bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of heat treatment methods on the color characteristics of meat
Authors: Namsaraeva Z. M. , Khamaganova I. V. , Damdinova T. T.
Published: November 2021

The production of food products with a sufficient amount of functional ingredients is an urgent task for the modern food industry, since the health of every person and nation is largely determined by the diet. An important role in the formation of the range of functional food products is assigned to the development of new recipes and technologies for meat products. In this work, horse meat was used as raw meat. When developing a horse meat product, different methods of heat treatment of the main raw materials were used: the traditional method - frying and stewing, cooking in a combi oven, sous-vide technology. A comparative analysis of heat treatment of meat has been carried out. Investigations were carried out using digital image processing methods to compare the color change of meat samples during cooking by the above methods. The ability to select a fragment of an image for a more detailed study with the output of statistical information about the number of pixels by secondary or tertiary colors has been implemented. The geometric characteristics of objects are determined - area, perimeter, height, width, as well as color characteristics for the selected color components. Using the method of digital image processing, the processes occurring during heat treatment have been established, which makes it possible to regulate and correct the technology of cooking meat products, analyze the geometric and color characteristics of finished products. A program and method for determining the color characteristics of the meat samples under study have been developed.
Functional sour cream product
Authors: Dolmatova O. I. , Mashkova M. I.
Published: November 2021

Among the diverse assortment of dairy products, sour cream occupies a leading position in terms of production. Despite the current economic situation, sour cream production increased by 3.4% compared to the previous year. The lack of raw milk, as well as the increased demand for healthy food products have led to the creation of a new group of sour cream products, which are supplemented with non-dairy ingredients - fortifiers. Due to the components of plant origin, it is possible to adjust the properties of the product, to give it a functional orientation. The authors proposed a method for the production of a sour cream product with the addition of wheat flakes and peach puree. The sour cream product was produced according to the traditional technological scheme. A feature of the technology is the introduction of plant components into the fermented product. The choice of the optimal dosage of wheat flakes and peach puree was carried out in accordance with the combination of the taste of the filler and the product, the indicators of the consistency and color of the sour cream product. The optimal dosages of the introduced components have been selected experimentally. An assessment of the quality indicators of the finished product has been carried out. The water-holding capacity of samples of sour cream products has been studied. By the amount of whey, you can judge the ability of dietary fiber to swell. The smaller the volume of whey, the more the dietary fiber absorbs moisture, which has a positive effect on the shelf life of the product. The viscosity was determined on a vibration viscometer in samples of samples with an undisturbed, damaged and restored clot. It was found that the sour cream product has the best moisture-absorbing ability, a fairly thick consistency, and after mixing it well restores the structure. It has been determined that the use of plant materials has a beneficial effect on the quality of the product.
Reducing energy costs during solvent regeneration at the tar deasphalting unit
Authors: Myasoedov A. V. , Popov S. V. , Khabibrakhmanov O. V.
Published: November 2021

For propane tar deasphalting units, a rather high energy intensity of the technological process is characteristic. In order to reduce it, an assessment was made of the possibility of reducing the steam consumption during the regeneration of propane from asphalt solution. The study was carried out using a Honeywell UniSim Design modeling system, in which a model of a propane tar deasphalting unit was formed. The Peng-Robinson method was used as a mathematical package for calculating the thermodynamic properties of the components of the fractions. The component composition of the feedstock is represented by oil fractions with boiling points from 405 to 616 °C. When carrying out a computational experiment, the following values of technological parameters were used: the tar consumption was 38.9 t / h, the ratio (propane: raw material) was (6.4: 1), the yield of deasphalted oil was about 30 wt%. The performed analysis of a typical scheme for the regeneration of propane from asphalt solution showed that in the process stream supplied to the feed of the stripping column K-6, there is already a sufficiently large amount of a vapor phase consisting practically of propane and traces of oil fractions. To efficiently use the energy of the flow without attracting additional energy costs, it is advisable to separate the gas and liquid phases before they enter the column K-6, that is, to include an additional separator in the technological scheme before it. The performed computational experiment showed that in the proposed version of the technological scheme, the steam consumption required for the release of propane decreases by 17.5%, which, accordingly, for the subsequent devices of the scheme, reduces the amount of water discharged into the sewage system. Optimization of technological modes of the stripping column K-6 provides a clear separation of propane, in the flow of which the content of bitumen fractions is 0.03 mol%, which makes it possible in industrial conditions to return the flow of propane to the feed of the extraction column. The proposed technological solution for propane recovery can be used in the processes of one- and two-stage tar deasphalting.
Formation of the enterprise investment strategy
Authors: Pakhomova Y. V. , Kudryavtseva N. N. , Duvanova Y. N.
Published: November 2021

Currently, modern methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of investment projects are most focused on quantitative assessment, do not take into account the peculiarities of project implementation at different stages, and also lack the ability to take into account investment risks in conditions of sectoral characteristics. Risks are associated with postponing the implementation of the investment project over time, so taking into account uncertainties should be an integral part of the assessment of the effectiveness of projects. When creating and implementing an investment project, it is necessary to take into account innovative, commercial, technical and technological, financial risks. Therefore, it is proposed to improve the methodology for assessing efficiency based on the risks taken into account in calculating the discount rate for each phase of the life cycle of the project. In the article, the authors substantiated the need to apply systematic analysis, modern methods, a methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of investment projects in the electric power industry, taking into account the risks taken into account when calculating the discount rate for each phase of the life cycle of the project, which allows you to more accurately calculate the main indicators of the efficiency of the investment project. The main indicators of evaluation of investment projects efficiency and factors influencing decision-making on investment projects, such as inflation, discounting ratios of the corresponding investment sphere, are considered. Applied research, and even more so fundamental, requires significant investments, the return on which at the first stages of the development and implementation of investment projects is difficult to predict. The end result is also obviously not predictable, which makes investing one of the most risky areas of activity of modern companies.
The organizations management multi-criteria objects aggregate rating construction
Authors: Nikitin B. E. , Ivliev M. N. , Chekudaev K. V. , Akatov E. S. , Bugaev Y. V. , Vorona I. I.
Published: November 2021

The article deals with the higher education institutions national aggregate rating constructing problem. This task is relevant in terms of improving management processes in educational organizations. This problem is formulated as a collective choice problem. Proposed to use voting in small groups as aggregation procedures, which satisfies the Condorcet principle. Three collective choice rules description is given in the paper. Obtained on the Bord, Copeland and Kemeny basis procedure salternatives final orderings stability is illustrated by concrete examples. The empirical mean is considered as a Kemeny median approximation. The Bord procedure instability with respect to changes in the initial scores obtained by universities in the ranking mechanisms under consideration is illustrated by examples. This paper presents the results of applying the described small-group voting procedures to a limited sample. This sample consists of data from 15 higher educational institutions from one of the Russian Federation regions. Universities constructed three aggregated ranks proximity degree was evaluated using two metrics - Kendall's rank correlation coefficient and Kemeny's distance. Based on the obtained results comparative analysis, it was made a conclusion about the expediency of using Condorcet-consistent collective selection procedures when constructing educational organizations aggregate ranking.
Problems of integration of the Russian Federation into the system of international standards of auditing
Authors: Khitskov M. A.
Published: November 2021

Russia's integration into the international legal economy is extremely difficult. The main reason for this is the much later transition of the Russian Federation to a market-based economic system. The Russian Federation is more focused on domestic legislation, and although international sources of regulation are recognized on its territory, they do not have the same authority as in the legal systems of the Western world. Therefore, an important part of Russia's integration into the international economy is the synchronization of financial regulation in national systems. The article is devoted to one of the key points of Russia's integration into the international economy: the implementation of international accounting regulations and audit rules. In turn, the international standards for the regulation of auditing activities, their main goal is to create a single legal regulation of accounting statements. The relevance of the topic is determined on the one hand, by the importance of international markets and the attractiveness of Russia for foreign investors, and on the other, by the many problems that arise when trying to implement the norms of international law in the national legal field. The article examines the immediate difficulties and problems, as well as legal conflicts that arose in the process of implementing the norms of international financial law in the Russian Federation. The basis of the study was the cause-and-effect relationships, which become the basis for the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems. The article analyzes the linguistic, legal, moral and ethical contradictions that accompany the process of implementing the norms of international financial law in the national legal system of the Russian Federation. The analysis involves the consideration of problems in accordance with the moments of their occurrence. Further in the article the ways of solving the mentioned problems, the possibilities of overcoming legal conflicts, the ways of overcoming social and ethical contradictions are considered. In addition to the analysis of the legal essence of the process of implementation of international financial reporting standards, the article examines the situation of the modern market of audit services and the impact of audit practices on the system of regulation of the legal relations under study.
Analysis of the investment potential of the Voronezh region
Authors: Kolesnikova E. Y. , Duvanova Y. N.
Published: November 2021

Investment processes, being an integral part of the market economy, have a significant impact on macroeconomic indicators, tax potential, financial stability, economic growth, competitiveness of the investment object, the region and the state as a whole. Therefore, such economic categories as "investment", "investment attractiveness", "investment climate" are of interest as an object of research for many theoretical scientists and practical economists. To a large extent, ensuring the economic security of the country is characterized by the creation of an effective system for organizing control over financial activities in the state, which limits the outflow of capital from the national economy. In this regard, a comprehensive solution to the legal, political and administrative task of protecting national interests is required. The priority in the national security system is the economic security of the state, characterized by the presence of a steadily developing economy. The key indicator of the "economic health" of the state is the presence of a favorable investment climate, which is characterized by the ratio of investment attractiveness and investment risks, which is manifested in the scale, structure and dynamics of investment processes. Current trends that indicate instability, unfavorable market conditions and lack of transparency in investment activities in the Russian context confirm the relevance and timeliness of this study. The information base of the research is the normative and legislative acts of the Russian Federation; the main scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists within the studied problem field; official materials and operational information of Rosstat; materials of scientific and practical conferences, periodicals and the Internet.)
Substantive aspects of the adaptive development of the management system of high-tech enterprises in the digital environment
Authors: Kazmina I. V. , Shchegoleva T. V. , Popova I. V.
Published: November 2021

The article indicates the importance of a synergistic approach to the development and adaptation of the management system of high-tech enterprises. Development is inextricably linked with the adaptation processes taking place at the enterprise. It is adaptation that determines the vectors of development. The synergistic approach leads to the emergence of the category of "adaptive development", which in relation to the management system of high-tech enterprises involves the transition of the management system to more modern methods and management tools based on digitalization. The cyclical foundations of the adaptive development of the management system are revealed, which determine that under the influence of economic laws, enterprises regularly need to change and improve their internal parameters, finding an opportunity to prolong periods of growth. In such conditions, the key role is assigned to the highest level of enterprise management, performing managerial functions. The essence of adaptive development is considered from the standpoint of the process approach, since it is the process approach that fully reflects the essence of this category. Adaptive development is a process of transformations in the control system, based on the transition of the system from one qualitative state to another based on the identified contradictions in the external environment and a long-term program for building internal potential. In the process of adaptive development, a specific response should be developed based on the use of a multidimensional model of comparison and selection of the most effective option. It is emphasized that one of the most important conditions for the implementation of the adaptive development process is information support, as the basis for making adequate management decisions.
Influence of rheological characteristics on the quality of 3D printing of food pastes
Authors: Bredihin S. A. , Antipov S. T. , Andreev V. N. , Martekha A. N.
Published: November 2021

In extrusion 3D printing, the rheological properties of food are critical to achieving quality printing. The aim of this study is to investigate potential correlations between the printability of food pastes and rheological characteristics. Potato and tomato puree were used as a model system. The rheological properties of mashed potatoes with the addition of potato starch and their behavior during 3D printing have been investigated. A correlation has been established between the formulation and manufacturability in 3D printing. Potato mass without starch had a low yield point, which affected the deformation and subsidence of the mass later. At the same time, the addition of 2% starch showed excellent extrudability and printability, that is, the ability to flow. Under these conditions, the printed objects had a smooth shape, good resolution, and could withstand shape over time. The object with the addition of 4% starch represented good shape retention but poor extrudability due to its high consistency index and toughness. The results obtained using tomato puree showed a linear correlation between ingredient flow stress, zero shear viscosity and corresponding print stability. The extrusion pressure required to extrude tomato paste increases linearly with increasing flow voltage. Modules of viscosity, elasticity, and zero shear rate turned out to be not linearly correlated with the extrusion force, which can be explained by the fact that these parameters reflect the rheological properties of the non-deforming state of the material, in contrast to the flow stresses.
On the equilibrium and stability of a fluidized bed as a thermodynamic system
Authors: Shishatskii Y. I. , Tolstov S. A. , Derkanosova A. A. , Ryndin A. A.
Published: November 2021

The transfer of the dispersed layer into a fluidized state makes it possible to intensify the drying process. The small size of the particles leads to an increase in the surface of their contact with the coolant at a relatively low hydrodynamic resistance. Other positive qualities of fluidization are listed, which is very important when carrying out exothermic processes. We studied the behavior of the fluidized bed during the drying process. The curve of fluidization of beet chips is shown. The suspended state of the material began when the forces of the hydrodynamic layer were equal to the weight of all its particles per unit area of the cross-section of the working chamber. The region of existence of the fluidized bed is marked. In this area, the flow was relatively equilibrium (fluidized). On the surface of the layer, small waves were observed with different frequencies and amplitudes of oscillations, as well as with spontaneous fluctuations. This mode of operation was achieved as a result of the study of the structures of the support - gas distribution grid and the drying chamber. The flow velocity profile in the working chamber is investigated. An efficient equalization of velocities with the help of flat stamped grids has been established. The results were confirmed by the spectra of the flow in the drying chamber. Oscillations on the free surface of a fluidized bed are considered. The Euler equation was written, which made it possible, as a result of various transformations, to obtain a formula for calculating the oscillation frequency of the fluidized bed. The studies carried out made it possible to establish the regimes of pseudo-fluidization, to a certain extent minimizing the heterogeneity of the layer, which is of significant practical importance. However, the operating parameters need to be adjusted depending on the type of material to be dried and other indicators. The research results do not obscure the general provisions of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The fluidized bed cannot be in an equilibrium state, since the transfer of substances is obvious: energy, mass and momentum. It is correct to regard the fluidized bed as unstable. Small and spontaneous fluctuations always exist in the layer. The absence of conditions for their decay becomes a condition for the instability of the process.
Calculation of Rail Impedance of Track Circuit Considering Earth Stratification
Authors: Zhao Bin , Jia Zhi , Wang Dong
Published: November 2021

Rail impedance directly affects the transmission performance of track circuit . Considering the condition of earth stratification, for the difficult to calculate the rail impedance due to the semi-infinite integration interval and the oscillation of the integrand by using the Carson formula, The truncation method is proposed to divide the impedance formula is divided into definite integral and tail integral. The integral is approximated by the spline function, and the tail integral is calculated by using the exponential integral and Euler formula. Based on it, the rail impedance calculation formula of track circuit is obtained. The electromagnetic field model of track circuit with earth stratification is simulated by finite element method, and the correctness of the method is verified. Based on the formula, the influence of current frequency, soil depth and conductivity on rail impedance is studied. The relative error between the calculated results of rail impedance and the simulation results of finite element is within 5%. It can be seen that the formula has high accuracy and correctly reflects the law of rail impedance variation with current frequency, soil depth and resistivity. It provides a reliable reference for the theoretical calculation of rail impedance of track circuit.
Osteoinductive Moldable and Curable Bone Substitutes Based on Collagen, BMP-2 and Highly Porous Polylactide Granules, or a Mix of HAP/β-TCP
Authors: Vasilyev Andrey , Kuznetsova Valeriya , Bukharova Tatyana , Osidak Egor , Grigoriev Timofei , Zagoskin Yuriy , Nedorubova Irina , Domogatsky Sergey , Babichenko Igor , Zorina Oksana , Kutsev Sergey , Chvalun Sergei , Kulakov Anatoly , Losev Fedor , Goldshtein Dmitry
Published: November 2021

In dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, and orthopedics, there is a need to use osteoplastic materials that have not only osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties but are also convenient for use. In the study, compositions based on collagen hydrogel were developed. Polylactide granules (PLA) or a traditional bone graft, a mixture of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate (HAP/β-TCP), were used for gel filling to improve mechanical osteoconductive properties of compositions. The mechanical tests showed that collagen hydrogels filled with 12 wt% highly porous PLA granules (elastic modulus 373 ± 55 kPa) or 35 wt% HAP/β-TCP granules (elastic modulus 451 ± 32 kPa) had optimal manipulative properties. All composite components were cytocompatible. The cell’s viability was above 90%, and the components’ structure facilitated the cell’s surface adhesion. The bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) provided osteoinductive composition properties. It was impregnated directly into the collagen hydrogel with the addition of fibronectin or inside porous PLA granules. The implantation of a collagen hydrogel with BMP-2 and PLA granules into a critical-size calvarial defect in rats led to the formation of the most significant volume of bone tissue: 61 ± 15%. It was almost 2.5 times more than in the groups where a collagen-fibronectin hydrogel with a mixture of HAP/β-TCP (25 ± 7%) or a fibronectin-free composition with porous PLA granules impregnated with BMP-2 (23 ± 8%) were used. Subcutaneous implantation of the compositions also showed their high biocompatibility and osteogenic potential in the absence of a bone environment. Thus, the collagen-fibronectin hydrogel with BMP-2 and PLA granules has optimal biocompatibility, osteogenic, and manipulative properties.
Scaling Up Blended Learning on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: a Proposal to Increase Value in a Semi Presential Module
Authors: Pina Stranger Alvaro , Varas German , Mobuchon Gaëlle
Published: November 2021

Education on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) has increased in the last two decades, specially, through MOOCs. Lately, these reusable online alternatives have tended to be revalorized by HEIs into blended learning activities, posing new challenges for instructors, specially, on how to bridge prior knowledge with in-class activities. Adopting a discursive approach to knowledge, our proposal aims to meet this challenge by identifying student’s ‘representations’, i.e., patterned constructions on disciplinary knowledge. Representations can be found across different cohorts and thus further complemented by instructors. To test this assumption and build our proposal, we analysed student’s representations in two observations. We mapped students’ representations over key I&E definitions (e.g., ‘start-up’) and, to know how prior knowledge may be complemented by instructors, we identified students’ alignment with expert disciplinary knowledge. Firstly, we found that the two cohorts tended to express representations by turning attention to several dimensions, e.g., referring to different types of features or finalities associated with concepts. Secondly, the disciplinary alignment description revealed that students tended to focus on the same components present in experts’ definitions, but with a greater level of generality. Our results have been packaged into a proposal that aims to help instructors scale their blended activities.
THE PROPOSAL OF MONITORING OF SLOW-WORM ANGUIS FRAGILIS L. AND EASTERN SLOW-WORM ANGUIS COLCHICA (NORDMANN, 1840) IN POLAND
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warszawa, Poland, BADZIUKIEWICZ Jakub
Published: November 2021

The paper presents the proposal for monitoring methods of two species from Anguidae family occurring in Poland such as slow-worm A. fragilis and Eastern slow-worm A. c. incerta. Until recently, both species were considered to be the same taxon. Thanks to genetic research the Eastern slow-worm was isolated from the species A. fragilis. In recent years, phenotypic differences between A. fragilis and A. c. incerta have been described, but it has not been noticed whether there are any behavioral or habitat preference differences. Only the approximate boundary of the occurrence of both species in Poland is known. It may be important to distinguish common areas, as there are known cases of hybridization of A. c. incerta with A. fragilis in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Due to the recent isolation of the Eastern slow-worm, it is still not legally protected in Poland, unlike the partially protected slow-worm.
THE PROPOSAL FOR MONITORING OF STOAT MUSTELA ERMINEA (LINNAEUS, 1758) ON THE EXAMPLE OF POLAND
Authors:   Alicja Podgrudna, Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Poland, PODGRUDNA Alicja
Published: November 2021

The ability to monitor species distribution and abundance is essential to detect changes in animal population and implement conservation management programs which can prevent further deterioration of the species’ situation and help assess the progress of these programs. The stoat (Mustela erminea) is a small, extremely difficult to catch, predatory mammal which is under partial species protection in Poland. However, at the moment there are no deliberate actions conducted to protect it, and the strategy for the stoat monitoring has not been developed yet. This is directly related to various components, among which is the difficulty to develop an effective non-invasive method for capturing and identifying a stoat individual. The current state of knowledge regarding the distribution and abundance of the species in Poland is largely based on the observations reported to the coordinator, references in the literature, and photographs available on the Internet. The data, however, has not been confirmed by reliable field studies aimed to assess the current situation of this predator in Poland. This clearly indicates the need to deepen the knowledge about the distribution and abundance of the stoat in this country by starting the monitoring of the species. In this article, the first attempt was made to define the methodology needed to conduct it, which may be the base for further modification and refinement as new data is collected. A detailed description of the adopted methodology has been developed on the basis of methods successfully used in research on mustelids in other countries.
Fracture Nonunion of the Clavicle After Surgical Reduction in a 13-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Davat Marie , Steiger Christina N. , Tabard-Fougere Anne , Dayer Romain , Ceroni Dimitri
Published: November 2021

Case:

Although congenital nonunion of the clavicle is a well-known pathology in children, posttraumatic nonunion is a rare entity. Nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation of a clavicle fracture is exceptional in the pediatric population. We report on a patient presenting posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the clavicle after surgical treatment. Pseudarthrosis was resected, and the defect was bridged with an iliac crest autograft, supplemented with bone morphogenetic protein, and fixed with an elastic stable intramedullary nail.

Conclusion:

This procedure offered enough stability for achieving fracture consolidation and is a safe alternative to plating in clavicle nonunion.
Trauma Roundtable: The Basics of Pelvic Ring Fractures
Authors: Radi Joshua K. , Riehl John T. , Gruber Kristi , Cloutier Dagan
Published: November 2021

Pelvic ring fractures result from high-energy trauma that often leaves patients hemodynamically unstable. Unstable patients require the attention of a dedicated trauma team, which often means a transfer from a smaller critical access hospital to a larger tertiary center. Stable patients with pelvic ring injuries who present to a nontertiary center rely on local orthopaedic emergency room coverage for the diagnosis and treatment. These patients are increasingly being seen by physician assistants (PAs), whose specialty may lie outside of orthopaedic trauma but who play a critical role in identifying and treating these fractures. The goal of this roundtable is to guide PAs on the approach to pelvic ring fractures including imaging, recognizing stable and unstable fracture patterns, determining weight bearing status, and follow-up protocols.
A Hybrid Technique to Treat Inguinal Wound Infection after Arterial Surgery with Lateral Femoral Bypass and Intra-Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Wu Yi-Fan , Zhang Dong , Yu Ai-Xi , Qi Baiwen , Jian Chao
Published: November 2021

Background: Patients with the inguinal wound infection after arterial surgery remains clinical challenge. Sustaining lymphatic leakage have been shown as a common and potentially serious complication. However, it remains clinical challenge for surgery to deal with this tough problem. Methods: This study describes a hybrid technique of using radical debridement, lateral femoral bypass (LFB) and intra-incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) for single-staged treatment of complex inguinal wound infection after arterial surgery (IWI-AS).Results: Between January 2017 and June 2021, 5 IWI-AS cases treated with this new method were identified. Of the patients, 3 were males and 2 were females. The average age was 49.4 years (range, 33 to 77 years). 4 cases suffered emergent operations due to the sudden bleedings. after vascular bypass reconstructions and an average of 2.2 (range:1-3) iNWPT, all cases achieved wound healing at an average duration of 4.6 weeks (range: 3-6weeks). Moreover, all cases showed no bacterial growth and grafts patency as indicated by doppler ultrasound or CT angiography postoperatively. One case did not receive bypass imaging evaluation at postoperative 12 months. Weakness of quadriceps femoris was observed in one case. Conclusion: single-staged therapy of LFB and iNPWT hybridization is a technically handy and effective method for treatment of inguinal wound infection after arterial surgery.
Influence of genome methylation of fig tree accessions on the natural nematode and rust incidence
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Gabriela Fontanetti , Firmino Ana Carolina , Valentim Juliano Jorge , Pavan Bruno Ettore , Ferreira Antonio Flávio Arruda , Monteiro Laís Naiara Honorato , Martins Maria Eugênia Silva , Ramos Ester Silveira , de Soutello Ricardo Velludo Gomes
Published: November 2021

Brazil is the largest fig producer in South America, but the Brazilian commercial fig tree cultivation is based on the planting of a single cultivar, ‘Roxo-de-Valinhos’, resulting in serious problems related to diseases. Since there are epigenetic variations in the plant-pathogen interaction, mainly through gene regulation, the aim of this study was to carry out the in vivo characterization of fig accessions through the analysis of the natural root-knot nematode and leaf rust incidence correlated to its epigenomic profile, in order to support conservation works and genetic improvement. Regarding the analysis of the presence of nematodes, it was observed that all plants were attacked by this pathogen, and the identification of Meloidogyne incognita as the root-knot nematode species was confirmed. However, the rust incidence and the global genomic methylation content where statistical different between evaluated accessions. The joint analysis of data showed that methylation and the leaf rust incidence, when observed in the same phenological phase of plants, are correlated, presenting evidences of the same factorial pressure loads in genotypes, with the premise of similar behavior in these genotypes. Biotic factors are also responsible for changes in the DNA methylation of plants, demonstrating a positive role in promoting plant defense.
BATF Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Ming , Jin Jun , Yang Zhihui , Chen Xiaoli , Chen Yongzhong , Liu Zewen , zhang Hong , Zhao Liqin , Zhou Fuxiang
Published: November 2021

Background
Previous studies reported that BATF played an important role in the progression of various cancers, but no report had been found on clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC). So we investigated the effects of BATF on the progression of ccRCC.
Methods
In this study, using TCGA-KIRC database from the Cancer Genome Atlas to analyze the differential genes of BATF in ccRCC ; using immunohistochemistry to detect BATF expression in 75 ccRCC tumorous and 28 nontumorous tissues, and investigate its relationship with clinicopathological parameters. Moreover, we constructed the cell lines of BATF overexpression and knockout in Caki-1and 786-0 ccRCC cell lines and confirmed by western blot. CCK8 assay was used to evaluated the cell viability and using EdU staining to detect cell proliferation; using Transwell experiment to investigate the affection of BATF in ccRCC cell migration. Westernblot was used to detect the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
Results
These results revealed that BATF expression in ccRCC tumorous was significantly higher compared with that in adjacent nontumorous tissues and was significantly correlated with T stage, Fuhrman grade, Tumor necrosis and status. In addiditon, BATF overexpression significantly inhibited the viability, proliferation and migration of the two cell lines. More importantly, using westernblot showed that silencing BATF significantly increased the level of phosphorylated AKT, PI3K and mTOR, while BATF overexpression decreased phosphorylation that involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that BATF plays an important role in the progression of ccRCC and it may act as an tumor supressor gene to inhibit the progression of ccRCC through regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Avian Influenza Among Students of Two Public Universities of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Rehman Saifur , Rantam Fedik , Khan Muhammad , Shehzad Aamir , Effendi Mustofa
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives:
Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that causes respiratory failure and has significant public health implications due to its zoonotic potential. Humans are frequently affected after coming into contact with infected birds, body fluid droplets such as those produced during defeathering operations, or other contaminated objects. This study aimed to appraise the students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to avian influenza in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
Methods
Among the students, 300 were interviewed to collect their knowledge about avian influenza and its zoonotic importance. The study population comprised students studying at two public universities having an age range of <20-50 years.
Results
Of the 300 respondents, 97.7% and 92.3 % were aware of the term avian influenza contagious infection and its pathogenicity related to zoonotic potential. Correlations show that the student's educational status was positively associated with knowledge of animal-to-animal transmission of avian influenza (p < 0.039). More than 80-90% of participants had knowledge that infected poultry and birds act as a potential source of avian influenza infection. More than 75% of the participants suspect poultry workers, butchers and veterinarians were at high risk of avian influenza infection. Fifty-seven percent of the students were not consulted to the doctor whenever they feel influenza-like symptoms. Washing of hands before and after eating a meal and covering of nose during coughing and sneezing were common. Our study results delineated the association of contagious infection of avian influenza transmission to poultry workers after contact with infected birds (p < 0.004).
Conclusion
Our study indicated that the knowledge, attitude, and practices of avian among the students were high, which might provide scientific support to the Indonesian government in developing strategies and public health campaigns among the general population to reduce the disease incidence.
IL28B-Gene Polymorphisms (rs12979860) in HCV Liver Parenchymal changes legitimize Screening for SNPs before DAAs Therapy
Authors: Alla Mohamed Darwish Ahmed Abd , Dawood Reham M , Rashed Hassan Abd EL-Hafeth , El-Dessouky Yasser M , AbuFarrag Galal AbdElhameed , Ammar Islam Abdelmawla , Mahmoud Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel-Halim , Salum Ghada M , Abu-Amer Mohamed Zakaria , Sekeen Mohamed Abd elrafaa Hassan Sekeen , Heggazy Mohamed Mousa Ibraheem , Altanbouly Ahmed Mohamed Abdulhamid , Meguid Mai A El , Awady Mostafa Kamel El
Published: November 2021

Background and objective: IL28B-gene polymorphisms show inconclusive relationships with CHCV DAAs-treatment outcomes on evaluation by serum-PCR. Solitary intra-PBMCs HCV-RNA antisense-strands are independently found in naïve and experienced cases regardless to viremia or hepatic-parenchymal changes. We correlated frequencies of IL28B-gene SNPs and alleles with HCV induced liver-changes during SVR evaluation by PBMCs-PCR after DAAs-therapy. Methods: Twelve weeks after completing DAAs-therapy, the impacts of IL28B-gene-SNPs were evaluated in three groups of patients: group-I (n=25) with negative serum and PBMCs HCV-PCR, group-II (n=52) had solitary intra-PBMCs HCV-RNA, and group-III (n=25) had positive serum HCV-RNA. All cases were subjected to IL28B-gene-SNP analyses and correlated with their ultrasonographic liver changes.Results: IL28B-genotyping in post-DAAs-treatment HCV-SVR and viral relapse revealed: a) dominant CC-genotype and C allele in normal hepatic parenchyma in group-I compared to group-II (P=0.0047, 0.0007) and group-III (P=0.0564, 0.000003) b) frequent CT-SNP and T-allele in bright hepatic parenchyma in group-II when compared with group-I (P=0.0077, 0.002 ) and group-III (P=0.0363, 0.0005) c) increased TT-SNP and T-allele frequencies in coarse liver in group-III compared to group-I (P=0.02256, 0.000130) and group-II (P=0.08647, 0.004308). Conclusions: Outcomes of HCV treatment with DAAs are dependent on host IL28B-gene polymorphisms and HCV induced liver changes. SVR is achieved when wild type-CC-genotype and C-allele are dominant in normal hepatic parenchyma; solitary intra-PBMCs-relapse occurs in increased frequency of CT-genotype when liver tissues are fibrotic; serologic-relapse is dominant when TT-genotype and T-allele are frequent in cirrhotic liver. IL28B-gene SNP analyses in relation to hepatic parenchymal changes are recommended before treating CHCV-infection with DAAs.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram for Cerebral Infarction Patients in Intensive Care Units: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Mei , Chen Jun , Xu Guoping , Zeng Rui , Liu Qiang
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to establish a utility risk prediction model for the prognosis of patients with cerebral infarction.BACKGROUND: Despite large number of studies focus on the prognosis risk factors of patients with cerebral infarction, there were still lack of utility and visual risk prediction model for predicting the in-hospital mortality of patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS: The study is a retrospective cohort study. The lasso regression model was used for data dimension reduction and feature selection. Model of hospital mortality of cerebral infarction patients was developed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Calibration and discrimination were used to assess the performance of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the model. RESULTS: Overall, 1,564 patients (1315 survivals and 249 deaths) with cerebral infarction included in our research from MIMIC-IV database. The incident of in-hospital mortality is 15.9%. Lasso regression model verified that age, white blood cell count, anion gap (AG), SOFA score were significantly correlated with hospital mortality. The risk prediction model demonstrated a good discrimination with an AUC of ROC 0.789 (95% CI 0.752–0.826) in training set and 0.829 (95% CI 0.791–0.867) in test set. The calibration plot of risk prediction model showed predicted probabilities against observed death rates indicated excellent concordance. DCA showed that this model has good clinical benefits.Conclusion: We developed a nomogram that predicts hospital mortality in patients with cerebral infarction according to the real world’s data. The nomogram exhibited excellent discrimination and calibration capacity, favoring its clinical utility.
Evaluation of Betulinic Acid Effects on Pain, Anxiety, Catalepsy, and Oxidative Stress in Animal Model of Parkinson’s Disease.
Authors: Abrishamdar Maryam , Farbood Yaghoob , Sarkaki Alireza , Rashno Mohammad , Badavi Mohammad
Published: November 2021

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is known by motor impairments. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural active compound with potent antioxidant activity. The present study addresses the question whether BA affects motor dysfunctions, pain, anxiety and molecular changes in the rat model of PD.MethodsRight medial forebrain bundle (MFB) was lesioned by injection of 6-OHDA in Male Wistar rats. BA (0.5, 5 & 10 mg/kg) and L-dopa (20 mg/kg) were administrated for 7 days. rigidity, anxiety, analgesia and memory, were assessed by bar test, open-field, elevated plus-maze (EPM), tail-flick and shuttle box. Additionally, the malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity as well as Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Interleukin 10 (IL10) levels in the brain tissue were measured.ResultsTreatment with BA significantly reversed the 6-OHDA-induced motor complication in the bar test, but it modified anxiety like behavior neither in open-field nor in EPM, it only decreased the time spent in open arms. Moreover no significant changes were found in the tail-flick between treatment and sham groups. On the other hand, the level of MDA & IL10 were decreased, and the activity of GPx, levels of SOD & BDNF in the rats brains were increased.ConclusionOur results showed that BA could affect as a potent natural free radical scavenger which removes brain tissue oxidants in PD. It can account a possible promise as a good therapeutic agent for motor and non-motor complications in PD.
Home medication management problems and associated factors among psychiatric patients under home care pharmacy services at government hospitals in west Malaysia
Authors: Lau Christine Li Ling , Hor Cheah Yen , Ong Siew Ting , Roslan Muhammad Fadhlullah , Beh Xin Yi , Permal Dashnilatha , Rama Shamini
Published: November 2021

Background

Proper home medication management plays a role in improving medication adherence, preserving drug efficacy and ensuring safe medication practices, which is crucial to establish positive treatment outcomes. However, no published studies are available on home medication management among psychiatric patients. The study aimed to identify home medication management problems among psychiatric patients in Malaysia and to examine the association between inappropriate medication storage and lack of medication administration schedule with socio-demographic factors, disease insight, number of medication and type of Home Care Pharmacy Services (HCPS).
Methods

This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted among psychiatric patients under HCPS in six government hospitals in west Malaysia. Data was extracted from the HCPS form used for each visit as per protocol published by the Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. A minimum sample size of 169 was needed. Proportional random sampling was applied. Associations between inappropriate medication storage and lack of medication administration schedule with study parameters were analysed using multiple logistic regressions.
Results

A total of 205 home visits were conducted with 229 home medication management problems identified; inappropriate medication storage and lack of medication administration schedule topped the list. Inappropriate medication storage was significantly associated with low income [AOR=4.34 (95%CI 1.17:15.98), p=0.027], alcohol consumption [AOR=14.26 (95%CI 1.82:111.38), p=0.011], poor insight [AOR=2.34 (95%CI 1.08:5.06), p=0.030] and part-time HCPS [AOR=2.60 (95%CI 1.20:5.67), p=0.016]. Lack of administration schedule was significantly associated with low income [AOR=6.90 (95%CI 1.46:32.48), p=0.014], smoking [AOR=2.43 (95%CI 1.20:4.92), p=0.013], poor insight [AOR=5.32 (95%CI 2.45:11.56), p<0.05] and part-time HCPS [AOR=2.96 (95%CI 1.42:6.15), p=0.004].
Conclusions

Inappropriate medication storage and lack of medication administration schedule is common among psychiatric patients. The study also highlighted the potential of HCPS to improve disease insight and home medication management among psychiatric patients, provided if the service is utilised fully.