bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic Analysis of Cycloidal Propulsors
Authors: Brockett Terry
Published: March 2022

A phenomenological description of the flow about, and performance of, cycloidal propulsors is extracted from the available literature. An approximate three-dimensional analysis, employing elements of a lifting-line model and an actuator-disk model, is assembled to predict the hydrodynamic loads on an arbitrary-geometry cycloidal propulsor. Both local blade-oriented and total circumferentially-averaged thrust and torque loads are computed·. Comparisons with experimental data and other analysis procedures show that the numerical implementation is generally adequate for preliminary design. Cavitation-inception properties of the blade sections are determined and an empirical prediction of tip-vortex cavitation inception is included. Noise levels are estimated for operation with extensive cavitation on the blade. Several blade-pitch motions are evaluated and it is found that various forms of modified cycloidal pitch control are advantageous for increased thrust from a given unit with little change in hydrodynamic efficiency or cavitation onset. Suggestions are given for future work.
Computational Approximations for Ducted Propellers
Authors: Brown Jennifer B. , Greeley David S.
Published: March 2022

Several computational approximations for the hydrodynamic design and analysis of ducted propellers are developed, with the objective of capturing the important flow physics of ducted units within computer codes suitable for preliminary design use. Applications to both steady and unsteady flow are presented.
Facing the transformation and upgrading of regional economy, build a multi-disciplinary cross-integration innovative talent training system ——Taking the School of Mechanical Engineering of Sichuan University of Light Chemical Industry as an example
Authors: LI Xuan , HUANG Bo , LI Xiulan , LAI Sheng
Published: March 2022

With the implementation of the innovation development strategy in our country, rapid development of new economy that characterized by new technology, new format, new industry and new mode, has made new requirements to the talent raining systems of the colleges and universities in our country. To meet the requirement of national and regional economic transformation and development, the school of mechanical engineering of Sichuan University of science and technology integrated superior resources and adopts a series of reform measures, such as improving the innovative talent training mode of interdisciplinary integration, constructing the interdisciplinary professional curriculum system and practical curriculum system, establishing the collaborative education system of industry education integration, and improving the teaching management and quality assurance system, ect., to reconstitute an innovative talent training system characterized by high-end equipment and interdisciplinary integration of energy conservation and environmental protection, food machinery, materials, environment, etc., which provides intellectual guarantee and talent support for the development of regional economy and industry.
Legal Identification of Parent-Child Relationship between Lesbian Partners From the Perspective of Using Human Assisted Reproductive Technology to Procreate Children
Authors: JIN Leyi
Published: March 2022

With the innovation and development of assisted reproductive technology, it is possible for same-sex partners to have their children. More and more same-sex partners choose to have their children through assisted reproductive technology. However, China’s legislation on assisted reproductive technology is not perfect, and the reproductive rights of same-sex partners cannot be guaranteed. This paper selects the related issues of lesbian partners with assisted reproductive technology to have children, through literature research, case analysis, comparative research and other methods, based on the legitimacy of the reproductive rights of lesbian partners, to explore the feasibility of parent-child relationship legal identification of lesbian partners. In order to protect the interests of lesbian partners and their children born through human assisted reproductive technology, the corresponding legal recognition model of parent-child relationship should be constructed.
Screening of stable resistant accessions and identification of resistance loci to Barley yellow mosaic virus disease
Authors: Pan Yuhan , Zhu Juan , Hong Yi , Zhang Mengna , Lv Chao , Guo Baojian , Shen Huiquan , Xu Xiao , Xu Rugen
Published: March 2022

Background

The disease caused by Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) infection is a serious threat to autumn-sown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production in Europe, East Asia and Iran. Due to the rapid diversification of BaYMV strains, it is urgent to discover novel germplasm and genes to assist breeding new varieties with resistance to different BaYMV strains, thus minimizing the effect of BaYMV disease on barley cropping.

Methods

A natural population consisting of 181 barley accessions with different levels of resistance to BaYMV disease was selected for field resistance identification in two separate locations (Yangzhou and Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China). Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis was used to identify accessions with stable resistance. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BaYMV disease resistance was broadly performed by combining both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and specific molecular markers associated with the reported BaYMV disease resistance genes. Furthermore, the viral protein genome linked (VPg) sequences of the virus were amplified and analyzed to assess the differences between the BaYMV strains sourced from the different experimental sites.

Results

Seven barley accessions with lower standardized Area Under the Disease Progress Steps (sAUDPS) index in every environment were identified and shown to have stable resistance to BaYMV disease in each assessed location. Apart from the reported BaYMV disease resistance genes rym4 and rym5, one novel resistance locus explaining 24.21% of the phenotypic variation was identified at the Yangzhou testing site, while two other novel resistance loci that contributed 19.23% and 19.79% of the phenotypic variation were identified at the Yancheng testing site, respectively. Further analysis regarding the difference in the VPg sequence of the predominant strain of BaYMV collected from these two testing sites may explain the difference of resistance loci differentially identified under geographically distinct regions. Our research provides novel genetic resources and resistance loci for breeding barley varieties for BaMYV disease resistance.
Positively selected genes in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage: prominence of thymus expression, immune and metabolic function, and regions of ancient synteny
Authors: Cornman Robert S. , Cryan Paul M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Bats of the genus Lasiurus occur throughout the Americas and have diversified into at least 20 species among three subgenera. The hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) is highly migratory and ranges farther across North America than any other wild mammal. Despite the ecological importance of this species as a major insect predator, and the particular susceptibility of lasiurine bats to wind turbine strikes, our understanding of hoary bat ecology, physiology, and behavior remains poor.

Methods

To better understand adaptive evolution in this lineage, we used whole-genome sequencing to identify protein-coding sequence and explore signatures of positive selection. Gene models were predicted with Maker and compared to seven well-annotated and phylogenetically representative species. Evolutionary rate analysis was performed with PAML.

Results

Of 9,447 single-copy orthologous groups that met evaluation criteria, 150 genes had a significant excess of nonsynonymous substitutions along the L. cinereus branch (P < 0.001 after manual review of alignments). Selected genes as a group had biased expression, most strongly in thymus tissue. We identified 23 selected genes with reported immune functions as well as a divergent paralog of Steep1 within suborder Yangochiroptera. Seventeen genes had roles in lipid and glucose metabolic pathways, partially overlapping with 15 mitochondrion-associated genes; these adaptations may reflect the metabolic challenges of hibernation, long-distance migration, and seasonal variation in prey abundance. The genomic distribution of positively selected genes differed significantly from background expectation by discrete Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (P < 0.001). Remarkably, the top three physical clusters all coincided with islands of conserved synteny predating Mammalia, the largest of which shares synteny with the human cat-eye critical region (CECR) on 22q11. This observation coupled with the expansion of a novel Tbx1-like gene family may indicate evolutionary innovation during pharyngeal arch development: both the CECR and Tbx1 cause dosage-dependent congenital abnormalities in thymus, heart, and head, and craniodysmorphy is associated with human orthologs of other positively selected genes as well.
Effect of Microbial Inoculant on Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Cassava Fermentation Process and Fufu Produced
Authors: Agbor Evelyn A. , B. Tiku Pamela , Hermann M. Desire
Published: March 2022

Aim: The effects of adding a microbiological inoculant on the physicochemical and microbiological properties during the fermentation process of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and on the sensory characteristics of the fufu produced using a local Bambili cassava variety were examined.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Design was applied for this study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out at the Food Technology and Post-Harvest Programme Laboratory (FTPHL) of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Bambui, North West Region of Cameroon, between January and April 2020.

Methodology: Cassava was soaked in water and three treatments: 0%, 1% and 4% Light Matrix Organics (LMO) added to the water. The fixed submerged fermentation was used. Water samples were randomly collected daily and analysed for pH, temperature, Titratable Acidity (TA) and microbial counts. The experiment was carried out in triplicates, varying temperature each time (35oC in trial 1, 32oC in trial 2 and 21oC in trial 3). Sensory evaluation was carried out on the fufu produced.

Results: Temperature, pH, TA and microbial counts followed the same trend in all 3 treatments. TA increased from 0.01-0.15%, while pH decreased from 6.9-4.85. Temperature increased then dropped at the end of the experiment. Total bacterial counts increased from log10 (3.49) to log10 (6.9) CFUml-1. Yeasts and moulds increased from log10 (7.15) CFUml-1 and then dropped to log10 (5.48) CFUml-1 at the end of the experiment. Coliforms decreased from log10 (4.66) CFUml-1 to log10 (3.30) CFUml-1. The above parameters did not vary significantly (p<0.05) within treatments. Also, soaking temperature affected the duration of fermentation, hence the finished product. The natural fermentation process was preferred for colour, taste and flavour while the 1% LMO sample was preferred for texture.

Conclusion: Under good hygienic conditions; water fufu produced by natural fermentation will be of good quality for consumption.
Population Status, Feeding Behaviour and Habitat Preference of Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Surrounding Vegetation of Cross River University Technology, Obubra Campus
Authors: Ovat O. I. , Edet D. I. , Iwara I. O.
Published: March 2022

The population status, feeding behaviour and habitat preference of the helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) were investigated in this research. The period of carrying out the research comprised from january to october, of 2021. The line transect method was used to collect data on the population status of the species. The quadrate vegetation sampling method was used to investigate the preferred habitat. Data generated from the research were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while results were compared using chi-square (X2) test, one way Analysis of Variance and t-test. The average number Numida meleagris in the study area was 434 and 293 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The most important daytime activities of the species were feeding, resting, scanning and running. The observed population differ significantly across sectors during the wet and dry seasons (X2 = 8.00, p = 0.03). The relationship between allocated time to each activity and time of the day was greatly significant (X2= 4.04, p = .001). The number of individuals was 3.0±4.0 and 5.0±0.2 individuals/km2 during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The importance value index (IVI) for Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Elaeis guineensis were 24.41, 20.39, and 18.17, representing the dominant plant species in the study area. Human disturbance was responsible for loss of habitat, nesting and foraging sites. Protection of the habitat against exploitation will reduce poaching habitat destruction, and restore its nesting sites, thereby increasing its population.
Influence of Leadership Styles on Quality Health Service Delivery at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital Zanzibar
Authors: Ganuga Aisha Mwinyi , Muhammed Rukayya W.
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of transformational, transactional and democratic leadership styles on quality health service delivery at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar. Bearing the importance of quality health service there is no doubt that leadership style could be integral in offering quality health service. Despite the efforts done to improve health service delivery, Zanzibar has not optimally achieved quality health service delivery. The study used transformational, transactional and democratic leadership styles to assess their influence on quality health service delivery. Cross-sectional research design which involved quantitative research approach was used. The quantitative analysis included mean, standard deviation and multiple linear regressions. A sample size of 317 was determined using stratified Sampling method. Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, (MLQ) was used to collect data. The results found that transformational, transactional and democratic leadership styles impacted quality of health service delivery with 37.3%, 25.7% and 21.8% respectively. The study recommended the management of Mnazi Mmoja to put effort in practicing all aspects of transformational, transactional and democratic leadership styles in order to enhance delivery of quality health services.
Patterns of Social Support and Multiple Roles on the Psychological Wellbing of Working-Class Women
Authors: Aidoo Ernestina , Kwakye Isaac Nyarko
Published: March 2022

Aim: The multiple roles of working women are impacting their psychological wellbeing. What is difficult to determine is if this impact is negative or positive. The objectives of this study were to examine the psychological well-being of working-class women in the Ga South municipality in Ghana on the six subscales of psychological wellbeing tool. The study also sorts to examine if multiple roles of working-class women had a positive relationship on their psychological wellbeing and finally to ascertain if the patterns of social support positively related to the psychological wellbeing of working-class women in Ga South Municipality.

Study Design: The study targeted working women in formal sectors (Education, Health and Banking) in the municipality. A sample size of 346 working women were selected using convenient sampling method

Results: The data showed that working women generally have positive perception of their psychological wellbeing in terms of autonomy, environment mastery, personal growth, positive relations, purpose in life and self-acceptance. There was a significant relationship between multiple roles of working women and their psychological wellbeing. Social support also had a positive relationship with the psychological wellbeing of working women.

Conclusions: Working women in the Education, Banking and Health sectors at Ga South Municipality have a high sense of psychological wellbeing; these women appear to be autonomous, and have mastery over their environment.
The Effectiveness of Yoga Asanas in Alcohol De-Addiction
Authors: Jajoo Sakshi , Meshram Ajay
Published: March 2022

Background: Alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol that has a multitude of psychophysiological effects on a person. According to the WHO, about 30% of Indians consume alcohol, of which 413% are daily consumers and up to 50% comprises into the toxic drinker category. Another worrying trend in India is that the average age to start drinking has increased from 28 years in the 1980s to 17 years in 2007. These statistics are alarming and we all need to learn.

Methodology: How to overcome alcohol addiction? While professional advice and treatments are always available, you can also try yoga and meditation to control your cravings. Alcohol abuse, addiction, and the resulting health consequences are worldwide issues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hazardous alcohol consumption is the world's third greatest cause of early mortality and disability, accounting for roughly 2.5 million fatalities per year (corresponding to 3.8 percent of all deaths). This manuscript included different forms of yogas known as “yoga therapy” and meditation to overcome alcohol addiction.

Results: Addiction has the potential to impair our bodily and spiritual wellbeing, as well as those we love. When an alcoholic stops drinking, grief sets in, and it sets in with increased vigor. The goal of life is to live in consciousness rather than lose it. It is essential to be attentive to be able to overcome sadness. As a result, those who battle with addictions are finding fresh hope in Yoga and meditation.

Conclusion: The positive role of Yoga therapy in reducing craving, thus enhancing the management of alcohol dependence. Yoga has proved to be effective in alcohol de-addiction.
Study about Medico-Legal Cases: A More Professional Approach
Authors: Kokulwar Sameer , Patond Swapnil
Published: March 2022

Background: Law is a natural science, similar to medicine. Most of the time, the outcome of a case cannot be predicted with certainty. It depends on the facts and circumstances of the case and the judge who adheres to his own beliefs. The aphorism that “learns from your mistakes” is undermined in the healthcare industry. Preventing medical and legal problems is the best way to deal with them, and this article tries to put together a list of preventive actions that can protect a physician from negligent prosecution.

Summary: Many of us have seen official medical examinations and certificates made and signed by any MBBS physician, gynecologist, dermatologist, or non-medical professional who is not trained in medical and legal practice. According to statistics, non-forensic physicians perform approximately 80% of the work in the medical profession, with second and professional opinions flooding the doors of hospitals teaching Forensic Medicine and Toxicology due to a shortage of specialized doctors with specialized medical, legal expertise. He is qualified to give opinions, report, or give evidence in a court of law where a Forensic Medicine specialist is found to perform the primary function in which they work to an informal physician who is unfamiliar with many of the medical fields that authorize their work by giving opinions, reporting, or giving evidence in a court of law where a Forensic Medicine specialist is found to perform the primary function in which they work. As a result, physiatrists should license all legal, medical services in the region or district hospitals.

Conclusion: One of the best jobs in the world is medical. Medicine can provide a fantastic service to humanity if doctors practice it with care, reliability, efficiency, and professional expertise. However, modern patient-doctor interactions have lost your great environment, becoming more professional and constructive. Doctors are no longer respected as infallible and unknown. The integration of health care has turned the business around, and the medical profession is increasingly driven by profit rather than service.
Kwashiorkor is a Six-year-old, Presenting as Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Authors: Joshi Maithili , Lakhkar Bhavana , Damke Sachin , Chaudhary Richa
Published: March 2022

Background: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is commonly seen in developing countries, especially in infants and young children up to 5 years of age. Edema is one of the characteristic features which occurs due to excessive protein loss or decreased protein intake. It is one of the rising concerns of parents and leads to mortality if untreated.

Case Presentation: A 6-year-old male child was brought with complaints of excessive skin lesions and loss of appetite for four months. He sustained burns on his legs four months back, and his general condition worsened at home.  Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common among children 6-59 months. The age of presentation in our patients is unusual.  We stepped up his nutritive intake, added micronutrients and trace elements, and he recovered with our efforts.

Conclusion: We recognized the child’s underlying condition well and started the apt treatment. The child responded well to the nutritional intervention and showed signs of recovery. The age of presentation was rare, which has made us report the case. The parents were counseled well to step up the child’s protein and calorie intake and ensure a tender and stress-free environment at home, enhancing the child’s recovery.
Toxic Effects of Formalin on Ist Year M.B.B.S. Students: A Cohort Study
Authors: Chaudhary Kirti B. , Dhatrak Amey A. , Chawhan Seema S. , Chimurkar Vilas K.
Published: March 2022

Background: Formalin can lead to allergy, toxicity, and carcinomas. In the anatomy department, students get exposed to formalin either by inhaling it or by the skin as fluids containing formaldehyde may be absorbed. Formalin interacts with molecules on the cell membrane producing changes in the nuclei, changes in proteins, vacuolation of cytoplasm, and changes in DNA.

Objective: To estimate the toxic effects of formalin on Ist year medical students.

Methodology: The participants for this prospective cohort study will be Ist year M.B.B.S. students at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (meghe), Wardha. The self-administered questionnaire will be given, and complete blood count and thyroid function tests will be done before the study. After cadaveric dissection, a repeat blood sample will be collected to estimate the complete blood count and thyroid function tests.

Expected Results: Exposure to formalin may lead to abnormal values of complete blood count(CBC) and thyroid function tests (TFT).

Conclusion: The study can focus on the toxic effects of formalin on Ist year M.B.B.S. students, which may necessitate reconsidering the formalin volume and ventilation issue in the dissecting halls. There should be regular assessment of working practices to control the effects of formalin at the department of Anatomy.
A review on Management of Obesity
Authors: Gupta Deepal , Dhingra Hitaansh , Dahiwele Akshay
Published: March 2022

Obesity is one of the most challenging conditions that primary care physicians face in their profession. Despite the efforts of both patients and professionals, the condition is becoming more common. A multimodal strategy that includes food, physical exercise, and behavioral disorders is required for treatment. Dugs and surgery are also performed to receive desired results. This study summarises the data for each strategy, discusses how primary care physicians might best assist obese patients, and offers weight-loss advice.

New weight-loss techniques to treat obesity appear to have a bright future. Current medications have had limited weight reduction impacts in the overall obese population, but customized medicine will substantially impact smaller homogenous subpopulations of obese people. Multiple, complementary route drug combinations can produce double-digit weight loss in a larger, varied patient group. Furthermore, the advancement of sophisticated subcutaneous delivery technologies has paved the way for the creation of ground-breaking peptide and biologic medicines to treat obesity.

Obesity is a chronic condition that needs lifetime therapy. The BMI, waist circumference, and  other risk variables are all measured in the obesity evaluation process. Diet and exercise should be part of the management plan. Only sibutramine and orlistat are FDA-approved for long-term usage so that they can be administered to selected individuals. The only alternative that  produces persistent and considerable weight loss is bariatric surgery, provided to very obese individuals.
Review on COVID-19: A Pandemic Situation
Authors: Thakur Prithvi Singh , Adwani Sameer
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 is a pandemic, a global health disaster, and the most significant concern humanity has encountered in the 21st century. The new coronavirus illness COVID-19 has become the latest pandemic, first identified in Wuhan, China, and progressively spreading worldwide. This virus evolved from an animal virus and subsequently adapted the capacity to pass from person - to – person. This infection has propagated to every corner of the earth, wreaking devastation and generating panic among the population. The outbreak has hampered various aspects of human life, be it livelihood, financial, health status, and mental and physical health. Therefore, every country has made significant efforts to halt the transmission of novel coronaviruses. The first thing to look for is an equilibrium amongst health protection and limiting socioeconomic damage resulting from this catastrophe. Governments, scientists, biochemists, researchers, and others have worked day in and day out to find robust solutions to control the pandemic. Effective treatments, reliable and sensible diagnostic tools, and prophylactic measures are being developed. In the spirit of partnership, we must all contribute to protecting this situation. The study aims at evaluating various articles related to covid-19 and its impacts on various aspects of human development and recent advancements in strategies to tackle and prevent the further rise in covid-19 cases.
Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies Aspiration
Authors: Gupta Samiksha , Jain Shraddha
Published: March 2022

A foreign body aspiration occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the airway, causing breathing difficulties or choking. Objects can enter the respiratory and digestive tracts through the mouth and nose, but when an object enters the respiratory tract, it causes aspiration. The foreign bodies can then lodge in the trachea or further down the respiratory tract, such as in a bronchus. Regardless of the type of item, any aspiration can be a life-threatening situation that demands immediate evaluation and response to reduce the risk of negative outcomes. Despite significant improvements in clinical outcomes as a result of enhanced care, there were still 2,700 fatalities. The literature on tracheobronchial foreign bodies aspiration was retrieved using the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, Pubmed, and Google scholar. Keywords and phrases used during the search included “tracheobronchial,” “bronchial,” and “aspiration.” This review aims to reflect on the pattern of tracheobronchial tree foreign-body aspiration and the rate of success for rigid bronchoscopy in children admitted to a single center and the correlation between the type of foreign bodies and the age of the patients, presentation of the patient, and comorbidities.
Substitution of Pro165 in Transmembrane 4 of PfCRT Abolishes Lysosome Acidification Function in Stably Transfected HEK-293F Cells
Authors: Baakdah Fadi , Georges Elias
Published: March 2022

The Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) is localised on the parasite digestive vacuole, an organelle that maintains an acidic lumen. Here we demonstrated the isolation of HEK-293F cells stably expressing wild type 3D7 and mutant Pfcrt alleles. Immuno-fluorescence staining of HEK-293F transfectants confirms the localization of Pfcrt alleles to the lysosomal vesicles. Moreover, cells expressing mut-PfCRTETSE showed greater lysosomal acidification as demonstrated by the dramatic increase in the accumulation of two weak bases, acridine orange and CytiPainter LysoOrange dyes. Furthermore, HEK-293 cells stably expressing mut-PfCRTETSE with a single substitution of proline 165 in transmembrane 4 completely inhibited the accumulation of weak bases. Taken together, our results demonstrate the role of Pro165 in PfCRT lysosomal acidification function in HEK-293F cells.
Building Resilience in Employees; Reinventing the Ideal Administrative Bureaucracy in Public Institutions in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Patrick N. Nwinyokpugi , Godspower O. Akwakporierie
Published: March 2022

Achieving employees resilience is critically a function of effective administrative bureaucracy, thus this study examined how administrative bureaucracy impacts employee resilience in public in institutions in Delta State. The study was operationalized with attributes such as structural hierarchy, functional specialization and rule supremacy. Employee resilience outcomes were derived as adaptation, collaboration and discipline.  The target population of this study includes all principal officers of the eight public institutions in Delta State. The study used cross-sectional survey approach and descriptive research design. Using the Taro-Yamene sample size determination formula 121 officers were sampled. Structured closed ended questionnaires were the major instruments used in gathering primary data which were analyzed using pearson product moment correlation coefficient statistical tool. The scale used for this study had been previously adjudged reliable. However, we also checked  by verifying reliability outcomes through confirmatory test of internal consistency on the instrument with our sample using Cronbach alpha at the threshold level 0.7 which is generally accepted by the rule of thumb. The study found that administrative bureaucracy significantly impact on employee resilience. The study recommended that public institutions should ensure flexible structural hierarchy, functional specialization and as well adhere to rules of engagement in order to restore employees’ residence capabilities in the institutions studied.
Prevalência e fatores associados ao aleitamento materno em crianças menores de 2 anos de idade
Authors: Andrade Lidia Dias de , Gomes Daiene Rosa , Pires Natália Cunha Cardoso , Silva Istéfani Luciene Dayse da , Oliveira Ellen Araújo de , Oliveira Danila Soares de
Published: March 2022

Introdução: o Aleitamento Materno (AM) é um ato importante para a saúde da criança, prevenindo doenças da infância e doenças crônicas futuras, sendo necessário Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo (AME) nas primeiras horas de vida e nos primeiros 6 meses da criança. Na Bahia e no Brasil, observa-se a baixa adesão ao aleitamento materno, fazendo-se necessário um estudo do tema. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao AM em crianças menores de 2 anos de idade. Metodologia: estudo de corte transversal analítico com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido a partir da aplicação de questionário para mães de crianças com até dois anos de idade, amostra calculada de IC95% e erro amostral de 5%, com base em observação prévia do número de crianças atendidas no período da pesquisa (n=290), totalizando 134. Resultados: a prevalência do AM encontrada foi de 68,4%, enquanto que a do AME foi de 33,8%. Houve associação da prática de AM com os seguintes fatores: mãe amamentada na infância, idade gestacional > 37 semanas, presença de seis ou mais consultas de pré-natal, AM iniciado na 1ª hora de vida, AM iniciado no hospital, crianças de até 6 meses e ausência do uso de chupeta. Conclusões: o AM apresentou prevalência maior que o esperado e o AME, o contrário. Foram encontradas relações estatisticamente significantes entre algumas variáveis e a prevalência do AM. Diantedos resultados, políticas públicas de saúde voltadas para crianças menores de 2 anos e mães podem ser realizadas no município visando uma maior adesão à amamentação.
Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate phosphorylation in human placenta membranes by GTPγS
Authors: Urumow T. , Wieland O.H.
Published: July 2002

In human placenta membranes the rate limiting enzyme for PIP2 formation from PI is PIP kinase. GTPγS is shown to activate PIP kinase by increasing V
max of the enzyme. It is suggested that a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein is involved in the activation of PIP kinase although coupling with a specific receptor is not yet known. Since PIP2 is the preferred substrate of phospholipase C, the possibility exists that an increase of PIP2 due to activation of PIP kinase leads to an enhancement of phospholipase C activity and hence to an increased production of IP3 and DAG.
The concentrations of AcSDKP, a physiological inhibitor of cell proliferation, vary during oogenesis and early development in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Volkov Léonid , Comte Lydie , Frindel Emilia , Philippe Michel , Praloran Vincent
Published: July 2002

Summary— The endogenous tetrapeptide AcSer‐Asp‐Lys‐Pro (AcSDKP) is present in the circulation and cells of mammals. Extracellular AcSDKP is a negative regulator of cell proliferation inhibiting the S phase entry of numerous cell types such as hematopoietic progenitors, hepatocytes, lymphocytes and several continuous cell lines. In contrast, the biological role of cellular AcSDKP remains unknown. We have recently reported a decrease of cellular AcSDKP concentrations by 50% accompanying the initiation of DNA synthesis in mitogen‐induced proliferation of human lymphocytes. In the present study we measured the variations of cellular AcSDKP concentrations during oogenesis and early development of Xenopus. Cellular AcSDKP concentrations peaked at stage IV of oogenesis and then continuously decreased during the final oocyte maturation and during the initial 15‐h period of exponential cell division of the embryo. Altogether, our present and previously published data suggest that cellular AcSDKP may be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation in eukaryotic species.
Novel mechanism that Trypanosoma cruzi uses to adhere to the extracellular matrix mediated by human galectin‐3
Authors: Moody Tapria N. , Ochieng Josiah , Villalta Fernando
Published: July 2002

Binding of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes to laminin is enhanced by galectin‐3, a β‐galactoside binding lectin. The galectin‐3 enhanced binding of trypanosomes to laminin is inhibited by lactose. Co‐immunoprecipitations indicate that galectin‐3 binds to the 45, 32 and 30 kDa trypanosome surface proteins. Binding of galectin‐3 to the 45, 32 and 30 kDa surface proteins is inhibited by lactose. Polyclonal and a monoclonal antibodies to galectin‐3 immunoprecipitated a major 64 kDa trypanosome surface protein. T. cruzi monoclonal antibody to mucin recognized the 45 kDa surface protein. The 45, 32 and 30 kDa surface proteins interact with galectin‐3 in order to enhance trypanosome adhesion to laminin.
Processes of democratization in the East Central European and Balkan states: sovereignty-related conflicts in the context of Europeanization
Authors: Ágh Attila
Published: July 2002

This paper discusses the Central and East European democratic transitions as parts of the global democratization process, including their both external and domestic aspects. The analysis covers six East Central European (ECE) and six Balkan states. It provides a systematic overview of these twelve states with a classification of their external and internal developments. The paper classifies these states according to the three stages of systemic change and according to their EU (association and accession) and NATO (PfP and membership) relationships. In the New World Order, the sovereignty-related conflicts appear in this systematic overview through the analysis of the bilateral and multilateral relations between and among these states as restructuring follows the requirements of the EU and NATO. These multinational organizations actually rearrange both regional structures and neighbourhood relationships. The ECE and Balkan states, based on the parallel criteria of external and internal developments, form four groupings: (1) new entrants—the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia; (2) late-comers to democratization—Slovakia, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria; (3) “semi-protectorates” of great powers and international organizations (Bosnia and Macedonia); (4) unsettled countries or conflict-seeking states—Serbia and Albania.
Dynamics of Oxygen Evolution and Biomass Production during Cultivation of Agardhiella subulata Microplantlets in a Bubble‐Column Photobioreactor under Medium Perfusion
Authors: Huang Yao‐ming , Rorrer Gregory L.
Published: July 2002

Cell and tissue cultures derived from macrophytic marine red algae are potential platforms for unique secondary metabolites. This work presents the first successful bioreactor cultivation study of an in vitro tissue culture derived from a macrophytic marine red alga. Specifically, the photosynthetic growth characteristics of a novel microplantlet suspension culture established from the macrophytic marine red alga Agardhiella subulata were studied. A bubble‐column bioreactor with external illumination (43 μE m−2 s−1, 10:14 LD photoperiod), liquid medium perfusion, and 3800 ppm CO2 in the aeration gas provided sufficient light and nutrient delivery for sustained growth of the microplantlet suspension at 24 °C and pH 8. Microplantlets, which consisted of shoot tissues of 3–5 mm length branching out from a common center, were not friable in a bubble‐aerated suspension of about 1100 plantlets per liter. Since the microplantlet tissues were not friable, only batch and fed‐batch cultivation modes were considered. Batch cultivation was phosphate‐limited in ASP12 artificial seawater medium. However, cultivation at a medium perfusion rate of 20% per day avoided phosphate limitation and extended the growth phase to provide plantlet mass densities exceeding 14 g FW L−1 (3.7 g DW L−1) after 50 days of cultivation if the suspension was not sampled. The specific oxygen evolution rate vs cultivation time profile possessed a significant pulse within the 14 days following inoculation and then leveled off at longer times. In recognition of this nonexponential growth pattern, a new photobioreactor growth model was developed that used the oxygen evolution rate vs time profile to predict the biomass growth curve in perfusion culture. Model predictions agreed reasonably with the measured growth curves.
Application of the Shock Layer Theory to the Determination of the Mass Transfer Rate Coefficient and Its Concentration Dependence for Proteins on Anion Exchange Columns
Authors: Sajonz Peter , Guan‐Sajonz Hong , Zhong Guoming , Guiochon Georges
Published: July 2002

The extension of the shock layer theory to systems having a slow mass transfer kinetics and a concentration‐dependent rate coefficient is discussed. Experiments were carried out with bovine serum albumin on two anion exchangers, TSK‐GEL‐DEAE‐5PW and Resource‐Q. The adsorption isotherm data, determined by single‐step frontal analysis, could be fitted to simplified bi‐Langmuir equations with very small residuals. A lumped kinetic model (solid film linear driving force model, with rate coefficient kf) was used to account for the mass transfer kinetics. The profile of each breakthrough curve (BC) was fitted to the curve calculated with this transport model and the rate coefficient kf obtained by identification. A linear dependence of kf on the average concentration of the step of the BC was found. The shock layer thicknesses (SLT) calculated for different relative concentrations agreed very well with the experimental results. This justifies the use of the SLT for the direct determination of rate coefficients.
Synthesis of Bisected Glycoforms of Recombinant IFN‐β by Overexpression of β‐1,4‐N‐Acetylglucosaminyltransferase III in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Authors: Sburlati Adriana R. , Umaña Pablo , Prati Elisabetta G. P. , Bailey James E.
Published: July 2002

Genetic engineering of oligosaccharide biosynthesis pathways in mammalian cells makes possible generation of new recombinant glycoproteins of potential importance in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most prior investigations of glycosylation engineering of secreted heterologous glycoproteins involve terminal steps of oligosaccharide biosynthesis. In particular, increasing the frequency of bisected structures within the glycoform distribution has not before been considered. A Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line capable of producing bisected oligosaccharides on glycoproteins was created by overexpression of a recombinant N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT‐III) . Interferon β (IFN‐β) was chosen as a model and potential therapeutic secreted heterologous protein to demonstrate the effect of recombinant GnT‐III‐expression on product glycosylation. IFN‐β with bisected oligosaccharides was produced by the GnT‐III‐engineered CHO cells but not by the unmodified parental cell line.
Immune neutropenia associated with anti‐human neutrophil antigen‐2a (NB1) antibodies following unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukaemia: perpetuation by granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Pocock, C. F. , Lucas, G. F. , Giles, C. , Vassiliou, G. , Cwynarski, K. , Rezvani, K. , Apperley J. F. , Goldman J. M.
Published: July 2002

A case of immune neutropenia following unrelated stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukaemia is described. The neutropenia developed following herpes zoster viral infection and was associated with antibodies to the human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐2a (formerly known as NB1). The neutropenia was prolonged, profound and unresponsive to granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF). The neutrophil count recovered after GCSF was discontinued. HNA‐2a has been reported to be upregulated following GCSF administration. In the present case, it appears that the immune neutropenia may have been perpetuated by GCSF administration.
Serum prostate specific antigen, sex hormone binding globulin and free androgen index as markers of pubertal development in boys
Authors: Kim M. R. , Gupta M. K. , Travers S. H. , Rogers D. G. , Van Lente F. , Faiman C
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression in the prostate gland is regulated by androgens. Serum levels of PSA are undetectable by routine assays in normal boys. Measurable values could serve as a marker for pubertal development. In order to explore this question, we measured serum PSA levels in normal boys throughout puberty and examined the interrelationships with various hormonal and physical developmental changes.

DESIGN

Sera from 77 normal boys in Tanner stages I to V (T‐I to T‐V) were analysed for PSA levels by a sensitive time‐resolved fluoro‐immunometric assay (sensitivity: 0.012 μg/l). In addition, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin like growth factor I (IGF‐I), IGF binding protein 3(IGFBP‐3) and testosterone were measured.

RESULTS

PSA was detectable in 0% of Stage T‐I (n = 16), 33% of T‐II (n = 18), 65% of T‐III (n = 17) and 100% of T‐IV (n = 10) and T‐V (n = 16) boys. PSA levels rose significantly according to stage (P < 0.05). Also, there were significant (P < 0.05) increments in serum testosterone, IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 levels from stages T‐I to T‐IV. PSA showed a positive correlation with testosterone (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), IGF‐I (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), and IGFBP‐3 (r = 0.34, P = 0.004) levels. Both PSA and these analytes, however, showed significant overlap between stages T‐I and T‐II with only 6/18 (33%) and 12/18 (66%) of T‐II subjects having PSA and testosterone levels, respectively, above the T‐I range. In contrast, serum SHBG levels decreased markedly from stages I to II (P < 0.001). At the calculated best cut‐off point for SHBG of 50 nmol/l, 16/18 T‐II subjects had values below the T‐I range (sensitivity=89%). Because of this decrement of SHBG and the increasing testosterone secretion in early puberty, the Free Androgen Index (FAI=Testosterone/SHBG) could even better differentiate the onset of puberty with all except one of the T‐II subjects having FAI levels above the T‐I range (sensitivity=94.4%). The decrease of SHBG in T‐II subjects coincided with an increase in total body weight (P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI, P = 0.0003). Despite the continuing pubertal rise in testosterone, SHBG levels showed a rebound increment from T‐II — T‐III subjects (P = 0.02) with a concomitant decrease in BMI (P = 0.0014).

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate specific antigen closely reflects serum free androgen activity during puberty. However, it was unable to differentiate the earliest pubertal development. In comparison, SHBG levels and Free Androgen Index are more sensitive markers for the onset of puberty in boys. The inverse association between SHBG levels and BMI in pubertal stages Tanner stages, I to III suggests that body fatness, via its effect on insulin sensitivity, may play an important role in the regulation of SHBG production during early pubertal development.
Determining the visibility of noise in motion signals
Authors: Burns Nicholas R , Zanker Johannes M
Published: July 2002

A procedure is described for generating stimuli to study the detection of noise components in motion signals. By using random dots with intensities distributed according to a Gaussian probability function, a temporally and spatially continuous mixture of signal and noise components can be realized in random dot kinematograms. These stimuli were used in a noise detection task, a signal detection task and a direction discrimination task. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (‘coherence’) thresholds for the signal detection and direction discrimination tasks were consistent with previous research. Noise can be detected at levels of approximately 0.5–2.5%, depending on the size of the motion stimulus. We argue that the noise in the motion stimulus becomes detectable when it exceeds the noise intrinsic to the various stages of motion processing. Therefore, the method provides a simple procedure for obtaining measures of equivalent input noise and can be used for estimating internal noise levels of motion processing mechanisms.