bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crise das democracias liberais: um futuro sem direitos? Elementos para uma perspectiva internacional acerca do projeto da extrema direita
Authors: Marques Elidio Alexandre Borges
Published: December 2020

This article aims to point out elements for the understanding of the present crisis of liberal democracies, especially of rights as its fundamental component. It seeks to recover history in its political sense of building the predominant model in the West and to highlight some explanations of the crisis as being the crisis of the “liberal” component, that is, the guarantee of rights. This “model” was never presented as complete materiality for vast portions of the world population and even of the central states. The violation of rights by the States has always been a permanence in capitalist modernity. Several states in the "center" and "periphery" have gone through periods in which such violations are specifically recognized, such as European fascisms and Latin American dictatorships. At the moment when anti-liberal political forces ascend, uncommitted to the rights formally guaranteed in state and international orders, it is worth reflecting on the relationship they establish with this past of massive rights violations, pointing out that the fragility of the promises embodied in rights, including due to the incompleteness of the processes of overcoming the serious violations of the past, it is at the basis of the crisis of contemporary liberal democracy.
Infância, mito da feliz(cidade) e a dimensão coercitiva da assistência social
Authors: Lima Rodrigo Silva
Published: December 2020

The article is the result of a bibliographic survey and action research at the Regional Council of Social Work of Rio de Janeiro (CRESS 7th Region). It aims to discuss the concept of childhood and the coercive dimension of social assistance. Faced with the violence promoted by the State, the impoverished childhood, far from an illusory happiness, has suffered severe setbacks. Social protection, which has one of its main pillars in social assistance policy, has revealed numerous contradictions. These became more evident in the period of major international events, when the criminalization of the poor by the State and the contradictions inherent in social policies culminated in violations of the rights of children and adolescents. The conclusion is that the State serves the economic interests of the dominant classes by repressing the population, regardless of age. CRESS, as a professional council that guides and supervises the professional practice of social workers, though not being a social movement or a union, has played a legitimate role in political organization and contributed to the mobilization of civil society in guaranteeing public rights of children and youth, as well as facing state coercion.
On «particularity» and «exceptionalism» of the United States of America
Authors: Pecheritsa Vladimir F.
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes the hegemonic policy of the largest and most influential state in the world – the United States, supported under the justified concept of “peculiarity” and exclusivity of America. Using this term, Washington imposes its only “correct” and necessary policy for the development of countries and peoples. Showing numerous examples, the author exposes the deceit and duplicity of such a policy, its rejection by most countries of the world. The article is intended for specialists in foreign affairs and those who study the place and role of the United States in the contemporary world.
Stomata Profile Comparisons in Abaxial and Adaxial Zones of Dendrobium aphyllum and Arachnis flos-aeris Leaves
Authors: Kurniawan Febri Yuda , Santoso Agung Dwi
Published: December 2020

Stomata play an essential role in transpiration and metabolism. Orchids are Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plants which are generally succulent leaf type. Orchids have several types of stomata, depending on habitat and environmental parameters that affect them. This study aimed to compare the stomata, including the anatomical structure, activity, and density of the orchids Dendrobium aphyllum and Arachnis flos-aeris. The method used was printing the surface of the leaves using glue and observed with a microscope. Data obtained were analyzed with the help of Image raster 3.0 and MS. Excel. In the present study, the stomata of D. aphyllum and A. flos-aeris are characterized by anomocytic type. The highest stomata density was obtained on the abaxial part of D. aphyllum 09.00 am 1177.78 um2. The adaxial leaves of both species are classified as low, or no stomata are found at all. The distance between the stomata on the abaxial leaves of D. aphyllum and A. flos-aeris is denser than the leaves' adaxial side. Stomata activity in orchids is related to orchids' adaptation process to the environmental parameters of their habitat. Stomata activity affects the transpiration process and CO2 fixation in orchid CAM metabolism.
Speaking Skill’s Language Anxiety Experienced by Freshers of English Language Education Department
Authors: Gusdian Rosalin Ismayoeng , Nurhidayah Siti
Published: December 2020

The aims of this study is to find out the language anxiety levels encountered by the freshmen of English Language Education Department, the reasons of the language anxiety, and how the students cope with the language anxiety. It is a mixed-method study conducted in an Islamic private university in Malang. The population included 128 English Language Education Department freshmen in the academic year 2019/2020. Through convenience sampling, 32 students from six speaking classes were obtained. A survey using Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCAS) questionnaire and interview were applied as the techniques to gather the data. The findings revealed that 91% freshmen are identified to experience a medium level of anxiety (76-119). Besides, the reasons of the language anxiety included communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation, and fear of making mistakes in the test. Several ways to cope with the language anxiety comprised practicing before class and keeping the up with the positive mind.

 

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat kecemasan berbahasa yang dialami oleh mahasiswa baru Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, alasan kecemasan berbahasa, dan cara mahasiswa mengatasi kecemasan tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode campuran yang dilakukan di sebuah universitas swasta Islam di Malang. Populasi penelitian ini adalah 128 mahasiswa baru Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris tahun ajaran 2019/2020. Melalui convenience sampling, diperoleh 32 siswa dari enam kelas berbicara. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCAS) dan wawancara. Temuan tersebut mengungkapkan bahwa 91% mahasiswa baru diidentifikasi mengalami tingkat kecemasan sedang (76-119). Selain itu, alasan kecemasan bahasa termasuk ketakutan komunikasi, takut evaluasi negatif, dan takut membuat kesalahan dalam ujian. Beberapa cara untuk mengatasi kecemasan bahasa terdiri dari berlatih sebelum kelas dan menjaga pikiran positif.
MONG: An extension to Galaxy Clusters
Authors: Rebecca Louise , Kenath Arun , Sivaram C
Published: December 2020

The presence of dark matter, though well established by indirect evidence is yet to be observed directly. Various dark matter detection experiments running for several years have yielded no positive results so far. In view of these negative results, we had earlier proposed alternate models by postulating a minimum gravitational field strength (minimum curvature) and also a minimum acceleration. These postulates led to the modified Newtonian dynamics and modified Newtonian gravity (MONG). The observed flat rotation curves of galaxies had also been accounted for through these postulates. Here we extend these postulates to galaxy clusters and model the dynamical velocity-distance curves for such large-scale structures. The velocity-distance curve of the Virgo cluster, plotted with this model is found to be in accordance with that observed.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp5 Protein Causes Acute Lung Inflammation: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Díaz José , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R. , Bensussen Antonio
Published: December 2020

In the present work we propose a mathematical model of the process of inflammation in lung cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection from which a plausible scenario for the dynamics of this process arise. In this scenario the main protease Nsp5 enhances the inflammatory process, increasing the levels of NF kappaB, IL-6, Cox2, and PGE2 with respect to a reference state without the virus. When in presence of the virus the translation rates of NF kappaB and IkB are increased to a high constant value, and the translation rate of IL-6 is increased above the threshold value of 7 nM s-1, the model predicts a persistent over stimulated immune state with high levels of the cytokine IL-6. This over stimulated immune state becomes autonomous of the signals from other immune cells like macrophages and lymphocytes, and does not shut down by itself. Dexamethasone or Nimesulide have little effect on this state of the infected lung cell, and the only form to suppress it is with the inhibition of the activity of the viral protein Nsp5 with drugs like Saquinavir. In this form, our model suggests that Nsp5 is effectively the cause of the severe acute lung inflammation during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The persistent production of IL-6 by lung cells can be one of the causes of the cytokine storm observed in critical patients with COVID19. From an evolutive point of view, the use of Nsp5 as the switch to start inflammation, and the consequent overproduction of the ACE2 receptor, is the probable reason of the increased dangerousness of SARS-CoV-2 with respect to SARS-CoV.
Early Education on Energy Efficiency for Socioeconomic Development While Keeping CO₂ Concentration Controlled
Authors: Collanqui Pedro , Araya Roberto
Published: December 2020

Early education is critical for improving energy efficiency. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of Interactive Cross-Border Classes to increase awareness of energy efficiency among middle school students. We designed and tested an Interactive Cross-Border class between Chilean and Peruvian 8th-grade classes. The classes were synchronously connected and all students answered open-ended questions on an online platform. Some of the questions were designed to check conceptual understanding while others asked for suggestions of how to develop their economies while keeping CO₂ air concentration at acceptable levels. In real-time, the teacher reviewed the students’ written answers and the concept maps that were automatically generated based on their responses. Students peer-reviewed their classmates’ suggestions. This is part of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) STEM Education project on Energy Efficiency using APEC databases. We found high levels of student engagement, where students discussed not only the cross-cutting nature of energy, but also its relation to socioeconomic development and CO₂ emissions, and the need to work together to improve energy efficiency. In conclusion, Interactive Cross-Border classes are a feasible educational alternative, with potential as a scalable public policy strategy for improving awareness of energy efficiency among the population.
The Past, Present and Future of Cannabis sativa Tissue Culture
Authors: Monthony Adrian S. , Page Serena R. , Hesami Mohsen , Jones Andrew Maxwell P.
Published: December 2020

The recent legalization of Cannabis sativa L. in many regions has revealed a need for effective propagation and biotechnologies for the species. Micropropagation affords researchers and producers methods to rapidly propagate insect/disease/virus free clonal plants, store germplasm, and forms the basis for other biotechnologies. Despite this need, research in the area is limited due to the long history or prohibitions and restrictions. Existing literature has multiple limitation: many publications use hemp as a proxy for drug-type Cannabis when it is well established that there is significant genotype specificity, studies using drug-type cultivars are predominantly op-timized using a single cultivar, most protocols have not been replicated by independent groups, and some attempts demonstrate a lack of reproducibility across genotypes. Due to culture decline and other problems the multiplication phase of micropropagation (stage 2) has not been fully developed in many reports. This review will provide a brief background on the history and botany of Cannabis as well as a comprehensive and critical summary of Cannabis tissue culture. Special attention will be paid to current challenges faced by researchers, the limitations of existing Cannabis micropropagation studies, and recent developments and future directions of Cannabis tissue culture technologies.
Untangling Complexity: Assessing the Joint Effects of Population Composition and Context on Perceived Exposure to Onchocerciasis in Coastal Tanzania
Authors: Armah Frederick , Boamah Sheila
Published: December 2020

Onchocerciasis volvulus is the second highest infectious cause of blindness in the world, and is estimated to affect 37 million people, of whom 99% reside in sub-Saharan Africa. As a public health problem the disease is most closely associated with Africa, where it constitutes a serious obstacle to socio-economic development. Using the human ecology triad, this paper evaluates the dynamic interplay of population, habitat and behavioural factors in predicting perceived exposure to onchocerciasis among coastal inhabitants in Tanzania. Generalized linear models with log-log link function were fitted to cross-sectional survey data on 1253 individuals in three contiguous coastal regions. A significant proportion of respondents (28%) perceived that they were exposed to onchocerciasis. Residents in urban locations irrespective of wealth status were less likely to report living in onchocerciasis endemic environment compared with their rural counterparts. This is understandable given that urban areas of Tanga and Dar es Salaam are definitely non-endemic and perceived risk of onchocerciasis is related to the fact of living in an endemic area with active onchocercasis transmission. Individuals who had attained secondary (OR=0.51, p<0.01) or tertiary education (OR=0.37, p<0.001), and reported easy access to health facility (OR=0.53, p<0.001) were all less likely to report perceived exposure to onchocerciasis. This is not surprising because higher level of education and easy access to health facilities are characteristics of urban compared with rural areas. Policy implications suggest the need for the Tanzanian national neglected tropical disease control programme (TZNTDCP) to intensify health and educational campaigns at the community level and address susceptibility of vulnerable populations to the disease especially, for rural dwellers.
Formulation of Bacillus and Azotobacter Consortia in Liquid Cultures: Preliminary Research on Microbes-Coated Urea
Authors: Hindersah Reginawanti , Setiawati Mieke Rochimi , Asmiran Priyanka , Fitriatin Betty Natalie
Published: December 2020

The spore-forming Bacillus and cysts forming Azotobacter are Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria which has been used as biofertilizer in sustainable agriculture since they tolerant to dried soil. Drought resistant microbes will be useful to coat urea in order to reduce the lost of nitrogen. The objectives of this preliminary study were to study the effect of molasse based liquid media on the population of Bacillus spore and Azotobacter vegetative cell and to determine the composition of four bacterial species in liquid formula. In the first experiment The Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, A. chroococcum and A. vinelandii were grown separately in 1% cane molasses enriched with 0.1% NH4Cl. As control treatment, The Bacillus and Azotobacter were grown in Nutrient Broth and Ashby’s mannitol broth respectively. In the second experiment, different composition of said Bacillus and Azotobacter were grown in molasses based liquid media prior to count the spore and vegetative cell. The results showed that molasses-based media supported bacterial growth and initial ratio 1:1:1:1 of liquid inoculant was effective to increase bacterial growth. This experiment suggested that the use of organic based media was useful practice of liquid biofertilizer formulation for granule urea coating.
Is Input Utilization Inelastic to Coffee Production
Authors: Nurhapsa Nurhapsa , Nuddin Andi , Suherman Suherman , Barbara Betrixia
Published: December 2020

The agricultural sector is one of the important sectors for the Indonesian economy. Coffee is one of the commodities produced from the plantation sub-sector included in the agricultural sector which also contributes greatly to the Indonesia economy, especially as a source of foreign exchange, employment and income sources as well as other economic actors. This study aims to determine whether the factors of land area production, number of productive trees, farming costs and labour used by coffee farmers are elastic or inelastic to coffee production. Samples were taken as many as 400 coffee farmers spread in four districts namely North Toraja Regency, Enrekang Regency, Sinjai Regency and Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data collected in the form of primary data and secondary data. The analysis used the Cobb-Douglass production function. The results show that the use of production factors; land area, number of productive trees, farming costs and labor are inelastic to coffee production, the scale of farming follows the rules of increasing return to scale. Therefore, it is expected that the support of local government (related institutions) to assist coffee farmers in providing superior seeds to increase coffee production, farmers incomes and reduce land conversion.
Target prediction of compounds on jamu formula using nearest profile method
Authors: Syahrir Nur Hilal A , Sumarheni Sumarheni , Amir Supri Bin Hj , Kuswanto Hedi
Published: December 2020

Jamu is one of Indonesia's cultural heritage, which consists of several plants that have been practiced for centuries in Indonesian society to maintain health and treat diseases. One of the scientification efforts of Jamu to reveal its mechanism is to predict the target-protein of the active ingredients of the Jamu. In this study, the prediction of the target compound for Jamu was carried out using a supervised learning approach involving conventional medicinal compounds as training data. The method used in this study is the closest profile method adopted from the nearest neighbor algorithm. This method is implemented in drug compound data to construct a learning model. The AUC value for measuring performance of the three implemented models is 0.62 for the fixed compound model, 0.78 for the fixed target model, and 0.83 for the mixed model. The fixed compound model is then used to construct a prediction model on the herbal medicine data with an optimal threshold value of 0.91. The model produced 10 potential compounds in the herbal formula and its 44 unique protein targets. Even though it has many limitations in obtaining a good performance, the closest profile method can be used to predict the target of the herbal compound whose target is not yet known.
Effect of Variability on Cronbach Alpha Reliability in Research Practice
Authors: Amirrudin Muhammad , Nasution Khoirunnisa , Supahar Supahar
Published: December 2020

This study aims to describe the effects of variability through data simulation to determine which aspect of variability that maximizes coefficient of Cronbach Alpha reliability.  Cronbach Alpha is widely used for estimation of reliability, in recent still. This study served a conceptual and practical simulation for estimating the profound aspect of Cronbach Alpha coefficient relating to the variability of the data. This study carried out with data simulated using the rand between method by Microsoft Excel then simulate different categorical data responses to different range of items by manipulating sample size, range, number of items, variance and standard deviation. The results show that number of variance and standard deviation of data had the most profound aspect of Cronbach Alpha's reliability other than range. The increasing number on some aspect shows that standard deviation and variance has the stability to shows the positive correlation with the coefficient of Cronbach Alpha reliability other than range.
Global Alliance for Maternal and Child Health (GLAM): A Pioneer Organization for MCH Students
Authors: Harris Kiydra , Dongarwar Deepa , Roshan Tasha , Onyenaka Collins , Enwerem Collins , Olaleye Omonike , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: December 2020

Currently, there is an insufficient representation of racial/ethnic minority groups in the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce. A student-run outreach organization, the Global Alliance for Maternal and Child Health (GLAM), seeks to address this disparity by increasing the representation of racial/ethnic minority groups in MCH workforce. Founded by students at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, United States, GLAM, seeks to establish productive alliances and create programs that would help improve the well-being of mothers, infants, and children locally, nationally, and internationally by engaging an active cadre of students passionate about MCH. Through community outreach and global engagement using evidence-based strategies, GLAM is committed to the elimination of health disparities plaguing the MCH population.
Key words: • Maternal and Child Health • Pipeline program • Students-driven • Community outreach • Global engagement
 
Copyright © 2021 Harris et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
A global analysis of CNVs in Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep populations using whole-genome resequencing
Authors: Yuan Chao , Lu Zengkui , Guo Tingting , Yue Yaojing , Wang Xijun , Wang Tianxiang , Zhang Yajun , Hou Fujun , Niu Chune , Sun Xiaopin , Zhao Hongchang , Zhu Shaohua , Liu Jianbin , Yang Bohui
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCopy number variation (CNV) is an important source of genetic variation that has a significant influence on phenotypic diversity, important economic traits and the evolution of livestock species. In this study, the genome-wide CNV distribution characteristics of 32 fine-wool sheep from three breeds were analyzed using resequencing.ResultsA total of 1,747,604 CNVs were detected in this study, and 7,228 CNV regions (CNVR) were obtained after merging overlapping CNVs; these regions accounted for 2.17% of the sheep reference genome. The average length of the CNVRs was 4,307.17 bp. “Deletion” events took place more frequently than “duplication” or “both” events. The CNVRs obtained overlapped with previously reported sheep CNVRs to variable extents (4.39%–55.46%). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the CNVR-harboring genes were mainly involved in sensory perception systems, nutrient metabolism processes, and growth and development processes. Furthermore, 1,855 of the CNVRs were associated with 166 quantitative trait loci (QTL), including milk QTLs, carcass QTLs, and health-related QTLs, among others. In addition, the 32 fine-wool sheep were divided into horned and polled groups to analyze for the selective sweep of CNVRs, and it was found that the relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) gene was strongly influenced by selection.ConclusionsIn summary, we constructed a genomic CNV map for Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep using resequencing, thereby providing a valuable genetic variation resource for sheep genome research, which will contribute to the study of complex traits in sheep.
The Bdkrb2 Gene Family Provides a Novel View of Viviparity Adaptation in Sebastes schlegelii
Authors: Niu Jingjing , Song Weihao , Li Rui , Yu Haiyang , Guan Jian , Qi Jie , He Yan
Published: December 2020

Background: Black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) is a viviparous teleost. We proposed that the rockfish ovarian wall had a similar function to the uterus of mammals previously. In the present study, the well-developed vascular system was observed in the ovary wall and the exterior surface of the egg membrane. In gestation, adaptation of the ovary vasculature to the rising needs of the embryos occurs through both vasodilation and neovascularization. Bdkrb2, encoding a receptor for bradykinin, plays a critical role in the control of vasodilatation by regulating nitric oxide production. Results: Eight Bdkrb2 genes were identified in the black rockfish genome. These genes were located on chromosome 14, which are arranged in a tandem array, forming a gene cluster spanning 50 kb. Protein structure prediction, phylogenetic analysis, and transcriptome analysis showed that eight Bdkrb2 genes evolved two kinds of protein structure and three types of tissue expression pattern. Overexpression of two Bdkrb2 genes in zebrafish indicated a role of them in blood vessel formation or remodeling, which is an important procedure for the viviparous rockfish getting prepared for fertilization and embryos implantation. Conclusions: Our study characterizes eight Bdrkb2 genes in the black rockfish, which may contribute to preparation for fertilization and embryo implantation. This research provides a novel view of viviparity adaptation and lays the groundwork for future research into vascular regulation of ovarian tissue in the breeding cycle in black rockfish.
Parental smoking status affects substance use by adolescents: A national cross-sectional study conducted in Korea
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Kwan Yunna , Min Seongho , Kim Min-Hyuk , Chun Ka Hye , Choi Sungwon , Ahn Joung-Sook
Published: December 2020

Background: In the present study, we investigated the association between substance use by adolescents and parental smoking status based on data from the 2016 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, a national school-based survey. Methods: Data from a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents aged 12–18 years (n = 65,528) were analyzed, and the risk of substance use according to the parental smoking status was investigated. We also investigated sex differences in the risk of substance use as a result of the parental smoking status.Results: We found that smoking by both parents was a greater risk factor for substance use by adolescents than smoking by any one parent. Moreover, maternal smoking was a greater risk for substance use by adolescents than paternal smoking. Conclusions: Accurate evaluation of the family smoking environment and whole-family interventions are necessary for preventing and intervening in substance use by adolescents.
Re-Appraisal of Effective, and Tolerable Induction Regimens for Managing Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-Infected Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: chen Chang-Hua , Li Hua , Chen Hsien-Meng , Chen Yu-Min , Chang Yu-Jun , Lin Pao-Yen , Hsu Chih-Wei , Tseng Ping-Tao , Lin Kai-Huang , Tu Yu-Kang
Published: December 2020

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) has become the most fatal adult meningitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There is no conclusive evidence for the superiority of one-week amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmphB) + flucytosine (5-FC) regimen over other antifungals in the management of HIV patients with CM (HIV-CM patients). We aimed to evaluate the differences in efficacy and tolerability of different antifungal agents in HIV-CM patients by conducting a current network meta-analysis NMA. Overall, 19 randomized controlled trials were included with 2,642 participants. A regimen indicated a possibly lower early mortality rate, namely, AmphB + 5-FC + High dose azole (Azole_H) (OR = 1.1*10− 12, 95% CIs = 1.3*10− 41 to 0.06) comparing to AmphB + 5-FC. Azole_H was possibly associated with the lowest late-mortality rate (OR = 0.27, 95% CIs = 0.08 to 0.99). The current NMA provides evidence that AmphB + 5-FC + Azole_H are superior to all the investigated treatments for induction regimen in HIV-CM patients.
An Intelligent Web-Based Decision Support System for Monitoring the Chronic Kidney Disease in Brazilian Communities
Authors: Sobrinho Álvaro , Queiroz Andressa C. M. da S. , Cavalcanti Gyovanne Bezerra , Silva Josaias de Moura , Silva Leandro Dias da , Costa Evandro de Barros , Perkusich Angelo , Pinheiro Maria Eliete
Published: December 2020

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem, usually diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, increasing public health costs and mortality rates. The late diagnosis is even more critical in developing countries due to the high levels of poverty, a large number of hard-to-reach locations, and sometimes lack/precarious primary care. Methods: We designed and evaluated an intelligent web-based Decision Support System (DSS) using the J48 decision tree machine learning algorithm, knowledge-based system concepts, the clinical document architecture, Cohen's kappa statistic, and interviews with an experienced nephrologist. Results: We provided a DSS methodology that guided the development of the system, that provides remote monitoring features, to assist patients, primary care physicians, and the government in identifying and monitoring the CKD in Brazilian communities. A CKD dataset enabled the training and evaluation of the J48 decision tree algorithm, while Cohen's kappa statistic guided the evaluation of the knowledge-based system by interviews with an experienced nephrologist. Conclusion: The DSS facilitates the identification and monitoring of the CKD considering low-income populations in Brazil. In addition, the methodology and DSS can be reused in other developing countries with similar scenarios.
The Influence of Exercise During Pregnancy on Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Raper Madigan , McDonald Samantha , Johnston Carol , Isler Christy , Newton Edward , Kuehn Devon , Collier David , Broskey Nicholas , Muldrow Adrienne , May Linda
Published: December 2020

Background: Non-Hispanic black (NHB) pregnant women disproportionately experience adverse birth outcomes compared to NH white (NHW) pregnant women. The positive effects of prenatal exercise on maternal and neonatal health may mitigate these disparities. This study evaluated the influence of prenatal exercise on racial/ethnic disparities in gestational age (GA), birthweight (BW), and risks of preterm birth (PTB), cesarean section (CS), and low-birthweight (LBW) neonates.Methods: This study performed a secondary data analysis using data from a 24-week, two-arm exercise intervention trial (ENHANCED by Mom). Women with singleton pregnancies (<16 weeks), aged 18-40 years, BMI between 18.5-34.99 kg/m2, and no preexisting health conditions were eligible. The aerobic exercisers (EX) participated in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise while non-exercising controls (CON) attended low-intensity stretching/breathing sessions. Data on GA, PTB (<37 weeks), BW, LBW (< 2.5 kg), and delivery mode were collected. Poisson, median and linear regressions were performed. Results: Participants with complete data (n=125) were eligible for analyses (EX: n=58, CON: n=67). NHB pregnant women delivered lighter neonates (β=-0.43 kg, 95% CI: -0.68, -0.18, p=0.001). After adjusting for prenatal exercise, racial/ethnic disparities in BW were reduced (β=-0.39 kg, 95% CI: -0.65, -0.13, p=0.004). Prenatal exercise reduced borderline significant racial/ethnic disparities in PTB (p=0.053) and GA (p=0.07) with no effects found for CS and LBW. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that prenatal exercise may attenuate the racial/ethnic disparities observed in neonatal BW, and possibly GA and PTB. Larger, diverse samples and inclusion of maternal biomarkers (e.g., cytokines) are encouraged to further evaluate these relationships.
First Isolation and Genotyping of Toxoplasma Gondii Strains From Domestic Animals in Tunisia
Authors: Lachkhem Arwa , Galal Lokman , Lahmar Ibtissem , Passebosc Karine , Riahi Homayoun , Plault Nicolas , Dardé Marie-Laure , Mercier Aurélien , Babba Hamouda
Published: December 2020

The isolation and molecular typing of Toxoplasma gondii strains provides an essential basis for a better understanding of the distribution of genetic diversity and associated human health risks. In this context, we report, the molecular characterization of strains of T. gondii isolated from domestic animals infected with T. gondii in Southern and coastal area of Tunisia. This diversity is compared to that known for the Western European and Mediterranean sub-region.Blood, hearts and/or brains were collected from 766 domestic animals (630 sheep and 136 free-range chickens). Strain isolation from these samples were performed using mouse bioassay. The strains genotyping was carried out with a multiplex PCR technique using 15 microsatellite markers. Viable strains of T. gondii were isolated from 13.4% sheep and 33.3% chickens. Furthermore, the parasite was also detected in three DNA extracts from animal tissue digestates.This study showed a large predominance of type II strains (87.9%) from which two samples were type II variants for W35 locus. The other genotypes were three type III sheep isolates (9.1%) and, for the first time in Tunisia, an isolate of sheep origin of the Africa 4 genotype (3.0%). The comparison of microsatellite alleles of type II strains shows the recent migration of strains between Tunisia and other countries of the world.
Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) in the preoperative assessment in aortic surgery: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zientara Alicja , Schwegler Igor , Dzemali Omer , Bruijnen Hans , Bernheim Alain , Dick Florian , Attigah Nicolas
Published: December 2020

Background: Reliable prediction of the preoperative risk is of crucial importance for patients undergoing aortic repair. In this retrospective cohort study we evaluated the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) in the preoperative risk assessment with clinical outcome in a cohort of consecutive patients.Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a single center unit of 296 patients undergoing open or endovascular aortic repair. Out of these, 276 patients had a preoperative statement of their functional capacity in metabolic units and were evaluated concerning their postoperative outcome. Results: Mean survival of the whole cohort was 74 months. There was no significant difference between patients with a functional capacity of more or less than 4 MET respectively (74.5 vs 65.4 months; p=0.64). The infrarenal cohort was subdivided based on the operative technique (open or endovascular) and the preoperative MET status. Survival analysis of all four subgroups showed no significant differences. The median follow-up of the patients’ cohort was 10.8 months. In 46 patients with >4MET (20.9%) perioperative complications occurred compared to the group with <4MET with 18 patients (32.1%) (p=0.075). The risk to miss a potential need for cardiac optimization in patients >4MET was 7%.Conclusion: Functional preoperative evaluation by MET in patients undergoing aortic surgery is used as standardized tool for patients’ assessment and is meant to act as a useful surrogate marker of perioperative performance. However, it could not discern patients in need for cardiopulmonary testing.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT03617601 (retrospectively registered)
Phenotypic and genotypic drug sensitivity profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and associated factors in northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Fikru , Erko Berhanu , Mekonnen Yalemtsehay , Yenew Bazezew , Amare Misikir , Gumi Balako , Ameni Gobena
Published: December 2020

Background
Tuberculosis is a devastating and a deadly disease despite the novel advances in its diagnostic tools and drug therapy. Drug resistant Mycobacterium contributes a great share to tuberculosis mortality. Status of drug resistance and patients’ awareness toward the disease is unknown in northeastern Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic and genotypic drug sensitivity patterns and associated factors in Oromia Special Zone and Dessie Town, northeastern Ethiopia.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 384 smear positive tuberculosis cases were recruited and Löwenstein-Jensen culture was done. The performance of GenoTypic MTBDRplus assay using the conventional BACTEC MGIT 960 as a "gold standard" was determined. Drug resistant strains were identified using spoligotyping. Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the association of drug sensitivity test and tuberculosis type, lineages, dominant strains and clustering of the isolates. For the assessment of patients’ awareness towards the disease questionnaires were used.
Results
A fair agreement was found between MTBDRplus assay and the conventional MGIT test in detecting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 94.2%, 30.2%, 68.4% and 76.5%, respectively. The MTBDRplus assay detected 16.8% (16/95) of the isolates as drug resistant and MGIT detected a comparable number 15.9% (11/69) as resistant. Cohen's kappa value showed almost a perfect agreement between the two testing methods in detecting rifampicin (sensitivity 100% and specificity 98.3%) and multi-drug resistance (sensitivity 83.3% and specificity 100%). Spoligotyping identified 76.5% (13/17) of the drug resistant isolates as Euro-American and family 33 as the predominant family. Significant association was observed between drug resistant isolates and the dominant strains (χ2: 34.861; p = 0.040). Majority of the patients heard about tuberculosis as compared to drug resistant Mycobacterium.
Conclusion
Higher magnitude of drug resistance was found in the study area. The GenoTypic MDRTBplus assay had an acceptable drug sensitivity testing performance. Patients’ awareness towards the disease specifically to the resistant Mycobacterium was low.
Molecular epidemiology, risk factors, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility and outcome of candidemia in the capital of Iran: a prospective study
Authors: Kord Mohammad , Salehi Mohammadreza , Hashemi Seyed Jamal , Rezaie Sassan , Maleki Ayda , Mahmoudi Shahram , Ahmadikia Kazem , Izadi Alireza , Abdollahi Alireza , Alijani Neda , Parsamehr Nasrin , Aala Farzad , Moradi Masoud , Fesharaki Shirin Sadat Hashemi , Badali Hamid , Khodavaisy Sadegh
Published: December 2020

Background

Candidemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and those hospitalized with serious underlying diseases despite the commencement of antifungal therapy. We investigated the molecular epidemiology, clinical characteristics, comorbidity risk factors, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility profile, and outcome of candidemia to provide appropriate perspectives in Tehran, Iran.
Methods

A prospective observational study of all patients diagnosed with candidemia was performed at two referral teaching hospitals in Tehran. Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, risk factors, clinical symptoms, and laboratory analyses were mined.
Results

One-hundred and fifty-two Candida isolates from 89 patients with candidemia were recovered. The overall crude mortality was 47.2%. The most common underlying disease was sepsis (48.3%) followed by malignancy (46.1%), renal failure/ dialysis (43.8%), and Hypertension (40.0%). C. albicans (43.8%) was the most frequent causative agent followed by C. glabrata (21.3%), C. parapsilosis complex (15.7%), C. tropicalis (11.2%), and C. lusitaniae (3.4%). Result of antifungal susceptibility test show that activity of all the four azole antifungal agents was low against non-albicans Candida species, especially C. tropicalis.
Conclusion

Increase in non-albicans Candida species with reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs might be alarming in high-risk patients. Therefore, accurate knowledge of predisposing factors and epidemiological patterns in candidemia are effective steps for managing and decreasing the mortality rate in candidemia.
WITHDRAWN: Effectiveness of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine on Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: He Na , Shi Haixia , Hu Yajuan , Uribe Alberto , Mu Xinhua , Song Fei , Yu Jianshe
Published: December 2020

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is the decline in cognitive ability that occurs between one week and one year following surgery. POCD has been reported to occur in 5% to 26% of elderly surgical patients and its incidence varies with demographic, clinical, and surgical variables. Previous studies have shown that dexmedetomindine (DEX), a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, has many effects that include opioid-sparing properties, decreased required anesthetic medication, and neuroprotection in animal models. Ultimately, DEX may benefit cognitive ability in the postoperative period. Therefore, we hypothesized that intraoperative infusion of DEX would reduce early POCD and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in elderly surgical patients compared to placebo. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial enrolled 96 elderly patients that underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATL) between May 2017 and April 2018. The enrolled subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX Group) or placebo (0.9% normal saline, Saline Group) as a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.5μg/kg/hr starting at anesthesia induction until incision closure. All subjects received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) during surgery and patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) following surgery. The primary outcomes were to determine the incidence of POCD and IL-6 expression at postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the degree of pain on POD 1 and 2, as well as adverse events throughout the study. Results: 96 eligible subjects (48 per group) were randomized, dosed with study medication, and evaluated per protocol. There was a significant difference on POCD between the DEX and saline groups on POD 1 (6.3% vs. 20.8%, p-value <0.05) and POD 2 (4.2% vs. 16.7%, p-value <0.05). The IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the DEX group when compared with saline group during POD 1 and 2 (p-value <0.05). IL-6 returned to baseline levels on POD 7. There was no significant difference in POCD on POD7, and overall there were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events between both groups.Conclusions: The administration of intraoperative DEX in elderly patients undergoing VATL decreased the incidence of early POCD. Clinical Trial Registry: This study was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the ID ChiCTR-IPR-17010958.
Self-assembly using a retro Diels-Alder reaction
Authors: Park Jaeyoung , Heo Jung-Moo , Seong Sicheon , Noh Jaegeun , Kim Jong-Man
Published: December 2020

Despite their great utility in synthetic and materials chemistry, Diels-Alder (DA) and retro Diels-Alder (rDA) reactions have been vastly unexplored in promoting self-assembly processes. Herein we describe the first example of a retro Diels-Alder (rDA) reaction-triggered self-assembly method. Release of the steric bulkiness associated with the bridged bicyclic DA adduct by the rDA reaction allowed generation of two building blocks that spontaneously self-assembled to form a supramolecular polymer. By employing photopolymerizable lipid building blocks, we demonstrated the efficiency of the rDA-based self-assembly strategy. Generation of reactive functional groups (maleimide and furan) that can be used for further modification of the supramolecular polymer is an additional meritorious feature of the rDA-based approach. Advantage was taken of reactive functional groups to fabricate stimulus-responsive selective and tunable colorimetric sensors. The strategy developed in this study could open new avenues to the design of systems that participate in triggered molecular assembly.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Cumulative Environmental Effects of Offshore Wind Farms in the North Sea Basin
Authors: Gusatu Laura , Menegon Stefano , Depellegrin Daniel , Zuidema Christian , Faaij André , Yamu Claudia
Published: December 2020

The North Sea basin is one of the busiest maritime areas globally with a considerable number of anthropogenic pressures impacting the functioning of the marine ecosystem. Due to growing EU ambitions for the deployment of large-scale offshore wind farms (OWF), as part of the 2050 renewable energy roadmap, there is a key need for a holistic understanding of OWF potential impacts on the marine ecosystem. We propose a holistic Cumulative Effect Assessment methodology, applied using a geo-spatial open-source software, to assess impacts of OWF related pressures on selected seabed habitats, fish, seabird and mammal species. We take into account pressures specific to the three OWF development phases, spanning 1999–2050, for the entire North Sea basin. Our results underline 2022 as the peak year of cumulative impacts for the approved OWFs, followed by a considerable increase in potential impacts of the planned 212GWs, by 2050. The spatio-temporal analysis of the OWF environmental impacts presents the shift between highly impacted areas over the studied timeline and distinguishes between concentrated areas of high impacts (S-E of UK) and dispersed areas of high impacts (Germany). Our results can inform decision-makers and the OWF industry in a joint effort to mitigate the environmental impacts of future large-scale OWF developments.
Distinction Between Natural and Artificial Agarwood Based on Electronic Nose Data
Authors: Wu Shenghong , Huang Yueqian , Chen Xiaoying , Zhou Xin , Zhang Weimin , Gao Xiaoxia
Published: December 2020

Background: Agarwood is widely used as a traditional medicine all over the world. Distinction between the qualities of natural and artificial agarwood is a current hot research topic among agarwood research communities. An important sensory characteristic of agarwood lies in its incense smoke, and an analysis of incense smoke has been traditionally used to evaluate the agarwood quality since ancient times. The aim of this study is to establish a rapid detection method using electronic nose (E-nose) systems to distinguish between natural and artificial agarwood. Result: Incense smokes of 45 natural and artificial agarwood samples were analyzed by E-nose, and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to cluster the E-nose data. The chemical markers which could be used to distinguish between artificial and natural agarwood were identified by GC-MS combined with information value and decision tree algorithm. The results showed that the smellprints of artificial agarwood contained more peaks, while those of natural agarwood had higher response intensities. The compounds that were different between the two types of agarwood were three sesquiterpenes and six chromone derivatives. The result from decision tree algorithm further showed that 6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone was the chemical marker that could be used to distinguish between artificial and natural agarwood. Nootkatone and 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone were the chemical markers that may contributed to the clustering of the E-nose data; the two compounds can be used to evaluate the incense smoke of agarwood. Conclusion: We demonstrated that our developed E-nose-based method could rapidly distinguish between the incense smokes of artificial and natural agarwood; this method could be applied to evaluate the quality of agarwood in the future.