bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical Memory of Ainu through Material Culture in Japanese Literary Text: An Analyses of Tsushima Yuko’s Work
Authors: Rahwati Wawat , Mulyadi Budi , Suhendrawan Andres
Published: May 2021

This research discusses the elements of material culture in the literary text of Jakka Dofuni Umi no Kioku no Monogatari by Tsushima Yuko in presenting historical memories of the Ainu as one of the indigenous people in Japan. Material culture is a study carried out through objects (artefacts) to see social markers, historical traces, social knowledge, and the identity of a particular nation or society. This research aims to reveal the history and identity of the Ainu as shown through material cultural objects and how the characters in the text interpret these objects. Qualitative approaches and narrative structures as research methods are used to analyze this literary text. Besides, memory theory is also used to reveal collective memories related to Ainu history and identity. The results show that the Jakka Dofuni museum with various artefacts presents historical memory and Ainu identity through the narrator's discussion and figures in narratives text. The spirit consolation monument (ireihi), which was built in the area of the Jakka Dofuni museum, is an object of memory of remembrance for local people from the Ainu and Uilta tribes who were victims of war during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1945). The collection of cultural artefacts and the life history of Gendanu as the owner of the museum with the identity problems he experienced can be interpreted as a form of markers that confirm Ainu's identity.
Pěstitelská gramotnost – sonda znalostí u žáků na druhém stupni základních škol
Authors: Vácha Zbyněk , Ryplová Renata , Valvodová Eva
Published: May 2021

Článek přináší výsledky sondy znalostí v oblasti pěstitelské gramotnosti u žáků na druhém stupni základních škol. Pěstitelská gramotnost je definována jako schopnost porozumět pěstitelským postupům a pochopení jejich dopadu na život každého z nás. Ke sběru dat byla využita dotazníková metoda. Na výzkumu participovalo 462 žáků osmých ročníků z celkem 20 škol. Výsledky  studie naznačují nepříliš vysokou kognitivní úroveň žáků v uvedené problematice.  Vliv výuky na školní zahradě na  vědomosti z oblasti pěstitelské gramotnosti se projevil jako statisticky neprůkazný, signifikantně se ale lišily vědomosti žáků mezi jednotlivými školami. Pozitivním zjištěním jsou výsledky vycházející z žákovských postojů ke smyslu a významu práce na zahradě.
Gene therapy in PIDs, hemoglobin, ocular, neurodegenerative, and hemophilia B disorders
Authors: Odiba Arome Solomon , Okoro Nkwachukwu Oziamara , Durojaye Olanrewaju Ayodeji , Wu Yanjun
Published: May 2021

A new approach is adopted to treat primary immunodeficiency disorders, such as the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID; e.g., adenosine deaminase SCID [ADA-SCID] and IL-2 receptor X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency [SCID-X1]). The success, along with the feasibility of gene therapy, is undeniable when considering the benefits recorded for patients with different classes of diseases or disorders needing treatment, including SCID-X1 and ADA-SCID, within the last two decades. β-Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are two prominent monogenic blood hemoglobin disorders for which a solution has been sought using gene therapy. For instance, transduced autologous CD34+ HSCs via a self-inactivating (SIN)-Lentivirus (LV) coding for a functional copy of the β-globin gene has become a feasible procedure. adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have found application in ocular gene transfer in retinal disease gene therapy (e.g., Leber’s congenital amaurosis type 2), where no prior treatment existed. In neurodegenerative disorders, successes are now reported for cases involving metachromatic leukodystrophy causing severe cognitive and motor damage. Gene therapy for hemophilia also remains a viable option because of the amount of cell types that are capable of synthesizing biologically active FVIII and FIX following gene transfer using AAV vectors in vivo to correct hemophilia B (FIX deficiency), and it is considered an ideal target, as proven in preclinical studies. Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 gene-editing tool has taken a center stage in gene therapy research and is reported to be efficient and highly precise. The application of gene therapy to these areas has pushed forward the therapeutic clinical application.
Short duration Vectorcardiogram based inferior myocardial infarction detection: class and subject-oriented approach
Authors: Rahul Jagdeep , Sharma Lakhan Dev , Bohat Vijay Kumar
Published: May 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) happens when blood stops circulating to an explicit segment of the heart causing harm to the heart muscles. Vectorcardiography (VCG) is a technique of recording direction and magnitude of the signals that are produced by the heart in a 3-lead representation. In this work, we present a technique for detection of MI in the inferior portion of heart using short duration VCG signals. The raw signal was pre-processed using the median and Savitzky–Golay (SG) filter. The Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) was used for time-invariant decomposition of the signal followed by feature extraction. The selected features using minimum-redundancy-maximum-relevance (mRMR) based feature selection method were applied to the supervised classification methods. The efficacy of the proposed method was assessed under both class-oriented and a more real-life subject-oriented approach. An accuracy of 99.14 and 89.37% were achieved respectively. Results of the proposed technique are better than existing state-of-art methods and used VCG segment is shorter. Thus, a shorter segment and a high accuracy can be helpful in the automation of timely and reliable detection of MI. The satisfactory performance achieved in the subject-oriented approach shows reliability and applicability of the proposed technique.
Uniqueness of positive solutions for boundary value problems associated with indefiniteϕ-Laplacian-type equations
Authors: Boscaggin Alberto , Feltrin Guglielmo , Zanolin Fabio
Published: May 2021

This paper provides a uniqueness result for positive solutions of the Neumann and periodic boundary value problems associated with theϕ-Laplacian equation(ϕ(u′))′+a(t)g(u)=0,(\phi \left(u^{\prime} ))^{\prime} +a\left(t)g\left(u)=0,whereϕis a homeomorphism withϕ(0) = 0,a(t) is a stepwise indefinite weight andg(u) is a continuous function. When dealing with thep-Laplacian differential operatorϕ(s) = ∣s∣p−2swithp > 1, and the nonlinear termg(u) = uγwithγ∈R\gamma \in {\mathbb{R}}, we prove the existence of a unique positive solution whenγ ∈ ]−∞\infty, (1 − 2p)/(p − 1)] ∪ ]p − 1, +∞\infty[.
A new implicit symmetric method of sixth algebraic order with vanished phase-lag and its first derivative for solving Schrödinger's equation
Authors: Obaidat Saleem , Butt Rizwan
Published: May 2021

In this article, we have developed an implicit symmetric four-step method of sixth algebraic order with vanished phase-lag and its first derivative. The error and stability analysis of this method are investigated, and its efficiency is tested by solving efficiently the one-dimensional time-independent Schrödinger’s equation. The method performance is compared with other methods in the literature. It is found that for this problem the new method performs better than the compared methods.
Sleep disorders and related factors among frontline medical staff supporting Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Zhang Zhenqing , Hu Yanyu , Chen Yingying , Liao Zhenhua , Zheng Yixiong , Ding Lijun
Published: May 2021

Sleep problems among frontline medical staff during the COVID-19 epidemic require attention. A total of 249 frontline medical staff who were recruited to support Wuhan completed this cross-sectional study. A web-based questionnaire about insomnia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue was used to assess mental health status. The prevalence of sleep disorders among frontline medical staff was 50.6%. More time spent in Wuhan and a history of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue were associated with a higher risk of insomnia. People who stayed in Wuhan for a long time with a history of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue symptoms might be at high risk of insomnia.
Interocular Suppression in Primary Visual Cortex in Strabismus
Authors: Economides John R. , Adams Daniel L. , Horton Jonathan C.
Published: May 2021

People with strabismus acquired during childhood do not experience diplopia (double vision). To investigate how perception of the duplicate image is suppressed, we raised two male monkeys with alternating exotropia by disinserting the medial rectus muscle in each eye at age four weeks. Once the animals were mature, they were brought to the laboratory and trained to fixate a small spot while recordings were made in primary visual cortex (V1). Drifting gratings were presented to the receptive fields of 500 single neurons for eight interleaved conditions: (1) right eye monocular; (2) left eye monocular; (3) right eye's field, right eye fixating; (4) right eye's field, left eye fixating; (5) left eye's field, right eye fixating; (6) left eye's field, left eye fixating; (7) both eyes' fields, right eye fixating; (8) both eyes' fields, left eye fixating. As expected, ocular dominance histograms showed a monocular bias compared with normal animals, but many cells could still be driven via both eyes. Overall, neuronal responses were not affected by switches in ocular fixation. Individual neurons exhibited binocular interactions, but mean population indices indicated no net interocular suppression or facilitation. Even neurons located in cortex with reduced cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity, representing portions of the nasal visual field where perception is suppressed during binocular viewing, showed no net inhibition. These data indicate that V1 neurons do not appear to reflect strabismic suppression and therefore the elimination of diplopia is likely to be mediated at a higher cortical level.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn patients with strabismus, images fall on non-corresponding points in the two retinas. Only one image is perceived, because signals emanating from the other eye that convey the duplicate image are suppressed. The benefit is that diplopia is prevented, but the penalty is that the visual feedback required to adjust eye muscle tone to realign the globes is eliminated. Here, we report the first electrophysiological recordings from the primary visual cortex (V1) in awake monkeys raised with strabismus. The experiments were designed to reveal how perception of double images is avoided.
Incorporating Indigenous Nations into International Political Economy
Authors: Wellhausen Rachel L.
Published: May 2021

This comment elaborates on and extends the roundtable’s discussion by turning to the context of Indigenous peoples. Even setting aside normative motivations, expanded study of Indigenous peoples provides clear opportunities for theory development in international political economy and international relations more broadly. For example, the legal status of American Indian Nations’ 326 unique political jurisdictions can inform the political economy of marginalized identity groups in a non-Westphalian but nonetheless international context.
Construction and evaluation of a serial album for the prevention of foot complications in diabetics
Authors: Souza Izabel Cristina de , Costa Joyce da Silva , Alencar Mayara Maria Silva da Cruz , Monteiro Paloma Gabrielly Amorim , Aquino Priscila de Souza , Castro Régia Christina Moura Barbosa
Published: May 2021

Objective: to describe the construction process and evaluate the evidence for content and appearance validity of a serial album for the prevention of foot complications in diabetics. Methods: methodological study of the construction of the educational material, according to the following steps: bibliographic survey; construction of the educational technology and validation of content and appearance by experts in diabetes and technical production. The judges were chosen by convenience, five for content and two for appearance. The Content Validation Index and the Suitability Assessment of Materials were applied. Results: the Content Validation Index showed agreement among judges, with a result ranging from 0.76 to 1.0. According to the score obtained in the Suitability Assessment of Materials, the material was considered adequate, with a percentage of44.5%. Conclusion: the serial album was considered valid for content and appearance and is suitable for clinical validation for use by health professionals in health education activities.
Therapeutic adherence of patients with breast and prostate cancers
Authors: Viana Lia Raquel de Carvalho , Ferreira Gerlania Rodrigues Salviano , Pimenta Cláudia Jeane Lopes , Costa Tatiana Ferreira da , Silva Cleane Rosa Ribeiro da , Costa Kátia Neyla de Freitas Macedo
Published: May 2021

Objective: to analyze the treatment compliance of patients with breast and prostate cancers. Methods: cross-sectional study with 303 patients with breast and prostate cancers. A semi-structured instrument and the Adherence Determinants Questionnaire Scale Brazilian version were used, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: mean adherence was found among all participants (100.0%). In patients with prostate cancer, we observed weak correlations between age and interpersonal aspects of care (r=0.198; p=0.048); and between treatment time and intentions (r=-0.295; p=0.049). In breast cancer patients, there was a positive correlation between age and perceived support/severity (r=0.174; p=0.013); and between years of study and interpersonal aspects of care (r=0.145; p=0.038) and intentions (r=0.156; p=0.026). Conclusion: patients with breast and prostate cancers showed moderate adherence to treatment, with higher means in the Support/Severity domain and lower in the Perceived Susceptibility domain.
An audit of people admitted to hospital with diabetes and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): data collection methods. The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) Nationwide Audit
Authors: Nagi Dinesh , Ryder Robert EJ , Ruan Yue , Field Benjamin CT , Narendran Parth , Gandhi Rajiv , Harris Sophie , Várnai Kinga A , Davies Jim , Wild Sarah H , Wilmot Emma G , Khunti Kamlesh , Rea Rustam
Published: May 2021

We describe the rationale, aims and objectives and the methodology of data collection for the ABCD nationwide audit of individuals admitted to hospital with coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) and diabetes. The audit was inspired and undertaken by the urgent need to understand the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes admitted to hospital in the UK during the pandemic. We wished to understand the clinical behaviour of diabetes per se, post hospital admission and the factors with may be associated with admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and death due to COVID-19. This was a clinically-led audit. We used existing infrastructure and expertise to collect data using an electronic tool specifically designed and piloted by the steering group members. The clinical variables were chosen to fulfil the main aim of this audit as stated above, and factors influencing the clinical course of COVID-19 in individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the time of admission to hospital and during the whole length of stay, until discharge or death from COVID-19. The data collected so far represent a large, multicentre audit with more than 3,500 admissions during the pandemic. We plan to continue collecting additional data and publish ongoing reports of interest to diabetes clinicians with the aim of enhancing knowledge and understanding and thereby improving clinical care of, and outcomes for, people with diabetes who are admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the UK.
Informationstechnologie, Produktivität und Wirtschaftswachstum
Authors: Teubner Alexander
Published: May 2021

Die aktuelle Diskussion zur Digitalisierung von Wirtschaft und Verwaltung sieht in (digitalen) Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT) den Schlüssel zum wirtschaftlichen Erfolg. Diese Einschätzung wird jedoch durch volkswirtschaftliche Daten nicht gestützt. Wachstums- und Produktivitätswirkungen, wie sie von vorangegangenen Technologieinnovationen bekannt sind, konnten bislang für die IKT nicht beobachtet werden. Mögliche Erklärungen sind neben Messproblemen vor allem aufwändige Anpassungsprozesse, die mit dem Einsatz von IKT einhergehen, sowie hohe Konsumentenrenten bei digitalen Produkten und Dienstleistungen.
Речевой жанр «ссора»: конститутивные признаки (на материале современной английской и русской драмы)
Authors:   , Kirejeva Jelena
Published: May 2021

The dissertation thesis focuses on the characteristics of the speech genre of quarrel as a typical situation in interpersonal interaction in which conflict communication manifests itself in the context of Anglo-Saxon and Russian national cultures. The identification of constitutive characteristics of the speech genre of quarrel correlates with the contemporary paradigm dominant in ethnopragmatics, pragmalinguistics, cross-cultural pargmatics and culturological genristics. A synthetic approach of the speech act theory is adopted in the present research, which means that both dialogic and linguistic aspects of the quarrel speech genre are dealt with in the study. What is more, it is a multi-faceted complex investigation into the genre combining the speech act theory, the theory of persuasive speech, the theories of politeness, the latter have never been drawn upon in the analysis of the genres of conflict communication. The comparative study of the speech genre of quarrel is conducted on the basis of contemporary texts, that is, contemporary British and Russian drama. The research materials possess an aggressive tonality and embody the atmosphere of the epoch characterized by hypertrophied aggression seeking for the ways to erupt. In both cultures under analysis negative emotions prevail in quarrels, the personages try to attain the same goals, they suffer from solitude, the absence of love and demonstrate non-ritualised behaviour. The reason for such a symmetry may lie in the fact that the cultures and languages under analysis are not typologically and geographically distant. Such a symmetry may be pre-conditioned by the atmosphere of the epoch with its social anomy and aggressiveness, it can also be accounted for just by the manifestation of the biological human essence.
Sevastopol in the Historical Memory of the Great Patriotic War: Media Space Analysis
Authors: Yarmak Olga , Bolshakova Mariya , Maranchak Anastasiya , Savina Zoya
Published: May 2021

This article identifies the content and structural features of social and media communication of Runet users in relation to the information presence of Sevastopol in the construction of the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War. An interdisciplinary approach is used to fully implement the goal and objectives of the research being conducted. Media and information spaces cybermetry intrinsic to modern sociology make it possible to identify new trends in the formation of unconventional historical attitudes about the Great Victory, including the presence of Sevastopol in the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War. The use of the social media monitoring system "Medialogia" enabled an analysis of information flows about the Great Patriotic War and the role of Sevastopol in the Great Victory. The results of the study can contribute to the development of a guide aimed at intensifying the activities in the field of formation of the historical memory of the Great Victory. The authors believe that it will positively affect the consistent upholding of Russia's historical victories and their preservation in the modern digital space by shaping the agenda and managing information flows in the context of the ideological confrontation of the main world actors.
APPLICATION OF METHYLIGHT APPROACH FOR DETECTION OF CYTOSINE METHYLATION IN FLAX SEEDS GROWN NEAR CHERNOBYL
Authors: Lancikova Veronika , Žiarovská Jana
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, various approaches for the precise DNA methylation analysis are known. This study applied an advanced MethyLight approach for precise detection of cytosine methylation. Chernobyl area is still contaminated by long-lived radioisotopes thus the potential risk of DNA damage by radiation remains relatively high. Plants as sessile organisms are directly affected by irradiation. For the analysis presented herein, flax seeds grown on the experimental fields near Chernobyl have been used. Cytosine methylation was quantified in the specific coding region of Fatty acid desaturase 3A gene which has an important function in fatty acid biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time MethyLight revealed fully methylated sequence in the targeted gene.
OPTIMIZATION of a NEW MEDIUM of WHEY WATER and SWEET POTATO EXTRACT for DIFFERENT LACTOBACILLUS SPECIES by PLACKETT-BURMAN STATISTICAL DESIGN USING MINI –TAB16 SOFTWARE
Authors: Ibrahim Amel Ahmed , El-Sayed Abeer
Published: May 2021

An attempt is made to use cheese whey water (Ww) and sweet potato extract (SPE) separately or in combination to manipulate a cheap and economical media component for large scale production of lactobacilli. Primarily, lactobacilli species were cultivated on de-Man Rogosa and Sharp medium (MRS) then, these strains were grown in (SPE) and (Ww) using a flask fermentation technique at 37°C, followed by applying a statistical experimental design (Plackett- Burman (PB)) via a statistical software MiniTab16 to optimize the media constituents for achieving a large scale production of  lactobacilli; with studying the main effect of medium components referring to the most critical nutritional factors in the newly organized medium. Generally, our results indicated that both sweet potato and whey water extract (SPWE); could be used for the growth of lactobacilli instead of (MRS) medium. Further, other experiments were done to show how lactobacilli growth will be affected by pH and various types of whey; using standard plate count method. Highest counts for Lactobacillus acidophilus (2r) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (190RZFAAU) were at pH 6 and pH 6.5 in (SPWE) medium. Depending on the above investigations; (SPWE) medium including the addition of different types; whey water can be used as an alternative growth medium for lactobacilli instead of MRS which was traditionally used for growing these kinds of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Additionally, findings in this study can help in cleaning our environment from the huge disposal quantities of whey resulted as byproduct from cheese industries.
EFFICACY OF GREEN TEA EXTRACT (GTE) AGAINST HIGHLY PATHOGENIC H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS; IN VIVO AND IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: Abdelgayed Sherein Saied , Abdelmagid Marwa A , Ahmed Gehan G , Selim Abdullah A , Kilany Walid H , El-Miniawy Hala M.F.
Published: May 2021

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 is an endemic disease in Egypt and severe outbreaks have been reported even in vaccinated flocks. Several H5 vaccines have failed to protect birds against Egyptian H5N1 virus. In this study, the antiviral effect of green tea extract (GTE) in combination with inactivated H5N1 vaccine was evaluated. GTE found to be safe at high concentration on Vero cells and decrease the CPE on infected cells. In vivo, specific pathogen free chickens were allocated into four groups, 15 birds each. Negative control group, positive control group, vaccinated group, vaccinated group supplied by GTE in drinking water (5gm/L). Blood samples were collected weekly and tested using (HI) test. Lung tissue specimens collected for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, vaccinated non-treated birds exhibited severe post vaccinal reaction and deaths. GTE in combination with inactivated vaccine increased HI titer one-week post vaccination, and no deaths were recorded in this group. Moreover, treated chickens did not excrete virus in swab samples and minimal antigen and pathological changes were reported in its lungs. The addition of GTE prevent the shedding of the virus and achieve complete protection against HPAI.
NOVEL ASSESSMENT OF SYNERGISTIC STIMULATORY EFFECT OF PREBIOTIC CHITOOLIGOSACCHARIDE AND SOME COMMERCIAL PREBIOTICS ON THE PROBIOTIC GROWTH: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Fayed Bahgat , El-Sayed Hoda , Ismail Shaymaa
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the possible synergistic stimulatory effects of prebiotic chitooligosaccharide and some commercial prebiotics on probiotic growth.  Different combination of chitooligosaccharide with inulin, fructooligosaccharide, and lactulose were prepared and their ability to stimulate the growth of probiotic strains was evaluated. Following Chou-Talalay method, the combination index was calculated and used for synergistic assessment. The data showed that most of the prebiotics combinations showed synergism with different magnitudes depending on the prebiotic type, concentration and the probiotic strain employed in the study. It was indicated from the combination index that the combination between chitooligosaccharide and fructooligosaccharide has higher synergism compared to the combination of chitooligosaccharide with lactulose or inulin. Additionally, as the concentration of prebiotics increased, the synergistic effect increased. Synergism was also affected by the probiotic strain employed, since a higher synergism was shown with Bifidobacterium lactis when compared to Lactobacillus helveticus. It was concluded that combining chitooligosaccharide with commercial prebiotics produced synergistic effect on the probiotic proliferation. The synergism was further dependent on the type and concentration of the combined prebiotic and on the probiotic strain used in the study.
AFLATOXIGENIC FUNGI AND AFLATOXINS IN LOCALLY PROCESSED PEANUT BUTTER IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Authors: Uzeh Roseline Ekiomado , Adebowale Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Aflatoxin and the producing fungi are known contaminants of farm produce at pre-harvest, post-harvest storage and post-processing. This research was carried out to detect aflatoxigenic fungi and quantify aflatoxins in locally processed peanut butter. Forty-seven samples of peanut butter were purchased from vendors in different markets in Lagos, Nigeria. Fungal species were isolated by pour plate method and identified using cultural and microscopic characteristics. Aflatoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus) were isolated from 14/47 (29.79%) samples and they were screened for four aflatoxin genes (aflR, nor-1, ver-1, omt-1). Aflatoxin was quantified in samples with aflatoxigenic fungi using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultra violet detection (HPLC-UV). Only seven (five A. flavus and two A. parasiticus) of the fourteen isolates screened had one or more aflatoxin genes with most isolates having nor-1 gene. Aflatoxin B1 was present in all the peanut butter while aflatoxins B2, G2 and G1 were present in 71.43%, 85.71%, and 57.14% of the samples respectively. The peanut butter samples had total aflatoxin content ranging between 373.6µg/kg – 6741.6µg/kg, which is above the 20µg/kg maximum permissible limit recommended by US FDA and ≤ 4µg/kg by EU. Aflatoxin B1 content was 54.3µg/kg – 805.8µg/kg, and also far above the EU limit of 2µg/kg. The high concentration of aflatoxins and occurrence of aflatoxin B1, the most toxic aflatoxin, in all the peanut butter is of great concern to the health of consumers. Adequate sensitization on preventive measures especially avoidance of mouldy peanut kernels by sorting before use in the production of peanut butter should be encouraged.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACTS
Authors: Saric Belmina , Mahmutović-Dizdarević Irma , Gutalj Ana , Jerković-Mujkić Anesa
Published: May 2021

Extracts made from grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi Macfad.) seed are recognized for strong bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is an emerging issue, and therefore isolation and characterization of novel antimicrobials of natural origin represent the real challenge for investigators worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of three commercial GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) products against six bacterial and one fungal strain, through the agar well diffusion method, determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Obtained results indicate strong antimicrobial effects of investigated extracts, with different microbial susceptibility, including the multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The highest inhibitory potential is conducted for Citrofit®, while CitroBiotic® has shown the weakest effect. These results are in concordance with the obtained MIC and MBC values. It could be concluded that frequent use of commercial GSEs is justified due to their powerful antimicrobial activity. These findings are promising in terms of utilization of natural products as novel antimicrobial agents.
Trends in HPV Vaccination Initiation and Completion Within Ages 9–12 Years: 2008–2018
Authors: Chido-Amajuoyi Onyema Greg , Talluri Rajesh , Wonodi Chizoba , Shete Sanjay
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended at ages 11 to 12 years and may be initiated as early as 9 years of age.

METHODS:

Data were derived from the National Immunization Survey-Teen, spanning 2008–2018. Using health care provider–verified vaccination histories, we examined trends in human papillomavirus vaccination up-to-date (HPV-UTD) rates within ages 9 to 12 years. Furthermore, we assessed vaccination status by sociodemographic factors and US state of residence.

RESULTS:

Overall, amid evidence of recent stagnation, HPV vaccination between ages 9 to 12 increased over the years. Initiation rates rose from 17.3% in 2008 to 62.8% in 2018, and HPV-UTD rates rose from 13.5% in 2011 to 32.8% in 2018. After the inception of gender-neutral HPV vaccination, HPV-UTD rates between 2011 and 2018 rose by 31.9% among boys and only 6.6% among girls. For most of the study period, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals had higher rates of initiation and HPV-UTD than non-Hispanic white individuals. In 2018, vaccination initiation rates exceeded 70% in several states; however, HPV-UTD rates in most US states were <50%, excluding Rhode Island (61.6%), Colorado (58.7%), Hawaii (53.5%), District of Columbia (53.2%), and Ohio (50%).

CONCLUSIONS:

HPV vaccination within ages 9 to 12 years is suboptimal. To leverage the substantial benefits of HPV vaccination within this age range, it is imperative that conscious efforts are taken at the national and state levels to promote HPV vaccination for this age group.
Writing graffiti on the Facebook wall: Understanding the online discourse of citizens to politicians during the 2016 Spanish election
Authors: Zurutuza-Muñoz Cristina , Lilleker Darren
Published: May 2021

The goal of this research is to examine what form of e-expression we can find from citizens commenting on the Facebook posts of political party leaders in the context of an election. We employ quantitative content analysis, involving the coding of styles of e-expression and counting their occurrences, to determine how politician’s use Facebook, the level of citizen comments, their tone, content, and style of communication, whether comments are monologic or dialogic and the structure of dialogic interactions between citizens. The data is drawn from comments made to a sample of posts by Mariano Rajoy, incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the Popular Party, and Pablo Iglesias, leader of the new insurgent Podemos party during the 2016 Spanish general election campaign. We conceptualise citizen comments as e-expression a means for having a voice, being heard and, potentially at least, joining debates with others. The results of this research show that dynamics on Facebook pages offer an opportunity for understanding wider political dynamics in a society. It is suggested that both exogenous macro-political and endogenous micro-platform factors shape the patterns of discourse found on the social media pages of these leaders and that studying these platforms can indicate trends in wider society and how social media can accentuate attitudes towards political platforms and leaders.
EGOTIATION IS THE NEW NEGOTIATION: THE CONCEPT OF NEGOTIATION REVISITED
Authors:   University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Jagodzinska Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

The definition of negotiation has already been broadly examined in literature and varies from one author to another. However, there does not exist a complete conceptualization, which would grasp all the essential constituents of negotiation. This article aims to fill this niche by revisiting the concept of negotiation and broadening it by the elusive element that, if not properly addressed, too often causes negotiations to fail: the ego factor. Consequently, this paper introduces the novel concept of egotiation. The new conceptual framework provides a straightforward and user-friendly reference that can be used when preparing for a negotiation or at any time during a negotiation to help better understand all the dynamics behind the negotiation process. Furthermore, this article unravels what negotiation really is based on the responses collected from a multicultural audience, and shows how these results align with the novel concept of negotiation.
THE INTERFACE BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITIES AND LEADERSHIP: HOW LEADERSHIP RELATES TO THE PROCESS OF RESPONDING TO A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT THROUGH DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES
Authors:   Kobe University, Japan, Niwamoto Yoshiko
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to observe the process of responding to a changing environment through dynamic capabilities. The study is focused particularly on cooperation at the organizational site level and on leadership. Dynamic capabilities include the inherent capabilities of a firm’s executive management as well as the organizational capabilities process including leadership of the firm. The factor of leadership is important both theoretically and empirically, as a microfoundation of dynamic capabilities as organizational capabilities. The framework of the study shows that dynamic capabilities, organizations, and leadership have a close theoretical relationship. To demonstrate that the theoretical relationship was also empirically valid, a case study of a Japanese firm is referred to describe the interface between leadership and the environmental adaptation process in an actual cooperation situation. The findings are that shared leadership and situational leadership facilitate the coordinated work in the activity process and play a significant role in making use of organizational capabilities. The research implies that we must reconsider the process of manifesting organizational capability in today’s Japanese companies from the aspect of coordinated workings of each organizational member and leadership rather than the inherent capabilities of a firm’s executive management. The originality of this research is that it highlights shared leadership in the organization’s adaptation process as strategic factor both theoretically and empirically as a microfoundation for dynamic capabilities of the firm.
IMPACTO DAS DECISÕES DAS AUTORIDADES PÚBLICAS NA VIDA E NA MORTE DA POPULAÇÃO: COVID-19 NO BRASIL, MARÇO DE 2021
Authors: Santos Fábio , Kiperstok Asher , Santos Aychá Freitas , Ramacciotti Dante Eustachio Lucchesi , Souza Osvaldo Andrade , Correia Raique Lucas de Jesus , Andrade Ricardo Barretto de , Barreto Júnior Walter Duarte
Published: May 2021

O mundo sofre com a pandemia da Covid-19. O Brasil é um dos países cuja população está sendo mais fortemente atingida. Este Artigo analisa uma decisão tomada pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil durante a pandemia da Covid-19, que, em agosto de 2020, recusou a proposta da farmacêutica Pfizer para aquisição de 70 milhões de doses da vacina Pfizer/BioNTech. Questiona-se: entre as pessoas com 80 anos ou mais de idade que faleceram de Covid-19 no Brasil, no mês de março de 2021, quantas delas poderiam estar vivas, caso o Ministério da Saúde do Brasil tivesse adquirido, em agosto de 2020, as 70 milhões de doses da vacina Pfizer/BioNTech?
Localization of Olfactomedin-Related Glycoprotein Isoform (BMZ) in the Golgi Apparatus of Glomerular Podocytes in Rat Kidneys
Authors: KONDO DAISUKE , YAMAMOTO TADASHI , YAOITA EISHIN , DANIELSON PATRIA E. , KOBAYASHI HIDEYUKI , OHSHIRO KAZUFUMI , FUNAKI HARUKO , KOYAMA YU , FUJINAKA HIDEHIKO , KAWASAKI KATSUTOSHI , SUTCLIFFE J. GREGOR , ARAKAWA MASAAKI , KIHARA ITARU
Published: May 2021

A gene encoding olfactomedin-related glycoprotein was isolated from rat glomerulus despite its prior identification as a neuron-specific gene. The mRNA expression was remarkably intense in renal glomerulus and brain and faint in the lung and eye among rat systemic organs. Although the brain contained four mRNA variants (AMY, AMZ, BMY, and BMZ) transcribed from a single gene, the glomerulus, lung, and eye expressed only two variants (BMZ and BMY). The glycoprotein was intensely immunolocalized in glomerular podocytes and neurons by using an antibody against synthetic peptide of the M region, but weak in endothelial cells of the kidney and lung. Bronchiolar epithelial cells in the lung, and ciliary, corneal, and iris epithelial cells in the eye were also stained. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed selective localization of olfactomedin-related glycoprotein at the Golgi apparatus in podocytes. In glomerular culture, the staining was also intense at a juxtanuclear region in synaptopodin-positive epithelial cells of irregular shape (phenotypic feature of podocytes), whereas it was weak in synaptopodin-negative ones of cobblestone-like appearance (phenotypic feature of parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule). Interestingly, Western blot analysis identified an intense band corresponding to BMZ isoform and another faint band corresponding to BMY isoform in the glomerulus, whereas the intensity of these two bands were nearly equal in the lung and eye. In the brain, four bands corresponding to four isoforms were observed apparently. Computer sequence analysis predicted coiled-coil structures in the secondary structure of the glycoprotein similar to those in Golgi autoantigens, suggesting significant roles in the unique functions of the Golgi apparatus in rat podocytes and neurons.
Cellular and Subcellular Distribution of Polycystin-2, the Protein Product of the PKD2 Gene
Authors: FOGGENSTEINER LUKAS , BEVAN A. PAUL , THOMAS RUTH , COLEMAN NICHOLAS , BOULTER CATHERINE , BRADLEY JOHN , IBRAGHIMOV-BESKROVNAYA OXANA , KLINGER KATHERINE , SANDFORD RICHARD
Published: May 2021

Mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes account for 85 and 15% of cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, respectively. Polycystin-2, the product of the PKD2 gene, is predicted to be an integral membrane protein with homology to a family of voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. In vitro studies suggest that it may interact with polycystin-1, the PKD1 gene product, via coiled-coil domains present in their C-terminal domains. In this study, the cellular and subcellular distribution of polycystin-2 is defined and compared with polycystin-1. A panel of rabbit polyclonal antisera was raised against polycystin-2 and shown to recognize a single band consistent with polycystin-2 in multiple tissues and cell lines by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Immunostaining of human and murine renal tissues demonstrated widespread and developmentally regulated expression of polycytin-2, with highest levels in the kidney in the thick ascending limbs of the loop of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule. In contrast, polycystin-1 expression, while localizing to the same tubular segments, was highest in the collecting ducts. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence microscopy localized polycystin-2 to the basolateral plasma membrane of kidney tubular epithelial cells compared with the junctional localization of polycystin-1. Differences in the developmental, cellular, and subcellular expression of polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 suggest that they may be able to function independently of each other in addition to a potential in vivo interaction via their C-termini.
Chemokine Receptor CCR5 and CXCR4 Expression in HIV-Associated Kidney Disease
Authors: EITNER FRANK , CUI YAN , HUDKINS KELLY L. , STOKES MICHAEL B. , SEGERER STEPHAN , MACK MATTHIAS , LEWIS PAUL L. , ABRAHAM A. ANDREW , SCHLO[Combining Diaeresis]NDORFF DETLEF , GALLO GLORIA , KIMMEL PAUL L. , ALPERS CHARLES E.
Published: May 2021

The chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 have been identified as essential coreceptors for entry of HIV-1 strains into susceptible cells. Direct infection of renal parenchymal cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated renal disease, although data are conflicting. The localization of CCR5 and CXCR4 in kidneys with HIV-associated renal disease is unknown. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded renal biopsies from patients with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) (n = 13), HIV-associated immune complex glomerulonephritis (n = 3), HIV-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 1), and HIV-negative patients with collapsing glomerulopathy (n = 8) were analyzed in this study. Cellular sites of expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 were identified by immunohistochemistry and by in situ hybridization. The presence of HIV-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and by in situ hybridization. Expression of both chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 was undetectable in intrinsic glomerular, tubular, and renovascular cells in all analyzed cases. In the presence of tubulointerstitial inflammation, CCR5 and CXCR4 expression was localized to infiltrating mononuclear leukocytes. HIV-1 protein was undetectable by immunohistochemistry in all cases of HIV-associated renal disease. HIV-1 RNA was identified in one case of HIVAN but was restricted to infiltrating leukocytes. HIV-1 RNA was not detected in intrinsic renal cells in all analyzed cases. Identifying the cellular expression of HIV-coreceptors CCR5 and CXCR4 may help to clarify which tissues are permissive for direct HIV infection. These data do not support a role of productive HIV-1 infection of renal parenchymal cells in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated renal disease.
The C677T Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Mutation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: KIMURA HIDEKI , GEJYO FUMITAKE , SUZUKI SATORU , MIYAZAKI RYOICHI
Published: May 2021

Hyperhomocysteinemia, which results from renal impairment, may promote arteriosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. The combined effect of renal failure and a common mutation (C677T) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene that leads to serum homocysteine elevations in dialysis patients was investigated. Genotypes were determined at this locus in 545 dialysis patients and 676 healthy subjects, and serum concentrations of total homocysteine and folate were measured in a subgroup of 464 patients. Multiple regression analysis showed that the TT genotype and low serum folate concentration were independent positive predictors of the serum total homocysteine concentration. The negative slope of a regression line relating homocysteine and folate concentrations was significantly steeper for patients with the TT genotype than for other genotypes. Patients with the TT genotype were significantly younger at the time of the study (54.8 ± 12.9 versus 59.6 ± 12.3 yr; P < 0.0001) and at initiation of dialysis (46.6 ± 16.2 versus 51.2 ± 15.9 yr; P < 0.02) than those with other genotypes. In patients who were older at the time of the study or at initiation of dialysis, the prevalence of the TT genotype was lower than in control subjects. In the middle quartiles (37.1 to 63.0 yr) for age at the start of dialysis, the prevalence of the TT genotype was lower in patients with a longer duration of dialysis. In this cross-sectional study, genotype and serum total homocysteine concentration were not independent risk factors for vascular disease in dialysis patients. These results indicate that the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation is a significant independent predictor for serum total homocysteine concentration.
Standard Peritoneal Permeability Analysis in Children
Authors: BOUTS ANTONIA H. M. , DAVIN JEAN-CLAUDE , GROOTHOFF JAAP W. , VAN AMSTEL SJOERD PLOOS , ZWEERS MACHTELD M. , KREDIET RAYMOND T.
Published: May 2021

Peritoneal transport characteristics in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been reported to be different compared to adults. However, various test methods can influence this difference. Thirty-one standard peritoneal permeability analyses (SPA) were performed in 18 PD children with a median (range) age of 9.8 yr (2 to 19) and a median duration of PD of 2.6 yr (0.19 to 6.8). The median mass transfer area coefficient (MTAC) for creatinine was 9.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (4.4 to 18.0), and for urea 17.3 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (12.2 to 22.8). The median dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio (D/P
Cr) was 0.69 (0.44 to 0.92), the glucose absorption 59% (23 to 75), and the D/D
0 for glucose 0.38 (0.23 to 0.62). The median clearance of β2-microglobulin was 923 μl/min per 1.73 m2 (366 to 1828), of albumin 103 μl/min per 1.73 m2 (55 to 211), of IgG 48 μl/min per 1.73 m2 (20 to 105), and of α2-macroglobulin 12 μl/min per 1.73 m2 (5 to 49). No correlation was found between these results and age or PD time. The restriction coefficient for macromolecules indeed increased with duration of PD treatment (r = 0.38, P = 0.03). The median transcapillary ultrafiltration rate was 1.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (-0.01 to 2.8), the net ultrafiltration rate 0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (-1.97 to 1.82), and the effective lymphatic absorption rate 1.04 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (-0.06 to 2.91). When corrected for body surface area, no differences were found in peritoneal fluid and solute transport characteristics between children and adults. No effect of time on PD on the transport parameters was found in a cross-sectional analysis, except for an increase of the restriction coefficient to macromolecules. This finding is similar to observations in adults. Therefore, the present study showed no evidence for the common belief that the peritoneal membrane in children is different from that in adult patients.
A Preliminary Study on Various Types of 4-Aminoquinolines for Pre- or PostExposure Prophylaxis and for Treatment in Severe COVID-19
Authors: B Bright , W Ali , N Fajimi , T Adesope , S Tairu , P Sobande , ES Itodo
Published: May 2021

Background: LiveWell Initiative LWI is a self-funded nonprofit social enterprise which thrives on innovation.
Local Action Groups as an Example of Participation and Development of Community: the Case of “Moravian Way” Local Action Group
Authors: Šaradín Pavel , Zapletalová Markéta
Published: May 2021

The main goal of this article is to present local action groups in the Czech Republic as participative and deliberative platforms offering a unique environment for citizen participation as well as other actors (representatives of public and local administration, NGOs, and local business interests) functioning as leaders of territorial development. The paper explores the specific case of the Moravian Way Local Action Group, describing and explaining the participative and deliberative tools used to create and subsequently evaluate territory-based strategies. This case demonstrates that the use of these forms leads to the successful development of the territory. The focus on deliberative tools and the participative behaviour of different sets of territorial actors adds an important new perspective to the evaluation of innovative participative processes on the local level.