bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovulatory signals alter granulosa cell behavior through YAP1 signaling
Authors: Sun Tianyanxin , Diaz Francisco J.
Published: December 2019

Background

The Hippo pathway plays critical roles in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and survival among species. Hippo pathway proteins are expressed in the ovary and are involved in ovarian function. Deletion of Lats1 causes germ cell loss, ovarian stromal tumors and reduced fertility. Ovarian fragmentation induces nuclear YAP1 accumulation and increased follicular development. At ovulation, follicular cells stop proliferating and terminally differentiate, but the mechanisms controlling this transition are not completely known. Here we explore the role of Hippo signaling in mouse granulosa cells before and during ovulation.

Methods

To assess the effect of oocytes on Hippo transcripts in cumulus cells, cumulus granulosa cells were cultured with oocytes and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured with a pSMAD2/3 inhibitor. Secondly, to evaluate the criticality of YAP1 on granulosa cell proliferation, mural granulosa cells were cultured with oocytes, YAP1-TEAD inhibitor verteporfin or both, followed by cell viability assay. Next, COCs were cultured with verteporfin to reveal its role during cumulus expansion. Media progesterone levels were measured using ELISA assay and Hippo transcripts and expansion signatures from COCs were assessed. Lastly, the effects of ovulatory signals (EGF in vitro and hCG in vivo) on Hippo protein levels and phosphorylation were examined. Throughout, transcripts were quantified by qRT-PCR and proteins were quantified by immunoblotting. Data were analyzed by student’s t-test or one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test or Dunnett’s post-hoc test.

Results

Our data show that before ovulation oocytes inhibit expression of Hippo transcripts and promote granulosa cell survival likely through YAP1. Moreover, the YAP1 inhibitor verteporfin, triggers premature differentiation as indicated by upregulation of expansion transcripts and increased progesterone production from COCs in vitro. In vivo, ovulatory signals cause an increase in abundance of Hippo transcripts and stimulate Hippo pathway activity as indicated by increased phosphorylation of the Hippo targets YAP1 and WWTR1 in the ovary. In vitro, EGF causes a transient increase in YAP1 phosphorylation followed by decreased YAP1 protein with only modest effects on WWTR1 in COCs.

Conclusions

Our results support a YAP1-mediated mechanism that controls cell survival and differentiation of granulosa cells during ovulation.
The history of neuromyelitis optica. Part 2: ‘Spinal amaurosis’, or how it all began
Authors: Jarius S. , Wildemann B.
Published: December 2019

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) was long considered a clinical variant of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the discovery of a novel and pathogenic anti-astrocytic serum autoantibody targeting aquaporin-4 (termed NMO-IgG or AQP4-Ab), the most abundant water channel protein in the central nervous system, led to the recognition of NMO as a distinct disease entity in its own right and generated strong and persisting interest in the condition. NMO is now studied as a prototypic autoimmune disorder, which differs from MS in terms of immunopathogenesis, clinicoradiological presentation, optimum treatment, and prognosis. While the history of classic MS has been extensively studied, relatively little is known about the history of NMO. In Part 1 of this series we focused on the late 19th century, when the term ‘neuromyelitis optica’ was first coined, traced the term’s origins and followed its meandering evolution throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. Here, in Part 2, we demonstrate that the peculiar concurrence of acute optic nerve and spinal cord affliction characteristic for NMO caught the attention of physicians much earlier than previously thought by re-presenting a number of very early cases of possible NMO that date back to the late 18th and early 19th century. In addition, we comprehensively discuss the pioneering concept of ‘spinal amaurosis’, which was introduced into the medical literature by ophthalmologists in the first half of the 19th century.
Unique molecular signature in mucolipidosis type IV microglia
Authors: Cougnoux Antony , Drummond Rebecca A. , Fellmeth Mason , Navid Fatemeh , Collar Amanda L. , Iben James , Kulkarni Ashok B. , Pickel James , Schiffmann Raphael , Wassif Christopher A. , Cawley Niamh X. , Lionakis Michail S. , Porter Forbes D.
Published: December 2019

Background

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) are a large family of inherited disorders characterized by abnormal endolysosomal accumulation of cellular material due to catabolic enzyme and transporter deficiencies. Depending on the affected metabolic pathway, LSD manifest with somatic or central nervous system (CNS) signs and symptoms. Neuroinflammation is a hallmark feature of LSD with CNS involvement such as mucolipidosis type IV, but not of others like Fabry disease.

Methods

We investigated the properties of microglia from LSD with and without major CNS involvement in 2-month-old mucolipidosis type IV (Mcoln1−/−) and Fabry disease (Glay/−) mice, respectively, by using a combination of flow cytometric, RNA sequencing, biochemical, in vitro and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results

We characterized microglia activation and transcriptome from mucolipidosis type IV and Fabry disease mice to determine if impaired lysosomal function is sufficient to prime these brain-resident immune cells. Consistent with the neurological pathology observed in mucolipidosis type IV, Mcoln1−/− microglia demonstrated an activation profile with a mixed neuroprotective/neurotoxic expression pattern similar to the one we previously observed in Niemann-Pick disease, type C1, another LSD with significant CNS involvement. In contrast, the Fabry disease microglia transcriptome revealed minimal alterations, consistent with the relative lack of CNS symptoms in this disease. The changes observed in Mcoln1−/− microglia showed significant overlap with alterations previously reported for other common neuroinflammatory disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Indeed, our comparison of microglia transcriptomes from Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 and mucolipidosis type IV mouse models showed an enrichment in “disease-associated microglia” pattern among these diseases.

Conclusions

The similarities in microglial transcriptomes and features of neuroinflammation and microglial activation in rare monogenic disorders where the primary metabolic disturbance is known may provide novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of other more common neuroinflammatory disorders.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01067742, registered on February 12, 2010
Deletion of SIRPα (signal regulatory protein-α) promotes phagocytic clearance of myelin debris in Wallerian degeneration, axon regeneration, and recovery from nerve injury
Authors: Elberg Gerard , Liraz-Zaltsman Sigal , Reichert Fanny , Matozaki Takashi , Tal Michael , Rotshenker Shlomo
Published: December 2019

Background

Recovery of function from traumatic nerve injury depends on the ability of severed axons to grow/regenerate back to their target tissues. This is achieved by successfully crossing the lesion site where physical impact severed axons, determined by the type of trauma, followed by successfully growing throughout the Wallerian degenerating nerve segment located distal to and beyond the lesion site, determined by the nature of Wallerian degeneration. The protracted removal of myelin debris in Wallerian degeneration, which leads residual myelin debris to slow down axon growth, impedes recovery of function. We focused in this study on mechanism(s) that delay the removal of myelin debris in Wallerian degeneration and so impede recovery. Previously, we showed that myelin debris inhibited its own phagocytosis in primary cultured macrophages and microglia as CD47 on myelin ligated SIRPα (signal regulatory protein-α) on phagocytes, and sequentially, SIRPα generated “don’t eat me” signaling. We also demonstrated that serum inhibited phagocytosis in a SIRPα-dependent manner. Herein, we aimed to determine whether SIRPα-dependent inhibition of phagocytosis in macrophages impedes the in vivo removal of myelin debris in Wallerian degeneration, further leading to impaired healing.

Methods

Using SIRPα null (SIRPα−/−) and littermate wild-type (SIRPα+/+) mice, we studied the recovery of sensory and motor functions from nerve injury and, further, axon regeneration, SIRPα expression, myelin debris removal, and the phagocytic capacity and presence of macrophages in Wallerian degeneration.

Results

Myelin debris removal, axon regeneration, and the recovery of functions were all faster in SIRPα−/− mice than in wild-type mice. Between the two cell types that mostly scavenge myelin debris, macrophages but not Schwann cells expressed SIRPα in wild-type mice, and furthermore, SIRPα−/− macrophages phagocytosed significantly more than wild-type macrophages.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an intrinsic normally occurring SIRPα-dependent mechanism that impedes the in vivo removal of myelin debris in Wallerian degeneration by inhibiting the phagocytosis of myelin debris in macrophages, hence preventing fast growing axons from fully implementing their regenerative potential. Thus, accelerating the removal of myelin debris by eliminating SIRPα-dependent inhibition of phagocytosis will most likely advance recovery of functions from nerve injury.
Stakeholder perspectives on integration of mental health services into primary care: a mixed methods study in Northern Iraq
Authors: Nguyen Amanda J. , Rykiel Natalie , Murray Laura , Amin Ahmed , Haroz Emily , Lee Catherine , Bolton Paul
Published: December 2019

Background

Integrating evidence-based mental health services into primary care has been identified as one strategy for overcoming the treatment gap in low and middle-income countries, yet their uptake into standard practice remains poor. The purpose of this study was to understand stakeholder perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators to integration of mental health services into primary care settings in Northern Iraq.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed methods study design, quantitative and qualitative questionnaires assessed respondent perceptions of implementation factors under the domains of Autonomy, Acceptability, Appropriateness, Feasibility, Penetration/Accessibility, Sustainability, and Organizational Climate. We interviewed four types of stakeholders: clients, providers of mental health services, non-mental health (MH) staff working at the centers, and center directors. Interviews were conducted with clients at the completion of services, and with all other stakeholder groups in the latter half of the first year of program implementation, by Kurdish-speaking interviewer pairs. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed separately and merged using qualitative data transformation to quantify frequency of theme and integrate with quantitative findings through woven narrative.

Results

123 clients, 26 providers, 40 non-MH staff, and 12 directors provided data. Positive perceptions of the program’s acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and positive impacts were reported across all stakeholder levels. Providers reported that the program length (8–12 sessions) was a challenge. Clients described logistical challenges (e.g.: transportation, childcare, home duties); support from family and friends appeared to be critical. Lack of private space, insufficient staffing, and need for greater government support were also important issues.

Conclusions

This mixed methods study is unique in its inclusion of non-MH staff and director perspectives on integration of mental health services in primary care clinics. Their inclusion proved vital since they included critical human resource barriers to feasibility. Providers reported generally positive integration experiences but that some colleagues (clinic staff not involved in mental health services) were unsupportive. Most non-MH staff were supportive, but some did report negative impacts on their working environment. Future studies of integration of mental health services into other service platforms should include the perspectives of stakeholders not involved in provision of mental health services.
Common mental disorders and its determinants among epileptic patients at an outpatient epileptic clinic in Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Bahirdar, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Wubie Mengesha Birkie , Alebachew Mogesie Necho , Yigzaw Asmare Belete
Published: December 2019

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that is highly predisposed to a variety of mental health problems due to its huge biological, social and psychological burdens. Despite this, there is a paucity of research in this area. Therefore, assessing common mental disorders and its determinants among epileptic patients would be of great importance.

Objective

This study was aimed to asses prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders among people with epilepsy attending Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Bahirdar, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

Institutional based analytic cross-sectional study design was utilized from January to February 2019 at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital among 422 epileptic patients who were diagnosed clinically and on follow up treatment. Systematic random sampling was applied to recruit participants. Interviewer based and pretested Self Reporting Questionnaire‐20 was used to screen common mental illness with a cut-off point 7 and above as having a common mental disorder. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis with 95% CI were computed and variables with p < 0.05 in the final model were considered as associated factors for common mental disorders.

Result

Four hundred twenty-two patients with epilepsy were included in our study with a response rate of 100% and 64.5% were males. The mean age of participants was 59 ± 13.37 years. Common mental disorder among epileptic patients was found to be 35.8%. There was a statistically significant association between marital status, comorbid medical illness, nicotine dependence, alcohol misuse, and medication non-adherence with common mental disorders at p < 0.05.

Conclusion

The prevalence of common mental distress was high (35.8%) suggesting that it is a public health issue. Marital status, comorbid medical illness, nicotine dependence, alcohol misuse, and medication non-adherence were the factors having an association with a common mental disorder. Therefore, early screening and recognition of mental distress symptoms should be a routine activity while managing epileptic patients.
First-generation migrants’ use of psychotropic medication in Northern Ireland: a record linkage study
Authors: Bosqui Tania , O’Reilly Dermot , Väänänen Ari , Patel Kishan , Donnelly Michael , Wright David , Close Ciara , Kouvonen Anne
Published: December 2019

Purpose

There is a recent and growing migrant population in Northern Ireland. However, rigorous research is absent regarding access to mental health care by different migrant groups. In order to address this knowledge gap, this study aimed to identify the relative use of psychotropic medication between the largest first generation migrant groups in Northern Ireland and the majority population.

Methods

Census (2011) data was linked to psychotropic prescriptions for the entire enumerated population of Northern Ireland using data linkage methodology through the Administrative Data Research Centre Northern Ireland (ADRC-NI).

Results

Lower prescription dispensation for all psychotropic medication types, particularly antidepressants (OR = 0.35, CI 95% 0.33–0.36) and anxiolytics (OR = 0.42, CI 95% 0.40–0.44), was observed for all migrant groups with the exception of migrants from Germany.

Conclusions

It is likely that the results reflect poorer access to services and indicate a need to improve access and the match between resources, services and the health and social care needs of migrants. Further research is required to identify barriers to accessing primary care and mental health services.
Extraction of bioactive compounds from Psidium guajava and their application in dentistry
Authors: Shaheena Shaik , Chintagunta Anjani Devi , Dirisala Vijaya Ramu , Sampath Kumar N. S.
Published: December 2019

Guava is considered as poor man’s apple rich in phytochemicals with medicinal value and hence it is highly consumed. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis of guava leaf extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antitumor properties. Hence, it is used in tooth paste formulations along with other ingredients such asAcacia arabicagum powder, stevia herb powder, sea salt, extra virgin coconut oil, peppermint oil in the present study. Three formulations F1, F2 and F3 have been made by varying the concentration of these ingredients and the prepared formulations were studied for their antimicrobial activity and physico-chemical parameters such as pH, abrasiveness, foaming activity, spreading and cleaning ability. Among these, F3 showed significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, minimal cytotoxicity, maximum spreadability and very high cleaning ability. This study surmises that the herbal toothpaste formulation is greener, rich in medicinal values and imparts oral hygiene.
Specific enrichment of microbes and increased ruminal propionate production: the potential mechanism underlying the high energy efficiency of Holstein heifers fed steam-flaked corn
Authors: Ren Hao , Su Xiaodong , Bai Hanxun , Yang Yuntian , Wang Hongrong , Dan Zeng , Lu Jinbin , Wu Shengru , Cai Chuanjiang , Cao Yangchun , Lei Xinjian , Yao Junhu
Published: December 2019

Corn grain has a high starch content and is used as main energy source in ruminant diets. Compared with finely ground corn (FGC), steam-flaked corn (SFC) could improve the milk yield of lactating dairy cows and the growth performance of feedlot cattle, but the detailed mechanisms underlying those finding are unknown. The rumen microbiome breaks down feedstuffs into energy substrates for the host animals, and contributes to feed efficiency. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the ruminal bacterial community changes of heifers fed differently processed corn (SFC or FGC) using 16S rRNA sequencing technologies, and to uncover the detailed mechanisms underlying the high performance of ruminants fed the SFC diet. The results revealed that different processing methods changed the rumen characteristics and impacted the composition of the rumen bacteria. The SFC diet resulted in an increased average daily gain in heifers, an increased rumen propionate concentration and a decreased rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were tended to increase or significantly increased in the heifers fed SFC diet compared with FGC diet. In addition, the relative abundance of amylolytic bacteria of the genera Succinivibrio, Roseburia and Blautia were elevated, and the cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013) were decreased by the steam flaking method. Spearman correlation analysis between the ruminal bacteria and the microbial metabolites showed that the rumen propionate concentration was positively correlated with genera Succinivibrio and Blautia abundance, but negatively correlated with genera Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 abundance. Evident patterns of efficient improvement in rumen propionate and changes in rumen microbes to further improve feed conversion were identified. This observation uncovers the potential mechanisms underlying the increased efficiency of the SFC processing method for enhancing ruminant performance.
Coping with food and nutrition insecurity in Zimbabwe: does household head gender matter?
Authors: Kairiza Terrence , Kembo George D.
Published: December 2019

On the basis of a large-scale nationally representative sample of household data from five pooled cross-section surveys conducted by the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC), this study assesses the existence of gender differences in the vulnerability to food and nutrition insecurity, usage of consumption-based and livelihoods-based coping strategies, and the existence of gender heterogeneity in the correlation of usage of such coping strategies when confronted by food and nutrition insecurity. The study offers three main findings. Firstly, female-headed households are more susceptible to food and nutrition insecurity than those headed by males. Secondly, female-headed households are more likely to employ consumption-based coping strategies than their male counterparts, but there is no statistically significant difference in the usage of livelihoods-based coping strategies. Finally, whilst there is little evidence of gender heterogeneity in the correlation of the usage consumption-based coping strategies, there is overwhelming evidence that female-headed household heads are less likely to adopt livelihoods-based coping strategies when confronted with food and nutrition insecurity. The sum total of these findings is that whilst female-headed households are more prone to food insecurity than their male counterparts, they are less able to use livelihoods-based coping strategies to weather household food and nutrition insecurity than their male counterparts.
Heat flow density estimates in the Upper Rhine Graben using laboratory measurements of thermal conductivity on sedimentary rocks
Authors: Harlé Pauline , Kushnir Alexandra R. L. , Aichholzer Coralie , Heap Michael J. , Hehn Régis , Maurer Vincent , Baud Patrick , Richard Alexandre , Genter Albert , Duringer Philippe
Published: December 2019

The Upper Rhine Graben (URG) has been extensively studied for geothermal exploitation over the past decades. Yet, the thermal conductivity of the sedimentary cover is still poorly constrained, limiting our ability to provide robust heat flow density estimates. To improve our understanding of heat flow density in the URG, we present a new large thermal conductivity database for sedimentary rocks collected at outcrops in the area including measurements on (1) dry rocks at ambient temperature (dry); (2) dry rocks at high temperature (hot) and (3) water-saturated rocks at ambient temperature (wet). These measurements, covering the various lithologies composing the sedimentary sequence, are associated with equilibrium-temperature profiles measured in the Soultz-sous-Forêts wells and in the GRT-1 borehole (Rittershoffen) (all in France). Heat flow density values considering the various experimental thermal conductivity conditions were obtained for different depth intervals in the wells along with average values for the whole boreholes. The results agree with the previous heat flow density estimates based on dry rocks but more importantly highlight that accounting for the effect of temperature and water saturation of the formations is crucial to providing accurate heat flow density estimates in a sedimentary basin. For Soultz-sous-Forêts, we calculate average conductive heat flow density to be 127 mW/m2when considering hot rocks and 184 mW/m2for wet rocks. Heat flow density in the GRT-1 well is estimated at 109 and 164 mW/m2for hot and wet rocks, respectively. Results from the Rittershoffen well suggest that heat flow density is nearly constant with depth, contrary to the observations for the Soultz-sous-Forêts site. Our results show a positive heat flow density anomaly in the Jurassic formations, which could be explained by a combined effect of a higher radiogenic heat production in the Jurassic sediments and thermal disturbance caused by the presence of the major faults close to the Soultz-sous-Forêts geothermal site. Although additional data are required to improve these estimates and our understanding of the thermal processes, we consider the heat flow densities estimated herein as the most reliable currently available for the URG.
Drug-trafficking as a Non-traditional Security Threat: Emerging Trends and Responses
Authors: Das Pushpita
Published: December 2019

India‟s proximity to two of the world‟s largest producers of opium and synthetic drugs and its large pharmaceutical base has made the country not only a conduit but also a source for drug trafficking. This illegal movement of narcotics and drugs pose significant threats to national security: breach of security of the international borders and the country, money generated by the sale of drugs and narcotics are used for terror funding and criminal groups engaged in drug trafficking develop nexus with terror networks. The trends and patterns of drug trafficking in the country demonstrate that there has been a gradual shift from traditional/natural drugs towards synthetic drugs that are being trafficked and consumed in the country. The paper analyses the steps taken by the State to curb the process and its effectiveness so far.
Illegal Migration and Strategic Challenges: A Case Study of Undocumented Migration from Bangladesh to India
Authors: Mayilvaganan M
Published: December 2019

Generally people move either legally or illegally due to socioeconomic and environmental reasons like poverty, unemployment and climate change or in search of better opportunities like for work and education, apart from for the reasons of reunification with family members, or the fear of persecution by other ethnic and political groups. In India as per the census 2001 data the total number of migrants is 314 million. Out of these, migrants from Bangladesh are around 10-20 million, who are mostly undocumented and crossed the border illegally. Though the migration brings in positive contribution, but the illegal ones pose serious challenges to the receiving State. The paper focuses on illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India and its implications.
Refugees and National Security: Two South Asian Case Studies
Authors: S Ghosh Partha
Published: December 2019

Among non-traditional threats to security, the problem of refugees is an important one. Because of political turmoil in several parts of the world, refugee flows are going beyond the capacity of the international system of handle. In South Asia, because of the ongoing conflict between two major nations, India and Pakistan, the issue assumes a serious dimension. We can understand this by studying the following two case studies: the Bangladesh war and the Afghan war. In both cases, the number of refugees was massive and in both cases, America was the principal external actor. But while in the case of Bengali refugees, the host state tried to take advantage of the situation for promoting its foreign policy goals, in the case of Afghan refugees, the host nation tried to use the situation to promote its foreign policy as well as domestic political goals. Although every host state had to face unforeseen consequences, in the long run, it underlines the relevance of the discourse of the refugee-security interface.
Prevention of Conflict-Induced IDPs and Their Protection: The Challenges
Authors: Surendra Kumar S Y
Published: December 2019

Displacement due to war, protracted conflicts, mass violation of human rights, generalised violence, repression of minorities, natural and technological disasters has been a matter of concern. However, displacement due to the intensified armed conflicts and violence has become a common phenomena around the world and remains a critical factor of vulnerability for people across the world. Displacement also creates logistical and humanitarian nightmare, and threatens international security and risks the lives of displaced people, aid workers, and peacekeepers. In this context, the paper attempts to identity the reasons of initial neglect for the international community. Furthermore, the trends in conflict-induced displacement and the challenges confronting the international community in protection and prevention of conflict-induced IDPs is examined.
China in India’s Neighbourhood: Connectivity, Political Messaging and Military Diplomacy
Authors: T Jacob Jabin
Published: December 2019

This essay examines three approaches in Chinese foreign and security policies at work in India‟s neighbourhood with the help of three brief case studies involving Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The first looks at how China has engaged with Nepal through connectivity projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The second case study looks at Chinese attention to Bhutan especially in the context of the Doklam conflict with Indian in mid-2017. The third and final case study describes Beijing‟s military diplomacy with Sri Lanka. These case studies provide an overview of the range of Chinese activities, approaches and interests in South Asia that New Delhi often has trouble appreciating or accepting. This article argues that accepting the reality of these Chinese approaches and understanding them are essential for India to rethink and reinvigorate its own neighbourhood policy.
Pangs of Proximity: Politico-Constitutional Crisis in Sri Lanka and its Implications on India-Sri Lanka Relations
Authors: Manoharan N , Pawar Riya Arundhati
Published: December 2019

The National Unity Government, formed by the traditional rivals UNP and SLFP, was a good example of „cohabitation‟. However, things started falling apart in due course due to new political realignments. It reached a stage where President Sirisena joined hands with the previous President Rajapaksa to oust Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe resulting in about a two-month-long politico-constitutional crisis. With judicial intervention, the crisis got over, but not permanently; the polity looks polarised. The crisis has wide-ranging implications, both at domestic and international levels, especially for India-Sri Lanka relations. Unprecedented political situation that has arisen in Sri Lanka has at least two broad implications on India-Sri Lanka relations: the state of Indian infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka and the ethnic issue in the island nation. Keywords: Wickremasinghe, Sirisena,
INTERACTION OF THE STATE, BUSINESS AND UNIVERSITIES IN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL FULL-CYCLE PROJECTS
Authors: Khvalynskaya Svetlana Alexandrovna
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of technology transfer supported by two federal programs: Federal Targeted Program “Research and Development in Priority Areas of Development of Russian Scientific and Technological Complex for 2014–2020” (hereinafter FRDP) and Russian Government Resolution 218 of 9 April 2010 (hereinafter Resolution 218).

Aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of and identify more effective mechanism of interaction between the state, business and universities as supported by Resolution 218 and FRDP for full-cycle projects and technology transfer.

Methodology: Methods of statistical economics, quantitative and qualitative methods were used, including comparative analysis, expert assessments, and analysis of macroeconomic forecasts.

Results: Higher effectiveness of commercialization mechanism for technology transfer implemented within framework of Resolution 218 relative to FRDP is shown.

Scope of application of results: Results obtained should be applied by universities when selecting most effective form of interaction with state and industry partners to commercialize technologies, as well as by public authorities in development of new tools for implementation of full-cycle projects.

Conclusions: Constructing future mechanism of technology commercialization is of primary importance both due to the fact that in 2021 FRDP and Resolution 218 programs will finish, and since point subsidies for individual enterprises cannot address systemic goal of improving competitiveness of high-tech development sector as a whole.
MANAGEMENT OF INTANGIBLE ASSETSS OF THE ENTERPRISE INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE WITH REFERENCE TO RISKS
Authors: Elokhova Irina Vladimirovna , Nazarova Lyubov Alexandrovna
Published: December 2019

The article is devoted to the analysis of existing assessment tools of intangible results of innovative performance that are used to manage the innovative development of the enterprise. The authors consider the most common methods for determining the risk premium when calculating the discount rate. The study shows that existing methods take into account intangible results to a different extent. At the same time, not all intangible results of innovative performance and not in all methods are taken into account properly, this proves that accounting of intangible results can change the discount rate and affect the future cash flows of the enterprise and, as a consequence, the value of the enterprise.

Purpose: analysis of existing methods of estimated risk correction development of «factor model for calculating the risk premium» taking into account intangible results of innovative performance.

Methods and Methodology: complex of methods of theoretical research (description, comparison, analysis and synthesis), empirical research (expert assessment).

Results: development of “factor model for calculating the risk premium taking into account the intangible results of innovation”, which allows more reliable calculation of the risk premium, and as a consequence of the discount rate, which makes it possible to make management decisions reasonably and promptly.

Practical implications: It is advisable for economic entities to use the obtained results. That can help them expand the number of analyzed intangible results of innovative activity within the framework of a particular risk factor in order to increase the reliability of calculating the risk premium and, as a result, the discount rate.
DIGITAL MODELING OF WHEAT AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTION BASED ON ECONOMIC AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS
Authors: Vladimirovna Berdnova Ekaterina , Lazhauninkas Julia Vladimirovna
Published: December 2019

In modern conditions of import substitution, the question of domestic production of crop products, including soybeans, is acute. Of course, soybeans is grown in Russia, but there are no suitable tools to optimize its production. There is an increasing need to obtain the greatest profit from the sale of soybeans, but there is no competent planning of acreage for various crops, including soybeans.

We have constructed an economic and mathematical model of the distribution of acreage in the cultivation of wheat and soybeans, carried out the calculation using the simplex method, as well as the analysis of profit in their production. As a result of calculation we receive that on the identical sown area profit from cultivation of wheat makes 152691 RUB, profit from cultivation of soybeans – 19405510 RUB.

We propose to implement in existing digital platforms such a calculation to optimize the distribution of acreage by introducing economic and mathematical modeling on

Purpose. Methods of economic and mathematical modeling to determine the optimal distribution of acreage in the production of soybeans in order to obtain the greatest profit, to analyze the profit from the sale of soybeans and wheat.

Methodology in article economic-mathematical methods based on the simplex method.

Results: the most informative parameters reflecting the optimal distribution of acreage for soybean cultivation are received.

Practical implications it is expedient to apply the received results advisable to implement in existing digital platforms to optimize the distribution of acreage by introducing economic and mathematical modeling based on the simplex method.
Technological Quality of New Croatian Barley Varieties Intended for Whisky Malt Production
Authors: Habschied Kristina , August Hrvoje , Mastanjević Krešimir , Šimić Gordana , Lalić Alojzije , Krstanović Vinko
Published: December 2019

The aim of this paper was to assess the technological quality of three novel Croatian spring barley varieties and lines intended for brewing and distilling. Two tested lines Osk.5.45/2-15 and Osk.5.33/23-15 and one variety Pivarac were developed at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, while the used control sample was the recognised whisky barley variety Grace. The quality of starting barley and final malts were assessed. The results indicate that the tested varieties/lines of spring barley have the potential to become recognised as whisky malt varieties. In order to confirm the obtained results, further monitoring should be employed during the statistically relevant period. The tested quality values the OSK.5.33/23-15 has shown were the closest to the recommended values for whisky malts. In all tested varieties β-glucans content should be reduced which would consequently improve the F/C extract difference and friability values and increase the fermentability and extract yield during fermentation.
Waste Pomelo (Citrus Maxima) Peels – A Natural Source of Antioxidant and Its Utilization in Peanut Oil for Suppressing the Development of Rancidity
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Singh Inderjeet , Kohli Deepika , Joshi Jyoti , Mishra Ritesh
Published: December 2019

The antioxidant activity of pomelo peels was evaluated with different organic solvents. Minimum yield (11.1%) was obtained with chloroform +methanol (2:1), maximum yield (21.6%) with methanol whereas (15.9%) with ethanol and (12.7%) with hexane were observed. The maximum scavenging activity of (ethanolic pomelo peel extract) 88.8 % was observed at 14mg/ml concentration. Antioxidant activity of ethanolic pomelo peel extract was evaluated by calculating free fatty acid, iodine value and p-Anisidine value of peanut oil during 21 days of storage period at room temperature. Samples were drawn and analyze periodically after 7 days and after 21 days of storage, peanut oil containing 1500 and 2000 ppm pomelo peel extract, be revealed lower free fatty acid values (2.66, 2.15%), and p- anisidine value (6.6, 4.68) and higher iodine value (52.8, 51.46) than control peanut oil sample (free fatty acid 9.32%, p- anisidine value 9.85 and iodine value 33.9). From the results, it could be concluded that natural antioxidants extracted from pomelo peel could be added to fat and oil to increase their shelf life by preventing oxidative rancidity.
Whey/Broken Chickpea Extract for manufacture of Probiotic Frozen Yoghurt
Authors: Rabo Fawzia Abd , Azzam M. A. , Dewidar Omaima M.
Published: December 2019

Probiotic frozen yoghurt is one of the ideal probiotic dairy products for delivery of live probiotic micro-organisms to human diet and thus to human intestinal tract. Probiotic micro-organisms have beneficial effects on human health. These benefits include improvements to the intestinal microflora, anti tumoral activity, reduction of cholesterol in the blood, increased immune response and other health benefits. In this study five probiotic frozen yoghurt mixtures were prepared, Acontrol (mainly from fresh skim milk and skim milk powder), B (mainly from whey/broken chickpea extract and milled chickpea grains), AB25 (75% A + 25% B), AB50 (50% A + 50% B) and AB75 (25% A + 75% B). The resultant frozen yoghurts were sensory evaluated. Panelists arranged their preference as Acontrol> AB25> AB50> AB75> B. Physically, the melting resistance of frozen yoghurt increased with the increase of chickpea ingredients. Nutritionally, chickpea frozen yoghurt contained nutrients not found in Acontrol such as dietary fibers, iron, branched chain amino acids, zinc and vitamins B3, B9 and E. Microbiologically, the viable counts of ABT culture strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus + Bifidobacterium bifidum + Streptococcus thermophilus) in all frozen yoghurt samples remained within the limits recommended for the probiotic products. Microbiologically, large numbers (> 107 cfu/g) of probiotic microorganisms present in all stored samples indicated that the resulting frozen yogurt could represent a good source of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum and commercially, this product was included in probiotic dairy products.
Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Selenium-Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX1) Gene
Authors: Qatatsheh Ala A. , Amr Rula , Al-Holy Murad A. , Olaimat Amin N. , Ibrahim R.
Published: December 2019

Human genetic variation is quite common with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) accounting for the majority of the variants. In the present study, primers for amplification of the appropriate part of the human GPX1 gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were designed. The aim of this study was to develop a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay to detect and characterize GPX1 polymorphism in the coding region and validate the assays by sequencing. This study demonstrated that the RFLP method, which can be rapid, is reliable and valid as a tool for identifying the different polymorphisms with a high degree of specificity and sensitivity.
Mep3s - The Nutri Cookie for Children with Renal Diseases
Authors: Karthiga A , Hemamalini A. J , Prabha S
Published: December 2019

Background: Diet for renal disease is stringent with restrictions, offering less food products to be relished. These restrictions make food unpalatable which affects the overall nutrient intake in pediatrics. Hence, the need to develop a snack, which would be palatable and of appropriate nutrient composition for the pediatric population with renal disorders were felt. Aim: To develop and standardize a healthy snack for children with Chronic Kidney Disease using millets and pulses. Materials and Method: Based on their individual nutritional profile, Setariaitalica, Panicummiliaceum, Panicummiliare, were chosen as the main ingredients. The procured ingredients were made into “Nutri Cookie” using standard techniques. The product was subjected to Trials I & II to standardize the final product, it was subjected to organoleptic evaluation by a set of three panel members. Based on the scores the final product was subjected to proximate analysis, microbial analysis and Shelf life Evaluation. Results: Trial I evaluation rates Sample A and Sample C with maximum scores. Trial I samples were the base for Trial II, in which the Sample C was rated high based on the overall organoleptic attributes and selected as the final product. The proximate analysis revealed the cookie to be nutrient dense and is allergen free complying with the standards of Food Products. Conclusion: Through appropriate selection, permutation and combination of the low cost indigenous food items, a tailor made healthy snack with required nutrient restrictions, complying with the food standards can be prepared that would suit the palate of children with renal disease.
Toxic Effects of Food Colorants Erythrosine and Tartrazine on Zebrafish Embryo Development
Authors: Gupta Radhika , Ranjan Shashi , Yadav Aanchal , Verma Bhawana , Malhotra Kangana , Madan Mahima , Chopra Ojasvi , Jain Shefali , Gupta Sonali , Joshi Adita , Bhasin Chitra , Mudgal Padmshree
Published: December 2019

Erythrosine and tartrazine are common artificial food additives which have become a part of daily human consumption. Advised daily intake values for these agents are set strictly, however, the actual intake is much higher than the recommended ADI. A higher intake of erythrosine and tartrazine is shown to exhibit adverse effects in mammalian models, and is thus a matter of public health concern. In this study we have assessed and compared the dose-dependent effects of erythrosine and tartrazine on inducing oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos. We performed the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity assay to test the effect of the two food colorants on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Erythrosine and tartrazine treated embryos showed significantly increased SOD activity in an enzyme assay. Additionally SOD mRNA transcripts in the treated embryos were found to be upregulated. Erythrosine and tartrazine treatment specifically altered SOD1 mRNA transcript levels while it had no effect on SOD2 mRNA, the other isoform found in zebrafish. Our study shows that erythrosine at a concentration of 0.05% is embryotoxic in a dose and time dependent manner. Tartrazine treated embryos exhibit similar toxicity at a concentration of 0.5%. Erythrosine treated zebrafish embryos hatch much slower when compared to tartrazine treated embryos and control embryos. While erythrosine affects the yolk utilization, tartrazine exhibits teratogenic effects on early zebrafish embryos. The mRNA expression as well as biochemical analysis indicates that exposure to food colorants induces cytoplasmic SOD transcription to combat the ROS toxicity in zebrafish embryos.
Preservation of the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties of Rubus Glaucus Benth
Authors: Castro Johana Velásquez , Vélez Juan Pablo Arrubla , Álvarez Gloria Edith Guerrero , Hurtado Nathalia Cardona
Published: December 2019

The Andes berry (Rubus glaucus Benth) has an ongoing production in Colombia and is considered a competitive market product with the potential for exportation and broad applications in agroindustry because of its high content of antioxidants, nutrients, and proteins, which are keys to a balanced diet. In this study, the effect of an Aloe vera gel coating on the preservation of the nutraceutical properties of the Andes berry was evaluated by measuring the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content of the fruit using the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. The antioxidant activities in fruits without and with coating were 95.14 ± 3.28 mmol AAE 100 g-1 sample and 135.94 ± 1.09 mmol AAE 100 g-1 sample, respectively, after ten day of storage. The total phenolic content of the fruits with and without coating did not present significant differences, i.e., the phenol concentrations remained constant over time. Implementation of the gel coating is recommended as a low-cost and highly available option for the preservation of the Andes berry and its nutraceutical properties.
The Impact of Front-of-Package Traffic Light (Foptl) in the Senior High School Students’ Nutrition Labels Comprehension
Authors: Fatmah Retno D.,
Published: December 2019

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Front-of-Package Traffic Light (FoPTL) nutrition label on female teenagers’ comprehension of nutritional values. A quasi-experimental design employing the purposive sampling method. The intervention group was given FoPTL nutrition label while the control group was given nutrition facts labels within 3 weeks. Twenty-one subjects in a control group and twenty subjects in an intervention group. Both groups taken from the two selected senior high schools at East Jakarta. Our findings confirm the significant difference in the nutrition labels comprehension between the intervention group and control group (p < 0.05), with the intervention group having higher scores (39.17 points) than the control group (20.63 points). It can be concluded that FoPTL can improve the nutrition labels comprehension. To mitigate the low comprehension of nutrition labels, schools are encouraged to cooperate with related partners on educating students about nutrition labels. Future studies may wish to consider examining the issue using male teenagers as the research subjects. To that degree, research on both the reading behavior of FoPTL label and the purchasing behavior of packaged food products should be performed.