bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Complementary Relation of Fluctuations between Energy and Temperature in a Small Specimen
Authors: Nagata Shoichi
Published: December 2020

Research on fluctuations in energy and temperature is presented for a small specimen. The small specimen in contact with a heat bath shows energy fluctuations, [Formula: see text], at the constant temperature. On the other hand, when this small specimen is isolated from the reservoir and adiabatic isolation is kept, it exhibits temperature fluctuations, [Formula: see text], at the constant energy. This means that the temperature is unsharp if a sharp energy is assigned. A complementary relation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is proposed in a simple formula. The connection between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is mediated by the heat capacity [Formula: see text]. This complementary relation is valid in general and it does not depend on the amount of substance. If the constituent number[Formula: see text] of the system is of the order of Avogadro’s number, then the fluctuations have been masked by large [Formula: see text]and we cannot see the influence of the fluctuations. However, when the number [Formula: see text] decreases, the intrinsic features of fluctuations come out gradually. This paper presents the quantitative analyses of the fluctuations in the energy and temperature for several physical models. Typical characteristics in the fluctuations can be clearly seen only in a small specimen, which are shown in the graphical representations. It is stressed that the values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are defined for the different prescribed conditions specified above.
On the subring generated by commutators
Authors: Eroğlu Münevver Pınar
Published: December 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a ring. By the notation [Formula: see text] we denote the additive subgroup of [Formula: see text] generated by all [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In this work, we partially generalize a result due to Herstein [I. N. Herstein, Topics in Ring Theory (University of Chicago Press, 1969)] showing that if [Formula: see text], then the subring generated by [Formula: see text] is equal to [Formula: see text]. This result implies that [Formula: see text] cannot be a proper subring of [Formula: see text].
Strongly EP elements in rings with involution
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Wei Junchao
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this paper is to give some sufficient and necessary conditions for an element to be a strongly [Formula: see text] element through some transformations of equations.
The Middle Trunk Fascicle: A Simple, Effective Nerve Transfer for Suprascapular Nerve in Upper Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: Acharya Ashwath M. , Bhat Anil K. , Hegde Nikhil
Published: December 2020

A new nerve transfer option of using viable fascicle of the ipsilateral middle trunk for suprascapular nerve reconstruction is presented. The procedure was used in two patients with upper brachial plexus injury involving loss of shoulder abduction and external rotation. Clinical evaluation and nerve conduction studies in both patients confirmed axonopathy of C5, C6 roots and C5 root, respectively. The proximal root stumps were unavailable for nerve grafting due to a very proximal root level scarring. The middle trunk fascicle was dissected on its superior surface and transferred to the non-functional suprascapular nerve. After 24 months follow up full abduction and external rotation could be achieved in both the patients. It is a simple and easy option for transfer to a suprascapular nerve in upper brachial plexus injuries. It lies next only to the upper trunk and does not require any additional dissection time. Donor deficit was not observed in our two patients.
Importance of β2AR elevation for re-endothelialization capacity mediated by late endothelial progenitor cells in hypertensive patients
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Guo Yiqun , Zhang Tao , Feng Jianyi , Wang Jinlong , Dong Xiaobian , Chen Yangxin , Nie Ruqiong , Feng Zongming , Huang Yiteng , Deng Ming , Ke Xiao
Published: December 2020

Impaired β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) expression with an elevation of p38-MAPK/caspase-3 signaling at least partially contributes to the decline of re-endothelialization capacity of late endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from hypertensive patients. β2AR gene transfer and shear stress treatment improve the late EPC-mediated enhancement of the re-endothelialization capacity in hypertensive patients through activating β2AR/p38-MAPK/caspase-3 signaling. The present study is the first to reveal the potential molecular mechanism of the impaired endothelium-reparative capacity of late EPCs in hypertension after vascular injury and strongly suggests that β2AR is a novel and crucial therapeutic target for increasing EPC-mediated re-endothelialization capacity in hypertension.
The cardiovascular consequences of fatiguing expiratory muscle work in otherwise resting healthy humans
Authors: Hardy Tim A. , Paula-Ribeiro Marcelle , Silva Bruno M. , Lyall Gemma K. , Birch Karen M. , Ferguson Carrie , Taylor Bryan J.
Published: December 2020

Fatiguing expiratory muscle work in otherwise resting humans elicits an increase in sympathetic motor outflow; whether limb blood flow ([Formula: see text]) and leg vascular resistance (LVR) are affected remains unknown. We found that fatiguing expiratory resistive loaded breathing (ERL) did not affect group mean [Formula: see text] or LVR. However, within-breath oscillations in [Formula: see text] may reflect a sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction that was counteracted by transient increases in [Formula: see text] due to the mechanical effects of high intra-abdominal pressure during ERL.
Hemodynamic consequences of incomplete uterine spiral artery transformation in human pregnancy, with implications for placental dysfunction and preeclampsia
Authors: Zamir Mair , Nelson D. Michael , Ginosar Yehuda
Published: December 2020

Human pregnancy requires dramatic increase in uteroplacental blood supply achieved by geometric transformation of uterine spiral arteries and facilitated by trophoblast invasion of these arteries to greatly reduce resistance to flow. Incomplete transformation has been associated with failed pregnancies, preeclampsia, and other pathologies, but a quantitative measure of “incompleteness” has been unavailable so far. We use a mathematical model to obtain a numerical threshold for this measure which may serve as a future diagnostic marker.
Cardioautonomic control in healthy singleton and twin pregnancies
Authors: Meah Victoria L. , Kimber Miranda L. , Khurana Rshmi , Howse Rachelle , Hornberger Lisa K. , Steinback Craig D. , Davenport Margie H.
Published: December 2020

Individuals with healthy twin pregnancies had lower overall heart rate variability compared with those with singleton pregnancies at similar gestational ages. These results suggest a greater sympathetic and reduced parasympathetic contribution to cardiac control in twin pregnancies. Baseline heart rate was elevated, while arterial pressure and spontaneous cardiovagal baroreflex gain were not different between groups. This was result of the upward resetting of the cardiovagal baroreflex during healthy twin pregnancy, thus maintaining arterial pressure.
Preclinical rodent models of physical inactivity-induced muscle insulin resistance: challenges and solutions
Authors: Reidy Paul T. , Monnig Jackie M. , Pickering Carrie E. , Funai Katsuhiko , Drummond Micah J.
Published: December 2020

Physical inactivity influences the development of muscle insulin resistance yet is far less understood than diet-induced muscle insulin resistance. Progress in understanding the mechanisms of physical inactivity-induced insulin resistance is limited by a lack of an appropriate preclinical model of muscle insulin resistance. Here, we discuss differences between diet and physical inactivity-induced insulin resistance, the advantages and disadvantages of the available rodent inactivity models to study insulin resistance, and our current understanding of the mechanisms of muscle insulin resistance derived from such preclinical inactivity designs. The burgeoning rise of health complications emanating from metabolic disease presents an alarming issue with mounting costs for health care and a reduced quality of life. There exists a pressing need for more complete understanding of mechanisms behind the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction. Since lifestyle modifications such as poor diet and lack of physical activity are primary catalysts of metabolic dysfunction, rodent models have been formed to explore mechanisms behind these issues. Particularly, the use of a high-fat diet has been pervasive and has been an instrumental model to gain insight into mechanisms underlying diet-induced insulin resistance (IR). However, physical inactivity (and to some extent muscle disuse) is an often overlooked and much less frequently studied lifestyle modification, which some have contended is the primary contributor in the initial development of muscle IR. In this mini-review we highlight some of the key differences between diet- and physical inactivity-induced development of muscle IR and propose reasons for the sparse volume of academic research into physical inactivity-induced IR including infrequent use of clearly translatable rodent physical inactivity models.
Bone metastasis: mechanisms, therapies, and biomarkers
Authors: Clézardin Philippe , Coleman Rob , Puppo Margherita , Ottewell Penelope , Bonnelye Edith , Paycha Frédéric , Confavreux Cyrille B. , Holen Ingunn
Published: December 2020

Skeletal metastases are frequent complications of many cancers, causing bone complications (fractures, bone pain, disability) that negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. Here, we first discuss the burden of skeletal complications in cancer bone metastasis. We then describe the pathophysiology of bone metastasis. Bone metastasis is a multistage process: long before the development of clinically detectable metastases, circulating tumor cells settle and enter a dormant state in normal vascular and endosteal niches present in the bone marrow, which provide immediate attachment and shelter, and only become active years later as they proliferate and alter the functions of bone-resorbing (osteoclasts) and bone-forming (osteoblasts) cells, promoting skeletal destruction. The molecular mechanisms involved in mediating each of these steps are described, and we also explain how tumor cells interact with a myriad of interconnected cell populations in the bone marrow, including a rich vascular network, immune cells, adipocytes, and nerves. We discuss metabolic programs that tumor cells could engage with to specifically grow in bone. We also describe the progress and future directions of existing bone-targeted agents and report emerging therapies that have arisen from recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of bone metastases. Finally, we discuss the value of bone turnover biomarkers in detection and monitoring of progression and therapeutic effects in patients with bone metastasis.
Effect of the Angle between Hydraulic Fracture and Natural Fracture on Shale Gas Seepage
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Chen Junbin , Zhu Jianhong , Gong Diguang
Published: December 2020

Fracturing technology is an effective measure to exploit shale gas and the fractures improve the seepage ability of shale reservoir after fracturing. In this paper, taking Chang 7 of Yanchang Formation as the study area, a double porosity seepage model considering natural fracture was established and it was solved by finite element method of COMSOL5.5; then, shale gas seepage was analyzed under different angles between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture finally. Meanwhile, angles between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture were optimized by analyzing both the reservoir pressure distribution and bottom hole flowing pressure. Also, a permeability experiment with liquid was conducted to verify the accuracy of the numerical simulation result. Both numerical simulation and permeability measurement experiment get a uniform result that the optimal angle between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture is 90°. Permeability is the highest, shale gas seepage rate is the fastest, bottom hole flowing pressure is the highest, and also it is beneficial to the desorption of adsorbed gas in the matrix system and then effectively supplements reservoir pressure and bottom hole flowing pressure. The research results will provide some theoretical guidance for fracturing design.
Susac Syndrome and Pregnancy
Authors: Al-Hasan Yazan , Hoskin Justin L. , Wolf John C. , Saha Kamala
Published: December 2020

Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare poorly characterised disorder that affects the brain, retina, and cochlea. Here, we present a case of a 31-year-old pregnant female with a new diagnosis of SuS that was successfully managed to 36 weeks of gestation with minimal disease burden to both the mother and newborn. She was treated initially using intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). We stress the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving both neurology and maternal-fetal medicine, and provide guidance in navigating the various options for immunosuppressive therapy during pregnancy.
A Class of Optimal Liquidation Problem with a Nonlinear Temporary Market Impact
Authors: Ma Jiangming , Gao Di
Published: December 2020

We extend the self-exciting model by assuming that the temporary market impact is nonlinear and the coefficient of the temporary market impact is an exponential function. Through optimal control method, the optimal strategy satisfies the second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The specific form of the optimal strategy is given, and the decreasing property of the optimal strategy is proved. A numerical example is given to illustrate the financial implications of the model parameter changes. We find that the optimal strategy of a risk-neutral investor changes with time and investment environment.
Dominance-Partitioned Subgraph Matching on Large RDF Graph
Authors: Ning Bo , Sun Yunhao , Zhao Deji , Xing Weikang , Li Guanyu
Published: December 2020

Subgraph matching on a large graph has become a popular research topic in the field of graph analysis, which has a wide range of applications including question answering and community detection. However, traditional edge-cutting strategy destroys the structure of indivisible knowledge in a large RDF graph. On the premise of load-balancing on subgraph division, a dominance-partitioned strategy is proposed to divide a large RDF graph without compromising the knowledge structure. Firstly, a dominance-connected pattern graph is extracted from a pattern graph to construct a dominance-partitioned pattern hypergraph, which divides a pattern graph as multiple fish-shaped pattern subgraphs. Secondly, a dominance-driven spectrum clustering strategy is used to gather the pattern subgraphs into multiple clusters. Thirdly, the dominance-partitioned subgraph matching algorithm is designed to conduct all isomorphic subgraphs on a cluster-partitioned RDF graph. Finally, experimental evaluation verifies that our strategy has higher time-efficiency of complex queries, and it has a better scalability on multiple machines and different data scales.
Study on Identification of Construction Method for Ultra‐Large‐Span Tunnel
Authors: Chongbang Xu , Youlin Qin
Published: December 2020

Although the determination of tunnel construction methods is extremely critical for the construction of ultra‐large‐span tunnels, the determination of construction methods is still at a qualitative level, which relies on the engineering experience of on‐site technicians and lacks rigorous and systematic theoretical basis and technical standards. By means of orthogonal test method, the proper construction method was established for the deep‐buried ultra‐large‐span tunnel where the tunnel excavation span, tunnel surrounding rock strength, and rock integrity coefficient were set as the main control factors. The stability of tunnel surrounding rock under various test conditions was quantified according to the plastic zone properties calculated by the three‐factor and five‐level orthogonal test model. Meanwhile, the macro form and quantitative method of test combinations under different levels of various factors were proposed to obtain the influence of each factor on the stability of tunnel surrounding rock, and thus the functional relations between various factors and tunnel stability were obtained. On this basis, the identification and the criterion of the ultra‐large‐span tunnel construction method were established, which can quantitatively reflect the contribution of excavation span of the tunnel, the number of lateral drifts in cross section, surrounding rock strength, and rock integrity coefficient to surrounding rock stability of the tunnel. The construction method calculation results of the Malin tunnel, a practical underground project, are obtained according to the orthogonal test model calculation. Based on the method, Malin tunnel can be constructed safely and efficiently. The research results could provide the theoretical basis for the identification and selection of construction method for ultra‐large‐span tunnel.
Flexural Properties of Steel‐Bamboo Composite Slabs in Different Connection Methods
Authors: Zhong Hui , Shan Qifeng , Zhang Jialiang , Zhang Xiaocun , Li Yushun
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a study aimed to estimate the flexural performance of profiled steel sheet‐bamboo plywood composite slabs as a first step to evaluate its potential application as structural components. Nine specimens were tested to investigate the stability of steel‐bamboo composite structure. According to different connection methods, three types of composite slabs were discussed, including pure bonding slabs (PBSs), composite bonding slabs (CBSs), and reinforced composite bonding slabs (RCBS). The result showed that specimens employed multiple composite methods (RCBS) exhibited excellent flexural bearing capacity and stiffness compared with PBS. The increase of bamboo plywood thickness could improve bearing capacity and flexural stiffness of composite slabs, while the reduction of screw spacing could enhance the bearing capacity and ductility of composite slabs. The RCBS, which can provide higher bearing capacity and stiffness and possess excellent deformation capability, are well worth of research and practical application.
A Method and Equipment for Continuously Testing the Permeability Coefficient of Rock and Soil Layers
Authors: Chen Wei , Cui Datian , Xu Meng , Xu Rongchao
Published: December 2020

The water pressure test and steady‐flow pumping test are still commonly used for measuring the permeability coefficient of rock and soil strata. Limited by the fact that the average value of the permeability coefficient could be obtained only by this testing method, the accuracy of the experimental results of the permeability coefficient for special rock and soil strata is not good. Therefore, a new on‐site testing method and equipment for continuously measuring the permeability coefficient of rock and soil strata is studied in this paper. The method is suitable for water pressure testing in borehole and the steady‐flow pumping test. The technical proposal is when the pumping test or water pressure test is carried out, the final water penetration will tend to be a stable value, and then, the high‐precision current meter probe will be placed at the bottom of the pumping test hole or water pressure test hole. For the pumping test, the current meter will be lifted uniformly from the bottom of the borehole testing section to the stable water level. Meanwhile, the flow rate of a differential zone of the tested section is continuously detected. For the water pressure test, the current meter will be lifted uniformly from the bottom of the borehole test section to the top of the borehole test section, and the flow rate of the differential section will be continuously detected. Through data analysis and processing, not only the average permeability coefficient of the detected sections can be obtained but also the permeability coefficient of the differential section of the rock and soil stratum can be calculated, respectively. Furthermore, the corresponding relationship between the permeability coefficient and the detected location can be obtained. In view of the abovementioned reasons, the leaking point, the specific position, and the leakage quantity of the detected section could be found out accurately, which will improve the accuracy of the testing results obviously.
Transfer Learning and Identification Method of Cross-View Target Trajectory Utilizing HMM
Authors: Liu Long , Yang Le , Ding Jie
Published: December 2020

The behavior identification of the target trajectory is one of the important issues in space behavior analysis. Since the target trajectory model obtained from a fixed view cannot be adapted to the change of the observation perspective, it needs to be retrained when being faced with a new view, which leads to a great amount of increment in application cost. This study proposes a hidden Markov model (HMM) based on the cross-view transfer learning and the recognition method that firstly constructs a linear mapping relationship between the observation matrices of the source and target view utilizing the domain trajectory of the HMMs and obtains the observation matrix parameters of the target domain through the mapping system. Secondly, the transfer probability of the source domain is further optimized to obtain the target domain of the HMM and to identify the behavior of the target domain trajectory utilizing a small number of samples from the view of the target domain. The experimental results denote that the proposed method could effectively realize the identification of the trajectory behavior utilizing a small sample size in the target domain and would greatly reduce the application cost of the identification of the cross-view target trajectory.
Green Strategy to Develop Novel Drug-Containing Poly (ε-Caprolactone)-Chitosan-Silica Xerogel Hybrid Fibers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhou Hua-Jian , Teng Shu-Hua , Zhou Yi-Bo , Qian Hai-Sheng
Published: December 2020

A facile and green method was explored to prepare the tetracycline hydrochloride- (TCH-) loaded poly (ε-caprolactone)-chitosan-silica xerogel (PCL-CS-SiO2) hybrid fibers by using 90% acetic acid as a suitable solvent. The SEM results showed that those fibers exhibited a continuous, bead-free morphology, an average diameter of about 430 nm, and super-hydrophilicity (

θ

water

≈

0

°

). The presence of SiO2 was found to enhance the thermal stability of the hybrid fibers, and the actual content of SiO2 was obtained by the TG measurement. Moreover, SiO2 xerogel as an important bioceramic endowed the hybrid fibers with good drug release behavior and in vitro bioactivity, suggesting their potential use as novel drug carriers for bone tissue engineering. The present work is expected to offer a green strategy to develop novel, multifunctional hybrid materials.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor towards Size-Distributed Particulate Matter
Authors: Yang Jian , Lu Jianan , Zhang Shanmeng , Guan Dong
Published: December 2020

To study the sensitivity of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor towards particulate matter (PM), an analytic model has been built based on single particle perturbation theory of full size range and the lognormal size distribution of the PM. The sensitivity of the frequency shift to 1 nanogram of PM has been calculated. The model shows that the frequency shift is a result of the competition between the negative perturbation by mass loading and the positive perturbation by elastic coupling, determined by particle size distribution parameters, material, and SAW frequency. To verify the model, the relationship of the frequency shift of a 315 MHz SAW to the concentration of aerosols generated by two kinds of powders of different sizes was measured. The experiment is in agreement with the model: the sensor has shown negative sensitivity towards aerosols generated by the finer particles of 1 μm, 3 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and A1 Arizona dust and positive sensitivity towards aerosols generated by the coarser particles of 10 μm PTFE and A4 Arizona dust; and the negative sensitivity is about 1 order higher than the positive.
Quantitative Detection of Financial Fraud Based on Deep Learning with Combination of E-Commerce Big Data
Authors: Liu Jian , Gu Xin , Shang Chao
Published: December 2020

At present, there are more and more frauds in the financial field. The detection and prevention of financial frauds are of great significance for regulating and maintaining a reasonable financial order. Deep learning algorithms are widely used because of their high recognition rate, good robustness, and strong implementation. Therefore, in the context of e-commerce big data, this paper proposes a quantitative detection algorithm for financial fraud based on deep learning. First, the encoders are used to extract the features of the behaviour. At the same time, in order to reduce the computational complexity, the feature extraction is restricted to the space-time volume of the dense trajectory. Second, the neural network model is used to transform features into behavioural visual word representations, and feature fusion is performed using weighted correlation methods to improve feature classification capabilities. Finally, sparse reconstruction errors are used to judge and detect financial fraud. This method builds a deep neural network model with multiple hidden layers, learns the characteristic expression of the data, and fully depicts the rich internal information of the data, thereby improving the accuracy of financial fraud detection. Experimental results show that this method can effectively learn the essential characteristics of the data, and significantly improve the detection rate of fraud detection algorithms.
Sarcopenia and Its Relationships with Depression, Cognition, and Physical Activity in Thai Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Yuenyongchaiwat Kornanong , Boonsinsukh Rumpa
Published: December 2020

Background. Age-related sarcopenia is associated with physical decline, including poor functional capacity, lack of physical activity, problems with activities of daily living, and disability. However, little is known about the association between mental health problems and cognitive function in older adults with sarcopenia. Therefore, this study explored community-dwelling older adults’ sarcopenia prevalence and related associations with depression, cognitive performance, and physical activity. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 330 community-dwelling older adults (66.85 ± 5.54 years, 76.06% female). Based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guidelines, gait speed, muscle mass, and handgrip were assessed. All participants responded to a set of questionnaires (e.g., Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, cognitive assessment, and depression scale). Logistic regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine independent predictors for sarcopenia. Results. Overall, 16.1% of the participants were identified as having sarcopenia. Further, advanced age (i.e., mean age ≥ 70 years; odds ratio: 4.67), high depression scores (odds ratio: 2.09), mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio: 0.22), and low physical activity levels (odds ratio: 1.96) were significant associated risk factors for sarcopenia after adjusting for age, sex, and educational level. Conclusions. Sarcopenia can lead to adverse health outcomes (i.e., depressive symptoms, cognitive decline, and low physical activity) in older adults.
Influence of Ground Motion Parameters on the Seismic Response of an Anchored Rock Slope
Authors: Peng Ningbo , Dong Yun , Zhu Ye , Hong Jie
Published: December 2020

The seismic response of rock slopes is closely related to the dynamic characteristics of earthquakes. In this study, based on a numerical model of rock slopes with bolt support, the seismic responses of both anchored and unanchored rock slopes under different seismic waves are calculated. The results show that a “cumulative effect” of the relative permanent displacement of the slope is generated during seismic action, and it is found that the permanent displacement of the slope is caused by larger earthquake accelerations. The dynamic responses of an anchored slope are analyzed in terms of the wave type, frequency, amplitude, and duration and are compared with those of an unanchored rock slope. This comparison suggests that the nominal shear strain increases with the amplitude and duration, which decreases as frequency increases. The axial force is directly related to the surrounding rock strain. The maximum axial force of the bolt is near the rock interface, which shows that the structural plane of the slope plays a dominant role in the seismic response. The seismic waves are random, whereas the structural plane of the rock slope is certain. The seismic response characteristics of the slope under different earthquake conditions are similar, and the dynamic stability of the slope can be attributed to the structural analysis of the rock slope.
Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Anisatin in Mouse Blood by Ultra‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bao Xi , Jiang Xiajuan , Ma Jianshe , Wang Xianqin , Zhou Quan
Published: December 2020

Background. Anisatin is a neurotoxic sesquiterpene dilactone wildly found in plants of the family Illiciaceae. Due to morphological similarities among Illiciaceae fruits, fatal poisonings are frequent. Objective. This study is aimed at developing a rapid, simple ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) method to determine anisatin’s bioavailability in mouse blood and the method’s application to pharmacokinetics. Methods. Blood samples were preprocessed by protein precipitation using acetonitrile. Salicin (internal standard, IS) and anisatin were gradient‐eluted by a mobile phase of methanol and water (0.1% formic acid) in a UPLC BEH C18 column. This step involved using an electrospray ionization source of anisatin at a mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) of 327.1 → 127.0 and IS at m/z 285.1 → 122.9 in the negative ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Results. The calibration curve ranged from 1 to 2000 ng/ml (r > 0.995), with the method’s accuracy ranging from 86.3% to 106.9%. Intraday and interday precision were lower than 14%, and the matrix effect was between 93.9% and 103.3%. The recovery rate was higher than 67.2%. Conclusions. The developed UPLC‐MS/MS method was successfully used for a pharmacokinetic study of oral (1 mg/kg) and intravenous (0.5 mg/kg) administration of anisatin to mice—the absolute bioavailability of anisatin in the mouse blood was 22.6%.
Intestinal Parasites Infection in Children with Cancer in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran
Authors: Salehi Kahyesh Roya , Alghasi Arash , Haddadi Shekoufe , Sharhani Asaad
Published: December 2020

Background. Infection with intestinal parasites is widespread worldwide, especially in developing countries. Intestinal parasites are known as one of the leading causes of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised subjects, but cancer patients are highly susceptible to contamination, and it can be deadly for them. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in immunocompromised patients in Ahvaz. Material and Methods. In this descriptive cross-sectional pilot case-control study, fecal samples were collected from 52 children with malignancies hospitalized in Baqaei2 hospital in Ahvaz. A questionnaire including demographic information, type of cancer, type of gastrointestinal symptoms, and laboratory diagnosis was completed for each patient. The collected specimens were examined by direct smear, Logul staining, and concentration. Result. The 52 stool samples were collected, 46% were female and 54% male. The age range of children enrolled in the study was from 4 months to 16 years. Of these stool samples, 38.38% were infected with a variety of parasitic intestinal infections (helminths and protozoa). In this study, protozoan parasites, Blastocystis (23%), Chilomastix mesnili (1.92%), Endolimax nana (7.7%), and Entamoeba coli (1.92%), and helminth infection, Strongyloides stercoralis (3.84%), were observed and statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and parasitic infection in children with cancer. Conclusion. Blastocystis and Endolimax nana are the most prevalent gastrointestinal parasitic protozoans that infect individuals admitted to Baqaei2 Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran. Since parasitic intestinal infections in immunocompromised patients lead to fatal diarrhea, children with parasitic infections must be carefully identified and treated.
Study of Health-Related Quality of Life and Healthcare Utilization among Type 2 Diabetic Population in an Urban Area of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shah Sangita , Jha Nilambar , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Pyakurel Prajjwal , Sharma Sanjib Kumar , Singh Suman Bahadur
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and places huge burden on public health funding. Diabetes affects quality of life through associated complications, comorbidity, and disease burden. Consequently, people have frequent healthcare visits. This study assessed quality of life and healthcare utilization patterns among type 2 diabetic populations in an urban area of eastern Nepal. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 participants of age ≥20 years with type 2 diabetes in Itahari using a semistructured questionnaire. A D-39 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Five wards were selected by systematic random sampling, and the population was proportionate according to the sample size. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to identify the factors associated with quality of life and its domains. Results. The highest mean score ± SD was found in the domain anxiety and worry (57.34 ± 11.08). About 18.5% of the participants perceived extremely affected quality of life. Hypertension (55.55%) was the most common comorbidity. Age, marital status, literacy, alcohol, disease duration, comorbidity, and complications were significantly associated with overall quality of life. In last 6 months of duration, 93.7% had hospital visits. Among them, 8.1% had emergency visit and 5.9% were admitted in the hospital. Conclusion. People with diabetes in this study were more affected in the domain anxiety and worry. The frequency of healthcare access and utilization in patients with type 2 diabetes was high. The quality of life among them could be improved by taking care on healthy behavior, comorbid conditions, and complications.
Picture Fuzzy Ideals of Near-Rings
Authors: Asif Awais , Aydi Hassen , Arshad Muhammad , Rehman Abdul , Tariq Usman
Published: December 2020

A picture fuzzy set (PFS) is an augmentation of Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS). The PFS-based models are useful in the circumstances when we face uncertain and vague information, especially in the case when we need more answers of the form “indeed,” “avoid,” “no,” and “refusal.” It has been considered as an essential tool to deal with unsure data during an investigation. In this manuscript, we explore the idea of a picture fuzzy near-ring (PFNR) and a picture fuzzy ideal (PFI) of a near-ring (NR). We illustrate some basic properties such as union, intersection, homomorphic image, and preimage of PFIs of a NR. Furthermore, there is discussion about the direct product of PFIs of a NR.
Sensorial and Volatile Analysis of Wines Made from Partially Dehydrated Grapes: An Ontario Case Study
Authors: Kelly Jennifer M. , Inglis Debra L. , Pickering Gary J.
Published: December 2020

Winemaking in cool climate viticultural areas can pose challenges due to difficulties in achieving optimal ripeness from climatic conditions that tend to vary vintage-to-vintage. To stabilize quality, the use of partially dehydrated grapes has been indicated as beneficial to the production of high-quality wine (“appassimento” style) despite climatic variation. Postharvest wine grape dehydration is a complex process that involves the concentration or formation of sugars, aromas, and flavours. One of the quality challenges facing appassimento style winemaking is elevated levels of undesirable oxidation compounds. The aim of this study was to characterize wines made from a local yeast isolate, Saccharomyces uvarum CN1, which demonstrates limited osmotolerance and may have application to this wine style, as it is a known lower producer of such compounds. Wines made with CN1 were compared to wines made with the accepted commercial standard, S. cerevisiae, EC1118. Fermentations (n = 24) were established at three target starting sugar concentrations from dehydrated Cabernet franc grapes (24.5, 26.0, and 27.5°Brix) and a control (21.5°Brix) and were assessed for volatile organic compound (VOC) composition via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Wines also underwent quantitative descriptive analysis to identify and quantify sensory attributes by a trained panel (n = 11). Results show that the wines fermented with the yeast isolate contain significant differences in the concentrations of VOCs in the wines. Sensorially, the wines differed in intensity for a number of attributes, including red fruit aroma, black fruit flavour, and length of finish both within Brix treatments and amongst yeast strains. The most important differentiating factor amongst these wines was the combination of yeast strain at the highest starting sugar concentration (27.5°Brix). These findings may assist winemakers by informing the yeast strain choice for optimizing appassimento style wine quality in cool climates.
Large-Scale Screening in General Population Children for Celiac Disease with a Multiplex Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) Assay
Authors: He Ling , Jia Xiaofan , Gu Yong , Miao Dongmei , Waugh Kathleen , Geno Cristy , Liu Edwin , Rewers Marian , Yu Liping
Published: December 2020

Background. Autoimmunity Screening for Kids (ASK) study was launched to screen general population children for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD). Methods. A total of 23,319 children from general population were screened. A high throughput multiplex electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay to screen multiautoantibodies in a single well was applied, parallel with a standard radiobinding assay (RBA). All children with any positive autoantibodies in screening were revisited within one month for confirmation and followed every 6 months. Results. Among 23,319 children, 2.6% (606/23,319) of children were tested positive for TGA. Multiplex ECL assay detected more TGA (584/23,319) in the initial screening than RBA (490/23,319,

p
=
0.004

) and was able to detect TGA earlier than RBA in a subset of children by 0.8 to 34.8 months. Prevalence of TGA by either ECL or RBA in children with islet autoantibodies was found significantly higher than overall prevalence in general population screened. Conclusions. A multiplex ECL assay was more sensitive than standard RBA by identifying more TGA positivity and detecting TGA earlier in general population screening. It also provides a high efficient tool with its unique advantage of multiplexing measurements to screen for multiple autoimmune diseases simultaneously in general population.
НАПРЯМИ І ФОРМИ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ СИСТЕМИ ГРОМАДСЬКОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я В БОРОТЬБІ ІЗ ЦЕРЕБРОВАСКУЛЯРНИМИ ХВОРОБАМИ У МЕГАПОЛІСІ
Authors: Prokopiv М. М. , Slabkiy G. O.
Published: December 2020

Мета: розробити та представити напрями і форми діяльності системи громадського здоров’я в боротьбі із цереброваскулярними хворобами у мегаполісі.

Матеріали і методи. При виконанні роботи використано такі методи: бібліосемантичний, структурно-логічного аналізу, описового моделювання. Використовуючи метод експертних оцінок, встановлено напрями діяльності служби громадського здоров’я в боротьбі із цереброваскулярними хворобами. Експертами виступили 25 кваліфікованих спеціалістів. Методичною базою дослідження став системний підхід.

Результати. Експертним шляхом встановлено напрями і форми діяльності системи громадського здоров’я в боротьбі із цереброваскулярними хворобами. Найвищу оцінку експертів отримала інформаційно-просвітницька комплексна робота з питань профілактики та наслідків цереброваскулярних хвороб та мозкових інсультів на рівні громади, організованих колективів і сімей, а найнижчий рівень оцінки отримала індивідуальна інформаційно-просвітницька робота. Експерти підтримали необхідність епідеміологічного нагляду за ризиками розвитку цереброваскулярних хвороб та мозкових інсультів, адвокації з формування здоров’язбережувального профілю міста, комунікацій та соціальної мобілізації в інтересах збереження та зміцнення здоров’я населення міста. Отримані результати стали основою для розробки моделі інформаційно-комунікативної роботи системи громадського здоров’я з боротьби із цереброваскулярними хворобами.

Висновки. Використання запропонованих напрямів і форм діяльності системи громадського здоров’я в боротьбі із цереброваскулярними хворобами у мегаполісі дозволить знизити темпи захворюваності та смертності населення внаслідок цереброваскулярних хвороб та мозкових інсультів.
МЕТОДОЛОГІЯ ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ СИСТЕМИ ГРОМАДСЬКОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я НА РІВНІ ОБ’ЄДНАНИХ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНИХ ГРОМАД
Authors: Slabkyi G. O. , Myroniuk I. S. , Brych V. V. , Bilak-Lukianchuk V. Y.
Published: December 2020

Мета: розробити методичні підходи до впровадження системи громадського здоров’я на рівні об’єднаних територіальних громад.

Матеріали і методи. У ході виконання дослідження використано бібліографічний метод та метод структурно-логічного аналізу. Методичною основою дослідження став системний підхід. Під час проведення дослідження використано чинні законодавчі акти України та дані наукових публікацій.

Результати. Узагальненими завданнями та функціями громадського здоров’я на рівні об’єднаних територіальних громад є сприяння збереженню та зміцненню здоров’я населення громади. Напрямками даної діяльності є розробка комплексної програми громадського здоров’я, епіднагляд за ризиками для здоров’я, встановлення рівня індивідуального здоров’я членів громади, відновне лікування для осіб з інвалідністю та осіб з хронічними хворобами, формування здоров’язбережувального профілю населених пунктів громади, комунікація та соціальна мобілізація в інтересах здоров’я, профілактика інфекційних та неінфекційних хвороб.

Розроблено алгоритм впровадження та розвитку системи громадського здоров’я на рівні об’єднаних територіальних громад, який складається з 12 етапів з проведенням вивчення та аналізу ситуації щодо громадського здоров’я, розробки та впровадження комплексної міжсекторальної програми громадського здоров’я, моніторингу та оцінки її виконання, щорічного звітування перед громадою про хід виконання комплексної міжсекторальної програми розвитку системи громадського здоров’я в громаді та її корегування.

Спеціаліст громадського здоров’я може працювати в громаді на таких посадах: фахівець з громадського здоров’я або фахівець з довкілля та здоров’я.

Висновки. Використання запропонованого алгоритму дозволить створити на рівні громад ефективну систему громадського здоров’я зі збереження та зміцнення здоров’я населення громади.
ДОСВІД ПАЦІЄНТА ТА ЙОГО РОЛЬ У МЕДИЧНІЙ АКТИВНОСТІ НА ПРИКЛАДІ ЕКОНОМІЧНО АКТИВНОГО НАСЕЛЕННЯ
Authors: Vlasyk L. Y.
Published: December 2020

Мета: проаналізувати досвід респондентів щодо медичного обслуговування та визначити найбільш асоційовані з медичною активністю характеристики для її прогнозування серед економічно активного населення.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено поетапне крос-секційне соціологічне дослідження медичного досвіду серед економічно активного населення (n=1252) у 2017–2018 рр. Застосовано спеціально розроблену анкету, яка містила дані про поширеність поведінкових чинників ризику та самооцінку стану здоров’я.

Результати. За результатами соціологічного дослідження виявлено особливості медичного досвіду економічно активного населення за зверненням до сімейного лікаря впродовж року; за місцем обслуговування; за рівнем освіти; з приводу звернення; за наявністю основних неінфекційних захворювань та їх чинників ризику, а також за самопочуттям. Показано, що, за можливості обирати лікаря, офіційні звернення на первинну ланку зросли до 70 %, разом із тим, звичні маршрути в медичному обслуговуванні збереглися. Проходження скринінгових та додаткових обстежень у більшості випадків супроводжувалося візитом до сімейного лікаря впродовж року, проте асоціювалася з активністю лише обізнаність щодо обстеження на вміст цукру та холестерину в крові у певних групах респондентів. Найбільш значущими характеристиками медичного досвіду для активності респондентів щодо збереження здоров’я були звернення до сімейного лікаря впродовж року та звернення до лікаря з профілактичною метою. Встановлено предиктори медичної активності, а саме: «споживання фруктів та овочів, крім картоплі», «регулярні заняття фізичними вправами від 2–3 до 4–5 разів на тиждень» та «відвідування лікаря з профілактичною метою», які забезпечили лише 15 % ймовірності бути активними. Завищену самооцінку респондентів щодо активності у питаннях збереження здоров’я можна розцінювати як бажання стати активними, адже активація передбачає психологічні та емоційні складові.

Висновки. Для ефективної взаємодії з пацієнтом сімейному лікарю варто враховувати особливості досвіду звернень за медичною допомогою. Досвід пацієнта, як результат якісної взаємодії «лікар – пацієнт», сприяє становленню активного та відповідального ставлення до власного здоров’я. Найбільш асоційовані характеристики можна використовувати як інструмент прогнозування активності пацієнта.
ROBUSTNESS EVALUATION OF THE CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF VALSARTAN IN PHARMACEUTICALS
Authors: Peleshok K. , Dutchak O. , Mohamed Fatma Abdelmalek
Published: December 2020

The robustness of an analytical procedure is a measure of its capacity to remain unaffected by small, but deliberate variations in method parameters and provides an indication of its reliability during normal usage.

The aim of the study – to evaluate the rubustness of HPLC determination of valsartan in tablets using Youden’s test.

Material and Methods. An efficient method to assess the robustness of analytical methodsis by Youden’s test, by means of an experiment design which involves seven analytical parameters combined in eight tests. In the recent studies, we assessed the robustness of a chromatographic method to quantify valsartan in tablets using Youden’s test.

Results. The experimental design approach (design of experiment) is the method of simultaneous investigation of the influence of several factors on robustness of the method using a certain plan (matrix) of experiments. By using the Youden’s test criteria, HPLC method showed to be greatly robust concerning valsartan content, at the introduction of variation in seven analytic parameters. This was done in order to make analytical scientists more successful and businesses more profitable and productive.

Conclusion. Youden’s test proved to be an efficient and helpful tool for the robustness evaluation for assay of valsartan by HPLC. Youden’s test can be applied successfully for the robustness evaluation in validation process of analytical methods.