bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaled-Up Nutrition Education on Pulse-Cereal Complementary Food in Ethiopia: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Teshome Getenesh Berhanu , Whiting Susan J. , Green Timothy J. , Mulualem Demelash , Henry Carol J.
Published: February 2020

Background Improving children's weight status through nutrition education (NE) for mothers about using pulses in complementary feeding has been demonstrated in pilot studies, but no effect on stunting was reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 9-month pulse-nutrition education program on mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards pulses, as well as its impact on children's dietary diversity, and nutritional status. The NE was delivered by Health Extension Workers (HEWs). Methods A cluster randomized study was employed for the community-based interventional study. Twelve randomly selected villages in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia were included in the study. A total of 772 mother-child pairs involved in the study; where 386 mother-child pairs in the intervention group received additional messages about pulse-cereal complementary food, and 386 pairs (the control) received only routine health education for 9 months. A survey on mothers’ KAP and anthropometric measurements of the children were taken at baseline, midline, and endline. Results At baseline and endline, maternal KAP and the dietary diversity score of the children (mean age at endline 18.8 ± 2.9 mo) were assessed. Results : Intervention mothers’ KAP improved ( p <0.001) at midline and endline compared to that of the control group, as did frequency of pulse consumption and DDS among children. At 9 months, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group ( p =0.001). Conclusions NE delivered by HEWs improved KAP of mothers regarding pulse consumption and dietary diversity of children led to improved nutritional status of the children. Training HEWs on the use of pulses for CF may be an effective way to improve the health of children in Ethiopian communities.
Neuronal Glutamate-Glutamine Homeostasis is Perturbed in a Patient-Derived iPSC Model of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Aldana Blanca Irene , Zhang Yu , Jensen Pia , Christensen Sofie Kjellerup , Nielsen Troels Tolstrup , Nielsen Jørgen , Hyttel Poul , Larsen Martin Røssel , Waagepetersen Helle , Freude Kristine Karla
Published: February 2020

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is amongst the most prevalent early onset dementias and even though it is clinically, pathologically and genetically heterogeneous, a crucial involvement of metabolic perturbations in FTD pathology is being recognized. However, changes in metabolism at the cellular level, implicated in FTD and in neurodegeneration in general, are still poorly understood. Here we generate induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patients carrying mutations in CHMP2B (FTD3) and isogenic controls generated via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with subsequent neuronal differentiation and characterization. FTD3 neurons show a dysregulation of glutamate-glutamine related metabolic pathways mapped by 13 C-labelling coupled to mass spectrometry. Using quantitative proteomics and seahorse analyses, we elucidate molecular determinants and functional alterations of neuronal energy metabolism in FTD3. Importantly, correction of the mutations rescues such pathological phenotypes. Notably, these findings implicate dysregulation of key enzymes crucial for glutamate-glutamine homeostasis in FTD3 pathogenesis which may underlie vulnerability to neurodegeneration.
Coagulation tests or Standardized questionnaire, which is better as a predictor of bleeding? A prospective study among children before tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
Authors: Masalha Muhamed , DeRowe Ari , Mazzawi Salim , chen Tzvi , Ghanayim Rami , Landsberg Roee , Koren Ariel
Published: February 2020

Objective: The value of pre-operative coagulation testing for adenotonsillar surgery is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of routine coagulation tests and a standardized questionnaire in children before tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Results: A total of 143 children were prospectively enrolled in the study between 2013 and 2017, 81 males (56.6%) and 62 females (43.4%), age range 1 to 18 years (median age 5 years). Eighteen bleeding events were documented, three of them required treatment in the operating room. Abnormal coagulation tests were not associated with higher odds of bleeding after surgery. Higher risk of bleeding (p=0.01) was associated with an abnormal standardized medical questionnaire.
Liver fibrosis assessments using FibroScan, Virtual-Touch tissue quantification, the FIB-4 index, and Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer levels compared with pathological findings of liver resection specimens in patients with hepatitis C infection
Authors: Ueda Naoyuki , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Aikata Hiroshi , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Yokozaki Michiya , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: February 2020

Background and purpose: Viral infection promotes fibrosis through repeated regeneration of hepatocytes. Evaluation of fibrosis stage is important to monitor progression of liver disease and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While liver biopsy is the gold standard, the method is invasive and faces several limitations. The aim of this study was to determine correlations among METAVIR scores and Fibroscan, Virtual-Touch tissue quantification (VTQ), fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4 index), and Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) level to examine differences in reliability of non-invasive methods to evaluate fibrosis.Methods: We used liver resection specimens from patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Correlations were assessed between METAVIR scores and each test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and cut off values of the tests.Results: Among the four tests, VTQ had the best correlation with the METAVIR score, followed by FibroScan. In ROC curves, the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosis of fibrosis grade ≥F2 were as follows: 0.94 for FibroScan, 0.89 for VTQ, 0.85 for the FIB-4 index, and 0.77 for M2BPGi level. The respective values for diagnosis of grade ≥F3 were 0.85, 0.84, 0.74, and 0.73, and those for a diagnosis of F4 were 0.91, 0.88, 0.67, and 0.78.Conclusions: FibroScan and VTQ best reflected the results of hepatic fibrosis diagnosis using liver resection specimens among the four examination methods evaluated.
Ewing Sarcoma of the Jejunum: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Shadhu Kamleshsingh , Ramlagun Dadhija , Ping Xiaochun
Published: February 2020

Background: Ewing sarcomas (ES) are highly aggressive malignancy and are predominant in the long bones of extremities of children and young adults with a slight male predilection and rarely presents at extra skeletal locations.Case Summary: A 55 year-old lady came to our hospital after finding out her elevated tumour biomarkers during her physical examination. Her enhanced CT scan showed a jejunal mass. The patient underwent laparoscopic enterectomy. The mass was later diagnosed as Ewing sarcoma, evidenced by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) whereby the GLP EWSR1 probe was used, showing that more than 10% of the cells showed a red-green-yellow signal proving the breakpoint rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene in chromosome 22.Conclusion: We described a case of localised ES at the jejunum, in China, based on literatures.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) maintained the stemness of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) during long-term expansion by preserving mitochondrial function via the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways
Authors: Cao Zeyuan , Xie Yunyi , Yu Le , Li Yi , Wang Yan
Published: February 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a limited self-renewal ability, impaired multi-differentiation potential, and undetermined cell senescence during in vitro series expansion. To address this concern, we investigated the effects of the microenvironment provided by stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in maintaining the stemness of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and identified the key factors and possible mechanisms responsible for maintaining the stemness of MSCs during long-term expansion in vitro.Methods: The passage 3 (P3) to passage 8 (P8) hBMSCs were cultured in the conditioned medium from SHED (SHED-CM). The percentage of senescent cells was evaluated by β-galactosidase staining. In addition, the osteogenic differentiation potential was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) as key factors. Thus, the effects of HGF and SCF on mitochondrial function were assessed by measuring the ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential levels. Finally, selected mitochondrial-related proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways were investigated to determine the effects of HGF and SCF in preserving the mitochondrial function of hBMSCs during long-term expansion.Results: SHED-CM had significantly enhanced the cell viability, reduced the senescent cells, and maintained the osteogenesis and pro-angiogenic capacity in P8 hBMSCs during long-term expansion. In addition, hBMSCs treated with 100 ng/ml HGF and 10 ng/ml SCF had reduced ROS levels, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential compared with P8 hBMSCs during long-term expansion. Furthermore, HGF and SCF upregulated the expression of mitochondrial-related proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways, possibly contributing to the maintenance of hBMSCs stemness by preserving mitochondrial function.Conclusion: Both HGF and SCF are key factors in maintaining the stemness of hBMSCs by preserving mitochondrial function through the expression of proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways. This study provides new insights into the anti-senescence capability of HGF and SCF, as well as new evidence for their potential application in optimizing the long-term culture of MSCs.
Molecular detection and genetic characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in poultry in Myanmar
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Murata Shiro , Fujisawa Sotaro , Takehara Masaki , Katakura Ken , Hmoon Myint Myint , Win Shwe Yee , Bawm Saw , Konnai Satoru , Ohashi Kazuhiko
Published: February 2020

Background Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, poultry farming is a major industry. Although it is known that infectious respiratory pathogens like infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) are the major threat to poultry farms, there are no data currently available on the epidemiology of ILTV in Myanmar. In this study, therefore, we conducted molecular detection of ILTV in 20 poultry farms in Myanmar. Results Of the 57 tested oropharyngeal swabs, 10 were positive for ITLV by PCR of a 647 bp region of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene, giving a prevalence of ITLV of 17.5% (10/57). Further sequencing analysis of infected cell protein 4 ( ICP4 ) gene and glycoprotein B, G, and J ( gB , gG , and gJ ) genes indicated that these isolates were field strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Myanmar strains clustered together in a single branch and were closely related to other reference strains isolated from Asian countries. Conclusions This study demonstrated the presence of ILTV in poultry farms in Myanmar. The genetic characterization analysis performed provides the fundamental data for epidemiological studies monitoring circulating strains of ILTV in Myanmar.
Intersectional equity in health care: Assessing complex inequalities in primary and secondary care utilization by gender and education in Northern Sweden
Authors: Nyamande Fortune N , Mosquera Paola A , Sebastián Miguel San , Gustafsson Per
Published: February 2020

Background Knowledge remains scarce about inequities in health care utilization between groups defined, not only by single, but by multiple and intersecting social categories. This study aims to estimate intersectional horizontal inequities in health care utilization by gender and educational level in Northern Sweden, applying a novel methodological approach. Methods Data on participants (N=23587) aged 16-84 years from Northern Sweden came from the 2014 Health on Equal Terms cross sectional survey. Primary (general practitioner) and secondary (specialist doctor) health care utilization and health care needs indicators were self-reported, and sociodemographic information came from registers. Four intersectional categories representing high and low educated men, and high and low educated women, were created, to estimate intersectional (joint, referent, and excess) inequalities, and needs-adjusted horizontal inequities in utilization. Results Joint inequalities in primary care were large; 8.20 percentage points difference (95%CI: 6.40-9.99) higher utilization among low-educated women than high-educated men. Only the gender referent inequity remained after needs adjustment, with high- (but not low-) educated women utilizing care more frequently than high-educated men (3.66 percentage points difference (95%CI: 2.67-5.25)). In contrast, inequalities in specialist visits were dominated by referent educational inequalities, (5.69 percentage points difference (95%CI: 2.56−6.19), but with no significant horizontal inequity – by gender, education, or their combination – remaining after needs adjustment. Conclusion This study suggests a complex interaction of gender and educational inequities in access to care in Northern Sweden, with horizontal equity observable for secondary but not primary care. The study thereby illustrates the unique knowledge gained from an intersectional perspective to equity in health care.
Vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome in elderly Chinese individuals: evidence from CLHLS
Authors: Liu Ling , Cao Zhaojin , Lu Feng , Liu Yingchun , Lv Yuebin , Qu Yingli , Gu Heng , Li Chengcheng , Cai Jiayi , Ji Saisai , Li Yawei , Zhao Feng , Shi Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

Objectives : Both low vitamin D status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are worldwide concerns, and low vitamin D levels are associated with MetS; however, related epidemiological evidence based on elderly Chinese individuals, especially those over 80 years of age, is limited. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and MetS in elderly Chinese individuals. Method: Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured in a cross-sectional sample of 2493 elderly people aged 65-112 years from eight areas of China in which the density of centenarians is exceptionally high. MetS was diagnosed according to blood pressure, lipid, and blood sugar levels; waist circumference; and body mass index (BMI). Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between vitamin D and MetS based on different diagnostic criteria. Results: A total of 890 (35.7%) of the recruited elderly individuals had insufficient levels of vitamin D, and 1029 participants (41.3%) were vitamin D deficient. High serum vitamin D concentrations were associated with a low prevalence of MetS according to the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria for adequate versus deficient vitamin D levels (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88) and inadequate versus deficient vitamin D levels (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.92). Each 10 ng/ml increase in serum vitamin D was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of MetS according to the modified ATP III criteria for people with normal waist circumference (WC) (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.43,0.71). However, no significant statistical correlation was found among elderly people with a high WC. Additionally, in the analysis of the individual components, the ORs of adequate versus deficient vitamin D levels were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.71) for elevated triglycerides and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.97) for reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) after adjustment for other components. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is very common among elderly Chinese individuals. Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for MetS; however, the association was only statistically significant among elderly people with noncentral obesity. Further studies are needed to examine the causal direction of the association.
Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Normalization of RT-qPCR Analysis in Developing and Abiotic-Stressed Tissues of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
Authors: Lin Shoukai , Xu Shichang , Huang Liyan , Qiu Fuxiang , Zheng Yihong , Liu Qionghao , Ling Jing , Ma Shiwei , Wu Bisha , Wu Jincheng
Published: February 2020

Background: Loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree that produces fruits with abundant nutrients and medicinal components. Confirming suitable reference genes for a set of loquat samples before qRT-PCR experiments is essential for the accurate quantification of gene expression.Results: In this study, eight candidate reference genes were selected from our previously published RNA-seq data, and primers for each candidate reference gene were designed and evaluated. The Cq values of the candidate reference genes were calculated by RT-qPCR in 31 different loquat samples, including 12 subgroups of developing or abiotic-stressed tissues. Different combinations of stable reference genes were screened according to a comprehensive rank, which was synthesized from the results of four algorithms, including the geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and ΔCt methods. The screened reference genes were verified by normalizing EjLGA1 in each subgroup. The obtained suitable combinations of reference genes for accurate normalization were GAPDH , EF1α and ACT for floral development; GAPDH , UBCE and ACT for fruit setting; EF1α , GAPDH and eIF2B for fruit ripening; ACT , EF1α and UBCE for leaves under heat stress; eIF2B , UBCE and EF1α for leaves under freezing stress; EF1α , TUA and UBCE for leaves under salt stress; ACT , EF1α and eIF2B for immature pulp under freezing stress; ACT , UBCE and eIF2B for immature seeds under freezing stress; EF1α , eIF2B and UBCE for both immature pulp and seeds under freezing stress; UBCE , TUB and TUA for red-fleshed fruits under cold-storage stress; eIF2B , RPS3 and TUB for white-fleshed fruits under cold-storage stress; and eIF2B, UBCE and RPS3 for both red- and white-fleshed fruits under cold-storage stress.Conclusions: This study obtained different combinations of stable reference genes for accurate normalization in twelve subgroups of developing or abiotic-stressed tissues in loquat. The use of the three most stable reference genes could increase the reliability of future quantification experiments.
Organic Fertilizer Comparison on Growth and Nutrient Content of Three Kale Cultivars
Authors: Yoder Natalie , Davis Jessica G.
Published: February 2020

Selecting supplemental nitrogen (N) fertilizer for use on certified organic farms can be difficult and confusing. There are many options commercially available to farmers with similar N concentrations but widely different ingredients. Experiments were conducted in a certified organic field and high tunnels near Fort Collins, CO in 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the impact of organic fertilizers on yield and nutrient concentrations of three kale (Brassica oleracea and Brassica napus) cultivars. This study includes an organic fertilizer (cyano-fertilizer), which is produced on-farm by growing N-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena cylindrica) in raceway ponds. The three fertilizer treatments were hydrolyzed fish emulsion, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) meal, and cyano-fertilizer. These were applied at rates calculated by subtracting soil nitrate concentration from a target 50 mg·kg−1 to the depth of 6 inches of soil. Cyano-fertilizer and hydrolyzed fish emulsion were applied in liquid form, while the alfalfa meal was incorporated dry into the soil before planting. Biweekly measurements of plant height were taken on three cultivars of kale: Dinosaur, Red Russian, and Winterbor. Leaf weight, leaf area, and N, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were measured during three to four monthly harvests each year. Organized in a split-plot experimental design, there were three treatment replications with subplots of different kale cultivars. Fertilizer treatment did not significantly affect plant height, leaf weight, leaf area, or plant N, Fe, and Zn concentrations. However, there were cultivar differences in plant height, leaf area, and yield. Kale cultivar choice had a larger impact on yield and plant nutrient concentrations than fertilizer choice, because fertilizers were applied at similar N rates.
Age-related features of central hemodynamics in sepsis. Article
Authors: Rautbart Sergey A. , Tyurin I. N. , Shurigin S. N. , Kozlov I. A.
Published: February 2020

Objective. To study the effect of the age of patients with sepsis on the level of central hemodynamic parameters (CHD) recorded in them upon admission to the intensive care unit and intensive care (ICU).
Materials and methods. Retrospectively analyzed the survey data of 54 patients with sepsis diagnosed in accordance with the criteria of “Sepsis-3”. The age of patients was 22–83 (49.6 ± 2.17) years; the severity of the condition upon admission to ICU on the APACHE II scale of 6–19 (12.3 ± 0.47) points, on the SOFA scale — 4–14 (8 [6.10]) points. In patients with sepsis, a number of indicators characterizing the pumping function of the heart (cardiac function index (CFI), global ejection faction (GEF), cardiac power index (CPI), cardiac index (CI)) are inversely correlated with age, and the global end-diastolic volume Index (GEDI) — in direct connection.
Results. In patients with sepsis, a number of CHD indicators had correlation with age:
CFI — rho = −0.681 (p < 0.0001), GEF — rho = −0.488 (p = 0.0002), CPI — rho = −0.438 (p = 0.0009), CI — rho = −0.395 (p = 0.0031) and GEDI — rho = 0.427 (p = 0.0013). Age > 62 years was a predictor of CFI < 4.5 min-1 (OR 1.1817, 95% CI 1.0642–1.3121; p < 0.0001) and GEF < 20 % (OR 1, 0741, 95% CI 1.0251-1.1255; p < 0.0006). Age > 64 years was a predictor of CI levels < 2.5 L / min / m2 (OR 1.0834, 95% CI 1.0200-1.1508; p < 0.0024). At the age of about 60, the likelihood of a decrease in heart rate and an increase in total peripheral vascular resistance also increased. Patients older than 62 years were more often diagnosed with concomitant hypertension (78 % and 12.5 %; p < 0.001), coronary heart disease (64 % and 7.5 %; p < 0.01) and post-infarction cardiosclerosis (7 % and 0 %; p = 0.02).
Conclusion. The high probability of a decrease in the efficiency of the pumping function of the heart, as well as comorbidity for cardiovascular diseases, should be taken into account when choosing optimal measures for intensive treatment and monitoring in geriatric patients with sepsis.
Methodological approach to determining the level of business entities’ financial potential
Authors: Mordovets Alina
Published: February 2020

Trends in the development of Ukrainian mining companies have shown that it is important to increase their financial potential. This necessitates an assessment of the financial capacity of business entities to determine the directions, methods for attracting additional and optimizing existing financial resources.
The aim of this research is to determine a methodological approach to determining the level of financial potential of economic entities through the use of mathematical and statistical methods to identify the current financial status of economic entities and financial reserves of development. General scientific and special research methods, analysis and synthesis, graphical analysis, taxonomic analysis, cluster analysis, as well as abstract and logical methods were used to achieve the goal.
Theoretical approaches to defining the essence of the concepts of “potential”, “financial potential of economic entities” were systematized to specify the boundaries of each of the concepts, its components. Definition of the essence of the “financial potential of economic entities” concept was proposed. A set of financial indicators to assess the level of financial potential through a priori ranking based on the analysis of literature sources was developed. The selected financial indicators were grouped according to the financial potential components; the integral indicators for each group were calculated. Business entities in the mining industry in Ukraine were grouped into clusters according to calculated taxonomic indicators. Besides, the level of financial potential for each cluster was determined.
The methodological approach to the diagnosis of the level of financial potential of economic entities was developed using mathematical and statistical methods. This made it possible to identify trends in the development of financial potential, which allows forming measures to increase it.
Nutritional Analysis and Overall Diet Quality of Fresh and Sun-dried Mystus bleekeri
Authors: Goswami Sanchari , Manna Kuntal
Published: February 2020

Background:

Mystus bleekeri (M. bleekeri) is a small, freshwater catfish, with a maximum
length of 15.5cm, which belongs to family Bagridae and order Siluriformes. It can be consumed
both in fresh and processed form. Sun-drying is one of the most important traditional methods
for processing M. bleekeri. However, neither fresh nor sun-dried M. bleekeri is normally consumed
in raw form. Various cooking methods are applied to prepare them.

Objective:

The objective of the present study is to estimate the nutritional values of fresh and sundried
Mystus bleekeri and evaluate the effect of different cooking methods on their nutrient contents.

Methods:

Proximate Analysis of minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids was performed using sophisticated
analytical instruments.

Results:

Changes in various micronutrients and macronutrients were observed in the present study.
The total amount of fat and ash content was found to be higher after frying in a fresh sample of M.
bleekeri. Mineral content was found to be higher in sun-dried fish whereas that was reduced after
boiling. Aspartic acid was the major component of fish protein. Saturated fatty acids were the most
abundant in both fresh and sun-dried M. bleekeri which were increased through frying.

Conclusion:

The present experiment showed that after frying, minerals and fatty acids content exhibited
higher concentration in both fresh and sun-dried M. bleekeri which is good for human health.
Sauerkraut with the Addition of Lactobacillus casei: Effects of Salt and Sugar Concentrations on Fermentation and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zubaidah Elok , Arum Mentari S. , Widyaningsih Tri D. , Rahayu Aldila P.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Spontaneous fermentations have several disadvantages, and additions of lactic
acid bacteria can improve sauerkraut fermentations and quality. Salt and sugar concentrations are
important factors in sauerkraut fermentations, and the growth and activity of lactic acid bacteria can
affect antioxidant activity of sauerkrauts.

Objective:

This study developed sauerkrauts with the addition of Lactobacillus casei and investigated
how salt and sugar concentrations affected their fermentation and antioxidant activity.

Methods:

A fresh cabbage was washed and cut, before salt (1.0%; 1.5% and 2.0%) and sugar (0%
and 2.0%) were added, prior to inoculation with a L.casei culture at 10% (v/w). The cabbage was
then incubated at 28oC for 5 days. The controlled lactic fermentation of the cabbage without culture
and sugar, but with salt at 2.5% was performed. The sauerkrauts were evaluated for total lactic acid
bacteria, pH, total acidity, phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity.

Results:

The fermentation increased the total lactic acid bacteria counts in the sauerkrauts from 1.38
x 109to 3.86 x 109 cfu/mL, and this demonstrated significant (p<0.05) direct salt and sugar effects.
The high salt and sugar concentrations also increased the total acidity, antioxidant activity and phenolic
content, but lowered the pH of the sauerkrauts. The additives (L.casei culture, salt and sugar),
therefore, improved the sauerkraut fermentation and antioxidant activity compared to the control.

Conclusion:

With added sugar and salt, L. casei improved the sauerkraut fermentation and antioxidant
activity, and both sugar and salt can each be added at a low (2%) concentration for maximum
effects.
Nanostructured Titanium Alloys Surface Modification Technology for Antibacterial and Osteogenic Properties
Authors: Wang Qingge , Wu Laizhi , Liu Shifeng , Cao Peng , Yang Junlin , Wang Liqiang
Published: February 2020

Background:

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are potential metal materials in dental and orthopedic
applications, due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Despite
these properties, revision surgery is painful for millions of patients and may cause secondary injury,
calling for a solution to this issue. Compared to antibiotics used in a clinical context, novel biomaterials
display powerful application potential due to their stronger antibacterial activity, reduced
drug resistance and excellent biocompatibility. Antibacterial ions have a crucial effect, particularly
for nanostructured metals.

Objective:

This review focuses on the antibacterial functions and osteogenic properties of surface
modification based on Ag, Zn, Cu and other nonmetallic ions.

Methods:

The first part of the review briefly describes the issues with bacterial infection of Ti implants.
The methods of surface modification are then introduced in detail. Lastly, other strategies
used to improve antibacterial and osteogenic properties are also provided.

Conclusion:

Although anti-infective research is valuable, there is still a gap present between theoretical
strategies and those that are clinically implemented strategies. There is an urgent need to transform
the findings of research into clinical applications.
Energy Performance of Dwellings in a Temperate Climate Area of Argentina. An Architectural Proposal
Authors: Sulaiman Halimi , Sipowicz Eugenia , Filippín Celina , Oga Lautaro
Published: February 2020

Aim:

The research aimed at carrying out a global comparative synthesis of the results of monitoring thermal energy behavior of single-family dwellings and apartments located in the city of Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina; and describing an architectural proposal that considers use of resources (land, morphology, materials and energy), lifestyle of inhabitants (qualitative variables) and critical analysis of the historical problems of the housing deficit in Argentina.

Methods:

The work includes a typological analysis of clusters of dimensional, morphological and thermo-physical indicators, energy performance and inhabitant’s behavior. Regarding energy heating consumption, multifamily buildings consume 52% less energy than the average single-family dwellings.

Results:

An architectural proposal taken into account the use of resources and energy efficiency strategies to give an answer to the housing deficit of the area under study showed that the densification of housing provides significant energy and economic benefits, especially if one incorporates passive solar design principles. Apartment blocks (B) and single-family dwellings (H) show 114.3 and 47.6 dwelling/hectare, and as a result, 39.4 and 16.4 inhabitant/hectare.

Conclusion:

Heating energy saving of B in relation to H is around 32% and the envelope’s cost is reduced to 47%. Argentina’s energy scenario, the possibility of reviewing regulations and building codes, the region’s growth trend in housing construction, the process of building labelling, among others, require a thorough analysis of the information on characteristics of building stock and its energy performance.
Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Pharmacobezoars
Authors: Basílio Francisco , Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge
Published: February 2020

Background:

Pharmacobezoars are specific types of bezoars formed when medicines, such as tablets, suspensions, and/or drug delivery systems, aggregate and may cause death by occluding airways with tenacious material or by eluting drugs resulting in toxic or lethal blood concentrations.

Objective:

This work aims to fully review the state-of-the-art regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant clinical and forensic features of pharmacobezoars.

Results:

Patients of a wide range of ages and of both sexes present with signs and symptoms of intoxications or more commonly gastrointestinal obstructions. The exact mechanisms of pharmacobezoar formation are unknown but are likely multifactorial. The diagnosis and treatment depend on the gastrointestinal segment affected and should be personalized to the medication and the underlying factor. A good and complete history, physical examination, image tests, upper endoscopy, and surgery through laparotomy of the lower tract are useful for diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion:

Pharmacobezoars are rarely seen in clinical and forensic practice. They are related to controlled or immediate-release formulations, liquid, or non-digestible substances, in normal or altered digestive motility/anatomy tract, and in overdoses or therapeutic doses, and should be suspected in the presence of risk factors or patients taking drugs which may form pharmacobezoars.
Behavior of Self-compacting Mortars Based on Waste Brick Powder
Authors: Si-Ahmed Mohammed , Kenai Said
Published: February 2020

Aims:

Study the performance of self-compacting mortar (SCM) using waste
ground brick as cement replacement material.

Background:

Large amounts of brick waste are produced in brick manufacturing plants and
construction and demolition sites. The use of these bricks as partial substitution to natural
aggregates or after crushing as fines for partial cement substitution could contribute to reduce
the problem of waste storage and environmental pollution as well as in the conservation
of natural resources.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to study the effect of adding waste ground brick on
the performance of SCM at the fresh and hardened state.

Methods:

It is an experimental investigation where mortar specimens where cement was
partially substituted by crushed recycled bricks fines recovered from a brick plant. The level
of substitution was either 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% 20% and 25% by weight of cement. Workability
was measured by slump flow and flow time by V-funnel test. Compressive strength and water
absorption by capillary were measured on 40x40x160 mm3 prismatic specimens.

Results:

The experimental results show that self-compacting mortar can be obtained up to
25% of cement substitution by brick powders. The compressive strength was improved at
long term for up to 15% cement substitution by brick powder. The sorptivity coefficient is
increased by incorporation of brick waste powder.

Conclusion:

The substitution of cement by waste ground brick powder up to 15% of waste
brick powder has little influence on the rheological parameters of self-compacting mortar
and the compressive strength is increased at the long term. Further investigations are underway
to study the shrinkage, the long term durability and the pore size distribution by mercury
porosimetry.
Life Course Socioeconomic Status, Allostatic Load, and Kidney Health in Black Americans
Authors: Lunyera Joseph , Stanifer John W. , Davenport Clemontina A. , Mohottige Dinushika , Bhavsar Nrupen A. , Scialla Julia J. , Pendergast Jane , Boulware L. Ebony , Diamantidis Clarissa Jonas
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives

Low socioeconomic status confers unfavorable health, but the degree and mechanisms by which life course socioeconomic status affects kidney health is unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We examined the association between cumulative lifetime socioeconomic status and CKD in black Americans in the Jackson Heart Study. We used conditional process analysis to evaluate allostatic load as a potential mediator of this relation. Cumulative lifetime socioeconomic status was an age-standardized z-score, which has 1-SD units by definition, and derived from self-reported childhood socioeconomic status, education, and income at baseline. Allostatic load encompassed 11 baseline biomarkers subsuming neuroendocrine, metabolic, autonomic, and immune physiologic systems. CKD outcomes included prevalent CKD at baseline and eGFR decline and incident CKD over follow-up.

Results

Among 3421 participants at baseline (mean age 55 years [SD 13]; 63% female), cumulative lifetime socioeconomic status ranged from −3.3 to 2.3, and 673 (20%) had prevalent CKD. After multivariable adjustment, lower cumulative lifetime socioeconomic status was associated with greater prevalence of CKD both directly (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04 to 1.33 per 1 SD and OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.83 in lowest versus highest tertile) and via higher allostatic load (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.12 per 1 SD and OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.24 in lowest versus highest tertile). After a median follow-up of 8 years (interquartile range, 7–8 years), mean annual eGFR decline was 1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (SD 2), and 254 out of 2043 (12%) participants developed incident CKD. Lower cumulative lifetime socioeconomic status was only indirectly associated with greater CKD incidence (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.07 per 1 SD and OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14 in lowest versus highest tertile) and modestly faster annual eGFR decline, in milliliters per minute (OR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.02 per 1 SD and OR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.04 in lowest versus highest tertile), via higher baseline allostatic load.

Conclusions

Lower cumulative lifetime socioeconomic status was substantially associated with CKD prevalence but modestly with CKD incidence and eGFR decline via baseline allostatic load.
The Gulf States’ Assistance to Egypt after the 2011 Revolution: Logic, Dynamics, Systemic Impact
Authors: Bartenev Vladimir Igorevich
Published: February 2020

The current decade has seen a growing role of the Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar) in global aid architecture as a result of the Arab Awakening. The largest packages of assistance have been provided by this group of donors to Egypt, which followed an especially tortuous path, shaped by the factor of political Islam. This paper examines the logic, dynamics and the role of such assistance in Egypt’s tumultuous history after 2011. It consists of four sections - each depicting a particular phase of the post-revolutionary period and containing an in-depth study of the logic of and linkages between the GCC members’ donor initiatives as well as an assessment of their influence on the domestic and external policies of consecutive Egyptian administrations and the behavior of extraregional actors. The general conclusion is drawn that during each of four stages the Gulf States’ actions played a pivotal role in Egypt’s turbulent development. Contrary to a widespread belief in predominance of cultural and religious solidarity in Arab donors’ aid-giving, they mastered foreign assistance as a tool of statecraft as aptly as established donors, while often restructuring it in response to the changes on the ground and/or economic environment. An increased role of the GCC members in Egypt’s fate is explained not only by their growing ambitions and capabilities but also by an excessive cautiousness of the Western countries. In comparison with the latter group - the Arab donors, which did not demand any improvements in quality of governance from the Egyptian authorities and acted very swiftly and decisively, looked as much more reliable partners. Their growing impact forced the established donors to turn a blind eye to the defects of Egypt’s political system or economic governance in order to avoid a complete loss of influence. This interdependence between the behavior of the Western and Arab donors reveals a trend, which deserves a more scrupulous examination on a wider selection of country cases.
Al-Azhar University in the Events of the Arab Spring (Case of Egypt)
Authors: Lashkhia Yurii Vitalevich
Published: February 2020

Due to the comprehensiveness of Islam, the role of the “Islamic factor” in political processes in the Middle East and North Africa is great, while the nature of the manifestations of the “Islamic factor” largely depends among other things on the current state of modern religious educational institutions, including those serving as a forge of Islamic personnel today. One of the most prestigious universities in Islamic oikumene, giving religious education for Muslims from all over the world, is AlAzhar al-Sharif (the shorter Al-Azhar is more common). It was here that some famous thinkers studied, who further significantly contributed to the development of the so-called “political Islam”. This study is an attempt to clarify the role of Al-Azhar University and related Islamic scholars in the socio-political processes of the Middle East and North Africa. Conducting the research, the author largely turned to the sources of the Islamic religion (the Qur’an, Hadith), theological texts of a number of thinkers (for example, the interpretation of the Qur’an Rashid Rida), religious polemical works (the work of Sheikh Osama al-Azhari against the “Muslim Brotherhood” and other “Islamist” trends), documents compiled by the leadership of Al-Azhar; academic literature on related issues. The author came to the conclusion that the “Islamic factor” did not play a crucial role at the beginning of events, but vividly manifested itself subsequently. The actual suppression of Islam by secular dictators created a fertile ground for the acute discontent of believing citizens and activists of various movements who uphold a particular version of the Islamic political alternative. The most influential university in the Islamic world, Al-Azhar, in an official document, “Arab Spring”, indicated the possibility of a shift in despotic power, while emphasizing at the same time the inadmissibility of violent suppression of peaceful protest. Certain Azharite theologians were directly involved in the events of the “Arab Spring”, in particular, the passionate scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi, associated with the Muslim Brotherhood movement and graduated from Al-Azhar, as well as Sheikh Emad Effat, who died during the suppression of an unarmed speech 15 December 2011. Such activity of various Islamic forces in the political sphere is primarily due to the very nature of the Islamic tradition, which does not separate the “sacred” and “profane”.
We Grew Up on Shoulders of Our Predecessors: on Anniversary of Alexander I. Krupnov
Authors: Osnitsky Alexey K.
Published: February 2020

The article is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the birth of Dr. habil. in Psychology, Professor A.I. Krupnov. It analyzes the continuity and achievements of scientiﬁc research on diﬀerential psychology in Russian science. Advantages of A.I. Krupnov’s psychological researches and the employees of Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education are revealed. The man of the year developed a holistic conceptual foundation of the personality traits’ formation, combining the interaction of direct-sensory and conscious components of human activities. Theoretically grounded and practically demanded aspects of the activity of person’s self-regulation were presented in A.I. Krupnov’s integral concept. Along with article author’s ideas about the regulatory experience of the person providing independence and conscious self-regulation in the process of the organization and implementation of activity are considered. Reconstruction of the appeal to human experience while studying its psychological characteristics in the regulatory context combines the interaction of valuable, reﬂexive, operational, communicative and habitually-activated components of the activities’ organization and implementation. A person acquires the ability to set tasks through regulatory experience. He chooses them from among those imposed by the environment and generates new tasks independently, and then consistently achieves their successful solution.
Book Review of DiMino, J. (2019). Shadow Work and Sacred Space: Exploring Myths We Live In. Mimesis Books. 229 p
Authors: Sauvayre Pascal E.
Published: February 2020

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Peran Legislatif Perempuan Dalam Pembentukan Qanun di DPRA Periode 2014-2019 Tinjaun Dari Perspektif Islam
Authors: Usman Bustamam
Published: February 2020

Peran merupakan keikutsertaan dalam kegiatan baik dilembaga maupun masyarakat. Salah satu peran dan kedudukan perempuan di DPRA adalah dalam proses pembentukan Qanun. Qanun merupakan produk hukum yang dibuat oleh DPRA bersama dengan gubernur Aceh yang diatur dalam Undang-Undang No. 11 Tahun 2006 tentang Pemerintahan Aceh. Dalam hal ini yang menjadi rumusan masalahnya adalah bagaimana peran perempuan pada masa sultaniah sampai sekarang dan bagaimana kedudukan perempuan selama perempuan tersebut terlibat dalam pembentukan tersebut dengan tinjauan hukum Islam. Adapun yang menjadi tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan mengkaji bagaimana  peran perempuan dalam pembentukan Qanun di DPRA selama menjabat sebagai anggota legislatif untuk mengetahui kendala dan peluang yang dihadapi oleh politikus perempuan dalam pembentukan Qanun. Penulis melakukan penelitian kualitatif dengan  menggunakan pendekatan  normatif empiris  yaitu penelitian hukum mengenai pemberlakuan ketentuan hukum normatif (kodifikasi, Undang-Undang atau kontrak) secara in action pada setiap peristiwa hukum tertentu yang terjadi dalam masyarakat.  Sumber data yang diambil oleh penulis, melalui sumber data primer dan data sekunder. Sumber data primer  melalui penelitian lapangan yaitu dengan melakukan wawancara dengan anggota DPRA. Sedangkan sumber data sekunder melalui penelitian keperpustakaan yaitu dengan dokumen dan daftar buku bacaan yang terkait.  Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan penulis adalah peran perempuan dalam proses pembentukan qanun hanya sebagai anggota yang mengusulkan, member pendapat dan kritikan, jarang ada perempuan yang menjadi ketua ketika rancangan Qanun tersebut, dalam Islam pun perempuan hanya sebagai pemberi masukan yang memutuskan yaitu Rasullullah seperti pada perjanjian Hudaibiyah.
USING VIDEO TO IMPROVING LISTENING COMPREHENSION OF FOURTH GRADE STUDENTS
Authors: Ariawan Vina Anggia Nastitie , Sulistyani Endah
Published: February 2020

This research aims to test the effect of video on the listening skill of fourth-grade students. The research used a quasi-experimental method with a non-equivalent control group design. Therefore, the populations were fourth-grade students of Ggugus Dewi Sartika Majenang and the sample of this research based on a purposive sampling technique. In addition, the research sample was selected by two schools with the same number and characteristics of students. Furthermore, the data collection technique used a listening skill test. Before carrying out the research, the researchers conducted a test of listening skills to be tested for validity and reliability. The results of the validity test showed if the question of the listening skill test in the valid category. The students did a listening skill test and the result was analyzed using inference statistics. The results of the research indicated that students who were treated with video had better listening skills than students who were not treated. Moreover, the researcher concludes that the video had an effect on the listening skill of fourth-grade students.