Comunicação de más notícias em cuidados paliativos: estudo bibliométrico / Communication of bad news in palliative care: bibliometric study / Comunicación de malas noticias en cuidados paliativos: estudio bibliométrico

Os cuidados paliativos compreendem a melhora da qualidade de vida e o alívio dos sintomas de pacientes que enfrentam doenças que ameaçam a continuidade da vida e de seus familiares. Para tal, é necessário habilidade comunicativa, a fim de uma boa condução ao transmitir uma má notícia. Buscou-se compreender como se configura a produção científica nacional e internacional que aborda a comunicação de más notícias em cuidados paliativos. A pesquisa de revisão, de análise bibliométrica, analisou 25 artigos dos últimos cinco anos (entre 2016 e 2020) disponíveis na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS/Bireme). Os resultados revelaram publicações de 134 autores em 16 periódicos de diferentes países. Parte dos estudos foi realizadacom profissionais de saúde em hospitais e apresentam abordagem quantitativa. A comunicação de más notícias ainda se mostra um desafio para profissionais, pacientes e familiares.

The palliative care comprises improving the quality of life and relieving the symptoms of patients facing illnesses that threaten the continuity of life and their families. For this, communicative ability is necessary, in order to conduct well when transmitting bad news. We sought to understand how the national and international scientific production on communication of bad news in palliative care is configured. The literature review research, based on bibliometrics, analysed 25 articles from the last five years (between 2016 and 2020) available in the Virtual Health Library (BVS/Bireme). The results revealed publications by 134 authors in 16 journals from different countries. Some of the studies were carried out with health professionals in hospitals and have a quantitative approach. Communicating bad news is still a challenge for professionals, patients and their families.

Los cuidados paliativos comprenden mejorar la calidad de vida y aliviar los síntomas de los pacientes que enfrentan enfermedades que amenazan la continuidad de vida y sus familias. Para ello es necesaria la habilidad comunicativa, a fin de poder transmitir adecuadamente las malas noticias. Buscamos comprender cómo se configura la producción científica nacional e internacional que aborda la comunicación de malas noticias en cuidados paliativos. La investigación de revisión de literatura, basada en el análisis bibliométrico, analizó 25 artículos de los últimos cinco años (entre 2016 y 2020) disponibles en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS/Bireme). Los resultados revelaron publicaciones de 134 autores en 16 revistas de diferentes países. Parte de los estudios se realizaron con profesionales de la salud en hospitales y tienen un enfoque cuantitativo. La comunicación de malas noticias sigue siendo un desafío para profesionales, pacientes y sus familiares.

Producción científica de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción en bases de datos internacionales

Introducción: La difusión y visibilidad de la producción científica son cruciales para lograr un impacto significativo. En este sentido, las bases de datos con cobertura internacional juegan un papel fundamental. Objetivo: Este estudio buscó caracterizar la producción científica de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción en 2022 mediante el análisis de tres bases de datos con cobertura internacional: Web of Science, Scopus y PubMed. Metodología: El estudio empleó un enfoque bibliométrico. Los registros bibliográficos fueron recolectados entre mayo y junio de 2023 utilizando la opción de búsqueda por afiliación "Universidad Nacional de Asunción" en las tres bases de datos. Los resultados de la búsqueda fueron filtrados en base a los criterios especificados por las bases de datos, limitando la búsqueda a artículos publicados en revistas científicas en el año 2022. Resultados: Se recogieron un total de 263 artículos, la mayoría de ellos publicados en revistas de alto impacto por editoriales reconocidas internacionalmente. El autor más prolífico tenía 30 artículos publicados, y la mayoría de los trabajos reflejaban la colaboración entre autores de la UNA como coautores. En cuanto al número de artículos por título de revista, el mayor número fue de 8, 7 y 4 artículos en Web of Science, Scopus y PubMed, respectivamente. Los editores más importantes de los artículos fueron Elsevier, Springer y Wiley, entre otros. Discusión: El análisis de los 263 artículos publicados indica la fuerte presencia de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción en revistas de alto impacto y editoriales de renombre internacional, particularmente en el campo de la Psiquiatría debido a la relevancia de la pandemia en la salud mental. Destaca la colaboración internacional de los autores de la UNA, pero hay margen de mejora, como la presentación uniforme de la afiliación universitaria. La indexación de los artículos en bases de datos internacionales es crucial para la visibilidad.

Introduction: The dissemination and visibility of scientific production are crucial for achieving significant impact. In this regard, databases with international coverage play a vital role. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the scientific production of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción in 2022 by analyzing three databases with international coverage: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Methodology: The study employed a bibliometric approach. The bibliographic records were collected between May and June 2023 using the search option by affiliation "Universidad Nacional de Asunción" in the three databases. The search results were filtered based on the criteria specified by the databases, limiting the search to articles published in scientific journals in 2022. Results: A total of 263 articles were collected, with most of them published in high-impact journals by internationally recognized publishers. The most prolific author had 30 published articles, and most papers reflected collaboration between UNA authors as co-authors. Regarding the number of articles per journal title, the highest number was 8, 7, and 4 articles in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, respectively. The most important publishers of the articles were Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley, among others. Discussion: The analysis of the 263 published articles indicates the strong presence of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción in high-impact journals and internationally renowned publishers, particularly in the field of Psychiatry due to the relevance of the pandemic on mental health. The international collaboration of UNA authors stands out, but there is room for improvement, such as the uniform presentation of university affiliation. The indexing of the articles in international databases is crucial for visibility.

Ethics and Welfare in invertebrates: a stepping-stone to research and animal production / Ética y bienestar en invertebrados: una piedra fundamental en investigación y producción animal

Abstract Introduction: Even though only a few species are considered to be dangerous, pests or vectors, the majority of invertebrates produce a feeling of aversion in humans. This has contributed to the delay in the development of ethical considerations as regards this group in contrast with vertebrates, with the exception of cephalopods. Objective: In the present study, we provide an overview of the current situation on animal ethics and welfare in order to contribute to the development of a framework for ensuring invertebrate welfare. Methods: Today, animal welfare is multidisciplinary in nature to a very high degree as it includes ethology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, nutrition, cognitive-neural, veterinary medicine, and ethics. Animal welfare is a complex concept, difficult to achieve successfully from one perspective. Results: As a consequence, we propose to include the five domains (nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental state) along with the three conceptions (basic health and functioning, affective state and natural living), as well as the 5R Principle (Replace, Reduction, Refinement, Respect and Responsibility) in seeking to achieve a comprehensive welfare state. Conclusions: We consider that in both research and animal production, the individual and collective ethical concerns coexist and, in fact, the main moral concern to account for is the collective one and that, within that collective view, the individual moral concern should be applied with responsibility and respect for the individual. Finally, we propose a practical example of invertebrate welfare production in sea urchin aquaculture with the aim of including animal production of invertebrates in this important discussion.

Resumen Introducción: Aunque sólo unas pocas especies son consideradas peligrosas, plagas o vectores, la mayoría de los invertebrados producen un sentimiento de aversión en el ser humano. Esto ha contribuido al retraso en el desarrollo de consideraciones éticas respecto a este grupo en comparación con los vertebrados, a excepción de los cefalópodos. Objetivo: En el presente trabajo, proporcionamos una visión general de la situación actual en materia de ética y bienestar animal con el fin de contribuir al desarrollo de un marco para garantizar el bienestar de los invertebrados. Métodos: Hoy en día, el bienestar animal es de naturaleza multidisciplinaria en un grado muy alto, ya que incluye etología, fisiología, patología, bioquímica, genética, inmunología, nutrición, cognitivo-neural, medicina veterinaria y ética. El bienestar animal es un concepto complejo, difícil de lograr con éxito desde una sola perspectiva. Resultados: Como consecuencia, proponemos incluir los cinco dominios (nutrición, ambiente, salud, comportamiento y estado mental) junto con las tres concepciones (Salud básica y funcionamiento, estado afectivo y vida natural), así como el Principio 5R (Reemplazar, Reducir, Refinar, Respetar y Responsabilidad) en la búsqueda de alcanzar un estado de bienestar integral. Conclusiones: Consideramos que tanto en la investigación como en la producción animal coexisten las preocupaciones éticas individuales y colectivas y, de hecho, la principal preocupación moral a dar cuenta es la colectiva y que, dentro de esa visión colectiva, se debe aplicar la preocupación moral individual. con responsabilidad y respeto por la persona. Finalmente, proponemos un ejemplo práctico de producción de bienestar de invertebrados en la acuicultura de erizos de mar con el objetivo de incluir la producción animal de invertebrados en esta importante discusión.

Métricas de los artículos publicados en la revista científica Finlay, 2011-2022 / Metrics of the articles published in the Finlay journal, 2011-2022

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar los artículos publicados en la revista científica Finlay durante el periodo 2011-2022. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, bibliométrico sobre los artículos publicados en la revista científica Finlay. El universo estuvo conformado por 525 artículos. No se aplicó técnicas de muestreo. Las variables analizadas fueron cantidad de artículos, año de publicación, cantidad y procedencia de los autores, tipo, temática central de los artículos, tipo de estudios, cantidad de referencias y referencias con cinco años de antigüedad, cantidad de citas por artículos y recibidas por la revista por años. Se aplicó la estadística descriptiva e indicadores bibliométricos. Resultados: Destacó el año 2021, con 60 investigaciones (11,38 %). Predominaron los artículos con tres autores (155; 29,52 %); sobresalió Cienfuegos, con 1074 autores (59,40 %), y prevalecieron los artículos originales (AO) (243; 46,28 %). El mayor índice de Price (IP) (0,80) lo presentaron las imágenes en la medicina (IM). Dentro de los AO, sobresalieron las investigaciones con metodología de enfoque observacional-descriptivo (225 artículos publicados, equivalente a un 92,59 % respecto al total de AO). Destacaron investigaciones relacionadas con enfermedades cardiovasculares (116; 22,09 %). Se recibieron 4870 citas, con predominio del año 2017, con un número de citas corregidas (NCC) de 38,3; mientras que, en el año 2020, hubo 3,27 de factor de impacto (FI). Conclusiones: La revista Finlay constituye un órgano científico para la difusión de resultados investigativos con amplios logros y experiencias en la gestión editorial. Su crecimiento ha sido exponencial en cuanto a la cantidad de artículos publicados, con predominio en el año 2021. En sus números se recogen investigaciones que muestran la colaboración entre autores tanto nacionales como extranjeros, y en donde se resalta los resultados de los investigadores del territorio. Al respecto, las temáticas son referentes a problemas de salud que se recogen en los programas de salud prioritarios para el sector, fundamentados en investigaciones originales en mayor medida, y aparejado a un crecimiento de las citas recibidas en especial en el 2017.

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the articles published in the Finlay journal during the period between 2011 and 2022. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, bibliometric study was carried out on the articles published in the Finlay journal. The universe consisted of 525 articles. Sampling techniques were not used. The analyzed variables were number of articles, year of publication, number of authors, origin of the authors, type of article, main theme of the articles, type of study, number of references, number of 5-year-old references, number of citations per article and number of citations received by the journal per year. A descriptive statistics and bibliometrics were used. Results: The year 2021 stood out with 60 research works (11.38 %). Articles with three authors prevailed (155; 29.52 %), Cienfuegos stood out with 1,074 authors (59.40 %) and original articles (OA) predominated (243; 46.28 %). Images in medicine (IM) had the highest Price's Index (0.80). Among the OA, research works with an observational-descriptive approach prevailed (225 published articles, which accounted for 92.59 % out of the total number of OA). Research related to cardiovascular diseases predominated (116; 22.09 %). A total of 4,870 citations were received, most of them from 2017, with a number of corrected citations (NCC) of 38.3. Meanwhile, the year 2020 had an impact factor (IF) of 3.27. Conclusions: The Finlay journal is a scientific body for the dissemination of research results with extensive achievements and experiences in editorial management. Its growth has been exponential in terms of the number of articles published, prevailing the year 2021. Its issues include research works that show the collaboration between national and foreign authors, highlighting the results of the Cienfuegos province's researchers. In this regard, the topics focus on health problems that are included in the sector's priority health programs, based on original research to a greater extent and coupled with a higher number of citations received especially in 2017.

Quality Evaluation of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma in Different Production Methods Based on Traditional Traits / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBased on the experience of traditional quality evaluation， the quality of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma（AMR） with different production methods such as direct seeding， transplanting after seedling raising， topping and non-topping， and difference in growth years was compared. MethodVernier caliper was used to measure the trait data of AMR in different production methods. Paraffin sections of AMR with different production methods were made by saffron solid green staining， and the microstructure was observed. The contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts in AMR with different production methods were determined according to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The content of water-soluble total polysaccharides in AMR with different production methods was detected by sulfuric acid-anthrone method. Fiber analyzer was used to detect the content of fiber components in AMR with different production methods. The contents of monosaccharides， oligosaccharides and some secondary metabolites in AMR with different production methods were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography（UPLC）， and the differences of chemical components were compared by multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis（PCA） and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA）. ResultIn terms of traits， the 3-year-old AMR with direct seeding and without topping was close to the high-quality AMR with "phoenix-head and crane-neck， strong sweetness and clear aroma" recorded in ancient materia medica， followed by the 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting， while the 2-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting with high market circulation rate was generally fat and strong with mild odor. In the microscopic aspect， the arrangement of xylem vessels and fiber bundles in the 3-year-old samples formed two obvious rings. Compared with the 2-year-old samples cultivated in Bozhou and Zhejiang， the 3-year-old samples without topping after transplanting had more wood fibers. In terms of chemical composition， the contents of 70% ethanol extract， fructose， glucose， sucrose， 1-kestose， atractylenolide Ⅰ， chlorogenic acid， neochlorogenic acid， cryptochlorogenic acid and other components in 3-year-old AMR with direct seeding and without topping were significantly higher than those in the other three samples（P<0.05）. The contents of cellulose， 70% ethanol extract， sucrose， atractylenolide Ⅰ， atractylone and other components in 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting were significantly higher than those in the 2-year-old AMR with high market circulation rate（P<0.05）， while the contents of water-soluble extract and water-soluble total polysaccharides in 2-year-old samples with topping after transplanting were significantly higher than those in the 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting， direct seeding and without topping（P<0.05）. ConclusionUnder the current mainstream production mode， too much manual intervention makes AMR heavily enriched in polysaccharides and increased the yield， but the accumulation of sweet substances， fragrant substances and fiber substances is insufficient， which affects its quality. The current quality standard of AMR has some shortcomings in guiding the high quality production of it， it is suggested to revise the quality standard of AMR， supplement the quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites， and strengthen the production of imitation wild AMR.

Review and Prospect of Development Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology from 1.0 to 4.0 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The development and application of processing technology is closely related to the quality of Chinese medicine. Currently， Chinese medicine processing is still in the mechanization stage with limited processing equipment， low levels of automation and intelligence. As a result， the imprecise control of parameters during processing leads to unstable quality of Chinese herbal pieces. However， with the arrival of the big data era and the continuous development of "Internet+"， Chinese medicine processing technology and equipment have been continuously improved and updated， and gradually shifted to the development direction of automation and intelligence. The linkage production technology of Chinese herbal pieces optimizes the separate processing equipment coupling into the production line for continuous manufacture of Chinese herbal pieces， intending to improve production efficiency. The large-scale industrialized production of Chinese herbal pieces tends towards digital technology of processing experience and online inspection technology based on machine vision， electronic nose， and electronic tongue. These technologies are crucial prerequisites for standardizing the parameters of Chinese medicine processing. And further by docking the processing process and equipment with the internet， realizing the intelligent control of the production process is an important process for the transformation and upgrading of Chinese herbal piece industry in the future. In this paper， we summarized the development characteristics of different stages of Chinese medicine processing technology， combed application and development of processing theory， the evolution of processing equipment， and problems in the current industrial development stage of Chinese medicine processing， in order to provide ideas and methods for achieving digital and intelligent innovation of processing technology as well as high-efficient and high-quality production of Chinese herbal pieces.

PENG Qinghua's Clinical Experience in Treating Dry Eye by the Therapeutic Method of “Maintaining with the Sweet and Restoring the Body Fluids” / 中医杂志

This paper summarized PENG Qinghua's clinical experience in treating dry eye by applying therapeutic method of maintaining with sweet medicinals and restoring the body fluids. It is believed that the spleen earth insufficiency and fluids damage transforming into dryness are the main pathogenesis of the disease， and the basic therapeutic principle is maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids by mainly using sweet medicines. It is advocated to use mild-sweet herbs， such as Baibiandou （Lablab purpureus subsp. purpureus）， Fuling （Smilax glabra Roxb.）， and Yiyiren （Coix lacryma-jobi L.）， to transport spleen earth， so that qi is restored and body fluids are recovered； moderate-sweet herbs， such as Dangshen （Codonopsis pilosula ［Franch.］ Nannf.）， Taizishen （Pseudostellaria heterophylla ［Miq.］ Pax）， Shanyao （Dioscorea oppositifolia L.） and Zhigancao （Glycyrrhiza glabra L.） are suggested to cultivate earth and generate metal， so as to move qi and circulate fluid； sweet-cool herbs， such as Nanshashen （Adenophora triphylla ［Thunb.］ A.DC.）， Beishashen （Glehnia littoralis ［A.Gray］ F.Schmidt ex Miq.）， Yuzhu （Polygonatum odoratum ［Mill.］ Druce）， Tianhuafen （Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.） are suggested to nourish yin and increase body fluids， so as to promote fluid production to moisten dryness. In this way， when the source of fluid is restored and the fluid is circulated， the fluid can be produced continuously， which provides new ideas for the treatment of dry eyes with traditional Chinese medicine.

Application of CAD/CAM Technology in the Teaching of Inlay Production / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To study the application value of CAD/CAM technology in the teaching of inlay manufacturing.Methods A total of 60 undergraduates interned in the Department of Stomatology,Yan'an Hospital,Kunming Medical University were randomly divided into an experimental group(n=30)and a control group(n=30).We selected appropriate clinical cases for students to prepare for mandibular molar's proximal occlusal inlays.The instructor guided the results of the first preparation in different ways,and the students made the second modification and preparation,and the assessment team scored and evaluated the five aspects of the final preparation,the shape of the preparation,the shape of the occlusal surface,the dovetail retention,and the adjacent surface.Results The scores of all detection indexes in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The application of CAD/CAM technology in inlay manufacturing teaching can effectively improve students'clinical hands-on ability and achieve better teaching effects than traditional teaching methods.

Investigation and analysis of the current situation of medical equipment allocation in 103 tertiary public hospitals / 中国医学装备

Objective:To investigate the current situation of medical equipment allocation in 103 tertiary public hospitals,analyze and compare the proportion of medical equipment in different regional hospitals in our country,and provide basis for scientific and reasonable allocation of medical equipment.Methods:A questionnaire was designed by literature research and expert consultation,and an electronic questionnaire was released through the public account of"China Medical Equipment"and the platform of"Good Medical Workers"to analyze the correlation between the number of medical equipment configuration,the proportion of domestic products,the region where the hospital was located and the number of hospital beds.Results:A total of 103 valid questionnaires were collected,involving 103 tertiary public hospitals in East China,North China,Central China,South China,Southwest,Northwest and Northeast China,of which 18%were in North China,37%were in East China and 9%were in South China.In North China,South China and East China,the average number of medical equipment in the tertiary public hospitals in the region was 9785 units per hospital,9245 units per hospital and 8153 units per hospital,and the number of the expensive equipment was relatively small,which had no correlation with the number of beds.There were statistically significant differences between North China and East China in the number of beds,the number of pieces of equipment per 100 beds and the amount of equipment per 100 beds(t=-2.582,2.939,4.653,P＜0.05).The number of life support equipment configuration was significantly positively correlated with the number of beds,and the domestic share,especially the domestic share of life support equipment,increased.Conclusion:The analysis of medical equipment allocation in public hospitals in China can provide data support for hospitals to better adapt to the adjustment of the new expensive medical equipment catalogue,provide reference for the demonstration and promotion of large medical equipment allocation and localization in tertiary hospitals,and provide reference for relevant health management departments.

Application of production-oriented approach for consultation ability teaching in general practice residency training / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the application effect of production-oriented approach (POA) for consulting ability teaching in general practice standardized residency training.Methods:Eighteen third-year general practice residents in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University received a special training course on the consulting ability based on POA with the situational simulation teaching from September 2021 to March 2022. The consulting ability of residents was evaluated with Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Leichester Assessment Package (LAP) before and after the training, and the results were compared. Meanwhile, a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess residents′ satisfaction with the course.Results:All 18 resident trainees (11 females and 7 males) aged 25 to 34 (27.3±2.4) years successfully completed the training. Both OSCE scores and LAP scores after the training were significantly higher than those before training (66.25±5.84 vs. 44.44±12.80, t=8.46, P<0.001; 65.78±7.05 vs. 38.33±14.2, t=1.47, P<0.001, respectively). The ability of medical history collection, physical examination, patient management, problem solving, doctor-patient relationship, preventive care and medical record writing were all significantly improved after the training compared with those before training ( t=2.464, 4.278, 8.997, 2.385, 10.35, 5.212, 7.578, all P<0.05). The questionnaire survey showed that all the 18 residents were satisfied with the reasonableness of the teaching content, the class time arrangement, the teaching progress arrangement and the instructors. In the dimension of training effectiveness, 18 participants all believed that the course was helpful to improve their humanistic quality and confidence in reception. In terms of self-promotion, all respondents believed that this course was able to promote their reflection ability and stimulate their learning interest. By coding and analyzing the contents of the semi-structured interviews with the residents, nine main themes were constructed, namely course deficiencies, course characteristics, course advantages, course suggestions, trainees′ deficiencies, trainees′ gains, trainees′ goals, previous teaching deficiencies, and instructor′s role. The results showed that all residents had a high degree of satisfaction with the course, and they thought the course was vivid and interesting and it is able to mobilize the enthusiasm of learning, promote learner to reflect. The residents also suggested to increase the teaching hours and to enrich teaching cases. Conclusion:The consulting ability training of general practice based on POA can effectively improve consulting ability, stimulate learning interest and improve independent learning ability of residents, which gains recognition from both faculty and trainees.

The application of agro-food agriculture in lipase production by Aspergillus tubingensis strain: Inductive effect of olive-pomace

Aims@#The aim of this study was to cultivate the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis (MO503), which was isolated and identified from Algerian soil using submerged fermentation. The focus was on the production of lipase, achieved through utilizing a minimal medium from agro-food industries. Specifically, the study investigated the potential of three waste sources – olive-pomace, Pistacia lentiscus fruit remains and olive mill wastewater as substrates for enhancing lipase production. @*Methodology and results@#The three aforementioned wastes were chosen to ascertain their value and determine the most cost-effective option. Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to evaluate the waste with a significant effect on lipase production, as this enables determining differences among the various waste sources. Growth monitoring revealed a maximum lipase activity of 1030 ± 0,039 U at pH 5.4 for olive pomace. A series of biochemical purification techniques displayed a visible band on the polyacrylamide gel obtained through SDS-PAGE. Lipolytic activity was evidenced by zymography in the presence of olive oil. The antibacterial activities of purified lipase exhibited a high sensitivity against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#In addition to its activity against Gram-negative bacteria, the lipid degradation facilitated by these lipases in olive oil offers promising applications in the textile and therapeutic industries.

Isolation and characterization of histamine-producing, multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus species in fermented oil bean seeds in Nsukka, Nigeria

Aims@#The microbiological qualities of fermented oil bean seeds depend on the indigenous microflora, personal and environmental hygiene of the handlers and the food environments. This study was aimed to evaluate the incidence of histamine-producing, multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus isolates from oil bean seeds during fermentation. @*Methodology and results@#Histamine extraction and analysis were performed on randomly sampled oil bean seeds. Histamine producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated, from where Enterococcus species were further isolated. Strain-specific identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out on the identified Enterococcus isolates. Histamine was detected in fermented seeds. Enterococcus strains were identified among the histamine-producing fermenters. These include E. faecalis HA5, E. faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18, E. gallinarum M190262 and E. gilvus CR1. Enterococcus faecalis HA5, E. faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18, E. gallinarum M190262 and E. gallinarum were resistant to Ampiclox, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin and Erythromycin. Enterococcus faecium VB976, E. faecium LMEM18 and E. gallinarum M190262 were resistant to Streptomycin and Gentamycin. Enterococcus faecalis HA5 was intermediately resistant to Streptomycin and Gentamycin but sensitive to Vancomycin, while E. gilvus was intermediately resistant to Ampiclox, Amoxicillin and Gentamycin but sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Streptomycin and Erythromycin.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The pathogenic and histamine-producing abilities of Enterococcus pose serious public health hazard. This is complicated by their resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Therefore, improving the hygienic practices and regulating fermentation conditions is essential to curtailing histamine production and growth of fermenters with pathogenic potentials and ensuring the safety of the product.

Production, purification and characterization of novel protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D19 isolated in Vietnam

Aims@#Microorganisms play a vital role in the breakdown of natural organic compounds and are valuable objects for worldwide enzyme production. The aim of this study was to identify favorable production conditions for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D19 protease, followed by the purification and chemical characterization of this novel enzyme to assess its potential applications in various fields.@*Methodology and results@#In this study, favorable conditions of protease production from B. amyloliquefaciens D19 were determined using a medium containing soluble starch (1.5%), earthworm extract (1.0%), yeast extract (0.5%), NaCl (1.0%), at pH 7.0-8.0, 37 °C for 36 h with 150 rpm shaking condition. The protease was purified and had a molecular weight of about 23 kDa. The optimum condition for casein hydrolysis was at 40 °C and pH 6.5-7.0 in the presence of 1.0 mM Na+ or 5.0 mM Zn2+. The enzymatic activity was maintained at 75-100% at 30-50 °C and in pH 6.0-10.0. The values of Vmax and KM were also determined as 1547 U/mg and 6.33 mg/mL, respectively.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The identified optimal conditions will serve as the foundation for the production of the 23 kDa B. amyloliquefaciens D19 protease, one of the smallest proteases within the Bacillus genus. Moreover, its notable heat resistance, broad pH tolerance, high substrate catalysis and moderate substrate binding affinity make this enzyme a promising candidate for various applications in the food-feed and brewing industries.

Effect of production site change on quality of live attenuated varicella vaccine / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the effect of production site change of vaccine production on the quality of live attenuated varicella vaccine at the molecular level.Methods Using next-generation sequencing(NGS),the varicella-zoster virus(VZV)Oka strain virus seed(VW-before,SYVW-after)and vaccine bulk(P-before,YZP-after)produced before and after prodution site change were subjected to DNA extraction,purification,library construction and sequencing,and the quality control of the sequencing results were performed.Taking gene sequence of Dumas strain registered in GenBank(NC＿001348)as the position reference genome,the whole gene sequences of the four samples before and after prodution site change were compared with the Oka strain virus to obtain the mutation sites,base changes and variant allele frequency(VAF),and the consistency of the samples was evaluated.Results All the sequencing depth of the four samples was more than1 500 ×,and the GC content of the virus seed and vaccine bulk was about 46%,indicating that the sequencing quality was high.The mutation sites and base composition of the gene sequences of virus seed and vaccine bulk were consistent before and after prodution site change,and the VAF was close.Pairwise comparison of correlation coefficients was highly correlated,and the correlation coefficients were significantly different(each R~2≥ 0.990,each P < 0.001).Conclusion NGS test showed that the changes in vaccine production process have no effect on the quality of live attenuated varicella vaccine.

5-1. Education on Diversity, Inclusion, and Co-Production in the Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo / 医学教育

The University of Tokyo Disability Services Office and the University of Tokyo Hospital have striven to advance the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and to encourage the co-production of research as well as mental health services with peer support workers. In convergence with these endeavors, the Center for Diversity in Medical Education and Research (CDMER) was founded in 2021. The Center aims to establish an environment and culture that facilitates the participation and success of medical professionals with disabilities. For this purpose, it is essential to integrate the perspective of the social model of disability into medical education and promote co-production in the medical field, which is among the most challenging areas that can realize co-production. The Center is involved in various educational and research activities, including managing educational programs for medical students and supporting student-led research.

Metabolic basis of solute carrier transporters in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Solute carriers (SLCs) constitute the largest superfamily of membrane transporter proteins. These transporters, present in various SLC families, play a vital role in energy metabolism by facilitating the transport of diverse substances, including glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, nucleotides, and ions. They actively participate in the regulation of glucose metabolism at various steps, such as glucose uptake (e.g., SLC2A4/GLUT4), glucose reabsorption (e.g., SLC5A2/SGLT2), thermogenesis (e.g., SLC25A7/UCP-1), and ATP production (e.g., SLC25A4/ANT1 and SLC25A5/ANT2). The activities of these transporters contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Notably, SLC5A2 has emerged as a valid drug target for T2DM due to its role in renal glucose reabsorption, leading to groundbreaking advancements in diabetes drug discovery. Alongside SLC5A2, multiple families of SLC transporters involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis hold potential applications for T2DM therapy. SLCs also impact drug metabolism of diabetic medicines through gene polymorphisms, such as rosiglitazone (SLCO1B1/OATP1B1) and metformin (SLC22A1-3/OCT1-3 and SLC47A1, 2/MATE1, 2). By consolidating insights into the biological activities and clinical relevance of SLC transporters in T2DM, this review offers a comprehensive update on their roles in controlling glucose metabolism as potential drug targets.

Herbal Textual Research on Bruceae Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Through consulting the ancient herbal books and modern literature， this paper has carried out the textual research on the name， origin， place of origin， harvesting and processing， and other contents of Bruceae Fructus， combed its ancient and modern medicinal history， so as to provide reference for the development of famous classical formulas containing Bruceae Fructus. Through the herbal textual research， It can be verified that， since the Qing dynasty， Bruceae Fructus has been recorded in the materia medica， most of the materia medica in previous dynasties took Bruceae Fructus as its proper name， and Laoyadan， Kushenzi and Yadanzi as the aliases. The main origin of Bruceae Fructus is Brucea javanica， its medicinal part is the fruit， which is harvested from August to October every year， the fruit can be harvested when it is ripe. Bruceae Fructus was first distributed in Fujian， Guangdong and Guangxi， and gradually expanded to the south of China with the change of time. The traditional processing method of Bruceae Fructus is mainly to remove the shell and kernel， and remove the oil by frosting. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia stipulates that its processing method is to remove the shell and impurities. Based on the research results， it is suggested that the dried mature fruit of B. javanica should be selected for the development of famous classical formulas containing this herb， and the raw products can be used if the original formula does not specify the processing requirements.

Stability study of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells formulation in large-scale production / 药学学报

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been widely used in regenerative medicine, but there is limited research on the stability of UC-MSCs formulation during production. This study aims to assess the stability of the cell stock solution and intermediate product throughout the production process, as well as the final product following reconstitution, in order to offer guidance for the manufacturing process and serve as a reference for formulation reconstitution methods. Three batches of cell formulation were produced and stored under low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) during cell stock solution and intermediate product stages. The storage time intervals for cell stock solution were 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, while for intermediate products, the intervals were 0, 1, 2, and 3 h. The evaluation items included visual inspection, viable cell concentration, cell viability, cell surface markers, lymphocyte proliferation inhibition rate, and sterility. Additionally, dilution and culture stability studies were performed after reconstitution of the cell product. The reconstitution diluents included 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 2% human serum albumin, with dilution ratios of 10-fold and 40-fold. The storage time intervals after dilution were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. The reconstitution culture media included DMEM medium, DMEM + 2% platelet lysate, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and the culture duration was 24 h. The evaluation items were viable cell concentration and cell viability. The results showed that the cell stock solution remained stable for up to 6 h under both low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) conditions, while the intermediate product remained stable for up to 3 h under the same conditions. After formulation reconstitution, using sodium chloride injection diluted with 1% or 2% human serum albumin maintained a viability of over 80% within 4 h. It was observed that different dilution factors had an impact on cell viability. After formulation reconstitution, cultivation in medium with 2% platelet lysate resulted in a cell viability of over 80% after 24 h. In conclusion, the stability of cell stock solution within 6 h and intermediate product within 3 h meets the requirements. The addition of 1% or 2% human serum albumin in the reconstitution diluent can better protect the post-reconstitution cell viability.

Percentage of importance indice-production unknown: loss and solution sources identification on system

Abstract Indices are used to help on decision-making. This study aims to develop and test an index, which can determine the loss (e.g., herbivorous insects) and solution (e.g., natural enemies) sources. They will be classified according to their importance regarding the ability to damage or to reduce the source of damage to the system when the final production is unknown. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), a non-native pioneer species in Brazil with fast growth and rusticity, is used in restoration programs, and it is adequate to evaluate a new index. The formula was: Percentage of the Importance Indice-Production Unknown (% I.I.-PU) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. The loss sources Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and Tettigoniidae, and solution sources Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae), and Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) showed the highest % I.I.-PU on leaves of A. auriculiformis saplings. The number of Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was reduced per number of Salticidae; that of A. reticulatum that of Uspachus sp.; and that of Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) that of P. termitarius on A. auriculiformis saplings. However, the number of Aleyrodidae was increased per number of Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and that of A. reticulatum that of Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on A. auriculiformis saplings. The A. reticulatum damage was reduced per number of Uspachus sp., but the Aleyrodidae damage was increased per number of Cephalotes sp., totaling 23.81% of increase by insect damages on A. auriculiformis saplings. Here I show and test the % I.I.-PU. It is an new index that can detect the loss or solution sources on a system when production is unknown. It can be applied in some knowledge areas.

Resumo Índices são usados para ajudar na tomada de decisões. Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e testar um índice capaz de determinar fontes de perda (ex.: insetos herbívoros) e de solução (ex.: inimigos naturais). Eles serão classificados de acordo com sua importância quanto a habilidade de danificar ou reduzir danos no sistema, quando a produção final é desconhecida. Acacia auriculiformis (Fabales: Fabaceae), uma espécie pioneira não nativa do Brasil com rápido crescimento e rusticidade, usada em programas de restauração, é adequada para avaliar um novo índice. A fórmula foi: Porcentagem de Índice de Importância-Produção Desconhecida (% I.I.-PD) = [(ks1 x c1 x ds1)/ (ks1 x c1 x ds1) + (ks2 x c2 x ds2) + (ksn x cn x dsn)] x 100. As fontes de perda Aethalion reticulatum L., 1767 (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Stereoma anchoralis Lacordaire, 1848 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) e Tettigoniidae, e as fontes de solução Uspachus sp. (Araneae: Salticidae), Salticidae (Araneae) e Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith, 1877) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) apresentaram maiores % I.I.-PD nas folhas das mudas de A. auriculiformis. O número de Diabrotica speciosa Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) foi reduzido pelo número de Salticidae; o de A. reticulatum pelo de Uspachus sp.; e o de Cephalocoema sp. (Orthoptera: Proscopiidae) pelo de P. termitarius em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Entretanto, o número de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e o de A. reticulatum pelo de Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em mudas de A. auriculiformis. O dano de A. reticulatum foi reduzido pelo número de Uspachus sp., mas o dano de Aleyrodidae foi aumentado pelo número de Cephalotes sp., totalizando 23,81% de aumento de danos em mudas de A. auriculiformis. Aqui eu apresento e testo o % I.I.-PD. Ele é um novo índice capaz de detectar fontes de perda e de solução no sistema quando não se conhece a produção final. Ele pode ser aplicado em algumas áreas do conhecimento.

Evaluation of Mexican sunflower (Helianthus annus l) leaf meal as a feed ingredient in shaver brown pullets

Abstract The use of alternative nutritional sources is an important topic for animal production such as poultry. This study examined the effect of replacing soybean meal with sunflower leaf meal in the diet of laying shaver brown pullets. A total of 30 laying birds were assigned to three treatments of 0% (as control group), 10% and 15% MSFLM inclusion. Four eggs per replicate were randomly taken for three consecutive days at two weeks interval for five times, and 18 weeks individuals were selected after 40 days of experimental time. External parameters of the eggs (egg weight, egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index, shell thickness), and body parameters (Final body weight, weight gain), feed intake and hen day production were measured. For egg length, egg breadth and shell thickness showed significant difference (p 0.05) in from the control birds. Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and hen day production showed comparable results with values from eggs of birds on control diet. The study revealed the ability of birds to easily utilize the nutrients in the protein sources. MSFLM utilization up to 15% in pullets diet revealed no detrimental effect on the performance of the laying birds and the external qualities of eggs produced.

Resumo O uso de fontes nutricionais alternativas é um tópico importante para a produção animal, como a avicultura. Este estudo examinou o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja por farelo de folha de girassol na dieta de frangas marrons barbeadoras poedeiras. Um total de 30 aves poedeiras foram designadas a três tratamentos de 0% (como grupo controle), 10% e 15% de inclusão MSFLM. Quatro ovos por repetição foram retirados aleatoriamente por três dias consecutivos em intervalos de duas semanas por cinco vezes, e indivíduos de 18 semanas foram selecionados após 40 dias do tempo experimental. Parâmetros externos dos ovos (peso do ovo, comprimento do ovo, largura do ovo e índice de forma do ovo, espessura da casca) e parâmetros corporais (peso corporal final, ganho de peso), consumo de ração e produção diária da galinha foram medidos. Para comprimento do ovo, largura do ovo e espessura da casca apresentaram diferença significativa (p 0,05) nas aves controle. Peso corporal final, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e produção de dia de galinha mostraram resultados comparáveis com valores de ovos de aves em dieta controle. O estudo revelou a capacidade das aves de utilizar facilmente os nutrientes das fontes de proteína. A utilização de MSFLM até 15% na dieta das frangas não revelou nenhum efeito prejudicial no desempenho das aves poedeiras e nas qualidades externas dos ovos produzidos.