bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Purification Time of Polyspecific Equine F(ab´)2 Antivenom against Scorpion Envenomation
Authors: Kordzangene Abdolrahman , Mohebat Razieh , Mosslemin Mohammad Hossein , Taghavi Moghadam Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims: In this study we improved the purification of immunoglobulins from equine antiserum raised against the venom of 6 types of scorption species. Caprylic acid (octanoic acid), a fatty acid, was found to have no effect on the activity of the enzymes pepsin, which is used in antivenom purification to digest Fc fragment of immunoglobulins to obtain F(ab´)2.
Materials and Methods: A new method was developed for the production of F(ab´)2 antivenom whereby whole equine antiserum was mixed with equal amount of 0.15 M HCl and pH 3.4 with pepsin 660 mg/L of diluted antivenom and incubated for 4 h at 37°C. After digestion the pH were brought to 4.8 with sodium hydroxide solution (1.5 M) and then 1.5% caprylic acid and 10% ammonium sulfate was added and mixed for 60 minutes and passed through filter paper.
Results: Caprylic acid caused precipitation of albumin, and ammonium sulfate reduced turbidity of solution, resulting in a reduced protein load presented to the digestion enzymes culminating in substantial reductions in processing time.
Conclusions: The equine F(ab´)2 obtained using these novel caprylic acid methods were comparable in terms of yield, purity and specific activity to those obtained by multi-step and time consuming conventional salt fractionation with ammonium sulfate.
Subject Content of Culturological Knowledge
Authors: . Astakhov O.Yu
Published: March 2020

The article considers the issues of subject characteristics of culture supplementing its object content. The author notes that importance of implementing subject content of culturological knowledge is dictated by necessity for overcoming a one-dimensional consideration of culture. Therefore, the author proves the importance of realizing its duality in the aspect of adjectival and the substantive characteristics dictating communication between subject and object content of culture.
Keywords: social and scientific cultural study, humanitarian cultural study, subject content of culture, object content of culture.
The Concepts “Cultural Imperialism” and “Empireness” Between Postcolonial and Cultural Studies Approaches
Authors: . Gudova I.V
Published: March 2020

In this article, the author asks how we can combine postcolonial and cultural studies approaches in relation to the analysis of the concepts of ”cultural imperialism” and ”empireness”. That these terms should be included in functional academic vocabulary is an indisputable fact: postcolonial studies penetrate the humanities, including the philosophy of culture and cultural studies. The article is based on the works of D. Bachmann-Medick, O. Boyd-Barrett, and H. Munkler. Based on the theory of the latter, this paper presents an interpretation of the concept of ”emireness”.  In conclusion,  the most promising areas of research at the junction of the two methodologies are considered, namely, the study of how mass culture is utilized in building the policy of cultural imperialism.
Keywords: cultural imperialism, empireness, postcolonial studies, H. Munkler
Ethic of Digital Communication, or New Scenarios for Having a Voice
Authors: . Drozdova A.V
Published: March 2020

A new type of online communication which is different from off-line one shapes a favorable environment not only for a dialogue but also for negative assessments and aggressive behavior on the part of active users. Specificity of open space communication on the Internet creates a number of moral and ethic problems and calls attention to the development of correct scenarios to interact online which will allow users to protect not only their own identity but also the identity of their communities. A multidisciplinary approach with the use of media studies’ instruments acts as a methodological basis for examining specifics of digital communication. This methodology makes it possible to reflect upon digital media in their interrelations with social, cultural and anthropological transformations, to analyze ways of communication and interests of the internet communities.
Keywords: online communication, social networks, trolling, haterism, online-activism, brigading
Human in the World of Transit Culture: The Effect of Decolonial Turn on the Concept of Identity
Authors: . Ovodova S.N
Published: March 2020

The article is devoted to the concept of ”transit culture”. The relation of transit culture and the decolonization turn is explained. Identified differences in interpretations of culture in the framework of postcolonial turn and decolonial turn. The models of identity formed in hybrid and transit cultures are distinguished.
Keywords: decolonial turn, transit culture, human, culture, philosophy of culture, postcolonial studies, identity, methodology, discourse
Language Variability As a Factor of Variety of Cultures
Authors: . Rtischeva O.V
Published: March 2020

The article considers the issues of language variability and interrelation between language and culture, which are in continuous interaction. The author observes the linguistic and philosophical concepts of W. Humboldt, L. Weisgerber, E. Sapir and B. Whorf. Moreover, the author describes the mechanisms of language variability and their peculiar features which are shown throughout the cultural traditions of the nation.
Keywords: language, culture, interrelation, language variability, outlook, consciousness, national and cultural specifics
Regional Cultural Policy: Ural Scenarios
Authors: G.M. Kazakova
Published: March 2020

Taking into account the cultural potential of each region, the identification of criteria of the effectiveness of cultural policy, current trends of economic and socio-cultural development allows to solve urgent problems. Among them - identification of priority directions of regional cultural policy; formation of programs of social and economic development of the region based on use of cultural potential of the region; formation of cultural identity; assistance in development of cultural industries and cultural initiatives; development of mechanisms for involving the entire population in cultural activities. The article considers the difference between the scenarios of cultural policy, in particular, Chelyabinsk region on the basis of comparative analysis of the state programs of cultural policy of the subjects for 2011-2018 of the Ural Federal district (Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Sverdlovsk, Kurgan regions, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous area and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area).
Keywords: cultural policy, regional cultural policy, state programs of culture development, “economy of emotions”.
Dialogue of Cultures in Musical Creative Works: Typology Experience
Authors: L.V. Romanova
Published: March 2020

The relevance of the research is connected with progressive cultural interactions in the modern world, including the field of musical culture. The dialogue of cultures in musical art is deeply rooted, intensively growing and manifests itself in many ways. The problem lies in the insufficient theoretical development of the system of manifestations of the dialogue of cultures in the musical discourse by the domestic musicologists. The article proposes a partial solution to the problem. The main types and kinds of the dialogue of cultures are considered in the subtext and text areas. The result of the study was a typology represented in the subtext mental type of four kinds, and in the text and its two sub-spheres (verbal and musical) by three types with specific differentiation. Explicit and implicit modes of dialogue are taken into account.
Keywords: dialogue of cultures, musical creative discourse, type of dialogue in music, subtext and textual spheres.
Non-manual Component of the Russian Sign Language
Authors: M Guzikova , G. Gubina
Published: March 2020

This article analyzes the features of the non-manual component in the Russian sign language. Based on the video descriptions from the Russian sign language corpus, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of such non-manual markers as eyebrow movements, articulation (labial gestures and mouthing), head movements and gaze direction are specified. As a result, conclusions are made about the role of the non-manual component in the system of natural gestural speech.
Keywords: non-manual markers of the sign language, Russian sign language, multimodality
Fashion for Malachite, Malachite in Fashion
Authors: L.A. Budrina
Published: March 2020

The interest in malachite as a symbol had been gradually formed throughout the   XIX century. The beginning of the next century attracted North America to the stone. In the mid-XX century, the designers turned to malachite as the basis for making recognizable prints that benefited from the gorgeous material with less expensive means. At the beginning of the XXI century, the fashion for malachite print has been restored, gradually comprising an increasing number of fashion designers. The interest in the color and pattern of the stone can become one of the starting points for the promotion of the Urals.
Keywords: malachite, fashion, Tony Duquette, Fornasetti, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin, Monique Lhuillier
Contemporary Art in the Cultural Space of the Metropolis
Authors: I.M. Lisovets
Published: March 2020

One of the most important features of modern art is its existence in the everyday urban culture and active transformation of the latter. The purpose of the article is to analyze the presence of art in the space of the modern metropolis and its influence on the culture. A special role here belongs to the current urban art practices, which turned out to be necessary for the development of Russian cities of the third millennium and their inhabitants. Using the socio-cultural and philosophical-aesthetic methodology  to analyze the contemporary art in the context of urban culture, the author refers to the space of Yekaterinburg, which is a megacity of the third millennium. By way of concretization, the article addresses the results of a study of the cultural environment of the Ural capital called “Yekaterinburg Pulse”, which determined the features, status and problems of the megacity.
Keywords: urban art practices, metropolis, language and institutions of modern art, culture space of Yekaterinburg.
Planejamento estratégico situacional em saúde: abordagem da saúde do trabalhador na Estratégia Saúde da Família
Authors: Camargo Fernanda Carolina , Machado Gabriela Gonçalves , Lima Jéssica Carvalho , Felipe Luana Rodrigues Rosseto , Faria Gabriela Souza , Nogueira Ana Laura , Reis Sandra Cristina Romano Marquez , Walsh Isabel Aparecida Porcatti de
Published: March 2020

Estudo por métodos mistos e de abordagem construcionista social, com objetivo de analisar a condução do Planejamento Estratégico Situacional em saúde para levantamento das demandas relacionadas a saúde do trabalhador com duas equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família, realizado em maio a junho de 2018. Realizou-se observação ativa do território, entrevista com informantes-chave, análise de dados secundários e roda de discussão. As equipes possuíam 1637 famílias cadastradas, todas as casas são de tijolo, 80,1% com tratamento da água em domicílio e 99,6% com abastecimento pela rede pública. A coleta do lixo é pública, 99,9% possui rede de esgoto e 99,5% energia elétrica. A observação ativa indicou predominância de comércio informal. Equipamentos sociais foram identificados, como igrejas, bancos, centro comunitário para prática desportiva, escolas públicas e um Centro de Referência para a Assistência Social, bem como uma universidade pública. As áreas de abrangência apresentam características de moradores de classe média baixa, com pessoas em situação de pobreza. Os informantes-chave relataram que existem atividades ocupacionais domiciliares, frequentes entre as mulheres em idade produtiva. No adoecimento relacionado ao trabalho o sofrimento mental e depressão foram apontados como recorrentes e a inexistência de ações intersetoriais. No plano de ação, optou-se o problema “Hipertensão Arterial, Diabetes Mellitus e Sofrimentos Mentais como as doenças frequentes entre os usuários trabalhadores”. O nó-crítico selecionado para a elaboração do plano de ação foi “Organização do processo de trabalho das equipes com fragilidades nas investigações/reconhecimento das condições de saúde do usuário trabalhador”. O estudo propõe o fortalecimento e construção de competências que atuem na modificação da realidade social das coletividades, em consonância ao debate atual brasileiro na proteção e promoção da saúde e, prevenção de danos à saúde do trabalhador.
Análise Técnica e Operacional de Limitadores de Correntes de Curto-Circuito
Authors: Bitencourt A. , Koji H. , Scofano G. , Dias D. H. N. , França B. W. , Sass F. , Sotelo G. G.
Published: March 2020

O aumento da demanda de energia elétrica e o crescimento da geração distribuída levam ao aumento da corrente de curto-circuito nas subestações. A maioria das subestações brasileiras, por exemplo, foram projetada décadas atrás, portanto seus equipamentos podem não suportar os novos níveis de corrente de curto-circuito. Para proteger os equipamentos instalados ou evitar altos custos de investimento na sua substituição destes, é possível instalar limitadores de corrente de curto-circuito. Este trabalho apresenta uma avaliação de duas topologias de limitadores através de análises dos aspectos técnicos e operacionais. Protótipos de pequena escala são empregados para entender melhor essas análises. As topologias estudadas são denominadas indutor série chaveado e circuito ressonante. A corrente de curto-circuito teve uma redução para a topologia indutor série chaveado de 69,7% e 72,6% para a topologia ressonante.
Investigation of the effect of chemotherapy on cytomegalovirus reactivity in patients with solid organ tumors
Authors: DEMİREL Aslıhan , NUR PİLANCI Kezban , İNAN Neşe , İRİS Nur Efe , BAYGÜL Arzu , DEMİR Gökhan , SÖNMEZ Emine
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Chemotherapy induces an immunosuppressive state in patients with solid organ tumors. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation as a result of immunosuppression causes a severe clinical manifestation. However, in this group, CMV infections developing due to reactivation were not adequately discussed in the literature. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of CMV reactivation after chemotherapy, to evaluate the contribution of chemotherapy to reactivation, to determine the incidence of asymptomatic and symptomatic infections and to investigate the results of the treatment.Methods: A total of 93 patients with solid tumors were included in the study. Weekly blood samples were collected from the patients for three weeks before and after chemotherapy. Quantitative analysis of DNA was detected using CMV PCR kit (GeneProof CMV PCR kit, Bruno, Czech Republic). Diagnosis and treatment of patients were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Of the patients, 65.6% were female and 34.4% were male. The mean age was 55 ± 12 years. The most common cancer types among the patients were breast cancer in 45.2%, lung cancer in 15.1%, and colon cancer in 12.9%. The mean leukocyte count of the patients was 7,647/mm3. CMV DNA was not detected in any patient. According to this result, none of the patients had CMV reactivation after chemotherapy. Conclusions: In this study including patients with solid organ tumors with mild to moderate level of immunosuppression CMV DNA was not detected in any patient. Based on this finding no standard prophylaxis was required for CMV in this group of patients.
Evaluation of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis via Wnt/β-Catenin, S100 immunoexpression and histomorphometry in fetal rats following maternal uterine artery ligation
Authors: USLU Serap , ÖKTEM Gülperi , OLTULU Fatih , DEMİR Kenan , İRBAN Arzu , BAŞDEMİR Gülçin , İNCE Ümit , UYSAL Ayşegül
Published: March 2020

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of intrauterine growth retardation depending on maternal uterine artery ligation, Wnt/β-catenin and S100 expression immunohistochemistry and histomorphometrically on chondrogenesis and osteogenesis of fetal rats.
Materials and Methods: Maternal rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=5). No surgery or anesthesia were applied in control group. Bilaterally the maternal uterine arteries were ligated on gestational day 18 in experimental group. Although all surgical procedures were performed in sham group, the uterine artery ligation were not made. Fetuses were taken on gestational day 20, thicknesses of growth plate and zones, trabecular number and thickness and cortical thickness were evaluated with the histomorphometrically in samples from left proximal tibia. The expressions of β-catenin and S100 immunohistochemically were evaluated in the growth plate.
Results: Thicknesses of growth plate (p<0.01), proliferation zone (p<0.05) and degeneration zone (p<0.01) were measured significantly thinner in experimental group than the others and thicknesses of hypertrophic zones were lesser than the control and sham group, but the results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Also trabecular numbers were lower (p<0.01) and trabecular thickness were also thinner (p<0.05) in experimental group. Expression of β-catenin was declined and S100 expression was increased in experimental group.
Conclusion: We conclude that maternal uterine artery ligation, leads to shortness of growth plate and degenerated bone architecture because of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Espaço escolar sob a visão das crianças: narrativas, percepções e representações
Authors: Silva Fabrício Oliveira da , Marques Michele Rodrigues
Published: March 2020

O presente trabalho discorre sobre o modo como crianças da Educação Infantil veem e atribuem sentido ao espaço escolar. As discussões teóricas permeiam fundamentações que evidenciam caracterizações do espaço escolar, defendendo que estes espaços não devem ser pensados e organizados apenas pelo professor. O trabalho tem como objetivo analisar narrativas de crianças de quatro a seis anos sobre a organização dos espaços da escola que frequentam. A pesquisa foi realizada numa escola da rede municipal de uma cidade do interior baiano. O estudo tem como referencial teórico e metodológico contribuições de Passegi (2011), Ferraroti (1988), Horn (2011), Ariés (1981), Freire (2005), Vygotski (2003), dentre outros. O procedimento metodológico usado foi inspirado na abordagem (auto)biográfica, em que as narrativas infantis constituíram o dispositivo principal de recolha de informações. Com esta pesquisa foi possível constatar que o espaço precisa ser desafiador para que a criança possa despertar seu interesse, proporcionando o brincar, o criar, o imaginar, contribuído para a construção de seus conhecimentos.
Atrial Fibrillation: Development Mechanisms, Approaches and Prospects of Therapy
Authors: Sapelnikov O. V. , Kulikov A. A. , Cherkashin D. I. , Grishin I. R. , Nikolaeva O. A. , Akchurin R. S.
Published: March 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. It is diagnosed in more than 33 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of hospitalization for arrhythmias. AF is characterized by fast and irregular atrial activation without discrete P-waves at a surface electrocardiography. AF pathophysiological mechanisms are very complex and include the dynamic interaction between arrhythmia substrate and triggers. Consequently, the clinical search for effective therapeutic targets should include the entire process of the onset and progression of the disease: from the first paroxysms to the development of a stable permanent form of AF.
Creating a pathway to employability in a Business School: developing professional practice through collaboration
Authors: Leopold Katherine , Reilly Dawn
Published: March 2020

Within Business Education, our students study technical skills and gain commercial knowledge which will equip them for their future careers.  In addition, our students need to develop the ‘soft skills’ which employers are looking for when they recruit graduates.  To create a pathway to employability, we have used a collaboration between a module leader and a Business School employability consultant to support second year students.  We set out how we have included the consultant in planning and delivering specific topics within the module, and in giving formative feedback to students. In this way we have embedded employability skills in the curriculum and built a relational pathway to the Business School’s careers support for students.
Integrated Approach in the Control and Management of Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases in three health districts of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Koffi Aboa Paul , Yao Théodore Ange Kouakou , BAROGUI Yves Thierry , Diez Gabriel , Djakeaux Simplice , Zahiri Marie Hélène , Sopoh Ghislain Emmanue l , Santos Silvia , Kingsley Asiedu , Johnson Roch Christian , Assé Henri
Published: March 2020

Background Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) comprise 20 communicable diseases that are prevalent in rural poor and remote communities with less access to the health system. For an effective and efficient control, the WHO recommends to affected countries the implementation of integrated control interventions that take into account the different co-endemic NTDs in the same community. However, implementing these integrated interventions involving several diseases with different etiologies, requiring different control approaches and driven by different vertical programs remains a challenge. We report here the results and lessons learned from a pilot test of this integrated approach based on integrated screening of skin diseases in three co-endemic health districts of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country endemic for Buruli ulcer, leprosy and yaw. Method This cross-sectional study took place from April 2016 to March 2017 in 3 Districts of Côte d’Ivoire co-endemic for BU, leprosy and yaws. It was carried out in 6 stages: identification of potentially co-endemic communities; stakeholder training; social mobilization; mobile medical consultations; case detection and management; and a review meeting. Results We have included in the study all patients with ‘skin signs and symptoms at the screening stage who accepted voluntarily to be screened. In total, 2310 persons screened had skin lesions at the screening stage. Among them, 07 cases were diagnosed as Buruli ulcer. There were 30 leprosy cases and 15 yaws detected. Other types of ulcerations and skin conditions have been identified and represent the majority of cases detected. We learned from this pilot experience that integration can be successfully implemented in co-endemic communities in Côte d’Ivoire. Health workers are motivated and available to implement integrated interventions instead of interventions focused on a single disease. However, it is essential to provide capacity building, a minimum of drugs and consumables for the care of the patients detected, as well as follow up of detected patients including those with other skin conditions. Conclusions The results of this study show that the integration of activities can be successfully implemented in co-endemic communities under the condition of a staff capacity building and a minimal care of the detected patients.
The challenge of safe anesthesia in developing countries: defining the problems in a medical center in Cambodia
Authors: Tao Kun-ming , Sokha Sann , Yuan Hong-bin
Published: March 2020

Background: The International Standards for a Safe Practice of Anesthesia (ISSPA) were developed on behalf of the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists and the World Health Organization. It has been recommend as an assessment tool that allows anesthetic providers in developing countries to assess their compliance and needs. This study was performed to describe the anesthesia service in one main public hospital during an 8-month medical mission in Cambodia and evaluate its anesthetic safety issues according to the ISSPA.Methods: We conduct a retrospective study involving 1953 patients at the Preah Ket Mealea hospital. Patient demographics, anesthetic techniques, and complications were reviewed according to the registers of the anesthetic services and questionnaires. The inadequacies in personnel, facilities, equipment, medications, and conduct of anesthesia drugs were recorded using a checklist based on the ISSPA.Results: A total of 1792 patients received general and regional anesthesia in the operating room, while 161 patients receiving sedation for gastroscopy. The patients’ mean age was 45.0 ± 16.6 years (range, 17–87 years). The three most common surgical procedures were abdominal (52.0%; confidence interval [CI], 49.3–54.7), orthopedic (27.6%; CI, 25.2–29.9), and urological surgery (14.7%; CI, 12.8–16.6). General anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and brachial plexus block were performed in 54.3% (CI, 51.7–56.8), 28.2% (CI, 25.9–30.5), and 9.4% (CI, 7.9–10.9) of patients, respectively. One death occurred. Twenty-six items related to professional aspects, monitoring, and conduct of anesthesia did not meet the ISSPA-recommended standards. A lack of commonly used drugs and monitoring equipment was noted, posing major threats to the safety of anesthesia practice, especially in emergency situations.Conclusions: This study adds to the scarce literature on anesthesia practice in low- and middle-income countries such as Cambodia. Future medical assistance should help to strengthen these countries’ inadequacies, allowing for the adoption of international standards for the safe practice of anesthesia.
Potential health risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in clay eaten as pica (geophagia) among pregnant women of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Koryo-Dabrah Alice , Akonor Papa Toah , Manaphraim Nana Yaw Barima , Ayim-Akonor Matilda , Boadi Nathaniel Owusu , Essuman Edward Ken , Tettey Clement
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location. Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level. Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40± 1.5, 7.74± 1.5, 4.01± 1.0, 13.24± 2.2 and 13.76± 2.1 mg/Kg for Fe, Cu, Zn, K, Mg and Na respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63± 0.03 µg/Kg, 4.72±0.8, 0.53±0.02 and 1.85±0.3 mg/kg respectively for Arsenic, Manganese, Lead and Nickel. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611- 5.44 (mg/kg Bw/day), 6.26x10 -4 – 106.5, 0.067-10.34 and 15 respectively. Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the calculated HQ’s of these elemental minerals were >1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.
The analysis of groundwater nitrate pollution and health risk assessment in Rural Areas of Yantai,China
Authors: Yu Guimei , Wang Jiu , Liu Lei , Li Yun , Zhang Yi , Wang Songsong
Published: March 2020

Background:Nitrate is one of the most common chemical contaminants of groundwater, and it is an important unqualified factor of rural groundwater in Yantai. In order to assess the risk of exposure to drinking water nitrate for adults and juveniles, in recent years, we monitored the nitrate concentrations in rural drinking water,a model was also used to assess the human health risk of nitrate pollution in groundwater. Methods: From the year 2015 to 2018, the drinking water in rural areas of Yantai was tested according to the "Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water" (GB5749-2006). The principal component analysis was used to analyze the relationship between groundwater chemicals and nitrate. The model was used to assess human health risks of groundwater nitrate through the drinking water and skin contact. Results: A total of 2348 samples were tested during the year 2015-2018.Nitrate and total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride are all relevant, the above indicators may come from the same source of pollution; The median nitrate content (CEXP50) was 17.8 mg / L; the risk of exposure in each group was ranked as: Juveniles > Adult female > Adult male;the median health risk (HQ50) for minors and adults exceed 1. Conclusions:The concentrations of nitrate is stable and does not change over time.The high concentration of nitrate in rural areas of Yantai may be the result of the interaction of fertilizers and geological factors. The risk of exposure to nitrate in juveniles and adults is above the limit, so it is necessary to be on the alert for the high levels of nitrate.
Molecular analysis of lipid uptake- and necroptosis-associated factor expression in vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes
Authors: Um Da-Eun , Shin Hyejin , Park Dayoung , Ahn Jeong Min , Kim Jayeon , Song Haengseok , Lim Hyunjung Jade
Published: March 2020

Background: We had previously demonstrated that vitrification reduces the levels of certain phospholipid classes, and that oocytes from aged mice show a similar lipidome alteration, even without vitrification. In the current investigation, we examined if vitrification-warming of mouse oocytes from young and aged mice causes any changes in molecular aspects of lipid-associated features. Methods: Metaphase II (MII) stage oocytes were harvested from young (10‒14-week-old) and aged (45‒54-week-old) mice by a superovulation regime with PMSG followed by hCG. We examined the status of the intracellular lipid pool and the integrity of the plasma membrane by staining oocytes with BODIPY 500/510 and CellMask live dyes. Expression of lipid uptake- and necroptosis-associated genes was assessed by quantitative PCR analyses, in oocytes from young and old mice, before and after vitrification. Localization patterns of two crucial necroptosis proteins, phosphorylated MLKL (pMLKL) and phosphorylated RIPK1 (pRIPK1) were examined in mouse oocytes by immunofluorescence staining. Necrostain-1 (Nec1), an inhibitor of RIPK1, was used to examine if RIPK1 activity is required to maintain oocyte quality during vitrification. Results: We confirmed that vitrified-warmed oocytes from aged mice showed noticeable decrease in both CellMask and BODIPY 500/510 dyes. Among the lipid uptake-associated genes, C d 36 expression was higher in oocytes from aged mice. Necroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that involves damage to the plasma membrane, eventually resulting in cell rupture. The expression of necroptosis-associated genes did not significantly differ among groups. We observed that localization patterns of pMLKL and pRIPK1 were unique in mouse oocytes, showing association with microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) and spindle poles. pMLKL was also localized on kinetochores of MII chromosomes. Oocytes treated with Nec1 during vitrification showed a decreased survival rate, indicating the importance of RIPK1 activity in oocyte vitrification. Conclusions: We report that oocytes from aged mice show differential expression of CD36, which suggests that CD36-mediated lipid uptake may be influenced by age. We also show for the first time that pMLKL and pRIPK1 exhibit unique localization pattern in mouse oocytes and this may suggest role(s) for these factors in non-necroptosis-associated cellular processes.
Growth, yield and grain nutrients response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to biochar,lime and farmyard manure amendment of the croplands in southern Ethiopia.
Authors: Lulu Mekdes , Lemma Bekele , Hidoto Legesse
Published: March 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square.
Geographic Information Systems and COVID-19: The Johns Hopkins University Dashboard
Authors: JOAO BELMIRO N
Published: March 2020

Background: This article presents a single case study on the development of a GIS for global monitoring of coronavirus (COVID-19). For such concepts presented about GIS, its use and evolution in epidemic events and a presentation of the context of the current coronavirus outbreak and the meaningless results of consolidating a panel with reliable data.Methods: A single case study of a GIS in continuous development with data sharing and comments from the scientific community was carried out. Because it is not a post-mortem analysis, or a follow-up to a successful case, it was not possible to use more rigorous and systematic approaches such as those used by Lee (1989) and Onsrud, Pinto and Azad (1992) for case studies in GIS.Results: The case study presents the results of the development of a control dashboard, as well as the availability of consolidated data made by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and who showed a reliable platform and a world reference for health comunity.Conclusions: Efforts to develop a dashboard and provide data on the coronavirus outbreak resulted in the immediate replication of several other information systems with different approaches (Power BI, R, Tableau), becoming a reference for any new global epidemic outbreak events.
Influences of club connectedness among young adults in Western Australian community-based sports clubs
Authors: Burns Sharyn , Evans Melissa , Jancey Jonine , Portsmouth Linda , Maycock Bruce
Published: March 2020

Background: Along with physical benefits, community-based sport provides opportunities to enhance connectedness, an important protective factor of social and emotional health. However, young Australians participating in sport have been found to drink alcohol at higher levels than their non-sporting peers, and many clubs serve unhealthy food and beverages. This study explored the association between the dependent variable, level of alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C) and connectedness to club and other health behaviours among young people aged 18-30 years who play club sport in Western Australia.Methods: An online cross sectional survey measured levels of alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), alcohol-related harm, connectedness (including volunteering and team cohesion), mental wellbeing, healthy food options and club sponsorship among young adults aged 18-30 years involved in sports clubs in Western Australia (n = 242). Relationships and association between the dependent variable (AUDIT-C) and independent variables were assessed.Results: Positive correlations were found between high-risk drinking and club connectedness; team cohesion and club connectedness; mental wellbeing and team cohesion and team cohesion and drinking with team mates and experienced alcohol-related harms. Volunteering was negatively correlated with drinking with team mates and team cohesion. AUDIT-C score was moderately significantly positively correlated with club connectedness (rs = .18, p <.05) and team cohesion (rs = .22, p <.01) Male sportspeople were more likely to drink alcohol at high-risk levels than females (p <.001), and respondents belonging to a club that received alcohol-related sponsorship were more likely to drink at high-risk levels (p = .019). Females were significantly more likely to want healthy food and beverage options provided at their clubs (p = 0.011).Conclusions: Findings from this study may inform policy and practice to enhancing healthy behaviours among young adults participating in community sports clubs in Australia and other countries.
Substances use and its association with sociodemographic, family and environment-related factors among technical and vocational education and training College Students in Ataye, Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: wubetu abate dargie , Getachew Sintayehu , Negash Wassie
Published: March 2020

Background: substance use is prevalent in Ethiopia. Substance use can have several health problems that are potentially harmful in educational performance, social issues, psychological and physical wellbeing; especially on youth and adolescents. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of lifetime and last one-month substance use and its associated factors among technical and vocational education and training College Students (TVET) in Ataye town. Methods: an institution based cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Chi-square with its p-value was used to identify correlates for each substance use. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors after controlling cofounding. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval, and P < 0.05 was used to declare the significance of associated factors. Results: A total of 483 individuals were participated, which was a response rate of 94%. The prevalence of lifetime substance use was 32.5% (95% CI: 28.2, 36.5). The prevalence of last month's substance use was 21.9% (95% CI= 18.2, 25.5). Among lifetime users, the majority 98(25.5%) were chewed Khat; followed by alcohol drinking 75(19.5%). Cigarettes, cannabis, and cocaine users were 15.3%, 2.5%, and 7.2% respectively. Among last month's substance users, the same proportions (21.9%) chewed Khat; followed by alcohol drinking, (16.6%) and cigarette smoking, (15.3%). Of last month's substance users, 1.2% and 3.3% of students used Cannabis and cocaine respectively. Using multivariate binary logistic regression, Being male (AOR=2.2, 95%CI: 2.3, 3.84), Being from divorced family (AOR=4.1,95%CI: 1.1, 5.8), Living > 20 years in the town (AOR=3.45,95%CI: 1.18,10.1), had family member substance user (AOR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.1, 5.8), had intimate friend substance user (AOR=5.3,95%CI: 2.6,10.9), and availability of substances (AOR=2.3,95%CI: 1.2,4.4.) were independent predictors of lifetime substance use among TVET college students. Conclusions: The prevalence of last month and lifetime substance use among Ataye TVET College students were analogous with other studies done in Ethiopia. Cannabis and cocaine are illegal drugs in Ethiopia. But, the reported proportion of these illegal drug use was significant and needs government attention. Overall, Substance use among adolescents should get further emphasis to lower the prevalence.
Premarital sexual practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Getaneh Temesgen , Negesse Ayenew , Chane Jemberu
Published: March 2020

Background Globally, large numbers of adolescents engage in premarital sexual practice. Youths who begin early sexual activity are more likely to be exposed for high-risk of having multiple sexual partners, infection with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexual transmitted diseases. There are pocket studies which reported meager and fragmented evidences across different parts of Ethiopia related with this issue, hence the aim of this review was also to estimate those meager evidences and come up with concrete information at the national level.Methods articles were retrived through search engines such as: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, HINARI portal, and Cochrane Library using the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of the included articles. Random effect model analysis technique was considered to estimate the pooled prevalence of premarital sexual practice with their respective odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Cochran’s Q statistic, Egger’s and Begg’s test and meta regression were carried out to assess heterogeneity, publication bias and to identify associated factors respectively.Results Exactly 24 articles with total sample size 14,872 individuals were included for this review. The pooled estimate of premarital sexual practice at the national level was 30.98% (95% CI: 26.74, 35.21). Being female sex (OR=1.55: 95% CI; 1.01, 2.37), age >18yrs (OR=2.39: 95% CI; 1.29, 4.42), being alcohol abuser with (OR=3.47; 95% CI; 1.94, 6.19) and exposed to pornography (OR=3.24:95% CI; 1.95, 5.38) were the associated factors of premarital sexual practice in Ethiopia.Conclusion The pooled prevalence of premarital sexual practice in Ethiopia was high in comparison with other countries. So that it is the strong recommendations of the authors’ to provide an integrated youth’s reproductive and sexual health services on the local context to decrease their exposure for premarital sexual practices and its negative impact on future life opportunities. Keywords: Pooled; Premarital; Sexual; Practice; Prevalence; Ethiopia .
Ethical and social implications of approaching death prediction in humans - when the biology of ageing meets existential issues
Authors: Gaille Marie , Rera Michael , Araneda Marco , Dubost Clément , Guillermain Clémence , Kaakai Sarah , Ricadat Elise , Todd Nicolas
Published: March 2020

Background: The discovery of biomarkers of ageing has led to the development of predictors of impending natural death and has paved the way for personalised estimation of the risk of death in the general population. This study intends to identify the ethical resources available to approach the idea of death as a process and consider the perspective of death prediction. The reflection on human mortality is necessary but not sufficient to face this issue. Knowledge about death anticipation in clinical contexts allows for a better understanding of it. Still, the very notion of prediction and its implications must be clarified. This study outlines in a prospective way issues that call for further investigation in the various fields concerned: ethical, psychological, medical and social. Methods: The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach, a combination of philosophy, clinical psychology, medicine, demography, biology and actuarial science. Results: The present study proposes an understanding of death prediction based on its distinction with the relationship to human mortality and death anticipation, and on the analogy with the implications of genetic testing performed in pre-symptomatic stages of a disease. It leads to the identification of a multi-layered issue, including the individual and personal relationship to death prediction, the potential medical uses of biomarkers of ageing, the social and economic implications of the latter, especially in regard of the way the longevity risk is perceived. Conclusions: The present study work strives to propose a first sketch of what the implications of death prediction as such could be - from an individual, medical and social point of view. Both with anti-ageing medicine and the transhumanist quest for immortality, research on biomarkers of ageing brings back to the forefront crucial ethical matters: should we, as human beings, keep ignoring certain things, primarily the moment of our death, be it an estimation of it? If such knowledge was available, who should be informed about it and how such information should be given? Is it a knowledge that could be socially shared?
Mutations in CD14 gene may have significant effect on mastitis resistance/susceptibility of buffalo.
Authors: Pal Aruna , Pal Abantika , Sharma Arjava , Bhattacharya Tarun kumar
Published: March 2020

Background: CD14 is an important pattern recognition receptor having innate immune function and has antibacterial activity. It binds with LPS of gram-negative bacteria, arachidonic acid, and lipoteichoic acid. Being a receptor, it binds with the pathogen with the help of other cytokines. Mutations in CD14 affect the binding ability which in turn affects the biological potentiality. Method: The present study was conducted on 228 nos. of buffaloes pertaining to four different breeds as Murrah, Mehsana, Surti and Bhadawari. CD14 gene was characterized and polymorphism was detected through Single nucleotide conformation polymorphism. Association study was conducted for different variants of CD14 with mastitis in buffalo, detected through somatic cell count, california mastitis test. Result: Eight variants of CD14 were detected and mutational hotspots were detected in bubaline CD14 with 58 number of non-synonymous SNP, out of which 18 were observed to be deleterious and 34 as thermodynamically unstable. In the present study, we had detected the mutations in CD14 gene and its association with the somatic cell score and other indicators for mastitis. In-silico studies were conducted to understand the molecular mechanism how the mutations affect the biological potentiality by analyzing different domains and structural analysis along with various post-translational modification sites. Conclusion: Deleterious mutations were observed in CD14 gene which have significant effect on mastitis of buffalo. It may be employed for marker assisted selection, therapeutic application of recombinant CD14, gene therapy, transgenic animal production with wild type CD14 resistant to mastitis as future strategy. Keywords: CD14, cytokine, bio-informatics, mutation, SNP, deleterious, I-mutant, Provean, mastitis
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping using Statistical Methods in Uatzau Catchment Area, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wubalem Azemeraw
Published: March 2020

Landslide susceptibility mapping is important to hazard management and to have planning development activities in the mountainous country like Ethiopia. In the present study, the landslide susceptibility mapping of the Uatzau basin is made using certainty factor, information value and logistic regression methods. Preparation of landslide inventory map from detailed fieldwork and Google Earth image interpretation was the first activity. Thus, 514 landslides were mapped and out of which 490 (70%) of landslides were randomly selected keeping their spatial distribution to build landslide susceptibility models while the remaining 155 (30%) of the landslides were used to models validation. It is clear that the effectiveness of the landslide susceptibility model using GIS and statistical methods is depending on the selection of the causative factors, which have a prevailing effect on landslide occurrence. In this study, six factors including lithology, land use/cover, distance to stream, slope gradient, slope aspect, and slope curvature were the landslide factors that were evaluated. After preparation of these factor maps, the effects of them on slope instability was determined by comparing with landslide inventory raster map using GIS. Finally, the landslide susceptibility model for the Uatzau area was developed and validated using the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC). The results of ROC showed that for landslide susceptibility map using frequency ratio model (FRM) with an AUC value of 0.8883 has the highest prediction accuracy of 88.83%. The landslide susceptibility map, which is produced using Certainty factor and information value methods also showed that 87.03% and 84.83% of prediction accuracy respectively. Besides the prediction accuracy of the model, the success rate curve for all models was applied and the result showed that more than 80% accuracy (i.e, 80.83% for the information value model, 87.19% for the certainty factor model and 83.27% for frequency ratio model). The present research finds out that all methods/ models, which have employed in this study showed that reasonably very good accuracy in predicting landslide susceptibility of the Uatzau area. Therefore, these landslide susceptibility maps can be used for regional land use planning and landslide hazard mitigation purposes.