bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropometric Indices in Primary School Children of Iranshahr City, Iran
Authors: Montazerifar Farzaneh , Karajibani Mansour , Asoudeh Hossnieh , Asoudeh Mohaddeseh , Dashipour Ali Reza
Published: October 2019

Background: Malnutrition, as a serious health problem in children, has an increasing prevalence in the developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric indices of primary school children in Iranshahr, a city in central region of Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1000 6-14 year-old primary school children studying in 16 public and 5 private schools in Iranshahr city from May to June 2017. The sampling was done using multistage cluster random method. The school records were used to determine the students' ages. Their weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Anthropometric indices including weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age were assessed using the National Center for Health Statistics/World Health Organization international growth reference and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2000). Results: The rate of thinness was significantly higher in public than private schools (18.1% vs 1%; P < 0.0001). Overweight/obesity was lower in public schools’ children compared to students of the private schools (0.1% vs 9.3%; P = 0.007). The rates of stunting and underweight in public and private schools’ children were 50.2% vs. 53.3% (P = 0.11) and 46.6% vs 35% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusion: Findings showed that although nutritional status was better in private schools than public schools, malnutrition is still a potential public health problem in this area. Therefore, the nutrition interventions are suggested at national and regional levels to increase the parents' awareness.
Household’s Food Consumption Profile during Agricultural Mitigation Period: Burkina Faso Centre-West Region Case
Authors: Ouedraogo Ousmane , R. Compaore Ella W. , Amouzou Emile K. S. , N. Zeba Augustin , Dicko Mamoudou H
Published: October 2019

Background: Simplified and reliable tools for individual and household diet quality assessment have been found helpful to reduce cost of the dietary survey. The main objective of this study was to determine the household’s diet profile in the Centre-West Region of Burkina Faso. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on household food consumption using the last seven days recall. Food consumption score (FCS) was calculated by adding sores of the consumed food groups for each household. Results: Overall, 985 households were involved from 37 rural and three urban places from the Centre-West Region of Burkina Faso. With regard to the FCS, 28%, 28%, and 44% of the households had a poor (FCS ≤ 21), borderline (21< FCS ≤ 35), and acceptable (FCS > 35) scores, respectively. Increased FCS improved the food consumption frequency rich in nutrient (vitamin A, iron, protein) groups. The quality of household’s diet was determined by socioeconomic variables such as household assets and number of income sources. Urban households get their food from the market places, while rural ones consumed their own productions. Conclusion: Diet quality based on food groups' consumption was associated with the socioeconomic status of households with regard to a certain food vulnerability. More efforts are required to strengthen the food security in vulnerable households regarding healthy diets for the population.
Editorial
Authors: Peña Castaño Juan Manuel
Published: October 2019

La tesis central que guia esta editorial es la siguiente: El desarrollo de las competencias comunicativas escriturales y lectoras basadas en la comprensión de lectura, tipologías de textos y escritura creativa requiere de elementos lógicos para el desarrollo de capacidades críticas en los estudiantes universitarios.
The Performance of Emergency Department Nurses Across Sectors in Jordan: An Application of the Work Functioning Model
Authors: Al Kalaldeh Mahmoud , Khamis Samah
Published: October 2019

Work functioning is a relatively new conceptual model developed to embrace various aspects surrounding work performance, work participation, and individual capacity. The assessment of work performance (AWP) in nursing has gained inconsistent evidence due to examining it from multidimensional aspects. This study aimed to perform the AWP in nurses working in the emergency departments (EDs) at different healthcare sectors in Jordan. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in which ED nurses completed a questionnaire. ED nurses were recruited conveniently from four referral hospitals located in Amman (two government and two private hospitals). The Nursing Work Functioning Questionnaire (NWFQ), in addition to the demographic questionnaire were completed. A total of 179 ED nurses participated in the study (100 government and 79 private nurses). A few differences were found between government and private sector nurses in respect to work functioning domains. Overall, nurses from both sectors reported minimal impairments in their performance represented in seven domains. However, ED nurses from the private sector claimed more frequent work incidences compared to ED nurses from the government sector (p = .043). In addition, associate nurses showed higher avoidance behavior than registered nurses in both sectors (p = .031). Contrary to former studies, this study found minimal discrepancies in work performance between government and private sectors, and employing the work functioning model is useful to gain a thorough understanding of the AWP.
Barriers to the Provision of Spiritual Care by Nurses for Hospitalized Patients in Jordan
Authors: Musa Ahmad Salem , Al Qadire Mohammad Ibrahim , Aljezawi Ma'en , Tawalbeh Loai I. , Aloush Sami , Albanian Fayez Z.
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Spiritual care is an essential part of holistic patient care but is provided infrequently in practice. There is a paucity of research investigating the barriers to the provision of spiritual care among Jordanian nurses. The main purpose of this cross-sectional, correlational study was to identify these barriers and to explore the associations with nurses' personal and professional characteristics. A secondary purpose was to examine the psychometric properties of a newlydeveloped spiritual care barriers instrument.

Methods

We surveyed a convenience sample of Jordanian nurses (N = 282). Participants completed both the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) and the Spiritual Care Barriers Scale (SCBS). We conducted an exploratory factor analysis to examine the internal structure of the SCBS, and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha.

Results

The most common perceived barriers were lack of private places (82.3%), absence of an imam (79.8%), insufficient time (78.8%), inadequate skills and competencies (73.7%), lack ofreligious and spiritual facilities and resources in the hospital (71.3%), and insufficient knowledge (71.3%). Nurses' personal spiritual and existential well-being were negatively associated with spiritual care barriers. Head nurses and supervisors reported lower mean scores on perceived barriers than did associate nurses. The SCBS exhibited acceptable evidence of internal consistency and validity.

Implications for Practice

The findings help Jordanian nurse decision makers in practice and education to overcome barriers to the provision of spiritual care to better meet the spiritual needs of Muslim patients.
Aggressive and cannibalistic behavior of African catfish larvae: effect of different doses of methyltestosteron injecting to female broodstock and larval stocking densities
Authors: Rahmadiah Triayu , Junior Muhammad Zairin , Alimuddin Alimuddin , Diatin Iis
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 17α-methyltestosterone hormone (MT) injecting to female broodstocks and stocking densities on the aggressive and cannibalistic behavior of African catfish larvae. Two-day-old post-hatching larvae were used in this experiment. Larval rearing was started at three-day-old post-hatching (body weight 0.004 ± 0.003 g and total length 0.2 ± 0.05 cm) in a 40 cm×30 cm× 25 cm rearing aquaria. This study used a completed randomized factorial design which consisted of two factors. The first factor were the larvae from females broodstocks without MT injection (0 μg/g body weight) (A), injected with MT (1 μg/g body weight) (B), and injected with MT (2 μg/g body weight) (C), while the second factor were larval stocking densities of 3.000/m2 (V1) and 6.000/m2 (V2), with three replications. The results showed that the larvae from female broodstocks injected with MT 2 μg/g body weight (C) and stocking densities 6.000/m2 (V2) increased the aggressiveness of swim and decreased cannibalism. The highest cannibalistic behavior occurred from 00.00‒06.00.Keyword: aggressiveness, cannibalism, Clarias gariepinus, methyltestosterone ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh hormon 17α-metiltestosteron (MT) yang diinjeksikan pada induk betina dan padat tebar terhadap tingkat agresivitas dan kanibalisme larva ikan lele. Ikan uji yang digunakan adalah larva berumur dua hari setelah penetasan. Pemeliharaan larva dimulai saat larva berumur tiga hari setelah penetasan (bobot tubuh 0,004 ± 0,003 g  dan panjang total 0.2 ± 0.05 cm) yang dipelihara di dalam akuarium berukuran 40 cm×30 cm×25 cm. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap faktorial yang terdiri atas dua faktor. Faktor yang pertama adalah larva dari induk tanpa diinjeksi dengan hormon MT (0 μg/g bobot tubuh) (A), diinjeksi dengan hormon MT (1 μg/g bobot tubuh) (B), dan diinjeksi dengan hormon MT (2 μg/g bobot tubuh) (C), sedangkan faktor yang kedua adalah padat tebar 3.000 ekor/m² (V1) dan 6.000 ekor/m² (V2), dengan tiga kali ulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa larva ikan lele dari induk yang diinjeksi hormon MT dosis 2 µg/g bobot tubuh dan dipelihara pada padat tebar tinggi 6.000 ekor/m² (V2) dapat meningkatkan agresivitas berenang dan menurunkan kanibalisme. Tingkat kanibalisme tertinggi terjadi pada pukul 24.00‒06.00 WIB. Kata kunci: agresivitas, kanibalisme, Clarias gariepinus, metiltestosteron
Gender bias and stereotypes in Australian, Singaporean and Turkish mathematics textbooks
Authors: İNCİKABI Lütfi , ULUSOY Fadime
Published: October 2019

This cross-national study
aimed to examine gender bias and stereotypes in Australian, Singaporean and
Turkish elementary mathematics textbooks. Content analysis approach was used to
provide descriptive statistics about the number of male/female and
gender-neutral characters in the textbooks. Findings indicated that total
frequencies in textbook contents including no gender bias was under nine
percent in all textbooks. No gender bias was more prevalent across the grade
levels in Australian textbooks. Singaporean mathematics textbooks had more
discrepancy between the percentages of boys’ and girls’ representations than
the representations in Turkish and Australian textbooks. In terms of
math-gender stereotypes, all textbooks across grade levels were generally
neutral. Social roles in mathematics textbooks across the countries had more
variation for men than women with higher frequencies in all countries. The
masculine roles were commonly attributed to men with more technical and
intellectual tendency while domestic roles were ascribed to females.
Environmental Contamination with Candida Species in Multiple Hospitals Including a Tertiary Care Hospital with a Candida auris Outbreak
Authors: Kumar Jessica Ann , Eilertson Brandon , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Whitlow Chauna S. , Jencson Annette L. , Safdar Nasia , Krein Sarah L. , Tanner Windy D. , Mayer JeanMarie , Samore Matthew H. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: October 2019

Background: Environmental sources have been implicated as a potential source for exogenous acquisition of Candida species, particularly the emerging multidrug-resistant Candida auris. However, limited information is available on environmental reservoirs of Candida species in healthcare facilities.Methods: During a 6-month period, cultures for Candida species were collected from high-touch surfaces in patient rooms and from portable equipment in 6 US acute care hospitals in 4 states. Additional cultures were collected from sink drains and floors in one of the hospitals and from high-touch surfaces, portable equipment, and sink drains in a hospital experiencing an outbreak due to C. auris. Candida species were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectometry.Results: Candida species were recovered from patient rooms in 4 of the 6 hospitals. Seven of 147 patient room cultures (4.8%) and 1 of 57 (1.8%) portable equipment cultures were positive, with the most common species being C. parapsilosis. For the hospital where additional sites were sampled, Candida species were recovered from 8 of 22 (36.4%) hospital room floors and 4 of 17 (23.5%) sink drains. In the facility with a C. auris outbreak, Candida species were frequently recovered from sink drains (20.7%) and high-touch surfaces (15.4%), but recovery of C. auris was uncommon (3.8% of high-touch surfaces, 3.4% of sink drains, and 0% of portable equipment) and only present in rooms that currently or recently housed a patient with C. auris.Conclusion: Candida species often contaminate surfaces in hospitals and may be particularly common on floors and in sink drains. However, C. auris contamination was uncommon in a facility experiencing an outbreak, suggesting that current cleaning and disinfection practices can be effective in minimizing environmental contamination.
Inflamabilidade de espécies vegetais do cerrado stricto sensu
Authors: Silva Francisca Cassia da Silva , Braga Rodrigues Duarte Victor , Ganassoli Neto Eduardo , Viana Sousa Igor , Cardoso Silva Marcos Vinícius , Moreira Santos Micael , Caeser Frank Portella Augustus , Giongo Marcos
Published: October 2019

O uso do fogo pode ocasionar danos e benefícios a um ecossistema, sendo essa relação influenciada por dois fatores principais: condições meteorológicas locais e característica do material combustível. Um dos principais fatores que influenciam o processo de combustão é a inflamabilidade dos combustíveis, sendo considerado essencial a compreensão deste para a prevenção de incêndios florestais. Diante disso este trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial de inflamabilidade das espécies Tabebuia aurea, Pseudobombax grandiflorum, Dimorphandra mollis, Chytraculia concinna, Eriotheca gracilipes e Qualea multiflora do cerrado sensu stricto e indicar as espécies com maior potencial para auxiliar na prevenção de incêndios florestais. O trabalho foi realizado no Laboratório de Pesquisas Florestais no Centro de Monitoramento Ambiental e Manejo do Fogo (CeMAF) na Universidade Federal do Tocantins onde os testes de inflamabilidade foram conduzidos para avaliação do tempo para ignição, da frequência de ignição, duração da combustão, índice de combustão e valor de inﬂamabilidade dos materiais combustíveis, sendo que para cada espécie estudada foram efetuadas 50 queimas em epirradiador, cada queima constituída de 1 ± 0,1 g de material combustível verde. Com base nos dados obtidos verificou-se que dentre as espécies estudadas a que demonstrou maior índice de inflamabilidade foi a Eriotheca gracilipes, por outro lado, identificou-se que as espécies Tabebuia aurea, Pseudobombax grandiflorum e Dimorphandra mollis são consideradas como fracamente inflamáveis, classificando-as como potenciais para uso na prevenção de incêndios florestais.
Towards Exploring Toxin-Antitoxin Systems in Geobacillus: A Screen for Type II Toxin-Antitoxin System Families in A Thermophilic Genus
Authors: Alkhalili Rawana N. , Wallenius Joel , Canbäck Björn
Published: October 2019

The toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems have been attracting attention due to their role in regulating prokaryotic cell responses to stress and their biotechnological potential. Much recognition has been given to type II TA system of mesophiles, but so far, limited attention has been given to thermophiles. Here, we are presenting the putative type II TA families encoded on the genomes of four Geobacillus strains. We employed the TA finder tool to mine for TA-coding genes and manually curated the results using various tools. We identified 28 putative TA pairs, distributed over 8 TA families. Among the identified TAs, 15 represent putative novel toxins and antitoxins that have been overlooked or annotated as hypothetical proteins in their genome records. We also identified a potentially new TA composite, AbrB-ParE. Furthermore, we are suggesting the Geobacillus acetyltransferase toxin-antitoxin (GacTA) family which potentially represents one of the unique TA families that has a reverse gene order. Moreover, we are proposing a hypothesis on the regulation of the xre-cog2856 gene expression, which seems to involve c-di-AMP. This study aims for highlighting the significance of studying TAs in Geobacillus, since they have special features. It also aims for facilitating future experimental research.
Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor 2DL4 (CD158d) Regulates Human Mast Cells Both Positively and Negatively: Possible Roles in Pregnancy and Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Ueshima Chiyuki , Hirata Masahiro , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Haga Hironori
Published: October 2019

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) 2DL4 (CD158d) was previously thought to be a human NK-cell-specific protein but its expression has also been demonstrated in human mast cells. Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions via their KIT-mediated and IgE receptor-mediated responses. We recently detected the expression of KIR2DL4 in human cultured mast cells established from peripheral blood derived from healthy volunteers (PB-mast), a human mast cell line (LAD2), and non-neoplastic mast cells, including pathological specimens. An agonistic antibody against KIR2DL4 negatively regulates the KIT- and IgE-receptor-mediated responses of PB-mast and LAD2 cells. In addition, agonistic antibodies and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a natural ligand for KIR2DL4, induce the secretion from these cells of leukemia inhibitory factor and serine proteases, which have been implicated in pregnancy establishment and cancer metastasis. Therefore, KIR2DL4 stimulation with agonistic antibodies and recombinant HLA-G protein may enhance both processes, in addition to suppressing mast-cell-mediated allergic reactions.
Photocathodic Protection of Cobalt Doped ZnO Nanorod Arrays for 316 Stainless Steel and Q235 Carbon Steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl Solution
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Chen Guanghui , Li Weihua , Wu Dianwu
Published: October 2019

In this work, cobalt doped ZnO nanorod arrays with anticorrosion function were successfully prepared on FTO substrate by a simple aqueous solution method. XRD and EDS results indicate the doped Co2+ has successfully incorporated into the ZnO crystal lattice. Photocurrent density and open circuit potential (OCP) results indicate the photocathodic protection performance for 316 stainless steel (316 SS) and Q235 carbon steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under 300 W Xe lamp enhanced with the increase of cobalt concentration, and the photoanode with 15% Co/Zn ratio has the optimal photocathodic protection effect. The mechanism of enhancement may be result from the narrowed band gap, the lower recombination rate of photogenerated electron-holes, the intermediate impurity level and the split of the hypo-outer shell of cobalt ions.
A New Risk-based Early-warning Method for Ship Collision Avoidance
Authors: Chen Yingfan , Chen Shuzhe , Gelder Pieter van , Xie Cheng , Huang Liwen
Published: October 2019

In the case that ship operators may not be aware of the potential risks of environmental factors in situation of high causation probability during the initial stage of the geometric probability analysis process, it is likely that higher-grade collision accident measures will not be taken. However, if any risks is told to the ship operators, more effective and intentional measures can be taken in time. Moreover, if the causation probability corresponding to environmental factors is no less than the risk early warning critical value calculated based on historical collision accident data, there would be a high-risk level that a collision may occur. A new method is put forward based on quantitative analysis of environmental factors and previous collision statistics to provide early warning of any accident risk, and a risk early-warning critical value (REWCV) can be obtained based on this simple but highly operational and practical method. A case study of Three Gorges Reservoir in China indicates that the range of environmental factors where the probability of collision accident grows rapidly is consistent with environmental limits defined by Chinese maritime standards. In addition, the relationship between the risk early-warning critical value and the number of previous collision accident is also clarified.
Near-Real Time Automatic Snow Avalanche Activity Monitoring System Using Sentinel-1 SAR Data in Norway
Authors: Eckerstorfer Markus , Vickers Hannah , Malnes Eirik , Grahn Jakob
Published: October 2019

Knowledge of the spatio-temporal occurrence of avalanche activity is critical for avalanche forecasting and hazard mapping. We present a near-real time automatic avalanche monitoring system that outputs detected avalanche polygons within roughly 10 min after Sentinel- 1 SAR data download. Our avalanche detection algorithm has an average probability of detection of 67.2 % with a false alarm rate averaging 45.9, with maximum POD's over 85 % and minimum FAR's of 24.9 % compared to manual detection of avalanches. The high variability in performance stems from the dynamic nature of snow in the Sentinel-1 data. After tuning parameters of the detection algorithm, we processed five years of Sentinel-1 images acquired over a 150 x 100 km large area in Northern Norway, with the best setup. Compared to a dataset of field-observed avalanches, 77.3 % were manually detectable. Using these manual detections as benchmark, the avalanche detection algorithm achieved an accuracy of 79 % with high POD's in cases of medium to large wet snow avalanches. For the first time, we can present a dataset of spatiotemporal avalanche activity over several winters from a large region. This unique dataset allows for research into the relationship between avalanche activity and triggering meteorological factors, mapping of avalanche prone areas and near-real time avalanche activity monitoring to assist public avalanche forecasting. Currently, the Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service is using our processing system for pre-operational use in three regions in Norway.
Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2/Natural Fiber from Banana Fruit Bunch Waste for Removal of Rhodamine-B in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Allwar Allwar
Published: October 2019

Indonesia is one of the largest banana producing countries in the world remaining abundance solid waste of banana fruit bunch. The banana fruit bunch contains high natural fibers which were obtained by an impregnation process using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and followed by a carbonization process under steam at 250°C for 5 h. The nanomaterial of TiO2/fibre was prepared by a hydrothermal process at 200°C for 4 h. Surface morphology proved that the TiO2 was loaded into the fibre by an increasing roughness of the surface and irregular size of porosity. The development of amorphous to crystalline phase of TiO2/fibre was clearly observed. The effectiveness of TiO2/fibre for removal of rhodamine B was investigated from different parameters of adsorptions in aqueous solution. The equilibrium adsorptions show that the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm exhibited the best correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.94) relating to the chemisorption and physisorption interaction in the adsorption process. Kinetic models were well described by the pseudo-first and second-order with the best correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99). These results indicate that nanomaterial TiO2/fibre can be used as an effective adsorbent for removal of rhodamine B in aqueous solution.
Recursos metodológicos para la adquisición de competencias y la inserción del alumnado con la realidad de las personas sin hogar (PSH)
Authors: García de Viguera Carmen , Herrero Martínez Rafaela Mª , Ruiz Pino Salvador , Poyato Varo Jesús
Published: October 2019

El proyecto de innovación docente presentado pretende concienciar y sensibilizar a los estudiantes de la realidad de las Personas Sin Hogar (PSH), para adquirir valores de respeto, solidaridad y empatía por este sector de la sociedad, a través de actividades académicamente dirigidas (ADD), empleando una metodología activa y participativa centrada en el trabajo grupal y cooperativo que facilite el logro de competencias propias de su titulación. Para ello, se planificaron una serie de actividades que favorecieron la coordinación horizontal y vertical de las materias participantes en las Titulaciones de Grado en Educación Infantil y de Grado en Educación Primaria del Centro de Magisterio “Sagrado Corazón”.De esta forma, los resultados implican la conexión y continuidad entre las materias participantes. Por último, las conclusiones muestran que los estudiantes universitarios interiorizan los valores necesarios para la transferencia de aprendizajes adquiridos, a través de la experiencia vivencial con la realidad de las PSH, la cual permite una mirada conjunta de la inclusión y la invisibilidad social, empleando un enfoque participativo donde las opiniones e inquietudes de ambos colectivos se tengan en cuenta. Para ello, es preciso no poner barreras excluyentes a la educación del estudiante como futuro docente.
HEMŞİRELİK MESLEĞİNE YÖNELİK KALIPYARGILAR ÜZERİNE BİR DERLEME
Authors: KOCABAŞ Dilek , ERDEM Ramazan
Published: October 2019

Toplum içerisinde hemşirelik mesleğine yönelik geçmişten günümüze kadar süregelen birtakım kalıpyargıların olduğu görülmektedir. Toplumda var olan bu kalıpyargılar birey istese de istemese de bireyin düşünce ve davranışlarını etkilemekte, bireyin düşünce ve davranışlarına yön vermektedirler. Bu çalışmada, tutum, kalıpyargı ve sosyal bilgi teorisi ile ilgili kavramlar ışığında hemşirelik mesleğine yönelik kalıpyargıların mahiyetine ilişkin bir değerlendirme yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Hemşirelik mesleğinin toplum tarafından “hekimin yardımcısı, sadece iğne yapıp kan alan, alt bir meslek grubu” olarak algılandığı görülmüştür. Hemşirelik mesleğine yönelik toplumda var olan bu kalıpyargıların kırılması için hemşirelik mesleğinin profesyonelleşmesine yönelik çalışmaların yapılması gerekmektedir. Medyada hemşirelik mesleğinin profesyonel bir meslek olarak sunulması, hemşirelerin çalışma koşullarının iyileştirilmesi, terfi ve kariyer imkânlarının arttırılması ile toplumda var olan bu olumsuz kalıpyargıların bir nebze de olsa azaltabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Origin and distribution of dolomite in Permian Rotliegend siliciclastic sandstones (Dutch Southern Permian Basin)
Authors: Molenaar Nicolaas , Felder Marita
Published: October 2019

Dolomite is a common and volumetrically important mineral in many siliciclastic sandstones, including Permian Rotliegend sandstones (the Slochteren Formation). These sandstones form extensive gas reservoirs in the Southern Permian Basin in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and the UK. The reservoir quality of these sandstones is negatively influenced by the content and distribution of dolomite. The origin and the stratigraphic distribution of the dolomite is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study is to identify the origin of carbonate. The main methods used to achieve those aims are a combination of thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and EDX), and XRD analyses.

The present study shows that the typical dispersed occurrence of the dolomite is a consequence of dispersed detrital carbonate grains that served both as nuclei and source for authigenic dolomite cement. The dolomite cement formed syntaxial outgrowths and overgrowths around detrital carbonate grains. The study also shows that dolomite cement, often in combination with ankerite and siderite, precipitated during burial after mechanical compaction. Most of the carbonate grains consisted of dolomite before deposition. The carbonate grains were affected by compaction and pressure dissolution, and commonly have no well-defined outlines anymore.

The distribution of dolomite cement in the Rotliegend sandstones was controlled by the presence of stable carbonate grains. Due to the restricted and variable content of carbonate grains and their dispersed occurrence, the cement is also dispersed and the degree of cementation heterogeneous.

Our findings have important implications on diagenesis modeling. The presence of detrital carbonate excludes the need for external supply by any large-scale advective flow of diagenetic fluids. By knowing that the carbonate source is local and related to detrital grains instead of being externally derived from an unknown source, the presence of carbonate cement can be linked to a paleogeographic and sedimentological model.
Gene Loss and Evolution of the Plastome
Authors: Mohanta Tapan Kumar , Khan Adil , Khan Abdul Latif , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: October 2019

Chloroplasts are unique organelles within plant cells and are ultimately responsible for sustaining life forms on the earth due to their ability to conduct photosynthesis. Multiple functional genes within the chloroplast are responsible for a variety of metabolic processes that occur in the chloroplast. Considering its fundamental role in sustaining life on earth, it is important to identify the level of diversity present in the chloroplast genome, what genes and genomic content have been lost, what genes have been transferred to the nuclear genome, duplication events, and the overall origin and evolution of the chloroplast genome. Our analysis of 2511 chloroplast genomes indicated that the genome size and number of CDS in the chloroplasts of algae are higher relative to other lineages. Approximately 10.31% of the examined species have lost the inverted repeats (IR) that span across the lineages that comprise algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperm, angiosperms, magnoliids, and protists. Genome-wide analyses revealed that the loss of the RBCL gene in parasitic and heterotrophic plant species occurred approximately 56 Ma ago. PsaM, Psb30, ChlB, ChlL, ChlN, and RPL21 were found to be characteristic signature genes of chloroplast genome of algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms; while none of these genes were found in the angiosperm or magnoliid lineage which appeared to have lost them approximately 203-156 Ma ago. A variety of chloroplast encoding genes were lost across different species lineages throughout the evolutionary process. The Rpl20 gene, however, was found to be the most stable and intact gene in the chloroplast genome and was not lost in any of the analysed species; suggesting that it is a signature gene of the plastome. Our evolutionary analysis indicated that chloroplast genomes evolved from multiple common ancestors ~1293 Ma ago and have undergone vivid recombination events across different taxonomic lineages. Additionally, our findings support the hypothesis that these recombination events are the most probable cause behind the dynamic loss of chloroplast genes and inverted repeats in different species.
Eastern Turkey’s Socio-Economic Situation Between 1945 and 1960
Authors: NERGİZ Bilal
Published: October 2019

This study evaluates the
Turkish government’s economic policy toward the Kurds as well as their position
during the process. The period considered ranges from the transition to multi-party
rule in 1945 to the coup d’état on May 27, 1960. Previously, the one-party
administration had considered the Kurds to be a problem that must be eliminated;
they were ignored, exiled, and assimilated in the early post-republic period.
By 1938, eastern Turkey, where the Kurds largely resided, had been integrated
with the west in a geographical sense due to the security policies implemented.
The Kurds, who had grown weak in the previous two decades, began to face a new state
policy in 1945. The government sought economic integration between the east and
the west to allow for the national market to penetrate the east. In the post-1945
period, the government began to look at the Kurdish problem from a new perspective;
investments in Kurdish areas were finally being discussed and the plight of the
Kurdish people in this process was put forward and considered.
Zagrożenia dla praw człowieka będące następstwem użytkowania bezzałogowych statków powietrznych
Authors: Śliwoska Aleksandra
Published: October 2019

W ostatnich latach zwiększyło się wykorzystanie zdalnie sterowanych samolotów oraz bezzałogowych statków powietrznych. Rozwój technologiczny pozwala na zastosowanie ich w turystyce i rekreacji, sporcie, infrastrukturze czy przemyśle, jak również na wojnie. Artykuł omawia problematykę użycia bezzałogowych statków powietrznych w celu eliminacji osób podejrzanych o terroryzm z perspektywy międzynarodowego prawa humanitarnego oraz praw człowieka. Równocześnie w artykule przedstawione zostały propozycje dotyczące nowych ram prawnych sformułowane przez Amnesty International. Odnotowany został też problem ryzyka naruszeń prawa do prywatności jako prawa człowieka, przez użytkowników dronów oraz przez służby państw. Zwrócono uwagę na nowelizację unijnego prawa lotniczego w tym zakresie.
In silico Discovery of Resveratrol Analogues as Potential Agents in Treatment of Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Pavlović Nebojša , Đanić Maja , Stanimirov Bojan , Goločorbin-Kon Svetlana , Stankov Karmen , Lalić-Popović Mladena , Mikov Momir
Published: October 2019

Background:

Resveratrol was demonstrated to act as partial agonist of PPAR-γ receptor, which opens
up the possibility for its use in the treatment of metabolic disorders. Considering the poor bioavailability of resveratrol,
particularly due to its low aqueous solubility, we aimed to identify analogues of resveratrol with improved
pharmacokinetic properties and higher binding affinities towards PPAR-γ.

Methods:

3D structures of resveratrol and its analogues were retrieved from ZINC database, while PPAR-γ structure
was obtained from Protein Data Bank. Docking studies were performed using Molegro Virtual Docker software.
Molecular descriptors relevant to pharmacokinetics were calculated from ligand structures using VolSurf+
software.

Results:

Using structural similarity search method, 56 analogues of resveratrol were identified and subjected to
docking analyses. Binding energies were ranged from -136.69 to -90.89 kcal/mol, with 16 analogues having
higher affinities towards PPAR-γ in comparison to resveratrol. From the calculated values of SOLY descriptor,
23 studied compounds were shown to be more soluble in water than resveratrol. However, only two tetrahydroxy
stilbene derivatives, piceatannol and oxyresveratrol, had both better solubility and affinity towards PPAR-γ.
These compounds also had more favorable ADME profile, since they were shown to be more metabolically stable
and wider distributed in body than resveratrol.

Conclusion:

Piceatannol and oxyresveratrol should be considered as potential lead compounds for further drug
development. Although experimental validation of obtained in silico results is required, this work can be considered
as a step toward the discovery of new natural and safe drugs in treatment of metabolic disorders.
β-Cyclodextrin Based Nanosponges in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Kiasat Ali R. , Saghanezhad Seyyed J. , Noori Samaneh
Published: October 2019

The particular β-cyclodextrin 3D structure, with its hydrophilic surface and
apolar cavity, has enabled to partially or totally encapsulate hydrophobic molecules of appropriated
size and shape in aqueous solution as well as in solid-state through the formation
of a reversible host–guest complex. Accordingly, β-cyclodextrin based nanosponges
have been prepared and used in previous years for the synthesis of organic compounds. In
this review, we are going to mention some of the recent reports on the application of β-
cyclodextrin 3D nanosponges in organic synthesis catalysis. Furthermore, it should be
mentioned that these compounds have also been utilized for numerous applications including
drug delivery, gas storage, rubber manufacture, diagnostics, cosmetics, agriculture,
smart fabrics, water purification, and flame retardants.
TRIM45 Suppresses the Development of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Peng Xiyang , Wen Yao , Zha Lagabaiyila , Zhuang Jian , Lin Li , Li Xu , Chen Yu , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhu Shuangli , Liang Jifeng , Zhou Zuoqiong , Yuan Wuzhou , Li Yongqing , Wang Yuequn , Jiang Zhigang , Mo Xiaoyang , Wan Yongqi , Shi Yan , Zhu Ping , Zheng Lan , Tang Changfa , Wu Xiushan , Fan Xiongwei
Published: October 2019

Background:

Previously, we first identified the human tripartite motifcontaining
protein 45 (TRIM45) acts as a novel transcriptional repressor in mitogenactivated
protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. After that, the inhibitory role of
TRIM45 in the development of tumor was gradually unveiled. However, the function of
TRIM45 in the tumorigenesis of lung cancer has not been characterized.

Methods and Results:

In this study, we found that TRIM45 was up-regulated in earlystage
human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. Overexpression of TRIM45 in
lung cancer cells induces G1 arrest and promotes apoptosis, which accompanied by upregulated
expression of RB, p16, p53, p27Kip1, and Caspase3 and down-regulated expression
of CyclinE1 and CyclinE2. Further detection of the expression of the molecules
in the MAPK signaling pathway revealed that overexpression of TRIM45 in lung cancer
cells promotes phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) activation and inhibits phosphorylated ERK
(p-ERK) activation. In accordance with this, p-p38 is increased while p-ERK is decreased
in lung cancer tissues.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that TRIM45 plays an inhibitory role in the tumorigenesis
of lung cancer. High-level expression of TRIM45 in lung cancer tissue may promote
cell apoptosis by activating p38 signal and inhibit proliferation by down-regulating
p-ERK, which provides a new clue for understanding the tumorigenesis of lung cancer.
Overexpression of Pygo2 Increases Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Cardiomyocyte-like Cells
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhu Shuoji , Li Yongqing , Zhuang Jian , Chen Jimei , Huang Huanlei , Chen Yu , Wen Yulin , Wen Yao , Guo Huiming , Fan Xiongwei , Yuan Wuzhou , Jiang Zhigang , Wang Yuequn , Wu Xiushan , Zhu Ping
Published: October 2019

Background:

Our previous studies have shown that Pygo (Pygopus) in Drosophila plays
a critical role in adult heart function that is likely conserved in mammals. However, its role in the
differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) into cardiomyocytes
remains unknown.

Objective:

To investigate the role of pygo2 in the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into cardiomyocytes.

Methods:

Third passage hUC-MSCs were divided into two groups: a p+ group infected with the
GV492-pygo2 virus and a p− group infected with the GV492 virus. After infection and 3 or 21 days
of incubation, Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect pluripotency
markers, including OCT-4 and SOX2. Nkx2.5, Gata-4 and cTnT were detected by immunofluorescence
at 7, 14 and 21 days post-infection, respectively. Expression of cardiac-related
genes—including Nkx2.5, Gata-4, TNNT2, MEF2c, ISL-1, FOXH1, KDR, αMHC and α-Actin—were
analyzed by qRT-PCR following transfection with the virus at one, two and three weeks.

Results :

After three days of incubation, there were no significant changes in the expression of the
pluripotency stem cell markers OCT-4 and SOX2 in the p+ group hUC-MSCs relative to controls
(OCT-4: 1.03 ± 0.096 VS 1, P > 0.05, SOX2: 1.071 ± 0.189 VS 1, P > 0.05); however, after 21
days, significant decreases were observed (OCT-4: 0.164 ± 0.098 VS 1, P < 0.01, SOX2: 0.209 ±
0.109 VS 1, P < 0.001). Seven days following incubation, expression of mesoderm specialisation
markers, such as Nkx2.5, Gata-4, MEF2c and KDR, were increased; at 14 days following
incubation, expression of cardiac genes, such as Nkx2.5, Gata-4, TNNT2, MEF2c, ISL-1, FOXH1,
KDR, αMHC and α-Actin, were significantly upregulated in the p+ group relative to the p− group (P
< 0.05). Taken together, these findings suggest that overexpression of pygo2 results in more hUCMSCs
gradually differentiating into cardiomyocyte-like cells.

Conclusion:

We are the first to show that overexpression of pygo2 significantly enhances the
expression of cardiac-genic genes, including Nkx2.5 and Gata-4, and promotes the differentiation of
hUC-MSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells.
Predictive Equations Based on Body Composition for Resting Energy Expenditure Estimation in Adults with Obesity
Authors: El Masri Dana , Itani Leila , Kreidieh Dima , Tannir Hana , El Ghoch Marwan
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim:

An accurate estimation of Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) in patients with obesity is crucial. Therefore, our aim was to assess the validity of REE predictive equations based on body composition variables in treatment-seeking Arab adults with obesity.

Methods:

Body composition and REE were measured by Tanita BC-418 bioimpedance and Vmax Encore 229 IC, respectively, and predictive equations based on fat mass and fat-free mass were used in REE estimations among 87 adults of both genders, in the Outpatient Clinic in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University (Lebanon). The mean differences between the measured and estimated REE values were calculated to assess the accuracy, and the Bland-Altman method was used to assess the level of agreement.

Results:

Ten predictive equations were included. In males, all the predictive equations gave significantly different estimates of REE when compared to that measured by IC. On the other hand, in females, the mean difference between the REE value estimated by Huang and Horie-Waitzberg equations and that measured using IC was not significant, and the agreement was confirmed using Bland-Altman plots.

Conclusion:

Huang and Horie-Waitzberg equations are suggested for accurate REE estimation in females; however, new validated REE estimation equations for males in this population are still needed.
Childhood Hypertension and Effects on Cognitive Functions: Mechanisms and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tyner Emma , Oropeza Marie , Figueroa Johnny , Peña Ike C. dela
Published: October 2019

Pediatric hypertension is currently one of the most common health concerns in children,
given its effects not only on cardiovascular but also cognitive functions. There is accumulating evidence
suggesting neurocognitive dysfunction in hypertensive children that could persist even into
adulthood. Identifying the precise mechanism(s) underlying the association between childhood hypertension
and cognitive dysfunction is crucial as it could potentially lead to the discovery of “druggable”
biological targets facilitating the development of treatments. Here, we discuss some of the proposed
pathophysiological mechanisms underlying childhood hypertension and cognitive deficits and suggest
strategies to address some of the current challenges in the field. The various research studies involving
hypertensive adults indicate that long-term hypertension may produce abnormal cerebrovascular reactivity,
chronic inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, or hyperinsulinemia and hypercholesterolemia,
which could lead to alterations in the brain’s structure and functions, resulting in cognitive dysfunction.
In light of the current literature, we propose that dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitaryadrenal
axis, modifications in endothelial brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the gut microbiome
may also modulate cognitive functions in hypertensive individuals. Moreover, the above-mentioned
pathological states may further intensify the detrimental effects of hypertension on cognitive functions.
Thus, treatments that target not only hypertension but also its downstream effects may prove
useful in ameliorating hypertension-induced cognitive deficits.

Much remains to be clarified about the mechanisms and treatments of hypertension-induced cognitive
outcomes in pediatric populations. Addressing the knowledge gaps in this field entails conducting not
only clinical research but also rigorous basic and translational studies.
Lipid and PLGA Microparticles for Sustained Delivery of Protein and Peptide Drugs
Authors: Wu Chengyu , Mu Huiling
Published: October 2019

Solid lipid particles have a great potential in sustained drug delivery, the lipid
excipients are solid at room temperature with a slow degradation rate. Poly (D, L-lactic-coglycolic
acid) (PLGA) has been successfully clinically applied for the sustained delivery of
peptide drugs. A recent study showed the advantage of hybrid PLGA-lipid microparticles
(MPs) over PLGA MPs for the sustained delivery of peptide drug in vivo. In this paper, we
briefly present PLGA MPs, solid lipid MPs and PLGA lipid hybrid MP prepared by the
double emulsion method and the spray drying method and discuss the effects of excipients
on encapsulation efficiency of protein and peptide drugs in the MPs. The pros and cons of
PLGA MPs, solid lipid MPs and PLGA lipid hybrid MP as carriers for sustained delivery
of protein and peptide drugs are also discussed.
ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ БІОФЛАВОНОЇДІВ ПРИ ЛІКУВАННІ ХВОРИХ НА ПОДАГРУ НА ТЛІ МЕТАБОЛІЧНОГО СИНДРОМУ
Authors: Якименко О. О. , Гриценко М. В.
Published: October 2019

Резюме. Метою дослідження було оцінити ефективність застосування біофлавоноїду кверцетину у хворих на подагру на тлі метаболічного синдрому.

Об’єкт і методи дослідження. Обстежено 61 пацієнта з первинною подагрою в поєднанні з метаболічним синдромом та виділені групи пацієнтів. Основній групі (n=30) було призначено алопуринол (початкова доза 100 мг на добу з наступним титруванням дози до підтримуючої) та квертин 40мг по 1 таблетці 3 рази на добу протягом 6 місяців, з повторенням курсу через 2-3 місяці. Групі порівняння (n=31) тільки алопуринол. Схема лікування була призначена у період ремісії. Оцінку ефективності проводили через 12 та 24 місяці за допомогою лабораторних методів дослідження.

Результати. При динамічному спостереженні на фоні лікування відмічалася тенденція до зниження концентрації сечової кислоти через 12 місяців на 38,35 % в першій групі та на 23 % в другій групі, а через 24 місяці на 49,12 % в першій групі та на 36,68 % в другій групі. Через 12 та 24 місяці відмічалося статистично достовірне зниження С-реактивного протеїну та сіромукоїдів в основній групі, в той же час фібриноген та швидкість осідання еритроцитів мали тенденцію до зниження, але різниця була статистично недостовірною. При оцінці функції нирок відмічалося достовірне зниження концентрації креатиніну та сечовини та збільшення швидкості клубочкової фільтрації в основній групі. Також у групі 1 достовірно знизився рівень холестерину ліпопротеїнів низької щільності через 12 місяців та 24 місяці та підвищився рівень холестерину ліпопротеїнів високої щільності; щодо рівня загального холестерину та тригліцеридів, то відмічалася тенденція до зниження цих показників. В той же час у групі 2 суттєвих відмінностей не було.