bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of non-tumorous multifocal brain lesions mimicking multiple sclerosis
Authors: Krotenkova I. A. , Bryukhov V. V. , Konovalov R. N. , Zakharova M. N. , Krotenkova M. V.
Published: February 2021

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is quite challenging due to its variable clinical manifestations and lack of a  definitive test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the tools to confirm the diagnosis and also helps in differential diagnosis with other disorders and in exclusion of MS-mimicking diseases. In this article, based on the analysis of clinical cases, we discuss the differential diagnosis of MS with the following non-tumorous multifocal brain lesions: vascular abnormalities caused by hypoxia and ischemia, cerebral autosomal dominant angiopathy with subcortical infarctions and leukoencephalopathy, Susac syndrome, primary angiitis of the central nervous system, and neurosarcoidosis. We present both MRI criteria for MS and disorders that have similar MRI signs, and additional clinical and laboratory data that is essential for correct diagnosis.
Kinetika Pengeringan Lapisan Tipis Daun Jati Belanda (Thin Layer Drying Kinetics of Guazuma Ulmifolia Leaves)
Authors: Syah Hendri , Tambunan Armansyah Halomoan , Hartulistiyoso Edy , Manalu Lamhot Parulian
Published: February 2021

The objectives of this study were to determine a suitable thin layer drying model to describe the drying kinetics of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves and determine the mass transfer parameters of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves. The drying of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves was conducted in a laboratory scale dryer with various temperature (40oC, 50oC, and 60oC) and relative humidity (30%, 40%, 50% and 60%). Five drying models, namely, Newton, Henderson and Pabis, Page, Midilli-Kucuk, and Verma et al. were fitted to the drying data. The drying curve of guazuma leaves did not show a constant drying period during the drying period. The models suitability were compared base on coefficient of determination (R2), root square mean errors (RSME), and reduced mean square of deviation (X2). It was found that, among the models evaluated, the Midilli and Kucuk model is the best to describe the drying kinetics of Guazuma ulmifolia leaves. The effective moisture diffusivity was found to be in the range of 10-13 – 10-12 m2/s and the convective mass transfer coefficient was in the range of 10-9 – 10-10 m/s. The activation energy value was found to be 89.21 kJ/mol.
Synchronization Protein-Energy Index of Various Forages for Dairy Livestock: an In Vitro Study
Authors: Syamsi Afduha Nurus , Setyo Widodo Hermawan
Published: February 2021

The present study inventoried the protein-energy synchronization (PES) index of various types of grass. The study was conducted using in vitro techniques with material 5 types of grass (elephant, king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria) and rumen fluid of the Friesian Holstein (FH). The PES index is calculated based on the average degradation of g protein and Kg organic matter (OM) per hour at the time of observation of 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours. The hourly degradation rates were analyzed by linear regression to obtain the average hourly degradation rate. The results were included in the PES index calculation formula and discussed descriptively. This study found that all five grass had almost uniform nutritional value. Regression analysis results show a different equation, but with a high coefficient of determination (> 90%) on all types of grass. The PES index obtained in elephant, king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria grass are 0.72, 0.66, 0.69, 0.58, and 0.68. The study concluded that elephant grass has a PES index at a high level, while king, dwarf elephant, guinea, and setaria grass at medium level for compiling dairy rations.
Analysis of the Development of Bali Cattle Population in Agriculture Ecosystem of Timor Island using System Dynamics
Authors: Fuah Asnath Maria , Yani Ahmad , Priyanto Rudy , Purwanto Bagus Priyo , Riwukore Jefirstson Richset , Habaora Fellyanus
Published: February 2021

Developing Bali cattle population in Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara province carries a potential issue regarding cattle population. The objective of this research was to conduct an analysis and projection of the development of Bali cattle population in the agricultural ecosystem in Timor Island using system dynamics. The research was conducted from January to September 2018. The research location was determined purposively based on the characteristics of the agricultural ecosystem located in Kupang Regency and Kupang City. The research used 60 Bali cattle and involved 102 rancher respondents. Interviews and field observations were conducted to obtain primary and secondary data. Data analysis was done by building a system dynamics using Powersim and interpreting the simulation results for the next 30 years. The analysis results of the system dynamics showed that a declining population of Bali cattle over the next 19 or 25 years due to the ranchers' current behavior. The contributing factors included calf mortality that reached 29.6% per year; Bali cow mortality was up to 14.1% per year; calving interval was 22 months; traditional farm management that it is not economical; and the rate of livestock export reached 29.5% per year of the total population. Rancher management interventions and farm policies to reduce the inhibiting factors of cattle productivity are needed to maintain the population of Bali cattle in Timor Island, especially in the agricultural ecosystem.
Productivity and Nutrient Content of the Second Regrowth Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) with Different Photoperiod and Dolomite
Authors: Suwignyo Bambang , Kurniawan F.X. Dika , Suseno Nilo , Utomo Ristianto , Suhartanto Bambang
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted to identify the effect of lighting duration and dolomite addition on the vegetative growth of alfalfa plants in second regrowth phase. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the Laboratory of Forage and Pasture Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. It used a completely randomized design with 3x3-factorial using two factors and three replications. The first factor was lighting duration (C) with 3 levels (C0 = 12 hours, C1 = 14 hours, and C2 = 16 hours). The second factor was dolomite addition (D) with 3 levels (D0 = 0 ton/ha, D1 = 6 ton /ha, and D2 = 12 ton/ha). The results showed a significant effect so Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) followed at 5% and 1% levels. The observed variables were plant height, the number of plant branches, the number of plant leaves, fresh forage production, and the chemical content of the plants in the form of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM). The addition of dolomite significantly affected the number of the plant branches, the number of plant leaves and the dry matter of the plants. A significant correlation was found between the two treatments and the number of leaves (C2D2) and a correlation was between the treatment and dry matter (C1D2).
Comparative Antibiotic and Probiotic Effects on Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Escherichia coli Isolates and Performance of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ogbu Cosmas Chikezie , Ibeneme Nwabueze
Published: February 2021

The study evaluated the growth performance, haematology, serum biochemistry, intestinal microbial count, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from broiler chicks fed diets supplemented with antibiotics (neomycin, and oxytetracycline), and probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). One hundred and twenty Abor acre broiler chicks randomly alloted to four treatment groups (30 birds/group; 10 birds/replicate) were used in the 49 days study. Group one (G 1, control) were fed basal diet while G 2, 3, and 4 received basal diet containing S. cerevisiae (0.80g/kg; 108cfu/g), neomycin (0.50g/kg) and oxytetracycline (0.30g/kg), respectively. Results showed significant treatment effects on body weight, feed intake, linear body values, some haematological indices, intestinal, caecal and combined caecal and intestinal bacteria counts, diameter of E. coli inhibition zone, and mortality. Body weight and feed intake were significantly  higher in the supplemented groups. Intestinal bacterial count was highest in neomycin and control groups (5.29 ± 0.01 and 5.22 ± 0.02 Log10 cfu/ml, respectively) while S. cerevisiae and neomycin groups yielded the highest caecal, and combined caecal and intestinal bacterial counts. Eimeria Oocyst count did not differ significantly between groups. Escherichia coli from antibiotic fed groups had reduced sensitivity or were resistant to the antibiotics. It was concluded that subtherapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in broiler chickens caused the development of antibiotic resistance, and therefore, should be avoided.
The Effect of Incorporating Ginger Extract (Zingiber officinale) to Cow Milk Kefir: An Analysis of Antioxidant and Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics
Authors: Wulansari Putri Dian , Rahayu Novia , Frasiska Nurul
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant activities and microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of cow milk kefir fortified with ginger extract (Zingiber officinale). The ginger extract was incorporated together with grain before the fermentation. The levels of ginger extract concentrate were 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 % (w/w). The ginger used in this study is a thick ginger extract that is added before the kefir fermentation process. The result showed that a higher level of ginger extract added to the fermentation could improve the antioxidant activities of the cow milk kefir. The kefir sample fortified with 2.0% ginger extract produced the highest antioxidant activities, particularly DPPH IC50 (0.32%) and a total polyphenol of 0.72%. This study found that the higher the ginger extract level, the lower the total count, total LAB, and total yeast. The average value of physicochemical characteristics for free fatty acid, lactic acids, alcohol, and pH in the present study was 0.5503 mg/KOH, 1.0005%, 1.628 g/dL, and 4.42, respectively. In conclusion, the ginger extract was effective for producing kefir with high antioxidant activities (DPPH IC50) and total polyphenol.
Sensory, Physicochemical and Antioxidants Evaluation of Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) Preservative Powder with Foam-mat Drying Method for Beef Meatballs Products
Authors: Naufalin Rifda , Wuryatmo Erminawati , Wicaksono Rumpoko , Islami Laila Sausan El
Published: February 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of the type and concentration of preservative powder with foam-mat drying method to produce optimal beef meatballs products seen from the chemical, sensory, and antioxidant evaluation. This study used an experimental method with a randomized block design with the factors being studied were the type of powder of kecombrang plant parts, namely flowers and stems with the concentrations used, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%.  Physicochemical analysis was performed on moisture content, pH, and total protein hydrolyzed (Formol test). The sensory evaluation was carried out by 25 trained people using the descriptive and hedonic testing methods on a scale of 1-5 (very dislike to very much like). Meanwhile, the best treatment from the results of physicochemical and sensory evaluation was analyzed of bioactive compounds (antioxidants) was carried out on total flavonoids and total phenols. The results showed that the best treatment combination was the type of flower preservative with a concentration of 2% which had characteristics with an average moisture content of 57.19 ± 5.71%, pH 7.1 ± 0.21, hydrolyzed protein content (Formol) 1.40 ± 0.35%, whitish-gray color (2.72 ± 1.40), scents of meat and kecombrang (3.64 ± 0.49), slightly chewy texture (3.52 ± 0.65), flavored with meat and kecombrang (3.68 ± 0.75), is rather preferenced by panelists (3.12 ± 0.97), and results of antioxidants evaluation were total flavonoids 2.42 mg QE / 100 mg, total phenolic 179.53 mg QE / 100 mg. The concentration of kecombrang flower and stems powder suitable for adding to beef meatballss is seen from the physicochemical and sensory evaluation up to 2%.
Iron metabolism and chronic kidney disease
Authors:   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Smirnova N.N. ,   V.A.Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Kuprienko N.B. ,   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novikova V.P. ,   Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khavkin A.I. ,   Yu.E.Veltishchev Research and Clinical Institute of Paediatrics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: February 2021

Iron is involved in all kinds of metabolism. Iron deficiency, even in the absence of anaemia, promotes the development of many diseases. But in inflammation-associated diseases iron accumulates in the liver, kidneys and macrophages; resulting in impairment of effective erythropoiesis. The review presents modern evidence of the molecular mechanisms of iron metabolism and metabolic changes in most common diseases of the organs of the urinary system – pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury. In most cases, anaemia has a dual nature – true iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease. Key words: iron, erythropoiesis, anaemia, renal pathology
Analysis of school meals in the context of the implementation of modern federal legislation (experience of the Samara region)
Authors:   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Sazonova O.V. , Gavryushin M.Yu. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Berezhnova O.V. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Borodina L.M. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Gorbachev D.O. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Frolova O.V. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation, Tupikova D.S. ,   Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation
Published: February 2021

Objective. Monitoring of the organization of meals and hygienic assessment of the quality of school menus in educational institutions of the Samara region. Materials and methods. Data on the organization and quality of meals in 57 secondary educational institutions of the Samara region were obtained through a sanitary and hygienic description and examination of schools, as well as a questionnaire survey of employees responsible for food. To assess the quality of school rations, an analysis of the nutritional structure was carried out, the coefficient of provision with nutrients and products was calculated, as well as the healthy eating index. Results. There were cases of realization of food and beverages prohibited for children in canteens, low coverage with two meals (10% in grades 1–9 and 3% in grades 10–11), and isolated cases of short duration of breaks for meals (15 minutes). The diet was characterized by an increased energy value (M = 1789.64 ± 138.19 kcal) and a greater excess of carbohydrates (M = 291.99 ± 12.51) due to the predominance of cereals and pasta in the meal structure. The Healthy Eating Index for students was satisfactory, owing to low consumption of fruits, dairy and seafood, and the presence of refined grains in the diet. Conclusion. The identified problems in the organization of school meals increase the likelihood of the development of alimentarydependent diseases among students. From a practical point of view, the appointment and proper hygienic training of personnel responsible for food in educational instituitons is required. Key words: school meals, nutritional value, nutritional structure, healthy eating index For citation: Sazonova O.V., Gavryushin M.Yu., Berezhnova O.V., Borodina L.M., Gorbachev D.O., Frolova O.V., Tupikova D.S. Analysis of school meals in the context of the implementation of modern federal legislation (experience of the Samara region). Vopr. det. dietol. (Pediatric Nutrition). 2020; 18(6): 5–11. (In Russian). DOI: 10.20953/1727-5784-2020-6-5-11
Филогенетическая реконструкция начальных этапов распространения вируса SARS-CoV-2 на Евроазиатском и Американском континентах посредством анализа геномных данных (краткое сообщение)
Authors: Букин Юрий , Бондарюк Артем , Балахонов Сергей , Джиоев Юрий , Злобин Владимир
Published: February 2021

Проанализированы 252 полных генома вируса SARS-CoV-2 первой волны (декабря 2019 - июль 2020 г.) пандемии COVID-19 из 21 страны мира, включая Россию, посредством Байесовского филогенетического метода с молекулярными часами. Используемая нами методика показала, что первые заболевшие COVID-19 в человеческой популяции появились в период с июля по ноябрь 2019 г. в Китае. Распространение SARS-CoV-2 из Китая по всем регионам мира произошло с декабря 2019 по начало февраля 2020 года. Появление вируса в России датируется второй половиной января 2020 года. Скорость эволюции кодирующей части генома SARS-CoV-2 равная в среднем 7.3×10-4 (5.95×10-4 – 8.68×10-4) нуклеотидных замен на сайт в год сопоставима со скоростями накопления замен в геномах других человеческих РНК-содержащих вирусах (Measles morbillivirus, Rubella virus, Enterovirus C).

252 complete genomes of the SARS-CoV-2 isolated during the first wave (December 2019 - July 2020) of the global COVID-19 pandemic from 21 countries of the world, including Russia, were analyzed using the Bayesian phylogenetic method with a molecular clock. Results showed that the first cases of COVID-19 in the human population appeared in the period between July and November 2019 in China. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 from China toward all regions of the world occurred from December 2019 to early February 2020. The appearance of the virus in Russia dates back to the second half of January 2020. The rate of evolution of the coding part of the SARS-CoV-2 genome equal to 7.3×10-4 (5.95×10-4 - 8.68×10-4) nucleotide substitutions per site per year is comparable to the rates of accumulation of substitutions in genomes of other human RNA viruses (Measles morbillivirus, Rubella virus, Enterovirus C).
Mapping the Trends in Esophageal Cancer Disease Burden in the United States: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Lu Di , Zhai jianxue , Zhan Jintao , Liu Xiguang , Dong Xiaoying , Feng Siyang , Mai Shijie , Jiang Jianjun , Wang Zhizhi , Ji Xiuyu , Li Mei , Wu Hua , Cai Kaican
Published: February 2021

Background: Esophageal cancer is the 10th leading cancer in US but given limited research attention. This study aimed to investigate the esophageal cancer disease burden more comprehensively in US. Methods: Having retrieved states-categorized data on esophageal cancer incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years from the Global Burden of Disease study online resource, the current trends on esophageal cancer disease burden attributed to different risk factors and their relationship with economic status were analyzed using age-standardized rate and the estimated annual percentage change.Results: In US, the esophageal cancer age-standardized rate of incidence has been stable but age-standardized rates of mortality and disability-adjusted life years trended to decreased with estimated annual percentage changes of -0.237% and -0.471% from 1990 to 2017. Age-standardized rate of incidence was higher in males than in females, but both didn’t increase, so as age-standardized rates of mortality and disability-adjusted life years. The largest increase in age-standardized rates of incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years was observed in Oklahoma, whereas the largest decrease was seen in the District of Columbia. Age-standardized rates of mortality and disability-adjusted life years contributed to high BMI or diet low in fruits were growing. per capita disposable personal income trended to negatively correlated with estimated annual percentage changes of incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years.Conclusions: The esophageal cancer disease burden in US decreased from 1990 to 2017 but was heavier in males than in females, and increased in economically weaker states and populations with high BMI and low-fruit diet.
A Research Protocol on Leap Motion Tracking Device: A Novel Intervention Method for Distal Radial Fracture Rehabilitation
Authors: Arora Sakshi P. , Naqvi Waqar M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation is used to optimize functional recovery following a distal radial fracture. Being the most common upper limb fracture in all age groups, the DRF peaks in young men and in post-menopausal women with an incidence ratio of 1:4. To date, however, work on leap motion control based rehabilitation of patients with distal radius fracture is limited. This research aims to assess the efficacy of immersive virtual reality in patients with DRF. Methods: In an experimental study, subjects (n = 40) with DRF will be recruited. The participants will be enrolled into either an experimental or control group with 1:1 allocation ratio. Following the primary assessment and allocation, the participants in the experimental group will receive both leap motion control and conventional therapy over a period of 6-week. Participants in the conventional group would undergo only conventional therapy. Throughout the treatment duration and following 6 weeks, daily living activity performance, the hand function and mental status will be assessed in the form of questionnaires.Discussion: The goal of this experimental study is to examine the impact of leap motion control after DRF on improving the functional activity and in turn quality of life. Conclusion: To conclude, this research seeks to examine the rapid and long term effects of leap motion control in DRF patients. The study findings would help prospective patients with DRF, which may include a newly designed approach to rehabilitation.
A Deep Learning Based Method for Forecasting Gold Price with Respect to Pandemics
Authors: Khani Mahtab Mohtasham , Vahidnia Sahand , Abbasi Alireza
Published: February 2021

The spread of COVID-19 in the world had a devastating impact on the world economy, trade relations, and globalization. As the pandemic advances and new potential pandemics are on the horizon, a precise analysis of recent fluctuations of trade becomes necessary for international decisions and controlling the world in a similar crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic made a new pattern of trade in the world and affected how businesses work and trade with each other. It means that every potential pandemic or any unprecedented event in the world can change the market rules. This research develops a novel model to have a proper estimation of the stock market values with respect to the COVID-19 dataset using long short-term memory networks (LSTM).The nature of the features in each pandemic is completely different, thus, prediction results for a pandemic by a specific model cannot be applied to other pandemics. Hence, recognizing and extracting the features which affect the pandemic is the highest priority. In this study, we develop a framework, providing a better understanding of the features and feature selection. Although the global impacts incurred by COVID-19 are complicated, here we are trying to show how additional features like COVID-19 rather than the history of tickers, which is used conventionally for prediction, cab help forecasting in a real-world scenario. This study is based on a preliminary analysis of such features for enhancing forecasting models' performance against fluctuations in the market.Our forecasts are based on the market value data and COVID-19 pandemic daily time-series data (i.e. the number of new cases). In this study, we selected Gold price as a base for our forecasting task which can be replaced by any other markets. We have applied Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) LSTM, Vector Output Sequence LSTM, Bidirectional LSTM, and Encoder-Decoder LSTM on our dataset, and our results achieved an MSE of 6.0e-4, 8.0e-4, and 2.0e-3 on the validation set respectfully for one day, two days, and 30 days predictions in advance which are outperforming other proposed method in the literature.
A qualitative study of local perspectives on problem drinking in Peruvian Andean highlands: control, power, and responsibility
Authors: Yamaguchi Sakiko , Lencucha Raphael , Brown Thomas Gordon
Published: February 2021

Background Alcohol control has garnered attention from the global health community in recent years. This attention is partly prompted by increasing exposure of nefarious alcohol industry practices, coupled with the recognition that many governments have not yet put in place alcohol control policies, leaving populations vulnerable to industry influence. The Peruvian Andean highland has seen the change of the Andean practice of collective drinking in response to the increased availability of alcohol and the experience of political violence. This study seeks to merge the broader political economy with local experience and culture in order to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamic between global processes and local realities.Methods We conducted focus group interviews (n=19) with community participants, teachers, and health workers, and key informant interviews (n=28). Thematic analysis identified patterns of individual and collective meaning and social, political and economic factors. Results Local perspectives regarding loss of control over alcohol highlight the complex patterns of power and meaning exerted and experienced by different actors, shaping both understanding and behaviour. Participants’ focus on parents’ lack of control over alcohol use by some “abandoned” children reflects the structural vulnerability of some Andean families struggling with economic hardships. Another focus was on the money spent by men to engage in problem drinking. Participants interpreted alcohol consumption in this context as a way that men demonstrate their masculine identity and symbolic power as the breadwinner who controls the household economy. The third focus is superimposed onto the market economy. Participants expressed that the expansion of the alcohol market and perceived absence of government control coupled with macroeconomic conditions shaped patterns of alcohol consumption.Conclusion Participants’ perspectives illustrate how problem drinking is shaped not simply by an individual drinker’s lack of self-control but also shaped by an environment that enables the unrestrained marketing of alcohol products and the creation of a culture of consumption. Harmful consumption is mediated by the reshaping of the Andean cultural practice of collective drinking. Attending to local perspectives is essential for policies and interventions that connect structural dynamics with the cultural and experiential aspects of alcohol consumption.
Spatial Multiomics Analysis Identifies SOCS1 as a Key Immune Checkpoint in T cell Tolerance Induction of HSCT
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Guo Huidong , Wang Ming , Hou Yingping , Liu Shuoshuo , Peng Ting , Zhao Xiangyu , Lu Liming , Han Yali , Shao Yiming , Chang Ying-Jun , Li Cheng , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: February 2021

Achieving T cell tolerance ensures superior clinical outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the in vivo T cell tolerance profiles in physiological state need to be further delineated. Here, we characterized the gene expression profile in tolerant T cells which was induced in healthy donors by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, a stem cell mobilizer extensively used in HSCT. We identified suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) as an essential immune checkpoint for T cell tolerance in the mouse models and primary T cells in the HSCT context. Further spatial multiomics analysis characterized the distinct three-dimensional genome architecture and the gene regulatory network in tolerant T cells. We found STAT3 competes with CTCF and mediates the formation of a new chromatin loop between the SOCS1 promoter and upstream super enhancers during the induction of T cell tolerance. This study identifies SOCS1 as a key immune checkpoint and potential immune target for improving outcome of patients with HSCT.
Efficacy of Mobile App-Based Training on Health Literacy among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial study
Authors: Karamolahi Parisa Farzi , Khalesi Zahra Bostani , Niknami Maryam
Published: February 2021

Background: Health literacy of mothers during pregnancy shows social and cognitive skills indicating the motivation and ability of mothers to receive and use useful knowledge to maintain and promote the health of themselves and their children. The present study was conducted aimed to determine the effect of mobile app-based training on health literacy among pregnant women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study Among 500 eligible pregnant women who attended al-Zahra hospital (Rasht, Iran) between 2019 to 2020 years, was conducted on 140 pregnant women by random sampling method. They were divided into experimental and control groups. Data collection tools included personal information and maternal health literacy questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed and then a mobile app-based training intervention was performed for the experimental group. The participants of the experimental group were asked to read the contents of the software once a week for 8 weeks. The questionnaires were completed again after 8 weeks of the training intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, Fisher, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and one-way analysis of variance was used for this purpose. Results: The subjects showed no statistically significant difference in terms of demographic-social information (p> 0.05). The mean change in health literacy scores after the intervention was statistically significant between the experimental and control groups (p <0.001). Also, the mean change in health literacy scores before and after the intervention in the experimental group was statistically significant (p <0.001). But this change in the control group was not statistically significant (p = 0.609).Conclusions: For the first time we used mobile app-based training and results showed that it is effective in the health literacy of pregnant women especially in situations like the Corona Virus pandemic. Therefore, it is suggested that health care providers, especially midwives, use this training method to promote the health literacy of pregnant women.Trial registrationThis paper is taken from the master thesis student of midwifery training with ethics code IR.GUMS.REC.1397.490. This is a RCT study (clinical trial code IRCT20180707040364N1: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20180707040364N1- 2019-03-27).
The value of routine screening for cognitive impairment in a primary care setting: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Qiu Hailin , Chang Janis , Chang Chih-Peng
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is not uncommon among older individuals but is often underdiagnosed in the primary care settings. Our objective is to identify the prevalence of varying degrees of cognitive impairment in older adults in urban primary care clinics.
METHODS

This cross-sectional study was undertaken from May to July 2019. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was administered to participants 65-year and older who were seen during a routine visit to our primary care clinic. The participants were recruited on a sequential basis. The primary outcomes of the study were the MoCA scores, and the level of cognitive impairment, if any, indicated by the scores.
RESULTS

Out of the 133 participants, 46 (34.6%) scored below the cut-off of 23 out of 30, indicating certain level of cognitive impairment. The mean MoCA score was 23.24. The average age was 75.19 years. Average years of education was 12.6. In our cohort, higher MoCA scores were associated with increased years of education. MoCA scores were not inversely correlated with age. Language proficiency in the MoCA test version administered had significant impact on the MoCA scores.
CONCLUSIONS

A relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment was found in our cohort. Further study is required to accurately assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment in general population. However, the findings attest the value of routine screening for cognitive impairment in primary care settings and warrant routine screening of older individuals to help in early detection of mild cognitive impairment.
Path to Diversity and to Resistant Uniformity: Intracellular Adaptation to Nutrient Environment
Authors: Korogodina Victoria
Published: February 2021

Two adaptation strategies are known, which provide variability and resistance of population. We study the laws of adaptation by the example of proteins and changes in their conformations. The data were obtained in the experiments of V.I. Korogodin on yeast cells with mutations, which have demonstrated the effect of the culture medium on the appearance frequency of pseudo-wild type cells. Here, these archived and published data are analyzed by the statistical approach. Statistical analysis shows the emergence of a sequence of independent foci of the pseudo-wild cells induced by intracellular factor and their association with the cytosolic and nuclear-mitochondrial oxidative pathways; the foci dispersions conform the regularities of the folding energy landscape; intracellular imbalances and gene mutations affect their frequency and diversity. We conclude that the paths from diversity to uniformity of protein conformations obeys the laws of the energy landscape. The nuclear-mitochondrial machinery generates new proteins and their homogeneous foci. Variable foci consist mainly of the former conformations remodeled under ROS from several cytosolic sources. Strong gene expression induces oxidative stress, which increases the frequency of homogeneous conformations and reduces variability. Further, stress activates a new focus of new homogeneous conformations.
On-chip Reconfigurable Optical Neural Networks
Authors: Zhao Xianmeng , Lv Haibin , Chen Cheng , Tang Shenjie , Liu Xiaoping , Qi Qin
Published: February 2021

Implementing artificial neural networks on integrated platforms has generated significant interest in recent years. Several architectures for on-chip optical networks with basic functionalities have been successfully demonstrated, for example, optical spiking neurosynaptic, photonic convolution accelerator, and nanophotonic/electronic hybrid deep neuron networks. In this work, we propose a layered coherent silicon-on-insulator diffractive optical neural network, of which the inter-layer phase delay can be actively tuned. By forming a close-loop with control electronics, we further demonstrate that our fabricated on-chip neural network can be trained in-situ and consequently reconfigured to perform various tasks, including full adder operation and vowel recognition, while achieving almost the same accuracy as networks trained on conventional computers. Our results show that the proposed optical neural network could potentially pave the way for future optical artificial intelligence hardware.
Controllable Engineering and Functionalizing Nanoparticles with Specific Targeting Capability
Authors: Guo Zhanchen , Xing Rongrong , Liu Zhen
Published: February 2021

Due to unique properties, nanoparticles been widely used in important biomedical applications such as imaging, drug delivery and disease therapy. Targeting toward specific proteins is essential for the effective utilization of nanoparticles. However, current targeting strategies mainly rely on surface modification with bio-ligands, which often not only fail to provide desired properties but also remain challenging. Here we report an unprecedented approach, called reverse microemulsion-confined epitope-oriented surface imprinting and cladding (ROSIC), for facile, versatile and controllable engineering coreless and core/shell nanoparticles with tunable monodispersed size as well as specific targeting capability towards proteins and peptides. Via engineering coreless imprinted and cladded silica nanoparticles, the effectiveness and superiority over conventional imprinting of the proposed approach was first verified. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited both high specificity and high affinity. Using quantum dots (QDs), superparamagnetic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and upconverting nanoparticles as a representative set of core substrates, a variety of dual-functional single-core/shell nanoparticles were then successfully prepared. Finally, selective fluorescence imaging of triple negative breast cancer cells over other breast cancer cell lines using QD-cored nanoparticles was achieved, which well demonstrated the potential of the prepared core/shell nanoparticles in biomedical applications. Thus, this approach opened a new avenue to engineering and functionalization of advanced nanoparticles with targeting capability, holding great prospects in biomedical applications.
MicroRNA-224 Promotes Cell Migration and Invasion by Targeting HOXA5 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yuwu , Lin Chen , Wang Dongmei , Wen Sailan , Wang Junpu , Chen Zhihong , Du Jing , Ning Chao , Feng Deyun
Published: February 2021

Background
MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of multiple cellular pathways and play a key role in the development and progression of tumor. Multiple studies have shown that abnormal expression of miRNAs has close relation with the incidence of HCC, but the mechanism of miRNAs in HCC still needs further research. Here, we investigated the mechanism of miR-224 in the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer.
Methods
We employed real-time quantitative PCR to detect the expression of miR-224 and ADAM17 and HOXA5 in HCC tissues. The expression level of HOXA5 in liver cancer tissues was further verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Real time PCR and Western bloting were used to detect the expression changes of ADAM17 and HOXA5 caused by overexpression or silencing of miR-224.Dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated a direct association between miR-224 and its target gene ADAM17 and HOXA5. The migration and invasion experiment, MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the changes of the biology function of HCC cell after overexpression or silencing of miR-224.
Results
The data showed that miR-224 and ADAM17 were significantly up-regulated and HOXA5 was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues. The targeted regulatory relationship between miR-224 and its target genes ADAM17 and HOXA5 was also demonstrated. More importantly, we found that miR-224 positively regulates cell migration and invasion in HCC, miR-224 overexpression can promote the migration and invasion of BEL-7402 cell, and miR-224 silencing can suppress the migration and invasion of BEL-7402 cell. MiR-224 overexpression can result in the redistribution of cell cycle, the cell percentage of S phase was increased significantly, the cell percentage of G1 phase was decreased significantly, and there is no noticeable change for the cell percentage of G2 phase.
Conclusions
These results demonstrated that miR-224 may be exert the function of oncogenes in a particular link of cancer cell growth, it will become a promising biological target in the treatment strategy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Late Holocene Vegetation and Environmental Changes of Coastal Lowlands in Northern Iran: Possible Role of Climate, Human Impact and Caspian Sea Level Fluctuations
Authors: Gu Fang , Alizadeh Kamaleddin , Behling Hermann
Published: February 2021

Coastal forests and wetlands play an important role in supporting biological diversity, protecting the hinterlands and shorelines along the continental margins from erosion, as well as for contributing to carbon and freshwater storage. To reconstruct late Holocene vegetation and environmental dynamics in the coastal lowlands in northern Iran and detect the possible role of climate, human impact and Caspian Sea (CS) level fluctuation on coastal ecosystems, a multi-proxy analysis including pollen, spores, non-pollen palynomorphs, macro-charcoal and X-ray fluorescence analysis, have been applied on the radiocarbon dated sediment cores from the Eynak (EYK) lagoon further inland and Bibi Heybat (BBH) alder swamp near the coast. Open wetlands covered relatively large areas since the recorded period (1450 cal yr BP). At BBH larger areas of open vegetation occurred and alder forests covered only small areas that expanded during the late Little Ice Age (1650-1850 AD) and were most abundant during the last about 100 years. Further inland at EYK, areas of alder and mixed broad-leaved Hyrcanian forest were larger. Alder forest in general expanded since 600 cal yr BP. In the last 170 years, alder forest areas and wetlands declined strongly, due to deforestation and strong human activities. The intensity of human impact, climatic fluctuations and changes in CS level were the most important factors controlling the dynamics of the northern Iranian coastal vegetation.
Assessment of the Combined Use of Basic Oxygen Furnace Sludge and Hydrogen Peroxide in the Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Araujo Sandrine F. , Caldeira Cláudia L. , Ciminelli Virgínia S.T. , Borba Ricardo P. , Rodrigues Joanna P. , Simões Gustavo F.
Published: February 2021

We recently demonstrated the use of basic oxygen furnace sludge (BOFS) to remove arsenic and sulfate from acidic solutions, which was found to be an interesting alternative for the reuse of steel waste. In this study, four systems were evaluated to determine whether BOFS is stable in acidic solutions and capable of removing As, Mn, and sulfate from acid mine drainage (AMD). In the S1 system (BOFS/DEIONIZED WATER pH 2.5), the stability of the residue was evaluated by placing the BOFS in deionized water acidified with H2SO4 until the pH reached 2.5. This system was maintained for 408 h under agitation to evaluate the possible solubilization of metals present in the BOFS. The results showed that only Ca and Mg were solubilized, and the pH increased from 2.5 to 12 after 408 h. The S3 system (BOFS/AMD) evaluated the metal removal capacity by BOFS and achieved 100% removal of As and Mn and 70% removal of sulfate after 648 h. In the first 30 min, the pH increased from 2.5 to 9.0, which was maintained until the end of the experiment. Simultaneously, S4 and S5 systems (BOFS/AMD / H2O2) were also evaluated using the oxidizing agent H2O2 (29% w/w) in the following proportions: 0.5 mM in S4 and 1 mM in S5. The removal of As, Mn, and sulfate in these systems was similar to that in the S3 system, which contained only BOFS. The results demonstrated that the formation of iron oxides was not accelerated by H2O2 and that iron, which is present in high concentrations in BOFS, was not the primary agent influencing metal removal from AMD.
An unusual autopsy case in which the consumption of organophosphate insecticide was not the direct cause of death
Authors: Nara Akina , Yamada Chiho , Suyama Manami , Kozakai Yu , Yoshida Masaki , Iwahara Kaori , Takagi Tetsuya
Published: February 2021

In acute poisoning cases involving the ingestion of organophosphate insecticides such as fenitrothion and malathion, serum cholinesterase (ChE) activity is remarkably decreased, thus representing a useful indicator of the direct cause of death. In the present case, a man in his early 70s tried to committed suicide via the oral ingestion of both fenitrothion and malathion. Fenitrothion and malathion concentrations in cardiac blood were 2.63–2.98 and 0.31–0.58 µg/mL, respectively. However, the serum ChE level was 200 IU/L, which was not considerably lower than the normal range in males (242–495 IU/L). Conversely, we confirmed a positive reaction for Streptococcus pneumoniae using a urinary antigen detection kit. Moreover, histopathological analysis of both the left and right lungs revealed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration into the alveolar space. The autopsy and histopathological findings indicated that the direct cause of death was severe bacterial pneumonia caused by the infection of S. pneumoniae. This is an unusual autopsy case in which the oral ingestion of both fenitrothion and malathion was not the direct cause of the death, and might have rapidly exacerbated respiratory decline.
Potato Value Chain Analysis: the Case of Lemo Woreda, Hadiyya Zone
Authors: Daniso Chaimiso Demisse , Senbeta Mebratu Alemu , Abile Mesfin Melese
Published: February 2021

Even, in the study area potato is very important for food security there is a gap in the potato value chain analysis. Therefore this study has attempted to identify potato value chain analysis in Lemo woreda of Hadya zone southern Ethiopia. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative data types were employed. Data were obtained from a sample of 202 producers, 37 traders (6 Wholesaler, 8 Collector, 4 Processor, and 19 Retailer), and 24 consumers by using semi-structured questionnaires. To take sample from the actor both probability and non-probability sampling techniques’ were used. For data analysis, descriptive statistics was employed. The result shows that the main potato value chain actors were input suppliers, producers’, wholesalers, collectors’, retailers, processors, and consumers. And Supporting actors were cooperative, banks, universities, Ethio-telecom, research institutions, NGOs, and government offices. Potato value chain opportunity and constraints were identified at the producer, trader, and consumer stages. Performances analysis in the value chain shows that, the highest share of profit, cost, and the market margin was shared to the producer which accounts for 43.01%, 33.55%, and 39.07% of share respectively. Based on the findings of the study, I recommend that the government and concerned stakeholders should focus on promoting improved potato seed, encouraging education, promoting farmers’ cooperatives, empowering females, strengthening rural-urban infrastructure, and protecting informal labor trading.
LXR nuclear receptors prompt a pro-inflammatory gene and functional profile in human macrophages
Authors: Aleja1 Arturo González de la , Torres-Torresano Mónica , Rosa Juan Vladimir de la , Alonso Barbara , Capa-Sardón Enrique , Puig-Kroger Amaya , Vega Miguel A , Castrillo Antonio , Corbi Angel L.
Published: February 2021

Liver X Receptors (LXR) control cholesterol metabolism and exert anti-inflammatory actions in activated macrophages. However, their contribution to human macrophage polarization in the absence of pathogenic stimuli remains unclear. In fact, the LXR pathway has been reported to be significantly enriched in pro-inflammatory synovial macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients as well as in immunosuppressive tumors-associated macrophages from human metastatic colon tumors. To determine the role of LXR on macrophage differentiation and polarization, we have analyzed the contribution of LXR to the acquisition of the inflammatory and T-cell-activating functions of human monocyte-derived macrophages. We now report that LXR activation prompts the acquisition of a pro-inflammatory gene signature in human macrophages, whereas LXR inactivation results in enrichment of an anti-inflammatory gene profile. Accordingly, activation and inhibition of LXR oppositely alter the production of cytokines (e.g., TNF, IL1b, CCL17, CCL19, IFNb1) and T cell stimulation activities associated to human macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, the LXR-stimulated macrophage polarization shift relies on their ability to modulate the expression of MAFB and MAF, which govern the acquisition of the macrophage anti-inflammatory profile. The pathological significance of the LXR-mediated macrophage polarization shift was demonstrated by the ability of LXR agonists to modulate macrophage polarization promoted by either tumor-derived ascitic fluids or by synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients. As a whole, our results demonstrate that LXR activation prompts the acquisition of a pro-inflammatory transcriptional and functional specialization in human macrophages .