bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Eating Behaviour-Consumption Frequency of Certain Foods in Early Childhood-As a Predictor of Behaviour Problems
Authors: Ajmal Ammara , Watanabe Kumi , Tanaka Emiko , Sawada Yuko , Watanabe Taeko , Tomisaki Etuko , Ito Sumio , Okumura Rika , Kawasaki Yuriko , Anme Tokie
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Eating behaviour in early childhood serves as a foundation for future health outcomes. Diet patterns can have long-term beneficial or adverse effects on social behaviour development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate food consumption frequency in 1- to 6-year-olds as an eating behaviour-related predictor of behaviour problems six years later. Methods: This longitudinal study involved 124 mother-child dyads from a project named ‘Community Empowerment and Care for Wellbeing and Health Longevity’ initiated in 1991 and conducting surveys every three years. We studied children aged 1–6 years in July 2011, with a follow-up assessment in August 2017. The primary exposure examined was the frequency of food items intake. The primary outcome was behaviour problems as assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: The adjusted results suggested that a higher intake of leafy green and light-coloured vegetables were significantly associated with decreased odds of conduct problems and prosocial behaviour problems in Japanese children. However, no associations were observed among fruits, milk, small fish, eggs, soybeans, seaweed, and any SDQ subscales. Conclusion: This study shows that eating leafy green and light-coloured vegetables may have a protective effect on a child’s conduct and prosocial behaviour problems. Due consideration should be given to children’s eating habits in the early stages of their lives, to ensure better mental health.

Keywords: Child; Diet; Impulsive Behaviour; Longitudinal Studies; Mental Health; Nutrients; Sugars; Vegetables.
Incidence and Determinants of Complications of Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy in a Large Cohort of Native Kidney and Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Fatthy Moataz , Saleh Ahmed , Ahmed Reham A. , Abouzeid Sameh , Bakry Seham , Abdelaziz Tarek
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Percutaneous kidney biopsy is a useful diagnostic procedure. Hemorrhagic complications may occur following the procedure. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1198 patients who had percutaneous renal biopsy between March 2013 and March 2018. The cohort included both native kidney and transplant biopsies. We have included only the first biopsy for each patient; repeat biopsies for 132 patients were excluded from the analysis. Results: 1198 patients ( 332 transplant recipients and 886 native kidney patients) were included in the study. Major complications occurred in 18(1.5%) of patients (1.4% in native kidney biopsies Vs 1.6% in kidney transplant recipients. Adequate renal tissue (core of > 6 glomeruli ) was obtained in 91 % of patients. Our analysis revealed that the incidence of major complications, in the native kidney biopsy are increased with age>65 years (odds ratio2.4, 95 % CI (1.5-5.6), eGFR<30 ml/min/m2 (odds ratio 9.7, 95 % CI (3.4-18.2)  ) and anemia(9-11 mg/dl)(odds ratio3.2 (1.7-5.2), 95 % CI(1.7-5.2). In transplant recipients kidney biopsy the incidence of complications was increased with age>65 years (odds ratio 2.8(1.7-7.3), 95 % CI (1.7-7.3), eGFR<30 ml/min/m2 (odds ratio 11.3, 95 % CI  (3.5-16.8 ) and anemia (9-11mg/dl )(odds ratio 2.4, 95 %(1.7-4.7). Conclusion: The incidence of major complications following kidney biopsy was 1,5%(for  a cohort of native kidney biopsy and kidney transplant  biopsies . Age> 65 years, lower eGFR < <30 ml/min/m2 and anemia were independent risk predictors for the occurrence of major complications in both native and transplant kidney biopsy.

Keywords: Biopsy; biopsy, needle; renal, complications, safety, adequacy.
Erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in natura e processada para tereré: caracterização centesimal, compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante
Authors: Muniz Garcia Hiana , De Melo Alves Mariana , Simionatto Euclésio , Neder Morato Priscila
Published: May 2021

A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) é uma planta sul-americana, comum no Brasil, utilizada principalmente em bebidas preparadas a partir de infusão, como chimarrão e tereré. A erva-mate possui inúmeros compostos benéficos à saúde humana. Entretanto, o processamento pode interferir no aproveitamento destes. Portanto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a composição centesimal e analisar a atividade antioxidante de erva-mate in natura, cancheada, processada tradicional e processada sabor menta e limão, coletadas durante o processamento de uma marca comercial regional de Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram realizadas análises de umidade, cinzas, lipídeos, proteínas, fibras, pH, determinação de compostos fenólicos e análise de atividade antioxidante (DPPH e ABTS). Os resultados apontaram que as amostras derivadas da indústria local não diferiram significativamente entre si, porém diferiram em até 18% da erva-mate in natura em umidade e pH. O teor de fibras apresentou variação de 16,51 a 34,86 entre as amostras sabor menta e limão e in natura. O teor de proteínas apresentou diminuição de acordo com o nível de processamento da amostra. Para atividade antioxidante, a erva-mate cancheada apresentou maior atividade antioxidante nos índices IC50 e TEAC. O método DPPH apresentou maior eficiência na captura do radical. Apesar das diferenças nas quantidades dos compostos presentes na erva processada quando comparada à erva in natura, a presença de compostos antioxidantes nas amostras foi significativa. Viabilizando assim, estudos acerca do impacto do consumo dessa bebida no corpo humano, bem como métodos e processos que visem preservar tais compostos na matéria-prima.
Elaboração de produto tipo sour cream a partir do aproveitamento do soro de leite
Authors: Farias Claudineide , Arôxa Carolina , Nunes Tatiana , Leão Karina , Barretto Lília
Published: May 2021

A cadeia produtiva do leite no Brasil vem sendo cada vez mais inovadora, e com o aumento dos conhecimentos sobre o soro de leite e os avanços tecnológicos, este coproduto passou a ser visto como um ingrediente de elevado valor agregado para a indústria alimentícia. O sour cream, definido pela Food and Drug Administration (FDA) como um creme resultante da acidificação por bactérias láticas do creme de leite pasteurizado, é um produto inovador no país e com alta qualidade nutricional. Este trabalho objetivou desenvolver um produto do tipo sour cream substituindo o ingrediente iogurte natural por uma bebida láctea fermentada à base soro de queijo muçarela, caracterizando o produto final por análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Foram desenvolvidas quatro formulações do sour cream, sendo investigada a variação da concentração do ácido cítrico (5, 10,15 e 20%; m/m), com a finalidade de se obter um produto com características similares ao tradicional. Ao final do processamento, os diferentes tratamentos foram caracterizados quanto ao pH, acidez titulável, umidade, extrato seco total, proteínas, lipídeos e enumeração de bolores e leveduras. As análises físico-químicas apresentaram diferenças significativas (p ≤ 0,05), para os resultados de pH, acidez titulável, umidade, lipídeos e extrato seco total. Na análise microbiológica, a amostra com 5% de ácido cítrico destacou-se por apresentar um resultado de contaminação mínima (<100 UFC/g). O soro de leite mostrou-se um ingrediente viável, assim como o sour cream, que apresentou características similares ao produto originado da cultura mexicana, apresentando-se como uma nova possibilidade tecnológica para a agroindústria brasileira.
Folha de Rosto
Authors: Agrogeoambiental Revista
Published: May 2021

Folha de Rosto
Influence of Conventional and Non-conventional Organic Sources of Plant Nutrients and Industrial Refuse for Yield and Quality Enhancement of Radish
Authors: Venkatakrishnan D. , Arulkumar V. , Kamalakannan P. , Sathyaseelan V.
Published: May 2021

Background: India generates about 50 million tons of municipal solid wastes (MSW) every year. Composting MSW is viewed as a low-cost method of diverting organic wastes from landfills in to a valuable product of agricultural importance. Farm Yard Manure (FYM) is an organic matter rich with a small quantity of nitrogen, while rice hull ash is a good source of plant nutrients particularly of potash. Bagasse ash is a waste obtained from sugar industries and is capable of supplying significant amount of plant nutrients. The present investigation aimed to study the effect of organic sources of plant nutrients and industrial waste on yield and quality of radish as a supplementary source of plant nutrients. Methods: A pot trial investigation was carried out during 2019 at Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tami Nadu to study the influence of conventional and non-conventional organic sources of plant nutrients and industrial refuse on yield and quality of radish. Under this trial, FYM (12.5 t ha-1), Municipal Solid Waste Compost (25 t ha-1), Rice hull ash (5 t ha-1), Bagasse ash (10 t ha-1) with 100% RDF and 75% RDF were tried. Result: The present investigation under pot trial showed that the maximum radish root yield, shoot yield and quality were observed due to the application of organic sources of plant nutrients of both conventional and non-conventional organic sources and industrial refuse.
Alterations in Biochemical Markers of Liver and Kidney Function and Oxidative Stress Indices on Sub-acute Exposure of Enrofloxacin in Albino Rats
Authors: Mishra Prateek , Gautam Vidhi , Sharma R.K. , Tiwari Anushri
Published: May 2021

Background: The present study was performed to evaluate Alterations in biochemical markers of liver and kidney function and oxidative stress indices on sub-acute exposure of enrofloxacin in albino rats. Methods: Albino rat weighing 200-300 gm were treated with enrofloxacin orally with the help of gavage needle and devided into three groups each group consist six rats. The rats of group I were served as control. However, rats of group II and III were treated with enrofloxacin @ 5 mg/kg b.wt., enrofloxacin @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. respectively. All the groups received medication orally, once daily for 28 days and blood samples were collected on the 28 day of experiment by the help of capillary tube and processed by laboratory methods. Result: Enrofloxacin altered the functions of liver and kidney as indicated by the alteration in the biochemical markers of liver and kidney function. Enrofloxacin significantly enhanced the concentration of biochemical markers of liver function viz. ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, albumin and bilirubin as compared to control. The concentration of biochemical markers of kidney function viz. BUN and creatinine was significantly enhanced after enrofloxacin administration as compared to control. Enrofloxacin administration induced oxidative stress in rats as indicated by significant decrease in concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in blood as compared to control. However, lipid peroxidation was significantly enhanced as indicated by increased level of MDA in blood as compared to controlConclusion: Thus, enrofloxacin have ability to altered the biochemical markers of liver and kidney and also have potency to induced oxidative stress in albino rats after the sub-acute exposure for 28 days.
Assessing the Risks and Effectiveness of Pandemic Control Measures: the Migration Aspect
Authors: Sigareva Evgenia P. , Pletneva Yulia E.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of the implementation of the universal right to freedom of movement and the measures used to limit it in the context of epidemiological threats associated with the global pandemic of 2020. The modern pandemic, being, in fact, an event provoked in many respects by the processes of globalization and the unprecedented level of migration exchange of population between states and regions, has caused the need for a sharp restriction of all types of movement. This, in turn, has updated scientific research aimed at studying the risks of the disease and the adequacy of measures to combat the pandemic in the field of containing mobility. This article is based on a pilot sociological study of personal and national epidemiological risks from the standpoint of their population’s assessments. The empirical base also contains a block of information related to assessments of the effectiveness of measures to restrict movement developed and applied in Russia. In addition, the paper considers the risks associated with the consequences of restraining mobility, such as loss of work and income, the expected migration loss of the population, the possibility of replacing local labor resources by labor migrants, and others. The results of the survey made it possible to obtain the views of the Russian population on the most acceptable and approved measures to combat the pandemic in the field of migration. The rating of the weighted average assessment of the effectiveness of measures during the period of coronavirus infection related to population mobility was presented. We also analyzed typical risk assessments from the population regarding migration movements, not only for the entire population of respondents, but also for individual age groups of respondents. And the features of assessing the effectiveness of measures to combat the pandemic in different age groups of survey participants were revealed. The survey was conducted in October 2020, when the second wave of the pandemic was just developing. Therefore, the article contains some comparative results of the respondents’ assessment of the risks and facts of the real situation of the development of the pandemic. The article will be of interest to both the scientific community: demographers, sociologists, and government officials. Its findings will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the developed public policy measures and balance the need for restrictive orders and freedom of movement in the face of growing epidemiological threats.
Education Sector Development in the Greater Bay Area of China Today
Authors: Strukova Polina E.
Published: May 2021

The article attempts to review and analyze the resent development process of the education sector in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao in South China. This rapidly developing economic region is an urban cluster that includes eleven cities, two of which are Special Autonomous Regions - Hong Kong and Macau - with a high degree of autonomy and local specificity of educational systems. In this regard, the processes of standardization and multi-level integration of the district’s educational systems is being carefully planned and actively implemented in the Pearl River Delta. China’s unique experience in this matter deserves close study, especially considering the lack of a sufficient number of publications on this topic in Russian language sources. The materials analyzed in the article include official printed analytical reviews and scientific publications written by Chinese specialists who have direct access to primary sources and deeply understand the topic. To get the realistic picture, the article also provides an overview of specific projects which have been already implemented by China in the Great
Global Market of Highly Qualified Specialist under Pandemic Conditions
Authors: Belova Lidia G.
Published: May 2021

The article examines the state of the global market of highly qualified specialists under the pandemic conditions (demand, supply, and the main areas of activity). The author points at an increased importance of such an economic resource as knowledge. In most countries there is a need for qualified, healthy, and entrepreneurial specialists. The labor force began to be evaluated not by quantity, but by quality. The author gives data on “global talent index” how to prepare and keep professionals in the largest countries of the world. This paper pays special attention to entrepreneurial talent that is being encouraged, developed, and has an impact on relative competitiveness of various economies. The author indicates intensive movements of professionals between countries because of intra-firm transitions, common programs because of professional exchange, international movements of scientific personnel. Due to digitalization scientific connections are expanding between countries and effectiveness of cooperation in the online format is increasing. The role of a student mobility is increasing in an international educational exchange as one of the forms of an international migration of highly qualified specialists. The author defines the main travel directions of scientific personnel such as the USA, western European countries, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and others. It is established that during the pandemic restrictive measures have dramatically reduced the inflow of highly qualified specialists to all countries of the world, including Russia. There is an increase in unemployment in Canada, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the USA and in other countries. During this period, an international outsourcing becomes particularly important allowing to penetrate to the professional labor market at closed borders. As a result, start-ups in the form of online exhibitions have appeared. During the pandemic scientists, information technology specialists, engineers, teachers, and doctors have become popular. The author highlights the problems at the labor market occurred in pandemic terms and indicates an increased demand for all kinds of digital projects with the participation of Russian professionals.
IMPLEMENTATION OF SIX SIGMA IN PRODUCT QUALITY CONTROL
Authors: Elfanda Muhamad Erga
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The problem faced by the company is the increase in the number of damaged products during the production process, which affects the quality of the product resulting decreased sales levels. The production process in food, beverage, and other processing industry is the most important activity to produce products that later to be marketed. Methods: The research method used in the study is Six Sigma method. Six Sigma is a system which has purpose to make a business become successful in a comprehensive and flexible manner. The product taken and examined is the sweet fermented Carica fruit. This fruit will be produced by CV. Gemilang Kencana, wheresoever the fruit is ready for the packing process, both cups and bottles.Results: The results of the calculation of Six Sigma value from CV. Gemilang Kencana has a sigma level 3.8 with the possibility of damage/ defects to the product up to 11,760 pcs in a million chance of production (DPMO). To reduce the number of damaged/ defective products that occur in the production process by sorting the highest percentage of causes damage, namely packaging leakage by 37%, untidy products by 50%, and less full products by 13%.Conclusion and suggestion: After knowing the results in this study, if the cause of the damage is not handled properly, more products will fail during the production process, which will cause an increase in production costs and have an impact on company losses.
Reflections on the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Epidemic of 2001: a United Kingdom Perspective
Authors: C. MIDDLEMISS
Published: May 2021

The world is continuing to battle COVID-19, but 20 years ago, the United Kingdom (UK) faced another unprecedented event that would also require a whole-of-government response to tackle it.
18F-FDG PET/CT Versus Diagnostic Contrast-Enhanced CT for Follow-up Of Stage IV Melanoma Patients Treated by Tyrosine Kinase or Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Frequency and Management of Discordances Over a 3-Year Period in a University Hospital
Authors: Le Goubey Jean-Baptiste , Lasnon Charline , Nakouri Ines , Césaire Laure , Depontville Michel , Nganoa Catherine , Kottler Diane , Aide Nicolas
Published: May 2021

Aim To perform a comprehensive analysis of discordances between contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of the extra-cerebral treatment monitoring in patients with stage IV melanoma. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective monocentric observational study over a 3 years period in patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT and ceCT in the framework of therapy monitoring of immune checkpoint or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ICIs or TKIs) as of January-2017. Imaging reports were analysed by two physicians in consensus. Anatomical site responsible for discordances, as well as induced changes in treatment were noted. Results Eighty patients were included and 195 couples of scans analysed. Overall, discordances occurred in 65 cases (33%). Eighty percent of the discordances (52/65) were due to 18F-FDG PET/CT scans upstaging the patient. Amongst these discordances, 17/52 (33%) led to change in patient’s management, the most frequent being radiotherapy of a progressing site. ceCT represented 13/65 (20%) of discordances and induced changes in patients’ management in 2/13 cases (15%). The more frequent anatomical site involved was subcutaneous for 18F-FDG PET/CT findings and lung or liver for ceCT. Conclusions Treatment monitoring with 18F-FDG
Novel Method to Analytically Obtain the Asymptotic Stable Equilibria States of Extended SIR-type Epidemiological Models
Authors: Lazebnik Teddy , Bunimovich-Mendrazitsky Svetlana , Shaikhet Leonid
Published: May 2021

We present a new analytical method to find the asymptotic stable equilibria states based on the Markov chain technique. We reveal this method on the SIR-type epidemiological model that we developed for viral diseases with long-term immunity memory pandemic. This is a large-scale model containing 15 nonlinear ODE equations, and classical methods have failed to analytically obtain its equilibria. The proposed method is used to conduct a comprehensive analysis by a stochastic representation of the dynamics of the model, followed by finding all asymptotic stable equilibrium states of the model for any values of parameters and initial conditions.
A Simple 1D Convection-Diffusion Model of Oxalic Acid Oxidation Using Reactive Electrochemical Membrane
Authors: Skolotneva Ekaterina , Cretin Marc , Mareev Semyon
Published: May 2021

In recent years, electrochemical methods utilizing reactive electrochemical membranes (REM) have been recognized as the most promising technologies for the removal of organic pollutants from water. In this paper, we propose a 1D convection-diffusion-reaction model concerning the transport and oxidation of oxalic acid (OA) and oxygen evolution in the flow-through electrochemical oxidation system with REM. It allows the determination of unknown parameters of the system by treatment of experimental data and predicts the behavior of the electrolysis setup. There is a good agreement in calculated and experimental data at different transmembrane pressures and initial concentrations of OA. The model provides an understanding of the processes occurring in the system and gives the concentration, current density, potential and overpotential distributions in REM. The dispersion coefficient was determined as a fitting parameter and it is in good agreement with literary data for similar REMs. It is shown, that the oxygen evolution reaction plays an important role in the process even under the kinetic limit, and its contribution decreases with increasing total organic carbon flux through the REM.
Increasing Confidence and Mental Health in Caregivers
Authors: DiAngelo Lucy , Lowry Libby , McDaniel Kayla , Sauser Clare , Terry Shelby , Williams Erin
Published: May 2021

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the highest-level evidence available regarding interventions for increasing confidence and mental health outcomes in caregivers taking loved ones home from inpatient rehabilitation. The final portfolio contains six research articles from peer-reviewed journals. Study designs include randomized control trials, a systematic review, and a pretest-posttest without a control group. All studies relate directly to the components of the PICO question. Four of the articles discussed both caregiver confidence and mental health while two articles discussed only mental health. There is strong evidence to support that in-person hands on training, in person discussion-based training, and/or virtual resources helped increase confidence in caregivers of patients. There is mixed evidence and only limited improvement to support mental health. The findings from this critically appraised topic will be used to draft new ideas for practice guidelines for addressing caregiver education and caregiver mental health in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.
From Individual Wellbeing to Collective Welfare
Authors: Walther Cornelia C
Published: May 2021

This article gives an overview of the twice four-dimensional logic that underpins the POZE paradigm at the individual and collective level. It is based on the understanding that human existence is a composition of four dimensions—soul, heart, mind and body, expressed as aspirations, emotions, thoughts and sensations. This individual multidimensionality reflects the collective arena, which is composed of micro, meso, macro and meta dimensions, in the form of individuals, communities, countries and planet earth.

Individual wellbeing is the cause and consequence of collective welfare, due to four principles that influence the individual and the collective sphere: change, connection, continuity and complementarity. One without the other is not sustainable. Aid must be designed and delivered with the ambition of holistic support that considers not only each dimension but contributes to the optimisation of their mutual interplay, the ultimate ambition being to lift individuals everywhere to fulfill their potential.
Institutional Amnesia and Humanitarian Disaster Management
Authors: Stark Dr Alastair
Published: May 2021

Institutional amnesia is a serious concern for those who plan for, respond to and recover from humanitarian crises. Yet little effort has been made to understand its effects in disaster management generally and humanitarian agencies specifically. Consequently, we have no idea how to reform in ways which can deal with the issue of memory-loss. This paper addresses these concerns by defining institutional amnesia in conceptual and empirical terms, establishing its causes in the humanitarian policy space, ascertaining its effects within and across disasters and, most importantly, setting out a series of recommendations that can help humanitarian agencies address their own amnesia. The central argument is that institutional memory-loss is robbing individuals, organisations and networks of their lesson-learning gains. This is the single biggest reason why memory-loss must be acknowledged and treated as matter of some urgency.
Inhibiting the Redox Function of APE1 Suppresses Cervical Cancer Metastasis via Disengagement of ZEB1 from E-cadherin in EMT
Authors: li qing , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Duan Wei , Qian Cheng-Yuan , Wang Shu-Nan , Deng Meng-Sheng , Zi Dan , Wang Jian-Min , Mao Cheng-Yi , Song Guanbin , Wang Dong , Westover Kenneth D. , Xu Cheng-Xiong
Published: May 2021

Background: Metastasis is a major challenge in cervical cancer treatment. Previous studies have shown that the dual functional protein apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) promotes tumor metastasis and is overexpressed in cervical cancer. However, the biological role and mechanism of APE1 in cervical cancer metastasis have rarely been studied.Methods: We used gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to determine the APE1-related signaling pathways in cervical cancer. To investigate the role and mechanism of APE1 in cervical cancer metastasis, invasion, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, secondary structure prediction, coimmunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed. The inhibitory effects of the APE1 redox function inhibitor APX3330 on cervical cancer metastasis were evaluated using animal models.Results: Clinical data showed that high expression of APE1 was associated with lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer patients. GSEA results showed that APE1 was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cervical cancer. Ectopic expression of APE1 promoted EMT and invasion of cervical cancer cells, whereas inhibition of APE1 suppressed EMT and invasion of cervical cancer cells in a redox function-dependent manner. Notably, APE1 redox function inhibitor APX3330 treatment dramatically suppressed cervical cancer cell lymph node and distant metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, we found that APE1 enhanced the interaction between ZEB1 and the E-cadherin promoter by binding to ZEB1, thereby suppressing the expression of E-cadherin, a negative regulator of EMT.Conclusion: Our findings help to elucidate the role played by APE1 in cervical cancer metastasis and targeting APE1 redox function may be a novel strategy for inhibiting cervical cancer metastasis.
Gridded distribution of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and their chemical characterization over Delhi during winter
Authors: Jangirh Ritu , Ahlawat Sakshi , Arya Rahul , Mondal Arnab , Yadav Lokesh , Kotnala Garima , Yadav Pooja , Choudhary Nikki , Rani Martina , Banoo Rubiya , Rai Akanksha , Saharan Ummed Singh , Rastogi Neeraj , Patel Anil , Shivani Shivani , Gadi Ranu , Saxena Priyanka , Vijayan Narayanasamy , Sharma Chhemendra , Sharma Sudhir Kumar , Mandal Tuhin Kumar
Published: May 2021

In the present study, total suspended particulate matter (TSP) samples were collected at 47 different sites (47 grids of 5 × 5 km2 area) of Delhi during winter (January-February 2019) in campaign mode. To understand the spatial variation of sources, TSP samples were analyzed for chemical compositions including carbonaceous species [organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC)], water-soluble total nitrogen (WSTN), water-soluble inorganic nitrogen (WSIN), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs), water-soluble inorganic species (WSIS) (F−, Cl−, SO42−, NO2−, NO3−, PO43−, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+), and major & minor trace elements (B, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Zn, Cr, Mn, Cu, As, Pd, F, and Ag). During the campaign, the maximum concentration of several components of TSP (996 µg/m3) was recorded at the Rana Pratap Bagh area representing a pollution hotspot of Delhi. The maximum concentrations of PAHs were recorded at Udhyog Nagar, a region close to heavily loaded diesel vehicles, small rubber factories, and waste burning areas. Higher content of Cl− and Cl−/Na+ ratio (> 1.7) suggests the presence of nonmarine anthropogenic sources of Cl− over Delhi. Minimum concentrations of OC, EC, WSOC, PAHs, and WSIS in TSP were observed at Kalkaji representing the least polluted area in Delhi. Enrichment factor < 5.0 at several locations and a significant correlation of Al with Mg, Fe, Ti, and Ca and C/N ratio indicated the abundance of mineral/crustal dust in TSP over Delhi. Principal component analysis (PCA) was also performed for the source apportionment of TSP and extracted soil dust was found to be the major contributor to TSP followed by biomass burning, open waste burning, secondary aerosol, and vehicular emissions.
Reconstructing atmospheric circulation and sea-ice extent in the West Antarctic over the past 200 years using data assimilation
Authors: Dalaiden Quentin , Goosse Hugues , Rezsohazy Jeanne , Thomas Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2021

The West Antarctic climate has witnessed large changes during the second half of the 20th century including a strong and widespread continental warming, important regional changes in sea-ice extent and snow accumulation, as well as a major mass loss from the melting of some ice shelves. However, the potential links between those observed changes are still unclear and instrumental data do not allow determination of whether they are part of a long-term evolution or specific to the recent decades. In this study, we analyze the climate variability of the past two centuries in the West Antarctic sector by reconstructing the key atmospheric variables (atmospheric circulation, near-surface air temperature and snow accumulation) as well as the sea-ice extent at the annual timescale using a data assimilation approach. To this end, information from Antarctic ice core records (snow accumulation and δ 18 O and tree-ring width records situated in the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere are combined with the physics of climate models using a data assimilation method. This ultimately provides a complete spatial reconstruction over the west Antarctic region. Our reconstruction reproduces well the main characteristics of the observed changes over the instrumental period. We show that the observed sea-ice reduction in the Bellingshausen-Amundsen Sea sector over the satellite era is part of a long-term trend, starting at around 1850 CE, while the sea-ice expansion in the Ross Sea sector has only started around 1950 CE. Furthermore, according to our reconstruction, the Amundsen Sea Low pressure (ASL) displays no significant linear trend in its strength or position over 1850--1950 CE but becomes stronger and shifts eastward afterwards. The year-to-year sea-ice variations in the Ross Sea sector are strongly related to the ASL variability over the past two centuries, including the recent trends. By contrast, the link between ASL and sea-ice in the Bellingshausen-Amundsen Sea sector changes with time, being stronger in recent decades than before. Our reconstruction also suggests that the continental response to the variability of the ASL may not be stationary over time, being significantly affected by modification of the mean circulation. Finally, we show that the widespread warming since 1958 CE in West Antarctica is unusual in the context of past 200 years and is explained by both the deeper ASL and the positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode.
Health-related quality of life and estimation of minimally important difference in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptom (FACT-ES) score in postmenopausal ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with low sensitivity to endocrine therapy
Authors: Kikawa Yuichiro , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Fujisawa Tomomi , Araki Kazuhiro , Iwamoto Takayuki , Sangai Takafumi , Shien Tadahiko , Takao Shintaro , Nishimura Reiki , Takahashi Masato , Toyama Tatsuya , Aihara Tomohiko , Mukai Hirofumi , Taira Naruto
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The HORSE-BC study previously demonstrated that 2nd-line endocrine therapy (ET) for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with acquired endocrine resistance still provided a clinically meaningful benefit. Herein, we investigated health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in HORSE-BC.

Methods

MBC patients with acquired endocrine resistance who were scheduled for 2nd-line ET were recruited. HR-QOL was assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 months after initiation of 2nd-line ET. To investigate the minimally important difference (MID) in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), we evaluated the means and standard deviations (SDs) for the distribution-based method, and differences in the change in HR-QOL for the anchor-based method. We also investigated the association between FACT-ES total scores and clinical benefit.

Results

Overall, 56 patients were enrolled. Of these, 47 were analyzed. When defined as 1/3 SD estimates based on the distribution method, the calculated MID was 5.9. The MIDs of the FACT-ES total scores based on the anchor method were 7.7 for decline and 4.1 for improvement. The proportions of MID decline were 6.1% and 14.7% lower in patients who experienced clinical benefits than in those who did not at 1 month and 3 months, respectively. The respective ratios of MID improvement in patients who experienced clinical benefits were 18.3% and 3.2% higher, respectively; mean change in FACT-ES total score from baseline was improved in patients who experienced clinical benefits.

Conclusion

Maintaining HR-QOL as determined by FACT-ES may be associated with clinical benefits in patients with acquired endocrine-resistant MBC treated with ET.
Binary Image Steganography based on Permutation
Authors: Sadié Juvet Karnel , Ekodeck Stéphane Gael Raymond , Ndoundam Rene
Published: May 2021

We propose a steganographic scheme based on permutations, which improves the capacity of embedding information in a series of p host binary images. Given a host binary image block of size m x n bits and any embedding technique T, where T can hide Q(m, n) bits of data in the image; given p images, T can hide p x Q(m, n) bits of data in these images. Our scheme improves the capacity of embedding information in p images such that, instead of p x Q(m, n) bits, it can hide p x log2(p) + p x Q(m, n)bits. The results which have been obtained by experiments, show that our model performs a better hiding process in terms of hiding capacity.
Effect of the Green Synthesized rGO and Mg/rGO Nanocomposites Using High Molecular Weight Polyphenols of Rosa Canina Fruit and Investigation of Their Effects on Phytochemical Assay and Toxicity in Organ Culture of Mentha Longifolia
Authors: Jafarirad Saeed , Kosari‑Nasab Morteza , Aminpour Monireh , Rezaei Zahra
Published: May 2021

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Mg/rGO nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by an eco-friendly technique using high molecular weight polyphenols of Rosa canina fruit. Physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity to Mentha longifolia in vitro cultures of these nanomaterials were examined by using XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, DLS/Zeta potential, UV–Visible and GC-MS techniques. The characterization techniques confirmed the synthesis of rGO and Mg/rGO NCs with particle sizes less than 20 nm (based on FESEM). In accordance to the biological measurements, rGO showed in vitro cytotoxicity to M. longifolia shoot cultures. Mg/rGO NCs showed no significant difference in the growth parameters except for a decrease in the soot number at the concentrations of 50 and 150 mg/L and a decrease in the length of the tallest root at the concentrations of 100 and 150 mg/L, however, efficiently improved the photosynthetic pigment contents. The phytochemical assay depicted that the total content of volatile compounds was increased in the treated cultures with 25, 50, and 100 mg/L of rGO and Mg/rGO NCs in comparison to the control. Generally, the more oxygenated and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes was observed in the cultures treated with 25 and 100 mg/L of rGO and 25 and 50 mg/L of Mg/rGO NCs.
Modeling The Effect of Nitrogen Dioxide Produced In Shazand Power Plant Upon Air Pollution In Arak, Iran Using Sentinel-5 Satellite Data
Authors: Ghannadi Mohammad Amin , Shahri Matin , Moradi Amir Reza
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, air pollution and its negative effects on human health is regarded as one of the most fundamental problems in the world. Iran as a developing country also deals with the issue of air pollution. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as one of the air pollutants leads to serious damage to the human respiratory system. The power plants are recognized as one of the main sources of producing NO2. In this research, the effect of NO2 produced in Shazand power plant on the air pollution in Arak metropolitan area, as one of the most polluted cities in Iran will be investigated using a third-order rational mathematical model. Sentinel-5 satellite images have been applied to monitor NO2 in the study area during the two years 2020-2019. The results indicate that the proposed model has been successful to model the relationship between the amount of NO2 produced in Shazand power plant and its propagation in Arak city using a set of control points with the values of RMSE, MAE and R2 equal to 6-10×2.1, 6-10×1.3 and 0.99 respectively. The results of model validation using check points with the values of RMSE, MAE and R2 equal to6-10×1.7 , 6-10×1.1 and 0.99 respectively indicate that the model can also be applied to any data location in the study area.
Leonurine Attenuates Pressure-Overload Cardiac Hypertrophy Induced By Abdominal Aortic Constriction In Rats
Authors: Xiaoli Ding , Qingqing Yuan , Haibing Qian
Published: May 2021

Background: Myocardial hypertrophy occurs in many cardiovascular diseases. Leonurine (Leo) is commonly used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, whether it can prevent cardiac hypertrophy is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of Leonurine (Leo) against pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy induced by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) in rats. Methods: To answer this question, we prove it in the following way: Cardiac function was evaluated by hemodynamic; the left ventricle enlargement was measured by heart weight index (HWI) and left ventricular mass index (LVWI); myocardial tissue changes and myocardial cell diameter (MD) were determined by Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; theβ-myosin heavy chain(β-MHC)and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), which are recognized as a marker of cardiac hypertrophy, were determined by Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), then another gene phospholipase C (PLC), inositol triphosphate (IP3), which associated with RAS were determined by Western blot(WB). angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) were determined by ELISA, WB and qRT-PCR methods. Finally, we measured the level of Ca2+ by microplate method and the protooncogene c-fos and c-myc mRNA in left ventricular myocardium by qRT-PCR.Results: Compare with control group, Leonurine can improve systolic dysfunction; inhibit the increase of left cardiac; inhibit myocardial cells were abnormally large and restrain the changes of cardiac histopathology; decrease the expression of β-MHC, ANF, Ang II, AT1R, c-fos and c-myc mRNA and the protein levels of PLC, IP3, AngII and AT1R in left ventricular myocardium, in addition, the content of Ca2+ also decrease. Conclusion: Therefore, Leonurine can inhibit cardiac hypertrophy induced by AAC and its effects may be associated with RAS.
Pre-Implementation Assessment of Tobacco Cessation Interventions in Substance Use Disorder Residential Programs in California
Authors: Fokuo J. Konadu , McCuistian Caravella L. , Masson Carmen L. , Gruber Valerie A. , Straus Elana , Wong Jessie , Guydish Joseph
Published: May 2021

Background: Across the United States, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs vary in terms of their tobacco-related policies and cessation services offered to clients. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), the current study identified key factors that may influence the implementation of tobacco related cessation policies and services in residential SUD programs. Methods: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with sixteen residential treatment program directors in California. The analysis was guided by a deductive approach using CFIR domains and constructs to develop codes and identify themes. ATLAS.ti software was used to facilitate thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Findings: Guided by the CFIR constructs, themes that arose as facilitators for implementation included the relative advantage of the intervention compared with current practice, external policies/incentives to support tobacco related policy, program directors strong commitment and high self-efficacy to incorporate cessation into SUD treatment, and recognizing the importance of planning and engaging opinion leaders. Potential barriers included the SUD reovery culture, low stakeholder enagement, organizational culture, lack of workforce expertise and, lack of reimbursement for smoking cessation services.Conclusion: The CFIR provided a valuable framework for evaluating factors that may influence implementation of tobacco policies and services in SUD treatment. In order to support successful implementation, residential SUD programs (staff and clients) require extensive education on the effectiveness of tobacco cessation efforts on health outcomes and publicly funded SUD treatment programs should receive support through expanded reimbursement for tobacco cessation services.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Against Ferroptosis via Exosome-Mediated Stabilization of Xct in Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Lin Feiyan , Chen Wenyi , Zhou Jiahang , Zhu Jiaqi , Yao Qigu , Feng Bing , Feng Xudong , Shi Xiaowei , Pan Qiaoling , Yu Jiong , Li Lanjuan , Cao Hongcui
Published: May 2021

Background: Ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of regulated cell death, was recently identified as a novel therapeutic target in tissue injury. Various studies have shown that administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is a promising therapeutic approach to repair liver injury. However, the role of ferroptosis in acute liver injury (ALI) and MSC-based therapy is unknown. Results: Here we found that CCl4 induced elevated lipid reactive oxygen species (lipid-ROS) and mRNA levels of putative molecular markers of ferroptosis such as Ptgs2 and LOX genes. CCl4 also downregulated the xCT protein levels resulting in the accumulation of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. MSC transplantation largely abolished CCl4-induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, the protective effects of MSC against ferroptosis were closely correlated with exosome-mediated stabilization of xCT. Administration of MSC-Exo restored the xCT protein level, decreased the elevated lipid-ROS level and Ptgs2 and LOX mRNA levels, and promoted liver restoration by inhibiting ferroptosis. Interestingly, in ALI mouse livers after MSC-Exo treatment, exosome-induced recovery of xCT protein was accompanied by upregulation of CD44 and OTUB1. The level of ubiquitinated xCT upregulated by CCl4 was significantly downregulated by OTUB1-mediated deubiquitination, and strong interactions of xCT with OTUB1 and CD44 proteins were detected. Conclusions: Taken together, our data indicate that MSC-Exo has a protective role against ferroptosis by maintaining xCT function. This provides a novel therapeutic strategy for ferroptosis-induced ALI.
Changes in Thoracic Torsion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Within a 2-year Postoperative Period
Authors: wang yonggang , Wang Dongmin , Kang Xuewen , Ma Zhanjun , Ma Yingping , Hu Xuchang , Ma Bing , Yang Yong , He Xuegang , Wang Shixiong , Gao Bingren
Published: May 2021

Background: Scoliosis can cause deformities of the rib cage. The three-dimensional (3D) shape of the rib-vertebral-sternal complex matches that of the thoracic cavity and is visualized as an elastic structural model that is approximately cubic in shape. This study was performed to evaluate the changes in thoracic torsion by measuring radiological parameters.Methods: Forty-four patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with a main right thoracic curvature underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF), and radiological parameters of the spine and thorax were evaluated. Results: The correction of preoperative, immediately postoperative, and 2-year postoperative MT-Cobb angles were 64% and 66%. The correction of T1–T12 heights were 10% and 12%. The correction of RVAD was 59% immediately postoperatively and 52% at 2 year postoperatively. The correction of RH was 59% immediately postoperatively and 52% at 2 year postoperatively. The correction of AVB-R was 23% immediately postoperatively and 25% at 2 year postoperatively. From the above results, all radiological parameters were significantly different immediately and at 2 year postoperatively compared to preoperatively (p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between MT-Cobb angle and T1–T12 height (p < 0.001), RVAD (p < 0.001), RH (p < 0.001), and AVB-R (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Most cases of mild and moderate scoliosis surgery also includes the correction of thoracic torsion. PSF appears to be effective at correcting scoliosis, and the correction of thoracic torsion also plays an important role.