bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on depression in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Duan JianWen , Chen YongSheng , Wu WenFei , Xiong Cong , Hu ZuLiang , chen wenyu , XU Yufen
Published: February 2020

Background: The relation and possible mechnism of vitamin D supplementation on depression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients was not clearly ;
Objective: This study investigates the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
Methods : We recruited 168 CRC patients and 168 healthy control subjects into this study. 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) was used to assess depression.
Results: We found that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were independently associated with depression among CRC patients. For the 45 depressed patients receiving vitamin D3 supplementation, depression scores decreased markedly with 25(OH)D concentrations increasing to normal.
Conclusion: Therefore, we advise monitoring this indicator in CRC patients and supplementing with vitamin D 3 when their 25(OH)D concentrations are low.
Prevalence and Distribution of Resistance and Enterotoxins/Enterotoxin-likes Genes in Different Clinical Isolates of Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus
Authors: Nasaj Mona , Saeidi Zahra , Arabestani Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Background CoNS serve as a major reservoir for genes facilitating the evolution of S. aureus as a successful pathogen. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolone, determining of the prevalence of insertion sequence elements IS256 and IS257 and different superantigenes (SAgs) among CoNS isolates obtained from various clinical sources. Materials and Methods The current study conducted on a total of 91 CoNS species isolated from clinical specimens in Hamadan hospitals in western Iran in 2017-19. The Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion method and the presence of the IS256 and IS257, genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolone and enterotoxins/enterotoxin-likes encoding genes were investigated by PCR method. Results Among genes encoding classic enterotoxins, sec was the most frequent which was carried by 48.4% of isolates, followed by seb in 27.5%. None of the CoNS isolates were found to be positive to enterotoxin-like encoding genes. Among the 11 CoNS isolates that have shown phenotypically resistant to levofloxacin, 9 isolates (81.8%) with gyrB , 8 isolates (72.7%) with gyrA, 8 isolates (72.7%) with grlB and 7 isolates (63.6%) with grlA were identified. The IS256 and IS257 were identified in 31.8% and 74.7% of CoNS isolates. The results of statistical analysis showed a significant association between the occurrence of SEs encoding genes and antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion Antimicrobial resistant determinants and staphylococcus enterotoxins (SEs) are co-present in clinical CoNS isolates that confer selective advantage for colonization and survival in hospital settings. The coexistence of insertion elements and antibiotic resistance indicate their role in pathogenesis and infectious disease.
The influence of various smoking statuses on the resting heart rate in a physical examination population with high-normal blood pressure
Authors: chen wenyu , Fang Zhixian , Xu Yufeng
Published: February 2020

Background The exact relation between smoking statuses and hypertension in the population with high-normal BP is poorly understood. Objective To investigate the influence of various smoking statuses (active smoking, passive smoking, and non-smoking) on the resting heart rate of the population with high-normal blood pressure. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of patients undergoing physical examination at three Chinese hospitals between January 2018 and December 2019, and who conformed with the criteria of high-normal BP. The subjects were classified into the non-smoking, active smoking and passive smoking groups. The resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. Results TG, TC, and FBG were significantly higher in the active smoking group than in the two other groups (all P<0.05). HDL-C levels were lower in the active smoking group than in the two other groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in RHR among the three groups (active: 76.0±10.1 vs. passive: 72.6±5.8 vs. non-smoking: 69.4±4.4 bpm, P<0.01). Active smoking (odds ratio (OR)=5.13, P<0.05), SBP (OR=0.70, P<0.05), HDL-C (OR=0.58, P<0.05), and passive smoking (OR=3.57, P<0.05) were independently associated with increased RHR. ConclusionRHR was higher in subjects with high-normal BP and in the passive and active smoking groups. Strengthening smoking cessation education and avoiding exposure secondary smoke could be beneficial to control the population with high-normal BP.
Graphene Modified Montmorillonite Based Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage with Enhanced Interfacial Thermal Transfer
Authors: Peng Kang , Wang Hongjie , wan Pengfei , Wang Jianwei , Luo Hua , Zhou Senhai , Li Xiaoyu , Yang Jun
Published: February 2020

Thermal energy storage technology plays a crucial role in the thermal management system. Clay based organic phase change material has considerable advantages in the application of thermal energy storage due to low cost and high energy storage capacity. However, the low thermal conductivity of clay, especially poor interfacial thermal transfer, limits its thermal energy storage efficiency. Herein, stearic acid/reduced graphene oxide modified montmorillonite composites (SA/RGO-MMT) were prepared by the vacuum impregnation of stearic acid into graphene modified montmorillonite matrix, which was obtained via the in situ reduction of graphene oxide on the surface of montmorillonite. Stearic acid is assembled in the porous structures of RGO-MMT with the physical interactions. SA/RGO-MMT possesses high melting enthalpy of 159 J/g, low extent of supercooling of 1.4 oC and excellent thermal reliability after 100 thermal cycling. Energy storage and release rates of SA/RGO-MMT were significantly improved due to the enhanced interfacial thermal transfer by graphene. Therefore, SA/RGO-MMT is a promising form-stable phase change material for applications in solar heat storage fields. The strategy in this study highlights the importance of enhancing interfacial thermal transfer for the efficient thermal energy storage materials.
Proadrenomedullin as a prognostic biomarker for critically-ill septic children
Authors: Ghobrial Emad E. , Khorshied Mervat M , Adly Sally B , Aziz Miriam Magdy
Published: February 2020

Background: The use of new biomarkers is a promising tool to assess risk of mortality among septic children. The aim of the study was to confirm prognostic and diagnostic value of pro-ADM as a marker in critically ill septic children. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 patients who were admitted at pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), diagnosed as sepsis in addition to 40 patients enrolled as control group. Serum pro-ADM level was measured for both cases and controls. Results: The level of pro-ADM was significantly higher in cases than controls (p-value <0.001). However, no correlation between level of pro-ADM and outcome (p value 0.720) was found. Conclusion: The pro-ADM level was higher in cases than control, thus proved its diagnostic value but can’t be used as prognostic factor. Future studies are recommended and daily measurements are warranted to study its prognostic value.
Academic-Service Partnership: Development and Psychometric Evaluation of Achieving Mutual Benefits Scale (AMBS)
Authors: Sadeghnezhad Maliheh , Nabavi Fatemeh Heshmati , Najafi Fereshteh , Kareshki Hossein , Esmaily Habibollah
Published: February 2020

Background The first step for the establishment of academic-service partnership is identification of mutual benefits. The rate of achievement of these benefits reflects the success rate of the partnership. This study aimed develop an achieving mutual benefits scale (AMBS) in nursing academic-service partnership. Method First, the concept of mutual benefits was defined and analyzed by the hybrid model approach. Then, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated. Results Exploratory factors analysis supported six factor with an explained variance of 59.06%. The Cronbach’s α, and Omega coefficient of the scale respectively ranged from 0.77 to 0.93, and 0.75 to 0.9. The content validity index of 0.97, and internal consistency of 0.76 were obtained for the final scale. Conclusions The findings showed that mutual benefits have different dimensions in nursing academic-service partnership include nursing education, research and services. It is necessary to consider all dimensions in assessing the success rate of these programs.
Genome-wide association study and Genomic Prediction of spot blotch disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using genotyping by sequencing
Authors: Tomar Vipin , Singh Ravi P , Poland Jesse , Singh Daljit , Joshi Arun K , Singh Pawan K , Bhati Pradeep K. , Kumar Suneel , Rahman Mokhlesur , Dhillon Guriqbal S , Tiwari Budhi S , Kumar Uttam
Published: February 2020

Background Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is a major constraint in wheat production in tropics and subtropics. There is limited information available on GWAS and study on genomic prediction is completely lacking. To reveal the genetic markers associated with disease resistance, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for spot blotch disease in 141 spring wheat lines. Results Based on the testing under natural infection in three years at hot spots location in Pusa, India and Jamalpur, Bangladesh, the genotypes showed significant genetic variation for disease severity. Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) based 18637 polymorphic SNP markers and phenotyping from diverse environments, we identified 23 genomic regions across the genome ( p < 0.001) on 14 chromosomes associated with disease scores. Consistent with the previous reports, a most stable genomic region on chromosome 2B, 5B and 7D were detected across the environments. The new genomic region on chromosome 3D was also identified. We performed functional annotation with wheat genome assembly annotation (IWGSC Ref Seq v1.0) and identified NBS-LRR and 35 other plant defense-related protein families across multiple chromosome regions. Using a five-fold cross-validation scheme, we observed moderate prediction accuracy for 3 of 4 environments indicated that our model was able to successfully capture the quantitative variation underlying the SB variation in our population. Conclusions The GWAS based on the phenotypic data from PUSA India and BARI Bangladesh resulted in a total of 23 genomic regions on 14 chromosomes. The new genomic region appeared on chromosome 3D associated with Zinc finger protein that play important role in plant disease resistance. The genomic prediction model for spot blotch disease resistance in wheat was tested and obtained moderate prediction accuracy.
Localized environmental heterogeneity drives the population differentiation of two endangered and endemic Opisthopappus Shih species
Authors: Ye Hang , Wang Zhi , Hou Huimin , Wu Jiahui , Gao Yue , Han Wei , Ru Wenming , Sun Genlou , Wang Yiling
Published: February 2020

Background: Climate heterogeneity not only indirectly shapes the genetic structures of plant populations, but also drives adaptive divergence by impacting demographic dynamics. The variable localized climate and topographic complexity of the Taihang Mountains make them a major natural boundary in Northern China that influences the divergence of organisms distributed in this region. Opisthopappus is an endemic genus of the Taihang Mountains that includes only two spatially partitioned species Opisthopappus longilobus and Opisthopappus taihangensis. For this study, potential major indicators were investigated to explore those associated with the genetic variations in Opisthopappus populations. Results: The findings revealed that a significant genetic differentiation existed between O. longilobus and O. taihangensis populations. All identified haplotypes/studied populations were divided into two distinct groups. The considerable variability was due not only to geographic factors, but also environmental variables. At approximately 13.2 Ma of the Middle Miocene, O. taihangensis differentiated from O. longilobus under a strengthening East Asian monsoon and global cooling. Subsequently, with the uplift of the Taihang Mountains, the complex topography further promoted the variation between the two species and populations. Among environmental factors, five climatic variables, isothermality (bio3), min temperature of coldest month (bio6), mean temperature of wettest quarter (bio8), precipitation of driest month (bio14) and precipitation of wettest quarter (bio16) were demonstrated to be critical toward shaping the genetic components and genetic differentiation of the Opisthopappus species. Moreover, bio6 and bio14 had more driving force than others.Conclusions: The temperature and precipitation of the Taihang Mountains during winter are the key environmental indicators responsible for the current genetic distribution. Our study revealed the importance of localized climatic events by taking the small-scale spatial effects of climate heterogeneity and its impacts on genetic variation into account.
Needs, Aggravation, and Degree of Burnout in Informal Care Providers of Patients with Chronic CVD
Authors: Szlenk-Czyczerska Elżbieta , Guzik Marika , Bielska Dorota Emilia , Ławnik Anna , Polański Piotr , Kurpas Donata
Published: February 2020

Background. A growing number of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) creates a growing demand for homecare. Personal and professional limitations, health issues, and lack of systemic support of informal care providers are major causes of insufficient care models for chronically ill patients in home environments. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic variables that are associated with the needs and increasing occupational burnout observed among home care providers.Methods. This study reports on 161 informal home care providers of patients with CVDs. The research was conducted in the homes of patients, using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and a structured interview questionnaire developed by the authors. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test and logistic regression were used for analyses.Results. The majority of the participants were female (70.2%; n=113). We found that younger care providers were less likely to report unmet needs (p = 0.011), and less likely to report burnout as measured by the MBI Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.010) and Depersonalization (p = 0.009) subscales. Care providers with primary education were more likely to report burnout on the MBI Depersonalization subscale (p = 0.028). In addition, care providers who worked more often reported higher levels of met needs (p = 0.022), and burnout as measured on the MBI Depersonalization (p = 0.005) and Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.018) subscales. Subjects residing in urban areas were more likely to report unmet needs (p = 0.007), and were also more likely to report burnout as measured on the MBI Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.006) subscale.Conclusion. Older care providers who are unemployed and reside in cities and unemployed should be targeted with directed programmes to determine the category of unmet needs, and for personalized support. Care providers with these demographic characteristics should be targeted for occupational burnout prevention programmes.
Prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under five children in East Africa. Meta-analysis and systemic review
Authors: Abate Biruk Beletew , Bimrew Melaku Getahun , Kasie Ayelign Mengesha , Wudu Mesfin Kassaw , Azmeraw Molla
Published: February 2020

Introduction Pneumonia is defined as an acute inflammation of the Lungs’ parenchymal structure. It is a major public health problem and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children especially in developing countries. In 2015, it was estimated that about 102 million cases of pneumonia occurred in under-five children, of which 0.7 million were end up with death. Different primary studies in Eastern Africa showed the burden of pneumonia. However, inconsistency among those studies was seen and no review has been conducted to report the amalgamated magnitude and associated factors. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the national prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis in Eastern Africa. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the magnitude of pneumonia and its associated factors among under-five children in East Africa. Methods Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence and associated factors of pneumonia from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the Q and the I 2 test. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by country, study design, and year of publication. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was also done to identify the impact of studies. Result A total of 34 studies with 87, 984 participants were used for analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypothermia in East Africa was 34% (95%CI; 23.80–44.21). Use of wood as fuel source (AOR= 1.53; 95%CI:1.30-1.77; I 2 = 0.0% ;P=0.465), cook food in living room (AOR= 1.47;95%CI:1.16-1.79; I 2 = 0.0% ;P=0.58), caring of a child on mother during cooking (AOR= 3.26; 95%CI:1.80-4.72; I 2 = 22.5% ;P=0.26), Being unvaccinated (AOR= 2.41; 95%CI:2.00-2.81; I 2 = 51.4% ;P=0.055), Child history of ARTI(AOR= 2.62; 95%CI:1.68-3.56; I 2 = 11.7% ;P=0.337) were identified factors of pneumonia. Conclusions The prevalence of pneumonia in Eastern Africa remains high. This review will help policy-makers and program officers to design pneumonia preventive interventions.
Metformin improves monosodium-iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis via regulation of pain mediators and autophagy-lysosomal pathway.
Authors: Na Hyun Sik , Kwon Ji Ye , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Seon-young , Jung KyungAh , Cho Keun Hyung , Choi Jeong-Won , Min Hong-Ki , Park Sung-Hwan , Kim Seok Jung , CHO MI-LA
Published: February 2020

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative arthritis associated with pain and cartilage destruction in the elderly. Its pathogenesis involves inflammatory pathways. Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes but also exhibits regulation of autophagy pathway. This study investigated the ability of metformin to ameliorate the severity of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA in rats. Methods Metformin was administered orally every day to rats with OA experimentally induced by intra-articular injection of MIA. Paw-withdrawal latency and threshold were used to assess pain severity. Cartilage damage and pain mediators in dorsal root ganglia were evaluated by histological analysis and a scoring system. Relative mRNA expression was measured by real-time PCR. Results Metformin ameliorated the progression of experimental OA and exhibited both anti-nociceptive properties and cartilage protection. The metformin-induced down-regulation of pain mediators, including CGRP, in dorsal root ganglia and protection against bone damage were also determined. In chondrocytes from OA patients, metformin decreased expression of genes encoding catabolic factors stimulated by interleukin-1β and inflammatory cell death factors and induced autophagosome–lysosome fusion phenotype. The combination therapy of metformin and celecoxib had significantly less cartilage damage than either the metformin alone group or the control group. Conclusions These results imply the possibility of therapeutic use of metformin in OA patients, based on its ability to suppress pain and protect cartilage.
Firm Growth vs. External Growth: A Behavioral Approach
Authors: Nemmiche Khadidja , Nassour Abdelkader , Bouchetara Mehdi
Published: February 2020

A firm is a market contradiction: as a firm grows, the market shrinks. The basis of this statement are theoretical approaches, which are called theories of the company. This work is aimed at determining the boundaries of the company in a dynamic perspective with the aim of finding effective solutions to the process of its growth. The study notes that opportunism as a behavioral factor, as Williamson noted, incurs significant operating costs that encourage the firm to change its boundaries. Therefore, the work focuses on this factor to create a systematic image and a general theoretical basis for changes that affect the size of the company. The main objective of the study is to determine the relationship between the opportunistic behavior of economic agents and the internal and external growth of the company. The author notes that opportunism is an unlawful behavior, often taking place in a double relationship between two legally independent parties and is a consequence of external and internal uncertainty and information asymmetry. The study postulates that the concept of trust, information transparency, or information balance between parties remains a dream for both theorists and practitioners. It has been ascertained that information transparency and a complete understanding between economic entities are difficult to implement in the context of the priority role of personal good over public or, at least, mutually beneficial. The results of the study confirmed the influences of opportunistic actions of economic entities, as predicted in the framework of transaction costs theory, the organizational changes of a company, its scale. The study made it possible to justify the presence of a positive effect of illegal actions on the internal expansion of the company and the negative, expanding the external structure.
Keywords: Sourcing, External Relationships, Internal Relationships, Opportunism.
Implications of Financial Intermediation on The Performance of Commercial Banks in Nigeria: 2000-2017
Authors: Adewole J.A. , Dare F.D. , Ogunyemi J.K.
Published: February 2020

The paper examined the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on Financial Intermediation and the performance of Commercial banks in Nigeria. Despite a series of reforms and restructuring aimed at enhancing the bank’s ability to provide services effectively, establish branch networks and finance the real sector, there is still insufficient domestic credit to commercial real-estate banks, affecting the success of financial intermediation in the Nigerian commercial banking sector. The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of financial intermediation on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria. The data came from a statistical bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria. A systematic literary approach to data analysis is regression analysis. In Equation 1, it was found that there is a significant relationship between total lending and the commercial bank lending rate in Nigeria. In Equation 2, it was found that there is a significant relationship between the overall credit ratio and the cash reserve in the commercial banks of Nigeria. In the commercial bank performance equation, it was found that there is a significant relationship between the total assets and the capital involved by commercial banks in Nigeria. In the commercial bank performance equation, it was found that there was no significant relationship between the loan and deposit ratio and the liquidity ratio in the commercial banks of Nigeria. It has also been found in Commercial Banking Performance Equation 5 that there is a significant relationship between gross domestic product and total credit in the commercial banks of Nigeria. Thus, the study authors recommend reducing the commercial bank loan rate so that investors see commercial banks as the number one source of funding, the Central Bank of Nigeria should increase the commercial banks’ minimum reserve in order to facilitate adequate lending to commercial customers by clients/investors. Commercial banks need to make effective use of the capital used to increase profitability. Commercial banks should help increase liquidity to increase their ability to cover customer withdrawals and increase loans and advances to customers. Commercial banks should allocate proper credit to the real sector for productive purposes in order to increase gross domestic product.
Keywords: Financial Intermediation, Commercial Banks, Gross Domestic Product, Commercial Bank Credit.
Social Integration As A Direction For Humanization Of Economic Relations And Improvement Of Social Welfare
Authors: Voronkova O. , Hordei O. , Barusman A.R.P. , Ghani E.K.
Published: February 2020

The results of the implementation of EU policy in the field of social protection and social security are multidimensional particularly in the aspects of income and living standards, access to qualitative health care, education and work opportunities. Social integration is an instrument for achievement of these results especially promoting employment and poverty alleviation as well as monitoring the progress made in social protection. The aim of the paper is to study the process of social integration in the field of the promotion for social unity, gender equality and equal opportunities for all segments of the population (children, youth, retirees, disabled people) through flexible and effective social protection systems and social security policies. Systematic and evolutionary approaches, methods of observation, comparison, generalization and extrapolation were used in the study. The tools of social integration of people with disabilities to ensure their access to lifelong learning and employment are considered as they are the most vulnerable in society. The necessity of social integration and development of civic responsibility of youth is studied in order to realize the unity of goals, objectives and national priorities at different levels of economic and social development of society. This is especially important in the context of financial disproportion and significant social and economic differentiation of both the population and regions. A comprehensive approach to the development of major state programs and public welfare programs is inherent in a socially oriented and human-centered market economy. In the process of financing public welfare, the main goals of public policy implementation should be a support of welfare of both individuals and households; overcoming poverty; increase of economic efficiency of functioning of all processes of social integration. The modern economic theories of public welfare and human capital were also used. It is proved that in order to implement social integration successfully it is necessary: to improve the financial mechanism and normative base aimed at creating an effective system of targeted social payments; to provide implementation of a set of measures for the development and improvement of social services for the poor; to develop and implement measures for the prevention of disability and social integration of the disabled; to involve non-governmental organizations, associations and individuals in solution of social problems.
Keywords: social integration, social protection, sustainable development, public welfare, poverty, economic development, strategic transformations.
Effects of Annual and Perennial Alleyway Cover Crops on Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Soil Quality in Pacific Northwest Red Raspberry
Authors: Rudolph Rachel E. , DeVetter Lisa W. , Zasada Inga A. , Hesse Cedar
Published: February 2020

Cover crops can lessen soil erosion and compaction, improve water infiltration, enhance nutrient availability, suppress weeds, and assist with pest management. However, cover crops are not commonly used in alleyways of established red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) fields in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Rather, the space between red raspberry beds is repeatedly cultivated and the soil is kept bare, which has detrimental effects on soil quality. Adoption of alleyway cover crops is limited because red raspberry growers are concerned about resource competition between a cover crop and red raspberry crop. A 2-year study was conducted in an established ‘Meeker’ red raspberry field in northwest Washington to evaluate the effects of eight annually seeded alleyway cover crops (cultivars of wheat, cereal rye, triticale, oat, and ryegrass), one perennial ryegrass alleyway cover crop, mowed weed vegetation, and the industry standard of cultivated bare soil (Till) on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil quality in alleyways and raised beds. This included evaluating soil bulk density (Db), compaction, organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), macro- and micronutrients, and bacterial and fungal community structure; red raspberry yield and fruit quality were also evaluated. Although there were statistically significant differences among treatments across sampling dates for CEC, there were no consistent trends. Alleyways planted with the perennial ryegrass mix had the lowest mean Db 6 and 24 months after seeding. Tilled alleyways had the lowest Db 12 and 18 months into the study. Red raspberry grown adjacent to Till did not result in a significantly higher estimated yield or fruit total soluble solids than raspberry grown adjacent to cover crops in either year of the experiment. Differences in microbial community structure were observed among seasons rather than treatments. These results do not demonstrate significant effects of alleyway cover crops on red raspberry productivity when applied to established fields. The potential benefits of alleyway cover cropping on soil quality may outweigh any concerns regarding resource competition. Changes in soil quality are often difficult to quantify and require long-term study.
High-pressure silica phase transitions: Implications for deep mantle dynamics and silica crystallization in the protocore
Authors: Das Pratik Kr. , Mohn Chris E. , Brodholt John P. , Trønnes Reidar G.
Published: February 2020

The subsolidus phase diagram of silica in the 80–220 GPa pressure range was determined by density functional theory (DFT). The transition pressures calculated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) in the static limit (at 0 K, without zero point vibrational energy) for the β-stishovite (CaCl2-structure) to seifertite and the seifertite to pyrite-type transitions are 95 and 213 GPa, respectively. These are in good agreement with those calculated using hybrid functionals, giving transition pressures of 96 and 215 GPa. This indicates that previous local density approximation (LDA) results underestimate the transition pressure by 10–15 GPa. Density functional perturbation theory calculations, carried out using GGA within the quasi-harmonic approximations, give Clapeyron slopes of 5.4 and −2.8 MPa/K for the β-stishovite to seifertite and seifertite to pyrite-type transitions, respectively. This suggests that the seifertite-forming transition occurs at 109 GPa (470 km above the core-mantle boundary, CMB) at an ambient mantle geotherm, whereas the pyrite-type transition occurs at 200 GPa (620 km below the CMB) at 4700 K, which is close to the core adiabat. We also calculate the equation of state and show that the stability of seifertite in the lowermost mantle contributes negative buoyancy to recycled oceanic crust, although not as much as in some previous studies. Nevertheless, the increased density of seifertite over β-stishovite may lead to layers with elevated proportions of basaltic material within the large low S-wave velocity provinces. The seifertite to pyrite-type silica transition in the outer core will affect the silica liquidus surface in the system Fe-Si-O and forms a basis for further investigations of silica crystallization in the protocore.
Karakteristik Solusi Dekomposisi QR dalam Aljabar Max-Plus Tersimetri
Authors: Ikhtiyar Zakaria Bani , Saminanto Saminanto , Cahyono Budi
Published: February 2020

Kajian aljabar max-plus tersimetri hadir dari kondisi bahwa setiap elemen pada ℝ𝑚𝑎𝑥 tidak memiliki invers terhadap operasi max. Aljabar max-plus tersimetri dibentuk dari pasangan berurutan elemen-elemen di ℝ𝑚𝑎𝑥. Pembentukan aljabar max-plus tersimetri ini memunculkan kelas positif, kelas negatif, kelas nol, dan kelas himpunan baru, yakni kelas balance. Penelitian ini berfokus pada pencarian karakteristik solusi dekomposisi QR dalam aljabar max-plus tersimetri dengan beberapa entri matriks awal yang akan didekomposisi merupakan anggota kelas balance. Dekomposisi QR merupakan salah satu dekomposisi matriks, yaitu dekomposisi suatu matriks persegi panjang 𝐴 berukuran m × n menjadi perkalian matriks ortogonal 𝑄 berukuran m × m dengan matriks segitiga atas 𝑅 berukuran m × n. Secara umum, dekomposisi ini dapat digunakan dalam aljabar konvensional. Penelitian ini menjelaskan dekomposisi QR jika dipunyai matriks dengan entri-entri elemen balance di aljabar max-plus tersimetri.
Physical, chemical and microbiological characterization of processed drinking water in central Nepal: current state study
Authors: Burlakoti Niru , Upadhyaya Jitendra , Ghimire Nandani , Bajgai Tirtha Raj , Chhetri Anup Basnet , Rawal Deepa Shree , Koirala Niranjan , Pant Bhoj Raj
Published: February 2020

This study was undertaken to analyse processed bottled water for drinking water quality. Altogether 50 water samples of different brands were randomly collected from public places in Kathmandu valley. The samples were analysed for physical (turbidity, pH and electrical conductivity), chemical (iron, manganese, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, ammonia, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, copper, total hardness, calcium, mercury and aluminum) and microbiological (fecal coliform and total coliform) parameters. The results revealed that >300 CFU/100 mL of Escherichia coli (E. coli) (fecal coliform) and total coliform (TC) bacteria were counted in 76 and 92% samples, respectively. The bacterial population was beyond the limit of the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) (0 CFU/100 mL of water). Chemical parameters analysed for fluoride (0.5–1.5 mg/L) and ammonia (1.5 mg/L) exceeded the DFTQC values. The range of fluoride estimated was 0.001–2.37 mg/L and the maximum concentration of ammonia was 4.66 mg/L. Most of the processed water crossed the threshold standard of E. coli and TC bacteria and may pose a risk if used for drinking purposes. Therefore, to minimize the public health risk of contaminated water, scientific methods and standards of purification should be followed during the process, production, storage, and delivery of processed water.
Effects of Regular Physical Activity on Brain Function
Authors: Prostiakov Aleksandr Aleksandrovich , Spirin Aleksei Mikhailovich , Kozenko Elena Iurevna
Published: February 2020

The article studies the connection between mental and intellectual development and regular physical exercise. The subject is considered topical due to the widespread fallacious judgements of sport and studies of its influence on various aspects of our life. The primary purpose of this article is to determine the effect of regular exercise on the brain and establish whether it is a positive one. The research methods used in this study included description, observation, literature review and summary. The article is based on the results of theoretical studies of other researchers and the author’s own observations. In the course of study, a positive effect of regular exercise on intellectual and mental activity was established. The authors can therefore conclude that physical activity does not only benefit the body, but also the brain by improving memory, concentration and reaction, helps transport oxygen minimizes the risk of anxiety, depression and stress, and develops the nervous system.
Vatican and Nazi Germany’s Invasion of the Soviet Union
Authors: Demidov Andrei Vladimirovich
Published: February 2020

The article based on a brief historical background analyses the role of Vatican in provoking the aggression of Hitler’s Germany against the Soviet Union. The author stresses that true motivation of the Holy See was forced imposition of Catholicism in the country.
No Star Evolution
Authors: Velgas Lev Borisovich , Iavolinskaia Liya Lvovna
Published: February 2020

In the article, the authors’ concept is presented, according to which all planets rotate about their axis due to their satellites. The planet and its satellite are interconnected by a shared gravity, which moves along the surface of the planet as the result of the satellite moving in an orbit. The discussed movement of gravity applies to all planets and the Sun. The shared gravity is at its maximum on the Earth and Sun surface. Particular celestial bodies have their beginning, evolution and end. On the whole, the Universe has always existed and will always exist, and such major formations as galaxies and stars will never cease to exist.
Ideas of World Domination and Attempts to Implement Them in World History: From Alexander the Great to Adolf Hitler
Authors: Vershinin Stepan Vladimirovich
Published: February 2020

The article deals with the theme of world domination at different stages of the historical process. As part of this article, the author reveals the essence of the idea of world domination and investigates attempts to implement it by several historical figures.
Prerequisites for formation of intangible (non-material) resources area
Authors: Panov Alexandr Viktorovich
Published: February 2020

The article presents a look at informatization, and then the digitalization of society from the perspective of its original foundation. Previously studied branches of science, representing independent research areas, are the basis of a new direction. Conceptual directions are given, and author's comments on them are presented.
Management of Experimental Activity Concerning Moral Education of Preschoolers
Authors: Ianakova Kristina Gennadevna
Published: February 2020

The article describes the managing process in a Stavropol Krai preschool institution concerning the experimental activity of the pedagogues. The logic of experiment management is presented: training of in-service training of the pedagogues, their motivation and information awareness improvement. The author considers certain positive results of the innovative pedagogical experimentation and outlines prospects for development.
Evaluation of Diuretic and Antioxidant Properties in Aqueous Bark and Fruit Extracts of Pine
Authors: Shariati Hadi , Hassanpour Mohammad , Sharifzadeh Gholamreza , Zarban Asghar , Samarghandian Saeed , Saeedi Farhad
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The present study has been carried out to evaluate the diuretic and antioxidant properties of pine herb in an animal model.

Materials and Methods:

45 adult male rats were randomly divided into nine groups including: groups I (the negative control), groups II (positive control, furosemide 10 mg/kg), groups III to VIII (treatment groups received 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extracts of bark and fruit) and group IX received the combination of aqueous extract of bark (100 mg/kg) and the fruit (100 mg/kg). The urine output, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), electrolytes, urea, and creatinine levels were evaluated. Furthermore, the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of both extracts were also assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Folin–Ciocalteu methods.

Results:

The aqueous extracts of the pine bark and fruit increased the urinary output in a dosedependent manner. The combination of the two extracts compared to the other extracts alone significantly increased the serum potassium level. This study also showed each extract increase creatinine clearance in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01 and p<0.05). The increase of GFR in the combination group was not significant. The current data showed a significant increase in the total phenolic content in pine bark extract in compared with the fruit extract.

Conclusion:

The pine bark and fruit can be useful in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones due to the high diuretic properties and antioxidant activity.
Hepatoblastoma: Review of Pathology, Diagnosis and Modern Treatment Strategies
Authors: Abbas Adil A. , Samkari Alaa M.N. , Almehdar Abeer S.
Published: February 2020

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary malignant hepatic tumor of childhood
and, occurring predominantly in the first two years of life. Approximately 100 cases are diagnosed
every year in the United States of America. The management of HB has changed markedly
over the last three decades. Alfa feto protein (AFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta
HCG) are the main tumor markers and are markers for diagnosis and follow up. International collaborative
efforts have led to the implementation of the Pre - Treatment Extent of the Disease PRETEXT
staging system consensus classification to assess upfront resectability. Complete surgical
resection plays a key role in successful management. Overall, outcomes have greatly improved over
the past decades mainly because of advances in chemotherapy (CTR) agents and administration
protocols, newer surgical approaches and liver transplantation (LT). Targeted medications towards
the newly discovered β-catenin and Wnt genetic pathways in tumor cells may soon become an option
for treatment. The current disease free survival (DFS) rates are approaching 85%. For the 25%
of patients with metastasis at presentation, the overall survival (OS) remains poor. A more individualized
approach to treating the heterogeneous spectrum of HB may become the basis of successful
treatment in complex cases. Newer medications and surgical techniques are being exploited.
Here we present a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the management of HB. A wide
literature search was made using internet search engines such as PubMed and Google scholar. More
than 100 articles were reviewed and the information extrapolated was arranged to produce this
review.
Reducing Anxiety of Pregnant Women with a History of Pregnancy Loss-A Randomize Clinical Trial
Authors: Zaraj Hoda , Vakilian Katayon , Rezveh Fatemeh Mehrabi
Published: February 2020

Background:

Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication of pregnancy
which is considered an unfavorable experience both physically and psychologically.

Objective:

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of group counseling through cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) on the anxiety of pregnant women with a history of spontaneous abortion.

Methods:

This study was randomized clinical trial type, in which convenient sampling was performed
to select 64 subjects from healthcare centers in Arak province. After receiving written consent
from the participants, the sampling was performed and the subjects were categorized randomly
into two 32-subject groups as intervention and control. The intervention was performed as six 60-
min sessions through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Control group, however, only routine
cares of pregnancy were provided. For data collection, The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
was utilized at the beginning and end of the study. Then, the collected information was analyzed
by SPSS 21 through paired t-test, independent t-test.

Results:

The mean anxiety after the intervention in the intervention and control groups was
65.13±8.11 and 75.91±5.56, respectively, whereby a significant difference was observed between
the two groups (p≤0.05).

Conclusion:

It seems that women with a previous history of abortion require psychological support
during pregnancy. It is recommended that the skills of midwives also be improved to psychologically
support these women.
Stem-Cell Derived Exosomes for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ke Zekai , Zhu Jinyu
Published: February 2020

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a common degenerative orthopedic disease with multiple pathologic
changes in joints affecting large populations worldwide. No treatment can reverse the progress of
OA. Since exosomes were first reported in 1983, researches have been conducted to explore the
mechanisms and therapeutic potential of exosomes in treating OA. Exosomes derived from Mesenchymal
stem cells have attracted increasing attention in tackling the disease. This article summarizes
the current advances and challenges in exosomes for OA, which may providea reference for further
research.
Therapeutic Potential of Biochanin-A Against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Govindasami Sangeethadevi , Uddandrao Veera Venkata Sathibabu , Raveendran Nivedha , Sasikumar Vadivukkarasi
Published: February 2020

Background:

This study determined the effect of Biochanin A (BCA) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced Myocardial Infarction (MI) in male Wistar rats.

Methods:

Animals (weighing 150-180 g) were divided into four groups, with six animals in each group and pretreated with BCA (10mg/kg Body Weight [BW]) and ɑ-tocopherol (60mg/kg BW) for 30 days; and ISO (20mg/kg BW) was administrated subcutaneously on the 31st and 32nd day.

Results:

ISO-induced MI rats demonstrated the significant elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB and cardiac troponin; however, concomitant pretreatment with BCA protected the rats from cardiotoxicity caused by ISO. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase significantly reduced in the heart with ISO-induced MI. Pretreatment with BCA produced a marked reversal of these antioxidant enzymes related to MI-induced by ISO.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study suggested that BCA exerts cardioprotective effects through modulating lipid peroxidation, enhancing antioxidants, and detoxifying enzyme systems.
Can Triggering Receptors Expressed on Myeloid Cells be used for Diagnosis of Salmonella Typhi Infection?
Authors: Zaki Maysaa E.S. , Abed Sally , Elegezy Mohamed , Diasty Muhammed , Elkhouly Nashwa Yousef Ebrahim , Fahmy Ehab M. , Kamel Nesreen M.
Published: February 2020

Background:

There is a need for rapid and accurate diagnostic biomarker for diagnosis of
Salmonella fever.

Aims:

The aim of the present study was to assess the importance of procalcitonin (PCT), Soluble Triggering
Receptors expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 (sTREM1) and C- reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis
of enteric fever with positive blood culture for S.typhi.

Methods:

Blood samples were withdrawn from 200 patients with suspected enteric fever and subjected
for the determination of CRP, PCT and sTREM-1.

Results:

The sensitivity and specificity for PCT cut off were 97.7% & 82.5%, for CRP the sensitivity
and specificity were 95.3% and 77% and for s-TREM-1 the sensitivity and specificity were 95.3% &
77%.

Conclusion:

S-TREM-1 may be considered as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of enteric fever
with good sensitivity and specificity.