bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Existence and Stability Criteria to a Generalized FBVP Having Fractional Composite
p
-Laplacian Operator
Authors: Rezapour Sh. , Thabet S. T. M. , Matar M. M. , Alzabut J. , Etemad S.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we consider a generalized Caputo boundary value problem of fractional differential equation with composite

p

-Laplacian operator. Boundary value conditions of this problem are of three-point integral type. First, we obtain Green’s function in relation to the proposed fractional boundary value problem and then for establishing the existence and uniqueness results, we use topological degree theory and Banach contraction principle. Further, we consider a stability analysis of Ulam-Hyers and Ulam-Hyers-Rassias type. To examine the validity of theoretical results, we provide an illustrative example.
Oxidative and salt stresses alter the 26S proteasome holoenzyme and associated protein profiles in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bonea Diana , Noureddine Jenan , Gazzarrini Sonia , Zhao Rongmin
Published: October 2021

Background

The 26S proteasome, canonically composed of multi-subunit 19S regulatory (RP) and 20S core (CP) particles, is crucial for cellular proteostasis. Proteasomes are re-modeled, activated, or re-localized and this regulation is critical for plants in response to environmental stresses. The proteasome holoenzyme assembly and dissociation are therefore highly dynamic in vivo. However, the stoichiometric changes of the plant proteasomes and how proteasome associated chaperones vary under common abiotic stresses have not been systematically studied.

Results

Here, we studied the impact of abiotic stresses on proteasome structure, activity, and interacting partners in Arabidopsis thaliana. We analyzed available RNA expression data and observed that expressions of proteasome coding genes varied substantially under stresses; however, the protein levels of a few key subunits did not change significantly within 24 h. Instead, a switch in the predominant proteasome complex, from 26S to 20S, occurs under oxidative or salt stress. Oxidative stress also reduced the cellular ATP content and the association of HSP70-family proteins to the 20S proteasome, but enhanced the activity of cellular free form CP. Salt stress, on the other hand, did not affect cellular ATP level, but caused subtle changes in proteasome subunit composition and impacted bindings of assembly chaperones. Analyses of an array of T-DNA insertional mutant lines highlighted important roles for several putative assembly chaperones in seedling establishment and stress sensitivity. We also observed that knockout of PBAC1, one of the α-ring assembly chaperones, resulted in reduced germination and tearing of the seed coat following sterilization.

Conclusions

Our study revealed an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of proteasome regulation during oxidative stress, involving dynamic regulation of the holoenzyme formation and associated regulatory proteins, and we also identified a novel role of the PBAC1 proteasome assembly chaperone in seed coat development.
De novo transcriptome analysis provides insights into the salt tolerance of Podocarpus macrophyllus under salinity stress
Authors: Zou Lijuan , Li Taotao , Li Bingbing , He Jing , Liao Chunli , Wang Lianzhe , Xue Shouyu , Sun Tao , Ma Xuan , Wu Qinggui
Published: October 2021

Background

Soil salinization is causing ecosystem degradation and crop yield reduction worldwide, and elucidation of the mechanism of salt-tolerant plants to improve crop yield is highly significant. Podocarpus macrophyllus is an ancient gymnosperm species with a unique environmental adaptation strategy that may be attributed to its lengthy evolutionary process. The present study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of P. macrophyllus plants to salt stress by analyzing its photosynthetic system and antioxidant enzyme activity. We also analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in P. macrophyllus under salt stress using RNA sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly.

Results

Salt treatment significantly affected the photosynthetic system in P. macrophyllus seedlings, which decreased chlorophyll content, altered chloroplast ultrastructure, and reduced photosynthesis. The activities of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly following salt stress treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that salt stress induced a large number of genes involved in multiple metabolic and biological regulation processes. The transcription levels of genes that mediate phytohormone transport or signaling were altered. K+ and Ca2+ transporter-encoding genes and the MYB transcription factor were upregulated under salt stress. However, the genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and secondary metabolism were downregulated.

Conclusion

Our research identified some important pathways and putative genes involved in salt tolerance in P. macrophyllus and provided clues for elucidating the mechanism of salt tolerance and the utilization of the salt tolerance genes of P. macrophyllus for crop improvement.
Active constituent of Polygala tenuifolia attenuates cognitive deficits by rescuing hippocampal neurogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Xiao-feng , Xiao Hong-he , Wu Yu-tong , Kong Liang , Chen Ji-cong , Yang Jing-xian , Hu Xiao-le
Published: October 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia worldwide, and there is still no satisfactory drug or therapeutic strategy.Polygala tenuifoliais a traditional Chinese medicine with multiple neuroprotective effects. In present study, we investigated the effects of three active constituents [3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose (DISS), onjisaponin B (OB) and tenuifolin (TEN)] ofPolygala tenuifolia(PT) on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) to identify the potential active constituent of PT promoting hippocampal neurogenesis.

Methods

NSCs were isolated from hippocampi of newborn C57BL/6 mice, and transfected with mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene to establish an AD cell model (APP-NSCs). 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were performed, and the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs were assessed by neurosphere formation assay, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay and immunofluorescence (IF) staining analysis. APP/PS1 transgenic mice were administrated with the potential active constituent DISS for 4 weeks. Morris water maze (MWM), Nissl staining assay and IF staining assays were carried out to evaluate the cognitive function, neural damages and hippocampal neurogenesis, respectively.

Results

DISS exerted the optimal ability to strengthen APP-NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation, followed by OB and TEN. Furthermore, DISS treatment for 4 weeks strikingly rescued the cognitive deficits, neuronal injures, and neurogenesis disorder in adult APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that DISS is the constituent of PT that triggers the most potent increase of hippocampal neurogenesis in our mouse model of AD.
Preferences of Iranians to select the emergency department physician at the time of service delivery
Authors: Nargesi Dorrin Aghajani , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Pakdel Mohammadhasan Javadi , Gheysvandi Elham , Rad Enayatollah Homaie
Published: October 2021

Background

Understanding patient preferences in emergency departments (EDs) can provide useful information to enhance patient-centred care and improve patient’s experience in hospitals. This study sought to find evidence about patients’ preference for physicians when receiving services in EDs in Iran.

Methods

In this discrete choice experiment survey, 811 respondents completed the scenarios with 5 attributes, including type of physicians, price of services, time to receive services, physician work experience, and physician responsibility. Analyses were conducted for different social and economic groups as well as for the total population.

Results

This study showed that the willingness to pay (WTP) for being visited by a physician with a high sense of responsibility was 67.104US$. WTP for being visited by an emergency medicine specialist (EMS) was 22.148US$. WTP for receiving ED services 1 min earlier was 0.417US$ and for being visited by 1 year higher experienced physician was 0.866US$. WTP varied across different age groups, sex, health status, education, and income groups.

Conclusion

As the expertise and experience of providers are important factors in selecting physicians in EDs by the patients, providing this information to patients when they want to select their providers can promote patient-centred care. This information can decrease patients’ uncertainty in the selection of their services and improve their experience in hospitals.
A comparison of two assessment tools used in overviews of systematic reviews: ROBIS versus AMSTAR-2
Authors: Perry R. , Whitmarsh A. , Leach V. , Davies P.
Published: October 2021

Background

AMSTAR-2 is a 16-item assessment tool to check the quality of a systematic review and establish whether the most important elements are reported. ROBIS is another assessment tool which was designed to evaluate the level of bias present within a systematic review. Our objective was to compare, contrast and establish both inter-rater reliability and usability of both tools as part of two overviews of systematic reviews. Strictly speaking, one tool assesses methodological quality (AMSTAR-2) and the other assesses risk of bias (ROBIS), but there is considerable overlap between the tools in terms of the signalling questions.

Methods

Three reviewers independently assessed 31 systematic reviews using both tools. The inter-rater reliability of all sub-sections using each instrument (AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS) was calculated using Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC1 for unweighted analysis and AC2 for weighted analysis).

Results

Thirty-one systematic reviews were included. For AMSTAR-2, the median agreement for all questions was 0.61. Eight of the 16 AMSTAR-2 questions had substantial agreement or higher (> 0.61). For ROBIS, the median agreement for all questions was also 0.61. Eleven of the 24 ROBIS questions had substantial agreement or higher.

Conclusion

ROBIS is an effective tool for assessing risk of bias in systematic reviews and AMSTAR-2 is an effective tool at assessing quality. The median agreement between raters for both tools was identical (0.61). Reviews that included a meta-analysis were easier to rate with ROBIS; however, further developmental work could improve its use in reviews without a formal synthesis. AMSTAR-2 was more straightforward to use; however, more response options would be beneficial.
Diatomaceous earth/zinc oxide micro-composite assisted antibiotics in fungal therapy
Authors: Liu Huifang , Qiao Zhen , Jang Yoon Ok , Kim Myoung Gyu , Zou Qingshuang , Lee Hyo Joo , Koo Bonhan , Kim Sung-Han , Yun Kyusik , Kim Hyun-Soo , Shin Yong
Published: October 2021

As the second wave of COVID-19 hits South Asia, an increasing deadly complication ‘fungal infections (such as Mycosis, Candida and Aspergillus) outbreak’ has been raised concern about the insufficient technologies and medicals for its diagnosis and therapy. Biosilica based nano-therapy can be used for therapeutic efficacy, yet their direct role as antibiotic agent with biocompatibility and stability remains unclear. Here, we report that a diatomaceous earth (DE) framework semiconductor composite conjugated DE and in-house synthesized zinc oxide (DE-ZnO), as an antibiotic agent for the enhancement of antibiotic efficacy and persistence. We found that the DE-ZnO composite had enhanced antibiotic activity against fungi (A. fumigatus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, S. enterica). The DE-ZnO composite provides enhancing large surface areas for enhancement of target pathogen binding affinity, as well as produces active ions including reactive oxygen species and metal ion for breaking the cellular network of fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the toxicity of DE-ZnO with 3 time less amount of dosage is 6 times lower than the commercial SiO2-ZnO. Finally, a synergistic effect of DE-ZnO and existing antifungal agents (Itraconazole and Amphotericin B) showed a better antifungal activity, which could be reduced the side effects due to the antifungal agents overdose, than a single antibiotic agent use. We envision that this DE-ZnO composite can be used to enhance antibiotic activity and its persistence, with less-toxicity, biocompatibility and high stability against fungi and Gram-negative bacteria which could be a valuable candidate in medical science and industrial engineering.
Increased risk of non-hematological cancer in young patients with aortic stenosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saliba Walid , Bental Tamir , Shapira Yaron , Schwartzenberg Shmuel , Sagie Alex , Vaturi Moti , Adawi Salim , Fuks Alexander , Aronheim Ami , Shiran Avinoam
Published: October 2021

Background

We have previously reported an increased risk for non-hematological malignancies in young patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis (AS). These findings were the result of a post-hoc analysis from a large echocardiography database and needed verification. Our aim was to determine, using a different study population, whether young patients with AS are at increased risk for cancer.

Methods

A large echocardiographic database was used to identify patients (age ≥ 20 years) with moderate or severe AS (study group) and patients without aortic stenosis (comparative group). The new occurrence of non-hematological malignancies was determined after the index date (first echo with moderate or severe AS or first recorded echo in the control group).

Results

The final study group included 7013 patients with AS and 98,884 without AS. During a median follow-up of 6.9 years (3.0–11.1) there were 10,705 new cases of non-hematological cancer. The crude incidence rate of cancer was higher in AS compared to non-AS patients (22.3 vs. 13.7 per 1000 patient-year, crude HR 1.58 (95%CI 1.46–1.71). After adjustment for relevant covariates, there was no difference between groups (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86–1.01). Only patients in the lowest age quartile (20–49.7 years), had an increased adjusted risk of cancer (HR 1.91, 95%CI 1.08–3.39). The HR for the risk of cancer associated with AS was inversely proportional to age (P < 0.001 for the interaction between AS and age).

Conclusions

Young patients with moderate or severe AS may have an increased risk for cancer. Cancer surveillance should be considered for young patients with AS.
Validity of serum leukotriene B4 as a marker of decompensated liver cirrhosis in chronic HCV patients: leukotriene B4 in decompensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: El-Shayeb Ayman , El-Mallah Sawsan , Deghady Akram , El-Hewely Samar , Elwazzan Doaa
Published: October 2021

Background

Liver cirrhosis is divided into two stages: compensated stage and another advanced stage which includes both decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. The immune system is of major importance in cirrhosis pathophysiology. Sustained bacterial translocation from the intestine to systemic circulation causes a chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome. Inflammatory markers are emerging in the scope of cirrhosis and its complications due to their deleterious effects on disease progression and prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the value of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) as a marker of decompensated cirrhosis and to evaluate its relation to disease progression and complications.

Results

The current study was conducted on 80 candidates in the Alexandria Main University Hospital, Tropical Medicine Department; they were categorized into three groups: group I (n = 30) compensated cirrhotic patients, group II (n = 30) decompensated cirrhotic patients, and group III (n = 20) apparently healthy individuals. Serum LTB4 was measured by ELISA. LTB4 showed statistically significant higher values in the decompensated group than the compensated group (p = 0.007) and the control group (p = 0.002). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the compensated group and the controls (p = 0.510). LTB4 correlated positively with the Child-Pugh score (p = 0.003). Moreover, it correlated positively with the MELD-Na score (p = 0.012). There was a significant correlation between the degree of ascites and serum LTB4 (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between hepatic encephalopathy and LTB4 (P > 0.204).

Conclusion

Serum LTB4 could be used as a sensitive biomarker of decompensation in cirrhotic patients.
Demoulding process assessment of elastomers in micro-textured moulds
Authors: Liarte Elias , Zambrano Valentina , A. Gracia Leticia , Amor José Ignacio , Borro Marcos , Hernández-Gascón Belén
Published: October 2021

Background: Micro-texturing is an increasingly used technique that aims at improving the functional behaviour of components during their useful life, and it is applied in different industrial manufacturing processes for different purposes, such as reducing friction on dynamic rubber seals for pneumatic equipment, among others. Micro-texturing is produced on polymer components by transfer from the mould and might critically increase the adhesion and friction between the moulded rubber part with the mould, provoking issues during demoulding, both on the mould itself and on the rubber part. The mould design, the coating release agent applied to the mould surface, and the operational parameters of the moulding/demoulding process, are fundamental aspects to avoid problems and guarantee a correct texture transfer during the demoulding process.

Methods: In this work, the lack of knowledge about demoulding processes was addressed with an in-house test rig and a robust experimental procedure to measure demoulding forces (DFs) as well as the final quality of the moulded part, between thermoset polymers and moulds. After the characterization of several Sol-Gel coating formulations (inorganic; hybrid) the influence of several parameters was analysed experimentally, i.e.: Sol-Gel efficiency, texture effects, pattern geometry, roughness and material compound.

Results: The results obtained from the experimental studies revealed that texture depth is the most critical geometrical parameter, showing high scatter among the selected compounds. Finally, the experimental results were used to compute a model through reduced order modelling (ROM) technique for the prediction of DFs.

Conclusions: The characterization of DFs in a laboratory, with a specific device operated by a universal testing machine (UTM), provided valuable information that allows a fast and optimized introduction of texturing in rubber components. Selection of a novel Sol-Gel coating and the use of the ROM technique contributed to speed up implementation for mass production.
The genome sequence of the common toad, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Streicher Jeffrey W. ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2021

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Bufo bufo (the common toad; Chordata; Amphibia; Anura; Bufonidae). The genome sequence is 5.04 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly (99.1%) is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Gene annotation of this assembly by the NCBI Eukaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline has identified 21,517 protein coding genes.
Accounting narratives and disclosures in reporting the case of Letters from the Management Board Presidents of selected companies in the light of narrative economics
Authors: Bąk Melania
Published: October 2021

Motivation: At the initial stage of accounting evolution it was considered an economic science, closely related to the activities performed by economic entities in economic conditions. Therefore, narratives in economics should be considered a determinant for the development of narratives in accounting. The indication of narrative economics as a reference point for narration in accounting supplements the research gap, since nowadays narratives in accounting are most often interpreted as the narratives prepared by companies and addressed to the potential stakeholders in the context of achieving specific goals by the management board and company executives.

Aim: The purpose of the article is to address the phenomenon of narrative accounting in the light of narrative economics and the evolution of reporting targeting non-financial information.

Results: Economic narratives facilitate the understanding of numbers, extend and supplement financial information and allow for the interpretation of economic processes. The narratives coming from economics are processed and disclosed in accounting. They are an indispensable attribute of modern accounting as well as its narration. Reporting is an important instrument allowing narration in accounting (primarily non-financial reporting). The research confirms: positive messages included in the analysed Letters from Management Board Presidents; references in the text to economic factors and the characteristic financial and social activities in specific companies; indication of the key words in the text, among which the dominant ones are those with a positive overtone and also the ones relating to non-material resources; creating narrative reporting in order to develop and strengthen relationships with potential stakeholders.
Systemic transformation in Poland and Eastern Germany: two versions of the Social Market Economy?
Authors: Kamińska Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Motivation: The process of systemic transformation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland and Eastern Germany, which began in the early 1990s, can be described as a unique event in the entire economic history of the world. Therefore, in a situation where it was necessary to decide on the model and pace of stabilization, it was difficult to refer to the experience of other countries. The 30 years that have passed since the beginning of the systemic transformation in Poland and East Germany have been a convenient time to assess the course of the transformation process, the changes that have taken place in these economies, and describe the economic models that have shaped them. The reason for this lies in the importance of this subject and the consequences which the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland and East Germany, continue to face. Parts of this paper were written as part of Statutory Research at the College of World Economy of the Warsaw School of Economics in 2020, 30 years after the system transformation: lessons and current challenges for the economy in Germany and Poland.

Aim: The article aims to compare the course and consequences of the systemic transformation in Poland and East Germany, highlight subconsciousness and differences, and determine to what extent the shape of the economic system meets the assumptions of the Social Market Economy.

Results: The primary added value of the article is a comparative analysis of the Polish and East German systemic transformation from the perspective of 30 years from its beginning, its successes and failures and a reference to the assumptions of the social market economy, as well as an attempt to answer the question about the contemporary characteristics of both economies.
The structure of gig workers in the global online gig economy by country of origin and its institutional foundations
Authors: Ostoj Izabela
Published: October 2021

Motivation: The online gig economy, where labour is provided via specialized digital platforms, is an important element of the platform economy. This market is developing on a global scale. The structure of supply in the online gig economy and the reasons for the domination of gig workers from specific countries are still the areas remaining relatively under-researched.

Aim: The article aims to examine the supply side of the online gig economy based on the country of origin of gig workers, as well as to explain the reasons why gig workers from specific countries have dominated the sector.

Results: The analysis of the data from the Oxford Internet Institute proved that the supply of online labour services in the global market is dominated by three Asian countries — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh — as well as the USA and the United Kingdom. The preliminary investigation into the determinants of the supply of labour services indicates that the countries under research have developed favorable institutional conditions, such as the universal knowledge of the English language, the right proportion of Internet users to the population size, the large informal sector, and considerable labour freedom.
The role of patents in cartel stability
Authors: Prokop Jacek
Published: October 2021

Motivation: Oligopolistic firms entering a collusive agreement often face the prisoner dilemma problem which makes such agreements inherently unstable. There has been a wide discussion in the literature on a variety of solutions to stabilize cartel arrangements. Only recently, it has been pointed out that patents could play an important role in cartel creation and functioning. However, there is a need for a formal modelling to better understand the role of patents in market competition.

Aim: In this paper, we consider the impact of patent rights on the competition of duopolists in the final product market. We assess the incentives of firms holding essential patents to create a cartel. Our main objective is to investigate the role of patents in cartel stability.

Results: Using game-theoretical approach, we show that it is beneficial for the patent-holding duoplists to form a cartel. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the existence of patents may help eliminate the prisoner dilemma problem faced by the participants of collusive agreement and significantly contribute to cartel stability. These conclusions suggest that patents may play an important role in restricting market competition.
Theatre efficiency in COVID-19 pandemic conditions: The collaborative experience of four level 1 major trauma centres in the UK
Authors: Jeyaseelan Lucky , Sedgwick Philip , El-Daly Ibraheim , Tahmassebi Ramon , Pearse Michael , Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Trompeter Alex J. , Bates Peter ,   On behalf of London Major Trauma Collaborative
Published: October 2021

Aims

As the world continues to fight successive waves of COVID-19 variants, we have seen worldwide infections surpass 100 million. London, UK, has been severely affected throughout the pandemic, and the resulting impact on the NHS has been profound. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on theatre productivity across London’s four major trauma centres (MTCs), and to assess how the changes to normal protocols and working patterns impacted trauma theatre efficiency.

Methods

This was a collaborative study across London’s MTCs. A two-month period was selected from 5 March to 5 May 2020. The same two-month period in 2019 was used to provide baseline data for comparison. Demographic information was collected, as well as surgical speciality, procedure, time to surgery, type of anaesthesia, and various time points throughout the patient journey to theatre.

Results

In total, 1,243 theatre visits were analyzed as part of the study. Of these, 834 patients presented in 2019 and 409 in 2020. Fewer open reduction and internal fixations were performed in 2020 (33.5% vs 38.2%), and there was an increase in the number of orthoplastic cases in 2020 (8.3% vs 2.2%), both statistically significant results (p < 0.000). There was a statistically significant increase in median time from 2019 to 2020, between sending for a patient and their arrival to the anaesthetic room (29 vs 35 minutes; p = 0.000). Median time between arrival in the anaesthetic room and commencement of anaesthetic increased (7 to 9 minutes; p = 0.104).

Conclusion

Changes in working practices necessitated by COVID-19 led to modest delays to all aspects of theatre use, and consequently theatre efficiency. However, the reality is that the major concerns of impact of service did not occur to the levels that were expected. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):886–892.
Diseño de un instrumento observacional de base neurocientífica para el análisis del juego libre infantil: ObPlay 9-36m
Authors: Prat Moratonas Montserrat , Anglès Virgili Núria , Geis Balagué Àngels , Vendrell Mañós Roser
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. Los conocimientos actuales en neurociencia indican que el desarrollo del cerebro tiene lugar a lo largo de toda la vida, pero hay periodos sensibles en los que las sinapsis neuronales condicionan la formación de la estructura cerebral. Dichas sinapsis se producen, en gran parte, gracias a estímulos externos. Entre estos periodos sensibles destaca la primera infancia. MÉTODO. El objetivo del manuscrito es presentar el diseño y la validación de un instrumento observacional del juego libre infantil, denominado ObPlay 9-36m. El instrumento permite aportar evidencias, desde una perspectiva neuroeducativa, de la importancia del juego libre en el desarrollo integral del niño. El instrumento se ha diseñado a partir del análisis de la conducta infantil y de los conocimientos aportados por la neurociencia, la psicología y la educación. RESULTADOS. Se presenta el instrumento ObPlay 9-36m de análisis del juego libre infantil en niños y niñas de 9 a 36 meses. Su proceso de elaboración ha concluido al comprobar la validez del instrumento y la fiabilidad mediante un acuerdo interjueces con la aplicación del coeficiente Kappa. El instrumento está conformado por los siguientes criterios: (1) observación, (2) motricidad, (3) exploración, (4) conocimientos lógico-matemático y espaciotemporal, (5) símbolo, (6) lenguaje y verbalización, (7) emocional y (8) social. Para su concreción se sigue un proceso inductivo a partir de la observación exploratoria de situaciones de juego ad hoc para este estudio. La aplicación del instrumento permite realizar diferentes tipologías de análisis, mostrar el desarrollo de los niños y dotar de significación al juego libre como espacio de aprendizaje. DISCUSIÓN. El instrumento ObPlay 9-36m evidencia la activación simultánea de diferentes áreas del cerebro durante la conducta infantil y el consecuente aprendizaje, como beneficio en el desarrollo integral. El uso de instrumentos de observación favorece la práctica educativa y la investigación. Esta línea de trabajo facilita la investigación-acción, partiendo de la observación de la realidad educativa y planteando nuevas propuestas de mejora de la práctica profesional.
Layout optimization for flexographically printed optical networks
Authors: Pflieger Keno , Reitz Birger , Hoffmann Gerd-Albert , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: October 2021

Optical networks can carry significantly higher data rates than their equivalent electrical systems. Because of their unique properties and constraints, optical networks have their own design rules. In this paper, an algorithm for the optimization of optical networks is presented. In addition, an optimized optical decimal–binary converter is flexographically manufactured and examined for its transmission properties. It is verified that optimization can minimize attenuation by several orders of magnitude, and points of high optical losses can also be predicted and adjusted.
In vivo fluorescence molecular imaging of the vascular endothelial growth factor in rats with early diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Zhang Lu , Ding Yunhe , Chen Xinjian , Xiang Dehui , Shi Fei , Chen Yanyun , Yan Shenshen , Zhang Xinyuan , Tian Jie , Sivaprasad Sobha , Du Yang , Yang Zhi , Tian Bei
Published: October 2021

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is effective for reducing the severity level of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, it is difficult to determine the in vivo spatial and temporal expression of VEGF in the DR retina at an early stage. Here, we report a quantitatively fluorescence molecular imaging and image analysis method by creating a VEGF targeted fluorescence imaging probe, which can potentially detect and predict anti-VEGF treatment response. Moreover, the ex vivo multiscale fluorescence imaging demonstrated the spatial correlation between VEGF relative expression and vascular abnormalities in two and three dimensions. It revealed that VEGF was mainly abnormally expressed at the bifurcation of the microvessels, which advances the knowledge of the DR progression by molecular fluorescence imaging. Our study has the potential to achieve early detection of DR disease, provide more insight into understanding anti-VEGF treatment, and may help stratify patients based on the molecular imaging of retinal VEGF.
Nd3+ doped multi-component phosphate glass multi-material fiber for a 1.05 μm laser
Authors: Tang Guowu , Yang Dongliang , Huang Wenhua , Kuang Ludong , Lin Wei , Zhang Yingtao , Zhang Fangteng , Nie Zhaogang , Chen Dongdan , Qian Qi , Yang Zhongmin
Published: October 2021

Nd3+ doped multi-component phosphate glass was prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method. The absorption spectrum, emission spectrum, and fluorescence lifetime of the prepared glass were measured. Based on the absorption spectrum, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters, spectroscopic quality factor, absorption and emission cross-sections, and figure of merit were calculated and analyzed. What is more, multi-material fibers with Nd3+ doped multi-component phosphate glass core and silicate glass cladding were successfully drawn by using the molten core method. The Nd3+ doping concentration reaches as high as 3.82 × 1020 ions/cm3 (3.86 wt.%). More importantly, 1.05 μm amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) was realized in a 4-cm-long as-drawn multi-material fiber when pumped by an 808 nm laser diode (LD). These results suggest that the Nd3+ doped multi-component phosphate glass multi-material fibers are promising gain material for 1.05 μm fiber laser applications.
Uniaxial microscale 3D surface shape measurement based on π phase-shifting method
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Cheng Ke , Lu Yongyi , Zhao Xu , Li Min , Gan Yaowei , Dai Xianglin , Zhong Min
Published: October 2021

In this paper, π phase-shifting method is proposed in the uniaxial microscopic 3D profilometry. Specifically, the π phase-shifting method uses two fringes with a phase difference of π, whose subtraction can effectively eliminate the background information and provide a more accurate modulation distribution. Compared with the ten-step phase-shifting method (PSM) and the Fourier transform method (FTM), with only one-fifth of the data acquisition of PSM, the proposed method (PM) can achieve almost the same measurement accuracy as that, but has higher measurement accuracy than FTM.
Evaluating Surveillance for and Estimating Administration of Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis in the United States, 2012–2018
Authors: Whitehouse Erin R. , Person Marissa K. , Brown Catherine M. , Slavinski Sally , Rao Agam K. , Blanton Jesse D.
Published: October 2021

Background

An evaluation of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) surveillance has not been conducted in over 10 years in the United States. An accurate assessment would be important to understand current rabies trends and inform public health preparedness and response to human rabies.

Methodology/Principle findings

To understand PEP surveillance, we sent a survey to public health leads for rabies in 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. Of leads from 54 jurisdictions, 39 (72%) responded to the survey; 12 reported having PEP-specific surveillance, five had animal bite surveillance that included data about PEP, four had animal bite surveillance without data about PEP, and 18 (46%) had neither. Although 12 jurisdictions provided data about PEP use, poor data quality and lack of national representativeness prevented use of this data to derive a national-level PEP estimate.

We used national-level and state specific data from the Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project (HCUP) to estimate the number of people who received PEP based on emergency department (ED) visits. The estimated annual average of initial ED visits for PEP administration during 2012–2017 in the United States was 46,814 (SE: 1,697), costing upwards of 165 million USD. State-level ED data for initial visits for administration of PEP for rabies exposure using HCUP data was compared to state-level surveillance data from Maryland, Vermont, and Georgia between 2012–2017. In all states, state-level surveillance data was consistently lower than estimates of initial ED visits, suggesting even states with robust PEP surveillance may not adequately capture individuals who receive PEP.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that making PEP a nationally reportable condition may not be feasible. Other methods of tracking administration of PEP such as syndromic surveillance or identification of sentinel states should be considered to obtain an accurate assessment.
Disease-associated variants of Gap Junction Beta 2 protein (GJB2) in the deaf population of Southern Punjab of Pakistan
Authors: Kausar Nabila , Haque Asma , Masoud Muhammad Shareef , Nahid Nazia , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Waryah Ali Muhammad , Bhatti Rashid , Qasim Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Hearing impairment (HI) is a highly heterogeneous genetic disorder and is classified into nonsyndromic (without any other clinical manifestations) and syndromic (if combined with other clinical presentations) forms. Variations in GJB2 gene are the leading cause of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) in several populations worldwide. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of GJB2 variations in severe-to-profound hearing impaired families of Southern Punjab of Pakistan. Ten families segregating ARNSHL were recruited from different areas of the region. Sanger sequencing of GJB2 coding region was carried out. In two out of ten families, NM_004004:c.*71G>A (p.(Trp24*)) and NM_004004:c.358_360del (p.(Glu120del)) homozygous variants were identified as the cause of hearing loss. Our study showed that GJB2-related hearing loss accounts for at least 20% of all cases with severe-to-profound hearing loss in the Southern Punjab population of Pakistan.
Treatment of Girolando cattle dermatophilosis using a combination of different plant extracts in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
Authors: Adoligbe Camus , Gangbe Ricoland , Adinci Justin , Mantip Samuel , Farougou Souaïbou
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim: Dermatophilosis is a bacterial infection of the skin of animals. It is prevalent worldwide and is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. The study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of different mixtures prepared with indigenous phytogenetic extracts from Benin in the management and treatment of Girolando cattle that showed high sensitivity to the disease compared to any other known cattle breed in Benin.

Materials and Methods: Consequently, two types of extract mixtures (extract mixture 1=Elaeis guineensis kernel oil + essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum + sap of Jatropha multifidi; extract mixture 2= O. gratissimum + sap extract of J. multifida) of 20% concentration were prepared and tested on eight Girolando cattle. Two different parts of the affected skin with acute lesions of dermatophilosis were debrided, and 0.5 mL of each of the extract mixture was applied per square centimeter of a single zone of the affected skin.

Results: Both extracts mixtures were found to possess significant wound healing properties compared to the control (procaine G penicillin). However, the extract mixture 1, which was made up of Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, essential oil of O. gratissimum and sap of J. multifida (Linn), showed a better result. This was evident by increase in the rate of wound contraction and healing without recurrence 2 weeks after the end of the experiment and the subsequent immediate manifestation of hair or hair growth at the affected area.

Conclusion: The preliminary findings of this study are very promising. Extract mixture 1 could serve as an alternative in the treatment or management of bovine dermatophilosis in Benin and other dermatophilosis endemic areas of the world. However, in vitro testing and sensitivity against isolated D. congolensis organism using extract mixture 1 as well as cost implications should be studied.
THE TREVISO DEMENTIA (TREDEM) STUDY: A BIOMEDICAL, NEURORADIOLOGICAL, NEUROPSYChOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL INVESTIGATION OF DEMENTIA IN NORTH-EASTERN ITALY
Authors: Saraggi D. , Gallucci, M. , Mariotti E. , Stecca T. , Oddo M.G. , Bergamelli C. , Boldrini P. , Mazzuco S. , Ongaro F. , Mecocci P. , Di Paola F. , Bendini M. , Forloni G.L. , Albani D. , Antuono P. , Caberlotto L. , Zanardo A. , Siculi M. , Gajo G.B. , Durante E. , Buscato G.
Published: October 2021

The incidence of dementia increases exponentially with age but knowledge of real disease-modifying interventions is still limited. Objectives: To describe the study design and methods of a large prospective cohort study aimed at exploring the complex underlying relationships existing among cognition, frailty, and health-related events in older persons with cognitive impairment. Design: Prospective cohort study of a representative population of outpatients attending the Treviso Cognitive Impairment Center between 2000 and 2010. Setting: The TREVISO DEMENTIA (TREDEM) Study conducted in Treviso, Italy. Participants: 490 men and 874 women, mean age 79.1 ± 7.8 years (range 40.2–100 years). Measurements: Physiological data, biochemical parameters, clinical conditions, neuroradiological parameters (e.g., brain atrophy and cerebral vascular lesions identified by computerized tomography scans), neuropsychological assessment, and physical function markers were measured at baseline. Patients were followed-up to 10 years. Results: The final sample included in the study was predominantly composed of women and characterized by an initial physical function impairment and increased vascular risk profile. Cognitive function of the sample population showed moderate cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination 20.2 ± 6.3; Clinical Dementia Rating 1.2 ± 0.7), and a prevalence of vascular dementia of 26.9%. Cortical, subcortical and hippocampus atrophy were all significantly correlated with age and cognitive function. Conclusion: Results obtained from the preliminary analyses conducted in the TREDEM study suggest that the database will support the accomplishment of important goals in understanding the nature of cognitive frailty and neurodegenerative diseases.
Вторая начально-краевая задача с интегральным смещением для гиперболических и параболических уравнений второго порядка
Authors: Кожанов Александр Иванович , Kozhanov Alexander Ivanovich , Дюжева Александра Владимировна , Dyuzheva Alexandra Vladimirovna
Published: October 2021

Изучается разрешимость некоторых нелокальных аналогов второй начально-краевой задачи для многомерных гиперболических и параболического уравнений второго порядка. Доказываются теоремы существования и единственности регулярных (имеющих все суммируемые с квадратом обобщенные по С. Л. Соболеву производные, входящие в уравнение) решений. Приводятся также некоторые обобщения и усиления полученных результатов.
Об определяющих псевдоскалярах гемитропных микрополярных сред в инверсных координатных системах
Authors: Мурашкин Евгений Валерьевич , Murashkin Eugenii Valeryevich , Радаев Юрий Николаевич , Radayev Yuri Nikolaevich
Published: October 2021

Обсуждаются определяющие псевдоскаляры, связанные с теорией гемитропного микрополярного континуума. Приводятся основные понятия алгебры псевдотензоров. Определяется псевдотензорная форма гемитропного микрополярного упругого потенциала, основанная на 9 определяющих псевдоскалярах (из них 3 псевдоскаляра и 6 абсолютных скаляров). Вычисляются веса определяющих псевдоскаляров. С помощью фундаментального ориентирующего псевдоскаляра веса \(+1\) формулируются правила преобразования определяющих псевдоскаляров. Выводятся определяющие уравнения гемитропного микрополярного упругого континуума. Обсуждаются уравнения динамики гемитропного микрополярного континуума в терминах псевдотензоров в право- и левоориентированных декартовых системах координат. Показано наличие инверсных мод наряду с прямыми при распространении волн по гемитропному микрополярному континууму.
Численное моделирование процесса ползучести титанового сплава ВТ6 при многоосном напряженном состоянии с учетом влияния агрессивной среды
Authors: Игумнов Леонид Александрович , Igumnov Leonid Aleksandrovich , Волков Иван Андреевич , Volkov Ivan Andreevich , Казаков Дмитрий Александрович , Kazakov Dmitriy Aleksandrovich , Шишулин Денис Николаевич , Shishulin Denis Nikolaevich , Модин Иван Александрович , Modin Ivan Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2021

Рассматривается проблема оценки прочности и ресурса ответственных инженерных
объектов, условия эксплуатации которых характеризуются высокотемпературными
нестационарными термомеханическими воздействиями, приводящими к деградации
начальных прочностных свойств конструкционных материалов (металлов и их
сплавов) по механизму длительной прочности.
С позиции механики поврежденной среды развита математическая модель,
описывающая кинетику напряженно-деформированного состояния и накопления
повреждений при деградации материала по механизму длительной прочности в условиях сложного многоосного напряженного состояния.
Предложена экспериментально-теоретическая методика нахождения материальных
параметров и скалярных функций определяющих соотношений механики
поврежденной среды по результатам специально поставленных экспериментов на
лабораторных образцах.
Приводятся результаты экспериментальных исследований и численного
моделирования процесса кратковременной высокотемпературной ползучести
титанового сплава ВТ6 при одноосных и многоосных напряженных состояниях.
Численные результаты сравниваются с данными натурных экспериментов. Особое
внимание уделяется вопросам моделирования процесса нестационарной ползучести
для сложных режимов деформирования, сопровождающихся вращением главных
площадок тензоров напряжений, деформаций и деформаций ползучести с учетом
воздействия агрессивной среды, которая имитируется путем предварительного
наводораживания лабораторных образцов до различной концентрации водорода по
массе.
Показано, что развитый вариант определяющих соотношений механики
поврежденной среды позволяет с достаточной для инженерных расчетов точностью
описывать процессы нестационарной ползучести и длительной прочности
конструкционных сплавов при многоосных напряженных состояниях с учетом
воздействия агрессивной среды (водородной коррозии).
Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Potential of Parijoto (Medinilla speciosa (Reinw ex BL)) Fruit Fractions on HeLa Cell Line
Authors: Winanta Aji , Hanik Linta Sabila , Febriansah Rifki
Published: October 2021

Parijoto (Medinilla speciosa (Reinw ex BL)) is one of the Indonesian indigenous plants widely used as traditional medicine. A previous study showed that ethanol and methanol extracts of Parijoto fruit could inhibit T47D breast cancer cells. This study explores the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Parijoto fruit extract and fractions on HeLa cell line. The fruits were extracted using ethanol 70% and fractionated by hexane and ethyl acetate. Furthermore, the fraction was analyzed for secondary phytochemical metabolite content using thin-layer chromatography and staining reagents. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were determined using the DPPH scavenging assay and the MTT assay, respectively. The ethanol extract and fraction contained flavonoid and tannin compounds. Ethanol extract, ethanol fraction, and ethyl acetate fraction of Parijoto fruit had an antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 77.3, 88.64, and 46.61 μg/mL, respectively. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest activity on HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 45.57 μg/mL compared to ethanol extract, ethanol fraction and n-hexane fraction with an IC50 value of 233.43, 700.75, and 534.30 μg/mL, respectively. Based on these results, the ethyl acetate fraction of Parijoto fruit had the potency to be explored further to elucidate their cytotoxicity mechanism in HeLa cells.Keywords: antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, Medinilla speciosa, Parijoto fruit fractions.