bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic tandem: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and pancreatic steatosis; therapeutic significance of probiotics (clinical case)
Authors: Bondarenko O. O. , Sorochka M. I.
Published: July 2020

Non-communicable diseases are a serious global problem for humanity. Metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and their complications lead to increased mortality and reduce quality of patients’ life. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently recognized as one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Current scientific evidence suggests that there is a close relationship between the gut microbiota and chronic pathologies. The results of studies have established the existence of cause and effect relations between impaired microbiocenosis of the intestine, imbalance of the immune system, as well as in one of the key pathogenetic roles in the development and progression of NAFLD, pancreatic steatosis, increasing intestinal permeability, reducing the protective properties of mucosa, enhancing translocation of microorganisms into the systemic circulation. As no conventional approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NAFLD and metabolic syndrome have been developed at present, the therapy of such patients should be directed, first of all, to factors that contribute to their development and progression. Considering the latest research findings, the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is justified. The use of techniques affecting this correlation is substantiated. A promising method of treating such diseases is the prescription of pre- and probiotics to modify the gut microbiota.

This article analyzes the case of a patient with NAFLD, pancreatic steatosis, who used a therapy that had an effect on the patient’s microbiota. The article contains system analysis, bibliosemantics, and case analysis of a specific patient. The sources were obtained from the scientific and statistical database of medical information. This clinical case highlights the relevance of this problem in medical practice and the feasibility of further research in this field. The impact of microbiome on human body is significant, and correcting disorders can reduce the risk of associated diseases. Therefore, preventing and correcting early-stage pathologies will reduce mortality rate and improve patients’ quality of life.
The problem of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis: from the unity of pathogenesis to the possibility of ursodeoxycholic acid correction
Authors: Gubergrits N. B. , Mozhyna T. L. , Byelyayeva N. V.
Published: July 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver pathologies, the prevalence of which is steadily increasing worldwide. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is another group of common diseases that have similar pathophysiological mechanisms with NAFLD. CVD and NAFLD occur against the background of metabolic syndrome, systemic insulin resistance, oxidative stress, altered lipid metabolism. The course of both diseases predisposes to the development of endothelial dysfunction and formation/instability of atherosclerotic plaques. The progression of NAFLD is associated with an increase of the thickness of intima-media complex and calcification of coronary arteries, which is accompanied by an increased risk of subclinical and clinically significant atherosclerosis development. Patients with NAFLD have a high cardiovascular risk, the maximum increase of which should be expected in patients with severe fibrosis (F3–F4 on the NAFLD Fibrosis Score scale). Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces the severity of systemic inflammatory response and oxidative stress, improves lipid metabolism, increases the hypolipidemic effect of statins, reduces the degree of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, inhibits the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, has vasodilating effect. The presence of significant pleiotropic properties in combination with apparent cytoprotective, choleretic, antiapoptic, anticholestatic, immunomodulatory activity allows to include ursodeoxycholic acid in NAFLD treatment, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in order to reduce the clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis and prevent CVD progression.
COVID-19 Pneumonia Complicated by Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Ahmed M , Sultana M
Published: July 2020

Abstract not available

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 82-83
Evaluation of Pooled Sample Analysis Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Tests in Diagnosis and Screening of COVID-19
Authors: Giti Susane , Hoque Md Monirul , Khan Arif Ahmed , Shourov Md Mehedhi Hasan
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The recent outbreak of COVID-19 is a serious global concern. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 led to a current pandemic of unprecedented levels. Early detection of the infection and prompt isolation of the cases are fundamental for containment of such outbreak. By this time, healthcare systems are facing shortages of reagents for diagnosing this disease. In this context, sample pooling can be an effective strategy to overcome this situation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sample pooling strategy for RT-PCR tests for diagnosing and screening of COVID- 19 in mass population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at the COVID-19 laboratory of Armed Forces Institute of Pathology of Bangladesh to evaluate the efficacy of sample pooling technique for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this laboratory, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were taken for the RT-PCR test to diagnose COVID-19. For each patient, both nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples were taken and then mixed to make a single sample. Pooling was performed from the samples collected from 1 April 2020 to 30 April 2020. Total 350 samples were distributed randomly in 70 pools, so that each pool contains 5 samples. Positive pools were deconvulated and each sample was tested separately. Screening was performed by using RT-PCR targeting the ORF-1ab Region and N-gene.

Results: Out of 70 pools 16 (22.85%) were found positive. Eighty samples of these 16 pools were tested individually and 21 (21/80, 26.25%) samples were found positive. All the positive pools were reproducible with testing of the individual samples of that pool (100%).

Conclusion: Strategies of using pooled samples for screening may facilitate detection of early community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and enable timely implementation of appropriate infection control measures to reduce spread.

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 16-20
HRCT Chest Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients: Experience in Combined Military Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Syed Zoherul , Muid SMA Al , Akhter Afroza , Rahman AKM Sharifur , Emran Md Al , Mostakim Md Tarif Al
Published: July 2020

Background: HRCT Chest is an important tool in both diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patient, as well as it is an important complement to the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess different patterns of manifestation in HRCT chest in COVID-19 infection & to grade the severity by observing a sample of 128 after the symptoms began.

Method: From 11 April 2020 to 27 May 2020, 128 patients who were admitted in Combined Military Hospital Dhaka and underwent both HRCT chest and RT-PCR for COVID- 19 were included. Distribution and patterns of pulmonary lesions like ground glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, reverse halo sign, crazy paving, thickened vascular marking, lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion were evaluated.

Result: Total 128 patients diagnosed (RT-PCR Positive) with COVID-19 were included. Among them, 112(87.5%) patients had fever, and 58(45.31%) patients had fatigability. The most frequent CT abnormality was ground glass opacity in 123(96.09%) cases. Amongst them 81(63.28%) cases had GGO plus consolidation and ground glass opacity alone were 42(32.81%) cases. Crazy-paving pattern was in 65(50.78%) cases. Most patients had multiple lesions and involved all the 5 lobes in 96(75.00%) cases. The lesions were mostly peripheral (123,96.09%) and posterior (103,80.47%) and in 65(50.78%) cases the distribution were diffuse but predominantly peripheral. Most commonly involved lobe is right lower lobe (120,93.75%) and left lower lobe(117,91.41%).

Conclusion: HRCT chest can play an important role in the early diagnosis and prompt management of this global health emergency.

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 21-28
Pregnancy and Childbirth in COVID-19 Positive/Probable and Suspected Patients: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Begum Mosammat Rashida , Ehsan Nazia , Ehsan Mariya , Sharif Azaz Bin
Published: July 2020

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic disease caused by novel corona virus called SARS-CoV-2. Over 213 countries as of July 15, 2020, 13.1 million people are affected by this deadly virus. More than 100 million women are pregnant worldwide and potentially all are at risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coronaviruses cause illness ranging in severity from common cold and severe respiratory illness to death. Frequent manifestations of COVID-19 include fever, cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhoea. Abnormal test result shows abnormalities on chest radiographic imaging, lymphopenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Physiological changes during pregnancy like altered immunity, reduced functional residual volume, pressure on diaphragm by advanced gravid uterus may lead to adverse respiratory outcome in any viral disease. Maternal mortality was very high in other corona viruses like Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). No evidence of in utero transmission was seen in SARS or MERS. Coronavirus disease 2019 might increase the risk of vertical transmission and pregnancy complications. So, meticulous management is necessary for safe maternal and foetal outcome. Early isolation, aggressive infection control procedures, oxygen therapy are the key component of COVID-19 management. In pregnancy multidisciplinary approach should be taken for general and obstetrical management. At present there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Based on results from observational studies empiric antibacterial and antiviral drugs are used. Very recently a few controlled trials were published that suggest few treatment options. On the basis of published data and recommendations of international health organizations, the aim of this review is to explore effective treatment and care of the pregnant women throughout pregnancy, during childbirth and afterwards in this novel SARS-CoV-2 crisis.

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 91-108
From the Desk of Editor-in-Chief Vol. 38: COVID-19 (Supplement Issue)
Authors: Mostafi Mamun
Published: July 2020

Abstract not available

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): i
Obituary- COVID-19 2020
Authors: Editor in Chief -
Published: July 2020

Abstract not available

J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(0): 145-150
Comparison of Medical Abortion with Manual Vacuum Aspiration in Termination of Pregnancy up to Nine Weeks
Authors: Giri Kanti Prabha , Dangal Ganesh
Published: July 2020

Background: Nepal government has legalized abortion and approved both medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration for first trimester pregnancy. However, there is inadequate evidence in our setup to comment on the acceptability and complications of medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration for termination of pregnancy up to nine weeks of gestation. The objective of this study is to compare the reasons for termination of pregnancy, effectiveness and complications between medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration in termination of pregnancy up to nine weeks.Methods: A comparative study was conducted among women requesting termination of pregnancy up to nine weeks of gestation in Comprehensive Abortion Care unit of Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital. Women were kept in medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration groups after they chose the method. They were advised for follow up in two weeks. Reasons for termination, effectiveness and complications of medical abortion and manual vacuum aspiration were compared using Chi square test.Results: In a total of 160 women, the most common reason for termination of pregnancy was completion of the family. In manual vacuum aspiration group 43 (58.9%) women had minimal per vaginal bleeding while 30 (40.54%) women in medical abortion group had per vaginal bleeding for 6-10 days (p <0.001). Rate of complete abortion in medical abortion group was 85.14% (n=63) and in manual vacuum aspiration group was 93.15% (n=68). Conclusions: The complications following medical abortion were higher than manual vacuum aspiration in termination of pregnancy up to nine weeks. Rate of completeness of abortion following manual vacuum aspiration is superior over medical abortion.Keywords: Manual vacuum aspiration; Medical abortion; Termination of pregnancy
Emergency Medicine Education at a Medical Institute in Nepal: Breaking the Frontiers
Authors: Neupane Harish Chandra , Shrestha Niki , Lamsal Daya Ram
Published: July 2020

Emergency medicine, globally, is a developing specialty. The President of International Federation for Emergency Medicine penned down in a 2007 editorial that emergency medicine is rapidly becoming a global specialty. There are an increasing number of countries which are exploring ways to further build emergency medicine. The Hybrid International Emergency Medicine Training Program is the first collaborative international Emergency Medicine training developed in the UK. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed among Doncaster& Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital,, UK, International Centre for Emergency Medicine UK, International Academy of Medical Leadership, UK and Chitwan Medical College, Nepal.The HIEM program has been executed by CMC from November 15, 2018. As per the MOU, the International Training Registrars of HIEM Program will undergo 1st& 4rth Year of training at CMC, Nepal and the 2nd year and 3rd year of training at DBTH, UK. The HIEM Training Program is the first of its kind in the country; HIEM is the first post graduate emergency medicine program in Nepal which also has an international recognition and is unique in the sense that the programme is integrated with training in leadership and management.The HIEM Training Program is recognized by Royal College of Emergency Medicine, UK. CMC has committed to improving emergency care in Nepal by pioneering the HIEM Training Program. We are committed to fulfilling our moral and social responsibility to improve emergency care systems in the country through building up of a cadre of adequately trained Emergency Physicians.Keywords: Emergencies; emergency care; emergency medicine; Nepal
Hospital Preparedness for Outbreak at Patan Hospital: Lesson Learnt from COVID-19
Authors: Shrestha Ashis , Rajbhandari Piyush , Bajracharya Sumana
Published: July 2020

Patan Academy of Health Sciences started preparedness for COVID-19 in response to increasing number of patient in neighboring country. Outbreak preparedness in resource limited setup is challenging. Despite this, preparedness was done in reference to WHO interim guidance utilizing best available resources. During this preparedness, one patient was isolated as suspected COVID-19. This paper presents level of preparedness achieved with the limited resources and the lesson learned while isolating the patient.Keywords: COVID-19; Disaster; hospital preparedness
COVID-19 Pandemic: Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, Use of Improvised Surrogates, and the Safety of Health Care Workers
Authors: Shrestha Gentle Sunder
Published: July 2020

NA
Clinical Profile of Cases of COVID-19 in Far Western Province of Nepal
Authors: Joshi Jagadish , Mishra Pradip , Kamar Sher Bahadur , Sharma Nirajan Datta , Parajuli Janaki , Sharma Seema , Pandey Hem Raj
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cause various symptoms such as pneumonia, fever, breathing difficult and lung infection. Till now, total 9 cases are reported in Nepal and 4 cases from this province. This case series is to describe the initial clinical features of COVID-19 among the patients admitted in isolation ward of Seti Provincial Hospital. Oropharyngeal swab was taken from all four patients and sample was transfer to national reference laboratory. Three patients were coming from infected country and one is local transmission. Age of patients was range from 20 to 40 years of age with male preponderance. The patient coming from United Arab Emirate was presented with mild symptoms and others were asymptomatic. More tests, contact tracing and keeping them in quarantine are the necessitated action need to be taken by government of Nepal.Keywords: COVID-19; local transmission; oropharyngeal swab
Qualidade do sono de trabalhadores marítimos e fatores psicossociais no trabalho
Authors: Paixão Talita Monsores , Silva Jorge Luiz Lima da , Silva Eliana Napoleão Cozendey da , Teixeira Liliane Reis
Published: July 2020

O sono de qualidade é fundamental para o completo bem-estar. Alguns fatores podem gerar influências no ciclo vigília-sono, como o estresse psicossocial relacionado às exigências do trabalho. Objetivo: analisar o ciclo vigília-sono de trabalhadores do transporte público marítimo do Rio de Janeiro e sua relação com o estresse psicossocial do trabalho. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal, composto por 312 trabalhadores. As variáveis sociodemográficas, relacionadas ao trabalho, psicossociais e de sono foram analisadas por meio de banco de dados restrito. Foram aplicados testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, e considerado α de 0,05. O estudo atendeu aos preceitos éticos da resolução nº 466/12 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde e foi aprovado pelo CEP (CAAE: 55109216.4.0000.5240). Resultados: associações significativas foram observadas entre; alta demanda no trabalho e queixa de sonolência diurna, entre quadrantes de alta exigência e trabalho ativo e queixa de sonolência diurna, e entre alto apoio social e queixa de sonolência diurna. A autopercepção do alto estresse se associou à insatisfação com o sono e a queixa de sonolência diurna. Conclusão: dentre os resultados encontrados, destaca-se que trabalhadores jovens, do horário da manhã e que estudam apresentaram maiores queixas relacionadas ao sono. Observou-se que o horário de trabalho da manhã pode ser a pior situação de trabalho para àqueles marítimos e influenciar na ocorrência de incidentes e acidentes no trabalho.
Enterococcus spp. resistentes à vancomicina e a sua disseminação em infecções no ambiente hospitalar
Authors: Lima Felicson Leonardo Oliveira , Almeida Patrícia Carneiro , Oliveira Guilherme Antônio Lopes de
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Descrever os principais fatores de virulência associado a esse patógeno, com ênfase nas espécies E. faecium e. faecalis, demostrando os principais genes de resistência envolvidos nas espécies citadas, bem como, relatar a forma de disseminação destas em ambientes hospitalares. Metodologia: O presente artigo, foi elaborado mediante Revisão da Literatura, baseando-se em materiais indexados nas bases de dados: PubMed, SciELO e Google Acadêmico, publicados entre os anos 2010 a 2020. Para seleção, os critérios foram aplicados na seguinte ordem: (a) leitura exploratória; (b) leitura seletiva, (c) seleção do material em adequação aos objetivos da pesquisa. Resultados: Foram encontrados 789 arquivos, destes, 38 foram selecionados para este artigo. Conclusão: A adoção de práticas pela equipe de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar, se faz muito importante, contribuindo para melhorias na qualidade do atendimento em saúde, aumentando assim, a segurança de toda a equipe de profissionais e pacientes.
Mineralização vascular associada a distúrbio mineral ósseo em paciente com doença renal crônica - relato de caso
Authors: Freitas Rosemar de Almeida , Silva Bruno Ricardo Soares Alberigi da , Santos Filho Mário dos , Cid Gabriela de Carvalho , Soares Denise do Vale , Ligeiro Lumara Raeli , Rodrigues Rosaura Leite , Carvalho Vivian de Assunção Nogueira
Published: July 2020

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é uma afecção comum na rotina clínica de animais de companhia e sua presença está associada há alterações polissistêmicas, como distúrbios minerais ósseos relacionados a ação de toxinas urêmicas como o paratormônio (PTH). O desequilíbrio da homeostasia causada pelo excesso do PTH pode cursar com repercussões clínicas como osteodistrofia fibrosa, calcificações teciduais e progressão da doença renal. Objetiva-se com o presente trabalho, descrever o caso de um paciente canino de quatro anos de idade, portador de DRC associada a distúrbio mineral ósseo com repercussões como osteodistrofia fibrosa e alterações cardiovasculares como hipertensão arterial sistêmica, hipertrofia concêntrica do ventrículo esquerdo e calcificações vasculares.
Enfermeiro na linha de frente ao COVID-19: A experiência da realidade vivenciada
Authors: Marins Thiago Valentim de Oliveira , Crispim Cristiano Gomes , Evangelista Denilson da Silva , Neves Keila do Carmo , Fassarella Bruna Porath Azevedo , Ribeiro Wanderson Alves , Silva Aramis Alves da
Published: July 2020

Durante o processo assistencial, especialmente na atuação durante a pandemia, o enfermeiro pode ser submetido a um nível de estresse que causará danos físicos e psíquicos. Neste sentido, o presente estudo tem por objetivo identificar e analisar os fatores estressores vivenciados pelo profissional da saúde na linha de frente do combate à COVID-19. Trata-se deum estudo descritivo que busca descrever determinados fenômenos ou ações. Com a opção da abordagem qualitativa, a pesquisa encontrou no relato de experiência, uma oportunidade de conhecer práticas integrativas e complementares para o bem-estar social. A partir do relato, foi possível realizar uma reflexão acerca de elementos relevantes a serem considerados. Para a análise do discurso, apresentamos as seguintes categorias: Sentimentos vivenciados frente à pandemia na perspectiva do profissional de saúde; Preocupação quanto à manutenção da saúde mental e O impacto das condições de trabalho e perda de colegas. Conclui-se que se faz necessário que atuações de intervenção sejam realizadas visando o comprometimento da gestão garantindo a segurança do profissional atuante com o fornecimento de equipamentos de proteção individual e também assistência voltada a saúde mental do indivíduo.
Caracterização epidemiológica e prevalência de esquistossomose no Estado do Maranhão, Brasil
Authors: Holanda Elison Costa , Verde Roseane Mara Cardoso Lima , Nery Neto Jose Arimatea Oliveira , Soares Leonardo Ferreira , Oliveira Evaldo Hipólito de
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi descrever as características biológicas e epidemiológicas de esquistossomose nos anos de 2010 a 2016 Sistema de Informação do Programa de Controle da Esquistossomose e 2010 2017 no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação no estado do Maranhão- BR. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, retrospectivo e descritivo de cunho populacional, utilizando-se dados secundários de casos de Esquistossomose no Maranhão,  Avaliando aspectos relacionados ao sexo dos pacientes, espécies de caramujos, evolução clinica, geo-helmintoses associadas à doença, ovos dos parasitas, quantidade de exames realizados e de diagnósticos positivos e por fim casos confirmados por Microrregião de residência  de acordo com o  IBGE. Tabularam-se os dados, utilizando os programas TABNET e Microsoft Office Excel 2019. Observou-se 333 casos de tratamento notificados de Esquistossomose. Destes, verificou-se que o gênero masculino foi o mais freqüente nos pacientes, correspondendo 245 (73,6%) e 52,0% de casos notificados foram de capturados da espécie  Biomphalaria straminea e 47,1% de Biomphalaria glabrata .A evolução clinica por  cura  apresentou 78.6%(n=262). As geo-helmintoses mais associadas à esquistossomose foram Ascaris lumbricóides (n=81.082;42,1%) e Ancilostomídeos (n=81.154 ;42,1%).De acordo com  a quantidade de ovos  do exame,  observou-se  que  as  notificações foram  maiores   de 1 a 4 ovos (72,9%). Analisou-se ainda que a quantidade total de exames correspondeu a 534.679, deste 19999 diagnósticos positivos. Os casos confirmados por Microrregião IBGE de residência houve maior incidência em Gurupi, com 192 dos casos.
Functional diversity on rocky shores of the SW Atlantic: sewage effluents influence and mask the effects of the latitudinal gradient
Authors: Garaffo GV , Llanos EN , Saracho Bottero MA , Hines E , Elías R , Jaubet MML
Published: July 2020

Rocky shores are a transitional ecosystem between land and marine environments, and, together with other benthic coastal habitats, have a diverse macrobenthic community. Although there is enough information about the taxonomic diversity of Argentinean rocky shores, studies with a functional approach are scarce. We applied biological traits analysis and functional diversity indices to evaluate the geographic variation of the functional diversity of macrobenthic assemblages on rocky shores along a latitudinal gradient in the SW Atlantic (from 37° to 50°S). A total of 11 beaches with rocky hard substrate belonging to 2 biogeographical provinces (Magellanic and Argentinean) were studied during April 2016. The trait composition of macrobenthic assemblages and functional diversity indices (Rao’s quadratic entropy) varied significantly along the Argentinean coast, suggesting that the latitudinal gradient influences the distribution of species with respect to combinations of trait modalities. Rao’s quadratic entropy, species richness, evenness, and Shannon-Wiener diversity showed a pattern with higher values in the sites located in high latitudes. The functional diversity patterns found coincide with the biogeographical provinces. The presence of intertidal sewage effluents considerably influence functional diversity and mask the effects of the latitudinal gradient on the macrobenthic communities on rocky shores.
Chronic Peripheral Ghrelin Injection Exerts Antifibrotic Effects by Increasing Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Rat Hearts With Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Isoproterenol
Authors: REN Q , LIN P , WANG Q , ZHANG B , FENG L
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of ghrelin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control, ISO, and ISO + ghrelin groups. ISO (2 mg/kg per day, subcutaneous) or vehicle was administered once daily for 7 days, then ghrelin (100 µg/kg per day, subcutaneous) was administered once daily for the next 3 weeks. Ghrelin treatment greatly improved the cardiac function of ISO-treated rats. Ghrelin also decreased plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and ratios of heart weight to body weight and left ventricular weight to body weight. Ghrelin significantly reduced myocardial collagen area and hydroxyproline content, accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of collagen type I and III. Furthermore, ghrelin increased plasma level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and GDF15 mRNA and protein levels in heart tissues, which were significantly decreased with ISO alone. The phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and GSK-3β at Ser9 was decreased with ISO, and ghrelin significantly reversed the downregulation of p-Akt and p-GSK-3β. Mediated by GDF15, ghrelin could attenuate ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis via Akt-GSK-3β signaling.
Study on the Pharmacological Character of an Insulin-Mimetic Small Molecular Compound of Vanadyl Trehalose
Authors: UMAR M , QIAN W , LIU Q , XING S , LI X , YANG X , FAN Y , MA D , JIANG P , LI M
Published: July 2020

To investigate the effect of vanadyl trehalose (VT) on oxidative stress and reduced glutathione/glutathione-S-transferase (GSH/GSTs) pathway gene expression in mouse gastrointestinal tract, as well as the protective effects of vitamin C (VC) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Thirty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group (group A), VT group (group B), VC + VT group (group C), GSH + VT group (group D) and VC + GSH + VT group (group E). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and the expressions of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutathione synthetase (GSS), regulated through glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione-S-transferase pi (GSTpi) in stomach and duodenum in vanadyl trehalose treated group were lower than those in group A (P<0.05). The C, D, E group can significantly improve the above indicators, but those only in the stomach in E group reached the level of the control group. Vanadyl trehalose (VT) was able to cause oxidative stress damage to the gastrointestinal tract of mice, which affects GSH content and GSH-Px activity and interferes with the normal expression of GSH/GSTs pathway. Exogenous vitamin C, reduced glutathione and the combination of the two could play a specific role in antioxidant protection and reduce the toxicity of vanadyl trehalose.
SHR-Zbtb16 Minimal Congenic Strain Reveals Nutrigenetic Interaction Between Zbtb16 and High-Sucrose Diet
Authors: ŠKOLNÍKOVÁ E , ŠEDOVÁ L , LIŠKA F , ŠEDA O
Published: July 2020

Both prenatal and postnatal excessive consumption of dietary sucrose or fructose was shown to be detrimental to health and contributing to pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Our knowledge of genetic determinants of individual sensitivity to sucrose-driven metabolic effects is limited. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that a variation of metabolic syndrome-related gene, Zbtb16 (Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 16 will affect the reaction to high-sucrose diet (HSD) content in “matched” nutritional exposition settings, i.e. maternal HSD with re-exposition to HSD in adulthood vs. standard diet. We compared metabolic profiles of adult males of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and a single-gene, minimal congenic strain SHR-Zbtb16 fed either standard diet or exposed to HSD prenatally throughout gestation and nursing and again at the age of 6 months for the period of 14 days. HSD exposition led to increased adiposity in both strains and decrease of glucose tolerance and cholesterol (Ch) concentrations in majority of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle classes and in very large and large high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in SHR-Zbtb16 male offspring. There was a similar pattern of HSD-induced increase of triacylglycerols in chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) of both strains, though the increase of (triacylglycerol) TAG content was clearly more pronounced in SHR. We observed significant STRAIN*DIET interactions for the smallest LDL particles as their TAG content decreased in SHR-Zbtb16 and did not change in SHR in response to HSD. In summary, we provide evidence of nutrigenetic interaction between Zbtb16 and HSD in context of pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.
A Textual Criticism and Lexical Analysis of Isaiah 62
Authors: Chia Philip Suciadi , Juanda Juanda
Published: July 2020

This research presents a methodology and example of doing both a textual criticism and a word study or a lexical analysis of the Hebrew word. The textual external evidence strongly favors the consonantal text of reading one because all the ancient versions support it. The internal evidence, though it is not as strong as external evidence, has endorsements from its context and appearances of that word in Hebrew Bible. In Isaiah 62:1, the best understanding of יד ִּפַל is not from literal sense but rather symbolic. The context of the usage of this term is God will restore Zion, particularly in her salvation, which is symbolized as a torch that burns. It means that Yahweh will make glorious Zion’s deliverance like a torch so that all nations, including their kings, will be witnesses of Zion’s restoration.
Pembentukan Karakter pada Kelompok Belajar Anak Usia Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Palupi Fitria Hayu
Published: July 2020

This community service is aimed at developing children’s character so that they are willing to caretoward their environment (social awareness), to actively involved in activities, and improve their creativity. The method used in this community service is by doing assistance and giving accompanying to school-age children who willingly join the activities for a month which is held once in a week. The accompanying is conducted through ‘Learning is Fun’ approach.  The target of this community service activity is school-age students of 7 up to 10 years old who willingly join activity for a month. The results of the activity are children willingly behave and care that cover sharing together, helping others in need, and actively involving in various activities. The results of the activity are the success of this community service activity that is reflected from the activities and the enthusiasm of children who attend which are 12 school-age children. They come and join each session orderly and carry out the activities well. Based on the communication to some parents, children have started helping simple household core, such as making the bed, sweeping, and washing. This succeed can also be seen from the children’s spirit in joining each activity. This activity is expected to be able to improve character of social care in children, foster children's creativity and improve children's learning experience.
Edukasi dan Deteksi Dini Komplikasi Kehamilan dengan Pemeriksaan Laboratorium
Authors: Septiyaningsih Rochany , Kusumawati Dhiah Dwi , Yunadi Frisca Dewi , Indratmoko Septiana
Published: July 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that maternal mortality worldwide due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth in 2017 is estimated at around 810 cases. Between 2000 and 2017 there was a decline in the ratio of MMR around the world by 38%. WHO also states that 94% of global maternal deaths occur in low and middle income countries. In Indonesia, maternal deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth every year are estimated at 20,000 mothers died from five million births. Delivery assistance by trained health workers in health facilities can be an effort to reduce MMR and IMR. In addition, awareness of pregnant women is also important for the importance of having a pregnancy with a health worker. This community service aims to increase the knowledge of pregnant women about anemia and to detect early pregnancy complications by laboratory examinations. The target of this activity is 15 pregnant women. The dedication activity is conducting educational activities, laboratory examinations in Tambakreja Village, Cilacap Regency. Based on the results of this activity it was concluded that there was an increase in knowledge of pregnant women about anemia and found 2 pregnant women experiencing anemia from 15 pregnant women and urine examination found all negative pregnant women
A Review on Recent Advancements in FOREX Currency Prediction
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Hossain Emam , Rahman Abdur , Hossain Mohammad Shahadat , Andersson Karl
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the foreign exchange (FOREX) market has attracted quite a lot of scrutiny from researchers all over the world. Due to its vulnerable characteristics, different types of research have been conducted to accomplish the task of predicting future FOREX currency prices accurately. In this research, we present a comprehensive review of the recent advancements of FOREX currency prediction approaches. Besides, we provide some information about the FOREX market and cryptocurrency market. We wanted to analyze the most recent works in this field and therefore considered only those papers which were published from 2017 to 2019. We used a keyword-based searching technique to filter out popular and relevant research. Moreover, we have applied a selection algorithm to determine which papers to include in this review. Based on our selection criteria, we have reviewed 39 research articles that were published on “Elsevier”, “Springer”, and “IEEE Xplore” that predicted future FOREX prices within the stipulated time. Our research shows that in recent years, researchers have been interested mostly in neural networks models, pattern-based approaches, and optimization techniques. Our review also shows that many deep learning algorithms, such as gated recurrent unit (GRU) and long short term memory (LSTM), have been fully explored and show huge potential in time series prediction.
Seed Lipid Composition of New Hybrids of Styrian Oil Pumpkin Grown in Poland
Authors: Tańska Małgorzata , Ogrodowska Dorota , Bartoszewski Grzegorz , Korzeniewska Aleksandra , Konopka Iwona
Published: July 2020

Styrian hull-less pumpkins are valued for their use in health-promoting foods such as oils and snacks. Although deriving from Styria, they are now cultivated globally. Seeds of Styrian oil pumpkins are rich in lipids and represent a high-value product. Thus, seed yield and quality are traits of economic importance. These seed characteristics depend mostly on the cultivated variety and plant growing conditions. This study aimed to assess the variation in hull-less seed lipids of new hybrids of Styrian oil pumpkin developed recently for cultivation in moderate/colder climate zones of the north-eastern part of Poland. The study showed that the newly-developed hybrids have a relatively high content of total lipids in seeds, with a substantially higher share of linoleic acid (up to 63%). However, sterols, tocopherols, and squalene content and composition were similar to pumpkin seed oils produced from plants cultivated in other, warmer regions. This study provides insights into the chemical composition of Styrian pumpkin oil produced from hybrids grown under the relatively severe climatic conditions of north-eastern Poland.
Insight into the Current Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Domestic Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Russia
Authors: Kharzinova Veronika , Dotsev Arsen , Solovieva Anastasiya , Sergeeva Olga , Bryzgalov Georgiy , Reyer Henry , Wimmers Klaus , Brem Gottfried , Zinovieva Natalia
Published: July 2020

To examine the genetic diversity and population structure of domestic reindeer, using the BovineHD BeadChip, we genotyped reindeer individuals belonging to the Nenets breed of the five main breeding regions, the Even breed of the Republic of Sakha, the Evenk breed of the Krasnoyarsk and Yakutia regions, and the Chukotka breed of the Chukotka region and its within-breed ecotype, namely, the Chukotka–Khargin, which is bred in Yakutia. The Chukotka reindeer was shown to have the lowest genetic diversity in terms of the allelic richness and heterozygosity indicators. The principal component analysis (PCA) results are consistent with the neighbor-net tree topology, dividing the reindeer into groups according to their habitat location and origin of the breed. Admixture analysis indicated a genetic structuring of two groups of Chukotka origin, the Even breed and most of the geographical groups of the Nenets breed, with the exception of the Murmansk reindeer, the gene pool of which was comprised of the Nenets and apparently the native Sami reindeer. The presence of a genetic component of the Nenets breed in some reindeer inhabiting the Krasnoyarsk region was detected. Our results provide a deeper insight into the current intra-breeding reindeer genetic diversity, which is an important requirement for future reindeer herding strategies and for animal adaptation to environmental changes.
Midazolam Alters Acid-Base Status Less than Azaperone during the Capture and Transport of Southern White Rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum)
Authors: Pohlin Friederike , Buss Peter , Hooijberg Emma H. , Meyer Leith C. R.
Published: July 2020

Acidemia represents a major life-threatening factor during rhinoceros capture. The acid-base status during rhinoceros transport is unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in acid-base status during rhinoceros capture and transport and compare these changes between rhinoceroses sedated with azaperone or midazolam. Twenty-three wild white rhinoceros bulls were road-transported 280 km for reasons unrelated to this study. Rhinoceroses were captured with etorphine-azaperone (Group A) or etorphine-midazolam (Group M). During transport, azaperone (Group A) or midazolam (Group M) was re-administered every 2 h and venous blood collected. Changes in blood pH and associated variables were compared over time and between groups using a general linear mixed model. Rhinoceroses of both groups experienced a respiratory and metabolic acidosis during capture (pH 7.109 ± 0.099 and 7.196 ± 0.111 for Group A and Group M, respectively) that was quickly compensated for by the start of transport (pH 7.441 ± 0.035 and 7.430 ± 0.057) and remained stable throughout the journey. Rhinoceroses from Group M showed a smaller decrease in pH and associated variables at capture than rhinoceroses from Group A (p = 0.012). The use of midazolam instead of azaperone could therefore improve the success of rhinoceros capture and thus, contribute to the outcome of important conservation translocations.
Biofilm Control Strategies: Engaging with the Public
Authors: Verran Joanna , Jackson Sarah , Scimone Antony , Kelly Peter , Redfern James
Published: July 2020

There are few peer-reviewed publications about public engagement with science that are written by microbiologists; those that exist tend to be a narrative of an event rather than a hypothesis-driven investigation. However, it is relatively easy for experienced scientists to use a scientific method in their approach to public engagement. This short communication describes three public engagement activities hosted by the authors, focused on biofilm control: hand hygiene, plaque control and an externally applied antimicrobial coating. In each case, audience engagement was assessed using quantitative and/or qualitative methods. A critical evaluation of the findings enabled the construction of a public engagement ‘tick list’ for future events that would enable a hypothesis-driven approach with more effective communication activities and more robust evaluation.
High-Quality ITO/Al-ZnO/n-Si Heterostructures with Junction Engineering for Improved Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Tong Chong , Kumar Manjeet , Yun Ju-Hyung , Kim Joondong , Kim Sung Jin
Published: July 2020

A heterostructure of Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO)/Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/n-Si was proposed and studied for photovoltaics. The top ITO worked as a transparent conducting layer for excellent optical transparency and current collection. The AZO/n-Si served as the active junction and provided the built-in potential (qVbi) for the photovoltaic devices. To achieve a higher open circuit voltage (Voc), which is the main challenge for AZO/Si heterojunctions due to the junction interfacial defects, the AZO and AZO/Si junction properties were systematically investigated. By modulating the Al doping in the AZO thin films via a dual beam co-sputtering technique, the AZO/n-Si junction quality was significantly improved with qVbi increased from 0.21 eV to 0.74 eV. As a result, the Voc of our best device was enhanced from 0.14 V to 0.42 V, with a short circuit current (Jsc) of 26.04 mA/cm2 and a conversion efficiency (Eff) of 5.03%. To our best knowledge, this is the highest Voc reported for ZnO/Si heterojunctions prepared by the sputtering method. The results confirmed the validity of our proposed structure and junction engineering approach and provided new insights and opportunities for ZnO/Si heterojunction optoelectronics.
Experimental Characterization and Finite Element Modeling of the Effects of 3D Bioplotting Process Parameters on Structural and Tensile Properties of Polycaprolactone (PCL) Scaffolds
Authors: Narayanan Lokesh Karthik , Shirwaiker Rohan A.
Published: July 2020

In this study we characterized the process–structure interactions in melt extrusion-based 3D bioplotting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and developed predictive models to enable the efficient design and processing of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. First, the effects of pneumatic extrusion pressure (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 N/mm2), nozzle speed (0.1, 0.4, 1.0, 1.4 mm/s), strand lay orientation (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), and strand length (10, 20, 30 mm) on the strand width were investigated and a regression model was developed to map strand width to the two significant parameters (extrusion pressure and nozzle speed; p < 0.05). Then, proliferation of NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells in scaffolds with two different stand widths fabricated with different combinations of the two significant parameters was assessed over 7 days, which showed that the strand width had a significant effect on proliferation (p < 0.05). The effect of strand lay orientation (0° and 90°) on tensile properties of non-porous PCL specimens was determined and was found to be significantly higher for specimens with 0° lay orientation (p < 0.05). Finally, these data were used to develop and experimentally validate a finite element model for a porous PCL specimen with 1:1 ratio of inter-strand spacing to strand width.
Optical Design of Compact Space Autonomous Docking Instrument with CMOS Image Sensor and All Radiation Resistant Lens Elements
Authors: Lin Sheng-Feng , Chen Cheng-Huan
Published: July 2020

Built-in autonomous stereo vision devices play a critical role in the autonomous docking instruments of space vehicles. Traditional stereo cameras for space autonomous docking use charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors, and it is difficult for the overall size to be reduced due to the size of the CCD. In addition, only the few outermost elements of the camera lens use radiation-resistant optical glass material. In this paper, a complementary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device is used as the image sensor, and radiation-resistant optical glass material is introduced to all lens elements in order to make a compact and highly reliable space grade instrument. Despite the limited available material, a fixed focus module with 7 lens elements and overall length of 42 mm has been achieved, while meeting all the required performance demands for the final vision-guided docking process.
A Statistical Calibration Framework for Improving Non-Reference Method Particulate Matter Reporting: A Focus on Community Air Monitoring Settings
Authors: Commodore Sarah , Metcalf Andrew , Post Christopher , Watts Kevin , Reynolds Scott , Pearce John
Published: July 2020

Recent advancement in lower-cost air monitoring technology has resulted in an increased interest in community-based air quality studies. However, non-reference monitoring (NRM; e.g., low-cost sensors) is imperfect and approaches that improve data quality are highly desired. Herein, we illustrate a framework for adjusting continuous NRM measures of particulate matter (PM) with field-based comparisons and non-linear statistical modeling as an example of instrument evaluation prior to exposure assessment. First, we collected continuous measurements of PM with a NRM technology collocated with a US EPA federal equivalent method (FEM). Next, we fit a generalized additive model (GAM) to establish a non-linear calibration curve that defines the relationship between the NRM and FEM data. Then, we used our fitted model to generate calibrated NRM PM data. Evaluation of raw NRM PM2.5 data revealed strong correlation with FEM (R = 0.9) but an average bias (AB) of −2.84 µg/m3 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.85 µg/m3, with 406 h of data. Fitting of our GAM revealed that the correlation structure was maintained (r = 0.9) and that average bias (AB = 0) and error (RMSE = 0) were minimized. We conclude that field-based statistical calibration models can be used to reduce bias and improve NRM data used for community air monitoring studies.
Stem Cell Bioprocessing and Manufacturing
Authors: Cabral Joaquim M.S. , da Silva Cláudia Lobato da , Diogo Maria Margarida
Published: July 2020

The next healthcare revolution will apply regenerative medicines using human cells and tissues [...]