bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding practice and associated factors among infants and children with common childhood illness at Dabat Health and Demographic surveillance System site: A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Bikes Gashaw Andargie , Tariku Amare , Wassie Molla Mesele , Mekonnen Solomon , Muhammad Esmeal Ali , Belew: Aysheshim Kassahun , Abebe Zegeye , Gete: Azeb Atnafu , Yesuf Melkie Edris , Awoke Tadesse , Fekadu Abel , Gebeye Ejigu , Kebede Yigzaw , Alemu Kassahun , Addis Abebaw , Fentahun Kindie , Sisay Mekonnen , Abdella Kedir , Hunegnaw Melkamu Tamir
Published: March 2020

Background: Optimal feeding practices are recommended to improve nutritional status and prevent the common childhood illnesses. Studies on the feeding practice of children including meal frequency and dietary diversity are scarce in children with illness. Therefore, we aimed to assess feeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site, northwest Ethiopia. Methods : A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dabat HDSS site from February to June 2016 on 1,174 mother-child pairs. A multistage stratified sampling followed by a systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with children’s feeding practice. A crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to see the strength of association and significance of the identified factors with feeding practices. Result: The overall prevalence of a minimum dietary diversity practice and a minimum meal frequency was 27 % (95%CI: 24.4, 29.7) and 83.7 %( 95%CI: 91.7, 86.0), respectively. Having antenatal care (ANC) service (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.27) and institutional delivery (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.85, 3.55) increased odds of an adequate dietary diversity in children. On the contrary, the odds of practicing an adequate dietary diversity was lower among a household obtained food from home gardens (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.52) and currently breast fed children (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.78). The probability of having a minimum meal frequency was decreased among children in the first two years of age (AOR = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.15), however increased in children who fed alone (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.69). Conclusion: The proportion of children who received the minimum dietary diversity was low while the proportion of children who obtained minimum meal frequency was good. Providing a health and nutrition counseling on Infant and Young Child Feeding during maternal ANC services and delivery period are recommended for achieving the recommended dietary practices.
Community awareness, engagement and linkage to care efforts by peer community-health workers to increase PrEP uptake among men who have sex with men in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Farley Jason E. , II Derek T Dangerfield , LaRicci Jessica , Sacamano Paul , Heidari Omeid , Lowensen Kelly , Jennings Jacky , Tobin Karin
Published: March 2020

Background: Despite clear evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV, uptake remains suboptimal across the United States, particularly in populations at greatest risk of HIV infection, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) in Baltimore. This paper will evaluate awareness, engagement and linkage to care for PrEP activities through multiple outreach strategies. Methods: This is an observational evaluation of the impact of LGBTQ+ outreach on the PrEP cascade between March 1, 2016 to March 31, 2019. Descriptive statistics are used to characterize the data and the linkage cascade by outreach type. Results: Across all activities, our team had contact with 2,370 participants and scheduled a PrEP appointment for 84 (3.5%) with 58 (2.4%) who completed the intake visits. Among 54 venue-based activities, which focused on PrEP awareness messaging, 2,125 participants were reached with 11.4% (243/2125) interested in further discussion with a peer community-health worker (CHW). After 3 separate attempts to contact the individual, peer contact was successful in 66.2% (161/243); 11.2% (18/161) of those were interested in linkage to PrEP; 83.3% (15/18) had a PrEP appointment scheduled; and 53.3% (8/15) completed the PrEP visit. Online and telephone-based outreach resulted in 24 contacts through prepmaryland.org and 43 calls on the PrEP warm line, all of these indivduals reporting interest in further discussion with the peer CHW. Among prepmaryland.org users and warm line calls 54.2% (13/24) and 67.4% (29/43), respectively, were successfully contacted, while 100% (13/13) and 75.9% (22/29) of those reported interest in a PrEP referral. Among the referred, 61.5% (8/13) and 86.4% (19/22) had a PrEP appointment scheduled; and 50% (4/8) and 78.9% (15/19) completed the visit. The mobile app, PrEPme, yielded 178 unique downloads; 94.4% (168/178) had interest in further discussion with a peer CHW; follow-up contact was successful 64.3% (108/168); 41.6% (45/108) were interested in PrEP referral; 95.5% (43/45) had a PrEP appointment successfully scheduled; and 72.1% (31/43) completed the intake visit.Conclusions: Outreach efforts reached a large number of participants attending LGBTQ+ centric and health-based events, yet resulted in a relatively low total yield of engagement with peer CHWs and even lower documented PrEP initiations.
Prevalence of Risk factors for non-communicable chronic disease in northwest China
Authors: Wang Weihua , Qiu Lin , Sa Rina , Li Xia , Liu Feng , Zhou Zhongliang
Published: March 2020

Background Behavioral risk factors (BRFs) and biological risk factors contribute majorly to the development of non-communicable chronic diseases. We aimed to explore the covariation, cluster and distribution of risk behaviors in northwest China. Material/Methods Multistage clustering sampling was adopted to select participants for the survey. We obtained the data and investigate the prevalence and clustering pattern (mean number of risk factors) of eight risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases, including four behavioral risk factors (smoking, drinking, consumption of fruit and vegetables, physical activity) and four biological risk factors (overweight and obesity, raised blood pressure, raised fasting blood glucose and raised total serum cholesterol). Ordinal logistic regression was conducted to investigate the independent demographic and socioeconomic covariates of clustering of the eight risk factors.Results The prevalence of eight risk factors in northwest China were found: insufficient fruit and vegetable intake,59.82%; overweight and obesity, 46.82%; raised blood pressure, 30.88%; Current smoking, 28.21%; physical inactivity, 24.63%; raised total serum cholesterol, 20.96%; raised blood glucose, 4.27% and harmful use of alcohol, 2.16%. 64.73% of the Chinese in northwest China had two or more risk factors. Being a male, old, living in rural areas, having a lower education level and being separated, divorced or widowed all tends to have more BRFs. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases among residents in northwest China. Public health interventions are needed to reduce these risk factors and ought to target those who are male, old, poorly educated and live in rural areas.
Addressing the issue of corporate raiding in Ukraine
Authors: Derevyanko Bogdan , M. Pashkov Vitaliy , A. Turkot Olha , V. Zahrisheva Nadiia , S. Bisiuk Olena
Published: March 2020

The phenomenon of “raiding,” i.e., the unlawful establishment of control over the property or governing boards of an enterprise, as well as the seizure of its shares, has been reported in all countries of the world for many decades. This phenomenon has the most dangerous forms in the states with the underdeveloped economy and legal system, particularly in Ukraine. The paper aims to determine the areas for counteracting and overcoming corporate raiding in Ukraine and to provide proposals for improving the legislative framework for reliable protection against attacks on the enterprises’ property.The information in the paper, including the geography of raider attacks, indicates a greater vulnerability of enterprises in the most economically developed regions, with extensive transport infrastructure and the prospects for various industries and sectors of the economy development. The state should take some steps to increase the level of enterprises protection against raider attacks. Thus, to improve the quality of preventing and combating corporate raiding, this paper argues the need to develop and adopt the Corporate Property Protection Code of Ukraine. The introduction of the raider attacks register will be an effective measure to warn potential investors and counterparties about the dangers of cooperation with certain companies. The state register should be bilingual (Ukrainian and English) and contain information on the attempts and cases of raider attacks on property and corporate business rights. Also for further innovations in starting a business, Ukraine must pay attention to New Zealand’s and Finland’s experience.
Study on system fairness dimensions and tax compliance in the Middle East context
Authors: Awadh Bin-Nashwan Saeed , Mubarak Al-Hamedi Ahmed , Marimuthu Munusamy , Ramadhan Al-Harethi Abobakr
Published: March 2020

People’s perceptions of a fair tax administration system have garnered growing interest as a decisive ingredient that can install compliance behavior among taxpayers. The tax that taxpayers wish to evade is determined by their perceptions of the various robust dimensions of fairness (i.e., general fairness, preferred tax rate structure, exchange with the government, special provisions, and self-interest). Such an important matter, like tax fairness, has been overlooked in the extant literature, especially in the Middle East context, although tax administrations still suffer from low and unsatisfactory rates of compliance. This paper aims to empirically examine the influence of fairness perceptions of the income tax system on compliance behavior of taxpayers in Yemen. The study used a survey questionnaire administered to 400 individual taxpayers in Hadhramout, one of the most prosperous business regions in Yemen. Based on the PLS-SEM analysis tool, the study found that general system fairness, preferred tax rate, exchange with the government, and the extent of self-interest are significantly related to income tax compliance, while special provisions do not affect compliance decisions. The results of the study can alert the tax authority and policymakers to consider the non-pecuniary factors, other than the measures of the coercion. Establishing a fair tax system is probably one of the most successful approaches to boost compliance among taxpayers, thus yielding more tax revenue and diminishing the administrative cost for the tax authority.
Use of positron emission tomography in medicine and veterinary medicine
Authors: ŁOJSZCZYK ANNA , DĘBIAK PIOTR , JARZĄBEK-BIELECKA GRAŻYNA , KĘDZIA WITOLD , MIZGIER MAŁGORZATA
Published: March 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging technique using positron (anti-electron) radiopharmaceuticals, in which radiation generated during the annihilation of positrons is recorded. This method is used in oncology, neurology and cardiology. PET is of particular importance to oncology, in both scientific and clinical research, especially in the identification and staging of metastatic disease, as well as in therapy planning and control. The use of PET has contributed to the advancement of research into many neurological problems. Data in the literature indicate that PET is widely used in veterinary medicine. PET allows for detailed evaluation of many oncologic and fungal diseases. In neurology, it has been used in necrotizing meningoencephalitis and epilepsy. There have been a number of experimental studies in cardiology, as well, in patients after radiation therapy.
Is a deterministic chaos the way to cancerogenesis?
Authors: MADEJ JANUSZ A.
Published: March 2020

On the basis of the 2nd law of thermodynamics, the study presents a probable process in which a neoplastic cell passes into the dissipative state on its thermodynamic branch and self-transforms into a neoplastic cell. The self-transformation is promoted by a long-term unstable, highly unbalanced state in which cells that are sensitive to cancerogenesis obtain their own thermodynamic branch, and their self-organization is probably based on a disturbed relationship between entropy and temperature. Self-organization is related to the progressive imbalance. It promotes mistakes during genetic copies formation , spontaneous mutations and, as a result, cancerogenesis. A deterministic chaos is a creative process because it is the only one capable of generating completely new structures, such as neoplasms. Neoplastic cells succeed only when their environment (extracellular matrix – ECM) is damaged due to e.g. senile inflammation or inflammation caused by the neoplasm itself. This is known as the oncogenesis adaptation theory and it explains the evolution of neoplastic cells. The mutation leading to the neoplastic transformation of a cell is sometimes unfavorable or even harmful to the cell by preventing its proper adaptation to surrounding tissues. This can be useful in adaptive therapy of some neoplasms.
Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by low cost and waste biosorbents (lemon, bean and artichoke shells)
Authors: Ergüvenerler Feyza , Targan Şerif , Tirtom Vedia Nüket
Published: March 2020

Simple, fast, effective, low cost and waste biosorbents, lemon, bean and artichoke shells, were used to remove lead (II) ions from aqueous solution. The influence of pH, contact time, temperature and lead (II) concentration of the removal process was investigated. The sufficient contact time was deemed 10 minutes for bean and artichoke shells and 60 minutes for lemon shells for Pb(II) ions. The thermodynamic parameters, such as standard free energy (ΔG), standard enthalpy (ΔH), and standard entropy (ΔS) of the adsorption process were calculated as −5.6786, −5.5758, −3.1488 kJmol−1 for ΔG, −7.2791, −20.285, −9.5561 kJ mol−1 for ΔH, −0.00545, −0.05017, −0.02185 kJ mol−1 K−1 for ΔS, respectively, for lemon, artichoke and bean shells. Maximum adsorption capacities of lead (II) were observed as 61.30 mg g−1, 88.5 mg g−1 and 62.81 mg g−1, respectively, for lemon, bean and artichoke shells according to the Freundlich isotherm model at 20 °C. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray detector (EDX) were used to characterize the surface morphology of the adsorbents. Consequently, Pb(II) removal using lemon, bean and artichoke shells would be an effective method for the economic treatment of wastewater.
Estimativa de perda de solo por erosão laminar em Lucena-PB
Authors: Matos de Carvalho Homero Jorge , Mendonça Ribeiro Carlos Alberto de , Santos Marconi Antão dos , Rodrigues de Carvalho Paulo Victor
Published: March 2020

A erosão laminar provocada pela ação da chuva é um dos problemas ambientais mais frequentes nas cidades, causando diversos danos materiais e humanos anualmente. Esse tipo de erosão é mais intenso em terrenos mais inclinados e com pouca proteção do solo, a exemplo da cidade de Lucena, na Paraíba, onde já se percebem processos erosivos em áreas de intensa atividade agrícola, especialmente nas áreas mais elevadas onde predomina o solo Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo, cuja erodibilidade é relativamente alta. Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma avaliação das condições de vulnerabilidade à perda de solo, no município de Lucena, em que foi utilizada a Equação Universal de Perda de Solo (USLE) através de ferramentas de Geoprocessamento a partir de uma carta altimétrica mais precisa, com equidistância de 1m, o que permitiu a obtenção de um modelo digital do terreno (MDT) com resolução de 10m. Procurou-se, com isso, aperfeiçoar estudos antecedentes para a mesma cidade, revelando-se, aqui, que a resolução do MDT interfere significativamente no resultado final da simulação: MDTs com resolução mais baixa tendem a superdimensionar o fator LS da USLE e, por conseguinte, as estimativas de perdas de solo.
Caracterização geomorfológica do maciço de Água Branca e seu entorno: uma primeira aproximação
Authors: Avelino dos Santos João Pedro , Firmino da Silva Adelaine , Ventura da Silva Clenisvaldo , Valdir dos Santos Wagner , Jorge de Lima Flávia
Published: March 2020

O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise e caracterização dos fatos geomorfológicos encontrados no maciço estrutural de Água Branca e seu entorno. Os procedimentos metodológicos foram organizados de acordo com o manual técnico de geomorfologia do IBGE (2009), utilização de técnicas de geoprocessamento, aquisição de dados extraídos da imagem SRTM, análise de documentos cartográficos e interpretação de imagens orbitais. Como resultados, caracterizou-se sete unidades geomorfológicas na área de estudo: Cimeira conservada; Encosta dissecada; Encosta conservada; Pedimentos dissecados; Inselbergues; Plainos aluviais; Colinas dissecadas. Por fim, conclui-se que o reconhecimento e mapeamento dessas unidades geomorfológicas constitui um passo importante na promoção de planos de gestão territorial que tenham como premissa o uso da paisagem a partir do entendimento das suas limitações e potencialidades de uso pela sociedade. Assim, espera-se que esse trabalho, de caráter exploratório, contribua com o planejamento das políticas públicas do município de Água Branca, bem como com o desenvolvimento de outros estudos que tenham como foco compreender a evolução da paisagem geomorfológica em contexto de Brejo de Altitude e de áreas controladas por processos de semiaridez.
Mata ciliar, conservação e sustentabilidade, fundamentos da importância para o semiárido paraibano: estudo de caso no alto curso do Rio Paraíba.
Authors: Correia Iluliane Maria Gadelha , Souza Brenda Henrique de , Moura Débora Coelho , Souza Yuri Gomes de
Published: March 2020

A demanda por recursos naturais, especialmente hídricos, para fins sociais e econômicos é crescente em toda a Terra. O plano de integração das bacias do rio São Francisco carrega a esperança de trazer segurança hídrica para diversas cidades no semiárido. No entanto, a execução de sua obra tem apresentado grandes modificações em seu espaço natural. Assim, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo ressaltar a importância da aplicação da legislação ambiental no âmbito da proteção e plantio de matas ciliares ao longo dos trechos do alto curso do Rio Paraíba que será perenizado com a conclusão das obras da transposição do rio São Francisco. Com isso, pôde-se constatar que o relevo da bacia do alto curso do rio Paraíba possui cotas hipsometricas que variam de 231m a 1200m de altitude; quanto a declividade, verificou-se valores entre 0° a 64,9° de declive. Somado a isso, foi identificado também que o uso indiscriminado dos remanescentes ribeirinhos tem afetado o equilíbrio ecossistêmico da área estudada, especialmente o manejo inadequado das matas ciliares e dos solos. Conclui-se que a Constituição Federal dispõe de funções legais que asseguram esses ambientes a partir do Novo Código Florestal (Lei Nº 12.651, de 25 de Maio de 2012), que define estes como área proteção permanente e o seu uso inadequado fere os preceitos apresentados pela mesma.
Escorregamentos translacionais rasos no município de Camaragibe, região metropolitana do Recife: Uma análise preliminar a partir do modelo SHALSTAB
Authors: Medeiros dos Santos Edwilson , De Luiz Rosito Listo Fabrizio
Published: March 2020

Os processos que envolvem movimentos de massa estão diretamente ligados ao uso inadequado do solo. O município de Camaragibe é um dos principais locais com ocorrência de escorregamentos no Estado de Pernambuco. Por conta do processo de ocupação na área é frequente a ocorrência de escorregamentos, principalmente nos períodos chuvosos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar, preliminarmente, a aplicabilidade do modelo SHALSTAB para identificar áreas suscetíveis a escorregamentos rasos em um dos bairros do município, denominado bairro dos Estados. Assim, foi utilizado o modelo SHALSTAB para mapear áreas suscetíveis a escorregamentos por meio de dados obtidos na literatura. Posteriormente essas áreas foram sobrepostas com o inventario de cicatrizes para o bairro dos Estados. A área é, majoritariamente, composta por áreas urbanizadas (57%). Foram identificadas 49 cicatrizes de escorregamentos. Segundo o mapa de suscetibilidade, não há áreas incondicionalmente instáveis e 97,36% da área é considerada estável. Aproximadamente, 80% das cicatrizes estão localizadas em áreas consideradas estáveis, de acordo com o modelo. A partir dos resultados encontrados, verificou-se que as diversas intervenções antrópicas existentes no local em conjunto com a falta de infraestrutura básica são os principais fatores que causam instabilidade nas encostas do bairro dos Estados, mesmo naquelas pouco suscetíveis.
Quantificação da Geodiversidade do Geopark UNESCO Araripe
Authors: Carvalho-Neta Maria de Lourdes , Corrêa Antônio Carlos de Barros , Bétard François
Published: March 2020

Apresenta-se um mapeamento quantitativo da Geodiversidade do Geopark UNESCO Araripe (GA) a partir da metodologia proposta por Bétard (2017). O método de aquisição de dados foi apresentado em detalhes por Carvalho et al (2018), que primeiro conduziu a um mapeamento qualitativo da geodiversidade do geopark. A cartografia foi gerada a partir de bancos de dados preexistentes, com escalas variando ente 1:200.000 e 1:600.000. A diversidade geológica e paleontológica do GA já é reconhecida e, as representações aqui expostas mostram que as diversidades geomorfológica, hidrológica e pedológica também são consideráveis. A quantificação apresentada aqui pode apoiar diferentes atividades na região, seja na reavaliação de geossítios e sítios de geodiversidade, na orientação das visitas de geocientistas e/ou não geocientistas, bem como na redefinição das ações de geoconservação.
Patrimônio Geológico do Litoral da Região Metropolitana de Maceió – RMM, Estado de Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Bruno , Lins Silva Thiago Cavalcante , De Araujo Soares Matheus , Ferreira dos Santos Júnior José
Published: March 2020

Este estudo apresenta e discute a geodiversidade costeira da Região Metropolitana de Maceió - RMM, utilizando como metodologia duas etapas distintas e complementares, inventário e avaliação quantitativa dos geossítios. Para isso, 20 áreas amostrais foram escolhidas como representativas da geodiversidade local. Com esses dados, foi possível classificar essas áreas de acordo com seu valor científico e riscos de degradação, apontando 6 tipos genéticos-funcionais. Os geossítios analisados ​​estão estruturados em grupos morfológicos muito variados, cordões arenosos, terraços marinhos, manguezais e áreas de transição. Das áreas mapeadas, 55% possuem valor científico médio a alto, relacionado a áreas com boa conservação, representando os melhores exemplos regionais de suas características geoambientais. Com relação ao risco de degradação, cerca de 65% dos geossítios apresentam risco médio a alto de degradação, intimamente relacionado à densidade populacional, sem proteção legal efetiva. A aplicação da metodologia permitiu a obtenção de resultados promissores, possibilitando a descrição e avaliação detalhada dos geossítios. No entanto, dada a diversidade de elementos observados, a área demanda novos estudos, com inserções de novos locais e descrições mais aprofundadas, tendo em vista o desenvolvimento de novas etapas de estudo da geodiversidade mapeada.
Atividades experimentais como prática de ensino-aprendizagem de temas de Geografia Física no Ensino Médio
Authors: Monteiro Pereira Clelfa , Caracristi Isorlanda
Published: March 2020

Vários estudos que se referem à Geografia Física apontam as dificuldades para a abstração e compreensão por parte dos alunos dos ensinos fundamental e médio, como os conceitos na área de climatologia e hidrografia, apresentados neste trabalho. A produção de materiais didáticos específicos e a aplicação de técnicas interativas podem contribuir para melhorar o processo de aprendizagem do discente e nessa perspectiva as atividades experimentais são exemplos de recursos didáticos acessíveis e de fácil desenvolvimento em sala que auxiliam o ensino-aprendizagem escolar para os temas da Geografia Física presentes no currículo do Ensino Médio. As atividades experimentais podem e devem se tornar práticas pedagógicas mais presentes nas estratégicas de ensino-aprendizagem, visto o salto no desenvolvimento cognitivo do aluno que elas proporcionam e suas possibilidades de aplicação em sala. Além de seu papel pedagógico, os experimentos também se transformam em momentos em que se desenvolve a interação e a socialização, e potencializa a criatividade dos alunos.
Bioassay of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF) for Neutropenia Treatment in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Pratiwi Riyona Desvy , Agustiyanti Dian Fitria , Dewi Tri Isyani Tungga , Herlina Nina , Dewi Kartika Sari , Yuliawati Yuliawati , Aminah Aminah , Fuad Asrul Muhamad
Published: March 2020

Background: Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) is a first line therapy for neutropenia. However, it is less affordable for most patients in developing and poor countries. Therefore, biosimilar products are developed to suppress the cost of treatment, namely with rhG-CSF. This study aimed to explore the establishment of an affordable rhG-CSF that has similar potential to induce neutrophils recovery as the positive control.Materials and Methods: The rhG-CSF was expressed as inclusion body in Escherichia coli NiCo21(DE3). The inclusion body was then solubilized, refolded, purified and characterized prior to be used in the bioactivity assay. Cyclophosphamide-induced male Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal model and administered with rhG-CSF. Blood sample was collected at several points of time, before and after rhG-CSF treatments. Complete blood count and peripheral blood smear were conducted to investigate the activity of the rhG-CSF on each blood cells type, particularly neutrophil.Results: Specific activity on neutrophil proliferation was shown after treatments with our rhG-CSF and positive control. Positive control dose 40 mg/kg BW was statistically similar with that of the rhG-CSF dose 80 and 120 mg/kg BW. However, in neutropenic condition, recovery of neutrophil counts could not be achieved within 4 days of treatments. Thus, a longer treatment is needed to observe the activity of the rhG-CSF as an antineutropenia agent.Conclusion: The rhG-CSF has been proven having specific activity on neutrophil proliferation. However, improvement in the rhG-CSF preparation is still needed and longer administration of the rhG-CSF has to be applied in the future study.Keywords: rhG-CSF, biosimilar, neutropenia, Sprague Dawley rats
Curcuma mangga Val. Extract as Antidiabetic Agent in 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Cells
Authors: Pujimulyani Dwiyati , Yulianto Wisnu Adi , Setyawati Astuti , Rizal Rizal , Qodariah Rismawati Laila , Khoiriyah Zakiyatul , Arlisyah Annisa , Widowati Wahyu
Published: March 2020

Background: With the increase of diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence, natural product emerged as complementary source on the development of new drug for this disease. White saffron (Curcuma mangga Val.) is a widely available plant found in Indonesia which often used traditionally as medicine for various ailment. Unfortunately scientific evidence of its antidiabetic activity has not been described very well. Present study was trying to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of white saffron based on the change of lipid accumulation.Materials and Methods: Cells viability assay was done using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) reagent to determine the safe concentrations of C. mangga Val. extract and its fractions including hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, ethanol, water fractions and curcumol for the further assay. The preadipocyte cells (3T3-L1) were grown and differentiated into adipocyte cells using 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), dexamethasone and insulin. The adipocyte cells were treated with C. mangga Val. extract (CME) (the safest fraction at all concentrations) for 24 h. Oil red O staining was used to measure the lipid accumulation in adipocyte cells.Results: The CME was not toxic and able to decrease the lipid droplets of the 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells.Conclusion: The CME has potential antidiabetic activity due to ability to decrease the lipid droplet without disturbing the viability of the 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells.Keywords: white saffron, Curcuma mangga Val., antidiabetic
Surface Modification of Poly(Vinylchloride) for Manufacturing Advanced Catheters
Authors: Duta Oana Cristina , Ţîţu Aurel Mihail , Marin Alexandru , Ficai Anton , Ficai Denisa , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: March 2020

Polymeric materials, due to their excellent physicochemical properties and versatility found applicability in multiples areas, including biomaterials used in tissue regeneration, prosthetics (hip, artificial valves), medical devices, controlled drug delivery systems, etc. Medical devices and their applications are very important in modern medicine and the need to develop new materials with improved properties or to improve the existent materials is increasing every day. Numerous reasearches are activated in this domain in order to obtain materials/surfaces that does not have drawbacks such as structural failure, calcifications, infections or thrombosis. One of the most used material is poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) due to its unique properties, availability and low cost. The most common method used for obtaining tubular devices that meet the requirements of medical use is the surface modification of polymers without changing their physical and mechanical properties, in bulk. PVC is a hydrophobic polymer and therefore many research studies were conducted in order to increase the hydrophilicity of the surface by chemical modification in order to improve biocompatibility, to enhance wettability, reduce friction or to make lubricious or antimicrobial coatings. Surface modification of PVC can be achieved by several strategies, in only one step or, in some cases, in two or more steps by applying several techniques consecutively to obtain the desired modification / performances. The most common processes used for modifying the surface of PVC devices are: plasma treatment, corona discharge, chemical grafting, electric discharge, vapour deposition of metals, flame treatment, direct chemical modification (oxidation, hydrolysis, etc.) or even some physical modification of the roughness of the surface.
Papain Mediated Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Encore the Potency of Bioconjugated Flutamide
Authors: Xu Xiao , Man Libo
Published: March 2020

Background:

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of male cancer death after lung cancer in the US. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly effective therapeutic drug at substantially low doses.

Objective:

Anti-androgen drug flutamide was delivered to the prostate cancer cells using Papain Mediated
Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles (PGNPs) as the drug delivery system. PGNPs and flutamide
worked synergistically against cancer cells.

Methods:

Flutamide was used to bioconjugate with PGNPs to improve its efficacy against prostate
cancer. The synthesis and bioconjugation of flutamide with PGNPs (F-PGNPs) were characterized by
various characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and zeta potential to ensure the synthesis, size, shape, size
distribution, and stability. The drug loading efficiency of flutamide in F-PGNPs was confirmed and
validated by UV-vis spectroscopy. Eventually, in vitro studies were performed to determine the potency
of F-PGNPs, changes in nuclear morphology, and generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).

Results:

The efficacy of F-PGNPs (IC50 is 46.54 μg/mL) was found to be improved significantly over
pure flutamide (IC50 is 64.63 μg/mL) against human prostate cancer PC-3 cell line whereas F-PGNPs
did not show any significant toxicity up to a fairly high concentration toward normal mouse macrophage
J774A.1 cells. The apoptotic effects and ROS generation of F-PGNPs were analyzed by increased
permeability of the cell membrane and condensed chromatin with deep blue and green fluorescent
nucleus, respectively.

Conclusion:

The results clearly showed that F-PGNPs significantly improved the potency of flutamide
by delivering it directly into the nucleus of cancer cells through caveolae-dependent endocytosis.
Conclusion: Thus, the greater inhibitory effect of F-PGNPs over the pure drug would be of great advantage
during prostate cancer treatment.
Mechanistic Modeling of Soluble Aβ Dynamics and Target Engagement in the Brain by Anti-Aβ mAbs in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ferl Gregory Z. , Fuji Reina N. , Atwal Jasvinder K. , Sun Tony , Ramanujan Saroja , Quartino Angelica L.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently in development
for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Objectives:

To address the complexity of Aβ target engagement profiles, improve the understanding of
crenezumab Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Aβ Pharmacodynamics (PD) in the brain, and facilitate comparison
of anti-Aβ therapies with different binding characteristics.

Methods:

A mechanistic mathematical model was developed describing the distribution, elimination,
and binding kinetics of anti-Aβ mAbs and Aβ (monomeric and oligomeric forms of Aβ1-40 and
Aβ1-42) in the brain, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and plasma. Physiologically meaningful values were
assigned to the model parameters based on the previous data, with remaining parameters fitted to clinical
measurements of Aβ concentrations in CSF and plasma, and PK/PD data of patients undergoing anti-Aβ
therapy. Aβ target engagement profiles were simulated using a Monte Carlo approach to explore the impact
of biological uncertainty in the model parameters.

Results:

Model-based estimates of in vivo affinity of the antibody to monomeric Aβ were qualitatively
consistent with the previous data. Simulations of Aβ target engagement profiles captured observed mean
and variance of clinical PK/PD data.

Conclusion:

This model is useful for comparing target engagement profiles of different anti-Aβ therapies
and demonstrates that 60 mg/kg crenezumab yields a significant increase in Aβ engagement compared
with lower doses of solanezumab, supporting the selection of 60 mg/kg crenezumab for phase 3
studies. The model also provides evidence that the delivery of sufficient quantities of mAb to brain interstitial
fluid is a limiting step with respect to the magnitude of soluble Aβ oligomer neutralization.
Exploring Nanoemulsion for Liver Cancer Therapy
Authors: Upadhyay Tanmay , Ansari Vaseem A. , Ahmad Usama , Sultana Nazneen , Akhtar Juber
Published: March 2020

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in
2015. Among these, at least 0.78 million people died of liver cancer alone. The recognized risk
factors for liver cancer include chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection,
exposure to dietary aflatoxin, fatty liver disease, alcohol-induced cirrhosis, obesity, smoking,
diabetes, and iron overload. The treatment plan for early diagnosed patients includes radiation
therapy, tumour ablation, surgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Some sort of drug delivery
vehicles has to be used when the treatment plan is targeted chemotherapy. Nanoemulsions are a
class of biphasic liquid dosage form which are mixtures of oil and water stabilized by a surfactant.
They are either transparent or bluish in hue and serve as a wonderful carrier system for chemotherapeutic
drugs. These vehicles have a particle size in the range of 20-200 nm allowing them
to be delivered successfully in the deepest of tissues. Recent publications on nanoemulsions
reveal their acceptance and a popular choice for delivering both synthetic and herbal drugs to the
liver. This work focuses on some anti-cancer agents that utilized the advantages of nanoemulsion
for liver cancer therapy.
Manufacture of Functional Fat-free Cream Cheese Fortified with Probiotic Bacteria and Flaxseed Mucilage as a Fat Replacing Agent
Authors: Akl Engy M. , Abdelhamid Samy M. , Wagdy Suzanne M. , Salama Heba H.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Cream cheese is a fatty cheese that is popular with many consumers and
highly nutritious. There are many studies to reduce its fat content by fat replacers. Flaxseed mucilage
has the potential for stabilizing emulsions, thickening foods and gelling solutions. High-quality
cream cheese is manufactured by replacing fat with flaxseed mucilage.

Objective:

This study aimed to prepare probiotic-fortified and fat-free cream cheese using flaxseed
mucilage as a fat replacer and as prebiotic.

Methods:

The mucilage was extracted and added at different concentrations to the manufactured
cream cheese during processing. Chemical properties, microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation
of the produced cream cheese were investigated.

Results:

The results showed that the addition of mucilage to the cream cheese increased the protein,
ash and the total solids while the moisture content and the pH values were decreased. Cream cheese
viscosity significantly increased with the addition of flaxseed mucilage and decreased during the
storage period. The results also showed that the combination of flaxseed mucilage and probiotic bacteria
has potent antibacterial activity against some pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Yersinia enterocolitica. The mucilage improved the texture, enhanced the survival of the probiotic
bacteria and improved the overall sensorial characteristics of the cheese.

Conclusion:

The manufactured product could be suitable for consumers having some health issues
related to the consumption of fat and as sources of probiotic bacteria.
Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus L.) a Renewable Source of Pure Shikimic Acid and its Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Barbouchi Mohammed , Elamrani Kaoutar , El Idrissi Mostafa , Choukrad M’barek
Published: March 2020

Background:

Pistacia lentiscus L. (Lentisk) an evergreen tree or shrub that is ubiquitous
across the semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean and native to all Mediterranean islands. All
parts of Lentisk, including resin, leaves, gum, fruits, and aerial parts, have been used as valuable
remedies for various diseases since antiquity.

Objective:

This paper highlights a novel source for the isolation of pure shikimic acid from the Lentisk
ethyl acetate extract, which could provide an alternative and renewable solution for shikimic
acid in the future.

Methods:

Characterisation by melting point, elemental analysis, FTIR, HRMS, 1H-NMR, DEPT(
135)-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy confirmed the purity of shikimic acid. The antioxidant
activity of Lentisk extract and shikimic acid was performed by DPPH free radical scavenging activity
assay.

Results:

The results prove that Lentisk is an alternative and renewable source of shikimic acid.
With regard to activity, the shikimic acid does not act as the lead compound in the antioxidant activity
of Lentisk extract.

Conclusion:

Lentisk is a novel alternative and renewable source of shikimic acid.
The difference in histological grades of endometrial carcinoma in curettage and hysterectomy – cross-sectional study
Authors: Franjić Barbara Sabrine , Milić Vranješ Iva , Milić Jakov , Mrčela Milanka
Published: March 2020

Objectives: To determine the compatibility rate between histological grades of endometrial carcinoma in curettage and hysterectomy and to determine how quantity of material, given by the method of fractional hysterectomy, affects the compatibility between histological grades in the two methods. Material and methods: The study included 102 patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent methods of fractional
curettage and hysterectomy. Data regardingthepathohistological status of uterine tissue was obtained from the available medical records. Information on age andclinical diagnoses were obtained from referrals for pathohistologicaltissue examination. The age of the subjects was determined at the time when the tissue samples were taken for analysis. Data on the amount of material was obtained from the description of macroscopic evaluation of the given material. Results: Most subjects had
grade II endometrioid endometrial cancer (47.1 % and 50 %). Most of the
respondents had a medium deficient material obtained by fractional curettage (40.2 %). There was no statistically significant difference between the histological grade determined after the fractional curettage
and hysterectomy. There were no statistically significant differences in histological grade in the sample obtained by fractional curettage and
hysterectomy depending on the amount of material in fractional curettage. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant differences in the grade of endometrial cancer in samples obtained by the fractional curettage and hysterectomy. The correspondence is higher in higher tumor grade (III), and lower in lower tumor grades (I, II). The amount of material did not affect the grade deviation in the sample obtained by fractional curettage and hysterectomy.
Varikokela – tihi ubojica muške plodnosti?
Authors: Čizmić Lucija , Bašković Marko , Župančić Božidar
Published: March 2020

Pod pojmom varikokele podrazumijevamo varikoznu dilataciju vena pampiniformnog spleta. Kod djece mlađe od 10 godina ovakav nalaz je rijedak, dok se u adolescenata javlja s učestalošću od oko 15 %. Nalaz varikokele može biti ljevostran, desnostran i obostran. U kliničkoj praksi najčešće nalazimo varikokele lijeve strane, što objašnjavamo retroperitonealnim anatomskim odnosima. Varikokela u adolescenata obično je asimptomatska, no može biti praćena bolovima u skrotumu. Za postavljanje dijagnoze najčešće su dovoljni klinički pregled i ultrazvuk. Budući da ovo stanje može uzrokovati dugoročnu supfertilnost pacijenta, ključno je pravovremeno donijeti odluku o operativnom zahvatu. Postoji više kirurških tehnika za rješavanje ove patologije. Donedavno su se operacije vršile isključivo tehnikom otvorenog transingvinalnog ili supraingvinalnog pristupa. Upotreba ostalih, manje invazivnih metoda, sve je češća.
Usporedba učinkovitosti i trogodišnjeg preživljenja TNF-α inhibitora u liječenju ankilozantnog spondilitisa
Authors: Mirić Filip , Novak Srđan
Published: March 2020

Cilj: Svrha rada bila je utvrditi i usporediti učinkovitost te preživljenje TNF-α (engl. tumor necrosis factor-α) inhibitora (adalimumab, golimumab, infliksimab) tijekom trogodišnjeg praćenja u liječenju ankilozantnog spondilitisa. Materijali i metode: Ovim retrospektivnim istraživanjem obuhvaćena je skupina od 29 ispitanika koji su primili prvi biološki lijek na Odjelu reumatologije i kliničke imunologije Kliničkog bolničkog centra Rijeka. Započeli su s biološkim lijekom u razdoblju od siječnja 2009. do lipnja 2015. godine i bili praćeni tri godine nakon početka terapije. Parametri kojima se pratila aktivnost bolesti bili su BASDAI (engl. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), BASFI (engl. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), CRP (engl. C reactive protein) i VAS (engl. Visual Analogue Scale), a mjereni su prije početka terapije te nakon 3 i 36 mjeseci od njenog uvođenja. Rezultati: Od ukupno 29 ispitanika, 11 ih je bilo na adalimumabu, 10 na golimumabu, a 8 na infliksimabu. Analizirajući parametre uključene u ovo istraživanje (BASDAI, BASFI, CRP, VAS), ni u jednom promatranom periodu nije zabilježena statistički značajna razlika između ispitanika s obzirom na primijenjeni TNF-α inhibitor (svi p > 0,05). Ukupno trogodišnje preživljenje TNF-α inhibitora iznosilo je 75,8 %. Kod ispitanika liječenih adalimumabom trogodišnje preživljenje iznosilo je 72,8 %, za golimumab 80 % te infliksimab 75 % (svi p > 0,05). Zaključci: Uspoređujući ispitanike liječene adalimumabom, golimumabom i infliksimabom u prvoj liniji biološke terapije, naše istraživanje na malom broju ispitanika pokazalo je kako nema značajne razlike u njihovoj učinkovitosti i preživljenju.
Осцилляции де Гааза--ван Альфена в кремниевой наноструктуре в слабых магнитных полях при комнатной температуре
Authors: Романов В.В. , Кожевников В.А. , Tracey C.T. , Баграев Н.Т.
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe field dependence of magnetization of a silicon nanosandwich measured at room temperature in weak magnetic fields manifests de Haas–van Alphen oscillations, the behavior of which is explained under the condition of the dependence of the effective carrier mass on the external magnetic field.
Термодинамическое описание осцилляций намагниченности кремниевой наноструктуры в слабых полях при комнатной температуре. Плотность состояний
Authors: Романов В.В. , Кожевников В.А. , Баграев Н.Т.
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe observation of de Haas–van Alphen oscillations when studying the silicon nanostructure at room temperature in weak magnetic fields enables the use of thermodynamic relations to calculate the density of states at the Fermi level at critical values of external magnetic-field strengths for integer filling factors.
Определение параметров латерального и нестационарного шнурового токов в цилиндрическом халькогенидном стеклообразном полупроводнике
Authors: Совтус Н.В. , Мынбаев К.Д.
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe heat-conduction equation describing the current cord in a semiconductor is approximately solved for a Ge–Sb–Te semiconductor system of cylindrical configuration. It is shown that the cord current at infinitely long times is proportional to the squared maximum temperature at the cord center and inversely proportional to the applied electric field. The scale of the lateral current perpendicular to the main cord current is estimated. It is found that the lateral current is low in comparison with the cord current; hence, the formation of lateral cords growing from the main cord is highly improbable.
Краевое легирование в графеновых приборах на подложках SiO-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-
Authors: Васильева Г.Ю. , Смирнов Д. , Васильев Ю.Б. , Грешнов А.А. , Haug R.J.
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe conductivity of single layer and bilayer graphene ribbons 0.5–4 μm in width fabricated by oxygen plasma etching is studied experimentally. The dependence of the electron concentration in graphene on the ribbon width is revealed. This effect is explained by the edge doping of graphene due to defects arranged in SiO_2 near the ribbon edges. The method of the formation of abrupt p – n junctions in graphene and structures with a constant electron concentration gradient in the graphene plane with the help of edge doping is proposed.
Вольт-амперные характеристики композитных графен-нанотрубных пленок с нерегулярным расположением нанотрубок
Authors: Глухова О.Е. , Слепченков М.М. , Митрофанов В.В. , Барков П.В.
Published: March 2020

Topological models of the graphene / CNT hybrid composite have been constructed, which are tubes that lie irregularly between graphene monolayers and parallel to them, covalently linked to graphene. The distance between the tubes was measured in hexagons (H1 and H2) of graphene between the ribs involved in the formation of covalent bonds. It was shown that only those films that are based on zigzag (n, 0) tubes with an even number n are energetically stable. According to our research, the most stable structure is a film with a tube (10.0) and with an arrangement step of 6/8. It was found that the energy gap is present in the band structure of all the studied film models and is in the range of 0.41 – 0.73 eV.