bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"How about me giving blood for the COVID vaccine and not being able to get vaccinated?" A cognitive interview study on understanding of and agreement with broad consent for future use of data and samples in Colombia and Nicaragua
Authors: Maxwell Lauren , Chamorro Jackeline Bravo , Leegstra Luz Marina , Laguna Harold Suazo , Miranda Montoya María Consuelo
Published: May 2023

Broad consent for future use, wherein researchers ask participants for permission to share participant-level data and samples collected within the study for purposes loosely related to the study objectives, is central to enabling ethical data and sample reuse. Ensuring that participants understand broad consent-related language is key to maintaining trust in the study and public health research. We conducted 52 cognitive interviews to explore cohort research participants’ and their parents’ understanding of the broad consent-related language in the University of California at Berkeley template informed consent (IC) form for biomedical research. Participants and their parents were recruited from long-standing infectious disease cohort studies in Nicaragua and Colombia and interviewed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted semi-structured interviews to assess participants’ agreement with the key concepts in the IC after clarifying them through the cognitive interview. Participants did not understand abstract concepts, including collecting and reusing genetic data. Participants wanted to learn about incidental findings, future users and uses. Trust in the research team and the belief that sharing could lead to new vaccines or treatments were critical to participant support for data and sample sharing. Participants highlighted the importance of data and sample sharing for COVID-19 response and equitable access to vaccines and treatments developed through sharing. Our findings on participants’ understanding of broad consent and preferences for data and sample sharing can help inform researchers and ethics review committees working to enable ethical and equitable data and sample sharing.
Monitoring and responding to emerging infectious diseases in a university setting: A case study using COVID-19
Authors: Soda K. James , Chen Xi , Feinn Richard , Hill David R.
Published: May 2023

Emerging infection diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to global public health, especially when the disease is newly emerging. Institutions of higher education (IHEs) are particularly vulnerable to EIDs because student populations frequently share high-density residences and strongly mix with local and distant populations. In fall 2020, IHEs responded to a novel EID, COVID-19. Here, we describe Quinnipiac University’s response to SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate its effectiveness through empirical data and model results. Using an agent-based model to approximate disease dynamics in the student body, the University established a policy of dedensification, universal masking, surveillance testing via a targeted sampling design, and app-based symptom monitoring. After an extended period of low incidence, the infection rate grew through October, likely due to growing incidence rates in the surrounding community. A super-spreader event at the end of October caused a spike in cases in November. Student violations of the University’s policies contributed to this event, but lax adherence to state health laws in the community may have also contributed. The model results further suggest that the infection rate was sensitive to the rate of imported infections and was disproportionately impacted by non-residential students, a result supported by the observed data. Collectively, this suggests that campus-community interactions play a major role in campus disease dynamics. Further model results suggest that app-based symptom monitoring may have been an important regulator of the University’s incidence, likely because it quarantined infectious students without necessitating test results. Targeted sampling had no substantial advantages over simple random sampling when the model incorporated contact tracing and app-based symptom monitoring but reduced the upper boundary on 90% prediction intervals for cumulative infections when either was removed. Thus, targeted sampling designs for surveillance testing may mitigate worst-case outcomes when other interventions are less effective. The results’ implications for future EIDs are discussed.
The feasibility and acceptability of integrating hepatitis C and HIV diagnostic testing on centralized molecular laboratory platforms in Myanmar
Authors: Naing Thandar Su , Yee Win Win , Aung Hlaing Thazin , Oo Khin Yi , Tint Khin San , Boeke Caroline E. , Chan Yuhui , Witschi Magdalena , Nwe Nwe , Markby Jessica , Shilton Sonjelle , Aung Khin Sanda , Oo Htun Nyunt , Aye Moe Myat , Htay Tin Tin
Published: May 2023

Background

In Myanmar, 1.3 million people have been exposed to hepatitis C (HCV). However, public sector access to viral load (VL) testing for HCV diagnosis remains limited; ten near-point-of-care (POC) devices are available nationally. Myanmar’s National Health Laboratory (NHL) has surplus capacity on centralized molecular testing platforms used for HIV diagnostics, presenting an opportunity for integrating HCV testing to expand overall testing capacity. This pilot assessed the operational feasibility and acceptability of HCV/HIV integrated testing implemented with a comprehensive package of supportive interventions.

Methods

HCV VL samples were collected prospectively from consenting participants at five treatment clinics and tested at Myanmar’s NHL (October 2019-February 2020) on the Abbott m2000. To optimize integration, laboratory human resources were bolstered, staff trainings were offered, and existing laboratory equipment was serviced/repaired as needed. Diagnostics data during the intervention period were compared against HIV diagnostics data in the seven months prior. We conducted three time and motion analyses at the laboratory and semi-structured interviews with laboratory staff to assess time needs and program acceptability.

Results

715 HCV samples were processed during the intervention period with an average test processing time of 18 days (IQR: 8–28). Despite adding HCV testing, average monthly test volumes were 2,331 for HIV VL and 232 for early infant diagnosis (EID), comparable to the pre-intervention period. Processing times were 7 days for HIV VL and 17 days for EID, also comparable to the pre-intervention period. HCV test error rate was 4.3%. Platforms utilization increased from 18.4% to 24.6%. All staff interviewed were supportive of HCV and HIV diagnostics integration; suggestions were made for broader implementation and expansion.

Conclusions

With a package of supportive interventions, integration of HCV and HIV diagnostics on a centralized platform was operationally feasible, did not adversely impact HIV testing, and was acceptable to laboratory staff. In Myanmar, integrated HCV VL diagnostic testing on centralized platforms may be an important addition to existing near-POC testing in expanding national testing capacity for HCV elimination.
Spatial genetic structure of 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza established as a result of interaction with human populations in mainland China
Authors: Kim Seungwon , Carrel Margaret , Kitchen Andrew
Published: May 2023

Identifying the spatial patterns of genetic structure of influenza A viruses is a key factor for understanding their spread and evolutionary dynamics. In this study, we used phylogenetic and Bayesian clustering analyses of genetic sequences of the A/H1N1pdm09 virus with district-level locations in mainland China to investigate the spatial genetic structure of the A/H1N1pdm09 virus across human population landscapes. Positive correlation between geographic and genetic distances indicates high degrees of genetic similarity among viruses within small geographic regions but broad-scale genetic differentiation, implying that local viral circulation was a more important driver in the formation of the spatial genetic structure of the A/H1N1pdm09 virus than even, countrywide viral mixing and gene flow. Geographic heterogeneity in the distribution of genetic subpopulations of A/H1N1pdm09 virus in mainland China indicates both local to local transmission as well as broad-range viral migration. This combination of both local and global structure suggests that both small-scale and large-scale population circulation in China is responsible for viral genetic structure. Our study provides implications for understanding the evolution and spread of A/H1N1pdm09 virus across the population landscape of mainland China, which can inform disease control strategies for future pandemics.
Do birds of a feather leave the nest together? The role of sibling personality similarity in the transition to adulthood
Authors: Her Yu-Chin , Vergauwen Jorik , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: May 2023

Empirical evidences on intragenerational transmission of life course have been demonstrated and that interpersonal similarity may moderate the effect. In particular, siblings who are more similar in their demographic characteristics are more likely to follow each other’s life course transitions. Focusing on parental home-leaving and building upon the social influence processes and similarity-attraction effects, this study investigates whether the association between siblings’ departures from the parental home increases when they are similar in the Big Five personality traits, like similarity in demographic traits. We use 28 waves of a longitudinal sample from “Understanding Society: The U.K. Household Longitudinal Study”. The results of the multilevel discrete-time event-history analysis (N = 3,717 children) indicate that the association between leaving of a sibling and oneself was strengthened when they had a similar level of extraversion, particularly when they were both introverts. This implies that although introverted adolescents and emerging adults might take less initiative regarding social relationships and be more hesitant in their transition to adulthood, when a similarly introverted sibling makes such a transition, they are more inclined to do so. To conclude, the study uncovers the relationship between siblings’ personality similarity and their resemblance in nest-leaving, which helps explain young adults’ home-leaving decision in an era when delayed leaving is observed.
Early spontaneous cessation of subdural drainage after burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma and risk of recurrence
Authors: Hjortdal Grønhøj Mads , Jensen Thorbjørn Søren Rønn , Johannsson Bjarni , Fugleholm Kåre , Rom-Poulsen Frantz
Published: May 2023

Objective

Subdural drainage reduces recurrence after evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). In the present study, the authors investigated the dynamics of drain production and potentially contributing factors for recurrence.

Method

Patients treated with a single burr hole evacuation of CSDH between April 2019 and July 2020 were included. Patients were also participants in a randomized controlled trial. All patients included, had a passive subdural drain for exactly 24 hours. Drain production, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and degree of mobilization was recorded every hour for 24 hours. A CSDH successfully drained for 24 hours is referred to as a “case”. Patients were followed for 90 days. Primary outcome was symptomatic recurrent CSDH requiring surgery.

Results

A total of 118 cases from 99 patients were included in the study. Of the 118 cases, 34 (29%) had spontaneous drain cessation within the first 0–8 hours after surgery (Group A), 32 (27%) within 9–16 hours (Group B), and 52 (44%) within 17–24 hours (Group C). Hours of production (P < 0.000) and total drain volume (P = 0.001) were significantly different between groups. The recurrence rate was 26.5% in group A, 15.6% in group B, and 9.6% in group C (P = 0.037). Multivariable logistic regression analysis show that cases in group C (OR: 0.13, P = 0.005) are significantly less likely to recur compared to group A. Only in 8 of the 118 cases (6.8%), the drain started draining again after an interval of three consecutive hours.

Conclusions

Early spontaneous cessation of subdural drain production seems to be associated with increased risk of recurrent hematoma. Patients with early cessation of drainage did not benefit from further drain time. Observations of the present study indicate personalized drainage discontinuation strategy as a potentially alternative to a specific discontinuation time for all CSDH patients.
Phase II, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site study to evaluate the safety, feasibility and desirability of conducting a phase III study of anamorelin for anorexia in people with small cell lung cancer: A study protocol (LUANA trial)
Authors: Sousa Mariana S. , Martin Peter , Johnson Miriam J. , Lind Michael , Maddocks Matthew , Bullock Alex , Agar Meera , Chang Sungwon , Kochovska Slavica , Kinchin Irina , Morgan Deidre , Fazekas Belinda , Razmovski-Naumovski Valentina , Lee Jessica T. , Itchins Malinda , Bray Victoria , Currow David C.
Published: May 2023

Anorexia is experienced by most people with lung cancer during the course of their disease and treatment. Anorexia reduces response to chemotherapy and the ability of patients to cope with, and complete their treatment leading to greater morbidity, poorer prognosis and outcomes. Despite the significant importance of cancer-related anorexia, current therapies are limited, have marginal benefits and unwarranted side effects. In this multi-site, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, phase II trial, participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive once-daily oral dosing of 100mg of anamorelin HCl or matched placebo for 12 weeks. Participants can then opt into an extension phase to receive blinded intervention for another 12 weeks (weeks 13–24) at the same dose and frequency. Adults (≥18 years) with small cell lung cancer (SCLC); newly diagnosed with planned systemic therapy OR with first recurrence of disease following a documented disease-free interval ≥6 months, AND with anorexia (i.e., ≤ 37 points on the 12-item Functional Assessment of Anorexia Cachexia Treatment (FAACT A/CS) scale) will be invited to participate. Primary outcomes are safety, desirability and feasibility outcomes related to participant recruitment, adherence to interventions, and completion of study tools to inform the design of a robust Phase III effectiveness trial. Secondary outcomes are the effects of study interventions on body weight and composition, functional status, nutritional intake, biochemistry, fatigue, harms, survival and quality of life. Primary and secondary efficacy analysis will be conducted at 12 weeks. Additional exploratory efficacy and safety analyses will also be conducted at 24 weeks to collect data over longer treatment duration. The feasibility of economic evaluations in Phase III trial will be assessed, including the indicative costs and benefits of anamorelin for SCLC to the healthcare system and society, the choice of methods for data collection and the future evaluation design.Trial registration.The trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry [ACTRN12622000129785] and approved by the South Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee [2021/ETH11339].https://clin.larvol.com/trial-detail/ACTRN12622000129785.
C-reactive protein: An easy marker for early differentiation between leptospirosis and dengue fever in endemic area
Authors: Maillard Olivier , Hirschinger David , Bénéteau Samuel , Koumar Yatrika , Vague Adrien , Girerd Rémi , DiAscia Laura , Jabot Julien , Cousty Julien , Randrianjohany Andry , Bertolotti Antoine , Raffray Loïc
Published: May 2023

In tropical regions, leptospirosis and dengue fever (DF) are infectious diseases of epidemiological importance and have overlapping symptomatic features. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated to diagnosing leptospirosis that differentiate it to DF at the initial hospital evaluation. A multicenter retrospective study was conducted comparing confirmed leptospirosis to DF cases. Clinical/laboratory findings were compiled at hospital admission on Reunion Island between 2018 and 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of leptospirosis. In total, 98 leptospirosis and 673 DF patients were included with a mean age of 47.8 (±17.1) and 48.9 (±23.3) years, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, the main parameters associated with leptospirosis were: i) increased neutrophil counts, ii) C-reactive protein values, iii) the absence of prolonged partial thromboplastin time, and iv) a decrease of platelets. The most discriminating parameter was C-reactive protein (CRP). With a threshold of 50mg/L, CRP taken alone had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 93.5%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 14.5 and 0.06, respectively. In the setting of an early presumptive diagnosis, we found that an increased CRP value (>50 mg/L) could help diagnose leptospirosis and aid the decision process for hospital surveillance and/or a potential antibiotic treatment regimen.
A network causal relationship between type-1 diabetes mellitus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and systemic lupus erythematosus: Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Su Kaisheng , Jia Zhifang , Wu Yanhua , Sun Yuanlin , Gao Qi , Jiang Zhenyu , Jiang Jing
Published: May 2023

Background

Observational studies have suggested a relationship between type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In both autoimmunities, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) deficiency is common. However, the causality between T1DM, 25-OHD level and SLE remains largely unknown.

Methods

Independent genetic variants associated with T1DM, 25-OHD level, and SLE from the largest genome-wide association studies were used to conduct two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (BIMR) and two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate causal relationship between T1DM, 25-OHD level and SLE, and further multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was used to verify direct causality of T1DM and 25-OHD level on SLE. A series of sensitivity analysis as validation of primary MR results were performed.

Results

Consistent with the results of BIMR, there was strong evidence for a direct causal effect of T1DM on the risk of SLE (ORMVMR-IVW= 1.249, 95% CI = 1.148–1.360,PMVMR-IVW= 1.25×10−5), and 25-OHD level was negatively associated with the risk of SLE (ORMVMR-IVW= 0.305, 95% CI = 0.109–0.857,PMVMR-IVW= 0.031). We also observed a negative causal effect of T1DM on 25-OHD level (ORBIMR-IVW= 0.995, 95% CI = 0.991–0.999,PBIMR-IVW= 0.030) while the causal effect of 25-OHD level on the risk of T1DM did not exist (PBIMR-IVW= 0.106). In BIMR analysis, there was no evidence for causal effects of SLE on the risk of T1DM and 25-OHD level (PBIMR-IVW> 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Our MR analysis suggested that there was a network causal relationship between T1DM, 25-OHD level and SLE. T1DM and 25-OHD level both have causal associations with the risk of SLE, and 25-OHD level could be a mediator in the causality of T1DM and SLE.
Emotional labour and fluctuating researcher identities
Authors: Ponting Sandra , Dillette Alana
Published: May 2023

A small number of researchers are raising the relevance of reflexivity and researcher identities in tourism and hospitality scholarship. However, these discussions lack the practice of emotional labour triggered by researcher identities in tourism and hospitality organizational settings. Based on our shared organizational ethnography experience, we employ duoethnography to unveil the emotional labour and fluctuating researcher identities when navigating the subjective truths in conducting qualitative research as women of colour faculty on the tenure-track. This article advocates for the incorporation of researcher identities and emotional labour in reflexivity and challenges academic institutions to develop training around inclusive researcher identities and resultant emotional labour management.
Conceptualizing childhood in scholarship and discourse
Authors: Dansereau Diana R.
Published: May 2023

This issue contains two original research reports, as well as the three keynote addresses delivered at the 10th Conference of the European Network of Music Educators and Researchers of Young Children (EuNet MERYC), which took place in February 2022. This editorial includes a discussion of how childhood appears to be conceptualized within this scholarship and how this conceptualization may contrast persistent deficit views of children. Recent US political discourse regarding children and education is cited as an example of such a deficit perspective on childhood.
Music education in public nurseries of Greece
Authors: Efthymiou Spyridoula
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to examine the content and goals of music education in Greek public nurseries and highlight the experiences of early childhood teachers when teaching music in their classrooms. A secondary purpose was to design and implement a professional development programme for teachers in one nursery school and explore their music skill development as part of this programme. The project was conducted over nine months in two phases in 23 public nurseries in the municipality of Ioannina. In Phase 1, data were collected via interviews with nursery teachers. In Phase 2, a professional development programme was developed, based on interview responses, and implemented with teachers from one nursery school. Data from both phases were considered in framing the results. Based on the data analysis, the content and goals of music education provided to preschool children were identified, described and evaluated, as well as the early childhood teachers’ music practices and approaches, their music skills and their training needs. Although nursery school teachers recognized the importance of music in preschool education, they defined themselves as ‘non-specialists’ in this particular teaching subject and faced challenges in implementing music education activities. Therefore, planning music education professional development programmes that meet the ‘real’ needs of early childhood teachers appears to be essential.
Observations of a child’s movement response to music and their interaction with a musical toy robot
Authors: Raju Marju
Published: May 2023

This article describes the author’s informal observations of the development of movement response to music with the added interaction with a musical toy robot. The subject under observation was one child, from the age of 8 to 24 months. Overall, the child’s readiness to move seemed to be motivated by the presence of the interactive toy robot. Observation revealed a variety of movement responses at a very young age, also in attempts to interact with the toy. The child appeared to form an emotional relationship with the toy robot that can be described by different phases from partnership with the toy, to the reduction of the toy’s role, to a passive music box. The toy robot was also used in a mediator role between siblings of different ages. Thus, interactive musical toy robots may have a beneficial effect on a child’s musical development as they provide a repetitive, safe and critique-free space. The human-like features of the toy robot (i.e. happy face, moving arms and legs) seemed to catch this child’s attention, allowing him to interact with the toy similarly to a human dance partner. The robot’s clumsy moves fit the concept of motionese, supporting the development of the child’s motor skills.
The aesthetics of simplicity: An artistic approach to childhood and music making
Authors: Leonhard Teresa
Published: May 2023

Something is considered simple (from Latin simplex, literally ‘onefold’) when it is not complex or demanding. Yet some philosophies challenge this view, emphasizing the holistic and even divine nature of the number one. In music pedagogy, pursuing the elementary as a path to the nucleus of music takes the shape of a polyaesthetics or synaesthetics; it is physical and expresses itself through shared exploration, communication and improvisation. This article investigates the notion that this very aesthetic of simplicity – the basis of early childhood music instruction – is not only useful with regards to age-appropriate learning, but also makes it possible to recognize the very foundations of music and challenges us as an ‘open work’ of art (Umberto Eco).
La importancia de los endemismos de vertebrados en el bosque mesófilo de montaña en México: una notable diversidad en un ambiente altamente amenazado
Authors: Cruz-Elizalde Raciel , Ochoa-Ochoa Leticia Margartia , Flores-Villela Oscar Alberto
Published: May 2023

El bosque mesófilo de montaña (BMM) es un ambiente altamente rico en especies de flora y fauna en México. La notable diversidad de especies resalta aún más cuando se analizan también los endemismos en este ambiente. En el presente estudio se describe la importancia de endemismos de vertebrados terrestres en México, considerando los grupos de anfibios, reptiles, aves y mamíferos. Asimismo, se realiza un compendio de las principales causas que afectan tanto a la diversidad bio- lógica como al mantenimiento de las áreas con BMM en México. En el BMM podemos encontrar un alto número de especies y endemismos de anfibios (231 especies y 118 endemismos), reptiles (310 especies, 146 endemismos), aves (547 especies, 72 endemismos) y mamíferos (257 especies, 85 endemismos). Las regiones del Sureste de México, como Chiapas y Oaxaca, contienen tanto la mayor riqueza de especies como de endemismos. Estos endemismos resultan prioritarios a la hora de establecer medidas y estrategias de conservación, ya que muchos de estos presentan una distribución geográfica reducida, siendo microendémicos, lo cual, aunado a los distintos factores antrópicos que reducen las áreas actuales de BMM, pone en peligro a sus poblaciones. Los factores ecológicos, conductuales, morfológicos, fisiológicos y ambientales determinan esta riqueza de especies, lo cual resalta aún más la prioridad de conservar grandes extensiones de bosque mesófilo. Factores como la fragmentación o el cambio climático promueven la disminución de las áreas con este tipo de vegetación, representando una problemática a la hora de planificar estrategias de conservación a corto y medio plazo. Distintas agencias de conservación han desarrollado métricas para establecer categorías de riesgo por especie, destacando la NOM-059 de la SEMARNAT o la Lista Roja de la IUCN, agencias que representan las principales vías para establecer medidas de conservación de especies endémicas y nativas de México.
STUDY OF FREE AMINO ACIDS AND ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF COMMON BARLEY GRAINS AND ITS DRY EXTRACT
Authors: Pulatova Dildora Kakhramonovna , Mamasoliev Abrorbek Isroiljonovich , Urmanova Flyura Faridovna , Murotov Shokhbozmirzo Buvajon ogli
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted studying of free amino acids and elemental composition of common barley grains cultivated in Uzbekistan and its dry extract.

When conducting a comparative analysis of the amino acid composition of barley grains and its dry extract, their identity in qualitative composition was established – 20 amino acids, of which 8 are essential. The presence of all essential amino acids in the studied objects indicates their usefulness and high value as medicinal plant raw materials. It was found that the dry extract by the content of the sum of amino acids (7.71 mg/g) is almost 3 times higher than the grains (2.89 mg/g). But the percentage of the sum of essential amino acids from the total number of amino acids in the dry extract (20.36%) is 1.7 times less than in grains (35.29%).

As a result of the conducted research in common barley grains and dry extract based on them, the presence of 41 mineral elements was found. Toxic heavy metals (As, Pb, Hg, Cd), which are subject to priority control, in the raw materials and dry extract under study are determined within the acceptable values adopted by the World Health Organization and in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XIII edition for medicinal plant raw materials and preparations based on it, which indicates their environmental safety.

The obtained data will be in demand for the chemical characterization of raw materials and dry extract and their subsequent standardization.
THE APPLE PULP ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS
Authors: Suprun Natal'ya Petrovna , Gusakova Galina Semenovna , Rachenko Maksim Anatol'yevich
Published: May 2023

The paper presents experimental data on the use of pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes and their compositions (Fructozym P6-L, Lafazym Extract, Cellolux-A) for processing the apple pulp from the Krasnoyarsky Snegirek fruits. The aim of this study is to select enzyme preparations for the processing of apple pulp, which allow to maximize the must yield, increase the content of phenolic compounds and provide high filtration rate. Technological and physico-chemical characteristics for the obtained wort samples are experimentally determined. It shown that the apple pulp treatment with a composition of enzyme preparations (Lafazym Extract + Cellolux-A) contributes to obtaining the maximum total must yield of 72.5% and the minimum kinematic viscosity of 2.64 mPa‧s. In addition, the maximum increase in filtration rate of 68.7% achieved by processing Lafazym extract. It established that the enzymatic catalysis of apple pulp makes it possible to increase the content of phenolic compounds in the must. It established that the enzymatic catalysis of apple pulp makes it possible to increase the phenolic compounds content in the must. Their highest concentration of 552.00 mg/cm3 obtained in the sample using an enzymatic preparation of pectolytic action – Lafazym Extract. It shown that the use of enzyme preparations affects to the optical characteristics of must samples. In relation to the control sample, the color intensity of the wort increases (from 0.740 to 1.102), while the yellowness index decreases (from 3.32 to 3.12), which indicates a decrease in the rate of wort oxidation reactions. The obtained results make it possible to recommend pectolytic enzyme preparations Fruktozym P6-L and Lafazym Extract in combination with Cellolux-A to use for the apple pulp processing.
BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RAW MATERIALS OF SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GENUS POTENTILLA L. FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE SOUTH URAL BOTANICAL GARDEN-INSTITUTE OF UFA FEDERAL RESEARCH CENTER OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Authors: Pupykina Kira Aleksandrovna , Denisova Svetlana Galimullovna
Published: May 2023

The genus Potentilla L. is the most extensive species of the Rosaceae family. Potentillas are found in all ecological niches: on open rocky slopes, along river banks, on the edges of forests. At the same time, in addition to the pharmacopoeial species – erect cinquefoil (P.erecta L.) – other species of the genus Potentilla L. are currently of scientific interest, since they also contain a wide range of biologically active compounds, which determines their pharmacological effect. The aim of this work was a comparative study of the chemical composition of the aboveground and underground parts of some representatives of the genus Potentilla L., introduced in the conditions of the South Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of Ufa Federal Research Center of Russian Academy of SciencesQualitative reactions made it possible to determine the presence of ascorbic acid and tannins in the studied raw materials. Thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of oxalic (Rf=0.14), tartaric (Rf=0.36), citric (Rf=0.39), ascorbic (Rf=0.62) and malic acids (Rf=0.80). As a result of a quantitative analysis of the raw materials of four representatives of the genus Potentilla L. (P. erecta, P. alba, P. rupestris, P. chrysantha), it was revealed that the maximum accumulation of ascorbic acid is observed in leaves (0.47–0.64%), organic acids – in flowers (4.32–6.28%), tannins – in roots (14.25–24.78%). Despite the fact that the accumulation rates of some groups of biologically active substances in the pharmacopoeial form (P. erecta) are higher than in the studied taxa, Potentilla P. alba, P. chrysantha, P. rupestris also contain a significant amount of biologically active substances and are of interest for further study.
PROFILING SCREENING OF 55 SPECIES OF THE GENUS EUPHORBIA L. (EUPHORBIACEAE) AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ELLAGIC ACID
Authors: Petrova Natal'ya Valeriyevna , Shavarda Aleksey Leonidovich , Medvedeva Nina Anatol'yevna , Geltman Dmitriy Viktorovich , Kotlova Ekaterina Robertovna , Sazanova Katerina Vladimirovna , Puzansky Roman Konstantinovich
Published: May 2023

Methanol extracts from the leaves of 55 species, belonging to 4 subgenera and 16 subsection of genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) have been screened for presence of ellagic acid (EA). EA was quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in fresh plant material Euphorbia sp. growing in Russia and Kyrgyzstan in the wild and in indoor and outdoor collections of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden of the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Saint-Petersburg). EA was detected in the extracts of 17 species of tree subgenera. In subgenus Althymalus Neck. Ex Rchb. EA was detected in E. hamata (Haw.) Sweet (section Anthacanthae Lem.), in subgenus Chamaesyce Raf. – E. maculata L. (section Anisophyllum Roep.); in subgenus Esula Pers. This compound was found in representatives of sections Esula (Pers.) Dumort. (E. virgata Waldst. Et Kit.), Helioscopia Dumort. (E. alpina Ledeb., E. aristata Schmalh., E. condylocarpa M. Bieb., E. lucorum Rupr. ex Maxim., E. palustris L., E. procera M. Bieb., E. semivillosa (Prokh.) Kryl., E. squamosa Willd., E. stricta L.), Holophyllum (Prokh.) Prokh. (E. griffithii Hook. f., E. komaroviana Prokh., E. rupestris Ledeb.), Paralias Dumort. (E. taurinensis All.) and Pithyusa (Raf.) Lázaro (E. glareosa Pall. Ex M. Bieb.). In 38 EA was not detected, including all studies species of subgenus Euphorbia. For 10 species (E. alpina, E. glareosa, E. griffithii, E. hamata, E. lucorum, E. procera, E. rupestris, E. semivillosa, E. stricta and E. taurinensis) EA was detected for the first time. Highest EA amount was found in leaves of E. hamata (4100 ppm) and E. squamosa (4300 ppm).
INVESTIGATION OF MODIFIED CEDAR NUT SHELL-BASED SORBENTS
Authors: Safonova Marija Evgen'evna , Klepalova Irina Andreevna , Maslakova Tat'jana Ivanovna , Pervova Inna Gennad'evna
Published: May 2023

The investigation was carried out to establish influences of thermal, chemical and thermochemical modifications on compositions of functional groups of the sorbents based on nut shells of the Siberian cedar (Pinus sibirica) and their physical and chemical properties. Samples of natural cedar nut shells (CNS) were thermally-modified at T=300 °С and analyzed by the methods of potentiometric titration and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. It has been established that thermally-modified CNS possess 1.5–1.7 and 2.3–4.3 times as many hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the constitution of sorbents grading 0.1–0.5 and 0.55–0.75 mm, respectively, as natural CNS. Chemical modification was carried out in nitric acid solutions with various concentrations (0.5–5n). It has been shown that being treated with 5n HNO3, the samples grading 0.55–0.75 mm possess 3.5 times as many carboxyl groups as natural CNS, while the samples grading 0.1–0.5 possess an increased number of hydroxyl groups only. Thermochemical modification was carried out in 2 stages: first, firing at a temperature of 300 °С, then chemical modification in HNO3 solutions with various concentrations. It has been revealed that this modification results to increasing predominantly hydroxyl groups in the constitution of carbon sorbents. The isotherm of sorption of copper (II) ions by the samples of modified CNS describes microporous solids with a relatively small outer surface, whereas the sorption isotherm of zinc (II) ions describes polymolecular adsorption onto both porous and macroporous adsorbents. The investigation has revealed that the sorbents being chemically and thermochemically modified with 5n nitric acid are most effective to extract copper ions.
INFLUENCE OF CARBONACEOUS SORBENTS OBTAINED FROM VEGETABLE RAW MATERIALS ON THE MO-BILITY OF ZN IONS IN SOIL
Authors: Burachevskaya Marina Viktorovna , Bauer Tat'yana Vladimirovna , Lobzenko Il'ya Pavlovich , Gorovtsov Andrey Vladimirovich , Vechkanov Evgeny Mikhailovich , Plotnikov Andrey Aleksandrovich , Barakhov Anatoliy Vadimovich , Fedorenko Elena Sergeevna , Zamulina Инна Валерьевна , Minkina Tatyana Mikhailovna
Published: May 2023

Soil pollution with heavy metals not only reduces crop yields, but also negatively affects human and animal health. Even such a biophilic element as Zn, when excessively supplied to living organisms, has a toxic effect. The introduction of sorbents into the soil makes it possible to ensure the binding of pollutants in situ, leading to a decrease in their mobility and biological availability. In the course of the work, the efficiency of application and the physicochemical characteristics of organic carbonaceous sorbents, granular activated carbon (GAC) of commercial production and biochar obtained from regional agricultural waste (rice husk) were investigated and compared, which determine their adsorption capacity with respect to Zn ions. Under the conditions of a model experiment, metal inactivation was shown in contaminated soils when using carbonaceous sorbents. Due to the high sorption properties of GAC and biochar, a decrease in the content of all mobile forms (exchange, complex and specifically sorbed) of Zn compounds in contaminated soils, was found. The most effective dose for reducing the mobility of metal ions in the soil was 5% of the soil mass for both biochar and GAC.
NAPHTALENE IS ESSENTIAL METABOLITE FOR SYNTHESIS OF N-PHENYL-2-NAPHTHYLAMINE AND PHTHALATES IN PISUM SATIVUM L.
Authors: Makarova Lyudmila Evgenievna , Ishchenko Aleksey Aleksandrovich , Bizikov Petr Aleksandrovich , Petrova Irina Georgiyevna , Kopytina Tat'yana Vasil'yevna
Published: May 2023

N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates are well known compounds, synthesized in chemical industry. These chemicals are known to be toxic for living organisms. At the same time N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine was found in plants, phthalates were found both in plants and bacteria. Currently, there are no data in scientific literature about the synthesis of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates in plant cells. Previously, we have established the presence of these compounds in root tissues and root exudates in legumes. The aim of this study was to find the ability of Pisum sativum L. to utilize naphthalene as a precursor for the synthesis of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates. As an object of study, roots of the etiolated pea seedlings, grown with 10-4 M naphthalene for 24 h, were used. Roots of seedlings grown on water were used as a control. Extracts, containing aromatic compounds were obtained by successive extraction with 80% ethanol and ethyl acetate from root seedlings, fixated with 95% ethanol. Using HPLC the concentrations of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, diethyl-, dibutyl- and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalates were estimated. To confirm the presence of phthalates in extracts, standard samples of corresponding compounds were used. Significant increases of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and phthalates concentrations in roots of pea plants, grown with naphthalene solution (compared to control plants), have shown that plant cells seem to use this compound as a necessary metabolite in biosynthesis of compounds mentioned above.
STUDY OF THE COMPOSITION OF FREE FATTY ACIDS IN THE FRUIT OF NEPETA CATARIA L. FROM THE NON-BLACK SOIL ZONE AND THE CRIMEA
Authors: Babaeva Elena Yurievna , Kopytko Yanina Fedorovna , Platonova Tat'yana Vital'yevna , Vandishev Viktor Vasil'yevich
Published: May 2023

Nepetae catariae herba is valuable medicinal raw material. It is get from a cultivated plant. Essential oil from Nepetae catariae herba is used. The fruits are attracting interest as a promising raw material remaining after the unused seed insurance fund. Along with the Nepetae herba, essential oil is used. The fruits remaining after the unused seed insurance fund are attracting interest as a promising source of biologically active substances. Fruits contain a lipid complex, which is not sufficiently studied. The aim is to study the content and composition of fatty acids in the lipid complex of catnip fruits from two regions of the Russian Federation: Non-chernozem belt and the Republic of Crimea. To study the correlation between fatty acid accumulation and meteorological factors too. The lipid complex of the fruits extracted with n-hexane in the Soxlet apparatus. Fatty acids composition was determined after methylation by gas-liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection method. 15 constituents were found. The content of the lipid complex averaged: from fruits obtained in the Non-chernozem belt, 26.06±1.3%; from the fruits obtained in the Crimea, 38.01±0.7%. Saturated fatty acids were very diverse. Pentadecanoic acid was common to all samples. Tridesaturated fatty acids were represented in both regions by α-linolenic acid. It is the dominant compound in all samples. We revealed the correlations between the content of fatty acids in the lipid complex in both regions and meteorological indicators. Erems of catnip are a valuable source of ω-3-unsaturated fatty acids.
A falugazdászok szerepe és története
Authors: Szabó Bálint
Published: May 2023

A falugazdászok egyfajta tanácsadóként és kapocsként működnek a Nemzeti Agrárgazdasági Kamara és a gazdálkodók között. Feladatkörük sokrétű, legfontosabb tevékenységük a gazdálkodók tájékoztatása és segítése az uniós támogatások megszerzésében. Naprakész ismeretekkel látják el a termelőket, hatósági feladataik közé tartozik továbbá például az őstermelői igazolványok kiállítása, a termésbecsléssel, állapotminősítéssel összefüggő adatgyűjtési és adatszolgáltatási feladatok ellátása, a mezőgazdasági káresemények felmérése, vagy a kölcsönös megfeleltetéssel kapcsolatos ellenőrzés (azazmegvizsgálják, hogy a mezőgazdasági termelők betartják-e az emberi egészségre, a növény- és állategészségügyre és az állatjólétre vonatkozó szigorú európai uniós normákat).
A felnőttképzés stratégiai megújításáról
Authors: Kovács Marianna
Published: May 2023

Az Ifjúsági Vállalkozásélénkítő Egyesület konferenciát tartott „Felnőttképzés és gazdaságpolitika” címmel. A műhelykonferencia során három előadást hallhattak az érdeklődők az egyesület alelnökének, Trautmann Lászlónak a köszöntője és bevezetője után.
Rhodopsin Replacement in a I307N Mouse Model of ADRP by the Homology Independent Transgene Insertion Method
Authors: ROSSMILLER BRIAN , Bagheri Mozhdeh
Published: May 2023

Retinitis pigmentosa affects 1 in 4,000 people worldwide. Mutations in over twenty genes cause autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. 30-40% of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa are due to mutations rhodopsin with more than 100 known mutations being identified. Due to this allelic and causal diversity, allele-independent approaches are an attractive option. Here, we demonstrate an allele-independent CRISPR/Cas9 approach; this contrasts with many current allele-specific rhodopsin approaches. A homology-independent transgene is co-delivered with RSV-spCas9 packaged in an AAV5 vector for gene replacement via insertion in the
Rho I307N mouse model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. First, we establish the safety of this system, in C57BL/6J mice, demonstrating no loss of retinal thickness or function. We further show that outer nuclear layer thickness, electrical response, and rhodopsin expression in heterozygous Rho I307N were significantly preserved six months after treatment. This retention results from a 5.7% transgene integration and 88% indel rate in treated animals.
Nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for phylogeny of some species of Rodentia
Authors: Deef Lamiaa Elsayed Mokhtar
Published: May 2023

Order Rodentia contains approximately half of all living mammalian species. Most of the living species diversity within rodents is within five monophyletic radiations: Hystricognathi, Sciuridae, Geomyoidea, Dipodidae, and Muroidea. The samples collected across different areas of Egypt were analyzed by means of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence analysis to ascertain the true taxonomic status between the studied species. For phylogenetic analysis, the cytochrome b sequences from this study were combined with previously published data. This study reveals that all species were divided into two main clades, the first for the Gerbillinae taxon and the second for the other studied genera in the molecular phylogenetic trees and demonstrates that Gerbillus species form a sister group with Dipodillus species. The phylogenetic relationships specified for the murine genera. Clustering was obtained between Mus and Rattus as well as in all Gerbillinae species. This study provides the first insight into the genetic diversity of some rodents in Egypt.
Automated Knowledge Organization AI ML based Subject Indexing System for Libraries
Authors: Ahmed Mustak , Mukhopadhyay Mondrita , Mukhopadhyay Parthasarathi
Published: May 2023

The research study as reported here is an attempt to explore the possibilities of an AI/ML-based semi-automated indexing system in a library setup to handle large volumes of documents. It uses the Python virtual environment to install and configure an open source AI environment (named Annif) to feed the LOD (Linked Open Data) dataset of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) as a standard KOS (Knowledge Organization System). The framework deployed the Turtle format of LCSH after cleaning the file with Skosify, applied TF-IDF as a language model (backend algorithm), and selected Snowball as an analyzer. The training of Annif was conducted with a large set of bibliographic records populated with subject descriptors (MARC tag 650$a) and indexed by trained LIS professionals. The training dataset is first treated with MarcEdit to export it in a format suitable for OpenRefine, and then in OpenRefine it undergoes many steps to produce a bibliographic record set suitable to train Annif. The framework, after training, has been tested with a bibliographic dataset to measure indexing efficiencies, and finally, the automated indexing framework is integrated with a data wrangling software (OpenRefine) to produce suggested headings on a mass scale. The entire framework is based on open source software, open datasets, and open standards.
Blended Learning vs E learning Determining the Best Mode of Education from the Perspective of the Learners
Authors: Faizan Mohd , Barsha Sayantoni , Eqbal Naseem , Munshi Shamim Aktar
Published: May 2023

The study aims to determine students' perceptions regarding the blended mode of learning in the post-Covid era of Aligarh Muslim University. An online questionnaire was designed (Google form) with the help of previous studies and forwarded the web link through text messaging, email, WhatsApp, and Facebook. In total, 291 participants (undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars) filled out the online questionnaire. The result shows that the blended mode of learning is well accepted by the students, but when it comes to practical classes, this mode surely does not suffice. When it comes to the attitude of the students towards the blended mode of learning, the results suggest that most of the students are comfortable. Further, the blended mode comes with the complexities of e-learning and technical issues like poor internet connectivity, technical problems, limited internet pack, unorganised reading materials, etc., causing many difficulties in the overall learning process. This is the first study that assesses the students’ perceptions towards the blended mode of learning in Aligarh Muslim University. Its findings may be useful in developing new strategies for improving the learning environment in any academic institution.