bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodyum Diesatat ve Sodyum Benzoat İlavesinin Yüksek Nemli Mısır Silajlarının Aerobik Stabilite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: KOC Fisun
Published: January 2020

Amaç: Bu
araştırmada, farklı dozlarda sodyum diasetat ve sodyum benzoat ilavesinin
yüksek nemli mısır silajlarının aerobik stabilite özellikleri üzerine etkileri
araştırılmıştır.

Materyal ve Metot: Çalışmada sodyum
diasetat (SD) ve sodyum benzoat (SB) olarak iki farklı katkı maddesinin (%0.5,
%1 ve %2) olacak şekilde 3 farklı dozunun, 25-26oC ve 36-37oC
koşullarında etkisi araştırılmıştır. Araştırma materyalini yaklaşık 120 gün
süre ile depolanmış KM içerği %61.84 olan fermente dane mısır oluşturmuştur.
Silaj örnekleri her muamele grubunda 3’er tekerrür olmak üzere aerobik
stabilite testine tabi tutulmuştur. Aerobik stabilitenin 0,  4., 7. ve 12. günlerinde silaj örneklerinde
kimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik parametrelere ilişkin analizler yürütülmüştür. Aynı
zamanda, Fluke Ti9 IR (160x120) marka termal kamera ile 1 m mesafeden silaj
örneklerinden görüntüleme yapılarak değerlendirme sonuçları kaydedilmiştir.
Daha sonra elde edilen veriler SmartView®software programında
değerlendirilmiştir. Aerobik stabilite döneminde silaj
örneklerindeki sıcaklık değişimleri ve ortam sıcaklığı 30 dakikada bir 12 gün
süreyle (Hobo pentant data logger) kaydedilmiştir.

Bulgular: Araştırmada
katkı maddesi ilavesi silajların pH, NH3-N ve maya içeriklerini
düşürmüş, SÇK ve LA içeriklerini ise yükseltmiş, küf gelişimini ise önlemiştir.
Ancak, araştırmada kullanılan katkı maddelerinin doz miktarı ve aerobik
stabilteye ilişkin parametreler üzerindeki etkileri paralellik göstermemiştir.

Sonuç:
Araştırma sonucunda, yüksek nemli fermente mısır silajlarına açım
sonrası farklı dozlarda SD ve SBA ilave edilmesinin aerobik stabiliteyi
iyileştirdiği, ancak katkı maddesi dozunun özellikle yüksek sıcaklıklarda
tekrar gözden geçirilmesini gerekli olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
Üzüm Üreticilerinin Biyolojik Mücadele Konusundaki Bilgi Düzeylerinin Belirlenmesi: Honaz İlçesi Örneği
Authors: Aslan Yunus , NOTHVOGEL Mustafa , ÖRMECİ KART Murside Cagla , DEMİRBAŞ Nevin
Published: January 2020

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Denizli İli Honaz İlçesi’nde üzüm
üreticileriyle yüz yüze yapılan anketlerden elde edilen verilerle üreticilerin
hastalık veya zararlı etmenlerine karşı uyguladıkları bitki koruma yöntemleri
ve özellikle biyolojik mücadele konusundaki bilgi düzeyleri araştırılmıştır.

Materyal ve Metot: Araştırmanın
birincil verilerini Honaz ilçesindeki üreticilerle yüz yüze görüşülerek yapılan
anketlerden elde edilen veriler oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin analizi için işletme büyüklükleri itibariyle istatistiksel
karşılaştırma yöntemlerinden de yararlanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Araştırma sonuçlarına göre bölgede üzüm üretiminde
tarımsal mücadelenin bilinçsizce yapıldığı, biyolojik mücadelenin
yapılmadığı  ve üreticilerin biyolojik
mücadele hakkında çok az bilgi sahibi oldukları tespit edilmiştir. Üreticiler
tarım ilaçlarının zararlarını kısmen bilmelerine rağmen, tek gelir kaynakları
olan üzümü riske atmamak için hızlı ve kesin çözüm aldıkları kimyasal
mücadeleye başvurmakta ve gereğinden fazla kimyasal  kullanmaktadır.

Sonuç: Üreticiler bitki korumada çevre dostu
kültürel uygulamaların ve preperatların seçimi konusunda eğitilmeli ve bu amaca
yönelik yayım programları en kısa sürede hazırlanmalı ve uygulanmalıdır.
Simulation mathematical model of the mixing process of bulk components in the mixer
Authors: Ostrikov A. N. , Frolova L. N. , Aleksandrov A. I. , Posmetiev V. V.
Published: January 2020

The developed simulation model allows computer experiments on mixing components in which the parameters of the components of the mixture or mixer are changed, the nature of the influence of the parameter is established and recommendations for choosing the optimal values of the parameter are given. The model of the mixing process takes into account the size, shape and rheological properties of the components of the mixture, as well as the interaction of the bulk material with the working surfaces of the mixer (blades, blade struts, shafts, housing). The simulation mathematical model of the mixer has a high spatial resolution for the correct reproduction of the interaction of particles in the mixing process. In the framework of the finite element approximation, the bulk material is represented as a set of elements. The particle dynamics method was used to model the mechanical behavior of the mixture. Modeling is performed in three-dimensional Cartesian space. The state of each element is defined by six variables: the coordinates of its center and the velocity components. The solution of this system of differential equations of the second order are the functions that determine the trajectories of motion of the elements and allow to evaluate the efficiency of the mixing process. To solve differential equations of this kind, the second – order numerical method-Runge-Kutta is used. A computer program in the Object Pascal language in the Borland Delphi 7 integrated programming environment has been developed to implement the calculation according to the above formulas and to make it easier to conduct a series of computer experiments. The developed mathematical model of the process of mixing of bulk components allows to choose rational technological modes of mixing, which makes it possible to increase the homogeneity of mixing up to 98 %, and to calculate the kinematic mode of the mixing process in the mixer by creating a "quasi-weight" hydrodynamic mixing mode and a significant acceleration of the mixing process.
Clinical trials of the vitamin-mineral complex for the treatment of children with a trauma profile
Authors: Vekovtsev A. A. , Tohiriyon B. , Slizovsky G. V. , Poznyakovsky V. M.
Published: January 2020

A vitamin-mineral complex in tablet form of a biologically active additive (BAA) was developed, consisting of the following ingredients: hydroxyapatite calcium, magnesium oxide, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C, silicon oxide, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, boron glycyrate, chromium picolinate and cholecalciferol. The qualitative and quantitative composition of prescription components is scientifically based on their biochemical and pharmacological characteristics. Evidence-based clinical materials on the effectiveness and functional orientation of dietary supplements are presented through its inclusion in the complex treatment of children with fractures of the long bones, one capsule twice (children 3–7 years old) and one capsule three times a day (8–14 years). Studied the content of phosphorus, ionized calcium, alkaline phosphatase of the blood serum, conducted x-ray, laser Doppler fluometry. The use of diet therapy reduced pain and post-traumatic soft tissue edema, which allowed us to limit the use of analgesics and reduce the time of rehabilitation. Normalized biochemical parameters. The conclusion was made about the positive effect of the vitamin-mineral complex on the functioning of the joints and the recovery processes in trophic soft tissue disorders and the development of post-traumatic edema. Recommendations were developed for representative groups of children with a traumatological profile: 3–7 years old — one capsule twice, 8–14 years old — one capsule three times a day during meals. A specialized product is produced at the enterprises of the Art-Life company (Tomsk), certified according to the requirements of international standards 9001,22000 and GMP rules, ensuring competitiveness and stability of quality characteristics.
Study of the surface properties of buckwheat flour produced by different enterprises by De-Nui methods and tenzimetric to predict its technological properties
Authors: Livinskiy A. A. , Saitova M. E. , Livinskaya S. A.
Published: January 2020

The scientific and industrial community of specialists is developing indirect methods for predicting the technological properties of flour, which would reduce economic costs in a production environment. The results of comparing the colloidal properties of 4 samples of different producers of buckwheat flour from steamed cereals and 1 from green are presented. As methods for predicting the technological properties of flour used surface properties. The graphs of the dependence “surface tension at the air-liquid interface - concentration of dissolved substance” were constructed using experimental data obtained by the De Nui method. The surface activity of the compared samples was established by solving equations obtained by mathematical processing of experimental data. The adsorption properties of buckwheat flour samples were studied by the tensimetric method. Based on the study of surface properties, flour samples were arranged in a row according to the manifested colloidal properties. Studies of the surface properties of flour samples from steamed and non-steamed cereals showed that buckwheat flour produced by different enterprises is characterized by various adsorption properties, which should be taken into account during its storage and use in flour products. A sample of unpaired cereal has the highest surface activity, which allows us to recognize it as the best sample. The main influence on the technological advantages of flour is exerted by the fraction of flour with a particle size of up to 50 microns, the amount of which should be 58.69 ± 2%. At a higher content of particles of this fraction, the flour is characterized by reduced surface activity and has a higher hygroscopicity, which negatively affects its technological properties.
Energy efficiency is the most important indicator of the quality of food grinders
Authors: Islamova O. V. , Tokov A. Z. , Ataeva F. A.
Published: January 2020

A brief analysis of the methods of grinding technological raw materials from the standpoint of energy efficiency has been performed. Studies show that cutting (grinding) the feedstock into pieces of a certain size is the most energy-intensive. Existing designs of cutting elements of grinding mechanisms (cutting blade, cutting edge) are not optimal from the standpoint of energy efficiency. For example, the cutting blade in the working hole has a taper angle of 90°, and the taper angle of the cutting blade on the blades of the movable knife is also in the range of 80–90°. It is proposed to make the sharpening angles of the cutting blades on the blades of a movable knife equal to 5–8°. In addition, the blades of such a knife should have the shape of a classic wedge in all cross sections. Reducing the angle of sharpening of the cutting blade in the working hole of the grill to such values does not succeed in terms of design features (in particular, without violating transparency indicators). The reserves of reducing the angle of sharpening of the cutting blade in the working hole are shown (this angle can be less than 90°). The performed studies indicate that the smaller the energy costs for grinding the feedstock, the less it is rubbed and squeezed out of the holes of the grate. It can be assumed that the organoleptic properties did not deteriorate after grinding (but remained). The lower the transparency of the lattice, the grinding process is more energy-consuming. The smaller the sharpening angles of the cutting blades of the knives, the more energy-efficient the grinding process. The worse the quality of the crushed raw materials, for example, meat, which is characterized by the excessive presence of connective and cartilage tissues, films, etc., the more energy-efficient is the grinding process with knives with cutting blades with minimal sharpening angles.
The practic application of traceability principles
Authors: Kochetov V. K. , Ageeva N. V.
Published: January 2020

The procedure of traceability of finished product, the regulating actions for tracking of products, beginning from the raw materials used for production of the single-part randomly chosen consumer package of a product and ending with shipment of this product to distributing facilities and also for tracking of processing of randomly chosen raw materials are offered. The traceability system does not guarantee a complete elimination of risk from arrival to the enterprise of improper raw and other materials, but allows tracking and identifying a source of nonconformance, after receiving of problem in quality of finished product. If a source of nonconformance is raw or other materials, then the manufacturer can allocate responsibilities for damage to property to the supplier of these raw or other materials. The procedure of traceability provides carrying out of training exercises at least once a year for determination of efficiency and working capacity of the current system of traceability, and also for identification and elimination of bottlenecks. For monitor and control over the stages of a process flow on the basis of the available database were proved the critical parameters of production process of confectionery, which control will allow to receive a safe product with the set technological and end-user performances. For monitor and control over the stages of a process flow on the basis of the available database on product traceability were proved the critical parameters of production process of confectionery, which control will allow to receive a safe product with the set technological and end-user performances. The accepted system eliminates a possibility of sales of products of nonconforming quality and allows to go back from the established control procedures that promotes the productivity enhancement.
GENETIC VARIABILITIES OF AGRONOMIC TRAITS AND BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT RESISTANCE OF HIGH YIELDING RICE VARIETIES
Authors: Nafisah Nafisah , Roza Celvia , Yunani Nani , Hairmansis Aris , Rostiati Tita , Jamil Ali
Published: January 2020

Hundred of high yielding and bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Xoo) resistant rice varieties released since the 1960s are important sources of genetic materials for exploring superior genotypes. The study aimed to evaluate the genetic resistance of 177 rice varieties to Xoo and their agronomic traits. The evaluations were conducted at the Indonesian Center for Rice Research Experimental Station during the wet season (December 2015-March 2016). The bacterial leaf blight resistance was evaluated for Xoo pathotypes III, IV, and VIII using the clipping method. The genetic variation among genotypes was categorized as low (0–10%), medium (10–20%), and high (>20%), whereas the heritability was categorized as low (0-30%), medium (30-60%), and high (>60%). The variability of resistance to Xoo pathotypes, grain yield, and spikelet fertility was low, while the variability of plant height, productive tiller number, filled grain, and total spikelet was medium, and the variability of unfilled grain number was high. The 29 varieties  were categorized as superior based on their agronomic traits or resistance to Xoo pathotypes. In conclusion, Batutegi and Fatmawati were superior in the total spikelet number, while Rojolele and Inpari 2 were supreme in the thousand-grain weight. Dodokan had a very short maturity, and Inpari 24, Conde, Kalimas, Angke, Inpari 17, and Inpara 8 had the highest resistance to Xoo pathotypes. The study implies that the identified rice superior genotypes could be used as genetic materials to design cross combinations for higher yield potential and BLB resistance varietal improvement.
Bacillus atrophaeus MFDV2 RHIZOBACTERIA ISOLATE INCREASES VEGETATIVE GROWTH, YIELD, AND FRUIT SIZE OF BANANA PLANT
Authors: Pırlak Lütfi , Akbaş Yaşar , Dönmez Mesude Figen
Published: January 2020

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria have important roles in soil fertility and have been manipulated for ecologically friendly crop production. The study aimed to determine the effects of a biological agent (Bacillus atrophaeus MFDV2) on the growth, yield, and quality of the banana plant. The study was conducted in 2017–2018 using the banana Dwarf Cavendish clone. Bacterial isolate was cultured on nutrient agar and stored at 30 °C for 24 hours. The culture was then suspended in 0.1 M phosphate buffer to 109 CFU ml-1. The bacterial suspension was applied as foliar, soil and foliar + soil once every two months starting from February. One liter of suspension was applied on the soil and over the leaves per plant. The results showed that the effect of bacterial treatment did not increase stem circumference and leaf length, but it was a significant increase in plant height, leaf number, and leaf width. The effects of bacterial application on banana bunch weight and fruit growth were statistically significant. All applications significantly increased the weight, with the highest increase occurring in foliar finger + soil application. While the effects on the finger diameter were statistically similar. Application on leaf + root has been the biggest increase in finger length. The effects of bacterial applications increased N, P, and K contents in the leaves. The study concluded that the application of Bacillus atrophaeus MFDV2 increased the vegetative growth and fruit quality of the banana plant, so it is advisable to be used in organic banana farming.
A non-parametric effect size measure capturing changes in central tendency and shape of data distributions more flexibly than Cohen’s d
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Ultsch Alfred
Published: January 2020

Calculating the magnitude of treatment effects or of differences between two groups is a common task in quantitative science. Standard effect size measures based on differences, such as the commonly used Cohen's, fail to capture the treatment-related effects on the data if the effects were not reflected by the central tendency. "Impact” is a novel nonparametric measure of effect size obtained as the sum of two separate components and includes (i) the change in the central tendency of the group-specific data, normalized to the overall variability, and (ii) the difference in the probability density of the group-specific data. Results obtained on artificial data and empirical biomedical data showed that impact outperforms Cohen's d by this additional component. It is shown that in a multivariate setting, while standard statistical analyses and Cohen’s d are not able to identify effects that lead to changes in the form of data distribution, “Impact” correctly captures them. The proposed effect size measure shares the ability to observe such an effect with machine learning algorithms. It is numerically stable even for degenerate distributions consisting of singular values. Therefore, the proposed effect size measure is particularly well suited for data science and artificial intelligence-based knowledge discovery from (big) and heterogeneous data.
tRNA queuosine modification enzyme modulates the growth and microbiome recruitment to breast tumors
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Lu Rong , Zhang Yong-Guo , Matuszek Żaneta , Xia Yinglin , Pan Tao , Sun Jun
Published: January 2020

Background: Transfer RNA (tRNA) queuosine (Q)-modifications occur specifically in 4 cellular tRNAs at the wobble anticodon position. tRNA Q-modification in human cells depends on the gut microbiome because the microbiome product queuine is required for its installation by the enzyme queuine tRNA ribosyltransferase catalytic subunit 1 (QTRT1) encoded in the human genome. Although tRNA Q-modification has been studied a long time regarding its properties in decoding and tRNA fragment generation, how QTRT1 affects tumorigenesis is still poorly understood. Results: We generated single clones of QTRT1-knockout breast cancer MCF7 cells using Double Nickase Plasmid. The impacts of QTRT1-delection on cell proliferation and migration in vitro were evaluated using cell culture, while the regulations on tumor growth in vivo were evaluated using xenograft BALB/c nude mouse model. We found that QTRT1 completely deleted from human breast cancer MCF7 cells could change the functions of regulation genes which are critical in cell proliferation, tight junction formation, and migration in human breast cancer cells in vitro and a breast tumor mouse model in vivo . We also found that microbiome maybe involved in the breast cancer development in vivo. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the QTRT1 gene and microbiome play a critical role in breast cancer development.
Novel role of hesperidin improve obesity in HFD mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Liu Ting , Lei Chao , Song Weiqi , Fang Rong , Chen Hui , Li Chen , Li Xiaomei , Liang Xue , Huang Qinghong , Ti Huihui , Sun Ning , Ma Yanlei
Published: January 2020

Background Hesperidin is a plant-derived dihydroflavone derivatives with multiple pharmacological function. Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis. We examined the possibility that hesperidin may prevent diet-induced obesity by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were treated with hesperidin. Its effects on the gut microbiota were assessed by horizontal faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and 16S rDNA-based microbiota analysis.ResultsGut microbiota analysis revealed that hesperidin selectively promoted the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus salivarius and harmful Staphylococcus sciuri, Desulfovibrio C21_c20 and inhibiting beneficial Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Mucispirillum schaedleri and harmful Helicobacter ganmani , Helicobacter hepaticus . in HFD-fed mice. However, hesperidin reverses obesity, inflammation and improves gut integrity in HFD-fed mice. The anti-obesity effects and hesperidin-modulated Lactobacillus salivarius, Desulfovibrio C21_c20, Mucispirillum schaedleri and Helicobacter hepaticus were transmissible via horizontal faces transfer from hesperidin-treated mice to HFD-fed mice.Conclusions Hesperidin has a role to reduce body weight and reverse HFD-related disorders in HFD-fed mice by enriching some beneficial and inhibiting harmful microbes.
Comparison of 99mTc-MIBI, ultrasound, and mammography for the diagnosis of BI-RADS 4 category lesions
Authors: liu hongbiao , Zhan Hongwei , Sun Da
Published: January 2020

Introduction: We sought to determine the diagnostic efficacy of BSGI in Chinese women with BI-RADS 4 category lesions and to compare this efficacy to that of ultrasound/mammography. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 177 women who had undergone BSGI of BI-RADS 4 category lesions detected via ultrasound and/or mammography. Results: Of the 177 cases, 117 (66.1%)were malignant lesions and 60(33.9%) were benign. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of BSGI were 94.9%(111/117), 78.3%(47/60), 89.5% (111/124), and 88.7%(47/53), respectively. For mammography, the specificity and positive predictive values were 48.3%(29/60) and 77.5% (107/138), while for ultrasound they were 53.3% (32/60) and 79.6% (109/137). The sensitivity and specificity of BSGI for the detection lesions ≤1 cm were 90.9% (10/11) and 88.0%(22/25), while these values for breast lesions ＞1cm were 94.3%(100/106) and 71.4% (25/35), and these values for dense breast tissue were 94.0%(79/84)and 78.0%(39/50), as opposed to non-dense breast values of 97.0%(32/33) and 80.0%(8/10). The sensitivity of BSGI for IDC and DCIS were 98.9%(95/96)and 75.0%(9/12).The tumor to normal tissue ratio of BSGI for malignant lesions was significantly higher than that of benign lesions (2.18 + 1.17 vs 1.66 + 0.40, t =7.56, P ＜0.05). Conclusions: These results reveal that BSGI is highly sensitive, with good positive/negative predictive values. BSGI for IDC proved to be superior to DCIS for diagnosis of BI-RADS 4 category lesions as compared with ultrasound or mammography. BSGI showed perfect results in density breasts and lesions ≤ 1 cm in size. Keywords : Breast cancer; BSGI; Mammography; 99m Tc-MIBI; Ultrasound
Modified BEAC conditioning regimen with idarubicin followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is safe and effective for invasive B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients
Authors: Li Yueyang , Wang Yafei , Liu Su , Chen Zehui , Zhang Yizhuo , Yu Yong , Yang Hongliang , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Zhigang , tian chen
Published: January 2020

High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is still a consolidation treatment choice for relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients and some aggressive B-cell NHL as frontline therapy. Due to the shortage of carmustine, we switched to idarubicin-substituted BEAC (IEAC). We compared the outcomes of 72 B-cell NHL patients treated with IEAC or BEAC regimens followed by ASCT. The median time to neutrophil and platelet reconstitution showed no difference between IEAC and BEAC groups. IEAC regimen was well tolerated without increase of adverse events. Transplant-related mortality didn’t occur. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of IEAC group were a little longer than that of BEAC group. 2-year OS and PFS rate were higher in IEAC group compared to BEAC group. Multivariate analysis showed that AnnArbor staging, IPI score, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, remission of disease, modified regimen were related with the prognosis. In conclusion, IEAC regimen was well tolerated and replacement with idarubicin could effectively prolong the survival of patients.
The NRP1 gene regulates proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in T24 and 5637 bladder cancer cells
Authors: Han Conghui , Dong Yang , Hao Lin , Pang Kun , Zhang Xiaoying , Shi Zhenduo , Li Bibo , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhou Rongsheng , Zhang Wenda , Fan Tao , Zhu Guangyuan , Lv Qian , Liu Ying , Li Rui
Published: January 2020

Background Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BC) is a fatal invasive malignancy and the most common malignancy of the urinary system. In the current study, we investigate the function and mechanisms of Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), the co-receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor, in BC pathogenesis and progression. Methods The expression of NRP1 was assessed in several BC cell lines. Additionally, the biological function of NRP1 in proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion of BC were validated in vitro by silencing NRP1. Moreover, gene expression profiling chip analysis was conducted, and the related signalling pathways were confirmed by Western blot to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms by which NRP1 promotes the malignant progression of BC. Results Overexpression of NRP1 was observed in several human BC cell lines. NRP1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and decreased angiogenesis, migration, and invasion in T24 and 5637 human BC cells. Microarray analysis results indicated that the expression of NRP1 was correlated with the levels of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 4, baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3, Cyclin E 2, CDK2, and AP-1 transcription factor subunit in BC. We also demonstrated that the biological function of NRP1was associated with activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence that NRP1, as a potential tumour promoter, contributes to the metastasis and invasion of BC, which is associated with the activation of the MAPK pathway. Targeting NRP1 has the potential to become a new therapeutic strategy to benefit more patients with BC or other cancers.
Functional constipation masked as irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Tosto Monica , D’Andrea Paola , Salamone Ignazio , Pellegrino Salvatore , Costa Stefano , Lucanto Maria Cristina , Pallio Socrate , Magazzu Giuseppe , Guandalini Stefano
Published: January 2020

Background Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders state that children suspected of having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Constipation (IBS-C) should be preliminarily treated for constipation. We aimed at verifying if functional constipation may indeed lead to an erroneous diagnosis of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) or IBS with mixed pattern of diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M).Methods We prospectively enrolled in an unblinded fashion 10 and 16 consecutive children referred to our center who met Rome IV criteria for a diagnosis of IBS-D and IBS-M, respectively. Patients who fulfilled criteria for suspect “occult constipation” were then given a bowel cleaning regimen with PEG 3350, re-evaluated at 2 months and followed up for at least 6 months. Sixteen additional patients with IBS with Constipation (IBS-C) referred in the same period served as control. The endpoints were: 1) a decrease of more than 50% in abdominal pain intensity and frequency scores; and 2) for patients with IBS-D and IBS-M: resolution of diarrhea.Results The endpoints were met by 8 (80%) and 14 (87%) of the patients with IBS-D and IBS-M, respectively, with decrease of abdominal pain and resolution of “diarrhea”. The response was not significantly different from that observed in 15 (93%) of the IBS-C control group.Conclusion acknowledging the limitations of the small number of patients and of the uncontrolled nature of the study, we suggest that a possibly large number of patients labeled as IBS-D or IBS-M may actually simply present functional constipation and should be managed as such.
Diagnostic performance of anthropometric measurements in detecting elevated serum alanine aminotransferase: a school-based screening of 7271 Shenzhen adolescents
Authors: Ding Zan , Ou Yu-Lan , Lai Yue-Rong , Jiang Chao-Nan , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2020

Background Screening for elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can help identifying individuals at the risks of chronic and metabolic diseases, but blood collection is invasive and cannot be widely used for investigations. Considered as simple and inexpensive screening indices, anthropometric measurements can be measured in a large crowd and may be important surrogate markers for ALT levels. Among adolescents, few studies focused on the diagnostic performance of anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-score as predictive factors for discerning an elevated ALT activity. We sought to fill this knowledge gap among Shenzhen adolescents.Methods A school-based study was performed from 9 high schools in Shenzhen during February 2017 and June 2018. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the diagnostic performance of each measurement.Results Altogether 7271 adolescents aged 9−17 years were involved. The proportion of elevated ALT greatly increased with increasing classification of BMI-z. By the sex-specific cut-offs for elevated ALT (30 U/L boys; 19 U/L girls), BMI showed the highest area under the curve of 0.789 (95% CI 0.765-0.812) and followed by weight (0.779 [0.755-0.802]), BMI-z (0.747 [0.722-0.772]), height (0.622 [0.597-0.647]), and age (0.608 [0.584-0.632]), while height-z was not capable. With the cut-off of 67.8 kg for weight and 22.6 kg/m2 for BMI, the accuracy was 87.1% for weight and 82.9% for BMI.Conclusions The presence of elevated ALT was more common in overweight or obese adolescents. BMI and weight had the superiority of detecting elevated ALT, followed by BMI-z, height, and age.
Transcription Factors and microRNA Genes Regulatory Network Construction Under Drought Stress in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Baghery Mohammad Amin , Kazemitabar Seyed Kamal , Dehestani Ali , Mehrabanjoubani Pooyan , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: January 2020

Background: Drought is one of the most common environmental stresses affecting crops yield and quality. Sesame is an important oilseed crop that most likely faces drought during its growth due to growing in semi-arid and arid areas. Plants responses to drought controlled by regulatory mechanisms. Despite this importance, there is little information about Sesame regulatory mechanisms against drought stress.
Results: 458 drought-related genes were identified using comprehensive RNA-seq data analysis of two susceptible and tolerant sesame genotypes under drought stress. These drought-responsive genes were included secondary metabolites biosynthesis-related Like F3H, sucrose biosynthesis-related like SUS2, transporters like SUC2, and protectives like LEA and HSP families. Interactions between identified genes and regulators including TFs and miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics tools and related regulatory gene networks were constructed. Key regulators and relations of Sesame under drought stress were detected by network analysis. TFs belonged to DREB (DREB2D), MYB (MYB63), ZFP (TFIIIA), bZIP (bZIP16), bHLH (PIF1), WRKY (WRKY30) and NAC (NAC29) families were found among key regulators. mRNAs like miR399, miR169, miR156, miR5685, miR529, miR395, miR396, and miR172 also found as key drought regulators. Furthermore, a total of 117 TFs and 133 miRNAs that might be involved in drought stress were identified with this approach.
Conclusions: Most of the identified TFs and almost all of the miRNAs are introduced for the first time as potential regulators of drought response in Sesame. These regulators accompany with identified drought-related genes could be valuable candidates for future studies and breeding programs on Sesame under drought stress.
Keywords: Sesamum indicum, Drought stress, Regulatory networks, miRNA, Transcription Factors.
The possible role of S gene mutations of hepatitis B virus in intrauterine transmission
Authors: Wu Jiaxin , Feng Yongliang , Yang Zhiqing , Zhang Ruijun , Wang Dandan , Yi Linzhu , Feng Shuying , Wang Bo , Wang Suping
Published: January 2020

Background: Many hepatitis B virus (HBV) substances could inevitably enter fetuses and occurred neonatal intrauterine transmission. HBV often occurs mutation, especially S gene, and may lead to different outcomes on intrauterine transmission. We explored the associations between HBV S gene mutations of hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg-positive) mothers and intrauterine transmission. Methods: A total of 399 HBsAg-positive mothers and neonates were recruited and their general demographic information was collected between June 2011 and July 2013. The mothers with HBV DNA levels ≥ 106 IU/ml were selected, 22 mothers whose neonates occurred HBV intrauterine transmission were in the HBV intrauterine transmission group (GT) and 22 mothers were randomly selected from the remaining controls were in the control group (GC). Maternal whole-genome HBV DNA was extracted, amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Obtained sequences were adjusted, genotyped, and analyzed for mutation rates. A case-control study was designed to analyze the relationship between mutations in the S gene of HBV and intrauterine transmission. Results: Fifty-five neonates were found to have experienced intrauterine transmission (13.78%). Genotype B (4.55%), genotype C (88.64%) and inter-genotype B/C (6.81%) were found in the 44 HBsAg-positive mothers. The mutation rates of the S gene, in both genotypes B (0.58% vs 1.41%, P = 0.040) and C (7.56% vs 14.71%, P＜0.001), were lower in group T than in group C. Missense substitutions such as L84I, P47S, K10Q, A41P, M133L, A60V, and I42T only existed in group C. The mutation rates of G73S, I126T, and I126S in group C were higher (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.010). Deletions occurred in the S gene. The occurrence of intrauterine transmission with maternal mutation A90V was higher (P < 0.001). This may have increased the risk of neonatal HBsAg expression (P = 0.022). Conclusions: The HBV S gene mutations of HBsAg-positive mothers may reduce the occurrence of HBV intrauterine transmission. It is possible for HBsAg-positive mothers infected with A90V to develop HBV chronic infection and transmit it to the fetus during pregnancy, resulting in neonatal HBV infection.
The effect of prenatal and postnatal treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin on severity of neonatal hemochromatosis: the tale of two brothers (case report)
Authors: Samedi Veronica Mugarab , Ryan Michelle D , Awad Essa Al , Elsharkawy Adel
Published: January 2020

Background: Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH) is a rare condition that was the main reason for liver transplantation in infants. With the realization that NH results from the fetal complement-mediated liver injury, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) were successfully introduced for the treatment. Case Presentation: We present two cases of NH from the same family to illustrate the role of antenatal treatment with IVIG in alleviation and possible prevention of this serious morbidity. Conclusion: A prenatal treatment and early postnatal administration of IVIG are effective ways to manage NH that help to reduce the severity of the symptoms, prevent liver failure and avoid the need for liver transplantation Keywords: Neonatal hemochromatosis, Intravenous immunoglobulin, prenatal treatment
Investigating Barriers and Challenges to Tuberculosis Service Delivery in Hard-to-Reach Riverine Areas: A Mixed-Methods Study in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Alphonsus Chukwuka , Chukwu Joseph N. , Pande Tripti , Nwafor Charles C. , Meka Anthony O. , Eze Chinwe C. , Ekeke Ngozi , Ikebudu Joy , Anyim Moses C. , Creswell Jacob , Smelyanskaya Marina , Ukwaja Kingsley N.
Published: January 2020

Background Little is known about the challenges and barriers to tuberculosis (TB) service delivery in hard-to-reach riverine populations in Nigeria. The missing TB cases in such key populations need to be found if the End TB targets are to be met. This study explored perceptions and attitudes related to TB, as well as the level of diagnostic and treatment delays in communities of the riverine Niger Delta.Methods This was an exploratory mixed-methods study carried out in two states (Bayelsa and Delta) situated in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. It consisted of quantitative surveys of community members and TB patients, FGDs with community members and KIIs with health care workers.Results The questionnaire survey was completed by 597 community members (51.6% female) and 51 TB patients (56.9% female); 73 community members and 15 HCWs participated in FGDs and interviews respectively. Community members’ mean [SD] knowledge and attitude scores were 6.1/10 [2.2] and 4.8/12 [1.9] respectively. Older age (>40y) (p=0.04) and regular income (p<0.001) were independent predictors of TB knowledge. Good TB knowledge (aOR 2.5; 95% C.I. 1.5 – 4.4) and formal education (aOR 5.8; 95% C.I. 1.3 – 25.6) were associated with positive TB attitudes. Patients’ TB knowledge was similar at 6.8/8 [1.5]. Most (98.8%) respondents took >1 hour to access the nearest diagnostic centre. Mean patient-related and health system-related diagnostic delays were 16.3 and 3.7 weeks respectively. Mean treatment delay was found to be 0.5 weeks. Patient-related, financial, cultural and structural barriers were found to delay TB diagnosis and treatment in this environment. Belief in faith healing and herbal remedies, transport barriers, and negative HCW attitudes were prominent themes in FGDs. Problems transporting sputum samples and tracing mobile communities were primary HCW complaints.Conclusions A number of barriers affect TB service delivery in hard-to-reach riverine communities in Nigeria. Our study suggests that an appropriately designed community intervention can improve TB service delivery in these communities. The main focus will be to address information asymmetry between service providers and the community, empower affected communities to find cases, engage informal providers such as patent medicine vendors, and strengthen the health system.
Circulating Heat Shock Protein 27 Is a Novel Marker of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Xinru , Shi Jie , Lu Bin , Zhang Weiwei , Yang Yehong , Wen Jie , Hu Renming , Yang Zhen , Wang Xuanchun
Published: January 2020

Background: Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) has been proposed as a vital protective factor in atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between circulating HSP27 and intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery in patients with type 2 diabetes and to determine if HSP27 is an independent marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in diabetes.Methods: This was a cross-sectional community-based study consisting of 186 Chinese subjects with the median duration of diabetes of 8.2 years who underwent carotid IMT measurement by ultrasound. Serum HSP27 levels were assessed by ELISA method. Results: Serum HSP27 levels were significantly higher in IMT (+, ＞1.0 mm) group than IMT (-, ≤1.0 mm) group, with the median value of 8.80 ng/mL (5.62-12.25) and 6.93 ng/mL (4.23-9.60) respectively (P=0.006). Spearman's rank correlation analysis demonstrated that the concentrations of circulating HSP27 were positively correlated with carotid IMT (r=0.198, P=0.007) and blood urea nitrogen (r=0.170, P＜0.05). Furthermore, in the logistic model, serum HSP27 levels were independent predictors for carotid IMT in type 2 diabetic patients after adjustment for sex, smoking status, onset age of diabetes, duration of diabetes, BMI, SBP, FBG, HbA1c, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, fasting insulin, fasting C peptide and HOMA-IR (OR=1.084, P＜0.05).Conclusions: Circulating HSP27, positively correlated with carotid IMT, is an independent predictor for early atherosclerotic changes in diabetes and serves as a novel marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes.
Enhanced recovery care versus traditional care following osteotomies in developmental dysplasia of the hip in children: a retrospective case-cohort study
Authors: Li Jin , Rai Saroj , Ze Renhao , Tang Xin , Liu Ruikang , Hong Pan
Published: January 2020

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been shown to shorten the length of hospital stay and reduce the incidence of perioperative complications in many surgical fields. However, there has been a paucity of research examining the application of ERAS in major pediatric orthopedic surgeries. This study aims to compare the perioperative complications and length of hospital stay after osteotomies in children of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) between ERAS and traditional care group.Methods: The ERAS group consisted of 86 patients included in the ERAS program from January 2016 to December 2017. The Control group consisted of 82 DDH patients who received osteotomies from January 2014 to December 2015. Length of hospital stay, physiological function, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results: The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly reduced from 10.0±3.1 in the traditional care group to 6.0±0.8 days in the ERAS(P<0.001). Pain response was better in the ERAS group than traditional care group in terms of mean 3-day VAS score (2.9±0.8 vs. 4.0±0.8, P<0.001) and maximum VAS score (4.1±0.8 vs. 4.9±0.8, P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of break-out pain (VAS >4) between two groups (29.5±6.3 vs.30.6±6.5, P=0.276 ). The frequency of fever is lower in the ERAS group, possibly due to better temperature monitoring and management in the operating room. The frequency of urinary infection in both groups were not noticeable because the catheter was removed promptly after the surgery. Conclusion: The ERAS protocol is both safe and feasible for pediatric DDH patients undergoing osteotomies, and it can shorten the length of hospital stay without increasing the risk of perioperative complications.
The role of lymphocyte-monocyte ratio on ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis and sacroiliac arthritis staging
Authors: Wang Jing , Yuan Yuan , Jin Xiaxia , Lu Guoguang
Published: January 2020

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving the sacroiliac joints, lumbar spine, thoracic spine and even cervical spine, and could leading to disability due to the failure of timely treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to for AS treatment. The lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) is a systemic inflammatory and immunological indicator for prediction of disease development and progression. However, its role in AS remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of LMR in AS diagnosis, disease activity classification and sacroiliac arthritis staging. Methods: Seventy-eight AS patients and 78 sex-age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of AS was performed according to the New York criteria, whereas the staging of sacroiliac arthritis of AS patients was determined by X-ray examination.Comparison of between AS patients and HCs and between patients with high and low stages on LMR levels and other laboratory indicators were carried out. Results: A higher level of NLR, RDW, PLR, MPV, ESR, CRP and lower level of RBC, Hb, Hct, LMR, ALT, AST, TBIL and A/G were noted in the AS patients compared to HCs. A positive correlation was observed between LMR and RBC, Hb, Hct and A/G, while negative correlation was found between LMR and NLR, PLR, AST, TBIL (P< 0.05). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of LMR was 0.803(95%CI =0.734-0.872), with a sensitivity and specificity of 62.8% and 87.2%,and the AUC (95%CI) for ESR, CRP and LMR in the combined diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis were 0.975(0.948-1.000),with the sensitivity and specificity of 94.9% and 97.4% .Levels of WBC and NLR were higher in high X-ray stage patients, whereas levels of LMR was lower (P<0.05) and statistical differences were observed of LMR values among different stages (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggested that LMR is an important inflammatory marker that can be used to diagnosis AS and identify disease activity and X-ray stage of sacroiliac arthritis in AS patients.
Morin inhibits Listeria monocytogenes virulence in vivo and in vitro by targeting listeriolysin O and inflammation
Authors: Li Gen , Wang Guizhen , Li Meng , Li Li , Liu Hongtao , Sun Meiyang , Wen Zhongmei
Published: January 2020

Background: Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a global opportunistic intracellular pathogen that can cause many diseases, including meningitis and abortion in humans and animals; thus, L. monocytogenes poses a great threat to public safety and the development of the aquaculture industry. The pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) is one of the most important virulence factors of L. monocytogenes; LLO can promote cytosolic bacterial proliferation and aid in evading the attacks of the host immune system. In addition, L. monocytogenes infection can trigger a series of severe inflammatory reactions.Results: Here, on the basis of our previous studies, we further confirmed that morin lacking anti-Listeria activity could inhibit LLO oligomerization and found that morin could effectively alleviate the inflammation induced by Listeria in vivo and in vitro and has an obvious protective effect on infected cells and mice.Conclusions: Thus, we further prove that morin is a valuable drug precursor to be developed for the treatment of Listeria infection.
Phytohormone up-regulates the biochemical constituent, exopolysaccharide and nitrogen metabolism in paddy-field cyanobacteria exposed to chromium stress
Authors: Tiwari Sanjesh , Patel Anuradha , Prasad Sheo Mohan
Published: January 2020

Current study deals with the assuaging effects of two phytohormones; indole acetic acid (IAA; 290 nM) and kinetin (KN; 10 nM) on growth, phycobiliproteins, status of nitrogen metabolism and biochemical constituents; protein, carbohydrate and exopolysaccharide contents in two diazotrophic cyanobacteria Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena exposed to chromium (CrVI) stress (100 µM and 150 µM). Chromium individually at both the tested doses expressively declined the growth, chlorophyll a to carotenoid ratio and contents of phycobiliproteins; phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC), and phycoerythrin (PE). With distinctive impact on status of nitrogen metabolism chromium significantly reduced the nitrate (NO3—) and nitrite (NO2—) uptake rate and foremost decrease in nitrate and ammonia assimilating enzyme; nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT) except glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). However, beneath alike condition, exogenous application of IAA and KN exhibited noteworthy assuaging effects on growth-regulating parameters in both the paddy field cyanobacteria, which consummately occurred as a result of substantial decrease in Cr uptake and inducing signaling responses and also enhances the growth parameter i.e. nitrogen metabolism as a result of considerable lowering in Cr induced damaging effect on nitrogen metabolism and uptake rate, and the alleviating effect was more pronounced with the lower dose of Cr, efficient in N.muscorum than Anabaena.