bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viral Hepatitis-HIV Co-Infection and their associated factors in Negeri Sembilan - a cross sectional study from HIV Case Registry
Authors: Abas Siti Aishah , Jamil Ahmad Taufik , Saman Mohd Shahril Ahmad , Mohammad Mariam , Ahmad Sharifah Nor
Published: December 2020

Background: Viral Hepatitis HIV Co-infection is an important and preventable cause of chronic liver disease, and having them lead to many consequences, especially for those living in wrenched conditions. Thus it is a significant health issue in the communities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Viral Hepatitis-HIV Co-Infection and determine the associated variables with this Co-Infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using HIV Case Registry ( Anti Retroviral -(ARV) line listing). We included 1274 patients who were seen under the HIV Clinic services, which were screened for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus ( HCV) upon registered to the clinic. Factors associated with the HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV were determined using bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis using SPSS and odds ratio was used as the measures of association. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all the tests. Results: From the 1274 number of HIV patients, the prevalence of HBV-HIV is 5.6% (71 cases), while the prevalence with HCV co-infection was 14.8% (189 cases). As for the frequency of multiple HIV-Coinfection, out of 238 HIV cases with Co-Infection, the majority of 167 cases (70.17%) were HCV-HIV Co-Infected followed by 49 cases (20.5%) were HBV-HIV Co-Infected. In comparison, another 22 cases ( 9.24%) were Co-Infected with HBV-HCV-HIV. In the final model of HBV-HIV Co-Infection, only male gender, CD4 count category less than 199 cells/mm3 and primary care type of facilities were associated with the disease whereas, in the HCV-HIV Coinfection, only male gender, Malay race, Intravenous Drug User (IVDU) modes of transmission, and source of the case from high-risk screening program were associated with the disease. Conclusions: Co-Infection with HCV-HIV is more prevalent from HBV-HIV in our study population. A more targeted intervention of HBV revaccination and more frequent screening of HCV post HCV treatment as reinfection is anticipated in high-risk behaviour patient are some of the intervention programs that can be suggested.
The Build-Up of Aerosols Carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, in Poorly Ventilated, Confined Spaces
Authors: Birnir Bjorn , Angheluta Luiza
Published: December 2020

A model of the distribution of respiratory droplets and aerosols by Lagrangian turbulent air-flow is developed and used to show how the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus can be dispersed by the breathing of an infected person. It is shown that the concentration of viruses in the exhaled cloud can increase to infectious levels with time (grow linearly), in a confined space where the air re-circulates. The model is used to analyze the air-flow and SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus build-up in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China [23, 21]. It is concluded that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in the restaurant in January 2020, is due to the build-up of the airborne droplets and aerosols carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus and would not have been pre- vented by standard ventilation. A comparison with standard models for aerosol concentration shows that, in the absence of ventilation, the decay of the aerosol concentration is also con- trolled by the decay time of the virions in aerosols. This decay time is very long and a steady state is not achieved in the time-frame of the contagion. Instead the concentration exhibits a polynomial increase and reaches infectious levels in a relatively short time, explaining the outbreak in the restaurant in Guangzhou.
WITHDRAWN: Survival Nomograms for Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Population-based Study
Authors: Lin Bi , Yu Dinglai , Chen Shengchuan , Wang Daojie , Huang Chaohao
Published: December 2020

Background: Although pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are considered indolent tumors, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. We aimed to establish a nomogram for clinical use to predict the survival of PNET patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.Methods: Based on the SEER database, 1,103 patients with PNETs were enrolled and randomly divided into training and validation sets. We performed Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis in the training set to evaluate the value of the prognostic factors. A nomogram was then constructed to analyze these independent prognostic factors for predicting the overall survival (OS) and specific cancer survival (CSS). C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the nomogram.Results: Age, primary site, TNM stage, grade, and surgery were associated with OS and CSS in the multivariate models. Nomograms were established depending on these risk factors and had a better discrimination power than the TMN stage. The validation techniques showed that the nomograms were able to predict the 3- and 5-year OS and CSS accurately, and also proved to be superior.Conclusions: Nomograms were established depending on these risk factors and had a better discrimination power than the TMN stage. The validation techniques showed that the nomograms were able to predict 3- and 5-year OS and CSS accurately, and also proved to be superior.
The Chromatin Remodeler Mi2/CHD4 is Required in Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells for Normal Muscle Development and Regeneration
Authors: Derfoul Assia , Pinal-Fernandez Iago , Huang Wilson , Parks Cassie , Pak Katherine , Hoffmann Victoria , Mammen Andrew , Georgopoulos Katia
Published: December 2020

The chromodomain helicase and DNA binding 4 (CHD4) protein is upregulated in regenerating myofibers. To define the role of CHD4 in muscle differentiation and regeneration, we generated mice with CHD4 ablated in muscle satellite cells (SCs). Embryonic day 18.5 CHD4 KO mice are non-viable, with atrophic intercostal and back muscles and altered expression of muscle contraction genes. Tamoxifen-inducible conditional CHD4 KO in adult mouse SCs diminished myoblast proliferation, induced premature differentiation, and altered expression of muscle contraction genes at the myotube stage. Following cardiotoxin–induced muscle injury, CHD4 KO regenerating myofibers had reduced cross-sectional area. ChIP-Seq analysis revealed that CHD4 binds actin a1, Wnt and b-catenin genes, which are known to play roles in the regulation of myogenesis. Together, our results suggest an important role for CHD4 in the control of embryonic myogenesis, SC differentiation, and the control of muscle fiber size in adult skeletal muscle during regeneration.
TVAR: Assessing Tissue-specific Functional Effects of Non-coding Variants with Deep Learning
Authors: Yang Hai , Chen Rui , Wang Quan , Wei Qiang , Ji Ying , Zhong Xue , Li Bingshan
Published: December 2020

Analysis of whole genome-sequencing (WGS) for genetics of disease is still a challenge due to lack of accurate functional annotation of noncoding variants, especially the rare ones. As eQTLs have been extensively implicated in genetics of human diseases, we hypothesize that noncoding rare variants discovered in WGS play a regulatory role in predisposing disease risk. With thousands of tissue- and cell type-specific epigenomic features, we propose TVAR, a multi-label learning based deep neural network that predicts the functionality of noncoding variants in the genome based on eQTLs across 49 human tissues in GTEx. TVAR learns the relationships between high-dimensional epigenomics and eQTLs across tissues, taking the correlation among tissues into account to learn shared and tissue-specific eQTL effects. As a result, TVAR outputs tissue-specific annotations, with an average of 0.77 across these tissues. We evaluate TVAR’s performance on four complex diseases (coronary artery disease, breast cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and Schizophrenia), using TVAR’s tissue-specific annotations, and observe its superior performance in predicting functional variants for both common and rare variants, compared to five existing state-of-the-art tools. We further evaluate TVAR’s G-score, a scoring scheme across all tissues, on ClinVar, fine-mapped GWAS loci, Massive Parallel Reporter Assay (MPRA) validated variants, and observe consistently better performance of TVAR compared to other competing tools.
The Effect of the mGluR8 Agonist, S-3,4-DCPG on Acquisition and Expression of Morphine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Male Rats
Authors: Kahvandi Nazanin , Ebrahimi Zahra , Karimi Seyed Asaad , Shahidi Siamak , Salehi Iraj , Naderishahab Marzieh , Sarihi Abdolrahman
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a principal role in drug reward. It has been reported that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play a key role in the rewarding pathway(s). Previous studies have shown the vast allocation of the different types of mGluRs, including mGluR8, in regions that are associated with opioid rewards, such as the NAc. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of mGlu8 receptors within the NAc in the acquisition and expression phases of morphine induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Adult male Wistar rats were bilaterally implanted by two cannulas' in the NAc and were evaluated in a CPP paradigm. Selective mGluR8 allosteric agonist (S-3,4-DCPG) was administered at doses of 0.03, 0.3, and 3μg/0.5 μL saline per side into the NAc on both sides during the 3 days of morphine (5 mg/kg) conditioning (acquisition) phase, or before place preference test, or post-conditioning (expression) phase of morphine-induced CPP. ResultsThe results revealed that intra-accumbal administration of S-3,4-DCPG (0.3 and 3 μg) markedly decreased the acquisition in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on expression of morphine-induced CPP. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that activation of mGlu8 receptors in the NAc dose-dependently blocks the establishment of morphine-induced CPP and reduces the rewarding properties of morphine which may be related to the glutamate activity into the NAc and/or synaptic plasticity of this system in reward pathway(s).
Identification of unique bile acid-metabolizing bacteria from the microbiome of centenarians
Authors: Honda Kenya , Sato Yuko , Atarashi Koji , Plichta Damian , Arai Yasumichi , Sasajima Satoshi , Kearney Sean , Suda Wataru , Takeshita Kozue , Sasaki Takahiro , Okamoto Shoki , Skelly Ashwin , Okamura Yuki , Vlamakis Hera , Li Youxian , Tanoue Takeshi , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Narushima Seiko , Irie Junichiro , Itoh Hiroshi , Moriya Kyoji , Sugiura Yuki , Suematsu Makoto , Moritoki Nobuko , Shibata Shinsuke , Littman Dan , Fischbach Michael , Hattori Masahira , Murai Tsuyoshi , Xavier Ramnik , Hirose Nobuyoshi
Published: December 2020

Centenarians, or individuals who have lived more than a century, represent the ultimate model of successful longevity associated with decreased susceptibility to ageing-associated illness and chronic inflammation. The gut microbiota is considered to be a critical determinant of human health and longevity. Here we show that centenarians (average 107 yo) have a distinct gut microbiome enriched in microbes capable of generating unique secondary bile acids, including iso-, 3-oxo-, and isoallo-lithocholic acid (LCA), as compared to elderly (85-89 yo) and young (21-55 yo) controls. Among these bile acids, the biosynthetic pathway for isoalloLCA had not been described previously. By screening 68 bacterial isolates from a centenarian’s faecal microbiota, we identified Parabacteroides merdae and Odoribacteraceae strains as effective producers of isoalloLCA. Furthermore, we generated and tested mutant strains of P. merdae to show that the enzymes 5α-reductase (5AR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSDH) were responsible for isoalloLCA production. This secondary bile acid derivative exerted the most potent antimicrobial effects among the tested bile acid compounds against gram-positive (but not gram-negative) multidrug-resistant pathogens, including Clostridioides difficile and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. These findings suggest that specific bile acid metabolism may be involved in reducing the risk of pathobiont infection, thereby potentially contributing to longevity.
Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome with Non-alcoholic and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Han A lum
Published: December 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate differences between the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) Methods: We compared the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome between three groups of subjects (n = 913): healthy, NAFLD, and AFLD groups. The healthy group had no liver disease. Drinking quantity for diagnosis was based on a previously accepted standard. Both the NAFLD and AFLD groups comprised patients with fatty liver disease diagnosed using computed tomography (CT). Metabolic syndrome risk was compared between the NAFLD and AFLD groups. Results: No significant differences in several cardiovascular risk factors were observed between the NAFLD and AFLD groups. Upon analyzing the metabolic syndrome status in each group after making appropriate adjustments, the odds ratios (OR) in the NAFLD (OR = 2.397, P = 0.002) and AFLD groups (OR = 4.445, P = 0.001) were found to be significantly higher than that in the healthy group; the incidence rate of metabolic syndrome was similar in the NAFLD and AFLD groups. Conclusion: Both the NAFLD and AFLD groups had more cardiovascular risk factors and higher metabolic syndrome risk than the healthy group. Thus, the prevention of fatty liver disease, regardless of the specific type, should involve the identification of cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome risk factors. If abdominal CT reveals a fatty liver, whether NAFLD or AFLD, the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome should be assessed.
Establishment of a Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Rat Model of acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Li Yongnan , Huang Jian , Zhang Rongzhi , Wang Shixiong , Cheng Xingdong , Zhang Pengbin , Zhai Kerong , Wang Wei , Liu Debin , Gao Bingren
Published: December 2020

Background: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is now considered a reasonable option to salvage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, we lack a rodent model for experimental studies. This study was undertaken to establish an animal model of VV-ECMO in ARDS rats.Methods: Fifteen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (350 ± 50 g) were used in this study. Using a rat model of oleic acid (OA)-induced ARDS, VV-ECMO was established through bi-caval cannulation of the right jugular vein for venous drainage and venous reinfusion with a specially designed three-cavity catheter. Continuous arterial pressure monitoring was implemented by using a catheter through cannulation of the right femoral artery. The central temperature was monitored with a rectal probe. Arterial blood gas monitoring was implemented by a blood gas analyzer at three-time points: at baseline, 1-hour (after OA modeling), and 3.5-hour (after VV-ECMO support). Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were harvested respectively for protein concentration and pulmonary histologic evaluation to confirm the alleviation of lung injury during VV-ECMO.Results: Following ARDS induced by OA, ten rats were successfully established on VV-ECMO without failure, and survived from the ECMO procedure. VV-ECMO alleviated lung injury and restored adequate circulation for the return of lung function and oxygen. VV-ECMO was associated with decreased lung injury score, wet/dry weight ratio, and ﬂuid leakage into airspaces. Conclusion: We have established a reliable, economical, and functioning ARDS rat model of VV-ECMO.
Bidirectional Association of Neurodevelopment with Growth: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wei Xiaotong , Hu Jiajin , Yang Liu , Gao Ming , Li Lin , Ding Ning , Ma Yanan , Wen Deliang
Published: December 2020

Background: The study aims to use the cross-lagged models and utilize data from the Born in Shenyang Cohort Study to characterize the bidirectional associations of the term-born infants’ neurodevelopment in five domains and physical growth in the early life. Method: This study consists of 688 mother-child dyads from the Born in Shenyang Cohort Study. Infants' anthropometric and development in neurological outcomes were measured twice by the Gesell Development Scale and administered by staff at six and twelve months of age. Cross-lagged analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the longitudinal relationships in both directions. Results: In terms of longitudinal studies, the negative associations between gross motor and social behavior at six months with BMI Z -score at twelve months were found (gross motor: aβ=-0.20, 95% CI: -0.31 to- 0.09; social behavior: aβ=-0.23, 95% CI: -0.33 to- 0.13). Instead , higher infant Z -scored BMI at 6 months predicted lower gross motor at twelve months (aβ=-0.08, 95% CI: -0.12 to- 0.04). The only bidirectional neurological development, gross motor, had a more significant impact on infants’ BMI Z -score than the reverse (β=-0.21 vs. β=-0.09; P<0.001). The similar associations had been found in weight gain velocity. Conclusion: We found bidirectional relationships between infants’ neurodevelopment of gross motor with physical growth and suggested the term-born infants, who are on the edge of the developmental danger, should not be overlooked.
Akt Inhibition Improves the Efficacy of Cabazitaxel Nanomedicine in Preclinical Taxane-Resistant Cancer Models
Authors: Li Tongyu , Shi Linlin , Wan Jianqin , Hu Xiaoxiao , Chen Wanzhi , Wang Hangxiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Drug resistance continues to be a major clinical challenge in achieving cures in cancer patients. Cabazitaxel has shown the ability to surmount drug resistance through bypassing the transporter-mediated drug expulsion; however, the substantially high toxicity in patients hampered its clinical application. In addition, upregulation of certain self-defense proteins (e.g, Akt) was reportedly involved in drug resistance, which may further compromise the activity of cabazitaxel. We have previously developed several prodrug-based strategies to deliver nanoparticles encapsulating cabazitaxel derivatives in tumors with enhanced efficacy and improved in vivo tolerability. Therefore, we hypothesized that combing cabazitaxel nanotherapeutics with a pan-Akt inhibitor MK-2206 would synergistically eliminate the resistant cancers with reduced systemic toxicity.Methods: Activation of Akt in resistant cancers upon cabazitaxel treatment was determined by western blotting assay. The effect of combing MK-2206 with cabazitaxel on cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. To improve the in vivo biocompatibility, the delivery of potent cabazitaxel was feasibly achieved via the integration of oligolactide-conjugated cabazitaxel into the PEG-b-PLA matrix. Both the synergism and safety of cabazitaxel nanomedicine-based combination were evaluated through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, including Western blotting assay, CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, migration assay, transwell assay, MTD study, myelosuppression study, nude mouse xenograft, and immunostaining analyses. Results: We found that resistant cells adapted to activate Akt signaling upon cabazitaxel treatment, which potentially discounts the efficacy of cabazitaxel. The addition of MK-2206 reversed this situation and potentiated the activity of cabazitaxel nanomedicine against resistant cells. Mechanistically, suppression of the Akt pathway increased the microtubule-stabilizing effect of cabazitaxel. Their collaboration was demonstrated to maximize the efficacy in a xenograft model bearing paclitaxel-resistant tumors. In particular, the nanoformulation substantially improved drug tolerability in animals, and combined treatment with MK-2206 was proven to be safe for synergistic cancer therapy. Conclusion: The preclinical studies demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of our binary system consisting of a better-tolerated nanotherapy and a specific pathway modulator against resistant cells, thereby highlighting the potential applications for the clinical treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant malignancies.
What are the Survival Factors in Surgically Resected Synchronous Multiple Primary Lung Cancers: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Haichao , Wang Kai , Zhang Xingxing , Chen Rong , Zhao Jian
Published: December 2020

Background: With the popularization of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), the detection rate of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) is increasing. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical results of SMPLC patients in our hospital to determine the best treatment, surgical prognosis and survival analysis.Methods: A total of 78 SMPLC patients met the diagnostic criteria underwent complete resection and lymph node dissection or sampling without any preoperative induction therapy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University. We analyzed the postoperative survival rate, and further studied the relationship between survival rates and sex, age, preoperative symptoms, tumor location, tumor number, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, surgical type, surgical frequency, histopathologic types, vascular infiltration, visceral pleural invasion and postoperative therapy.Results: Among 78 patients, the 1-,2-,3-,4- and 5-year disease free survival (DFS) rates were 93.42%, 86.84%, 77.78%, 62.96%, and 60.00%, respectively, while the 1-,2-,3-,4- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 94.73%, 92.11%, 82.22%, 77.78%, and 65.00%, respectively. TNM stage of the largest tumor (II:HR=7.40,III:9.01,p=0.002) was an independent risk factor for DFS. Smoking history (HR=4.34,p=0.039) and TNM stage of the largest tumor (II:HR=9.38,III:9.42,p=0.003) were independent risk factors for overall survival.Conclusions: First, SMPLC is different from intrapulmonary metastasis and its clinical stage is also different from the 8th (2015) edition TNM classification for lung cancer. Second, when pulmonary function permits, surgery (complete resection and lymph node dissection) is a significantly beneficial treatment for patients with SMPLC. Third, TNM stage of the largest tumor (II:HR=7.40,III:9.01,p=0.002) was an independent risk factor for DFS. Smoking history (HR=4.34,p=0.039) and TNM stage of the largest tumor (II:HR=9.38,III:9.42,p=0.003) were independent risk factors for overall survival.
Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Tibetan Sheep in Qinghai Province, Northwestern China
Authors: Yang Fan , Gou Jing-min , Yang Bing-ke , Du Jia-yue , Yao Hui-zhong , Ren Mei , Lin Qing
Published: December 2020

Background: Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal pathogens in humans and a great number of animals, including sheep and goats. High prevalence and multiple subtypes of Blastocystis have been reported in sheep in several regions of China and abroad. Tibetan sheep is an important economic species for herdsmen in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau areas. However, there is a dearth of knowledge about Blastocystis in Tibetan sheep. Here, we detected the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in Tibetan sheep.Methods: A total of 761 fecal samples were collected from Tibetan sheep in seven counties of Qinghai Province, northwestern China, and were examined for the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis using molecular technology based on the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of Blastocystis.Results: The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in the investigated Tibetan sheep was 10.12% (77/761), and significant differences in prevalence were observed among ruminants from the seven counties (P < 0.01, χ2 = 323.03, df = 6) and across four seasons (P < 0.01, χ2 = 113.91, df = 3). Among them, the highest prevalence was observed among the animals from Haixi County (62.7%) and in summer (28.8%). Sequence analysis revealed three animal-adapted subtypes (ST14, ST10, and ST12) of Blastocystis sp. in these Tibetan sheep, with ST14 as the predominant subtype.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report on Blastocystis infection in Tibetan sheep, and our findings provide fundamental data for the establishment of effective measures to control this pathogen in Tibetan sheep as well as in other animals.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Epidemiological Clinical Characteristics in a Reference Hospital in Oncology in the Eastern Amazon.
Authors: Vieira Bárbara Rafaela Bastos , Oliveira Leonam Oliver Durval , Martins Claúdia Nazaré de Souza Almeida Titan , Homci Váleria Pereira Braz , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões , Costa Igor Brasil
Published: December 2020

Background: Lymphomas are a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. This system is made up of organs, tissues and vessels responsible for immune function. Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by giant cells, well differentiated and binucleated. It is divided into two groups: classical hodgkin's lymphoma and hodgkin's lymphoma predominant in nodular lymphocytes. The classic in turn is subdivided into four more histological subtypes: nodular sclerosis, rich in lymphocytes, depleted in lymphocytes and mixed cellularity. This study analyzed the spatial distribution and clinical-epidemiological and Hodgkin's lymphoma characteristics and their histological types in patients diagnosed with the disease at a Reference Hospital in Oncology in the Eastern Amazon between the years 2006 to 2015.Methods: A study was carried out cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical and descriptive study through the analysis of the medical records of 336 patients diagnosed with the disease in that given period and location, the G test was performed to demonstrate the association between the variables. Results: The cases of Hodgkin's Lymphoma came from the following Brazilian states: Pará (318 cases), Amapá (15 cases), Maranhão (2 cases), Piauí (1 case). It affected more men (62%) and young adults (mean age 26 years). The most frequent histological type was nodular sclerosis (65%). The primary location of the tumor was predominant in the cervical lymph nodes (65%). Mostly, patients with no metastases (98%), but the presence of metastases was more frequent in Hodgkin's lymphoma, Nodular Lymphocytic Predominance (18%). Conclusion: The data obtained in this study allow to know some regional peculiarities about Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which can contribute to regional preventive policies, as well as can support comparisons about the disease in other regions, contributing to better understand the heterogeneity of LH.
WITHDRAWN: Combined Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analysis Reveals the Potential Mechanism for Fruit Development and Quality Control of Rubus chingii Hu
Authors: Chen Zhen
Published: December 2020

Background: Rubus chingii Hu (Chinese raspberry) is an important dual functional food with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical values. Comprehensive understanding of fruit development and bioactive components synthesis and regulation could accelerate genetic analysis and molecular breeding for the unique species.﻿Results: A combined transcriptomic and metabolic analysis of R. chingii fruits from different developmental stages was conducted in this study. A total of 89,188 unigenes was generated and 57,545 unigenes (64.52%) were got annotated. Differential expression genes (DEGs) and differential ions mainly involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Phenolic acids and flavonol glycosides syntheses were strongly activated at earlier stages, while amino acids, linolenic acid metabolism and anthocyanins synthesis were dominant at later stages. The core genes participated in biosynthesis of ellagic acid (EA) and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K-3-R) and their corresponding metabolites were elaborately characterized. And some probable MYB and bHLH transcription factors controlling flavonoids synthesis were also identified. Conclusion: Combined transcriptomic and metabolic analysis initially reveals molecular and chemical mechanism of fruit development of R. chingii Hu fruit. The fruit launched the biosynthesis of phenolic acids and flavonols at the very beginning of fruit set and then coordinately accumulated and converted. And it was tightly regulated by expressions of the related genes and transcription factors. The results provide a solid foundation for genetic analysis, functional genes isolation, fruit quality improvement and modifiable breeding.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Adsorption of a New 3D MOF Zn(BTC)4
Authors: Yan Jing , Gong Jiashun , Song Li
Published: December 2020

A novel three-dimensional porous MOF Zn (BTC)4(BTC= benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid) was synthesized by solvothermal method. This structure was characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, SEM and TG. This MOF crystallizes in Monoclinic, P2(1)/n, V=1795.7(2)Å3, Z=4, Dc=1.449mg/cm3, α=90.00°, β=97.2200(10)°, γ=90.00°, a=9.5077(5)Å, b=16.3950(16)Å, c=11.6119(9)Å. The TG analysis shows the material can be stabilized up to 350℃ , then the skeleton collapsed on 350~510℃. The luminescence test shows that the material gives out strong emission at 384nm and 462nm. The hydrogen storage capacity of this MOF is 2.01 wt% at 77K and the pressure of 10bar. The carbon dioxide storage capacity of this MOF is 4.17 mmol/g at 298K and the pressure of 10bar.
Adherence to malaria rapid diagnostic test results and a qualitative study on Health Workers perception about the test in Agona East District of Ghana
Authors: Ansah-Koi Selina
Published: December 2020

Background Ghana has adopted the policy of diagnostically testing for malaria before treatment. The Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) is used to diagnose malaria especially in lower health facilities like Health Centers (HC) and Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds without microscopy. Studies have shown that clinicians do not always adhere to negative malaria test results of the RDT and prescribe anti-malarials. Methods Quantitative aspect focused on how malaria is diagnosed and adherence to negative rapid diagnostic test results using the consulting room register and patients’ folder of six health facilities within the period of July to September 2015. In-depth interviews using purposive sampling was conducted for 14 health workers at Health Centers and CHPS compounds to find out their perceptions about malaria RDT and reasons for adherence or non-adherence to test results.Results Of the six health facilities in the Agona East District, 3.87% (14/362) were presumptively diagnosed with malaria whiles 96.10% (348/362) were diagnosed with malaria using RDT.For those tested with RDT, 15.25% tested negative and 84.75% tested positive. Of those who tested negative, 20.75% were given anti-malarials and 79.25% did not receive anti-malarials. Health workers perceived the Malaria RDT kit as easy to use and also as making work easier. Testing is done mainly because it is a policy. Conclusion The malaria testing rate in the Agona East District is higher than that at the National level. Health Centers compared to CHPS compounds are likely to treat for malaria in cases of a negative test result. There is also high adherence to negative test results. Health workers perceive the RDT as a useful tool which has made malaria diagnosis easy.
IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF A NEW REGENERATIVE AGENT PREPARED FROM THE CONCENTRATE OF DEPROTEINIZED DERMAL LAYER OF PORCINE SKIN
Authors: Bezdieniezhnykh Natalia , Lykhova Aleksandra , Borschevskyi Hennadii , Dyakun Kateryna , Kruglov Ievgen
Published: December 2020

Background. Presently, a prospective direction for the development of regenerative medicine in the world is the search for regulatory molecules and the identification of molecular targets to stimulate the body's endogenous regenerative potential. The concentrate of the deproteinized dermal layer of porcine skin (СDDLPS) is a new therapeutic agent with restorative properties, the action of which is directed on the induction of the self resources of cells. Aim. The assessment of the effect of СDDLPS on the proliferative activity of mammalian cells of different histogenesis in vitro. Materials and Methods. To determine the amino acid composition of the СDDLPS liquid chromatography and biochemical methods were used. The biological effects and mechanisms of action of the drug were investigated by cell culture and molecular biological methods. The research was carried out using stable cell lines: human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line), porcine endothelial cells (PAE cell line), bovine kidney cells (MDBK cell line) and mouse fibroblasts (3T3A31 cell line). Results. The cells of the bovine kidney MDBK cell line were the most sensitive to the effect of the CDDLPS. Also, the obtained results suggest that, depending on the concentration, the drug not only stimulates cell proliferation by 10–30 %, but also significantly enhances biosynthetic processes in cells, in particular, protein synthesis by 20–40 %. Conclusions. CDDLPS is an effective and affordable therapeutic agent with restorative properties, the biological activity of which manifests itself in the activation of cell biosynthetic and proliferative potentials and is comparable to effects of some growth factors, in particular epidermal growth factor
PROSPECTS OF USING NON-FRIED BUCKWHEAT GROATS IN FIRST DISHES TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Yushchenko Nataliia , Kuzmyk Uliana , Kochubei-Lytvynenko Oksana Kochubei-Lytvynenko , Yatsenko Olha , Belemets Tatiana
Published: December 2020

It is urgent to develop a technology of cream-soups, allowing to widen possibilities of combining vegetable components and to give dishes with original taste-aromatic characteristics. The main quality characteristic of soups-purees is a homogenous consistence. That is why for substantiating technological parameters of non-fried buckwheat groats preparation, an influence of boiling and preliminary soaking duration on structural-mechanical properties of the mixture has been studied. Rational technological parameters of non-fried buckwheat groats preparation have been determined: groats and water ratio  – 1:7, preparation temperature (90 ± 2) °С, process duration 15min with preliminary hydration for  4 hours. The effectiveness of using non-fried buckwheat groats in the composition of dishes in amount 8.0 % has been proved, and spices compositions for first dishes have been developed: fragrant pepper, cumin, rosemary in ratio 1: 0.6: 0.4
Desempenho ambiental e nível de sustentabilidade de uma empresa do setor médico-hospitalar no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Schoeler Guilherme Pereira , Santos Jéssica Torres dos , Rodrigues Aryane Araujo , Freitas Thales Castilhos de , Holanda Jéssica da Rocha Alencar Bezerra de , Andreazza Robson , Quadro Maurizio Silveira , Siqueira Tirzah Moreira , Beltrame Rafael , Leandro Diuliana , Castro Andréa Souza
Published: December 2020

Para acompanhar as mudanças no desenvolvimento econômico, que tem sido cada vez mais associado à sustentabilidade, empresas vêm buscando novas concepções para auxiliar na gestão de suas questões ambientais, empregando soluções que melhorem a eficiência de seus processos e reduzam os impactos ambientais de suas atividades. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o desempenho ambiental de uma empresa do setor de produtos médico-hospitalares, bem como avaliar o seu nível de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (NSE) e propor melhorias. Foi realizado um diagnóstico ambiental da empresa, utilizando uma lista de verificação (checklist) frequentemente utilizada na fase de preparação de auditorias ambientais. Nesta lista, que contou com o levantamento observacional dos aspectos e possíveis impactos ambientais, bem como a aplicação de um questionário com 75 questões sobre controle gerencial, gestão de efluentes líquidos, gestão de resíduos, gestão e emissões atmosféricas, gestão de ruídos, gestão de materiais e prevenção e controle de vazamentos. A análise dos resultados mostrou que a gestão de resíduos é a categoria com melhores práticas e políticas ambientais, além de contar com uma gestão consolidada com metas de redução de resíduos. O NSE médio da empresa foi enquadrado como satisfatório, demonstrando sua adequação às questões ambientais, principalmente pelo cumprimento da legislação de licenciamento ambiental e normas de qualidade, mesmo não possuindo certificações ambientais. Com isso, sugere-se a implementação de um sistema de gestão integrado com política ambiental, além de recomendações pontuais como incluir o aproveitamento de água da chuva nas instalações da empresa e a realização de ações de educação e de promoção da conscientização ambiental, direcionadas aos funcionários e a comunidade da região de influência do empreendimento.
A Solution Approach for a Class of Parametric Linear Programming Problems
Authors: SİVRİ Mustafa , ALBAYRAK İnci , ŞİMŞEK ALAN Kadriye , TEMELCAN Gizem
Published: December 2020

Depending on the nature, objectives, and constraints of the decision variables; linear programming, nonlinear programming, integer programming, mixed integer programming etc. can be classified. Extensive research has been conducted to solve all types of these problems in a parametric context. In this paper, to solve optimization problems having uncertainties represented by a single parameter on the objective function, a systematic linearization approach is developed considering the parametric expression as nonlinear. In the proposed approach, the objective function is considered as nonlinear which is converted into linear by using first order Taylor series expansion at the points making the parametric costs zero. Thus, the optimal solution is obtained from the constructed linear programming problem. In this way, by determining the intervals in which the optimal solution changes, the solution of the parametric linear programming problem is obtained. A numerical experiment is illustrated to present the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Malatya İli Elma (Malus domestica Bark. (Rosaceae)) Ağaçlarında Zararlı Böcek ve Akar Türleri ile Doğal Düşmanlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: KAPLAN Mehmet
Published: December 2020

Ülkemizde önemli meyve türlerinden olan elma yetiştiriciliğinde bitki koruma yönünden ekonomik kayıplara neden olan bazı fitofag türlerin tanınması ve mücadelesine yönelik çalışmaların yapılması önemlidir. Bu amaçla, Malatya ilinde ekonomik anlamda elma üretimi yapılan Akçadağ, Doğanşehir ve Yeşilyurt ilçelerindeki elma bahçelerindeki zararlı ve yararlı arthropod türlerinin belirlemek için 2015-2016 yıllarında çalışma yürütülmüştür. Çalışmalarda türlerin tespitinde; sürgün alma, gözle kontrol, darbe yöntemi yanı sıra eşeysel çekici tuzak ve kültüre alma metotlarından faydalanılmıştır. Çalışmada 28 zararlı arthropod türü ile 19 yararlı böcek türü tespit edilmiştir. Tespit edilen bu zararlı türlerden Cydia pomonella L., Archips rosana L. (Lepidoptera.: Tortricidae), Aphis pomi Deg.(Hemiptera: Aphididae), Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann (Hemiptera: Pemphigidae), Tropinota (Epicometis) hirta Poda (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) ve Tetranychus urticae Koch.(Acarina: Tetranychidae)’nin yaygınlık ve yoğunluk yönden önemli olduğu gözlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte Coccinella semtempunctata Linnaeus, Oenopia (Synharmonia) conglobata Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Episyrphus balteatus De Geer (Diptera: Syrphidae), ve Apanteles sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) en fazla görülen yararlı türler olarak belirlenmiştir. Önemli bazı zararlı türlerden olan Elma içkurdu (C. pomonella) erginlerinin mayıs-eylül, Elma yeşil yaprakbiti (A. pomi) ergin ve nimflerinin mayıs-ekim, Baklazınnı (T. hirta) erginlerinin nisan, Elma pamuklubiti (E. lanigerum) ergin ve nimfleri nisan sonu-ekim ve İkinoktalı kırmızıörümcek (T. urticae) ergin ile nimfleri ise mayıs-ekim döneminde doğada görüldüğü belirlenmiştir.
Farklı Yaban Mersini Türlerinden Geleneksel Yöntemle Üretilen Sirkenin Bazı Kalite Özellikleri
Authors: TOMAR Oktay , AKARCA Gökhan , İSTEK Ömer
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmada, geleneksel yöntemle üç farklı yaban mersini türü ile (Vaccinium corymbosum L., Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. ve Vaccinium uliginosum L.) üretilen sirkelerin bazı fiziksel, kimyasal ve duyusal kalite özelliklerinin belirlenmesi araştırılmıştır. Araştırma sonunda en yüksek; pH (4.11), toplam asitlik (27.5 g L-1), kuru madde (4.8 %), kül (4.5 g L-1), briks (4.91 °Briks), yoğunluk (1.039 g cm-3), iletkenlik (2.51 μS cm-1), toplam antioksidan (141.14 μg troloks eşdeğeri (TE) mL-1) ve toplam fenolik madde değerlerinin (262.49 mg gallik asit eşdeğeri (GAE) L-1) Vaccinium corymbosum L. türü ile üretilen sirke örneklerinde olduğu belirlenmiştir (P<0.05). Buna karşın altı aylık depolama sonrasında örneklerin hiçbirisinde alkol varlığı tespit edilememiştir. Ayrıca renk analizden, L* ve a* değerlerinin en yüksek 38.89 ve 1.83 ile Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. kullanılarak üretilen örneklerde, b* değerinin ise en yüksek -1.16 ile Vaccinium uliginosum L. türünde olduğu saptanmıştır (P<0.05). Yaban mersini sirke örnekleri içerisinde mineral madde olarak en zengin olan türün Vaccinium corymbosum L. olduğu belirlenmiştir. Panelistlerce yaban mersini sirke örnekleri skorlarının Vaccinium corymbosum L. türünde diğer türlere göre oldukça yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Geleneksel yöntemle üretilen yaban mersini sirkesinin bileşimindeki A ve C vitaminleri, flavonoid ve antosiyanin insan sağlığı açısından oldukça yararlı bileşenler olduğu bilinmektedir. Ayrıca yaban mersini sirkesinin bileşimindeki klorojenik asit, kuersetin, ellajik asit ve kuersetin-3-galaktosit gibi fenolik bileşiklerden dolayı güçlü bir antimikrobiyal etkisi bulunmaktadır. Bunun yanında kolesterol düşürücü, antikanser etkisi, sindirim düzenleyici, beyin işlevlerini artırıcı, antidiyabet, antioksidan ve kardiyovasküler hastalıkların önlenmesi gibi özellikleri sayesinde insan sağlığına faydalı olabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Optik Karakter Tanımada Hata Yayılım Algoritmalarının Performans Kıyaslaması
Authors: ÇELİK Ahmet
Published: December 2020

Görüntü formatındaki belgelerin içinden karakterlerin veya verilerinin tekrar metin biçimine dönüştürülmesi büyük zaman ve iş gücü kaybı demektir. Günümüzde doküman işlemlerinde, işlem maliyetlerini düşürmek ve verimlilik oranlarını arttırmak istenilmektedir. Okutulacak belgeler üzerinde farklı yazı stilleri, yazı boyutları ve yazı biçimleri olabilmektedir. Ayrıca el yazısı notları da olabilmektedir. Bilgisayar ortamında hazırlanan ve bilinen yazı stilleriyle oluşturulan karakter değerlerinin tekrar düzenlenebilir metin formatına dönüştürme başarısı daha yüksektir ancak el yazısı karakterlerinin dönüştürme başarısı daha düşüktür. Tesseract kütüphanesinin eğitim verilerinin yeterli olmaması sebebiyle bazı yazı biçimlerinde başarı oranı düşük olabilmektedir. Bu çalışmada; OCR teknolojisi için kullanılan Tesseract kütüphanesi yardımıyla farklı yazı stilleri üzerinde, farklı yazı biçimleri uygulanarak, alfabetik karakter ve rakam okutulması gerçekleştirilmiş ve okuma başarı kıyaslaması yapılmıştır. Times New Roman, Calibri ve Arial yazı stilleri üzerinde normal, kalın ve eğik yazı biçimleri uygulanan örnekler kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca Tesseract kütüphanesi kullanımı öncesi, görüntü üzerinde Error Diffusion (Hata Yayılımı) algoritmaları ile iyileştirmeler yapılarak okuma oranları karşılaştırılmıştır. Böylece OCR tanıma yönteminin başarısını arttıran, ön işlem algoritmasının bulunması amaçlanmıştır. Elde edilen değerlere göre; belge üzerinde ön işlem olarak, Floyd Steinberg hata dağılım algoritması kullanımından sonra Tesseract kütüphanesinin daha doğru okuma yaptığı görülmüştür.
Some Fixed Point Theorems in Partial Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: ALDEMİR Başak , GÜNER Elif , AYDOĞDU Ebru , AYGÜN Halis
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is basically to give some fundamental fixed point theorems in partial fuzzy metric spaces. Firstly, we investigate the relationships of partial metric space and fuzzy metric space with partial fuzzy metric spaces. Then we define some contractive/contraction mappings similar to the Banach contraction mappings in the classical sense. Also, we show that these mappings have a unique fixed point under some conditions. Finally, we give some examples to illustrate the validity of the obtained results and the necessity of added conditions.
Dağıtılmış Alt Bragg Dielektrik Yansıtıcılı Işık Yayan Diyot
Authors: SARCAN Fahrettin
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmada alt Bragg yansıtıcısına sahip yakın kızılötesi bölgede ışıma yapan p-i-n diyotun tasarımı, fabrikasyon detayları ve elektro-optik özellikleri incelenmektedir. İncelenen ışık yayan aygıtın aktif ışıma bölgesi 20 adet GaInNAs/GaNAs (7 nm /13 nm) kuantum kuyusu sisteminden oluşmaktadır. Alt dielektrik aynası ise 15 adet GaAs/AlAs Bragg yansıtıcı çiftlerinin üst üste tabakasal olarak büyütülmesinden oluşmaktır. Aygıtın ışıma merkez dalgaboyu 1310 nm olup, spektral yarı genişliği 14.4 nm’dir. Işıma eşik akımı 20 nA olan aygıtın, 200 mA sürülen akım varlığında maksimum ışıma gücü 38 mW’dır. Bu çalışmada, yakın kızılötesi bölgede ışıma yapan aygıt üretilmesinin ve karakterize edilmesinin yanı sıra sadece alt Bragg yansıtıcı kullanılarak bile geleneksel ışık yayan diyotlara göre ışıma spektral genişliğinin ve ışıma profilinin iyileştirilebileceğini gösterilmiştir.
Karyotype Analysis of Paronychia anatolica subsp. anatolica (Caryophyllaceae, Paronychioideae)
Authors: EROĞLU Halil Erhan , BUDAK Ümit
Published: December 2020

In the study, the chromosomal data of Paronychia anatolica subsp. anatolica are provided for the first time. The diploid chromosome number and karyotype formula are 2n = 2x = 18 = 16m + 2sm with metacentric chromosomes out of submetacentric chromosome 1. No all chromosomes have satellite and secondary constriction. The values of total haploid length and mean chromosome length are very low with 14.47 and 1.61 μm, respectively; because the taxon has low numbers and relatively small of chromosomes, which are range from 1.21 to 1.84 μm. The karyotype is symmetrical type. Within the scope of all the results, the data will provide important contributions to the cytotaxonomy of genus Paronychia. Especially, taxon contains very different karyotypic data from other subspecies and it is very important knowledge for cytotaxonomic point of view.
Vp Hızıyla Elde Edilen Birim Hacim Ağırlık Değerinin Katsayı Atanarak Belirlenmesi
Authors: KOÇAK Beste , NAİMİ Sepanta
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı, zeminlerde birçok bağıntıda değişken olarak kullanılan birim hacim ağırlık değerinin karşılaştırılması ve sonucunda deneysel değerlere karşılık gelen ampirik değere en yakın katsayının bulunmasıdır. Bu amaçla birim hacim ağırlık değerleri tespit edilirken yaklaşık aynı zemin koşulları olacak şekilde farklı bağıntılarla hesaplanan ya da deneysel yöntem uygulanarak elde edilen sonuçlar değerlendirilmiştir. Deneysel yöntemler ve ampirik yaklaşımlarla türetilen tüm eşitlikler incelendiğinde (zeminler sınıflandırıldığında), literatürde kullanılan tahmini birim hacim ağırlık değerleri ile boyuna dalga (Vp) hızından elde edilen birim hacim ağırlık değerleri arasında ilişkinin düşük olduğu, buna karşılık deneysel yöntemlerle bulunan birim hacim ağırlık değerinin yüksek olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. İki sonuç arasındaki ilişkiye dayanarak deneysel yöntemlerle elde edilen değerin güvenilir olduğu kabul edilerek Vp hızından elde edilen bağıntıya bir katsayı atanmıştır. Bu sebeple daha hızlı ve maliyeti düşük olan sismik yöntemlerden birim hacim ağırlık değerinin tahmin edilmesi önerilmiştir.