loss, which present themselves as a circular and intense void. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people who experience BAD by intensifying the complexity of their illness, making specific forms of care necessary which can provide the reconstruction of their experiences with BAD in the pandemic, as well as providing new meanings to their lives.
¿Vivir de la literatura? Condiciones del trabajo literario en el Río de la Plata
Authors: Simonetti Paula 
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo analiza las condiciones de trabajo, los desafíos y las dinámicas que configuran la producción literaria, entre escritores contemporáneos en las ciudades de Buenos Aires y Montevideo. Los escritores representan un caso ejemplar del doble movimiento de profesionalización y precarización característico de los sectores culturales a nivel internacional. Además, los bajos niveles de codificación del oficio de escritor/a refuerzan la importancia de prácticas informales que regulan la vida literaria y sus condiciones materiales de ejercicio. Existe un vacío en el conocimiento de los fundamentos sociales, materiales y simbólicos de la producción literaria actual en la región, así como de las dinámicas específicas del trabajo artístico y cultural. Este artículo se propone realizar un aporte en ambos sentidos. Para ello, implementamos una encuesta que alcanzó a 147 escritores y escritoras. Entre los resultados, se destaca la presencia extendida de la "doble vida", donde la escritura ocupa un sitio marginal entre las ocupaciones que proveen sostén económico. Además, se revelan disparidades de género en términos de publicaciones y reconocimientos, se explora la relación entre las y los escritores y el mundo editorial, así como las tensiones en mercados culturales que a menudo no reconocen ni remuneran adecuadamente el trabajo. Este estudio se inscribe en discusiones más amplias sobre el valor, reconocimiento y condiciones laborales en el trabajo artístico y cultural en sociedades contemporáneas.ORCID iD: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8924-0358Identificador permanente (ARK): http://id.caicyt.gov.ar/ark:/s18535925/xsq8gos1r
Studies on the Nutritional, Minerals, Mineral Ratio, Anti-nutritional, Molar Ratio and Antioxidant Compositions of Four Selected Leafy Wild Vegetables in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: M. Janet Ayeni , S. Dele Oyeyemi , T. Favour Olaleye , B. Gladys Adeleke 
Published: June 2024

The study investigated the nutritional, mineral Anti-nutritional factors, molar ratios and antioxidants compositions in the leaves of four selected wild edible vegetables (Piper guinensis, Piper umbelatum, Celosia argentia and Jatropha tajorensis) collected in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The proximate, minerals and anti-nutrient compositions of the samples were determined using standard procedures. Also antioxidant activity of the samples were detected using standard assays such as 1, 1, diphenyl-2-2 picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP).The mineral ratio, molar ratio and Mineral Safety Index were calculated from mineral results. The results of the proximate compositions for the four wild vegetables for moisture content, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein and carbohydrate ranged from 11.16 - 12.15%, 2.76-4.03%, 4.07 -7.31%, 13.33-16.73%, 7.36 – 10.09%, and 52.09 -58.22% respectively,. The results of the mineral composition revealed high content of K, moderate content of Ca, P, and low contents of Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and very low concentrations of Pb and Ni. Cd was absent in all the samples investigated. Zn/Cu and Fe/Cu ratios indicated low copper load. Antinutrients factors in the vegetable were low with the exception of phytate which can be reduced to non-toxic level through boiling or cooking. The calculated mole ratio for [Phy][Zn], [Ca]/[Phy], [Phy]/[Fe] and [Ca][Phy]/[Zn] conformed with the standard values. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that the wild vegetables are good natural antioxidant sources. The assessment of the vegetables showed that they are rich sources of crude protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate with high energy calories. The mineral ratios and mineral safety index suggested that the minerals could not pose any mineral load to human body. Hence, the vegetables could be explored as supplement diet for man. The vegetables could provide the needed nutrition health benefit and also help in addressing the problem of food security in Nigeria.
Der Ausgleichsanspruch des Handelsvertreters nach slowenischem Recht im Lichte der EU-Richtlinie 653/86 — The commercial agent’s indemnity under Slovenian law in the light of EU Directive 653/86
Authors: Kerčmar Sebastjan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The article outlines the regime for commercial agent’s indemnity in the Slovenian legal system. Although the indemnity regime in all EU member states is based on the Commercial Agents Directive, the Slovenian regime deviates significantly from the German regime, which was supposedly drawn upon by the Slovenian legislature, as well as from other comparable regimes. It is therefore essential for economic operators entering the Slovenian market to have an understanding of the indemnity regime under Slovenian law. In the article, the author explains the prerequisites for a commercial agent’s entitlement to indemnity under the specific Slovenian regime, discusses the compatibility of the Slovenian regime with the Commercial Agents Directive, explains other important differences compared to other regimes, and finally discusses the possibility of analogous application of Slovenian indemnity provisions to other types of contracts.
Preparing for Chemical Terrorism: A Study of the Stability of Expired Pralidoxime (2-PAM)
Authors: Hoffman Robert S. , Mercurio-Zappala Maria , Bouchard Nicole , Ravikumar Padinjarekuttu , Goldfrank Lewis 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives: Oximes such as pralidoxime (2-PAM) are essential antidotes for life-threatening organophosphate poisoning. Unfortunately, oximes are expensive, have limited use, and have short shelf lives. As such, maintaining large stockpiles in preparation for terrorist activity is not always possible. We have demonstrated that atropine is stable well beyond its labeled shelf life and that recently expired 2-PAM was clinically efficacious in a series of poisoned patients. Because 2-PAM is often dosed empirically, clinical improvement does not guarantee pharmacological stability. We therefore chose to analyze the chemical stability of expired 2-PAM.Methods: Samples of lyophylized 2-PAM were maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations for 20 years beyond the published shelf life. We studied 2-PAM contained in a MARK I autoinjector that was stored properly for 3 years beyond its expiration date. An Agilent LC/MSD 1100 with diode-array detector and an Agilent Sorbax SB-C-18, 4.6 × 150-mm, 5-μm column were used with the following solvent systems: water with 0.01% trifluoroacetic acid and methanol with 0.01% trifluoroacetic acid. Fresh reagent grade 2-PAM was used as a standard. Results were repeated for consistency.Results: Lyophylized 2-PAM was a white powder that was clear and colorless in solution. Liquid chromatography was identical to the standard and resulted in 2 isolated peaks with identical mass spectra, suggesting that they are stereoisomers. The autoinjector discharged a clear, yellowish solution. In addition to the 2 peaks identified for lyophylized 2-PAM, a small third peak was identified with a mass spectra corresponding to the reported N -methyl pyridinium carboxaldehyde degradation product.Conclusions: When properly stored, lyophylized 2-PAM appears to be chemically stable well beyond its expiration date. Although the relative amount of degradation product found in solubilized (autoinjector) 2-PAM was small, it is unclear whether this may be toxic and therefore is of concern. Further studies performed with lots of drug stored under varied conditions would be required to fully determine the stability of expired 2-PAM.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:20–25)
HIV/AIDS: 30 Years of progress and future challenges
Authors: Killian M. Scott , Levy Jay A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAcquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first described 30 years ago in a report from the US Centers for Disease Control. Two years later the causative virus was identified and afterwards named the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This article reviews the progress made in the three decades since the recognition of AIDS and the discovery of HIV, with respect to the virus, the infected cell, and the host, as well as directions for future studies.
Forecasting Private Consumption by Consumer Surveys
Authors: Dreger Christian , Kholodilin Konstantin Arkadievich 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTSurvey‐based indicators are widely seen as leading indicators for economic activity. As such, consumer confidence might be informative for the future path of private consumption. Although the indicators receive high attention in the media, their forecasting power often appears to be very limited. This paper takes a fresh look at the data that serve as a basis for the consumer confidence indicator (CCI) reported by the EU Commission for the euro area. Different pooling methods are applied to exploit the survey information. Forecasts are based on mixed data sampling (MIDAS) and bridge equations. While the CCI does not outperform the autoregressive benchmark, the new indicators are able to raise forecasting performance. The best performing indicator should be built upon pre‐selection methods. Data‐driven aggregation methods should be preferred to determine the weights of the individual ingredients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cold tolerance and cold‐induced modulation of gene expression in two Drosophila virilis group species with different distributions
Authors: Vesala L. , Salminen T. S. , Laiho A. , Hoikkala A. , Kankare M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe importance of high and low temperature tolerance in adaptation to changing environmental conditions has evoked new interest in modulations in gene expression and metabolism linked with stress tolerance. We investigated the effects of rapid cold hardening and cold acclimatization on the chill coma recovery times of two Drosophila virilis group species, Drosophila montana and D. virilis, with different distributions and utilized a candidate gene approach to trace changes in their gene expression during and after the cold treatments. The study showed that cold acclimatization clearly decreases chill coma recovery times in both species, whereas rapid cold hardening did not have a significant effect. Microarray analysis revealed several genes showing expression changes during different stages of cold response. Amongst the 219 genes studied, two genes showed rather consistent expression changes: hsr‐omega, which was up‐regulated in both study species during cold acclimatization, and Eip71CD, which was down‐regulated in nearly all of the cold treatments. In addition, 29 genes showed expression changes that were more treatment‐ and/or species specific. Overall, different stages of cold response elicited changes mainly in genes involved in heat shock response, circadian rhythm and metabolism.
A practical model of development for China's National Quality Course Plan
Authors: Long Wang , Håklev Stian 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe Chinese National Quality Course Plan is a large‐scale project by the Ministry of Education, which has led to the production of more than 12 000 courses from some 700 universities since 2003. This paper describes in detail the purpose of the project and how it is organized at all levels, including how individual courses get selected at university level, provincial level and national level. The paper discusses the similarities and differences between the Chinese project and Open Educational Resources projects around the world, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) OpenCourseWare. The Chinese project is unique, not only because of its highly centralized organization and funding but also because its purpose is not just to produce open resources but to use the production of open resources to drive curriculum reform and quality improvement in Chinese higher education.
On the Role of Risk Versus Economies of Scope in Farm Diversification With an Application to Ethiopian Farms
Authors: Chavas Jean‐Paul , Di Falco Salvatore 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article investigates the economics of farm diversification. The analysis assesses economies of diversification using a certainty equivalent measure. It identifies two components: one associated with expected income, and one associated with risk exposure. This integrates two lines of research explored in previous literature: economies of scope and risk management. We examine the roles played by complementarity, scale and concavity effects in economies of diversification. The approach is applied to diversification decisions made on Ethiopian farms, with a focus on production uncertainty. The econometric analysis finds large complementarity benefits, providing incentives to diversify. But this is tempered by (non)‐concavity effects that provide incentives to specialise. The analysis also documents how risk affects diversification, including both variance and skewness effects. It provides new insights on economic tradeoffs between farm diversification and specialisation.
Synbiotic (probiotic and ginger extract) loaded floating beads: a novel therapeutic option in an experimental paradigm of gastric ulcer
Authors: Singh Pramod Kumar , Kaur Indu Pal 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the use of a bioactive phytochemical, namely ginger extract (GE), for its antioxidant and antiulcer effects, and also for supporting probiotic growth and activity. Use of probiotics is limited in therapy because of their transience and inability to survive the adverse physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Packaging probiotics in a suitably designed pharmaceutical system with GE may facilitate their establishment in the stomach mucosa.

Methods
A probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and GE were simultaneously and individually encapsulated/immobilized in alginate floating beads. The developed system was evaluated for diameter, buoyancy, entrapment, porosity, in-vitro viability/release and pharmacodynamics in a cold restraint stress induced gastric ulcer model in rats.

Key finding
The developed floating beads stayed in the stomach for more than 10 h and both agents were released slowly and over a prolonged period from these beads. Significant and promising results were obtained for the combination (synbiotic) system in terms of ulcer index, mucus secretion, oxidative stress and histopathological parameters, as compared with the individual agents. The developed system could completely revert the damage induced in ulcerated stomachs at physiological (ulcer index and mucus secretion), biochemical (oxidative stress) and histological levels.

Conclusion
This study establishes that suitable packaging of GE and Lactobacillus acidophilus together in floating beads can help exploit their prospects as therapeutic curative agents rather than potential preventive agents.