bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural modification of trans-cinnamic acid using Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Velasco B. Rodrigo , Gil G. Jesús H. , García P. Carlos M. , Durango R. Diego L. 
Published: January 2024

The biotransformation of trans-cinnamic acid by whole cells of the Colombian native phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum acutatum was studied. Initially, fungitoxicity of this compound against C. acutatum was evaluated; trans-cinnamic acid exhibited a moderate to weak toxicity against the microorganism and apparently a detoxification mechanism was present. Then, in order to study such mechanism and explore the capacity of this fungus to biotransform trans-cinnamic acid into value-added products, the microorganism was incubated with the substrate using three different culture media (Czapeck-Dox, Sabouraud and PDB) at room conditions. Using Czapeck-Dox medium, whole cultures of C. acutatum reduced trans-cinnamic acid, first to aldehydes (trans-cinnamaldehyde and 3-phenylpropanal), then to alcohols (cinnamyl alcohol and 3-phenyl-1-propanol). Subsequently, these alcohols were transformed to the corresponding acetyl esters. Nevertheless, some of these products were absent or present at different concentration when culture medium was changed. The results suggest a mechanism of detoxification in which the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system is affected. Besides, the formed metabolic products are useful compounds used as fragrances and flavors. Therefore, metabolism of trans-cinnamic acid using C. acutatum can provide new potential metabolic targets to control C. acutatum as well as a simple and efficient way to obtain flavor compounds and perfumes, such as cinnamyl alcohol and 3-phenyl-1-propanol, and their acetyl esters.
Relationship between Medication Adherence and the Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Sulaimaniyah City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: Khdir Derin , Mohammed Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) implies the highest incidence of diabetic cases. T2DM is related to metabolic ailments in the pancreas, kidneys, liver, and intestines.

Objective: To determine the impact of adherence to antidiabetic medication (ADMs) on glycemic control in T2DM patients.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study enrolled 245 participants (119 intervention patients and 126 non-intervention patients) with T2DM in the Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from January to August 2021. ADMs used the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale Item 8 (MMAS-8). Also, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c %) were checked to assess glycemic control among the participants.

Results: The counseling program potentially improved ADMs as the rate of medium adherence increased significantly from 5.0% to 31.9% (p<0.001), with a significant improvement in glycemic control in the intervention group from 13.9% (before the intervention) to 21.8% (after the intervention) (p=0.039). However, there was no significant difference between ADMs and glycemic control (p>0.999).

Conclusion: Patients’ education and medication counseling significantly improved ADMs and glycemic control in people with T2DM.
Exclusive breastfeeding practices and predictors among mothers attending child care immunization services in Ebonyi state, Nigeria
Authors: Obande-Ogbuinya Edith N. , Afoke Eunice N. , Anyaeru Michael Joseph , Nwajioha Patrick Nwite , Orji Scholastica Amuchi , Nnubia Anthonia Ogechukwu , Okeke Ifeyinwa Maureen , Ogueri Emmanuel Obinna , Osuoha Chinedu Victor , Amanchi Amina Ogmula , Aleke Christian Okechukwu 
Published: January 2024

Background: Low adoption of exclusive breast feeding among mothers and its impact on the infants has been attributed to several factors. The im of the study was to assess exclusive breastfeeding practices and predictors among women attending child care immunization services at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).
Methods: The design of this study is cross-sectional survey. The population of the study comprised of 2100 women who registered for child care immunization services at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki from the month of January-March, 2023. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the participants. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, frequency counts and percentages and t test statistics.
Results: The results showed that the exclusive breastfeeding practices of the women were high (3.33±0.39). Also, EBP of the women was high based on age and parity. Although, there was no significant difference in the exclusive breastfeeding practices based on parity (p>0.05). However, there was significant difference in the exclusive breastfeeding practices based on age of the mothers (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The study concluded that to sustain the high practices of exclusive breastfeeding among women attending child care immunization services at AE-FUTHA, there is need to continue to engage them on seminars, workshops and conferences by health workers on the days of immunization with special focus to the younger age of the mothers in order to sustain the high EBPs.
Prevalence of hepatitis b and hepatitis d co-infection in blood donors and hospital patients in east district of Sikkim
Authors: Bhutia Chumila Thinley , Das Deepak 
Published: January 2024

Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) is a small RNA virus responsible for causing both acute and chronic liver disease in persons infected with Hepatitis B. Chronic HDV infection worsens the preexisting HBV-related liver damage. Several reports mention that Hepatitis B and D frequently occur together and is called co-infection. However, no major study has been done on Hepatitis D in this region. Routine screening is not done for detection of Hepatitis D. Therefore there is insufficient data on its incidence or prevalence in this part of India.The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and D coinfection in blood donors and hospital patients in East District of Sikkim.The one year study was carried out in Central Referral Hospital, Tadong and STNM Hospital (Sir Thutop Namgyal Memorial Hospital), Gangtok in the East district of Sikkim. A total of 64 serum samples positive for Hepatitis B were collected, analysed and screened for the presence of anti-HDV IgG antibody using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [Human hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibody (IgG) ELISA Kit]. Out of 64 samples positive for HBsAg that were analysed one sample (1.6%) was positive for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D co-infection.Though the incidence of Hepatitis B & D coinfection is low but routine screening of blood donors for Hepatitis D should be done due to substantial risk of severe chronic liver diseases.
The Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Reports On Sustainability of Donor-Funded Community-Based Education Projects: A Case of Arumeru District, Arusha Tanzania
Authors: Daniel John Wilson , Pallangyo Samson Emanuel 
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of monitoring and evaluation Reports on sustainability of donor-funded community -based education projects in Arumeru district. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. the study used a total of 102 participants. The study used a qualitative approach whereby interview and focus group discussion method were used during collection of data. An interview was used to gather data from the project implementers, whereas data from community members was collected through focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using Content Analysis method.
The findings revealed that, , sustainability of donor-funded community-based education projects in Arumeru District lay down on community participation and project implementers. Sustainability of donor-funded community-based education projects require effective monitoring, and evaluation, as well as resource mobilization. The findings recommended that, community participation should be improved through provision of education, and effective communication to the people or community members. Provision of education and effective communication will rise up awareness for the community members about their participation roles in the sustainability of donor-funded community-based education projects in Tanzania. Also, project implementers should focus on building the capacity of the local community to make sure the project’s sustainability. This includes training community members in project management, leadership, and technical skills. By empowering the community, they will better be equipped with skills and knowledge that will help them to maintain and run the project after the donor funding had ended. Measurement and evaluation reports hold stakeholders accountable for the resources they have committed to the project. By providing regular updates on the project’s progress. Also, measurement and evaluation reports ensure that stakeholders remain engaged and motivated to continue their support.
Thermodynamics of a Karatau and Aktobe phosphorites mixture interaction when producing phosphorus, calcium carbide and ferrosilicon
Authors: Shevko Viktor M. , Badikova Alexandra D. , Uteeva Raisa A. , Lavrov Boris A. , Amanov Daniel D. 
Published: January 2024

Relevance. Associated with the need to increase the level of comprehensive use of phosphorites during their electrothermal processing and to reduce the amount of slag waste generated during the production of phosphorus and polluting the environment. Aim. To conduct computer thermodynamic modeling of the effect of temperature and amount of iron on technological parameters of interaction of a Karatau and Aktobe phosphorites mixture with carbon and iron to produce phosphorus, calcium carbide and ferrosilicon. Objects. Phosphorites of the Karatau and Aktobe phosphorite-bearing basins. Methods. Thermodynamic computer modeling using the HSC Chemistry 6.0 software; rotatable second-order experiment planning technique; geometric optimization of technological parameters. Results. It has been established that depending on temperature in a mixture of Karatau and Aktobe phosphorites with carbon and iron, they participate in interaction: CaSiO3, SiO2, Si, SiC, SiO(g), MgSiO3, Al2SiO5, Na2SiO3 , Ca(g), CaO, CaC2, CaF2, CaS, Fe, FeSi, FeSiO3, FeP, Fe2P, Fe3P, FeP2, FeO, Fe3Si; Ca3(PO4)2, P2(g), P4(g). An increase in iron amount leads to an increase in the degree of silicon extraction into the alloy, and at 2000 °C reduces the extraction degree of calcium in CaC2 and the silicon concentration in the alloy. Branded calcium carbide with a volume of more than 230 dm3/kg and ferrosilicon FeSi25 are formed from a mixture of phosphorites, carbon and iron at 2077...2088 °C in the presence of 20...21.4 % iron and 43 % carbon (in this case, phosphorus is completely distilled off into the gas phase). Using our proposed method of electric smelting of phosphorites with phosphorus distillation and associated production of ferroalloy, in comparison with the traditional method, the indicator of integrated use of raw materials increases from 43.9 to 62.7...73.6 %, that is 1.43...1 ,67 times. The proposed processing technology helps to increase active reserves of phosphorites and bring low-grade phosphorites of the Aktobe basin into production.
Ritonavir reverses resistance to docetaxel and cabazitaxel in prostate cancer cells with acquired resistance to docetaxel
Authors: van der Putten Eric , Wosikowski Katja , Beijnen Jos H. , Imre Gábor , Freund Colin R. 
Published: January 2024

Aim: Docetaxel is a microtubule-stabilizing drug used for the treatment of several cancers, including prostate cancer. Resistance to docetaxel can either occur through intrinsic resistance or develop under therapeutic pressure, i.e., acquired resistance. A possible explanation for the occurrence of acquired resistance to docetaxel is increased drug efflux via P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug transporters.
Methods: We have generated docetaxel-resistant cell lines DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8 by exposing parental cell lines DU-145DOC and 22Rv1 to increasing levels of docetaxel. Gene expression levels between DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8 were compared with those of their respective originator cell lines. Both parental and resistant cell lines were treated with the taxane drugs docetaxel and cabazitaxel in combination with the P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir and the P-gp inhibitor elacridar.
Results: In the docetaxel-resistant cell lines DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8, the ABCB1 (P-gp) gene was highly up-regulated. Expression of the P-gp protein was also significantly increased in the docetaxel-resistant cell lines in a Western blotting assay. The addition of ritonavir to docetaxel resulted in a return of the sensitivity to docetaxel in the DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8 to a level similar to the sensitivity in the originator cells. We found that these docetaxel-resistant cell lines could also be re-sensitized to cabazitaxel in a similar manner. In a Caco-2 P-gp transporter assay, functional inhibition of P-gp-mediated transport of docetaxel with ritonavir was demonstrated.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ritonavir restores sensitivity to both docetaxel and cabazitaxel in docetaxel-resistant cell lines, most likely by inhibiting P-gp-mediated drug efflux.
Messages from the Winners
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: January 2024

Message from the Winner
Fumihiko Imamura
Message from the Winner
Ryohei Kato
Message from the Winner
Chun-Hao Shao
Message from the Winner
Pei-Chun Shao
Message from the Winner
Fang-Ming Kuo
Message from the Winner
Reo Kimura
BESTMITTEL AND SILICA FUME EFFECT ON CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH WITH SEAWATER CURING
Authors: Tandilino Frianto , Hutabarat Lolom Evalita , Simanjuntak Risma Masniari 
Published: January 2024

The frequency of tidal floods caused by seawater threatens coastal buildings. This study aims to see how using seawater for concrete treatment affects the resulting compressive strength. This study used additives such as Bestmittel to expedite hardening and boost compressive strength, as well as silica fume to increase porosity and prevent concrete from becoming porous owing to chloride ion intrusion from seawater. The findings of concrete compressive strength tests were achieved through laboratory testing using cylindrical test objects measuring 150 mm in diameter and 300 mm in height. The test specimens were ordinary concrete with 0.6% bestmittel and a Silica Fume combination with varying percentages of 15%, 20%, and 25% substituting partial cement. Meanwhile, the concrete treatment employs both fresh water and seawater. Pressure tests were performed at 14 and 28 days. At 14 days, concrete with fresh water treatment and a bestmittel content of 0.6% and silica fume concentrations of 15%, 20%, and 25% have compressive strengths of 25.53 MPa, 27.11 MPa, and 26.04 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, it was 26.34 MPa, 27.61 MPa, and 26.75 MPa after 28 days of concrete age. At 14 consecutive days of concrete age, concrete with seawater treatment had a reduced compressive strength. 19.66 MPa, 22.13 MPa, and 23.07 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, at 28 days, the pressures were 20.53 MPa, 24.77 MPa, and 25.53 MPa. Using 6% bestmittel followed by 15-20% SF can boost the strength of the concrete and let it survive reduced compressive strength due to seawater infiltration.
Role of Temperature on the Performance of In-Situ CO2 EOR
Authors: Hussain Sadam , Ahmed Zaheer , Zakir Mufaddal Murtaza , Iqbal Muneez , Wu Justin J. , Wu Xingru 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
As the temperature dramatically impacts many chemical reactions, the reservoir temperature is an essential parameter in selecting and designing chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) methods. For the in-situ CO2-enhanced oil recovery (ICE), reservoir temperature directly impacts the hydrolysis rate of a CO2-generating chemical agent. Below a critical temperature, the CO2 releasing rate is too low to be effective for ICE. Furthermore, temperature affects the CO2 solubility in oil and water phases and the CO2 partition coefficient between them. When the reservoir temperature is high enough, optimizing the oil recovery and injection slug size of the CO2-generating agent is a problem to be studied in this paper.
In this study, urea was injected as a CO2-generating agent. Three light, medium, and heavy hydrocarbon components were used as oils in a synthetic homogeneous 3D quarter 5-spot sector model. The injection temperature was 80 °F (300K). In the reservoir, urea hydrolysis generates CO2, which partitions into oil and water. The urea reaction kinetics used in the study are based on 1D history-matched laboratory data from previous studies. The Arrhenius model was used to calculate the urea hydrolysis reaction rate. Additionally, the Gibbs free energy of the urea hydrolysis reaction was computed to determine the critical reservoir temperature above which the hydrolysis would be favorable and spontaneous. A sensitivity study was conducted to study the temperature effect on ICE performance with an objective function of maximum recovery with constraints of a limited urea mass.
Based on both Arrhenius and Gibbs models, it was observed that the urea hydrolysis reaction was prolonged, became negative, and was non-spontaneous at temperatures below 70°C (~340K). It was concluded from the kinetic analysis that the urea hydrolysis reaction would not produce any CO2, and synergetic mechanisms of oil swelling, viscosity reduction, and wettability alteration would not happen if the reservoir temperature is below 70°C. Also, increasing the reaction rate close to this critical temperature would require a catalyst, such as NaOH (Wang 2018 and Wang et al. 2019). The 3D sector model also showed that optimum oil recovery at ten wt% urea concentration would be at ~260 °F (400K); minimal impact on oil recovery was observed above this temperature. Also, an additional 4-5% recovery was obtained post-cold waterflooding. On top of that, almost 90% CO2 generated CO2 dissolved in oil, resulting in oil swelling, viscosity, and IFT reduction. Hence, to apply urea as a CO2-generating agent, one of the critical design parameters is that the reservoir temperature must be higher than 70 °C (343 K).
As a promising and innovative EOR technique, ICE will be first studied for performance optimization. The study results can be used in reservoir screening and economic evaluation for the ICE actual field applications.
Successful Analytical Modeling of a Complex Dry Gas Field to Identify Potential Infill Opportunities
Authors: Syed Rafiah , Ejaz Muhtashim , Azeem Abdul , Mehmood Saad , Amjad Muhammad , Sirati Muhammad Attar , Ashraf Zaid , Yousaf Haleem 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The objective of the study is analytical modeling of a dry gas reservoir, with more than 30 drilled wells and 15+ years of production history, underlain by thick tight gas zone, that is highly compartmentalized (both structural and stratigraphic) and heterogenous (laterally and vertically).
The multi tank material balance model is created to address the major uncertainties within the compartments such as Fault Transmissibility, Aquifer Strength, Early Water Influx, Tight Gas Support, and its quantification by the integration of all the geological, fluid, rock, pressure, and the production data. Some of the structurally up-dip wells are watered out however down-dip wells continue to produce gas at reasonable rates with complete stability in the reservoir pressure.
The model has been history matched with multiple scenarios and showed that the pressure recharging observed in a certain compartment is from an additional GIIP feeding into the compartment through the underlying tighter zone rather than laterally from the other compartments. A weak aquifer encroachment in the same compartment is from an adjacent compartment having moderate water drive through fault breach.
Compartments are history matched with adequate pressure and Water Gas Ratio (WGR) by manipulating productivity indices for individual wells, modifying aquifer strength, inter-compartment transmissibility, pseudo relative permeability curves and impact of tight gas recharging. The quantitative estimation of minimum connected GIIP is performed by balancing the support through encroaching aquifer and tight gas recharging.
The scope included the estimation of the minimum connected Gas Initially in Place (GIIP), ascertain aquifer strength and direction as well as pressure recharging within the different compartments using pressure and production data. The study assisted in capturing the communication between the compartments and evaluation of remaining potential of the field. The results would then be used in subsequent numerical modelling with the possibility of increasing overall recovery from the field.
Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC 6075 Attenuates HFD-induced Obesity by Improving Gut Microbiota Composition and Histidine Biosynthesis
Authors: Zhuang Yun , Yang Shuai , Yang Dan , Gu Xiqun , Wang Yi , Chen Yang , Wang Zhenzhen , Chen Renjin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-obesity efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC 6075. The study analyzed metagenomic data from 120 obese and 100 non-obese individuals and found that the abundance of Lactobacillus acidophiluswas significantly higher in normal-weight individuals. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were treated with L. acidophilus via daily oral gavage for 12 weeks. After the experiment, the obesity phenotype was assessed, and the fecal 16S rRNA gene sequence was analyzed. Administration of L. acidophilus attenuated excessive weight gain and fat accumulation and maintained the intestinal barrier in HFD-induced obese mice. Sequencing results showed that HFD hindered α and β diversity while reducing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and norank_f_Muribaculaceaeand significantly increasing the relative abundance of Ilebacterium. L. acidophilus reversed these results and reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Supplementation of L. acidophilusenhanced histidine biosynthesis, inhibited the NF-κB pathway, and significantly reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors in adipose tissue. These results indicate that L. acidophilus CICC 6075 can significantly improve intestinal microbiota function, promote histidine synthesis, reduce systemic inflammation, and thereby inhibit obesity progression. This suggests that L. acidophilus CICC 6075 may be a good candidate probiotic for preventing obesity.
Molecular Similarities Between Trypanosoma Cruzi Microtubule Associated Proteins, Mammalian Interferons, and TRIM Genes
Authors: Pan Alfred , Winkler Martin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study identifies DNA sequence similarities between T. cruzi Genbank M21331, coding for Antigen 36, and genes in two families coding for innate immunity proteins: TRIM genes, and Interferon (INF) genes. From the bioinformatics analysis, TRIM37 and TRIM40 showed 18% and 9.7% identity, respectively, to M21331, and four other TRIM genes had identities greater than 5%. When human IFNα, IFN-β, and IFN-γ genes were compared to M12331, the percent identities were 13.6%, 12.6%, and 17.9%, respectively. To determine the minimum number of gene homologues of Antigen 36 (Ag36), a BLAST-p search was conducted with it versus the T. cruzi genome. The BLAST-p revealed that the Ag36 gene of T. cruzi had 14 homologous genes sequences (MAP genes with 100% amino acid sequence identity to M21331). To partially extend these findings to other non-human genes, a study of comparable TRIM21 region sequences among mammalian species showed that the relationship between the sequences were also present in canine, shrew, ferret, bat, feline, armadillo, and aardvark species. The function of this MAP gene family of T. cruzi genes having similarity to human innate immune genes is not known but may be related to the resistance of T. cruzi to the host innate immune system during its intracellular infection.