bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding the critically ill child in intensive care units: a descriptive qualitative study in two tertiary hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Abukari Alhassan Sibdow , Acheampong Angela Kwartemaa
Published: March 2021

Background: Critically ill children require optimum feeding in the intensive care for speedy recovery. Several factors determine their feeding and the feeding method to adopt to address this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the feeding criteria of critically ill children at the neonatal and paediatric intensive care units.Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used to conduct the study. Six focus group discussions were conducted, and each group had five members. In addition, twelve one-on-one interviews were conducted in two public tertiary teaching hospitals in Ghana and analyzed by content analysis using MAXQDA Plus version 2020 qualitative software. Participants were selected purposively (N=42).Results: The decision to feed a critically ill child in the ICU was largely determined by the child’s medical condition as well as the experts’ knowledge and skills to feed. It emerged from the data that cup feeding, enteral, parenteral and breastfeeding were the feeding processes employed by the clinicians to feed the critically ill children.Conclusions: Regular in-service training of clinicians on feeding critically ill children, provision of logistics and specialized personnel in the ICU is recommended to reduce possible infant and child mortality resulting from feeding.
The value of a patient global assessment in management of sarcoidosis
Authors: Baughman Robert , Kotzin Jeffrey , Lower Elyse E
Published: March 2021

The patient global assessment (PGA) is a reported outcome instrument used to gauge the patient’s well-being. We performed a prospective study of patients seen at the University of Cincinnati Sarcoidosis Clinic. Two groups were studied: those at first visit during the time period (Initial) and those seen at least one more time by the same physician (Follow-up). A total of 1006, including 677 Initial visits, occurred during the six month period. Patients who initiated or increased their anti-inflammatory therapy had a significantly lower mean PGA score (ANOVA P<0.001, p<0.05 for increased versus all others). There was no significant difference in initial PGA score based on race, sex, or age. The change in PGA was significantly lower for those who increased medication (ANOVA P<0.001, increased different from all others, p<0.05). The PGA was significantly lower for patients who increased anti-inflammatory therapy initially or at follow-up, however there was overlap between groups.
Evaluating and Strengthening the Health System of Curaҫao to Improve its Performance for Future Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases.
Authors: Mulderij-Jansen Vaitiare , Gerstenbluth Izzy , Duits Ashley , Tami Adriana , Bailey Ajay
Published: March 2021

BackgroundVector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika pose a significant challenge to health systems in countries they affect, especially countries with less developed healthcare systems. Therefore countries are encouraged to strengthen their healthcare systems to achieve more resilient systems. This qualitative study aims to examine the performance of the health system of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaҫao with regards to the prevention and control of VBDs in the last decennium by using the WHO health system building blocks.MethodsFrom January 2019 to February 2020, a multi-method qualitative study was performed in Curaçao., applying content analysis of documents (n = 50), five focus group discussions (n = 30), interviews with experts (n = 11), and fifteen observation sessions. The study was designed based on the WHO framework: health system building blocks. Two cycles of inductive and deductive coding were employed, and Nvivo software was used to analyse the data.ResultsThis study’s data highlighted the challenges (e.g., insufficient oversight, coordination, leadership skills, structure, and communication) that the departments of the health system of Curaҫao faced during the last three epidemics of VBDs (2010–2020). Furthermore, low levels of collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organisations (e.g., semi-governmental and private laboratories) and insufficient capacity building to improve skills (e.g., entomological, surveillance skills) were also observed. Lastly, we observed how bottlenecks in one building block negatively influenced other building blocks (e.g., inadequate leadership/governance obstructed the workforce's performance).ConclusionsThis study uncovers potential organisational bottlenecks that have affected the performance of the health system of Curaҫao negatively. We recommend starting with the reinforcement of oversight of the integrated vector management program to ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of related legislation, policies, and interventions. Also, we recommend evaluating and reform the existing administrative and organisational structure of the health system by taking the cultural style, challenges, and barriers of the current health system into account. More efforts are needed to improve the documentation of agreements, the recruitment, and evaluation of the workforce's performance. Based on our findings, we conceptualised actions to strengthen the health system's building blocks to improve its performance for future outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Association of Triglyceride-Glucose Index with the Incidence of Ketoacidosis in Chinese Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Gao Long , Wang Xinhui , Shu Jianbo , Zhang Mingying , Zhi Xiufang , Guan Jun , Gu Chunyu , Pu Linjie , Cai Chunquan , Yang Wei , Lv Ling
Published: March 2021

Objective: The relationship between triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been confirmed by former studies. However, it remains uncertain whether TyG index has a predictive value in T1DM patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Methods: The study retrospectively enrolled 143 patients ((boys/girls = 60/83) with T1DM in the Endocrine inpatient wards of Tianjin Children’s Hospital from June 2017 to May 2019.TyG index was calculated as follows: ln[fasting triglycerides (mg/dL)×fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. These patients stratifed by the optimal cut-off point of TyG index were divided into the lower TyG index group (n=73) and higher TyG index group (n=70).Results: TyG index and related lipid parameters were significantly higher in patients with DKA compared with those without. Compared with patients in lower TyG index group, those with higher TyG index seemed to be younger. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that increase of TC (95%CI: 0.018~0.568, p=0.037) level and decrease of T3(95%CI:-2.314~-0.668,p=0.001) level were associated with the risk of higher TyG index. A linear equation was obtained between TC, T3 and TyG index (TyG index=10.226+0.299*TC-1.384*T3, R2=0.481). Conclusions: Increased TyG index is a significant predictor of DKA in children with T1DM. Higher TC and lower T3 levels were associated with higher TyG index. Further studies need to be conducted to determine whether interventions for TyG index have a positive impact on improving clinical prognosis.
Design Matters in Patient-Level Prediction: Evaluation of a Cohort vs. Case-Control Design When Developing Predictive Models in Observational Healthcare Datasets
Authors: Reps Jenna , Ryan Patrick B. , Rijnbeek Peter R. , Schuemie Martijn J.
Published: March 2021

Background: The study design used to develop prediction models in observational healthcare databases (e.g., case-control and cohort) may impact the clinical usefulness. We aim to quantify how the choice of design impacts prediction model performance. Aim: To empirically investigate differences between models developed using a case-control design and a cohort design.Methods: Using a US claims database, we replicated two published prediction models (dementia and type 2 diabetes) which were developed using a case-control design, and also train models for the same prediction questions using cohort designs. We validated each model on data mimicking the point in time the models would be applied in clinical practice. We calculate the models’ discrimination and calibration-in-the-large performances.Results: The dementia models obtained area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.560 and 0.897 for the case-control and cohort designs respectively. The type 2 diabetes models obtained area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.733 and 0.727 for the case-control and cohort designs respectively. The dementia and diabetes case-control models were both poorly calibrated, whereas the dementia cohort model achieved good calibration. We show that careful construction of a case-control design can lead to comparable discriminative performance as a cohort design, but case-control designs generally oversample the outcome leading to miscalibration. Conclusion: Any case-control design can be converted to a cohort design. We recommend that researchers with observational data use the less subjective and generally better calibrated cohort design. However, if a carefully constructed case-control design is used, then the model must be prospectively validated using a cohort design for fair evaluation and be recalibrated.
The Presurgical Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score is Independently Associated with Severe Peristomal Skin Disorders: A Single-center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shiraishi Takuya , Ogawa Hiroomi , Katayama Chika , Osone Katsuya , Okada Takuhisa , Katoh Ryuji , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Sohda Makoto , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Purpose: While nutritional interventions may potentially lower the risk of peristomal skin disorders (PSDs) and their exacerbation, no prior studies have evaluated the relationship between PSDs and nutritional status using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of preoperative nutritional status on stoma development, and determine risk factors for postoperative PSDs and their increased severity. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 116 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical surgery with stoma creation, including ileostomy and colostomy. Results: PSDs were diagnosed in 32 patients (27.6%); 10 (8.7%) cases were defined as severe based on the ABCD-stoma score. A multivariate analysis indicated that the laparoscopic approach (odds ratio [OR], 3.221; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001–10.362; P = 0.050) and ileostomy (OR, 3.394; 95% CI, 1.349–8.535; P = 0.009) were both independent risk factors for PSD. In a separate multivariate analysis for severe PSD, the only independent risk factor was the CONUT score (OR, 11.298; 95% CI, 1.382–92.373; P = 0.024). Conclusion: Severe PSDs are associated with preoperative nutritional disorders, as determined via the CONUT score. Furthermore, PSDs may potentially increase in severity, regardless of stoma type.
Left-behind Experience, Parent-child Communication and Psychological Resilience: a Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Zhou Chi , Lv Qiaohong , Yang Nancy , Wang Feng
Published: March 2021

Background: Rapid urbanization has caused left-behind children to become a social problem in China. Psychological resilience is an important mediating/intermediate variable. This study aims to examine the role of parental migration status and parent communication on the psychological and related behavioral status of left-behind children through psychological resilience. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Anhui Province of China, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 1992 teens using the Chinese version of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires. Results: Compared with the never left-behind group, left behind children had relatively lower PACS, CD-RISC and SDQ scores. Absence of parents is related with poorer psychological resilience, while good parent communication is related with better psychological resilience. Better psychological resilience is related with fewer psychological problems among different parental migration status. The currently left-behind status demonstrated a negative influence on psychological resilience, while never left-behind status had a positive effect.Conclusions: Interventions are needed to enhance psychological resilience of left-behind children to prevent psychological and related behavioral problems.
A Deterministic Approach for Protecting Privacy in Sensitive Personal Data
Authors: Avraam Demetris , Jones Elinor , Burton Paul
Published: March 2021

Background: Data privacy is one of the biggest challenges for any organisation which processes personal data, especially in the area of medical research where data include sensitive information about patients and study participants. Sharing of data is therefore problematic, which is at odds with the principle of open data that is so important to the advancement of society and science. Several statistical methods and computational tools have been developed to help data custodians and analysts overcome this challenge. However, no single solution can fully protect a dataset and often combinations of methods and multifaceted systems are essential.Results: We propose a new deterministic approach for anonymising personal data. The method stratifies the underlying data by the categorical variables and re-distributes the continuous variables preserving their spatial properties.Conclusions: The procedure makes data re-identification difficult while minimising the loss of utility; the latter means that informative statistical analysis can still be conducted. We demonstrate its use on real data, including data from the 1958 Birth Cohort.
A Study on Predicting the Length of Hospital Stay for Chinese Patients With Ischemic Stroke Based on the XGBoost Algorithm
Authors: Rui Chen , Zhang Shengfa , Li Jie , Guo Dongwei , Zhang Weijun , Tian Donghua , Gu Linni , Qu Zhiyong , Wang Xiaohua
Published: March 2021

Background China faced the most significant challenge from stroke because it imposes a heavy burden on families, national health services, social services, and the economy. The length of hospital stay (LOS) was an essential indicator of utilization of medical services and was usually used to assess the efficiency of hospital management and patient quality of care. This study established a prediction model based on the machine learning algorithm to predict the ischemic stroke patients' LOS.MethodsA total of 18,195 ischemic stroke patients' electronic medical records and 28 attributes were extracted from electronic medical records in a large comprehensive hospital in China. After preprocessing the data and feature selection, the XGBoost algorithm was used for building a machine learning model. The 10-fold cross-validation was used for model validation. The accuracy (ACC), recall rate (RE) and F1 measure were used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model of LOS of ischemic stroke patients. Finally, the XGBoost algorithm was used to identify and remove irrelevant features by ranking all attributes based on feature importance.ResultsThe average ACC, RE and F1 measure were 0.96, 0.82 and 0.79, respectively, under the 10-fold cross-validation. According to the analysis of the importance of features, the LOS of ischemic stroke patients was affected by demographic characteristics, past medical history, admission examination features, and operation characteristics. Finally, the features, including NIHSS, MRS, Hemiplegia aphasia, age, BMI and TIA etc. were found to be the top ten features in importance in predicting the LOS of ischemic stroke patients.ConclusionsThe XGBoost algorithm was an appropriate machine learning method for predicting the LOS of patients with ischemic stroke. Based on the prediction model, an intelligent medical management prediction system could be developed to predict the LOS based on ischemic stroke patients' electronic medical records.
Sexual Wellbeing in Early Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Assessment Among Girls and Boys in Urban Indonesia
Authors: Kågesten Anna E , Pinandari Anggriyani Wahyu , Page Anna , Wilopo Siswanto Agus , Reeuwijk Miranda van
Published: March 2021

Background: Early adolescence (ages 10-14) is a critical period of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, which affect sexual and reproductive health and rights. Yet, little is known about positive or healthy aspects of sexuality development during this period of life, especially in South East Asia where sexual norms remain restrictive. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual wellbeing among early adolescent girls and boys ages in Indonesia.Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of the Global Early Adolescent Study via a school-based survey in three Indonesian urban sites in 2018 (N=4309). We assessed the prevalence of multiple indicators of sexual wellbeing (e.g. sexual and reproductive health knowledge and communication, gender attitudes, body satisfaction, self-efficacy, freedom from violence) and tested for differences by gender using Chi-square, Student t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of selected indicators in relation to sociodemographic factors, romantic and sexual experiences. Results: The mean age of students was 12 years (53% girls); 90% had started puberty. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and communication was low overall, but higher among boys than girls. Boys were more likely than girls to report high body satisfaction, less feelings of sexual guilt, but also to experience physical peer violence. In contrast, girls were more likely to hold gender equal attitudes, greater self-efficacy to say no, and to report being bullied by boys. In multivariable models, romantic experiences, perceived voice (boys and girls) and decision-making (girls) were associated with three or more indicators of sexual wellbeing. Conclusions: While young adolescents in Indonesia score high on some aspects of sexual wellbeing, misconceptions, feelings of guilt and uncertainties related to sexuality are common, with clear gender differences. These findings confirm the need for comprehensive sexuality education that begins early in adolescence.
Rapid metformin effects on multiple intestinal functions in high-fat high-sucrose fed mice
Authors: Bravard Amélie , Gérard Céline , Defois Clémence , Benoit Bérengère , Makki Kassem , Meugnier Emmanuelle , Rainteau Dominique , Rieusset Jennifer , Godet Murielle , Vidal Hubert
Published: March 2021

Although the mechanism of action of the antidiabetic drug metformin is still a matter of discussions, it is well accepted that the gut plays an important role. To gain more insights into the mechanisms that occur in the different regions of the intestinal tract in response to metformin treatment, adult male mice were fed a high-fat-high sucrose (HFS) diet for 8 days. Metformin treatment by gavage (300 mg/day/kg body weight) during the HFS diet improved glucose tolerance. Metformin counteracted HFS diet-induced overexpression of a network of genes involved in the transport of glucose and fatty acids in the small intestine, and induced beneficial modification of secondary bile acid profile in the caecum, with reduction in DCA and LCA levels and increased abundance of UDCA and TUDCA, potentially leading to FRX inhibition. In parallel, metformin treatment was associated with specific changes in the microbiota composition in the lumen of the different regions of the gut, counteracting the effects of HFS diet on the abundances of some bacterial groups generally associated with metabolic disturbances (f-Lachnospiraceae, f-Petostreptococcaceae, g-Clostidium). In addition, metformin promotes a strong increase in the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in the intestinal lumen all along the gut. Therefore, the present work clearly emphasises the role of all the regions of the intestinal tract in the beneficial action of the antidiabetic drug metformin in a prediabetic mouse model.
Technology and performance analysis of preventing surface subsidence by sealing and backfilling the goaf with Urban waste
Authors: Xiong Yu , Kong Dezhong , Wang Yuliang , Liu Qinzhi , Gong Yuanheng
Published: March 2021

In order to solve the current two major environmental problems of urban waste pollution and surface subsidence above the coal mine goaf, the technology of sealing and backfilling the goaf with urban waste is proposed. This technology takes "waste disposal" and "goaf backfilling" as the design theme, and uses waste screening, processing, transportation, and backfilling as the design links. Aiming at the processing of loose waste, the waste drying and briquetting integrated machine is designed, which comprehensively utilizes the methods of waste physical disposal and heat disposal to dehydrate and press the waste into a block with a particle size of 150mm, and finally pass the six-sided winding package. The entire processing technology ensures the strength of the waste materials and no filtrate. For the processing of solid aggregate waste, it is crushed into recycled concrete raw materials for goaf backfilling. Aiming at the goaf backfilling, the goaf backfilling coal mining method is designed, the backfilling hydraulic support is modified, and the backfilling mechanism is added to realize the integration of “mining-backfilling” in the working face. The backfilling technology embodies the key issues of the sealing of the backfilling space and the strength of the backfilling body with third times of sealing strengthening. Using urban waste as the backfilling materials for the goal area, the waste pollution and the surface subsidence are turned into “two benefits”, and the construction of waste-free cities and green mines is promoted.
High-Resolution Radioluminescence Microscopy of FDG Uptake in an Engineered 3D Tumor-Stoma Model
Authors: Khan Syamantak , Kim Sungwoo , Yang Yunzhi Peter , Pratx Guillem
Published: March 2021

PURPOSEThe increased glucose metabolism of cancer cells is the basis for 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). However, due to its coarse image resolution, PET is unable to resolve the metabolic role of cancer-associated stroma, which often influences the metabolic reprogramming of a tumor. This study investigates the use of radioluminescence microscopy for imaging FDG uptake in engineered 3D tumor models with high resolution.METHODMulticellular tumor spheroids (A549 lung adenocarcinoma) were co-cultured with GFP-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within an artificial extracellular matrix to mimic a tumor and its surrounding stroma. The tumor model was constructed as a 200 µm-thin 3D layer over a transparent CdWO4 scintillator plate to allow high-resolution imaging of the cultured cells. After incubation with FDG, the radioluminescence signal was collected by a highly sensitive widefield microscope. Fluorescence microscopy was performed using the same instrument to localize endothelial and tumor cells.RESULTSSimultaneous and co-localized brightfield, fluorescence and radioluminescence imaging provided high-resolution information on the distribution of FDG in the engineered tissue. The microvascular stromal compartment as a whole took up a large fraction of the FDG, comparable to the uptake of the tumor spheroids. In vitro gamma counting confirmed that A549 and HUVEC cells were both highly glycolytic with rapid FDG-uptake kinetics. Despite the relative thickness of the tissue constructs, an average spatial resolution of 64 ± 4 µm was achieved for imaging FDG.CONCLUSIONOur study demonstrates the feasibility of imaging the distribution of FDG uptake in engineered in vitro tumor models. With its high spatial resolution, the method can separately resolve tumor and stromal components. The approach could be extended to more advanced engineered cancer models but also to surgical tissue slices and tumor biopsies.
A Computational Model of the Epidermis With the Deformable Dermis and Its Application to Skin Diseases
Authors: Ohno Kota , Kobayashi Yasuaki , Uesaka Masaaki , Gotoda Takeshi , Denda Mitsuhiro , Kosumi Hideyuki , Watanabe Mika , Natsuga Ken , Nagayama Masaharu
Published: March 2021

The skin barrier is provided by the organized multi-layer structure of epidermal cells, which is dynamically maintained by a continuous supply of cells from the basal layer. The epidermal homeostasis can be disrupted by various skin diseases, which often cause morphological changes not only in the epidermis but in the dermis. We present a three-dimensional agent-based computational model of the epidermis that takes into account the deformability of the dermis. Our model can produce a stable epidermal structure with well-organized layers. We show that its stability depends on the cell supply rate from the basal layer. Modeling the morphological change of the dermis also enables us to investigate how the stiffness of the dermis affects the structure and barrier functions of the epidermis. Besides, we show that our model can simulate the formation of a corn (clavus) by assuming hyperproliferation and rapid differentiation. We also provide experimental data for human corn, which supports the model assumptions and the simulation result.
Coronavirus in the Skin of the Pangolin: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Transmission?
Authors: Deng Siwei , Tian Xuechen , Belshaw Robert , Zhou Jinfeng , Zhang Siyuan , Yang Yixin , Huang Chang , Chen Weikang , Qiu Hailu , Choo Siew Woh
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dermatologic manifestations are not uncommon in COVID-19 patients and the virus has been reported within some. However, the role of the virus and the host response in these cutaneous manifestations remain poorly studied. The pangolin coronavirus (pCoV) is a model for studying SARS-CoV-2 because of its genetic relatedness and similarity of disease characteristics. Here we report the presence of pCoV in pangolin skin manifestations and present an in-depth analysis of the transcriptional response to the infection. COVID-19-related pathways were up-regulated, but interferon epsilon (IFNE)-related pathways were not differentially regulated (consistent with the pseudogenisation of IFNE and IFIH1 in the pangolin). Endogenous retroviral genes tended to be down-regulated, indicating their importance in CoV infection. We believe our study provides further support for a potentially overlooked percutaneous transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Reimplante dentário após avulsão traumática: 10 anos de acompanhamento
Authors: Souza Luiz Eduardo de , Marques Izabela Volpato , Queiroz Alfredo Franco , Nunes Margareth Calvo Pessuti , Pavan Nair Narumi Orita , Endo Marcos Sergio
Published: March 2021

A avulsão dentária consiste em um deslocamento completo do dente para fora do alvéolo e o seu reimplante imediato é a opção mais favorável, porém sob algumas condições nem sempre é possível. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso em que houve o reimplante dentário tardio e um acompanhamento ao longo de 10 anos, não apresentando reabsorção radicular. Paciente do sexo masculino, 6 anos de idade, sofreu avulsão do dente 21 causada por queda de bicicleta. O dente foi colocado em um copo com soro fisiológico e reimplantado no hospital em duas horas, sendo instalada uma esplintagem não-rígida e após 11 dias removida. Ao exame radiográfico, foi observado que o dente apresentava-se com rizogênese incompleta, com paredes finas e o ápice aberto (estágio 9 de Nolla). Clinicamente, um mês após o trauma, o dente apresentou-se assintomático e sem mobilidade, com resposta inconclusiva ao teste de sensibilidade pulpar ao frio. Com a interrupção do desenvolvimento radicular e a presença de rarefação óssea periapical, realizou-se o teste de cavidade pulpar e foi planejado o tratamento com posterior intervenção endodôntica. Dez anos após o trauma dentário, o dente apresentava-se sem mobilidade, com resposta negativa ao teste de palpação e percussão vertical. A radiografia mostrou-se com aspectos de normalidade, não havendo presença de reabsorção dentária. Conclui-se que o reimplante dentário apresentou um prognóstico favorável, não exibindo reabsorção radicular inflamatória ou por substituição, além de restabelecer estética e função durante 10 anos.
Development of a TD-NMR Method to Monitor Brazil Nuts Oil Content: A Green and Low-Cost Based Approach
Authors: Ribeiro Úrsula , Queiroz Leonardo , Marassi Agide , Carvalho André , Barros Gabriel , Consalter Daniel , Bezerra Jaqueline , Santos Alan , Colnago Luiz Alberto , Machado Marcos
Published: March 2021

Growth in the international popularity of Brazil nuts oil (Bertholletia excelsa, Bonpl.) has demanded a closer look at quality aspects of the nuts. In this context, time-domain 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (TD-NMR) can be a useful tool for assessing the lipid portion of such matrices. In this work, a TD-NMR method was developed and validated to assess the oil content directly from Brazil nuts following the ISO 10565:1998 and DOQ-CGCRE-008. Full validation was addressed covering the working range from 0.67 to 25.00 g (coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.9993). Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.20 and 0.67 g, respectively. The repeatability and intermediate precision assays met the guide requirements. Oil contents obtained in two laboratories (different equipment) were statistically similar (66.93 ± 4.69 and 70.13 ± 4.15%), highlighting the method’s robustness. The developed approach has the potential to be adopted as an industrial reference method for in situ monitoring of Brazil nuts oil contents.
Perilaku Profesional Terhadap Pola Makan Sehat
Authors:   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Nathaniel Albert , Sejati Galih Priya ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Perdana Kevin Krisna ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Lumbantobing Riado Daniel Putra ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia, Heryandini Sylvia ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya JL. RA. Kartini (TB Simatupang), Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12430 Indonesia
Published: March 2021

Pola hidup sehat adalah cara terefektif untuk menjaga kebugaran badan dan mencegah tubuh terserang dari penyakit. Banyak penyakit yang muncul utamanya dari pola makan yang tidak teratur dan konsumsi makanan yang tidak sehat. Namun perubahan gaya hidup dapat membuat nilai gizi dalam hal ini tidak menjadi pertimbangan dalam pemilihan makanan. Atas hal tersebut, dilakukan survei kepada pekerja professional untuk investigasi pola makan mereka menggunakan explanatory research yang diolah dengan menggunakan program Microsoft Excel 2013 dan software SPSS 25.0, menghasilkan pearson correlation sebesar 0.918. Selanjutnya, secara statistik uji korelasi bivariate yang dilakukan menunjukan korelasi linear yang kuat antara tingkat pola makan sehat dan tingkat konsumsi makanan sehat
Improvement of phosphorus release from sludge by combined electrochemical-EDTA treatment
Authors: Xu Yunfeng , Hu Fanglu , Wang Xin , Qu Yangwei , Xu Lu , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, combined with the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the electrochemical treatment of waste activated sludge (WAS) was investigated to explore its effect on the release of phosphorus (P) from WAS. The results showed that during the electrochemical treatment, the addition of EDTA could significantly promote the release of P from the WAS to the supernatant, the optimal amount of EDTA was 0.4 g/g total suspended solids (TSS), when the release of total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), organic phosphorus (OP) and molybdate reactive phosphorus (PO43−-P) were 187.30, 173.84 and 13.46 mg/L, respectively. OP was the most likely form of P to be released during this process. Moreover, combined electrochemical-EDTA treatment could promote the release of P and metal ions from extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) to the supernatant, and increase the solubility and disintegration of sludge. EDTA chelated the metal ions of sludge flocs and phosphate precipitates to cause sludge floc decomposition, thereby promoting the release of P from WAS.
PERMISSIVE NATURAL LAW AND ITS SCOPE IN PAUL VLADIMIRI’S PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Płotka Magdalena
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to a%empt to provide a more precise answer to the question of Paul Vladimiri’s (Latin: Paulus Vladimiri; Polish: Paweł Włodkowic) account of the concept of permissive natural law. This purpose is realized in two steps. First, a brief history of permissive natural laws in the tradition of medieval philosophy is discussed, and the historical context, in which Paul Vladimiri developed his theory of natural law, is outlined. Next, some excerpts from Vladimir’s writings are analysed, in which he uses phrases indicating the presence of the concept of permissive law in his philosophy.
TOUCHINESS AND CRITICISM. ON THE ROLE OF PHILOSOPHICAL CRITICISM IN CULTURE AND EDUCATION
Authors: Piłat Robert
Published: March 2021

In this article, I am discussing the social phenomenon of touchiness (excessive sensitivity to differences of opinion and lifestyle) as a result of the polarization of discourse in contemporary Western culture. This polarization and the resulting touchiness are partly an effect of media, but the later also reflects structural problems of cultures and social practices. The problems arise from the dense network of potentially conflicting values. I am discussing some diagnoses of this phenomenon and some purported philosophical remedies including departure from the language of values and abandoning the idea of a strong subject of action and beliefs. I am criticizing these solutions and I am proposing the idea of radical criticism instead. I am presenting the idea about established theories of philosophical criticism, including those by Horkheimer, Spaemann, Habermas. I am also presenting a practical application of the idea of radical criticism in education: promoting philosophical inquiry in the classroom.
GLOBALISM OF EVOLUTIONISM
Authors: Hałaczek Bernard
Published: March 2021

The phenomenon of globalization, which is well known in the economy, can nowadays be observed also in the area of science. It is based on the fact that more and more scientific disciplines are applying the same explanatory principle, namely the theory of evolution. Therefore, every development, including that of man, according to the pattern of genetic reproduction, takes place on the basis of natural selection. With psychological properties, mental abilities and social behaviours, which are eloquently referred to as “memes”, it is as with genes: only those that are better, stronger, more capable of surviving will survive after accidental changes and only they will be passed on. In short, reproduction regulates and controls human behaviour. Such a way of thinking and explanation can be found today in many publications on sociobiology and evolutionary psychology. Even if they present many new details, they pay tribute to the old human desire to explain everything in a simple way, according to the same scheme. The same expectation towards science was expressed by E. Haeckel in the 19th century and J. Monod in the 20th century. However, when these two biologists explained man as a whole based on the theory of evolution, they admitted that they referred to philosophy, to which contemporary representatives of sociobiology and evolutionary psychology cannot or do not want to confess.
LIBERTY IN LIBERAL THOUGHT – PAST AND PRESENT
Authors: Sochoń Jan
Published: March 2021

The article presents history of liberty in the past and contemporary liberal thought. This article grounds that creators of liberalism passed by a long way to define precisely the phenomenon of liberty. When creators were closer to the present day, they tried to separate liberty from metaphysics and morality with reference to the ideals of democracy. However, they confused the cult of equality with the liberty to show that the truth always must be at liberty’s service. But the liberty should be understood like a competence to realize person’s rights. Not till then, liberalism will conceal the historic and present–time demons.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Pyruvate Kinase
(PK) Inhibitors and their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Jia Jingjing , Luo Yang , Zhong Xue , He Ling
Published: March 2021

:

Resistance to antibiotics has existed in the health care and community settings.
Thus, developing novel antibiotics is urgent. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) pyruvate kinase (PK) is crucial for the survival of bacteria, making it a
novel antimicrobial target. In the past decade, the most commonly reported PK inhibitors
include indole, flavonoid, phenazine derivatives from natural products’ small molecules
or their analogs, or virtual screening from small molecule compound library. This review
covers the PK inhibitors and their antimicrobial activities reported from the beginning of
2011 through mid-2020. The Structure-Activity Relationships (SARs) were discussed
briefly as well.
Recent Advances in Pharmacological Interventions of Chronic Prostatitis/ Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Authors: Aktar Nasrin , Moudud Ahmed , Chen Tingting , Gao Xiaoqing , Min Hanhui , Tang Meng , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: March 2021

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III is related to irritative voiding, sexual dysfunction,
and pelvic pain. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome weakens the quality of life and poses
adverse psychological effects on the patients. A wide range of treatments, including botulinum neurotoxins,
anti-inflammatories, alpha-blockers, phytotherapy, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor,
phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, monoclonal antibody, anticholinergics, gabapentin, pregabalin is used clinically.
These therapies emphasize easing the symptoms in specific areas without curing the fundamental cause
where the outcome of the treatment is not completely satisfactory. This review article explains the recent pharmacological
treatments of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in detail and offers a future perspective
to treat this condition.
Epigenetic Control of Hypertension by DNA Methylation: A Real Possibility
Authors: Joáo Job Priscila M. , dos Reis Lívero Francislaine A. , Junior Arquimedes G.
Published: March 2021

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that particularly affects the elderly and can trigger several
cardiovascular conditions. Although the treatment of hypertension has evolved in recent decades, many hypertensive
patients still do not have properly controlled blood pressure. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis
that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating gene expression, altering the phenotype
and function of the cardiovascular system. The present review highlights recent advances in research on DNA
methylation in the development of hypertension. Several preclinical and clinical evidence show that methylation
of different targets appears to be involved in hypertension. Studies of the involvement of DNA methylation
have greatly improved our understanding of hypertension, but its use as a valid therapeutic target is still unknown.
Further studies could help to bring to light the truth about gene therapy in hypertension.
Functional Properties of Kefiran in the Medical Field and Food Industry
Authors: Salari Afsaneh , Hashemi Mohammad , Afshari Asma
Published: March 2021

Kefir is produced through the fermentation of milk using kefir grain as a starter culture. Kefir
grains include heterogeneous microorganisms embedded in a polysaccharide matrix called kefiran which
is considered a biofilm; it also has many uses due to its therapeutic values. Kefiran is a microbial exopolysaccharide
(EPS) obtained from the flora (acid-lactic bacteria and yeasts) of kefir grains and glucose
units, in almost the same proportion. Kefiran has prebiotic nature agitating the growth of probiotics
in the gastrointestinal tract of the human entity. It extends certain therapeutic benefits by balancing the
microbiota in the intestine. This review presents the most recent advances regarding kefir and kefiran,
their cultural condition, biological activities, and potential applications in the health and food industries.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Adolescents: A Case-Control Study in the West of
Iran
Authors: Khazaei Salman , Bashirian Saeid , Bathaei Akram , Sadri Mohadese , Shirani Fateme , Jenabi Ensiyeh
Published: March 2021

Background:

Adolescent pregnancy, pregnancy in women aged between 13-19 years, is considered a major health problem.

Objective:

This study was performed to determine the maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies.

Materials and Methods:

The present hospital-based case-control study was performed on pregnant women who were referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan City for delivery. The case group was pregnant women whose gestational age was less than 19 years (adolescent pregnancy) and the control group included pregnant women whose gestational age was at 19-35 years (adult women pregnancy). Data were analyzed using Stata software version 14. The significant level was considered less than 0.05.

Results:

The unwanted pregnancy was significantly higher in adolescent women (45% vs. 28.5%, P=0.002). 18% of adolescent women had the experience of spouse violence compared to 4.25% in the control group (P<0.001). Accessing prenatal care and supplements were significantly higher in adult women (P<0.05). The adult mothers had significantly higher cesarean section delivery compared adolescent group (54.91% vs. 33%, P<0.001). Also, there was a significant association between postpartum hemorrhages and the study group (22% in cases compared to 13.75% in the control group, P=0.04). The Apgar score 1 minute was significantly higher in adult mothers (8.05±2.08 vs. 7.39±2.05, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, adolescent mothers in the west of Iran had a higher risk of inadequate prenatal care, low Apgar score and postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, society should focus on public health policies that can improve the adequacy of prenatal care among adolescents.
A Review of Anti-Cancer and Related Properties of Lichen-Extracts and Metabolites
Authors: Upadhyay Santosh K. , Tripathi Ankita H. , Negi Nidhi , Gahtori Rekha , Kumari Amrita , Joshi Penny , Tewari Lalit M. , Joshi Yogesh , Bajpai Rajesh , Upreti Dalip K.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Lichens are a composite consortium of a fungus and an alga. The symbiotic organisms are naturally equipped with distinct characteristics as compared to constituting organisms separately. Lichens, due to their peculiar anatomy and physiology, are the reservoir of more than 600 unique secondary metabolites, also known as ‘lichen substances’. Since ancient times, many ethnic groups from various parts of the world have known about the applications of lichens as major provenance of food/fodder, medicine, dyes, spices, perfumes, etc. Lichen substances have shown impressive antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-tumor, and antiinflammatory activities under experimental conditions. Usnic acid, a well-known metabolite found in several species of lichens, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It also has significant antiproliferative potential, as revealed through testing in different cancer cell lines. Atranorin, Lecanoric acid, Norstictic acid, Lobaric acid, Stictic acid, Ramalin, Gyrophoric acid, Salazinic acid, Protolichesterinic, and Fumarprotocetraric acid are some of the other purified lichen-metabolites with potent anti-cancer activities.

Objective:

This study presents an overview of lichen-derived extracts and compounds showing anti-cancer (or related) properties.

Method:

The review comprehends different studies (in vivo and in vitro) backing up the possibility of lichenextracts and metabolites towards their use as antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and Epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) -inhibiting agents.

Results:

Various studies carried out to date show that lichen-extracts and metabolites have a range of anti-cancer and related properties that include anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and the potential of inhibition of cancer-associated EMT that is responsible for drug resistance and metastasis of cancer cells in a substantial proportion of cases.

Conclusion:

Lichens are the repertoire of a plethora of lichen-metabolites with significant anti-cancer potential. However, some of the critical ‘anti-cancer related’ properties, such as the ability of EMT-inhibition and the potential of induction of apoptosis, are relatively less studied for several lichen compounds. Additionally, many lichen compounds need to be purified at a larger scale to explore their anti-cancer potential.
Stochastic Economic Load Dispatch Under Supply and Load Uncertainty - A Case Study on Modified IEEE 5 BUS Power System
Authors: Nath Anik , Mohammad Nur
Published: March 2021

Background:

In the contemporary world, the use of energy, especially electrical energy,
is increasing rapidly. Without this power, modern civilized life cannot think for a moment. Thereby
a huge amount of electrical energy is needed. We have to generate a considerable amount of electricity
to meet the growing demand maintaining necessary conditions and constraints. A rapid divergent
strategy called Economic Load Dispatch (ELD) has been introduced to distribute generated
energy economically during times of crisis. The problem of economic load dispatch is solved with
the help of Optimal Power Flow (OPF) formation. The OPF is a primary tool related to the optimum
generation schedule available in an interconnected power system to reduce production costs subject
to the limitations and constraints of the relevant system. The static economic dispatch optimizes
over single dispatch intervals, which is called “ED static”. Due to high load variability and uncertainty,
the ED-static is not working properly. Thereby a deterministic look-ahead dispatch is established,
which takes care of the increasing renewable penetration. To take decisions against uncertainty,
stochastic load dispatch is required. In this research paper, an economic study of the modified
IEEE 5 bus power system will be presented. Moreover, some intelligent changes to this system will
include the goal of reducing costs, including maximum power supply. The optimal power flow of
the modified IEEE 5 bus system considering plausible scenario will represent based on stochastic
load dispatch optimization model.

Methods:

The extension version of Economic load dispatch where load flow equations are applied,
and as a system of supply-demand balance constraints is called optimal power flow. To solve the
optimal power flow Lagrangian method is used. Karusk-Khun-Tucker (KKT) conditions are applied
to solving the Lagrangian method.

Results:

The results show that during uncertainty and stochastic loads, the storage system with renewable
power and generator is suitable for cost reduction with maximum supply.

Conclusion:

The results further show that for any type of loads, such as fixed load and stochastic
load in IEEE 5Bus system, if both renewable energies, such as wind power, solar power, the storage
devices are used in the generation system, which ensures maximum power supply with the cost is
reduced.