bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Escherichia coli in Postpartum Clinical Endometritis of Dairy Cattle by PCR
Authors: Kumar D.B. Chetan , Chacko Leeba , Promod K. , Sumod K.
Published: June 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Bacillus spp. and Fusobacterium necrophorum (F. necrophorum) are the common bacterial agents isolated from postpartum endometritis in dairy cattle. The objective of the present study was to determine the association of E. coli with postpartum endometritis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: The present study was conducted from September 2019 to January 2020 at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Kerala and organised dairy farms in Wayanad district, Kerala. Endometrial cytobrush samples (n = 36) were collected by cytobrush technique at 28 to 35 days postpartum (dpp). 16S rRNA gene was employed for the identification of E. coli by PCR. Result: Upon evaluating endometrial cytological smear, 26 animals were positive for endometritis with more than 5% polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. The prevalence of endometritis was 72.22 per cent (26/36). E. coli was detected in 12 samples by PCR. The study suggested PCR as a highly sensitive method for the identification of E. coli associated with endometritis in postpartum dairy cows.
Seroprevalence and Spatial Distribution of Toxoplasmosis in Relation to Various Risk Factors in Small Ruminants of Punjab, India
Authors: Pandit Deeksha , Bal Mandeep Singh , Kaur Paramjit , Singla L.D. , Mahajan Vishal , Setia R.K.
Published: June 2021

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory apicomplexan, intracellular, ubiquitous, eurykaryotic zoonotic pathogen that infects all warm blooded animals and recognized worldwide as one of major causes of infectious abortions and reproductive failure in small ruminants Methods: In the present study, 823 small ruminants (245 sheep, 578 goats) evaluated for T. gondii infection by ELISA to explore seroprevalence and spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab. Result: A high seroprevalence (40.58%) of T. gondii recorded in small ruminants being higher in sheep (42.85%) than goat (39.60%). Seropositivity of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goat with history of abortion was found to be 63.80 and 50.00%, respectively. Goats with the history of abortion were 1.72 times more at risk (Cl =1.15-2.56) to T. gondii infection as compared to animals without the history of abortion (Cl =0.39-0.86). Similarly, sheep with the history of abortion were 2.74 times more at risk (Cl =1.31-5.71) to toxoplasmosis as compared to sheep without abortion history (Cl= 0.17-0.76). Goat and sheep farms with frequent access to cats were 2.03 times (CI =1.05-3.90) and 4.04 times (Cl =1.78-9.14) more at risk, as compared to farms with limited cats access. Spatial distribution and predictive seroprevalence analysis indicate possible risk of toxoplasmosis in whole of the state with higher possibility of disease in agroclimatic zones III, IV and V.
El conocimiento profesional del profesor de biología sobre la enseñanza de la evolución
Authors: Guerrero Roger Steve , Fonseca-Amaya Guillermo
Published: June 2021

La investigación se desarrolla a partir de la propuesta de Fonseca y Martínez (2020), en la que se presenta la construcción del conocimiento profesional del profesor de biología como la integración/transformación de cinco conocimientos: disciplinar, didáctico, de la historia de vida, de la experiencia y del contexto. La metodología se basa en el análisis e interpretación en el nivel declarativo de un estudio de caso de una docente en ejercicio. Como resultado de la investigación, se evidencia que, producto de la integración/transformación de los conocimientos en la docente, emergen tres nuevos y singulares conocimientos: la enseñanza de la evolución como un vehículo en la apropiación de una actitud responsable del ser humano sobre la conservación de las especies; la enseñanza y la comprensión de la evolución biológica como mecanismo de mitigación de actitudes asociadas al machismo, la xenofobia y la discriminación sexual; y la enseñanza de la evolución y la toma de decisiones en la construcción de una ciudadanía crítica.
Disabled Children and Communication
Authors: MİSYAĞCI Nazlı Melis , HAYLI Çiğdem Müge
Published: June 2021

The acquisition of the mother tongue is one of the areas that may be problematic for children affected by disability. Problems in both receptive and expressive language development can be seen in children affected by various degrees of disability. It is seen that the natural language approach, which is based on the foundations of social interactionist theory, has been effective in teaching the mother tongue to children who have been affected by inadequacy. This study explains what needs to be done to develop the expressive language of children with mental disabilities who have limited expressive language skills. The study also includes activity suggestions to support children's language development.
Pengembangan Label Pintar untuk Indikator Kesegaran Daging Sapi pada Kemasan
Authors: Nurfawaidi Arjun , Kuswandi Bambang , Wulandari Lestyo
Published: June 2021

Meat is a high nutritional food that rich of protein, fat, and sugar. Smart label has been applied as a beef freshness detector. Two types of pH indicator have been used i.e bromocresol purple (BCP) and methyl red (MR) as dual indicator freshness. The objective of this research was to determine the beef freshness using smart label at room temperature. The color change of the smart label was examined by imageJ software to determine the freshness degree using the mean RGB value. The beef was examined every 2 hours for pH and total volatile base (TVB-N) analysis during the 24 hours storage at room temperature. The result showed that color indicator will change according to the beef freshness, bromocresol purple turned from yellow to purple (mean RGB 171.465 ± 1.122) and methyl red turned from red to yellow (mean RGB 162.082 ± 1.315). The beef freshness at room temperature decreased as the pH increase from 5.61 to 6.23 along with the color change of smart label. Furthermore, the color would change when 0.022 %N of TVB-N has been reached. Therefore, the beef freshness can be determined by using smart label based on dual indicator of bromocresol purple and methyl red in room temperature.

 

Keywords: beef freshness, smart label, pH, TVB
Optimasi Formula Tablet Effervescent Dispersi Padat Meloksikam Menggunakan Desain Faktorial
Authors: Sari Lusia Oktora Ruma Kumala , Berlianti Tiara , Irawan Eka Deddy
Published: June 2021

An effervescent tablet of meloxicam solid dispersion has been developed for geriatric patients who have difficulty swallowing. The objective of this research was to know the optimum concentration of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate which produce the best effervescent tablet. A 2² factorial design was applied to investigate the effect of two factors: concentration of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (effervescent materials) on hardness, dissolve time, and %drug released t30. Citric acid (6-18 mg) was used as acid source and sodium bicarbonate (18-105 mg) was used as base source. Software Design Expert trial version 10.0.5. was used to determine the optimum formula. The result showed that all formula satisfied the limit of hardness 2-4 kg/cm2 and friability <1%, but only formula (1), b, and ab that satisfied the limit of dissolve time <300 sec and %drug release t30 >70%. Formula A showed dissolve time 436 sec and %drug release t30 less than 70%. Desirability value of 0.917, which indicated the optimum formula, was obtained from the use of citric acid 6 mg and sodium bicarbonate 105 mg.

 

Keywords: meloxicam, effervescent tablet, solid dispersion, factorial design
Uji Aktivitas Antidiabetes Ekstrak Teh Hitam dan Teh Hijau secara In Vitro Menggunakan Metode Inhibisi Enzim α-Glukosidase
Authors: Holidah Diana , Yasmin Yasmin , Christianty Fransiska Maria
Published: June 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia. Carbohydrates are metabolized into glucose, in gastrointestinal tract than absorbed into the bloodstream and increase blood glucose level. This absorption process is catalyzed by α-glucosidase enzyme. Previous studies showed that tea (Camellia sinensis) extract have antidiabetic activity in mice induced by streptozotocin. The aim of this study was to compared the in vitro activity of tea extract in inhibiting α-glucosidase. Black tea and green trea extracts were tested for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Acarbose was used as positive control. IC50 extract was 54.86 µg/mL for black tea and 44.79 µg/mL for green tea. This study showed that inhibitory effect of green tea was higher than black tea.

 

Keywords: black tea, green tea, diabetes mellitus, α-glucosidase
Efektivitas Ekstrak Artemisia vulgaris L. sebagai Hepatoprotektor pada sel-sel Hati Tikus yang Diinduksi Niasin
Authors: Rahmawati Laily , Sulistyaningsih Erma , Dewi Rosita
Published: June 2021

The niacin in energy drinks has metabolic product that cause oxidative stress and liver damage, while the liver damage can be prevented by hepatoprotective agents. Scoparone in Artemisia vulgaris L. can act as a hepatoprotector by its antioxidant effect. This study aimed to investigate the effectivity of Artemisia vulgaris L. extract as a hepatoprotector in wistar hepatocytes induced by niacin. This study used 25 male rats which were divided into 5 groups: normal, the negative control, the positive control, the treatment group I, and II. Treatment was conducted for 28 days. The samples were terminated and the hepatocyte were prepared for histological examination. Histological appearance was catagorized as mild, moderate, and severe damage with or without inflamatory cells activity. The data analysis by Kruskal Wallis showed significant difference (p<0,001). Further analysis by Mann Whitney revealed significantly difference (p<0,05) between normal group and all groups, negative control group and positive control group, and positive control group and treatment group I, but not significantly difference between negative control group and treatment group I, negative control group and treatment group II, positive control group and treatment group II, and between treatment groups. The study concluded that the effectivity of Artemisia vulgaris L. extract has not been proven as a hepatoprotector but further study is needed to draw a definite conclusion.
 
Keywords: energy drink, niacin, Artemisia vulgaris L., hepatoprotector
Pengaruh Range of Motion (ROM) Aktif Kaki terhadap Risiko terjadinya Ulkus Kaki Diabetik pada Pasien Diabetes Mellitus Tipe 2 di Desa Kaliwining Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Lukita Yulfa Intan , Widyati Nur , Wantiyah Wantiyah
Published: June 2021

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of serious complications in diabetic patients which can lead to amputation.Active Leg range of motion (ROM) exercise is one of physical activities which can improve bloodcirculation in lower extremities. The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of active legROM on the risk of diabetic foot ulcer. This research employed non randomized control group pretestpostest design. The sampling technique was purposive sampling involving 30 repondents whichwere divided into 15 respondents as intervention group and 15 respondents as control group. Thedata were analyzed using dependent t test and independent t test with significant level of 0.05. Theresult revealed a significant difference between pretest and posttest in the intervention group (p =0.000) but no significant difference in the control group (p = 0.582). Furthemore, independent t testshowed a significant difference between intervention group and control group (p = 0.000). This resultindicates that there is a significant effect of active leg ROM on the risk of diabetic foot ulcer in clientwith type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nurse is expected to apply range of motion as one of intervention toprevent diabetic foot ulcer in diabetes mellitus patients.Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, active leg range of motion, risk of diabetic foot ulcer
Pengaruh Relaksasi Aromaterapi Jasmine terhadap Kualitas Tidur pada Lansia di Karang Werdha
Authors: Putri Mahda Febriyanti Eka Pertiwi , Murtaqib Murtaqib , Hakam Mulia
Published: June 2021

During the quality of sleep the elderly is good, some changes that will occur to the elderly arenormal as well, but if not, it will cause health problems. This research aims to analyze theeffect of jasmine aromatherapy relaxation on sleeping quality to the elderly at elderlyassociation in Jenggawah Jember. This research used quasy experimental design methodwith pre-post test and control group design. Sleeping quality was measured using a PSQIquestionnaire and interventions which were given for 28 days. The result of dependent t testshowed no significant difference on the average score of control group (p value = 1,000).While in the intervention group there was a decrease in the mean score of PSQI after beinggiven jasmine aromatherapy relaxation, so that there was a significant difference in sleepingquality of the intervention group (p value = 0,001). Independent t tests showed significantdifferences between the control group and the intervention group after jasmine aromatherapyrelaxation (p value = 0,001). Overall, jasmine aromatherapy relaxation can improve sleepingquality in the elderly, so that jasmine aromatherapy relaxation may be used as an alternativenon-pharmacological treatment which has no adverse side effects compared to the use oflong-term sleeping pills that would give negative side effects to its users.

Keywords: aromatherapy, sleeping quality, elderly.
Multiple Stationary Solutions and Global Stabilization of Reaction-diffusion Gilpin-Ayala Competition Model under Event-triggered Impulsive Control
Authors: Rao Ruofeng
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the author utilizes Saddle Theorem and variational methods to deduce existence of at least six stationary solutions for reaction-diffusion Gilpin-Ayala competition model (RDGACM). To obtain the global stabilization of the positive stationary solution of the RDGACM, the author designs a suitable impulsive event triggered mechanism (IETM) to derive the global exponential stability of the the positive stationary solution. It is worth mentioning that the new mechanism can exclude Zeno behavior and effectively reduce the cost of impulse control through event triggering mechanism. Besides, compared with existing literature, the restrictions on the parameters of the RDGACM are relaxed so that the methods used in existing literature can not be applied to the relaxed case of this paper, and so the author makes comprehensive use of Saddle Theorem, orthogonal decomposition of Sobolev space $H_0^1(\Omega)$ and variational methods to overcome the mathematical difficulty. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the methods proposed in this paper.
European Green Deal and Recovery Plan: green jobs, skills and wellbeing economics
Authors: García-Vaquero Martín , Sánchez-Bayón Antonio , Lominchar José
Published: June 2021

This is a paper of Political Economy and Economic Policies into the European Green Deal framework to improve the Recovery Plan post-COVID-19. This paper is focused on the green jobs opportunity for Europe, especially for Spain. It is offered a systematization of concepts and calculations in the issue (attending the international institutions and forums proposals) to harmonize the recovery plans, to apply them beyond the energy sector and to align public and private sector, as well other key stakeholders in achieving this goal. The obtained outcome gives the creation of around 350.000 new green jobs and the necessity of a new workforce reskilled. This result makes necessary to coordinate sectoral plans by the policymakers in which all the involved entities might express their needs and views on the best education approach to renewables sector and green jobs.
Potential Implications of Slim Modiolar Electrodes for Severely Malformed Cochleae: A Comparison With the Straight Array With Circumferential Electrodes
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeon , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: June 2021

Objectives. Malformations of the inner ear account for approximately 20% of cases of congenital deafness. In current practice, straight arrays with circumferential electrodes (i.e., full-banded electrodes) are widely used in severely malformed cochleae. However, the unpredictability of the location of residual spiral ganglion neurons in such malformations argues against obligatorily using full-banded electrodes in all cases. Here, we present our experience of electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) and radiography-based selection of an appropriate electrode for severely malformed cochleae.Methods. Three patients with severely malformed cochleae, showing cochlear hypoplasia type II (CH-II), incomplete partition type I (IP-I), and cochlear aplasia with a dilated vestibule (CADV), respectively, were included, and the cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) was evaluated. A full-banded electrode (CI24RE(ST)) and slim modiolar electrode (CI632) were alternately inserted to compare ECAP responses and electrode position.Results. In patient 1 (CH-II with CND), who had initially undergone cochlear implantation (CI) using a lateral wall electrode (CI422), revision CI was performed due to incomplete insertion of CI422 and resultant unsatisfactory performance by explanting the CI422 and re-inserting the CI24RE(ST) and CI632 sequentially. Although both electrodes elicited reliable ECAP responses with correct positioning, CI24RE(ST) showed overall lower ECAP thresholds compared to CI632; thus, CI24RE(ST) was selected. In patient 2 (IP-I with CND), CI632 elicited superior ECAP responses relative to CI24RE(ST), with correct positioning of the electrode; CI632 was chosen. In patient 3 (CADV), CI632 did not elicit an ECAP response, while meaningful ECAP responses were obtained with the CI24RE(ST) array once correct positioning was achieved. All patients’ auditory performance markedly improved postoperatively.Conclusion. The ECAP and radiography-based strategy to identify an appropriate electrode may be useful for severely malformed cochleae, leading to enhanced functional outcomes. The practice of sticking to full-banded straight electrodes may not always be optimal for IP-I and CH-II.
A Call for a Standardized Approach to Reporting Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Orr Melissa N. , Klika Alison K. , Gagnier Joel J. , Bhandari Mohit , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: June 2021

A shift toward a value-driven health-care model has made prospective collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) inextricably tied to measuring the success of orthopaedic surgery and patient satisfaction. While progress has been made in optimizing the utilization of PROM data, including establishing appropriate PROMs for a procedure and determining the clinical importance of unique tools, if these PROMs are not accurately analyzed and reported, a proportion of patients who do not reach the clinical thresholds may go unnoticed. Furthermore, parameters are unclear for setting a statistically and clinically important PROM threshold along with a minimum period for follow-up data collection.

In this forum, we walk through simulated data sets modeling PROMs with the example of total joint arthroplasty. We discuss how the commonly used method of reporting PROMs by mean change can overestimate the treatment effects for the cohort as a whole and fail to capture distinct populations that are below a clinically relevant threshold. We demonstrate that when a study’s outcome is PROMs, clinical importance should be reported using clinical thresholds such as the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), the smallest change in the treatment outcome that a patient perceives as beneficial, and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), the highest level of symptoms beyond which a patient considers himself or herself well. Finally, we propose a standardized reporting of PROMs that incorporates both the MCID and the PASS, and introduce a “clinical relevance ratio,” which relies on a clinically relevant threshold to dichotomize outcomes and reports the number of patients achieving clinical importance at a given time point divided by the total number of patients included in the study. Unlike other common PROM-reporting approaches, the clinical relevance ratio is not skewed by patients who are lost to follow-up with increased time.
Diffuse Recalcitrant Osteomyelitis and Joint Septicemia Because of Bowel Perforation Secondary to Gunshot Injury
Authors: Ruckle David E. , Rajfer Rebecca , Johnson Joseph P.
Published: June 2021

Case:

A previously healthy 22-year-old man was brought into the emergency department after sustaining a low-velocity, civilian gunshot wound to the abdomen that perforated the bowel. Over the next 300 days, he would be admitted and discharged multiple times, requiring a total of 48 debridements, 23 different antimicrobials in 81 unique combinations, and had 18 different microbes cultured from various sites in bone, joint, and blood. Multiorganism bacteremia and fungemia culminated in above-knee amputation because of progression of infection, all in a nonimmunocompromised host.

Conclusion:

Despite following clinical guidelines, patients can still fail evidence-based treatment algorithms. A humbling reminder is that medicine is never one-size-fits-all.
The Effect of a Distal Centralizer on Cemented Femoral Stems in Arthroplasty Shown on Radiographs and SPECT/CT
Authors: Beel Wouter , Klaeser Bernd , Kalberer Fabian , Meier Christoph , Wahl Peter
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 70-year-old female patient underwent total hip arthroplasty (HA) using a stem cemented line-to-line without centralizer. Postoperatively, she complained of load-dependent thigh pain. Conventional radiographs identified cortical overload because of a distal cement mantle discontinuity at the level of the stem's tip, confirmed by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography scan (SPECT/CT). After cement-in-cement revision using a stem with centralizer, pain ceased rapidly. The cortical overload disappeared, as confirmed on a following SPECT/CT performed for low back pain.

Conclusion:

In HA, the stem's tip may cause overload on the bone's cortex if the cement mantle is incomplete. Implanting a stem with centralizer avoids or cures this.
Early Postoperative Pneumonia After Elective Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in “COVID-19 Survivor”
Authors: Brodell James D. , Neumaier Mackenzie , Ricciardi Benjamin F.
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 57-year-old woman with a history of COVID-19 pneumonia, myelodysplastic syndrome, type II diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis underwent elective total hip arthroplasty 3 months after her COVID-19 infection had clinically resolved. Her postoperative course was complicated by COVID-19-negative pneumonia within 24 hours postoperatively requiring ICU admission.

Conclusion:

Patients who have previously recovered from COVID-19 infection may have long-lasting cardiopulmonary effects that may be asymptomatic. Further assessment of postoperative risk and guidance on preoperative evaluation of COVID-19 “survivors” is needed.
Consistency of Civil-Military Relations in the Israel Defense Forces: The Defensive Mode in Cyber
Authors: Segell Glen
Published: June 2021

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has four battle threats, where cyber is equitable to conventional (state), subconventional (nonstate), and nonconventional. An escalation in one could lead to an overall escalation in all. In the political areas and, by extension, in civil-military relations (CMR), the IDF has a defensive mode as routine, while an offensive mode is manifest rarely in emergencies and war. The IDF is engaged in a total war in a defensive mode yet a limited war in the offensive mode as Israel’s adversaries do not share the same policies with regular cyber and terror attacks against civilian, government, and military targets. There is consistency in all four threats. Fencing, active defense, and preventive and preemptive strikes dominate.
Double-walled Pipe Preparation by Tensile Method and Experimental Verification of Safety
Authors: Zhang Ruogu , Zan Xiang , Zhu Yinbo , Wu HengAn , Gu Ping , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2021

Double-walled metal pipe is a special kind of pipe that maintains both heat transfer function and safety. In this paper, a method of fabricating double-walled pipes using tensile stresses is presented. The residual stress of the experimental sample was measured by X-ray diffraction. The behavior of pre-cracked pipes under axial compression was tested both experimentally and simulatively. The buckling deformation of the pipe causes the outer pipe to bulge up at the crack and separate from the inner pipe. The experimental results demonstrated this method can be used to construct effective double-walled pipes with properties that prevent cracks from penetrating the interface between the two layers of pipe.
Air quality trade-offs of a rapid expansion of personal electric vehicles in China
Authors: Chossiere Guillaume , Eastham Sebastian , Jenn Alan , Allroggen Florian , Barrett Steven
Published: June 2021

In China, replacing gasoline cars with electric vehicles (EVs) is at the center of a strategy to reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions from transportation. Previous estimates of the benefits of vehicle electrification quantified the impact of EV use on on-road and power generation emissions only, thereby neglecting gasoline production. This study presents the first “use-cycle” analysis of EVs in China, including changes in emissions from transportation, power generation, and oil refineries. We use the GEOS-Chem atmospheric chemistry transport model to quantify how each sector contributes to the net impacts of EV use on air pollution (PM2.5 and ozone) in China. We find that the projected growth in EV usage by the end of 2020 results in ~1,900 (95% CI: 1,600–2,200) avoided premature mortalities annually and a 2.4 Mton decrease in CO2 emissions. 70% of the total reduction in mortality is due to avoided refinery emissions. As refinery emissions become more tightly regulated, our work implies that the power generation sector must also become cleaner for EVs to remain beneficial.
Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammatory Effects of Bisphenol A in Male Rats. The Neuroprotective Role of Grape Seeds Proanthocyanidins
Authors: Eweda Saber Mohamed , Abdou Heba M. , Elkader Heba-Tallah Abd Elrahim Abd , El-Gendy Amel H.
Published: June 2021

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) contributes to neurological disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are still not completely understood. We studied the neurotoxic effect of BPA and how it promotes inflammation and alteration in the neurotransmission synthesis, release and transmission. This study was also designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPE) against BPA-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Rats were equally divided into 4 group with 7 rats in each as follows: control group, BPA group, GSPE + BPA group and GSPE group. Rats were orally treated with their respective doses (50 mg BPA/kg BW and/or 200 mg GSPE/kg BW) daily for 70 days. BPA elicits significant elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) associated with significant reduction in glutathione (GSH), total thiols, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). BPA exposure result in increased dopamine and serotonin levels, elevation in acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity and reduction in Na/K-ATPase and total ATPase activities in the brain. Also, BPA induces upregulation in the gene expression of the inflammatory markers; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and in the tumor suppressor and pro-oxidant p53 protein. The pretreatment with GSPE attenuate or ameliorate all the oxidative and neurotoxic parameters induced by BPA. Our results suggest that GSPE has a promising role in modulating BPA-induced neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity and its antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities may in part be responsible for such effects.
Effects of Different Interfacial Modifiers on the Properties of Digital Printing Waste Paper Fiber/Nano-Crystalline Cellulose/Poly (Lactic Acid) Composites*
Authors: zhang xiaolin , Di Jingjing , Li Jia , Li Shaoge , Duan Jingting , Lv Jinyan , Wang Yi , Zhu Xiaofeng , Xu Long
Published: June 2021

Digital printing waste paper fiber/nano-crystalline cellulose/poly (lactic acid) (DPF/NCC/PLA) composites, modified through γ-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570), isopropyl tri (dioctylpyrophosphate) titanate (TMC201), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000), and a composite silane coupling agent (KH570/PEG6000), were fabricated by melt blending and injection molding and the effects of different modifiers on the properties of composites were studied. Results showed that mechanical properties of the modified composites generally improved, and the best mechanical properties, including flexural, tensile and impact strength, were achieved PEG6000, KH570/PEG6000, and KH570 modification, respectively. Thermal performance analysis showed improved thermal properties of composites treated by KH570, but the crystallinity of the modified materials was increased. Both water absorption and degradation properties showed a decreasing trend, and water absorption performance was obviously improved after KH570/PEG6000 modification. Under the action of several modifiers, the diffusion coefficient, thermodynamic solubility and permeability of composites were reduced to varying degrees. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that interfacial adhesion and composite compatibility were improved with significantly fewer and smaller pores, as well as a fuzzy boundary among the three phases.
Effectiveness and Safety of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation – Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Vieira Ana Paula Gadanhoto , Duarte Bruno Kosa Lino , Urquisa Priscila Silva , Lima Maria Helena Melo , Alves Daniela Fernanda dos Santos
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe hematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedure involves the preparation or conditioning phase, hematopoietic stem cell infusion, bone marrow aplasia, and haematopoiesis recovery. In all phases of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the patient must remain with a short or long term central venous catheter, which must prove to be effective and safe for intravenous therapy. The study aim is to assess whether the peripherally inserted central catheter is effective and safe for patients with hematologic neoplasms undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in comparison with other short or long-term central venous catheters.MethodsThis review will follow the recommendations of the PRISMA for systematic review protocols and the results of the steps will be presented through the flow diagram. The search strategy aims to locate both published and unpublished studies, and the databases to be searched include Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, EPISTEMONIKOS, Scopus, and Virtual Health Library. There will be no restriction on the period of publication, study design, or language. The review will consider studies that include adult and paediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The studies considered for intervention will be those that compared the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter, compared with other central catheters, and that evaluated removal of the catheter by the completion of therapy and catheter days. We will consider experimental and observational studies, published in any language and time period. The studies will be screened and those meeting the inclusion criteria will be retained for assessment of methodology and data extraction by two independent researchers. The data will be presented using a narrative synthesis and the studies pooled with a statistical meta-analysis, where possible.DiscussionThis systematic review will address an important clinical doubt by increasing our understanding of the effectiveness and safety of the peripherally inserted central catheter use for patients with oncohematological diseases undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Systematic review registrationCRD42020206709.
Evaluation of Mucosal Immunity in Chickens Vaccinated With Oral Pellet Newcastle Disease Vaccine
Authors: S Varalakshmi , Kirubaharan John
Published: June 2021

The Newcastle disease outbreak in chickens is a continuing threat to the poultry industry. Infection with Newcastle disease is greatly influenced by the immune status of the birds. The mucosal immunity plays a major role in the local immune response in the protection of chickens against diseases. This study was undertaken to find the efficacy of thermostable live oral pellet vaccine in developing the mucosal immunity in chickens. Samples were collected from Harderian gland, Lachrymal fluid, Tracheal fluid, Intestinal washings, Bile and Serum of chickens after administration of oral pellet vaccine to detect presence of NDV specific IgA antibodies. Results showed that there is significant increase in the immune response after one week post vaccination with no significant difference between 14 and 21 days after vaccine. There exists significant difference in Mean OD values between samples of Harderian, Lachrymal, Trachea, Intestine, Bile and serum with bile found to have increased IgA response. Challenge experiment results showed that oral pellet vaccine was able to protect chickens against virus challenge by increasing the mucosal immunity against Newcastle disease.
Morphological Characterization, Trait Variability and their Association, and Diversity Analysis Among Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. subsp. Sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.) Genotypes
Authors: Devan Samnanaik Rudranaik , Rathod Vijayakumar , Chinthan Karpenahalli Nagaraj , Lakshmidevamma Thirumani Narayanareddy , Deepashree Gopinaik , Shilpashree Nagaraju , Anjanappa Muddappa , Manjunathagowda Dalasanuru Chandregowda
Published: June 2021

Genetic variability has been greatly valued in yard-long bean, due to their narrow genetic base. To diversify the genetic base, yard long bean genotypes were evaluated to quantify the variation, to assess the extent of association between the yield complaint traits, diversity and for their utilization in crop improvement programmes. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations, heritability coupled with genetic advance over mean were observed most of the traits except internodal length, days to first and 50 per cent flowering, days to first and last picking, seeds per pod. Correlation and path analysis of variables namely pod length, pod width and pods per plant contributes high positive significant association with pod yield per plant, and maximum direct and indirect effect recorded for pods per plant, green pod length and green pod width. The genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters, the maximum divergence recorded between genotypes of Cluster XI and Cluster XII for traits pod yield per plant, vine length and yield per plot and pod length contributed high towards total divergence, the genetically diverse genotype of these clusters aids in the creation of larger recombinants, and would be an aid in the genetic improvement of yard-long bean genotypes.
A Panel Regression Analysis for the COVID-19 Epidemic in the United States: From the Quarantine Policy and Environmental Perspective
Authors: Guo Yinpei , Li Bo , Duan Tonghua , Yao Nan , Wang Han , Yang Yixue , Yan Shoumeng , Sun Mengzi , Wang Ling , Yao Yan , Sun Yuchen , Jia Jiwei , Liu Siyu
Published: June 2021

Background. The COVID-19 epidemic has had an extreme impact on society. This study aimed to discuss this epidemic in the U.S. and explore the association between COVID-19 daily incidence rate and influencing factors including people’s implementation of states’ quarantine policy and environmental factors including temperature, humidity and so on.Methods. Data of 50 states in U.S. were used as the research subjects. A panel data model was established based on the daily incidence rate and influencing factors from 15 March to 30 September, 2020. The period was analyzed both unsegmented and segmented. The k-means clustering method was used to cluster the states, and panel linear regression method was used for correlation analysis.Results. The characteristics of the daily incidence rate and factors of the three categories were different after clustering. The daily residents at home, proportion of travel people, humidity and incidence rate were negatively correlated, while the daily temperature and incidence rate were positively correlated after unsegmented multivariate analysis. While after segmented analysis, the air pressure and the temperature showed a trend that was negatively correlated with the daily incidence rate respectively in the first and the fifth segment, other indicators showed the analogous results. At the same time, this study also completed the regression analysis after classification of the three groups. Compared with results without classification, there was a decrease of the number of significant independent variables.Conclusions. The spread of COVID-19 in 50 states in U.S. was related to quarantine measures, temperature and humidity. The progress of the epidemic would be relatively slow if people chose to stay at home. Besides, the increase in temperature (＜84.2℉) could be conducive to the spread of the epidemic, while the increase in relative humidity (40~70%) might inhibit the spread of the virus to a certain degree.
Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of the Gene Encoding 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (EGR-03347) from Echinococcus Granulosus and the Evaluation of the Immune Protection of the Definitive Hosts (dogs)
Authors: Xian Jinwen , Wang Ning , Zhao Pengpeng , Zhang Yanyan , Meng Jimeng , Ma Xun , Wang Zhengrong , Bo Xinwen
Published: June 2021

Background: Cystic echinococcosis, a serious parasitic zoonosis, is caused by tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) larvae. The development of an effective vaccine is a promising strategy to control echinococcosis. E. granulosus has a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway, in which 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (EGR-03347) is a key enzyme.Methods: In the present study, the cDNA encoding EGR-03347 in Echinococcus granulosus (rEGR-03347) was successfully cloned and the molecular and biochemical characterizations carried out. The immunoreactivity of recombinant EGR-03347 (rEGR-03347) was investigated using western blotting. The immunolocalization of EGR-03347 in different life stages of E. granulosus was determined using specific polyclonal antibody, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze their transcript levels in PSCs and 28-day strobilated worms stages. In addition, recombinant protein rEGR-03347 was mixed with the adjuvant Quil A for vaccinating dogs, after three vaccine injections, all the dogs were orally challenge-infected with 100000 protoscoleces of E. granulosus. After 28 days of infection, all the dogs were euthanized and necropsied for collecting and counting E. granulosus worms, post-infection the antibody and cytokine were measured for the immunogenicity analysis of this protein.Results: rEGR-03347 is a highly conserved protein, consisting of 308 amino acids. Recombinant EGR-03347 could be identifed in the sera of patients with CE and in mouse anti-rEGR-03347 sera. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that EGR-03347 mainly localized in the tegument of protoscoleces and adults, and their transcript levels were high in the 28-day strobilated worms. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays post‑infection showed that IgG gradually increased after the first immunization with rEGR-03347 compared with the control group, rEGR-03347 changed the interferon gamma and interleukin 4 levels. We observed an 87.2 % reduction in E. granulosus numbers and 66.7 % inhibition of the segmental development of E. granulosus in the rEGR‑03347‑vaccinated dogs compared with the nonvaccinated controls.Conclusions: This is the first report characterizing a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase from the tapeworm E. granulosus. We have characterized the sequence, structure and location of EGR‑03347 and investigated the immunoreactivity, immunogenicity and serodiagnostic potential of rEGR‑03347 . The results demonstrated rEGR-03347 as a potential vaccine against E. granulosus infection in dogs.
Physiological responses and expression of VrDREB2A gene at different growth stages of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) under drought stress
Authors: Vu Hang Thi Thuy , Le Cham Thi Tuyet , Pham Ly Thi
Published: June 2021

Mungbean is an important pulse crop and commonly grown in Asia. Drought affects mungbean growth and yield at at different growing stages and various levels through physiological traits and gene expression. In this study, two mungbean cultivars, DX208 and Tam Thanh Hoa, were exposed to drought at the vegetative and flowering stages and assessed for various morphophysiological traits at 8, 12, 15 and 15 days post withholding water and the plant recovery 7 days after re-watering. Differential expression of VrDREB2A gene was observed in leaf and root of two mungbean cultivars under drought condition. Plants used up water more quickly at the flowering stage than the vegetative stage. Drought adversely affected the plant height, leaf number, above-ground plant biomass and root weight with relative reduction to the control by 4.0–85%. Yield components and individual yield reduced significantly by around 50–60% compared to the control. Relative expression of VrDREB2A gene was varied, with stronger expression in leaves and roots when drought imposed at the flowering and vegetative stages respectively. Increase in VrDREB2A expression occurred earlier at 8 days compared with 12 days for drought imposed at the flowering and vegetative stages respectively, resulting in more tolerance of plants to drought at the flowering stage. The results indicate that VrDREB2A functioned as an important transcriptional activator and might help increase the drought stress tolerance of the mungbean plant at various growing stages. Morphophysiological traits can also be used as indicators in screening mungbean for drought tolerance.
Budget Constrained Machine Learning for Early Prediction of Adverse Outcomes for COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Nguyen Sam , Chan Ryan , Cadena Jose , Soper Braden , Kiszka Paul , Womack Lucas , Work Mark , Duggan Joan , Haller Steven , Hanrahan Jennifer , kennedy David , Mukundan Deepa , Ray Priyadip
Published: June 2021

Background: Machine learning (ML) based risk stratification models of Electronic Health records (EHR) data may help to optimize treatment of COVID-19 patients, but are often limited by their lack of clinical interpretability and cost of laboratory tests. We develop a ML based tool for predicting adverse outcomes based on EHR data to optimize clinical utility under a given cost structure. This cohort study was performed using deidentified EHR data from COVID-19 patients from ProMedica Healthcare in northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan. Methods: We tested performance of various ML approaches for predicting either increasing ventilatory support or mortality and the set of model features under a budget constraint was optimized via exhaustive search across all combinations of features. Results: The optimal sets of features for predicting ventilation under any budget constraint included demographics and comorbidities (DCM), basic metabolic panel (BMP), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CRP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and procalcitonin and for mortality included DCM, BMP, complete blood count, D-dimer, LDH, CRP, BNP, procalcitonin and ferritin. Conclusions: This study presents a quick, accurate and cost-effective method to evaluate risk of deterioration for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of clinical evaluation.
Burden and factors associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms among the Pakistani population during the Corona-virus disease 2019
Authors: Lakhdir Maryam Pyar Ali , Nathwani Apsara Ali , Peerwani Ghazal , Azam Syed Iqbal , Iqbal Romaina , Asad Nargis
Published: June 2021

Background

Psychological impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has been expected and widely predicted, but its associated factors are not measured predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to determine the burden and factors associated with generalized-anxiety-disorder in the Pakistani population amidst the COVID 19 pandemic
Methods

We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey on 1679 Pakistani residents who had access to the study questionnaire broadcasted via the Google form. Generalized-anxiety-disorder was screened through a validated tool of the Generalized-Anxiety-Disorder 7 scale. Multiple Ordinal Regression was used to identify the factors associated generalized anxiety disorder and the results were reported as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
Results

Most of the participants (70.8%; n = 1189) were screened positive for generalized-anxiety-disorder, out of which moderate and severe symptoms were seen in 22% (n = 365) and 18% (n = 301) of them, respectively. The mean score for generalized-anxiety was 8.57(SD = ± 5.88). A significant interaction was seen between gender and perceived stress, indicating that females with high perceived stress had 30 times greater odds of generalized-anxiety as compared to females with low perceived stress (95% CI: 20.02, 44.46). Additionally, during the complete down, the odds of generalized-anxiety among respondents who frequently watched news were 1.72(95% CI: 1.06, 2.77) times compared to participants who rarely watched the news. Furthermore, participant’s current psychiatric illness, anxiousness about uncertainty, fear of getting infected from COVID, fear of loved one getting infected from COVID 19, worrying when the first case of COVID 19 was reported, indulgence in recreational activities, and current health status were found to be significantly associated with generalized-anxiety.
Conclusion

Study findings indicate an alarming increase in generalized anxiety adversely affecting the psychological well-being of respondents. Immediate interventions for offering psychological support need to be implemented to curtail the rapidly increasing morbidity due to anxiety related to the pandemic.