bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy program intended to improve public health professionals’ ability to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Phoosuwan Nitikorn , Lundberg Pranee C.
Published: June 2020

BackgroundDuring the perinatal period women lack screening and treatments for perinatal depressive symptoms, while public health professionals (PHPs) in primary care centres (PCCs) need training for identification and management of such symptoms. This quasi-experimental study was aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy among PHPs after participating in a Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-efficacy (KAS) program for identification and management of perinatal depressive symptoms.MethodThe KAS-program, carried through in Sakonnakhon in north-eastern Thailand, comprised one day of theory and a four-week period of field practice. Thirty-three PHPs from PCCs participated in the program. Twenty-three of them participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Chi-square for trend, paired-sample T-tests and content analysis were used.ResultsKnowledge, attitude and self-efficacy scores increased after the PHPs had fully participated in the KAS-program. Four categories emerged from the FGDs: increased understanding and knowledge, being aware and having a positive attitude, having confidence and ability to work, and need of regular training and feedback.ConclusionThe KAS-program might contribute to giving PHPs in PCCs the knowledge, positive attitude and self-efficacy they need to identify and manage perinatal depressive symptoms. Implementation of the KAS-program to other healthcare professionals such as nurses/midwives is great of interest.
Predictors of the Timing and Number of Antenatal Care Visits among Unmarried Compared To Married Youth in Uganda Between 1995 And 2011
Authors: Agaba Peninah , Misinde Cyprian
Published: June 2020

Introduction Inadequate use of maternal health services among the youth remains a serious health challenge in Uganda. The low use of maternal health services among youth partly explains the persistence high maternal mortality rate in the country. Yet, improved use of maternal health services by the youth would help reduce maternal deaths in the country. Therefore, this study examines predisposing and enabling factors associated with the timing and the number of antenatal care visits among unmarried compared to married youth aged 15-24 years between 1995 and 2011 in Uganda. Methodology Two-level binary logistic and linear regression models with district as a second level of analysis were conducted on pooled data of the 1995, 2000/01, 2006 and 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys. This analysis was among 581 unmarried, compared to 5,437 married youth, aged 15-24 years. Results Only 16% of unmarried youth and 18% of married youth had ANC in the first trimester. Education was the only factor that was significantly associated with early use of antenatal care among unmarried youth. Whereas high education was associated with higher odds of using antenatal care in the first trimester among married youth (OR=1.30, 95%CI=1.08-1.57), it was associated with late start among unmarried youth (OR=0.56, 95%CI=0.31-0.98). Higher parity, protestant membership and residence in eastern region were associated with late start of antenatal care, while access to radio and television, and education level of the husband were associated with higher odds of early use of antenatal care among married youth. Overall, married youth were more likely to have more frequent antenatal care visits than unmarried youth. Among both groups, higher educational attainment and greater access to radio were associated with frequent antenatal care use. Residing in western region was associated with fewer antenatal care visits among both married and unmarried youth. Access to newspaper was associated with more antenatal care visits among married youth only. Conclusion This study presents the individual level predisposing and enabling factors that are important predictors of the use of antenatal health care services among youth that will guide policy to reduce maternal deaths among youth in Uganda.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Rice Rooting Ability at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Xu Xin , Ye Junhua , Yang Yingying , Zhang Mengchen , Xu Qun , Feng Yue , Yuan Xiaoping , Yu Hanyong , Wang Yiping , Yang Yaolong , Wei Xinghua
Published: June 2020

Background Rice rooting ability is a complex agronomical trait that displays heterosis and plays an important role in rice growth and production. Only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been identified by bi-parental population. More genes or QTLs are required to dissect the genetic architecture of rice rooting ability.Results To characterize the genetic basis for rice rooting ability, we used a natural rice population, genotyped by a 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, to identify the loci associated with rooting-related traits through the genome-wide association study (GWAS). Population structure analysis divided the natural population into two subgroups: indica and japonica. We measured four traits for evaluating rice rooting ability, namely root growth ability (RGA), maximum root length (MRL), root length (RL), and root number (RN). Combined with the association study in three panels consisting of one for the full population, one for indica, and one for japonica, 32 SNPs associated with rooting ability-related traits were identified. Through comparison of the relative expression levels and DNA sequences between germplasms with extreme phenotypes, results showed that LOC_Os05g11810 had non-synonymous variations at the coding region, which may cause differences in root number, and that the expression levels of LOC_Os04g09900 and LOC_Os04g10060 are closely associated with root length variation.Conclusions The goal of our research was to improve understanding of the genetic basis of rice rooting ability and provide useful molecular markers and germplasms for rice root breeding.
Pulmonary involvements in systemic juvenile arthritis
Authors: He Tingyan , Ling Jiayun , Yang Jun
Published: June 2020

Background

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of childhood. Pulmonary involvements in sJIA have been recently described. Herein, we assess unusual clinical and radiological features of patients with sJIA, and possible risk factors for pulmonary involvements in sJIA.
Methods

A total of thirty-nine patients with sJIA were retrospectively enrolled. Data extracted included demographics, medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory results, serum cytokine levels, radiological findings, management, and prognosis.
Results

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) had been observed at the initial diagnosis or during disease flares in eleven patients (11/39, 28%). Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was observed in one patient with paroxysmal headache during the MAS phase. Twenty-three patients demonstrated abnormal radiological features on chest Computed Tomography (CT). Only eleven patients had subtle respiratory symptoms with normal oxygen saturation. Eight patients had lung disease (LD) before biologic exposure. sJIA-LD occurred in another six patients after the introduction of tocilizumab. All these patients continued to receive tocilizumab therapy, and sJIA-LD was improved in twelve patients with complete resolution of pulmonary presentations, and partially relieved in two patients. Only one of the two patients with possible anaphylaxis to tocilizumab presented with LD. Severe sJIA-LD was found in two patients with trisomy 21 and Kabuki syndrome, respectively.
Conclusions

Pulmonary involvements are increasingly observed in children with sJIA. Possible high risks for sJIA-LD include the occurrence of MAS, some inherited diseases, and evidence of drug hypersensitivity. It is still a question of whether IL-1/IL-6 inhibitor exposure increases the risk of sJIA-LD. Vasculitis and thrombosis should be considered in sJIA during the MAS phase, particularly in patients with pulmonary involvements.
Trial registration:
Not applicable; this was a retrospective study.
Indonesian Ulema Council Fatwa On Religious Practices During Covid-19 Pandemic: An Investigation Of Muslim Compliance
Authors: Hanafi Yusuf , Taufiq Ahmad , Saefi Muhamad , Ikhsan M. Alifudin , Diyana Tsania Nur , Hadiyanto Andy , Purwanto Yedi , Mawardi Ahmad Imam
Published: June 2020

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1139 Muslims in Indonesia. Attitudes and practices were assessed using a questionnaire developed by researchers referring to the main points of the MUI fatwa. Of the 1139 participants, 73.5% were academics, and 63.8% held bachelor's degrees and higher, while gender and age-group comparisons were balanced. The average score of attitudes and practices about was 60.57 out of 70 and 5.35 out of 7. In general, the results of this study indicate that Indonesian Muslims have positive perceptions and submissive attitudes towards the MUI fatwa.
Development of an Alternative Low-Cost Larval Diet for Mass Rearing of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes In Sri Lanka
Authors: Senevirathna Umesha , Udayanga Lahiru , Ganehiarachchi Mangala , Hapugoda Menaka , Ranathunge Tharaka
Published: June 2020

Background

Aedes aegypti is a major vector of arboviruses that may be controlled on an area-wide basis using novel approaches such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT). Larval diet is a major factor in mass-rearing of Aedes mosquitoes for SIT and IIT programs. Therefore, current study aimed to evaluate the effects of two novel diets developed from dry fish powder on growth and development of immature stages and adult fitness-related characteristics of Ae. aegypti in Sri Lanka.
Method:

Three batches of 250 Ae. aegypti first instar larvae were exposed to three different larval diets as, standard dry fish powder (D1), dry fish powder meal and brewer’s yeast (D2) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reccomanded diet (D3), separately. Morphometric and developmental parameters of 4th instar larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes reared under different dietary treatments were measured. General Linear Model (GLM) was used for statistical analysis.
Results

Significant diet-based variations were observed in the head length, head width, thoracic length, thoracic width, abdominal length, abdominal width and total length (F2, 87>4.811; P < 0.05) of Ae. aegypti larvae. The highest pupation success and the larval size were observed from the larvae fed with D2 diet, while the lowest was reported from D1. All adult morphometric parameters of adult male and female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes also denoted significant dietary variations, reporting the best sized adults from D2 diet (F2, 87>3.54; P < 0.05). Further, significantly higher fecundity and male longevity were also shown by the adult Ae. aegypti (F2, 6>7.897; P < 0.01) reared under diet D2.
Conclusion

Based on all the growth and developmental parameters, D2 diet reported the best quality adult mosquitoes similar to the IAEA recomanded diet, while being more inexpensive. Therefore, larval diet D2 could be recomaded as the ideal diet for for mass-rearing of Ae. aegypti for IIT and SIT-based vector control in Sri Lanka.
Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio is Correlated with a Delay in Feeding Resumption Following a Transhiatal Esophagectomy With Cervical Anastomosis
Authors: Asmar Antoine El , Ghabi Elie , Saber Toufic , Abou-Malhab Christina , Akl Bernard , Rassi Ziad El
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The lymphocytic population, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are prognostic tools predictive of adverse outcomes for several solid tumors and oncologic surgeries, one of which is esophageal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, delayed resumption of oral feeding postoperatively is associated with significant morbidity. Given the controversies regarding post-op nutritional support in these patients, this study investigates the prognostic role of the lymphocytic percentage, the NLR and the PLR in predicting prolonged length of hospital stay (LOHS) and ICU stay (LOICUS) as well as delayed oral feeding following transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: 40 consecutive patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy performed by a single surgeon for Siewert type II and type III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction at a tertiary referral center was selected. Retrospective data collection was performed from the patients’ medical records and statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and Student’s T-test and Chi-square testing.Results: An increased LOHS was correlated with a lower preoperative lymphocyte percentage (p=0.043), higher NLR (p=0.010) and PLR (p=0.015), and an increased number of packed red blood cell (PRBCs) transfusions perioperatively (p=0.030). An increased LOICUS was correlated with a lower preoperative lymphocyte percentage (p=0.033), higher NLR (p=0.018) and PLR (p=0.044), an increased number of PRBCs transfusions (p=0.001) and patients’ comorbidities (p<0.05). A delay in feeding resumption was correlated with a lower preoperative lymphocyte percentage (p=0.022), higher NLR (p=0.004) and PLR (p=0.001), an increased PRBCs transfusions (p=0.001) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.033). Multivariate analysis with automatic linear modeling showed that only the preoperative PLR was a powerful predictor for the delay of feeding resumption (p<0.01).Conclusion: The lymphocyte percentage, PLR and NLR are found to be associated with prolonged hospitalization and ICU stay, delayed oral feeding following THE for Siewert type II and III AEG. We hope by this series, to have set, at least one preliminary cornerstone, in the creation of a prognostic model, capable of assessing the need for an intraoperative jejunostomy placement, in patients undergoing esophagectomy for distal esophageal carcinoma.
A network approach to investigating the key microbes and stability of gut microbial communities in a mouse neuropathic pain model
Authors: Brandon-Mong Guo-Jie , Shaw Grace Tzun-Wen , Chen Wei-Hsin , Chen Chien-Chang , Wang Daryi
Published: June 2020

Background
Neuropathic pain is an abnormally increased sensitivity to pain, especially from mechanical or thermal stimuli. To date, the current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory. The gut microbiota reportedly plays important roles in inducing neuropathic pain, so probiotics have also been used to treat it. However, the underlying questions around the interactions in and stability of the gut microbiota in a spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain model and the key microbes (i.e., the microbes that play critical roles) involved have not been answered.
Results
Here we show that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain alters gut microbial diversity in mice. We successfully constructed reliable microbial interaction networks using the Metagenomic Microbial Interaction Simulator (MetaMIS) and analyzed these networks based on 177,147 simulations. Interestingly, at a higher resolution, our results showed that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain altered both the stability of the microbial community and the key microbes in a gut micro-ecosystem. Oscillospira, which was classified as a low-abundance and core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the Sham group, whereas Staphylococcus, classified as a rare and non-core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain group.
Conclusions
In summary, our results provide novel experimental evidence that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain reshapes gut microbial diversity, and alters the stability and key microbes in the gut.
Hygienic Sanitary Items Usage and Ovulatory Cycle Knowledge in India
Authors: Babbar Karan , Saluja Deepika
Published: June 2020

Background In India, most of the adolescent girls experience their first menstrual cycle with the lack of knowledge on menstruation, exacerbated by a plethora of taboos. Women undergoing menstruation experience discrimination, abuse, and neglect resulting from the myths and misconceptions built around menstruation. Such practices of discrimination and perpetuating myths might potentially lead to girls missing their schools and sometimes even dropping out after they start menstruating. NFHS-4 data shows that 26.8 percent of women in India are married before 18 years and 7.8 percent of the women in 15-19 years age group have already become a mother or are pregnant. One-third of the new births in India are born out of adolescent pregnancies. Considering these issues, this study examines how various socio-economic factors impact: (i) the usage of hygienic sanitary items by menstruating women during their periods, and (ii) their knowledge about the ovulatory cycle.Methods We have used the most recent Demographic and Health Survey, popularly known as the National Family Health Survey Round 4 (NFHS-4), conducted in 2015-16 for this study, with a sample of 2,47,833 women in the age group of 15 to 24 years. Binary logistics regression was performed separately for addressing both the research questions, i.e., the impact of various socio-economic characteristics on the usage of hygienic sanitary items and women’s knowledge of the ovulatory cycle.Results We found that (a) women or their partners who are educated up to high school are more likely to use the hygienic sanitary items, and (b) married women or women who have access to television are more likely to know about the ovulatory cycles.Conclusion These findings tell us the ground reality of menstrual health in India and urge policymakers to develop comprehensive puberty education programs for boys and girls and community-based programs to start a discussion between the community, adults, and other menstruators freely.
Toxicity of orally administered food-grade titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Han Hyoung-Yun , Seong Eunsol , Yang Mi-Jin , Yoon Cheolho , Lee Gwang Hee , Kim Dong-Wan , Kim Tae-Won , Kwak Minjeong , Heo Min Beom , Lee Tae Geol , Kim Soojin , Oh Jung-Hwa , Yim Hyeonji , Oh Inkyung , Park Eun-Jung , Yoon Seokjoo
Published: June 2020

Background

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified as a Group B carcinogen inhaled titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles, and France banned the application of TiO 2 nanoparticles as a food additive based on the insufficient oral toxicity data. However, there still remains controversial due to the insufficient evidence for its safety. Here, we explored the toxicity of food-grade TiO 2 nanoparticles (hereafter, E171) in vivo and in vitro .

Methods

We investigated the subchronic toxic responses of E171 (0, 10, 100, and 1,000 mg/kg) under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) system and tried to elucidate the possible toxic mechanism using AGS cells, a human stomach epithelial cell line.

Results

There were no dose-related changes in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development test guideline-related endpoints. Meanwhile, E171 deeply penetrated cells lining the stomach tissues of rats administered the maximum dose, and blood IgM (male and female) and GM-CSF (female) levels were significantly lower in the E171-treated rats than in the control rats. Colonic SOD-1 (male and female) and SOD-2 (female) protein levels decreased with increasing Ti accumulation. When exposed to AGS cells for 24 h, E171 (40 μg/mL) located in the perinuclear region. The E171 treatment affected expression of ER stress-related proteins but did not induce cell death up to the used maximum concentration (40 μg/mL). A gene profile analysis also showed that immune response-related microRNAs were most strongly affected by E171 exposure.

Conclusion

Considering the potential toxicity observed in vivo and in vitro test, we concluded that the NOAEL of E171 for 90-days repeated oral administrations is less than 1,000 mg/kg for both male and female rats. Additionally, E171 may attenuate host's defense function against foreign bodies by decreasing antioxidant capacity, thus we propose that chronic toxicity studies on E171 are required to warrant the safety for use in the food industry.
Malaria Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Nigeria: A Qualitative study to explore barriers and facilitators
Authors: Mahmud Fatima Muhammad , Nedjat Saharnaz , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Parseian Mahbubeh , Majdzadeh Reza
Published: June 2020

Background : Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP) used as a preventive treatment for malaria is low among pregnant women in Nigeria. However, there is limited evidence on the barriers and facilitators of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) use in pregnant women. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of IPTp use among pregnant women in Kano state, Nigeria.Methods: This qualitative study used a conventional content analysis method. Purposive sampling strategy was used to select study participants. A total of 14 key informant interviews were conducted with policy makers, malaria experts and health care providers. Three focus group discussions (FGD) were also conducted among pregnant women. Furthermore, separate three FGDs were conducted among husbands whom were selected using opportunistic maximum variation sampling method. MaxqDA 10 software was used for data analysis, i.e., to develop categories, subcategories and themes.Results: Malaria policy implementation, antenatal care attendance, accessibility of intermittent preventive treatment in the communities, strengthening IPTp service delivery were the facilitators of IPTp use while political reluctance, high population density, inadequate budget to implement IPTp related policies emerged as barriers to IPTp use.Conclusion: The political will to allocate sufficient budget could help improve service delivery and IPTp use among pregnant women and facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda to end malaria in 2030.
An Outbreak of Gastroenteritis Associated with a Novel GII.8 Sapovirus Variant-Transmitted by Vomit in Shenzhen, China, 2019
Authors: Yan Yuxiao , Li Yuan , Wen Shi , Jin Miao , Kong Xiangyu , LI Huiying , Zhang Qing , Pang Lili , Jiang Li , Liu Junying , Li Yuning , Duan Zhaojun
Published: June 2020

Human Sapovirus (SaVs) has been reported as one of the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. We investigated an outbreak of SaV that affected 428 students of a primary school during spring activities from 24th February to 11th March 2019 in Shenzhen city, China. The single factor analysis showed that the students which saw others vomiting in classroom or playground, saw vomitus less than 1.5 meters are susceptible (P < 0.05). Seven of eleven fecal samples from patients were positive for GII.8 SaV genotype. In this study, we obtained the genome sequence of a sapovirus GII.8 strain SZ08 comprehensively analyzed the genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the GII.8 strain SZ08 formed an independent branch and became a novel variant of GII.8 genotype.
Computational Predictions for Protein Sequences of COVID-19 Virus via Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Alkady Walaa , Zanaty Muhammad , Afify Heba M.
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus infection is increasingly evolving to be an international epidemic in 27 countries as a serious respiratory disease. Therefore, the computational biology carrying this virus that correlated with the human population is urgently needed. In this paper, the classification of the human protein sequences of COVID-19 according to the country is applied by machine learning algorithms. The proposed model is based on the distinguishing of 9238 sequences by three stages including data preprocessing, data labeling, and classification. In the first stage, the function of data preprocessing converts the amino acids of COVID-19 protein sequences to eight groups of numbers based on volume and dipole of the amino acids. In the second stage, there are two methods for data labeling of 27 countries from 0 to 26. The first method is based on the selection of one number for each country according to the code number of countries while the second method is based on binary elements only for each country. The classification algorithms are executed to discover different COVID-19 protein sequences according to their countries. The findings are concluded that the accuracy of 100% performed by country based binary labeling method with Linear Regression (LR) or K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) or Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. Further, it found that the USA with large data records in infection rate has more priority for correct classification compared to other countries with a low data rate. The unbalanced data for COVID-19 protein sequences is considered a major issue, especially the available data in USA represented 76% from a total of 9238 sequences. As a consequence, this proposed model will help as a diagnostic bioinformatics tool for the COVID-19 protein sequences among different countries.
Air quality changes and Grey relational analysis of pollutants exceeding standards during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan
Authors: Ji Junhong , Chang Runqi
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 has spread widely around the world, and the air quality during that period has changed significantly. On the contrary, air quality also can affect the development of the pandemic. Therefore, it is pretty necessary to study air quality changes during the pandemic. This paper achieves this goal by applying the Over-standard multiples method and Grey relational analysis to study the individual and overall change trends of pollutants in Wuhan during the same period in the past seven years. The result shows that the concentrations of SO2 and O3 increased affected by the pandemic but still meet the standard. However, the pandemic promoted a decrease in PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations, but it had just reached the standard or even exceeded the standard. This article discussed the feasibility of using Grey relational analysis to analyze pollutants exceeding the standard from an overall perspective and provided new ideas for future research.
Extremely severe case of COVID-19 pneumonia recovered despite bad prognostic indicators: a didactic report
Authors: Bentivegna Enrico , Luciani M. , Spuntarelli V , Speranza M L , Guerritore L , Sentimentale A , Martelletti P
Published: June 2020

Introduction: COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus - 2 (SARS-COV2). Starting from Wuhan (China) where it was firstly reported, it rapidly spread to the rest of the world, causing a pandemic with more than 300.000 deaths to date. Case presentation: we report an extremely severe case of coronavirus pneumonia in an over-80 years old patient with hypertension, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite several bad anamnestic indicators, the severe clinical conditions and complications that arose during hospitalization, the patient recovered and was discharged.Conclusions: Although a higher vulnerability of geriatric patients has been observed, the literature on elderly COVID-19 patients have remained very scarce, especially in those over 80. The aim of this paper is to describe an extremely severe case of coronavirus pneumonia in an over-80 years old patient that, despite a clearly poor anamnestic and clinical prognostic forecast was successfully discharged thanks to a careful evaluation of the case and of the complications that have arisen. Several efforts have been made to identify therapeutic strategies and prognostic indicators of COVID-19 but there is still much to learn. With this report, we hope to provide important elements to better understand this disease.
Integrated analysis of RNA binding proteins in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Fan Xuehui , Liu Lili , Shi Yue , Guo Fanghan , Wang Haining , Zhao Xiuli , Zhong Di , Li Guozhong
Published: June 2020

Background: Though RNA-binding proteins play an essential role in a variety of different tumors, there is still limited effort made on the systematic analysis of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in the survival of colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods: An analysis was conducted of the CRC transcriptome data collected from the TCGA database and RBPs were extracted from CRC. R software was applied to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RBPs. To identify the pathways and functional annotation of RBPs DEGs, Gene Ontology (GO) function, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out using the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery. The interactive gene database search tool was employed to conduct protein-protein interaction analysis, while Cytoscape software was applied for visual processing. Based on the COX regression analysis of the prognostic value of interacting RBPs and survival time, the RBPs related to survival were screened out, and a prognostic model was constructed. The data stored in TCGA database was taken as the Train group, while the chip data obtained from the GEO database was treated as the Test group to verify the model. Then, both survival analysis and ROC curve verification were conducted. Finally, the risk curves and nomograms of the two groups were drawn to predict the survival period.Results: There were 314 genes up-regulated by RBPs DEGs and 155 genes down-regulated, from which twelve RBPs (NOP14, MRPS23, MAK16, TDRD6, POP1, TDRD5, TDRD7, PPARGC1A, LIN28B, CELF4, LRRFIP2, MSI2) with prognostic markers were obtained.Conclusions: These twelve genes may be applicable as the predictor of CRC and play an essential role in the pathogenesis of CRC. In spite of this, it remains necessary to further explore the underlying mechanism.
Forecast predictions for the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil by statistical modeling using the Weibull distribution for daily new cases and deaths
Authors: Moreau Vitor Hugo
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 has killed more than 330.000 people worldwide and more than 21,000 Brazilians. Since there are no specific drugs or vaccines, the available tools against COVID-19 are preventive, such as the use of personal protective equipment, social distancing, lockdowns and mass testing. Such measures are hindered in Brazil due to a restrict budget, low educational level of the population and misleading attitudes from the federal authorities. Predictions for COVID-19 are of pivotal importance to subsidize and mobilize health authorities’ efforts in applying the necessary preventive strategies. The Weibull distribution was used to model the forecast prediction of COVID-19, in four scenarios, based on the curve of daily new deaths as a function of time. The date in which the number of daily new deaths will fall below the rate of 3 deaths per million, the mean level considered by some countries to relax stay-at-home measures, was estimated. If the daily new deaths curve was bended today (i. e. about 1,250 deaths per day), the predicted date would be on June 18th. Analysis of the lethality rate allowed the estimation of daily new cases and total death toll at the end of the outbreak. Our results suggest that each additional day that lasts to bend the daily new deaths curve can correspond to additional 3,718 deaths at the end of COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil (R2 = 0.9938). Predictions of the outbreak can be used to guide Brazilian health authorities in the decision making to properly fight COVID-19 pandemic.
Relative contribution of expected sum of squares values for soybean genotypes × growing environments interaction
Authors: Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Silva José Antonio Gonzalez da , Ferreira Luiz Leonardo , Szareski Vinícius Jardel , Demari Gustavo Henrique , Facchinello Paulo Henrique Karling , Moura Natã Balssan , Schneider Ricardo de Oliveira , Rosa Tiago Corazza da , Magano Devid Araujo , Souza Velci Queiróz de
Published: June 2020

The objective of this work was to assess the effects and tendencies weighted by genotypes x environments interaction for soybean, as well as to employ a biometric approach through the relative contribution of the sum of squares expected values (RCSS) and to define which levels of the variation sources determine the differential effects of the interaction. The experimental design was randomized blocks arranged in a factorial scheme (four growing environments x 20 soybean genotypes). The relative contribution of expected sums of squares values to soybean genotypes x growing environments interaction defined that the environment Tenente Portela - RS significantly influence plant height, number of pods per plant, number of reproductive nodes in the main stem, number of reproductive nodes in the ramifications, number of grains per plant and grain yield. The variation factor soybean genotypes define that number of pods per plant, number of reproductive nodes in the ramifications, number of grains per plant and grain yield are potentiated by genotype TMG 7161 RR. The biometric approach is efficient to understand the treatment levels and the slicing of simple effects of a factorial experiment, being possible to apply this methodology extensively in soybean.
Drying effect on physical and physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of kiwifruit powder
Authors: Moreira Inacia dos Santos , Silva Wilton Pereira da , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Castro Deise Souza de , Silva Luzia Márcia de Melo , Sousa Francinalva Cordeiro de , Lima Jacinete Pereira , Silva Cleide Maria D. P. S. e , Lisbôa Jemima Ferreira , Moura Henrique Valentim
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of convective drying at different temperatures on the physical and chemical properties of kiwifruit powder. Circular kiwi slices were cut with thickness of 5.0 mm and subjected to different drying air temperatures (50, 60, 70 and 80 ºC). After drying, the slices were ground to obtain the powder and characterized for the physical parameters, physicochemical parameters and bioactive compounds. The powders were characterized for physical and physicochemical attributes and bioactive compounds. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replicates, and the data were subjected to analysis of variance by F test and to Tukey test at 0.05 probability level. Kiwifruit powders obtained by convective drying at 50, 60, 70 and 80 ºC were classified as non-hygroscopic, showing good flowability and low cohesiveness. Kiwifruit powders obtained at temperatures of 70 and 80 ºC had lower moisture content and water activity, with predominance of yellow intensity over red intensity, which influenced their final color according to the drying air temperature. Powders obtained at the four drying temperatures showed significant amounts of bioactive compounds; thus, they can be consumed in powder and used in the preparation of food products. However, samples dehydrated at temperature of 70 ºC had higher contents of phenolic compounds compared to the others.
Revisitando a adesão ao TNP a questão nuclear entre Brasil e Argentina nos anos 1990
Authors: Reis da Silva André Luíz , Mallmann Vinicius Henrique
Published: June 2020

O conflito entre Brasil e Argentina ao longo da Guerra Fria criou, no contexto sul-americano, uma corrida nuclear. Enquanto as Grandes Potências globais tentavam congelar internacionalmente o poder e impedir o avanço de desenvolvimento bélico em países menores, Argentina e Brasil competiam pela liderança regional e enxergavam, na dominância do setor atômico, a chave para essa conquista. Assim, ambos os países negaram o Tratado de Não-Proliferação de Armas Nucleares, questionando suas proposições ambíguas e pouco claras. Esse trabalho pretende analisar o porquê de, na década de 1990, Argentina e Brasil romperem com o longo caminho de negação e resistência perante a aceitação e a assinatura do Tratado. Por meio da análise de fontes primárias – discursos, tratados e notas de governo – e da consolidada bibliografia existente sobre o tema, analisaremos a mudança da percepção da Política Externa dos dois países no Sistema Mundial frente à implementação do neoliberalismo na América do Sul e de como essa implementação foi importante para que os dois países viessem a assinar o TNP. Finalmente, o trabalho busca entender os motivos que levaram a Argentina e o Brasil a aderirem ao TNP e a importância que os Estados Unidos e o Neoliberalismo tiveram em tal processo.
Mares Revoltos, Caminhos Necessários um Panorama da Geopolítica Energética Sino-Indiana
Authors: Paiva Iure , W. M. Teixeira Júnior Augusto , Chumacero Vanderley Gary Rainer
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo apresenta uma análise geopolítica sobre a dimensão militar da segurança energética de China e Índia. O estudo em tela terá como objeto os projetos de cooperação e integração energética que Pequim e Nova Deli articulam em seu entorno regional com países fornecedores. Em seguida, serão analisadas as ameaças que se apresentam aos casos selecionados quanto à proteção da infraestrutura do setor energético e o transporte de combustíveis por meio de rotas marítimas e estreitos. Conclui-se que os desafios geopolíticos ligados à segurança energética, ao invés de impor a competição como determinação geográfica, apresenta um horizonte no qual a cooperação sino-indiana emerge como necessária para a segurança de ambas as potências asiáticas.
Effect of iron treatment and equilibrium pH on the kinetics of removal of some substituted phenols from synthetic wastewater onto Nostoc sp. biomass
Authors: Gururani Namrata , Bhatt Devesh , Srivastava Anjana , Srivastava Prakash Chandra
Published: June 2020

Substituted phenols, such as 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), that are present in industrial wastewaters are considered as priority pollutants due to their toxic effects. Their removal by biosorption presents an eco-friendly, cost-effective method. The kinetics of removal of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP by untreated Nostoc sp. (UNB) and Fe-treated Nostoc sp. biomass (FNB) were studied at three different pH (4.0, 7.0 and 9.0). The highest sorption of both phenols (2.28 mg 4-NP and 1.51 mg 2,4-DCP g−1) coupled with the lowest cumulative percentage desorption was recorded with FNB at pH 7.0. The sorption of both phenols by UNB and FNB was best accounted for by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Compared to UNB, FNB had significantly higher equilibrium sorption capacities for both phenols at all the three pH values and also higher sorption rate constants of 4-NP at pH 4 and 9 and of 2,4-DCP at pH 4 and 7. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that –OH and COO− groups of UNB interacted with Fe+3. The sorption of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP on UNB was likely through H-bonding/structural cation bridging with the phenolic group, while their sorption onto FNB appeared to be a complexation reaction with very low reversibility.
Surfactant removal and biomass production in a microalgal-bacterial process: effect of feeding regime
Authors: Serejo Mayara L. , Farias Sarah L. , Ruas Graziele , Paulo Paula L. , Boncz Marc A.
Published: June 2020

The influence of the feeding regime on surfactant and nutrient removal and biomass production was evaluated in three high rate algal ponds for primary domestic wastewater treatment. Feeding times of 24, 12 and 0.1 h d−1 were studied in each reactor at a similar hydraulic retention time of 7.0 days and organic load of 2.3 mg m−2 d−1. Semi-continuous feeding at 12 and 0.1 h d−1 showed better microalgal biomass production (0.21–0.23 g L−1) and nutrient removal, including nitrogen (74–76%) and phosphorus (80–86%), when compared to biomass production (0.13 g L−1) and nitrogen (69%) and phosphorus (46%) removals obtained at continuous feeding (24 h d−1). Additionally, the removal efficiency of surfactant in the three reactors ranged between 90 and 97%, where the best result was obtained at 0.1 h d−1, resulting in surfactant concentrations in the treated effluent (0.3 mg L−1) below the maximum freshwater discharge limits.
La osteoartritis y los nódulos de Schmörl como indicadores del estilo de vida entre los cazadores-recolectores del Sitio Chenque I
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriela
Published: June 2020

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar los resultados del análisis bioarqueológico realizado sobre una muestra procedente de la Unidad Inferior del sitio Chenque I (Parque Nacional Lihué Calel, provincia de La Pampa, Argentina). El objetivo es generar conocimiento en relación con la organización de las actividades cotidianas entre los cazadores-recolectores allí inhumados. La muestra estuvo compuesta por adultos de ambos sexos (n: 16). Se relevó el esqueleto apendicular y el axial, con el fin de identificar y medir la distribución, la frecuencia y la severidad de la osteoartritis y los nódulos de Schmörl, respectivamente. Los datos sugirieron que, entre los cazadores-recolectores inhumados en este cementerio del Holoceno tardío, habrían existido usos del cuerpo diferenciales según el sexo y la edad, aunque mujeres y varones podrían haber compartido algunos de ellos. Otros factores, como el rol social de los individuos, podrían haber influido en la organización de las actividades.
La muerte, los ritos, lo sagrado: prácticas funerarias entre los habitantes de la costa sur de la Laguna Mar Chiquita y llanuras adyacentes en el holoceno tardío (Córdoba, Argentina)
Authors: González Claudina , Fabra Mariana
Published: June 2020

El objetivo del presente trabajo es abordar el estudio de las costumbres mortuorias en el sur de Laguna Mar Chiquita y las llanuras adyacentes a partir del análisis exhaustivo del registro bioarqueológico local de los últimos 4000 años, del cual se dispone de información cronológica absoluta, y cultural para contextualizar los hallazgos. Interesa destacar cambios y continuidades, considerando las modalidades de entierro, la disposición de los cuerpos y su distribución en el paisaje, considerando para ello la cronología de las muestras, la composición biológica de la muestra, la edad y el sexo. Se calcularon prevalencias para distintas variables que permiten describir las prácticas mortuorias, y se aplicó la prueba de chi cuadrado para evaluar la significación estadística de las diferencias observadas. Si bien se observan continuidades que hablan de la pervivencia de ciertas prácticas, ciertas sutilezas respecto a la orientación de los cuerpos o la posición de los miembros inferiores o superiores podría estar indicando algunos cambios respecto a la organización social de estos grupos, con rituales que tuvieron duración acotada en el tiempo y no requirieron traslado o reubicación de sus muertos.
El “nicho del salvaje” en las formas de la alteridad de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Authors: Londoño Wilhelm
Published: June 2020

En este artículo, se hace una revisión de los contextos de emergencia de la categoría tairona, palabra usada en los documentos coloniales para referirse a cierto tipo de poblaciones objeto de los procesos de conquista en el norte de Colombia a inicios del siglo XVI. Con esta exploración, no se pretende hacer una cronología de la conquista, ni revisar hechos, sino apreciar cómo esas discusiones históricas que toman esa categoría como central, sentaron las bases y las condiciones de posibilidad, para el desarrollo de la arqueología de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Para ello se revisan fuentes coloniales que son analizadas desde la teoría crítica antropológica.
Los estudios bioantropológicos en Jangwa Pana
Authors: Andres Martínez William Andrés
Published: June 2020

Una de las características de las sociedades modernas occidentales es lo que algunos autores han llamado la división intelectual del trabajo (Escobar, 2018; Martínez-Dueñas y Perafán, 2018), es decir separar los dominios del conocimiento y sus practicantes entre aquellos que les corresponde estudiar a los humanos y las diferentes expresiones de sus subjetividades individuales y compartidas (ciencias sociales); y por otro los estudios sobre los no-humanos que vivos o muertos, son entendidos como objetos y en algunas ocasiones como cuasi-sujetos (ciencias naturales). Esta división tiene su respuesta interna (intra-moderna) con las tendencias holísticas, sistémicas o complejas, que buscan reintegrar en modelos de la realidad dicha fragmentación (Escobar, 2005), que a la final es la expresión de la dicotomía naturaleza/cultura, propia de la imaginación moderna (Latour, 2007; Descola, 2012).
Export of Institutions and Problem of Secession
Authors: Orekhovsky P. A.
Published: June 2020

The transition of many states at the end of the twentieth century to democratic forms of government was called to increase the efficiency and transparency of the activities of representative bodies of power. Along with the implementation of the principle of subsidiarity in relation between Centre, regions and municipalities, this was to strengthen the state system. However, for many post-Soviet and developing countries, the import of Western democratic institutions was accompanied (and is accompanied) by the destruction of territorial integrity and the growth of corruption. This undermines the confidence of citizens in liberal democracy and causes nostalgia for a «strong hand». The work is devoted to the analysis of the problems associated with the export of democracy to the countries with middle and low income per capita. Economic theory due to the implicit assumption of homogeneity of the socio-economic space as usual. In connection this, the problem of secession is ignored, becomes relevant for the country-importer of Western democratic institutions. The export of institutions is an effective and rentable substitute for military-political operations for exporting countries. A paradoxical addition to these exports is the corruption of local elites, which contributes to allied relations with West or the transition of the political and economic establishment to the «external management» regime. An essential feature of modernity is the prohibition of territorial seizures, which contributes to an increase in the number of states. However, a significant part of them has only negative sovereignty, being unable to provide its citizens with the necessary amount of public goods.
Aggregation of Public Choice: Partnership of the State and Business in Structuring Post-Coronavirus Reality
Authors: Vaslavskiy Ya. I.
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously damaged national socio-economic systems, causing the deepest economic recession since the Great Depression. Social reality has been divided into the period before and after COVID-19. Neither nation-states, nor national health systems, nor economic-centrist national communities, nor national models of public choice aggregation have managed stand the test of the coronavirus pandemic. Post-coronavirus reality will begin to form after the completion of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be based on completely different principles of functioning. That is why even today theorists and practitioners are thinking about the future of the post-crisis world, the hallmark of which is absolute uncertainty. The methodological approaches developed by the new political economy make it possible to rethink the phenomenon of partnership between the state and private business as a mechanism to assess the effectiveness of alternative options for the institutional structure of the new reality, the functions of the state in society with universal values in its basis, in models of aggregation of public choice, etc., taking into account the realities of the post-coronavirus world.