bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two dedicatory inscriptions in manuscripts of Scripture and the question of their authenticity
Authors: Ofer Yosef
Published: April 2020

At the beginning of a fragmentary biblical manuscript in the Saint Petersburg Library (Evr. II B 12) a dedicatory inscription was given, according to which Israel son of Simḥa of Basra dedicated the manuscript to the Cairo synagogue, called
kenisat hayerushalayim
(= the synagogue of Jerusalem), in the year 1030. This person is known as the one who dedicated the Aleppo Codex to the Karaite community of Jerusalem. The first part of the article attempts to prove that this inscription is a forgery by the Karaite scholar Abraham Firkovich, which was done in order to prove the connection of the Aleppo Codex to the Karaites. The second part of the article proposes an explanation for the strange phenomenon of two similar dedicatory inscriptions from the year 1017, which appear in two different biblical manuscripts (St Petersburg Evr. II B 223 and 225), dealing with their dedication by the woman Husn Bat Ya’akob to the Karaite community in Jerusalem.
Crítica del derecho popular y derecho de juristas = Critique of people´s law and jurist´s law
Authors: Friedrich Puchta Georg
Published: April 2020

Kritik von Georg Beseler´s Volksrecht und Juristenrecht, publicado originariamente en los Jahrbücher für wissenschaftliche Kritik, I, 1844, pp. 1–40. Traducción de Joaquín Garrido Martín
Juan Trías Vejarano, Del antiguo régimen a la sociedad burguesa
Authors: Martín Martín Victoriano
Published: April 2020

Este artículo reseña: Juan Trías Vejarano, Del antiguo régimen a la sociedad burguesa. Madrid. Tecnos, 2019, 272 pp.
Gestão e Controlo da Asma em Países de Expressão Portuguesa
Authors: Nunes Ana Beatriz , Oliveira Ana Pinto de , Jamanca Aua , Brito Duarte Vital , Silva Nádia Mendes da , Duarte Sara , Coelho Anabela
Published: April 2020

Introdução: A asma atinge mais de 339 milhões de pessoas mundialmente. Na Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa, em 2016, a sua prevalência variou entre 9,15% (Portugal) e 3,91% (Brasil). Os programas de gestão da doença crónica pretendem melhorar o estado de saúde de doentes com doença crónica e reduzir os custos associados. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar modelos de ‘gestão e controlo da asma’ implementados na Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa, analisando-os através do modelo de gestão integrada de doença.Material e Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão rápida da literatura científica indexada na PubMed, e de literatura cinzenta sobre ‘gestão e controlo da asma’ nos países da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa.Resultados: Portugal, Brasil e Moçambique apresentaram publicações sobre ‘gestão e controlo da asma’, em diferentes fases de implementação dos programas. A gestão clínica e organização e prestação de cuidados são as dimensões mais abordados nas publicações.Discussão: A implementação de programas de gestão e controlo da asma é influenciada pelos sistemas de saúde, estruturas de prestação de cuidados em que se inserem, meio político e social envolventes. As dimensões do financiamento e dos sistemas de informação são as mais difíceis de implementar, dado o desenvolvimento económico, social e tecnológico da maioria dos países em estudo.Conclusão: Apenas Portugal, Brasil e Moçambique adotaram a gestão integrada de doença da asma como principal forma de gestão e controlo da asma. Os programas desenvolvidos por estes países podem servir de modelo nos restantes países em estudo.
Non-Monetary Costs of Informal Caregiving in Dementia: The Caregiving Burden
Authors: Oliveira Renato , Teodoro Tomás , Botelho Amália
Published: April 2020

N/a.
Resposta a um Comentário do Prof. Henrique Carmona da Mota Sobre o Artigo Publicado em Acta Med Port 2019 Sep;32(9):565–567
Authors: Ponte José
Published: April 2020

N/a.
Segurança Rodoviária Não é um Acidente: Desafios Para a Saúde
Authors: Gomes Bernardo , Peralta-Santos André , Moitinho de Almeida Maria
Published: April 2020

N/a.
Marontology: Comorbidities of Homeless People Living with Schizophrenia
Authors: Gama Marques João , Bento António
Published: April 2020

N/a.
Maybe They’re Not So Different After All: Personality and Job Satisfaction Among Government and Non-Government Workers
Authors: Cooper Christopher A.
Published: April 2020

It is becoming increasingly clear that individual personality traits explain a variety of outcomes in public management. There is, however, no extant evidence about whether personality traits vary between public and non-government workers or whether personality affects job outcomes in distinct ways across sectors. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap in the literature. Using a series of bivariate and multivariate tests on a large sample of Americans employed in the public and non-government sectors, this study examines the relationship between employees’ personality and their level of job satisfaction. In the study, I find that a five-factor model of personality can help explain variation in job satisfaction of public and non-government workers. I also find that workers employed by public sector organizations display similar profiles to those who work in non-government sectors. Thus, the effects of personality on job satisfaction is not contingent on employment sector. These findings offer important lessons for our understanding of public personnel management, public service motivation, and the intersection of psychology and public administration.
Exceptional Antioxidant, Non-Cytotoxic Activity of Integral Lemon Pectin from Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Nuzzo Domenico , Cristaldi Laura , Sciortino Marzia , Albanese Lorenzo , Scurria Antonino , Zabini Federica , Lino Claudia , Pagliaro Mario , Meneguzzo Francesco , Di Carlo Marta , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: April 2020

Lemon pectin extracted along with water-soluble flavonoids and other phytochemicals from citrus industry’s waste lemon peel via hydrodynamic cavitation in water, directly at pre-industrial scale and further isolated via freeze drying, shows exceptionally high antioxidant and non-cytotoxic activity. Preliminary investigation indicates also significant antimicrobial activity. These findings open the route to the development of new nutraceutical and healthcare application of a versatile biopolymer endowed with new functionality, rapidly and conveniently obtained from an abundant by-product of the agrofood industry.
Formation of the Dynamic Energy Cascades in Quartic and Quintic Generalized KdV Equations
Authors: Dutykh Denys , Tobisch Elena
Published: April 2020

In this study, we investigate the formation of dynamical energy cascades in higher-order KdV-type equations. In the beginning, we recall what is known about the dynamic cascades for the classical KdV (quadratic) and mKdV (cubic) equations. Then, we investigate further the mKdV case by considering a richer set of initial perturbations in order to check the validity and persistence of various facts previously established for the narrow-banded perturbations. Afterwards, we focus on higher-order nonlinearities (quartic and quintic) which are found to be quite different in many respects from the mKdV equation. Throughout this study, we consider both the direct and double energy cascades. It was found that the dynamic cascade is always formed, but its formation is not necessarily accompanied by the nonlinear stage of the modulational instability. Direct cascade structure remains invariant regardless of the size of the spectral domain. In contrast, the double cascade shape can depend on the size of the spectral domain, even if the total number of cascading modes remains invariant. Results obtained in this study can be potentially applied to plasmas, free surface and internal wave hydrodynamics.
A Study on Shock Absorption Characteristics of Honeycomb-inserted Bollards
Authors: Seon Sangwon , Kim Kyoungwok , Bae Cheonho , Yi Won
Published: April 2020

Lack of shock absorption capability of conventional steel bollards causes significant vehicle damage and consequently high repair costs. This research studies a solution to reduce vehicle damage by inserting PLA honeycomb structures. A honeycomb-inserted bollard was designed based on numerical simulations using LS-DYNA, which yielded the bollard designed for actual vehicle-bollard collision experiments. Simulation efforts were focused on calculating the acceleration characteristics when a vehicle collides with steel and honeycomb-inserted bollards. Compared to the simulated steel bollards, 20 MPa yield-strength honeycomb-inserted bollard showed 0.017s delay in the maximum acceleration occurrence time, reduction of the maximum acceleration to 37.4% of that of steel bollards, and 13.1% reduction in the B-pillar maximum acceleration. Actual vehicle-bollard collision experiments, with a gyro-sensor installed at the test vehicle front bumper frame, also proved improved shock absorption characteristics of the honeycomb-inserted bollards. An experiment with honeycomb-inserted bollard showed 0.783s delay in the maximum acceleration occurrence time, a significant delay when compared to steel bollards. The maximum acceleration measured by the gyro-sensor was 0.35m/s2 when the simulation predicted it to be 0.388 m/s2, proving the similarity in the simulations and experiments. Thus, this study of shock absorption characteristics promised reduced damage to vehicles and lower repair cost.
The Disruption of SARS-CoV-2 RBD/ACE-2 Complex by Ubrogepant Is Mediated by Interface Hydration
Authors: Omotuyi Olaposi , Nash Oyekanmi , Ajiboye Bashiru , Metibemu Damilohun , Oyinloye Babatunji , Ojo Ayodeji , Okaiyeto kunle
Published: April 2020

Background: COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global pandemic affecting approximately 490,000 people and accounting for more than 22,000 deaths and has no generally cure. Here, the recently resolved 3D structure of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) in complex with its receptor-the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) have provided the basis for screening chemical database for novel entry inhibitors. Methods: Molecular docking protocols have been used to rapidly screen FDA database for high affinity interaction at the SARS-CoV-2-RBD/ACE-2 interface. One of the top candidate ubrogepant has been using atomistic molecular dynamics simulation method. Results: Molecular docking result showed that ubrogepant (UBR) and darunavir have binding energies of -10.4 kcal/mol. MMPBSA free energy analyses of UBR bound to RBD, ACE-2 and RBD/ACE-2 revealed RBD/ACE-2 > ACE-2 > RBD preference. Network analysis showed that interaction captured in the crystal structure were disrupted in UBR-bound state, hydration of the interface and increased atomic fluctuation within the RBD oligomerization interface and ACE-2 zinc binding site. Conclusions: The ability of ubrogepant to rupture the interaction at the RBD/ACE-2 interface residues of SARS-CoV-2 RBD/ACE-2 complex may result in loss of protein function with direct implication on oligomerization formation in RBD and loss of function in ACE-2 thus, making binding, cellular receptor recognition impossible. General Significance: Ubrogepant represents a new therapeutic candidate in the fight against COVID-19, as it binds with relatively high affinity with free RBD, ACE-2 receptor and SARS-CoV-2 RBD/ACE-2 complex based on binding affinity calculations
Effect of Filler on Shear Strength and Electrical Conductivity in Epoxy Based Aluminium Bonded
Authors: Yuniwantoro Cahyo , Surojo Eko , Smaradhana Dharu Feby , Imaduddin Fitrian
Published: April 2020

Adhesive joint is one of the material joining techniques using a low temperature with the help of polymer adhesives to connect a material. This connection is widely used in infrastructure, automotive and electronics industries. This research was conducted to determine the effect of filler on shear strength and electrical conductivity on epoxy-based aluminum connections. The fillers used were aluminum powder, iron powder, copper powder with a grain size of 0.071 mm each and nanogold particles in liquid form. The connection type used is a single lap joint with an end tab modification at the end of the connection. The highest shear strength value is in the joint without the addition of filler of 3.17 MPa and the lowest value is in the connection with the addition of aluminum powder filler of 1.14 MPa. The highest value of electrical conductivity was obtained in epoxy mix with nanogold particle filler which was worth 13.1 S / m and the value for epoxy without the addition of filler was not detected because the resistance was too large. This shows that the addition of filler has an effect on the value of shear strength, which is to reduce the value of the shear strength, while for testing the conductivity of electricity the addition of filler has an effect to provide electric properties on epoxy.
Karakterisasi dan Laju Biodegradasi Biokomposit Serbuk Tulang Sapi/Shellac/Tepung Tapioka sebagai Material Pengisi Tulang
Authors: Triyono Joko , Tantomo Christiawan Bhorin , Masykur Abu
Published: April 2020

Hasil RISKESDAS menyatakan kasus patah tulang di Indonesia cukup tinggi untuk setiap tahunnya akibat dari kecelakan, jatuh, dan trauma  benda tumpul. Salah satu metode penyelesaian dari patah tulang adalah dengan melakukan implan material bone filler dengan komponen dasarnya adalah hidroksiapatit. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk  mengetahui apakah tepung tapioka dan shellac akan hilang setelah proses sintering, dan mengetahui pengaruh tepung tapioka pada pembentukan porusitas  dan degradasi pada material biokomposit BHA. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kalsinasi untuk  menghilangkan  zat organik  pada serbuk tulang sapi, kompaksi untuk membentuk sebuah tablet biokomposit BHA/Shellac/Tapioka, dan  proses sintering  untuk menghasilkan porusitas pada tablet spesimen uji. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data uji yang dilakukan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa pengamatan SEM memperlihatkan porusitas yang terjadi pada spesimen uji. Pengamatan pola difraktogram XRD menunjukkan 2θ nilai sampel sesuai dengan pola difraktogram standar HA JCPDS 9-432. Pengamatan spektrum FTIR menunjukkan adanya tiga titik puncak utama yang berupa gugus fungsi fosfat ( ), karbonat ( ) dan hidroksil (OH-). Dari ketiga pengamatan tersebut menunjukkan bahwa kandungan tapioka dan shellac telah hilang sepenuhnya saat proses sintering  dan hanya menyisakan kandungan BHA dan semakin banyak campuran tapioka yang digunakan akan mempercepat  laju degradasi.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Tingkat Kelelahan pada Pekerjaan Berulang di Industri Manufaktur
Authors: Septiari Renny
Published: April 2020

Pekerjaan yang dilakukan dengan duduk secara terus menerus dapat menyebabkan gangguan kesehatan yang lama kelamaan dapat menimbulkan ketidaknyamanan yang pada akhirnya timbul penyakit. Dari beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kelelahan yang ditentukan oleh posisi kerja yang dipengaruhi oleh shift kerja, beban kerja, dan lingkungan kerja fisik akan dianalisa faktor apakah yang paling berpengaruh terhadap pekerjaan pengepakan yang hanya dilakukan dengan duduk sepanjang waktu. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah analisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kelelahan pada pekerjaan berulang yang dilakukan dengan duduk. Hasil analisa dengan bantuan program SmartPLS menunjukkan bahwa faktor yang  berpengaruh dari masing-masing variabel yang diujikan yaitu variabel shift kerja indikator yang berpengaruh adalah waktu kecepatan pengepakan shift sore, variabel beban kerja adalah denyut jantung dan variabel lingkungan kerja fisik adalah pencahayaan. Sedangkan variabel yang berpengaruh terhadap tingkat kelelahan adalah shift kerja yang berpengaruh positif dan signifikan.
Pembakaran Bersama Biomassa dan Batu Bara: Pengaruh Rasio Biomassa-Batu Bara dan Excess Air
Authors: Sutarto Heru , Gusti Nurrohim Tito , Xaverio Ilyas Albert , Suyitno Suyitno
Published: April 2020

Pemanfaatan batu bara dan biomassa untuk menghasilkan panas dan daya semakin meningkat seiring dengan kebutuhan energi yang semakin tinggi. Cadangan batu bara Indonesia yang sebagian besarnya adalah batu bara kualitas rendah, menarik untuk diteliti bersamaan dengan pemanfaatan biomassa. Sehingga tujuan dari studi ini adalah melakukan investigasi pengaruh perbandingan udara bahan bakar suatu tungku pembakaran bersama antara biomassa dan batu bara. Penelitian dilakukan secara simulasi computer menggunakan perangkat lunak ASPEN PLUS. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan pemodelan termodinamika dengan ASPEN PLUS mampu menyimulasikan pembakaran bersama antara biomassa dan batu bara. Penambahan biomassa menurunkan temperatur gas pembakaran dari 900°C menjadi 400°C sehingga menurunkan kadar NOx dan SOx. Pengaruh excess air menurunkan temperatur pembakaran. Efisiensi tungku pembakaran bersama antara biomassa dan batu bara diatas 60% dan dipengaruhi oleh komposisi campuran.
Concept and Methodological Aspects of Providing Balanced Innovative Development of Transportation System of the Russian Federation
Authors: Geraskina I. N. , Goncharenko L. P.
Published: April 2020

The growth of significance for innovative economic development of the Russian Federation determines necessity of deeper investigation of properties and specific features of its subsystems functioning, content and forms of their inter-action, search for increasing efficiency of control systems. The transportation system is the most important strategic link of social and economic development of the country, one of the most dynamic, multiplicative and promising segments of the market, which makes 12.5 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Russian Federation. An analysis of transport activity has demonstrated a smoldering recession over the last years which is accompanied by reduction of values for the most important resulting indicators. Strategic benchmarks of developing transportation activity are objectified by the consumers’ demands not only in safe, but in comfortable life medium with high environmental characteristics and aesthetic requirements. The satisfaction of such requirements is possible under condition of large-scale modernization of transportation sphere with the use of breakthrough scientific and technical solutions in all segments of human activity. All this can afford ground that it is necessary to change fundamentally an approach to investigating properties, peculiarities and factors of the transportation system development that provokes modernization of the control system for providing a balanced innovative trend and high standards of population life quality. The results of the investigations have shown that important factors of transportation system development are the following: fair competition, freedom of economic activity, development of market mechanisms, corporate culture and moral values. Study of functioning and scientific approaches to balancing innovative development of the transportation system of the Russian Federation has made it possible to create a conceptual vision and methodological basis with due account of main principles of systems theory, self-organization and synergetics and present it in brief in the given paper.
Theoretical and Methodological Foundations for Studying Network Mechanisms of Innovative Development in the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Solodovnikov S. Y.
Published: April 2020

The paper considers theoretical and methodological foundations for studying network mechanisms of innovative development in the Republic of Belarus and in order to reach the purpose it is necessary to specify the concept of a systematic approach in the context of the study of the indicated mechanisms and develop a methodology for conducting such investigations. Systematic and historical approaches, principles of synergetics have been used as research methods. The paper substantiates the necessity to study the network mechanisms of innovative development in the Republic of Belarus from the point of view of a systematic approach. In this case, the author has refused traditional contrast of stable, essential, regularly repeating connections and relationships in the system to random, chaotic processes, and he has proceeded from the need to consistently apply a law of hierarchical compensation, as well as taking into account such features of the development of the modern economy as the rapid evolution of network technologies, further development of the risk economy, emergence of new challenges for traditional (including old industrial) industries. This has made it possible to define a systematic approach as a se quential and comprehensive examination of  an object not as isolated  from external  influences, but as half-closed,  but with an approach to an open system in which the synergetic processes generated by evolution of network technologies, development of the risk economy, and emergence of new challenges for industrial production (including traditional ones). It has been established that a consistent and comprehensive review of the network mechanisms of innovative development in the Republic of Belarus requires not only to determine initial categories and concepts, to show general and special determining factors, genesis and development trends, but also to conduct constant monitoring aimed at identifying dynamics of needs and interests of political-economic and economic entities involved in this process, as well as material and social technologies for implementation of the needs and interests.
Stimulating the Production of Intensive Renewal Goods
Authors: Serhiyevich T. V.
Published: April 2020

The aim of the research is to develop theoretical and methodological foundations of stimulating the production of intensive renewal goods in the Republic of Belarus in the context of increasing the competitiveness of enterprises. To achieve this goal, the concepts of “enterprise competitiveness” and “stimulating the production of intensive renewal goods” have been clarified in the paper. The material for writing the paper comprises the work of domestic and foreign scientists and economists, the data of research reports carried out by the author, as well as industrial development programs and official statements by state managers. General scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, historical and logical unity), a systematic approach have been used in the framework of the study. The paper substantiates the inadmissibility of reducing the essence of an enterprise competitiveness to its competitiveness in individual markets for goods and services. Increasing the competitiveness of an enterprise is considered as a result of its subjective activity, as a reaction to economic incentive measures at various levels (both external and internal ones). This has made it possible to determine competitiveness of the enterprise as its adaptive, innovative, personnel, organizational, managerial, technical and technological, and reproductive characteristics that ensure the acquisition and preservation of comparative advantages determined by the results of interaction with other entities on the basis of a combination of available economic resources. Economiс incentives for production of intensive renewal goods have been consi-dered at various levels. The paper presents a broad interpretation of stimulation the production of intensive renewal goods as crea-ting economic, institutional and organizational-legal conditions that contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the domestic light industry and the fashion industry. As a result of the study, measures that stimulate the development of production of intensive renewal goods have been proposed, their role in increasing the competitiveness of enterprises has been substantiated.
Geolocation Android Mobile Phones Using GSM/UMTS
Authors: Et al. Jafaar
Published: April 2020

The proliferation of cellular network enabled users through various positioning tools to track locations, location information is being continuously captured from mobile phones, created a prototype that enables detected location based on using the two invariant models for Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The smartphone application on an Android platform applies the location sensing run as a background process and the localization method is based on cell phones. The proposed application is associated with remote server and used to track a smartphone without permissions and internet. Mobile stored data location information in the database (SQLite), then transfer it into location API to obtain locations result implemented in Google Maps. Track a smartphone with fixed identifiers mostly SSN (SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Serial Number) and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) derived from an identifying string unique to the user's device. The result located place is Moderate correct according to the (GSM) and (UMTS) cellular networks which is used for obtaining location information.
Medical career expectations of academically talented high school students: A nationwide cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wu Hongbin , Pei Leisi , Li Shan , Jiang Cheng
Published: April 2020

Background: Academically talented high school students (ATHSSs), an exceptional cohort, are not well studied for their career expectations, especially for those with medical career expectation (MCE). Nowadays, the public perception of the medical profession is changing in China. The purpose of this study was to answer questions about ‘is medicine attractive for ATHSSs and ‘what factors affect medical career expectations (MCE) for ATHSSs’ in China. Methods: A total of 16,479 representative ATHSSs in senior three completed a questionnaire and four different academic tests. Frequency statistics showed the proportion of ATHSSs with MCE. Unpaired t-tests were performed to find out the differences in demographics, family background, and academic performance between students with and without MCE. The logit models analysis were applied to explore the potential factors that affected the MCE of this exceptional group of students. Results: ATHSSs with MCE accounted for 20.6% (ranking 7/18) of the respondents. They were more likely to be female, came from relatively poorer families, lived in a rural area, and performed significantly worse in all academic tests except for mathematics, compared with those without MCE. In addition, the results revealed that gender (β=-0.436, p<0.01), region of hometown (β=-103, p<0.1), mother’s years of schooling (β=-0.019, p<0.05), and father’s occupational status (β=-0.005, p<0.01) contributed significantly to the MCE of academically talented students. Better performance in mathematics affected the MCE of ATHSSs taking the liberal arts and science tests differently. Conclusions: We found the medical career is becoming unattractive to academically talented students and the medical career may be loosing their aura in China. Students who have medical career expectations are likely to be females and to have a weak family background. We discuss implications for medical education.
Three-hour post-ERCP amylase level: a useful indicator for early prediction of post-ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Lv Ze-Hui , Kou Da-Qing , Guo Shi-Bin
Published: April 2020

Background : To evaluate the value of the 3-hour post-ERCP serum amylase level for early prediction of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).
Method:
A study of 206 patients performed ERCP was analysed. The patients with PEP were recorded. ROC curves were used to statistically analyze the data.

Results : PEP occurred in 21 patients (10.19%). The 3-hour post-ERCP pancreatic amylase level was used as the test variable, and the PEP occurrence as the state variable to plot ROC curve. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.816 , and was statistically significant (P<0.001). The standard error (SE) was 0.0507, the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.756-0.866, and the optimal cut-off value was 351U/L (sensitivity 76.19%, specificity 83.24%, positive likelihood ratio 4.55, negative likelihood ratio 0.29, Youden index 59.43%). The ROC curves were plotted for both serum amylase and lipase respectively. The areas under the ROC curves were statistically significant(P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for the 3-hour post-ERCP lipase was 0.778, the 95% confidence interval was 0.673-0.862, and optimal cut-off value was 1834 U/L. The area under the ROC curve for the 3-hour post-ERCP serum amylase was 0.780, and the 95% confidence interval was 0.676-0.864. The optimal cut-off is 380U/L, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two for diagnostic accuracy. According to gender, there was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy. In the male group, 436 U/L serum amylase provided the greatest diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity(SE) of 70.5%, specificity(SP) of 89.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) 87.5%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 78.1%. Whereas, in the female group, 357U/L serum amylase provided the greatest diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity of 76.9%, specificity of 81.2%, positive predictive value of 80.4%, negative predictive value of 77.9%.

Conclusions: 1. The 3-hour post-ERCP serum amylase level is a useful measurement for predicting post-ERCP pancreatitis. 2. There was no significant difference between serum amylase and lipase 3-hour post-ERCP for predicting PEP. 3. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female using the 3-hour post-ERCP serum amylase level to predict PEP.
Genome-wide analysis of Myo-inositol oxygenase gene family in tomato reveals their involvement in ascorbic acid accumulation
Authors: Munir Shoaib , Mumtaz Muhammad Ali , Ahiakpa John Kojo , Liu Genzhong , Chen Weifang , Zhou Guolin , Zheng Wei , Ye Zhibiao , Zhang Yuyang
Published: April 2020

Background
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, AsA) is an antioxidant metabolite involved in plant development and environmental stimuli. AsA biosynthesis has been well studied in plants, and MIOX is a critical enzyme in plants AsA biosynthesis pathway. However, Myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) gene family members and their involvement in AsA biosynthesis and response to abiotic stress remain unclear.
Results
In this study, five tomato genes encoding MIOX proteins and possessing MIOX motifs were identified. Structural analysis and distribution mapping showed that 5 MIOX genes contain different intron/exon patterns and unevenly distributed among four chromosomes. Besides, expression analyses indicated the remarkable expression of SlMIOX genes in different plant tissues. Furthermore, transgenic lines were obtained by over-expression of the MIOX4 gene in tomato. The overexpression lines showed a significant increase in total ascorbate in leaves and red fruits compared to control. Expression analysis revealed that increased accumulation of AsA in MIOX4 overexpression lines is possible as a consequence of the multiple genes involved in AsA biosynthesis. Myo inositol (MI) feeding in leaf and fruit implied that the Myo-inositol pathway improved the AsA biosynthesis in leaves and fruits. MIOX4 overexpression lines exhibited abetter light response, abiotic stress tolerance, and AsA biosynthesis capacity.
Conclusions
These results showed that MIOX4 transgenic lines contribute to AsA biosynthesis, evident as better light response and improved oxidative stress tolerance. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the MIOX gene family and their involvement in ascorbate biosynthesis in tomato.
Effects of Date Fruit (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) on Labor and Delivery Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Karimi Alireza Bagherzadeh , Elmi Asghar , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Navid Roghyeh Baghervand
Published: April 2020

Background : The rate of cesarean section is increasing in all over the world with different drafts in various countries. This growth increases unpleasant outcomes of delivery. Recent studies explained the benefits of date palm fruit on labor process improvement. Date fruit can be considered as a factor for increasing vaginal delivery and also reducing the frequency of caesarean section in order to prevent its great complications. This systematic review has been designed to review clinical studies that investigate the effects of date palm fruit on labor outcomes (duration of labor stages, bishop score, and frequency of cesarean section) compared with routine cares.
Methods : This study was performed in 2019. Required data has been collected from electronic databases and manual searches. All randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of date palm fruit on labor and delivery that were published from January 2000 to August 2019 in English and Persian languages, were incorporated in this systematic review. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the risk of bias assessment of Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews, and were then reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement.
Results : Eight studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Meta-Analysis showed that date fruit consumption can significantly reduce active phase of labor (three trials with 380 participants; (MD= -109.3, 95%CI (-196.32, -22.29; I 2 =89%), P=0.01), and also it can significantly improve the bishop score (two trials with 320 participants; MD = 2.45, 95%CI (1.87, 3.04; I 2 =0%), P<0.00001). Date fruit consumption had no effects on the duration of first, second, and third stages of labor, and the frequency of cesarean section.
Conclusion : Date can reduce the duration of active phase and improve the bishop score; however, due to from the low to mediate quality of the studies; it seems that the other studies are needed to prove these results better than this.
Key words : Date Palm, Date fruit, Phoenix dactiylifera, Delivery, Labor, Systematic review, Meta-analysis.
Development of a reliable method to diagnose Streptococcus agalactiae infection by droplet digital PCR
Authors: Guo Xu-Guang , Zeng Yi-Fan , Chen Chu-Mao , Li Xiao-Yan , Chen Jun-Jiang , Wang Yan-Ge , Ouyang Shi , Ji Tian-Xing , Xia Yong
Published: April 2020

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the causative pathogen of puerperal sepsis in pregnant women and meningitis in infants. Infection of GBS is responsible for the increased morbidity in pregnant women and the elderly, and bring challenges to clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, culture-based approaches to detect S.agalactiae is time-consuming with limited sensitivity. Besides, real-time quantitative PCR demand for expensive instruments with tedious steps. Thus, we aim to establish a new detection method for more accurate and rapid detection of S.agalactiae.Results: The ddPCR primer targeted the CspE gene showed a better amplified efficiency in the reaction. The limitation of ddPCR for identifying GBS DNA was able to reach 5 pg/µL. Moreover, no positive amplified signals could be detected in the reactions which served 11 non-GBS strains DNA as templates. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation of this method is 4.5%, indicating an excellent repeatability of ddPCR assay.Conclusions: In our study, ddPCR was performed as a rapid detection of S.agalactiae with high sensitivity and specificity. This technique can promote the accuracy of the diagnosis of GBS infection and provide a scientific basis for clinical treatment.
The association between kidney function decline and hearing loss: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Meng Qinqin , Wang Yafeng , Yang Chao , Liu Lili , Wang Huaiyu , Su Zaiming , Kong Guilan , Zhao Yaohui , Zhang Luxia
Published: April 2020

Background: The relationship between kidney function and hearing loss has long been recognized, but evidence of this association mostly comes from small observational studies or other populations. The aim of this study is to explore the association between kidney function decline and hearing loss in a large population-based study among the middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Methods: Data collected from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015 were used for analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12508 participants aged 45 years and older. Hearing loss, the outcome of this study, was defined according to interviewees’ responses to three survey questions related to hearing in the CHARLS. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was employed to assess kidney function, and participants were classified into three categories based on eGFR: ≥90, 60-89 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Multivariable logistic regression was employed to adjust for potential confounders, including demographics, health-related behaviors, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in the study population was 23.55%. Compared with participants with eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , participants with eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.23) and eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.04–1.49) showed increased risk of hearing loss after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Kidney function decline is independently associated with hearing loss. Testing for hearing should be included in the integrated management of patients with chronic kidney disease.
All-trans retinoic acid reduces cancer stem cell-like cell-mediated resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Yao Wenxiu , Wang Liyang , Huang Huan , Li Xin , Wang Pinjia , Mi Kun , Cheng Jia , Liu Huifen , Gu Cuirong , Huang Lingxiao , Huang Jianming
Published: April 2020

Background: The enrichment of cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCs) has been considered to be responsible for tumor progression after an initial response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (NSCLC/ADC). CSCs with ALDH1A1 bright /CD44 high expression contribute to the TKIs resistance in NSCLC/ADC cells. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been shown to be a potential targeted therapy against CSCs due to its ability to inhibit ALDH1A1 activity. We therefore investigated whether ATRA could circumvent the resistance to improve the response to gefitinib in NSCLC/ADC cells.
Methods: Treatment of NSCLC/ADC A549 and H1650 cells with gefitinib enriched the gefitinib surviving cells (GSCs). The expression of ALDH1A1 and CD44 and the IC50 values for gefitinib were determined by flow cytometry ( FCM ) and crystal violet assay in GSCs and ATRA-treated GSCs, respectively. Using DEAB as the positive control, direct inhibitory effect of ATRA on ALDH1A1 activity was determined by ALDEFLUOR assay.
Results: GSCs showed higher expression of ALDH1A1 and CD44 and IC50 values for gefitinib than their respective parental cells, suggesting that gefitinib can lead to propagation of CSC-enriched gefitinib-resistant cells. Treatment with ATRA was found to significantly reduce the increased expression of ALDH1A1 and CD44 and the IC50 values for gefitinib in A549GSC and H1650GSC cells, and ATRA could directly inhibit active ALDH1A1 as compared to DEAB.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that combination treatment with ATRA prevents gefitinib-induced enrichment of ALDH1A1 bright /CD44 high CSCs and enhances gefitinib-induced growth inhibition of NSCLC/ADC cells.
Key words : All-trans retinoic acid, ALDH1A1, CD44, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma
The exopolysaccharide–eDNA interaction modulates 3D architecture of Bacillus subtilis biofilm
Authors: Peng Na , Cai Peng , Mortimer Monika , Wu Yichao , Gao Chunhui , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: April 2020

Background

Bacterial biofilms are a surface-adherent microbial community in which individual cells are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins. Interactions among matrix components within the biofilms are responsible for creating an adaptable structure during biofilm development. However, it is unclear how the interaction among matrix components contributes to the construction of the three-dimensional (3D) biofilm architecture.

Results

DNase I treatment could significantly inhibit B. subtilis biofilm formation in early phases. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and image analysis revealed that eDNA was cooperative with EPS in early stages of B. subtilis biofilm development, while EPS played a major structural role in the later stages. In addition, deletion of EPS production gene epsG in B. subtilis SBE1 resulted in loss of the interaction between EPS and eDNA, and reduction of biofilm biomass in pellicles at air-liquid interface. The physical interaction between these two essential biofilm matrix components was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

Conclusions

The biofilm 3D structures become interconnected through surrounding eDNA and EPS. eDNA interacts with EPS in the early phases of biofilm development, while EPS mainly participates in the maturation of biofilm. The findings of this study provide better understanding of the role of interaction between eDNA and EPS in shaping the biofilm 3D matrix structure and biofilm formation.
3’UTR Polymorphism of Thymidylate Synthase gene increased the risk of persistence of pre-neoplastic cervical lesions
Authors: Silva Nayara Nascimento Toledo , Santos Ana Carolina Silva , Nogueira Verlândia Mendes , Carneiro Cláudia Martins , Lima Angelica Alves
Published: April 2020

Background: Cervical cancer is caused by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection associated with cofactors that has been analyzed as predictors of the remission or persistence of cytological abnormalities remission or persistence. These cofactors can be either environmental, epigenetic, or genetic. Polymorphism in genes of enzymes that act on one-carbon metabolism alter their activity and also may be associated with cervical carcinogenesis because they affect DNA synthesis and repair, and gene expression. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the risk of persistence of pre-neoplastic cervical lesions according to genetic polymorphisms involved in one-carbon metabolism. Methods: Our sample consisted of 106 women, divided into two groups – Remission (n=60), i.e., with the presence of pre-neoplastic lesions at first meeting (T1) and normal cytology after six months of follow-up (T2), and Persistence (n=46), i.e., with the presence of pre-neoplastic lesions at T1 and T2. We obtained cervical samples for cytological analysis (T1 and T2), HPV detection (T1), and evaluation of polymorphism C667T of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR C677T), A2756G of Methionine Synthase (MS A2756G), A66G of Methionine Synthase Reductase (MTRR A66G), double or triple 28 bp tandem repeat in 5’-untranslated enhanced region of Thymidylate Synthase (TSER), and 6 bp deletion at nucleotide1494 in TS 3’-untranslated region (TS3’UTR). To analyze all genetic polymorphisms simultaneously, we calculated the Genetic Risk Score (GRS). Results: We observed no differences between the Remission and Persistence groups regarding the GRS. Also, there were no differences in the genotypic and allelic distribution of MTHFR C677T and MS A2756G polymorphisms. However, the risk of persistence was higher among women with the heterozygote genotype - ins/del [OR (IC95%): 3.22 (1.19 – 8.69), p=0.021], or the polymorphic genotype – del/del [OR (IC95%): 6.50 (1.71 – 24.70), p=0.006] of TS3’UTR. Conclusions: The presence of the TS3’UTR polymorphism increased the risk of persistence of cervical abnormalities. This genetic variant could be a potential marker of cervical carcinogenesis and therefore assist the follow-up of women with persistent pre-neoplastic cervical lesions.
Genomic Characterization of an Emerging Enterobacteriaceae Species: the First Case of Co-infection With a Typical Pathogen in a Human Patient
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Li Daixi , Shi Xing , Zhai Yao , Guo Yatao , Zheng Yali , Zhao Lili , He Yukun , Chen Yusheng , Wang Zhanwei , Su Jianrong , Kang Yu , Gao Zhancheng
Published: April 2020

Background Opportunistic pathogens are important for clinical practice as they often cause antibiotic-resistant infections. However, little is documented for many emerging opportunistic pathogens and their biological characteristics. Here, we isolated a novel species strain of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from a patient of with a biliary tract infection. We explored the biological and genomic characteristics of this strain to provide new evidence and detailed information for opportunistic pathogens about the co-infection they may cause. Results The isolate grows grew very slowly but confers conferred strong protection for the co-infected cephalosporin-sensitive Klebsiella pneumonia pneumoniae . As the initial laboratory testing failed to identify the taxonomy of the strain, great perplexity was caused in the etiological diagnosis , and anti-infection treatment for the patient. Rigorous sequencing efforts achieved the complete genome sequence of the isolate which we designated as AF18. AF18 is phylogenetically close to a few strains respectively isolated from soil, clinical sewage, and patients, forming a novel species together, while the taxonomic nomenclature of which is still under discussion. And this is the first report of human infection of this novel species. Like As its relatives, AF18 harbors many genes related to cell mobility, various genes adaptive to both the natural wild environment and animal host, tens of over 30 mobile genetic mobile elements, and a plasmid bearing bla CTX-M-3 gene, indicating its ability to disseminate antimicrobial - resistant genes from the natural environment to patients. Transcriptome sequencing identified two sRNAs that critically regulate the growth rate of AF18 , which could serve as targets for novel antimicrobial strategies. Conclusions Our findings imply that AF18 and its species are not only infection-relevant but also potential disseminators of antibiotic resistance genes i n transferring antibiotic determinants , which highlights the need for continuous monitoring for this novel species and efforts to develop controlling treatment strategies.