bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasma in captive and free-living bats
Authors: Fritschi Janine , Marti Hanna , Seth-Smith Helena M.B. , Aeby Sébastien , Greub Gilbert , Meli Marina L. , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Mühldorfer Kristin , Stokar-Regenscheit Nadine , Wiederkehr Danja , Pilo Paola , Broek Peggy Van Den , Borel Nicole
Published: January 2020

Background: Bats are hosts for a variety of microorganisms, however, little is known about the presence of Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasma. This study investigated 475 free-living and captive bats from Switzerland, Germany and Costa Rica for the occurrence of Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasma.Results: Screening for Chlamydiales was performed using a Chlamydiaceae-specific real-time PCR targeting the 23S rRNA gene and a pan-Chlamydiales PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene resulting in a total prevalence of 31.4%. For sequencing, a PCR with the specifically designed inner primers panFseq and panRseq was performed, and criteria published by Pillonel et al. were used to classify the 19 obtained sequences, resulting in the formation of two groups. Groups one and two shared sequence identities to Chlamydiaceae and to Chlamydia-like organisms, including Rhabdochlamydiaceae and unclassified Chlamydiales from environmental samples, respectively.Analysis for the presence of hemotropic mycoplasma was performed using a universal SYBR Green hemoplasma screening real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene, real-time PCRs specific for M. haemofelis-like and 'Candidatus M. haemominutum'-like organisms and two conventional PCRs targeting an 871-bp and 1030-bp region of the 16S rRNA gene resulting in a total prevalence of 0.7%. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 871-bp and 1030-bp region of the 16S rRNA gene were used to classify positive specimens and infer their phylogenetic relationships. Three sequences with identities to other unidentified mycoplasma found in vampire bats and Chilean bats were obtained.Conclusions: Bats can harbor Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasma and the newly described sequences in this study indicate that the diversity of these bacteria in bats is much larger than thought before. Both, Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasmas are not restricted to certain bat species or countries and free-living as well as captive bats can be colonized. In conclusion, bats represent another potential host or vector for novel, previously unidentified, Chlamydiales and hemotropic mycoplasma.
Fertility desires of people living with HIV: Does the implementation of a sexual and reproductive health and HIV integration model change healthcare providers’ attitudes and clients’ desires?
Authors: Milford Cecilia , Beksinska Mags , Greener Ross , Pienaar Jacqueline , Greener Letitia Rambally , Mabude Zonke , Smit Jennifer
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a need for information and healthcare support for fertility desires and contraceptive needs of people living with HIV (PLHIV), and to provide safer conception support for sero-discordant couples wanting to conceive. A model to integrate sexual and reproductive health and HIV services was developed and implemented in a district hospital and six clinics in eThekwini District, South Africa.

Methods

To evaluate the model’s success, a cross-sectional survey was conducted before and after implementation. As part of this evaluation, fertility desires of PLHIV (both male and female), and providers’ perspectives thereof were explored. Changes in desires and attitudes after integration of services were investigated.

Results

Forty-six healthcare providers and 269 clients (48 male, 221 female) were surveyed at baseline, and 44 providers and 300 clients (70 male, 230 female) at endline. Various factors including relationship status, parity and ART access influenced PLHIVs’ desires for children. Concerns for their own and their child’s health impacted on PLHIV’s fertility desires. These concerns declined after integration of services. Similarly, providers’ concerns about PLHIV having children decreased after the implementation of the model.

Conclusions

Integrated services are important to facilitate provision of information on contraceptive options as well as safer conception information for PLHIV who want to have children.
Prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction among adult men in Moshi municipal, Tanzania: community-based study
Authors: NYALILE KENAN BOSCO , Mushi Emmanuel HP , Moshi Epiphania , Leyaro Beatrice J. , Msuya Sia E , Mbwambo Orgeness
Published: January 2020

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) has a negative impact on ones’ relationships with poor quality of life as inevitable result. Men’s sexual health has been forgotten in most developing countries and therefore the burden of ED and associated risk factors are not known in these settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction among adult men in Moshi municipality, northern Tanzania. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2019. Multi stage sampling technique was used to enroll men aged 18 years and above infour wards of Moshi municipality. The 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scale was used to assess erectile dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression was done to get factors associated with ED. Results: The mean age of the 381 men was 39.6 (SD ±16.8) years. Theoverall prevalence of ED on this study was 29.7%. The severity of ED among study participants was 13.4 % (51), 9.7 % (37), 3.7 % (14), 2.9% (11) participants had mild, mild to moderate, moderate and severe erectile dysfunction respectively. Age, tobacco use, overweight, hypertension and diabetes all showed significance association with ED. However, in multivariate logistic analysis only age ≥40 years and hypertension remain statistically significant associated with ED [(OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.68-10.21, P<0.001), (OR 11.5, 95% CI 5.8-22.76, P<0.001) and (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.06-5.86, P=0.035) ] respectively. Conclusion: About one in three men in Moshi municipal had ED. High prevalence of ED among hypertensive individuals suggest a need to establish ED screening program during their routine clinic for early detection and treatment. Furthermore, education should be given on lifestyle modification to prevent hypertension and diabetes in the community. The outcome will be improvement of patient’s quality of life. Key words: Erectile dysfunction, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Physical activities, Prevalence, Predictors, Tanzania
Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess incidence and reactions of second victims in German speaking countries (SeViD)
Authors: Strametz Reinhard , Abloescher Miriam , Huf Wolfgang , Ettl Brigitte , Raspe Matthias
Published: January 2020

Background Second victims, defined as health care team members being traumatized by an unanticipated clinical event or outcome, are supposed to be a common phenomenon in health care. Surveys in the US health care system indicate high incidence rates among physicians between 10 and 44%. However, no systematic assessment of second victims in health care in German speaking countries has been published yet and no validated German questionnaire for assessing incidence of and impact on second victims exists. Therefore, we initiated the SeViD (Second Victims im Deutschsprachigen Raum/second victims in German speaking countries) project and developed a German questionnaire for the assessment of second victim incidents. Methods Based on an intensive literature review of available questionnaires in English we defined a preliminary version of our questionnaire consisting of 4 domains and 14 items. This version was subject to cognitive pretesting using paraphrasing, probing and think aloud methods in order to ensure content validity. Retest reliability of second victim symptoms was assessed three weeks after the initial pretest. Results Fifteen health care professionals (physicians, nurses, therapeutic and diagnostic professions and administrative staff) of hospitals in Germany (n=6) and Austria (n=9) with or without previous second victim experience participated as volunteers for all pretests after informed consent. Seven items in three domains were slightly modified based on cognitive pretests. Retest reliability for second victim symptoms was rho = 0.76. Mean duration of completion for this questionnaire took 9:01 (±3:05) minutes in case of a previous second victim experience and otherwise 4:19 (±0:59) minutes and was regarded acceptable by all volunteers. No volunteer regarded any question to be inappropriate. Conclusion We successfully developed a validated questionnaire assessing the impact of the second victim phenomenon in inpatient health care facilities. This questionnaire will be used in different settings for health care professionals and for stand-alone baseline assessment as well as pre/post-survey along with complex educational interventions to reduce negative impacts of the second victim phenomenon.
The association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease in a population-based cross-sectional case-control study
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Berglund Johan Sanmartin , Persson Rutger Gösta , Söderlin Maria K.
Published: January 2020

Objectives The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis remains unclear. We studied oral health and periodontitis in a population-based case-control study of individuals with ≥ 10 remaining teeth ≥61 years of age and either with, or without a diagnosis of RA. Methods 126 dentate individuals with RA were recruited together with age-matched control individuals without RA. The control individuals were recruited from the general population from the same city (n=249). A dental examination including a panoramic radiograph was performed on all participants. All individuals with RA were examined and medical records were reviewed by a rheumatologist. In the control group, none of the participants presented with symptoms of RA and their medical records were also negative. Results The RA group included more women (66.7% vs. 55.8%) (p<0.01). Individuals in the RA group had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001). A diagnosis of periodontitis was more common in the RA group (61.1%) than in the control group (33.7%) (p=0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified that a BMI > 25 (OR 6.2, 95% CI 3.6, 10.5, p= 0.000), periodontitis (OR 2.5 95% CI 1.5, 4.2 p=0.000), and female gender (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.0, p=0.003) were associated with RA. Conclusion RA was associated with higher BMI, female gender, and more common diagnosis of periodontitis.
Evolutional analysis of heat shock transcription factors in wild and cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tao Huan , Wan Weifeng , Huang Jian , Woldegiorgis Samuel Tareke , Xiong Yifan , Wei Xiaoling , Wan Luoyao , Xu Zaiquan , Zhang Lina , Liu Wei , He Huaqin
Published: January 2020

Background：Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) take part in many physiological and biochemical pathways in plants by regulating the expression of various stress-responsive genes, such as heat shock proteins (Hsps). With the development of rice genome re-sequencing projects, some researches had been carried out to identify Hsf gene family members in rice at the whole genomic scale. However, Hsfs in cultivated and wild rice genomes has not been fully studied and compared, although genetic diversity in cultivated rice is limited compared to wild rice. Results：In this research work, Hsfs genes were screened and evolutionally compared in the genomes of 6 wild rice and 1 cultivated rice varieties, including O. barthii, O. glumaepatula, O. meridionalis, O. nivara, O. punctate, O. rufipogon and O. sativa & Nipponbare. Total 22, 23, 24, 24, 25, 25 and 25 Hsf genes were identified in the tested 7 rice genomes, respectively. The different number of Hsf genes between wild and cultivated rice genotypes was due to dispersed duplication and whole genome duplication (WGD) events, reversely contributed to different stress-tolerant ability between wild and cultivated rice. The evolutional analysis on the Hsf genes confirmed that O. rufipogon was the immediate ancestral progenitors of O. sativa. The expression profile of Hsf genes in Nipponbare and O. rufipogon under different stage of salinity stress showed that 4 root Hsf genes, including HsfA3a, HsfA4d, HsfC2a and HsfC2b, were simultaneously up-regulated by salinity stress in cultivated rice and its ancestral progenitor, implying that these 4 Hsf genes played conserved roles in rice in response to salinity stress. However, a substantial number of Hsf genes were exclusively regulated only in Oryza rufipogon rice seedling, suggesting that some of genuine salinity stress tolerance genes might be missing in cultivated rice. Conclusion：The results of this study would give insight into the evolution and function of Hsf gene members in rice, and hint to the use of wild relative genes to improve rice performance.
The potential of human skin and plant-based odours combination to attract malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae s.s. in Laboratory and Semi field settings.
Authors: KEMIBALA ELISON ELIEZA , Mafra-Neto Agenor , Dekker Teun , Saroli Jesse , Silva Rodrigo , Philbert Anitha , Ng’habi Kija , Mboera Leonard E.G.
Published: January 2020

Background Knowledge on mosquito attraction to various host-mimicking odors provides a potential opportunity for designing effective tools for surveillance and control of potential disease vectors. This study was carried out to explore the potential of combining plant and human mimicking odours to attract Anopheles gambiae s. s . in the laboratory and semi field settings in Tanzania. Methodology Blood fed and unfed female Anopheles gambiae s.s. mosquitoes were offered choices between human skin, plant-based odours or combination thereof in laboratory and semi-field setting. The captured mosquitoes from each source were scored for comparison. Results In laboratory and semi-field trials, the tested attractants combination of plant and human-mimicking odours found to be slightly attractive (approximately 10% higher) than either individual attractant to blood fed female mosquitoes under lab and semi-field settings. The unfed female mosquitoes were more attracted to Vectrax (plant-based materials) by more than 10% in comparison to human skin-based attractant both in lab and semi-field settings. In semi-field settings particularly, more unfed female mosquitoes were attracted to Vectrax than to the combination (p < 0.01). Conclusions The findings that the combination blend (human host and plant based) semiochemical increases mosquito attraction hold the potential to increase efficiency of mosquitoes trapping devices in both indoor and outdoor settings. This may provide valuable tools for mosquito vector management programs. Moreover, these results also suggest the potential of the combination odours to be used in the attract and kill strategies.
Glucose transporter Glut1 influences Plasmodium berghei infection in Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Wang Mengfei , Wang Jingwen
Published: January 2020

Background Sugar feeding provides energy for mosquito. Facilitated glucose transporters (GLUT) are responsible for cellular uptake of glucose. However, the knowledge of GLUT function in Anopheles mosquito is limited. Methods Phylogenetic analysis of GLUTs in Anopheles stephensi (AsteGlut) was performed by the maximum likelihood and Bayesian method. The spatial and temporal expression patterns of three Astegluts were analyzed by qPCR. The function of AsteGlut1 was examined using a dsRNA-mediated RNA interference method. Transcriptome analysis was used to understand the influence of AsteGlut1 on mosquito vector competence. Results We identified 3 glut genes, Asteglut1 , Asteglutx and Asteglut3 in An. stephensi . Asteglut1 and Asteglut3 were mainly localized in the midgut. The expression of all three Astegluts were strongly induced after blood meal. All three genes were knocked down successfully, but only abrogation of Asteglut1 significantly increased the susceptibility of An. stephensi to Plasmodium berghei infection. Our transcriptome analysis revealed that knockdown of Asteglut1 differentially regulated expression of genes associated with the functional clusters including detoxification, serine proteases, and immunity. The dysregulation of multiple pathways might contribute to the increased P. berghei infection. Conclusions Our study shows that Asteglut1 plays a role in defense against P. berghei in An. stephensi . The regulation of Asteglut1 on vector competence might through modulating multiple biological processes, including detoxification and immunity.
New vectors in northern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, for the zoonotic malaria parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi
Authors: De Joshua Ang Xin , Kadir Khamisah Abdul , Mohamad Dayang Shuaisah Awang , Matusop Asmad , Divis Paul Cliff Simon , Yaman Khatijah , Singh Balbir
Published: January 2020

BackgroundThe vectors for Plasmodium knowlesi, a significant cause of human malaria in Southeast Asia, identified previously in nature all belong to the Anopheles Leucosphyrus Group. Only one study has been previously undertaken in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, to identify vectors of P. knowlesi, where Anopheles latens was incriminated as the vector in Kapit, central Sarawak. A study was therefore undertaken to identify malaria vectors in a different location in Sarawak. MethodsMosquitoes found landing on humans and resting on leaves over a 5-day period at two sites in the Lawas District of northern Sarawak were collected and identified. DNA samples extracted from salivary glands of anophelines were subjected to nested PCR malaria-detection assays. The small sub-unit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) genes of Plasmodium, and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) sequences of the mosquitoes were derived from the Plasmodium-positive samples for phylogenetic analyses. ResultsA total of 65 anophelines and 127 culicines were collected. By PCR, six An. balabacensis and five An. barbirostris were found to have single P. knowlesi infecions while three other An. balabacensis had either single, double or triple infections with P. inui, P. fieldi, P. cynomolgi and P. knowlesi. Phylogenetic analyses of the Plasmodium SSUrRNA genes confirmed 3 An. barbirostris and 3 An. balabacensis with single P. knowlesi infections, while 3 other An. balabacensis had two or more Plasmodium species of P. inui, P. knowlesi, P. cynomolgi and possibly novel species of Plasmodium. Phylogenies inferred from the ITS2 and CO1 sequences of An. balabacensis and An. barbirostris indicate that the former is genetically indistinguishable from An. balabacensis in Borneo while the latter is a novel sibling species belonging to the Anopheles Barbirostris Subgroup. ConclusionsNew vectors for P. knowlesi in Sarawak were identified, including An. barbirostris, which is a species that does not belong to the Anopheles Leucosphyrus Group.
Emodin alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory response in lung injury mice by affecting the function of neutrophils
Authors: Mei Hongxia , Tao Ying , Zhang Tianhao , Qi Feng
Published: January 2020

Background: This study aims to investigate the role of Emodin(Emo) on the pulmonary inflammatory response and the neutrophil function in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. The mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI was produced by acute lung injury of injecting 20 mg/kg LPS via the caudal vein.The right lower lung lobes were harvested, fixed,embedded and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for light microscopy analysis to evaluate lung injury. TNF-αand IL-1 ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of TNF-α and IL-1 in the right lung homogenate of rats. The primary rat neutrophils were separated and treated with LPS to mimic a ALI cellular model. The expression of Respiratory burst and Neutrophil NETs Production was examined using spectrophotometer.The Elastase release was detected using Elastase Activity Assay kit.The ROS Production was measured by Luminometer.the phagocytosis of Neutrophils and the rate of apoptotic Neutrophils were measured by flow cytometry. Results: This study demonstrates that Emo alleviates lung injury and reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Emo also downregulated neutrophil respiratory burst and the production of ROS in the LPS-stimulated neutrophils, thus reducing the damage of neutrophils to the surrounding tissues. Emo can also up-regulate the ability of neutrophils to phagocytize bacteria and generate NETs, thereby enhancing the bactericidal ability of neutrophils. In addition, Emo can promote the apoptosis of neutrophils and accelerate the resolution of inflammation. Conclusion: Emo has a protection effect on LPS-induced acute lung injury mice. It can alleviate lung injury and reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines, perhaps by affecting the various function of neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner.
Correlates of pregnancy among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in semi urban Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Twizelimana Donatien , Muula Adamson S
Published: January 2020

Background Little is known about female sex workers’ (FSWs) reproductive health apart from their being at higher than usual risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The problem addressed in this study was: “what are the correlates of pregnancy among FSWs in semi – urban Blantyre in Malawi?”.Methods We used systematic sampling to recruit a total of 200 FSWs in four different study sites in Blantyre. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews. We calculated the mean and standard deviation for continuous covariates and proportions for categorical variables to describe the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the correlates between the outcome variable (pregnancy) and independent variables.Results Ninety one (45, 5%) FSWs were between 18 and 24 years. The prevalence of pregnancy was 61% for FSWs born in rural place as compared to 37% for those who were born in town. In multivariate analysis FSWs who reported to value being respected as mothers had 12 times the risk of pregnancy comparing to the ones who did not (AOR: 11.8, 95% CI: [4.56, 30.72] p -value <0.001). FSWs who reported using condoms inconsistently had five times the risk of pregnancy compared to the ones who did not, (AOR: 5.26, 95% CI: [2.29, 12.081], p -value <0.001). FSWs who had a request to bear children from steady partners had 5 times the risk of pregnancy comparing to the ones who did not (AOR: 5.07, 95% CI: [2.14, 11.99]). FSWs who reported forgetfulness of contraceptives’ use had 3 times more risk of pregnancy comparing to the ones who did not (A0R: 3.49 CI: [1.29, 9.37], p- value < 0.013).Conclusion The study documents a wide range of correlates of pregnancies among FSWs in the study sites. It is important to recognize the child bearing desires and circumstances of FSWs in order to inform health programs responsive to their needs.
Development and comparison of RNA-Sequencing pipelines for more accurate SNP identification: Practical example of functional SNP detection associated with feed efficiency in Nellore beef cattle.
Authors: Lam S. , Zeidan J. , Miglior F. , Suárez-Vega A. , Gómez-Redondo I. , Fonseca P. A. S. , Guan L. L. , Waters S. , Cánovas A.
Published: January 2020

Optimization of an RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) pipeline can maximize power and accuracy for identifying genetic variants, including SNPs, which may serve as genetic markers to select for feed efficiency, leading to economic benefits for beef production. This study determined an optimized pipeline for variant detection using a dataset with multiple samples and tissues. The RNA-Seq data (GEO Accession ID: PRJEB7696 and PRJEB15314) from muscle and liver tissue, respectively, from 12 Nellore beef steers selected from 585 steers with residual feed intake measures (RFI; n=6 low-RFI, n=6 high-RFI) were used. Three RNA-Seq pipelines were compared including multi-sample calling from i) non-merged samples; ii) merged samples by group for low-RFI and for high-RFI for each tissue, iii) merged samples by group and tissue for low- and high-RFI for both tissues. The RNA-Seq reads were aligned against the UMD3.1 bovine reference genome (release 94) assembly using STAR. Variants were called using BCFtools and variant effect prediction (VeP) and functional annotation (ToppGene) analyses were performed. Approaches were compared by comparing read depth, overlap of SNP detection results, and following SNP annotation for positional candidate genes. On average, total reads detected for Approach i) individual liver and muscle samples were 18,362,086.3 and 35,645,898.7, respectively. For Approach ii), total reads detected for each merged group of samples was 162,030,705, and for Approach iii) was 324,061,410, revealing the highest read depth. Additionally, Approach iii) encompassed the majority of localized positional genes detected by each approach, suggesting Approach iii) be applied to maximize detection power, read depth, and accuracy of SNP calling, therefore increasing confidence of variant detection and reducing false positive rate. Approach iii) was used to detect unique SNPs fixed within low- (12,145) and high-RFI (14,663) groups. Annotation of moderate to high functional impact SNPs revealed co-localized positional candidate genes for each RFI group (2,886 for low-RFI, 3,075 for high-RFI), which were significantly (P<0.05) associated with immune and metabolism pathways. The most optimized RNA-Seq pipeline allowed for more accurate identification of SNP, associated positional candidate genes, and associated metabolic pathways in muscle and liver tissues, providing insight on the genetic architecture of feed efficiency in beef cattle.
Research on Improved Adaptive ViBe Algorithm For Vehicle Detection
Authors: Jiang Kun , Wang Jianguo
Published: January 2020

Vehicle detection is an important step in vehicle tracking and recognition in video environment. Vibe algorithm is a moving target detection algorithm based on background difference method. Based on the traditional ViBe algorithm, this paper introduces three-frame difference method combined with ViBe algorithm to speed up the elimination of ghosts, and proposes an adaptive Vibe algorithm, which defines two kinds of vehicle detection errors and their corresponding error functions. Then, according to the range of these two errors, a set of reasonable judgment methods are determined to adjust the unreasonable threshold, which ensures the adaptive updating of the background model. It improves the environmental adaptability of vehicle detection and ensures higher accuracy of vehicle detection under complex illumination conditions.
Detection of Blink State Based on Fatigued Driving
Authors: Chao Lei , Changyuan Wang , Guang Li , Lu Shi
Published: January 2020

In recent years, with the improvement of the national economy, the penetration rate of automobiles has been increasing, and traffic accidents have also increased. Fatigue driving is the main factor in many traffic accidents. Fatigue driving can cause the driver’s inattention, slow response, and make wrong decisions on danger signals, which affect the driver’s personal safety. In modern development, driving safety is developing towards intelligence and safety. Therefore, the detection of driver fatigue has become a generally accepted demand. This paper proposes a method to calculate the threshold of blinking, which can detect the blinking state of the driver in real time through video. During the driving process, when the driver is in the closed eye state for a long time, an early warning is issued to avoid the accident. This paper uses Python language to achieve the first, through the digital image technology call Dlib open source library to detect 68 feature points of the face, and then measure the aspect ratio between the length and width of the human eye, and finally through the Kmeans clustering algorithm to collect the ratio The analysis yields the blink threshold. The experimental results show that the recognition rate is 92.5% when the video frame rate is 30, and the recognition accuracy is 92.5%. The experimental results show that the method designed in this paper can quickly detect the fatigue characteristics of the human eye, has a higher recognition rate and accuracy for fatigue driving, and helps reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
Modeling and experimental validation of the hysteretic dynamics of shape memory alloy springs
Authors: Abubakar R. A. , Hu Yutian , Wang Fan , Wang Linxiang
Published: January 2020

In this work, the hysteretic dynamics of a pseudoelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) spring is modeled and tested. A constitutive model of SMA spring is constructed by combining the theory of mechanical spring and the derived SMA constitutive relation. The SMA spring recovery force is modeled by employing the Euler–Lagrange equation based on a non-convex potential function. A macroscopic differential model is formulated to describe the hysteretic dynamics and the pseudoelasticity of the SMA spring. A theoretical method for estimating the equivalent stretch ratio at a specific temperature of SMA spring is given. Numerical simulations were presented in studying the influence of the stretch ratio at a temperature of 50, 70, and 90°C. The experimental tests are performed and presented together with their numerical counterparts. The comparison is made between numerical and experimental results to validate the proposed model for SMA spring.
Understanding Sustainability-oriented Innovation (SOI) Using Network Perspective in Asia Pacific and ASEAN: A Systematic Review
Authors: Harsanto Budi , Permana Chrisna
Published: January 2020

Sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) is particular type of innovation that is not only economically oriented, but also environmental- and social benefits-oriented. SOI is now being widely discussed due to the increasing environmental and social problems that accompany various innovations around the world. In this paper we conducted a systematic review of empirical literature regarding SOI in the Asia Pacific region, which were discussed through network perspectives. For network perspectives, researchers focused on process view to explain how SOI is mobilised and practised throughout different social, institutional, and political contexts. We chose the Asia Pacific as the context because the region is the most dynamic part of the global economy, with ASEAN being the prominent parts of it. In conducting the review, we used the Tranfield, Denyer, & Smart's protocol (2003) to ensure its rigorousness. The search focused on the academic database of Scopus with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results show that SOI has been rapidly developing into practices in countries in the Asia Pacific, not only in profit sectors, but also in non-profit sectors such as government and community. Our review emphasised that actor-network theory (ANT) emerged as the currently most adopted framework to explain the dynamics process of SOI mobilisations and practices in the Asia Pacific region. ANT frameworks contribute to defining the structure of SOI networks as well as identifying social, institutional, and political challenges of SOI implementation. Regionally, the focus of the study so far is in North America (US and Canada), while studies in ASEAN are still very limited.
The effect of sertraline on cognitive, psychomotor and personality-behavioural parameters in therapy of depression (clinical case)
Authors: Vazagayeva T. I. , Akhapki R. V. , Korendyukhina A. O. , Fayzulloyev A. Z.
Published: January 2020

The article presents a clinical case of the use of the antidepressant sertraline at a dose of 100 mg in a patient with a primary moderate depressive episode. At the time of treatment, the condition lasted 16 months, and symptomatology of anxiousapathic depression of endoreactive type was observed. Positive therapeutic dynamics were observed in the course of therapy with achieving clinical remission by the end of the 6th week of treatment. The reduction of anxiodepressive symptomatology was accompanied by positive dynamics of psychomotor indices with normalization of balance of excitation and inhibition processes, cognitive indices with improvement of executive functions in the form of increase of polyindependence, functional mobility of nervous processes and stress resistance, increase of productivity and stability of attention, operative memory. Significant positive changes were observed in the analysis of formal-dynamic personal characteristics: the level of psychomotor and intellectual emotionality decreased, which reflects a decrease in the intensity of emotional experience of the divergence between the expected and real results of activity, the levels of intellectual plasticity reflecting the flexibility of thinking, intellectual and communicative speed, i.e. the speed of mental processes, speech activity and verbalization increased. In the personal- emotional sphere there was an increase in frustration tolerance, balance of extrapunitive, intrapunitive and impulsive directions of reactions, increase in frequency of «obstacle-fixed» type of reaction and decrease in frequency of «self-protection» type of reaction, decrease in aggressiveness index. At the same time there were no changes in «behavioural activity types» technique: the expressed behavioural pattern of «A» type of so-called «stress-coronary» behaviour was preserved. The revealed changes indicate an increase in the adaptive capacity of the individual against the background of remitative antidepressive pharmacotherapy with sertraline.
Options for surgical treatment of cicatrical stenosis of the middle (folded) larynx
Authors: Nazhmudinov I. I. , Vavin V. V. , Davudov Kh. Sh. , Garashchenko T. I. , Davudova B. Kh. , Magomedova K. M. , Khoranova M. Yu.
Published: January 2020

Aim of the study: to develop a tactic of surgical treatment of cicatrical lesion of the middle larynx depending on the localization and length of stenosis.

Materials and methods: from 2014 to 2019, 43 patients with cicatrical stenosis of the folded larynx underwent surgery. The average age of the patients was 39 years and ranged from 18 to 78 years. Depending on the clinical situation, patients were divided into 4 groups, in which different methods of surgical treatment were applied – removal of scars of the middle larynx using CO2-laser and additional application of keel-shaped implant (n = 21), microflaps in the area of commissure (n = 10) and intraretynoid region (n = 4), endoprosthesis covered with xenopericord (n = 8).

Results: in the postoperative period endoscopic examination of the larynx was carried out in dynamics during the period up to 1 year. Patients were examined daily while in hospital, then monthly. In addition to endoscopic examination, the study of voice function was carried out by the method of determining the time of maximum fonation. The estimation of respiratory and voice rehabilitation was carried out and stable positive effect was received in 90% in the first group, 70% - in the second, 75% - in the third, 75% – in the fourth. The obtained data allow to develop an individual approach to surgical treatment of cicatrical stenosis of the larynx depending on the localization and extent of cicatrical lesion.

Discussion: the optimal method of treating cicatrical lesion of the middle larynx is to create conditions that prevent the contact of wound surfaces and their separation. For this purpose, methods that are individually addressed to the main clinical situations in this problem have been developed. In addition, the use of CO2-laser in the surgical treatment of cicatrical lesions of the middle larynx significantly expands operational capabilities due to high accuracy and low level of damage to surrounding tissues.

Conclusions: in case of cicatrical lesion of the middle larynx up to 4 mm in length, in the absence of a tracheostoma an effective method of restoration of respiratory and vocal function of the larynx is the use of microflaps formed by microsurgery with th e help of CO2-laser; stenoses in the area of middle larynx commissure of more than 4 mm require additional stenting for the period of epithelization of the wound surface and remodeling of the scar, which is 3–4 weeks. In the presence of a tracheostoma in patients with prolonged stenosis of the middle laryngeal commissiure, an implant coated with xenopericardium and chlorhexidine ionic-covalent immobilization, which helps to avoid inflammatory changes during the period of stenting, has proved to be a good choice.
Etiotropic therapy and chemoprophylaxis of influenza with neuraminidase inhibitors
Authors: Zubkova T. G. , Tokin I. I. , Karnaukhova E. Yu. , Lioznov D. A.
Published: January 2020

Influenza is a common respiratory infection caused by viruses of types A, B and C. Characteristic of influenza infection is the development of intoxication and damage to the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, often the trachea. Complications of influenza occur in 10–15% of patients. Most often it is pneumonia, bacterial focal infections (sinusitis, otitis, urinary and biliary tract infections), activation of chronic infections (tuberculosis, rheumatism). In influenza infection, as in the treatment of any infectious disease, the greatest importance belongs to etiotropic therapy. The world health organization recommends the use of neuraminidase inhibitors for etiotropic treatment of influenza. Currently, 2 neuraminidase inhibitors are used in the Russian Federation - oseltamivir and zanamivir. Both of these drugs are included in the clinical guidelines approved by the Ministry of health of Russia. In the Russian pharmaceutical market, oseltamivir is represented including the domestic drug Nomides in several dosages of 75 mg, 45 mg, 30 mg, which allows it to be used in children from 3 years. Etiotropic drugs should be prescribed as early as possible from the moment of clinical manifestation of the disease, optimally - in the first 48 hours from the onset of the disease, without waiting for laboratory verification of the diagnosis. The advantages of etiotropic therapy are reducing the risk of complications, shortening the period of fever and other symptoms. It is equally important to reduce the incidence of secondary complications requiring antibiotics and hospitalizations due to influenza. Etiotropic drugs for influenza therapy, including nomides, are used to prevent influenza infection. It should be noted that chemoprophylaxis does not replace vaccination against influenza, but is an auxiliary method of preventing the disease.
Prospects of rivaroxaban application in treatment of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease
Authors: Perepech N. B.
Published: January 2020

The review is devoted to the analysis of the methods of hemostasis treatment in order to improve the prognosis of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD). The results of the most significant randomized clinical studies, which evaluated the effectiveness and safety of double antiplatelet therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic IHD, were discussed. The use of rivaroxaban in addition to ASA was justified in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic IHD. The results of the COMPASS study, which confirmed the positive effect on the prognosis of patients with chronic IHD or peripheral artery disease of low-dose rivaroxaban and ASA combination therapy, were reviewed in detail. Safety aspects of this therapy were discussed. The results of double antiplatelet therapy and the combination of rivaroxaban and ASA in patients who had previously undergone myocardial infarction are compared. The position of rivaroxaban in the treatment of patients with chronic IHD and sinus rhythm was determined in accordance with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiologists for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic IHD in 2019. The criteria of high ischemic and high hemorrhagic risks, which should be taken into account when deciding to add rivaroxaban to the ASA therapy, were presented. The expediency of wide application of the combination of rivaroxaban and ASA as a part of complex pharmacotherapy of patients with chronic IHD with high ischemic risk for prevention of cardiovascular complications and reduction of mortality is justified.
Looking deeper – exploring hidden patterns in reactor data of N-removal systems through clustering analysis
Authors: Alejo Luz , Atkinson John , Lackner Susanne
Published: January 2020

In this work, clustering analysis of two partial nitritation–anammox (PN-A) moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) containing different types of carrier material was explored for the identification of patterns and operational conditions that may benefit process performance. The systems ran for two years under fluctuations of temperature and organic matter. Ex situ batch activity tests were performed every other week during the operation of these reactors. These datasets and the parameters, which were monitored online and in the laboratory, were combined and analyzed applying clustering analysis to identify non-obvious information regarding the performance of the systems. The initial results were consistent with the literature and from an operational perspective, which allowed the parameters to be explored further. The new information revealed that the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and the anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) activity correlated well. ORP also dropped when the reactors were exposed to real wastewater (presence of organic matter). Moreover, operating conditions during nitrite accumulation were identified through clustering, and also revealed inhibition of anammox bacteria already at low nitrite concentrations.
Seramik Sanatında Suyun İzi
Authors: Tanrıverdi Yasemin
Published: January 2020

Seramiğin temel malzemesi olan çamur, su aracılığı ile hayat bulur ve sanatçıların hayat kaynağı olan su, yaşam içerisinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Dünya üzerinde de geniş yer kaplayan su önemli bir imgedir. Hemen hemen bütün dinlerde su arınmayı temsil etmektedir. İçerisinde zıtlıkları barındıran su, aynı zamanda toplumlar için yaşam ve ölümün imgesidir.

İnsan yaşamında önemli yere sahip olan su imgesi, birçok sanatçının da eserlerinin çıkış noktası olmuştur. Sanatçıların su imgesini ele alış biçimleri farklılıklar göstermiştir.
Bellekle kurulan ilişkiye göre su imgesi eserlerde bazen suyun bıraktığı izle, bazen temsil ettiği suyun şekliyle, bazen de suyu içerisinde barındıran form olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır.

Bu çalışmada kültürler üzerindeki “su” imgesi araştırılmış, sanatçıların bu imgeyi hangi şekillerde kullandığı incelenmiştir. Bu imgenin bellekle kurulan bağda seramik malzeme özelinde sanatçılar üzerinden yansımaları araştırılmıştır.
Terpenoids and Aromatic Compounds from Bryophytes and their Central Nervous System Activity
Authors: Ludwiczuk Agnieszka , Asakawa Yoshinori
Published: January 2020

Bryophytes, phylogenetically placed between algae and pteridophytes, are divided
into three classes, mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. The traditional system of
medicine throughout the world has been utilizing this group of plants to treat various ailments.
One of the outstanding features of these spore-forming plants is their chemistry,
especially that of the liverworts. Liverworts and other bryophytes have yielded a rich array
of secondary metabolites. Many of these compounds are characterized by unprecedented
structures, and some have not been found in any other plants, fungi, or marine organisms.
Among the bryophytes, the chemical constituents of liverworts and their biological activity
have been studied in the most detail. In this review, we demonstrate the chemistry of
the liverworts, mosses, and hornworts, and also neuroprotective activity of dimeric herbertane-
type sesquiterpenoids, mastigophorenes and secoaromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoids, marchantin-type
cyclic bisbibenzyls with muscle-relaxant activity, or ent-longipinane-type sesquiterpenoids with acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory activity, among others.
Design and Fabrication of a Magnetite-based Polymer-supported Hybrid Nanocomposite: A Promising Heterogeneous Catalytic System Utilized in Known Palladium-assisted Coupling Reactions
Authors: Maleki Ali , Taheri-Ledari Reza , Ghalavand Reza
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Herein, a novel heterogeneous catalytic system constructed of iron oxide and
palladium nanoparticles is presented. Firstly, a convenient synthetic pathway for the preparation of this
catalytic system is introduced, then the application of the fabricated nanocomposite in the Pd-catalyzed
C─C coupling reactions is monitored. High reaction yields (98%) have been obtained in short reaction
time, by using this catalytic system.

Materials and Methods:

Fe3O4/P4VP-Pd catalytic system was fabricated via an in situ method by 4-
vinylpyridine (4-VP). In this regard, all the essential structural analyses such as FT-IR, EDX, VSM, and
TGA have been performed on the Fe3O4/P4VP-Pd catalytic system to investigate its properties. The
spherical morphology of the NPs and their uniform size have also been studied by the SEM method.
Further, the reaction progress was controlled by thin-layer chromatography. Finally, NMR analysis was
used to identify the synthesized biphenyl pharmaceutical derivatives.

Results:

High efficiency of this catalytic system has been precisely investigated and the optimal conditions
were determined. The catalytic process is carried out in 20 min, under mild conditions (room temperature).
Then, the purification process is easily performed via magnetic separation of the catalyst NPs. After
completion of the synthesis reaction, the NPs were collected, washed, and reused several times.

Conclusion:

Among recently reported heterogeneous catalytic systems, Fe3O4/P4VP-Pd is recommended
due to its high catalytic performance, convenience of the preparation process, excellent biocompatibility,
economic benefits, and well reusability. Overall, in order to save time in the complex synthetic processes
and also prevent using so many chemical reagents and solvents for the purification process, the presented
catalytic system could be suitable for scaling up and applying for the industrial applications.
Alzheimer’s Disorder: Epigenetic Connection and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Sharma Vivek Kumar , Mehta Vineet , Singh Thakur Gurjeet
Published: January 2020

The gene based therapeutics and drug targets have shown incredible and appreciable advances in alleviating human sufferings and complexities. Epigenetics simply means above genetics or which controls the organism beyond genetics. At present it is very clear that all characteristics of an individual are not determined by DNA alone, rather the environment, stress, life style and nutrition play a vital part in determining the response of an organism. Thus, nature (genetic makeup) and nurture (exposure) play equally important roles in the responses observed, both at the cellular and organism levels. Epigenetics influence plethora of complications at cellular and molecular levels that includes cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular complications including neurological (psychosis) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease etc.). The epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modification and non coding RNA which have substantial impact on progression and pathways linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The epigenetic mechanism gets deregulated in Alzheimer’s disease and is characterized by DNA hyper methylation, deacetylation of histones and general repressed chromatin state which alter gene expression at the transcription level by upregulation, downregulation or silencing of genes. Thus, the processes or modulators of these epigenetic processes have shown vast potential as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease.