bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hadoop-CNV-RF: a clinically validated and scalable copy number variation detection tool for next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Onsongo Getiria , Lam Ham Ching , Bower Matthew , Thyagarajan Bharat
Published: January 2020

Objective : Detection of small copy number variations (CNVs) in clinically relevant genes is routinely being used to aid diagnosis. We recently developed a tool, CNV-RF , capable of detecting small clinically relevant CNVs. CNV-RF was designed for small gene panels and did not scale well to large gene panels. On large gene panels, CNV-RF routinely failed due to memory limitations. When successful, it took about 2 days to complete a single analysis, making it impractical for routinely analyzing large gene panels. We need a reliable tool capable of detecting CNVs in the clinic that scales well to large gene panels.
Results : We have developed Hadoop-CNV-RF, a scalable implementation of CNV-RF . Hadoop-CNV-RF is a freely available tool capable of rapidly analyzing large gene panels. It takes advantage of Hadoop, a big data framework developed to analyze large amounts of data. Preliminary results show it reduces analysis time from about 2 days to less than 4 hours and can seamlessly scale to large gene panels. Hadoop-CNV-RF has been clinically validated for targeted capture data and is currently being used in a CLIA molecular diagnostics laboratory. Its availability and usage instructions are publicly available at: https://github.com/getiria-onsongo/hadoop-cnvrf-public .
Roles of proximate determinants of fertility in recent fertility decline in Ethiopia: Application of the Revised Bongaarts Model
Authors: Ahmed seifadin Shallo
Published: January 2020

Objectives: Understanding factors contributing to the recent fertility decline and their level of fertility inhibiting effect has a paramount policy implication in a given country . So, in this paper, the 2015 revised Bongaarts model of proximate determinants of fertility was applied, and the contribution and trends of each of the determinants over one and half of the decade (from 2005 to 2016) was evaluated. This study utilized the publicly available data from the Ethiopian demographic and health survey of 2005, 2011 and 2016. The revised and fine-tuned Bongaart's model of proximate fertility determinants was used throughout for data analysis. Results: Postpartum insusceptibility contributed the highest fertility inhibiting effect in all the three EDHS and its level is more prominent among the poorest women. Contraceptive use was the second leading fertility inhibiter and its effect was significantly increased from 15% (inhibition effect by 2005) to 37% (fertility inhibiting effect by 2016). This is an increment in fertility reduction effect nearly 26%. In conclusion, over the last one and half-decade, contraceptive use was the single most important determinant responsible for fertility decline in Ethiopia. To achieve the fertility of replacement level, the country needs a contraceptive prevalence rate of 69%.
Which is the better posterior lumbar dynamic device: Dynesys or BioFlex?
Authors: Hu Konghe , Li Jianjun , Qiu Sujun , Xie Yingmin , Gong Kaiqin , Duan Yang
Published: January 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the lumbar posterior dynamic devices: the Dynesys system and the BioFlex system. Methods: We validated the FE model of an lumbar spine (L3-S1) established by transferring the data, collected by 3D CT scan, to the FE software ABAQUS and comparing these data with the data from published studies. Then, were reconstructed by the lumbar posterior dynamic devices to analyze the range of motion (ROM) and stress distribution on the lumbar posterior dynamic devices. Results: The current lumbar FE model was able to measure the biomechanical changes in a follow-up surgery simulation. The total ROM of the surgery simulation models was substantially decreased compared with the total ROM of the intact group, and the Dynesys system group had the closest total ROM to the intact group. The maximal von Mises stress concentrate at the middle part of the screws in Dynesys system, but at the Nitinol memory loop in BioFlex system. The maximal stress level was only 49 MPa in Dynesys system, but 164 MPa in BioFlex system. Conclusion: Through the comparison of ROM and the stress distribution of the prosthesis, we find that the Dynesys system maybe has a better theoretical outcome.
Genomic prediction of yield and deep root growth in wheat using a semi-field phenotyping system with a water availability gradient
Authors: Guo Xiangyu , Svane Simon F. , Füchtbauer Winnie S. , Andersen Jeppe R. , Jensen Just , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian
Published: January 2020

Background Deeper roots can help plants to take up available resources in deep soil ensuring better growth and higher yields under conditions of limited water supply. The objective was to explore the possibility of genomic prediction for grain-related and root traits of winter wheat measured in a semi-field root phenotyping facility allowing for a water availability gradient and interaction of genomic by water availability gradient. Genotyped winter wheat lines were grown as rows within two subunits of the semi-field facility. Along each row, a water availability gradient was applied by varying the depth distance to a subsurface-irrigation system. Root data were collected based on images taken from a minirhizotron tube below each row in one side of each bed. Results The analysis comprised four grain-related traits: grain yield (GY), protein concentration (PC), total nitrogen content (NC), and thousand kernel weight (TKW) measured on each half row along the water gradient. In addition, two root traits, total root length between 1.2 m and 2 m depth (TRL) and root length in four intervals (IRL) on each tube were analyzed. Two sets of models with or without the effect of neighbors from both sides of each row were applied. Variance components of all effects in the models were estimated. Predictive ability (PA) was measured as the correlation between mean phenotypes corrected for fixed effects and predicted genomic breeding values for each line. Estimated heritabilities ( ) ranged from 0.263 to 0.680 for grain-related traits and from 0.030 to 0.055 for root traits. No interaction of genomic by water availability gradient was found. The relative amount of genetic variance was similar for grain-related and root traits. The PA ranged from 0.246 to 0.477 for grain-related traits and from 0.057 to 0.062 for root traits. Including neighbor effects in the model increased the and the PA for GY and NC. Conclusions In conclusion, it is possible to do genomic prediction for grain-related and root traits in the semi-field facility. Accuracy of root records is low using the current evaluation system due to large environmental variance, and more accurate root records are needed.
Identification of SLC14A1 (UT-B) gene rearrangement in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Guo Zhongying , Niu Xiaobing , Fu Guangbo , Yang Baoxue , Chen Guangping , Sun Su’an
Published: January 2020

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common and deadly disease. Over the past decade, a number of genetic alterations have been reported in BCa. Bladder urothelium expresses abundant urea transporter UT-B encoded by Slc14a1 gene at 18q12.3 locus, which plays an important role in preventing high concentrated urea-caused cell injury. Early genome-wide association studies (GWAS) showed that UT-B gene mutations are genetically linked to the urothelial bladder cancer. Methods: In this study, using a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we examined whether Slc14a1 gene has been changed in BCa with Slc14a1 break-apart DNA probes. We also performed immunohistochemistry evaluating bladder cancer markers. Results: We found Slc14a1 gene rearrangement in one case of BCa from 14 patients. The patient is a 59-year-old male with superficial BCa. Histology showed non-muscle invasive bladder transitional-cell carcinoma. Immunostaining was negative for Syn, CK7, CK20, Villin, and positive for HER2, BRCA1, GATA3. Conclusions: We for the first time report a patient diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma accompanied with split Slc14a1 gene abnormality, a crucial gene in bladder.
A new technique for ureteral reconstruction using lingual mucosa grafts in a beagle model
Authors: Xu Yujie , Sun Lin , Pan Qiufeng , Hua Xiaoliang , Li Dan , Shen Zhou , Li Bing
Published: January 2020

Background: The ideal technique for ureteral reconstruction has not been established yet. We report our initial experiment to investigate the feasibility of ureteral reconstruction using lingual mucosa graft (LMG) and to evaluate the histological changes of the engrafted LMG in beagles. Methods: Twelve male beagle dogs were randomly divided into groups A, B and C (n=4). A ventral ureteral defect was created by excising half of the ureteral wall. The length of the defect was 3 cm, 6 cm and 10 cm in groups A, B and C, respectively. The LMGs were harvested and employed to repair the ureteral defects in an onlay fashion. Two dogs per group were sacrificed after 6 months, with an additional 2 dogs per group sacrificed after 12 months. Intravenous urography (IVU) and macroscopic examination were performed to evaluate renal function and ureteral patency. Histological changes in the engrafted LMGs during the tissue incorporation process were assessed by histological analysis. Results: There were no postoperative complications. Only one dog in group C developed a mild stricture near the proximal anastomosis . In the remaining 11 animals, IVU showed normal renal function and a wide ureteral caliber without stricture or fistula. The diameter of the LMG-reconstructed ureter was greater than that of the proximal and distal ureter (each p value < 0.01). The LMGs survived in situ with newly formed capillaries. The epithelium of the lingual mucosa resembled the urothelium in postoperative 12 months. Conclusions: This new technique for ureteral reconstruction using LMGs is feasible. This approach is a promising alternative clinical treatment for curing long ureteral strictures.
Simultaneous production of poly-γ-glutamic acid and 2,3-butanediol by a newly isolated Bacillus subtilis CS13
Authors: Dexin Wang , Hyangmi Kim , Sungbeom Lee , Dae-Hyuk Kim , Min-Ho Joe
Published: January 2020

Background: Bacillus subtilis naturally produces large amounts of 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) as the main byproduct during poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) fermentation using carbon sources. 2,3-BD is a promising platform chemicals in various industries, and co-production has great economic benefits. Thus, co-production of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) by Bacillus subtilis were investigated for the first time. Results: In this study, a novel Bacillus subtilis CS13 was isolated that can efficiently co-production of γ-PGA and 2,3-BD. The fermentation medium and culture parameters by B. subtilis CS13 were optimized using statistical methods. It was observed that sucrose, L-glutamic acid, ammonium citrate, and MgSO4·7H2O were favorable for γ-PGA and 2,3-BD co-production at pH 6.5 and 37 °C. A medium composed of 119.83 g/L sucrose, 48.85 g/L L-glutamic acid, 21.08 g/L ammonium citrate, and 3.21 g/L MgSO4·7H2O was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The results show that the yields of γ-PGA and 2,3-BD reached 27.79 ± 0.87 g/L at 24 h and 57.05 ± 1.28 g/L at 84 h with the optimized medium, respectively. Conclusions: To our knowledge, the co-production of 2,3-BD and γ-PGA will reduce the costs of production and separation in theory and provide a new perspective for industrial production of γ-PGA and 2,3-BD. B. subtilis CS13 as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) strain, has great promise for the co-production of 2,3-BD and γ-PGA.
The reduction rate of M protein after first and fourth cycle chemotherapy predicts the outcome in patients initially diagnosed with multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhang JunYu , Li Linjie , Liu WeiE , Zhao MinLei , Jin YangJin , Chen Yu , Xu NengWen , Zhang CangJian
Published: January 2020

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy that originate from a malignant clone of plasma cells. This study aimed to discover the reduction rate of monoclonal (M) protein after first and fourth cycle chemotherapy, which acts as a new prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) in MM patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 164 patients with MM. The overall survival (OS) and PFS from the time of first diagnosis were measured. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate if the reduction rate of M protein after first to fourth cycle chemotherapy effect PFS and OS. . Results: Multivariate analysis was performed with factors including del(17p), t(14;16), t(14;20), ISS stage, age, AST and others parameters. The reduction rate of M protein after first cycle chemotherapy (C1reduction rate) (P<0.001) and the reduction rate of M protein after fourth cycle chemotherapy (C4 reduction rate) (P<0.001) acts as dependent predictors of PFS. The 36 months PFS rate in patients with a reduction rate of M protein after the first cycle chemotherapy was compared. The reduction rate of ≥25 vs <25% showed no difference, while the reduction rate of ≥50 vs <50% showed significant difference in PFS. Meanwhile, the reduction rate of M protein after the fourth cycle chemotherapy ≥25 vs <25%, ≥50 vs <50% showed no meaning, but the groups of ≥75 vs <75% showed significant differences in PFS. The patients with higher reduction rate in these two stages had longer PFS. Conclusions :Higher reduction rate of M protein after first and and fourth cycle of chemotherapy act as advantageous prognostic factors for PFS in MM patients in the initial diagnosis.
TSLC1 inhibits bladder cancer cells proliferation and promotes apoptosis by targeting miR-125b
Authors: Zhu Jun , Hu Rui , Ou NingJing , Liang Zhen , Zhang Wei , Song YuXuan , Lu Yi , Kang JiaQi , Yang YongJiao , Liu XiaoQiang
Published: January 2020

Backgroud: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expression of tumor suppressor in lung cancer-1 (TSLC1) and miRNA-125b in bladder cancer (BC) pathogenesis. Methods: The expression of miRNA-125b,TSLC1 and p53 in BC cell line was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) or western blot. Transwell migration assay was used in the in vitro migration and invison anssay. TSLC1 and p53 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistric staining in bladder cancer tissues. Results: We showed that the expression of miRNA-125b was significantly decreased in BC cell line(T24) transfection of miR-125b inhibitor.Knockdown of miRNA-125b promoted the growth and metastasis of T24 cells,while overexpression of miRNA-125b had the opposite effects. Furthermore,TSLC1 was significantly positive correlated with miRNA-125b expression and negative correlated with p53 expression in T24 cells.TSLC1 transfection increased the expression of miRNA-125b,and inhibited BC cell migration and invasion in vitro,and promoted apoptosis. The expression of TSLC1 and p53 was opposite in bladder cancer tissues. Conclusions: Our data provided strong evidence that TSLC1 inhibited tumorigenesis and development of BC through up-regulating tumor-suppressive miRNA-125b.
Shigella and Salmonella, Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors among Diarrheic Children in Southern Ethiopia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Hayamo Manamo , Alemayehu Tsegaye , Tadesse Bereket , Mitiku Enkusilasie , Bedawi Zufan
Published: January 2020

Background: Salmonella and Shigella is a major health problem worldwide, in developing countries like Ethiopia, it is responsible for high morbidity and mortality of children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella infection, their antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factor among the diarrheic pediatrics patients that visited Alamura Health Center in southern Ethiopia. Method: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted at Alamura Health Center from April 2018 – July 2019. The study was performed on pediatrics below the age of 14 years in which consecutive children with diarrhea were included for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data after assent and consent obtained from parents or care taker. The stool sample cultured as per the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the microbiology laboratory. Antibiogram was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and was interpreted based on the Clinical and laboratory standard institute guidline (CLSI) version 2018. Results: Out of 263 children enrolled in the study, 50.5 % were females. The overall, 21/263 (8 %) 95% CI, (4.6 - 11.4%) Shigella and Salmonella was isolated. Shigella dysenteriae was dominantly isolated 11 (4.2%) followed by 9(3.42%) Shigella spp, and 1(0.38%) Salmonella typhi. Those with habit of washing the hands of children after toilet sometimes (AOR = 235.1, 95% CI, 20.9 - 2643.3, P = .000) and store cooked food in open container for later use (AOR = 36.44, 95% CI, 5.82 - 228.06, P = .000) showed statistically significant association. Conclusion: High level of Shigella spp and one Salmonella was isolated from diarrheic children at Alamura Health Center. Shigella dysentery was the most dominantly isolated. Those practised hands wash for their child after defecation for sometimes was 235.1-fold at risk of infection. Similarly, those store foods for later use in an open container was 36.44 times at risk of infection. Therefore, to alleviate this infection the concerned body should focus on giving health education for hand wash after defecation and storing food in a closed container later use is mandatory.
Mass spectrometric analysis of active ingredients in fertilized egg for lipid metabolism
Authors: Ma pei , Li yilei , Wen pei , Ge yufang , Yang ding , Yuan jiahui , Zhang pengxiang , Zhu zhiwei , Luo xiaomao , Wang haidong
Published: January 2020

Adipose tissue is one of the important components of the animal body, and its development is restricted by various mechanisms. Yolk protein has an important effect on the development of chicken embryo skeletal muscle. The protein needed for chicken embryo development mainly comes from egg yolk. The protein metabolism in yolk is particularly strong after fertilization, and the nutrition level is much higher than that of ordinary eggs. In order to study which components in fertilized eggs play a role in fat metabolism, Nano-HPLC-MS/MS protein detection was performed on fertilized egg extracts. A total of 295 proteins were identified and analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and eukaryotic cluster (KOG)/homologous cluster (COG) analysis. The results indicate that metabolic pathways and PPAR signaling pathways are the main biological processes affecting lipid metabolism. Western Blotting (WB) was used to verify the possible components of fat metabolism-related genes apolipo A-I (APOA1) and bile salt-activated lipase (BSAL, CEL). The results showed that APOA1 was highly expressed in fertilized eggs compared to unfertilized eggs. The expression of CEL was not significantly different between fertilized and unfertilized eggs. This study provides a theoretical basis for further studying the effects of fertilized eggs on biological metabolism.
Physicians and nurses’ perspectives of encountering neonates with poor prognosis
Authors: Rafiee Zahra , Rabiee Maryam , Rafati Shiva , Rejeh Nahid , Borna Hajieh , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Decision making regarding the treatment of neonates with poor prognoses is difficult for healthcare staff working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study aimed to investigate the attitude of physicians and nurses towards the value of life and ethical decision making when encountering neonates with poor prognosis in the NICU. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. This study was carried out in five NICUs of five hospitals in Tehran city, Iran. The perspectives of 144 paediatricians, gynaecologist and nurses were assessed using the questionnaire of attitude toward the value of life and agreement on intensive care management on three hypothetical cases scenarios of neonates with poor prognosis. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The negative agreement on the no initiation of intensive care measures and the discontinuation of resuscitation in neonates with poor prognosis was more than the positive agreement. Also, various factors influenced the participants’ decision making for the provision of care to neonates. Regarding the case scenarios, the participants agreed on the provision of aggressive, conservative, and palliative care with various frequencies. This study confirms the importance of healthcare providers’ perspectives and their impacts on ethical decision making. The participants in this study favoured the value or sacredness of life and agreed on the use of all therapeutic measures for neonates with poor prognosis. Conclusion: More studies are required to improve our understandings of factors influencing ethical decision makings by healthcare providers when encountering neonates with poor prognosis in NICUs. Key words: Decision making, ethics, neonatal intensive care unit, poor prognosis, value of life
Ethical practice in medicine: a review
Authors: Adane Kasaw , Worku Ligabaw , Deress Teshiwal , Tesfahun Adino
Published: January 2020

Objective A patient with health problems seek healthcare services from healthcare professionals. Their patient-provider relationships are usually affected by roles, gifts, services, and physical contact. The major ethical healthcare practices focus on respecting patient’s freedom and basic human rights. However, there are only limited references materials issued on medical ethics and ethical medical practices. Hence, this review article tries to describe the important aspects of ethical practices in healthcare delivery. Methods Initially, idea conceptualization, planning and keyword defining were for the development of this material. The keywords were medical ethics, code of ethics, bioethics, ethical practice, quality service and healthcare ethics. Result Then, two authors independently assessed published materials using EndNote® program from PubMed (NML) and Google Scholar databases. Finally, from a total of 721 full-text articles downloaded, 34 published article meeting inclusion criteria were included in this article. Conclusion Adherence to high ethical and moral standards, responding to societal needs and reflection social contract, subordinating self-interest to the interest of others and the manifestation of the core human values are all expected from healthcare professionals. Ethical and legal dimensions of medicine are very important. Hence, providing high-quality patient care at low cost and compliance with ethical and moral standards is the most common reason for the incompliance with medical ethics. Hence, healthcare professionals are expected to have a minimum level of knowledge on ethical concepts, favorable attitude, and a minimum level of skill to comply with regulatory and ethical requirements in all situations.
Beyond Just Branding Gimmick: Power of Youths in Eco-Certification in Abia State, Nigeria.
Authors: Ukeh O. O. , Ozoemelam O. R. , Justina E. C. , Nduka O. O. D.
Published: January 2020

Businesses do not operate in a vacuum. Activities of business have steadily increased pressure on the environment, leading to a growing demand for environmental sustainability and measures to address it. Eco-certification is seen as a strategic communication tool in green marketing strategy to build trust and credibility. This study provides evidence that eco-branding is more than just a branding gimmick. Using a sample of 120 students from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria, who are the future of environmentalism. The study observed that communication and campaign about environmental practices are not totally rejected by Nigerians. This mirrors the importance of perceived behavioural control especially – the dimension of self-efficacy and could serve as a foundation for developing policies that challenge certain assumptions held by young people concerning ecological issues. It also shows that young people are highly aware of eco-branding and labelling though their perception is limited to their level of exposure hence they consider such products being organic products. In addition, respondents prefer voluntary labelling than mandatory option. Voluntary labelling it emphasis the strength of value and ethical-moral burden and commitment of the firm to the environment. These voluntary labels often come from trusted third-party institutions with high credibility. This study, therefore, identified that consumer’s education is a gateway to achieving the intent of eco-labels and branding because consumer perception of certification is negative.as it is seen as a marketing gimmick which reflects credibility crisis about brands with massive investment to promote environmental performance. This study also provides evidence that what drives certification performance among consumers is their concern about the environment and awareness of benefit such concern have on sustainability. The role of marketing is to design a green communication strategy that improves corporate credibility. In going for eco-label policy, it is important to ensure the credibility of the certification as it reflects the credibility of the firm before the public.
Keywords: brand credibility, eco-branding, eco-labelling, eco-certification, environment, youth.
Developing the Methodology of Assessing the Potential of Countries to Attract Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Kasaeva J.
Published: January 2020

To accelerate the transformation process in all spheres of economic and social life the relevance of the adequate assessment of the countries’ investment potential was determined in this article. The innovation process has a high impact on the investment potential of the countries through every sector of the economy. As a result, the countries competitiveness depends on the level of technological innovation. The scientific methodological approach to the estimation of countries' investment potential by the adoption of Hurst exponent was proposed. It is based on the magnitude of the accumulated deviation and reflects the economic essence of the concept of potential. As the time series in Hurst exponent calculation, the theoretical (predictive) values of the global attractiveness index were taken. It was determined by the econometric model of the dependence of the effective feature on five integral indicators of the following groups: infrastructure, science and education, ecology and human health, technology, socio-economic conditions. The integrated indexes for each group were calculated by normalizing the input dataset using the relative method, narrowing it with the relative scatter method and generalization with the arithmetic mean. The five-factor nonlinear regression model of the dependence of the global foreign direct investment attractiveness index on five integrated indexes of the groups was created with the Cobb-Douglas function. The calculations were performed for countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Estonia, the Czech Republic, China, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Romania, Ukraine. This study shows that at the present moment the Slovak Republic, Ukraine and the Czech Republic have the highest investment potential. Therefore, the value of the proper indicator is equal to 60%. At the same time, the lowest investment potential shows the United Kingdom, Spain and Poland, where unused investment opportunities are less than 40%. The obtained results let us define further development opportunities and establish the mechanism for directing the financial resources to the country.
Keywords: Cobb-Douglas production function, FDI, the Hurst exponent, investment appeal, the potential for inward foreign direct investment, regression analysis.
Inbound Marketing: Practical Aspects of Promoting Goods and Services in E-commerce
Authors: Baranchenko Ye. , Aksom H. , Zhylinska O. , Firsova S. , Datskova D.
Published: January 2020

This paper summarizes the features of the functioning of e-commerce in Ukraine. It has been proven that the activity of e-shops as important subjects of the e-commerce market is under-regulated. This leads to consumer dissatisfaction with service quality in the online environment. The necessity of criteria creation was shown, which give them opportunities to e-shops management improve their service and enhance the level of satisfaction of target consumers, primarily based on the effective use of the newest method of promoting goods and services in e-commerce - inbound marketing on the example of infant nutrition. Rating evaluation of functional characteristics of infant nutrition e-shops was done using methods of multicriteria analysis, namely the COPRAS method. It is determined that the functionality and convenience of the e-shop are the main criteria that shape their competitive advantage. The focus of the paper is concentrated on the building rationale for promotion e-shops with the latest inbound marketing techniques. Peculiarities of using different inbound marketing tools on each stage were defined, which implicate a change of Internet-user status from visitor to promoter. An example of evaluating existing alternatives for promoting e-shop (inbound marketing, outbound marketing, or no promotion, in general, was provided). In particular, the decision-making process for choosing promotional tools for infant nutrition e-shop was schematized with the basis of alternatives evaluation by using one of the most common decision-making tools – decision tree. The economic effectiveness of using inbound marketing tools in comparison with outbound marketing tools was proven. The proposed methodological approach can be used by e-shop management for substantiation of management decisions on optimization of goods and services promotion and will increase the loyalty of target audience and popularize brands in e-commerce.
Keywords: COPRAS method, decision-tree, e-commerce, e-shop, inbound marketing, infant nutrition, lead, outbound marketing, promotion.
Economic Security of the Country: Marketing, Institutional and Political Determinants
Authors: Harust Yu. , Melnyk V. , Palienko Maksym , Prasol Lesya
Published: January 2020

The aim of the paper was analysing of the main indicators which influence on the country’s economic security. The authors allocated the main approaches to define economic security. Traditionally the economic security was analysed as a range of economic parameters which are not considering the institutional and marketing parameters. The authors highlighted, the different types of combinations of marketing, political and institutional indicators could influence on the level of the country’s security level with different power. On this basis, the key factors which influenced on the level of the economic security were identified. All indicators were combined in three groups: marketing, political and institutional. To the political indicators, the parameters as follows were included: violence/terrorism; voice and accountability rating; rule of law; control of corruption. The marketing group of indicators contained the parameter – the country’s brand. The institutional group involved: adjusted net national income per capita; agricultural raw materials exports; agriculture, value-added; external balance on goods and services; food exports; food imports; foreign direct investment, net inflows; GDP growth; wage and salaried workers, total; GDP per capita growth; industry, value-added; total natural resources rents; trade. Thus, in the paper, the authors checked the hypothesis as follows: the existence of the statistically significant relationship between marketing, political and institutional parameters and level of economic security. The informational basis for analyses was dataset from the: World Government Indicators, Future Brand, World Data Bank. For checking hypothesis, the 2SLS method was chosen. The analysed period 2002-2018 years. The empirical findings proved that political stability had a negative statistically significant impact at level 1% on agriculture value-added, agricultural raw materials exports, food imports. Besides, the rule of law had a negative significant impact on the indicators: agricultural raw materials exports, value-added, and agriculture value-added. The finding proved that political and institutional imbalance restricts the recovering of the country’s economic security. In this case, the government should consider not only economic parameters but also marketing and institutional during developing the mechanism to increase the level of the country’s economic security. Keywords: economic security, corruption, stability, government, brand.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF GLYCERIN ON RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MARZIPAN PASTES WITH DRY MINERALIZED WHEY
Authors: Kravchenko Mihailo , Fedorova Dina , Rybchuk Larysa , Romanenko Roman , Piddubnyi Vladimir , Danyliuk Inna , Palamarek Karina , Marusyak Tatiana , Nezveshchuk-Kohut Tetiana
Published: January 2020

There is studied the influence of glycerin on rheological characteristics of marzipan pastes with dry demineralized whey (DDW) for determining its rational concentration in the composition of decorative semi-products PKV and MFV. PKV – marzipan pastes with DDW, used for covering confectionary products and as an interlayer; MFV – marzipan pastes with DDW, used for making candies and modeling figured products.

According to research results, it has been established, that an increase of a glycerin concentration in the composition of model mixtures of marzipan pastes PKV (20 % of DDW) and MFV (30 % of DDW) results in decreasing deformation characteristics of a reversible type. Irreversible deformation is constant and doesn’t depend on glycerin concentration.

According to results of the analysis of main rheological constants by a diapason of glycerin concentrations, there has been established a gradual decrease of indices of a highly elastic and conventionally instant resilience module of model compositions of marzipan pastes PKV (20 % of DDW) and MFV (30 % of DDW). Viscosity indices of a resilient aftereffect and pliability gradually grow with an increase of a glycerin concentration in the composition of model marzipan pastes PKV (20 % of DDW) and MFV (30 % of DDW).

Research results testify that the use of glycerin in the composition of marzipan pastes PKV (20 % of DDW) and MFV (30 % of DDW) gives a possibility to increase their elasticity and softness, at that keeping high forming properties.

The conducted studies have proved the availability of producing marzipan pastes with DDW and glycerin. There has been substantiated the rational content of glycerin in the composition of marzipan pastes with DDW that allows to provide given (desirable) rheological characteristics. The rational concentration of glycerin in the composition of marzipan pastes PKV (20 % of DDW), used for covering floury and confectionary products and as an interlayer is 5 % of the total mass of recipe components. The rational concentration of glycerin in the composition of marzipan pastes MFV (30 % of DDW), used for making candies, modeling figured products is 5 % of the total mass of recipe components.

An improved technological solution doesn’t complicate the general technological process and doesn’t need the additional technical equipment. Rheological characteristics of the developed marzipan pastes correspond to directions of the technological destination and allow to decorate floury confectionary products with different levels of technological complication, providing the maximal beauty of ready products.
Origin of corundum within anorthite megacrysts from anorthositic amphibolites, Granulite Terrane, Southern India
Authors: Karmakar Shreya , Mukherjee Subham , Dutta Upama
Published: January 2020

Growth of corundum in metamorphosed anorthosites and related basic-ultra-basic rocks is an exceptional feature, and its origin remains elusive. We describe the occurrence of and offer an explanation for the genesis of corundum in anorthositic amphibolites from ~2.5 Ga old basement of the Granulite Terrane of Southern India (GTSI). The studied amphibolites from two localities, Manavadi (MvAm) and Ayyarmalai (AyAm), contain anorthite lenses (An90–99) with euhedral to elliptical outline set in a finer-grained matrix of calcic plagioclase (An85–90) and aluminous amphibole (pargasite-magnesiohastingsite). The lenses, interpreted as primary magmatic megacrysts, and the matrix are both recrystallized under static condition presumably during the regional high pressure (HP) metamorphism (~800 °C, 8–11 kbar) at ~2.45 Ga. Corundum occurs in the core of some of the recrystallized anorthite lenses (An95–99) in two modes: (1) Dominantly, it forms aggregates with magnetite (with rare inclusion of hercynite; in MvAm) or spinel (and occasionally hematite-ilmenite; in AyAm). The aggregates cut across the polygonal grain boundaries of the anorthite and contain inclusions of anorthite. (2) Corundum also occurs along the grain boundaries or at the triple junctions of the polygonal anorthite grains, where it forms euhedral tabular grains, sieved with inclusions of anorthite or forms skeletal rims around the recrystallized anorthite, such that it seems to be intergrown with anorthite. Combined petrological data and computed phase relations are consistent with growth of corundum in an open system during regional metamorphism in the presence of intergranular fluids. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain the formation of the corundum in the amphibolites: (1) corundum + magnetite/spinel aggregates formed dominantly by oxy-exsolution of pre-existing Al-Fe-Mg-(Ti)-spinel. This pre-existing spinel may be primary magmatic inclusions within the anorthite phenocrysts or could have formed due to reaction of primary magmatic inclusions of olivine with the host anorthite. Pseudosections of fO2-nH2O-T-P in the CaO–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (CFMASH) system indicate that fO2 and H2O strongly influence the formation of corundum + amphibole from the initial magmatic assemblage of anorthite (phenocrysts) + spinel ± olivine (inclusions). (2) The corundum with anorthite presumably formed through desilification and decalcification of anorthite, as is indicated by computed phase relations in isobaric-isothermal chemical potential diagrams (µSiO2-µCaO) in parts of the CASH system. Growth of corundum in this mode is augmented by high activity of anorthite in plagioclase, high pressure, and low-to-medium temperature of metamorphism. This study thus presents a new viable mechanism for the origin of corundum in anorthositic amphibolites, and basic-ultra-basic rocks in general, which should provide new insight into lower crustal processes like high-pressure metamorphism.
Natural Products as a Paradigm for the Treatment of Coxsackievirus - induced Myocarditis
Authors: Khanna Madhu , Gautam Anju , Rajput Roopali , Sharma Latika
Published: January 2020

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a member of the Picornaviridae family, is considered to be one of the most important infectious agents to cause virus-induced myocarditis. Despite improvements in studying viral pathology, structure and molecular biology, as well as diagnosis of this disease, there is still no virus-specific drug in clinical use. Structural and nonstructural proteins produced during the coxsackievirus life cycle have been identified as potential targets for blocking viral replication at the step of attachment, entry, uncoating, RNA and protein synthesis by synthetic or natural compounds. Moreover, WIN (for Winthrop) compounds and application of nucleic-acid based strategies were shown to target viral capsid, entry and viral proteases, but have not reached to the clinical trials as a successful antiviral agent. There is an urgent need for diverse molecular libraries for phenotype-selective and high-throughput screening.
Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Melissaropoulos Konstantinos , Bogdanos Dimitrios , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Sakkas Lazaros I. , Kitas George D. , Daoussis Dimitrios
Published: January 2020

Sjögren’s syndrome is a rheumatic autoimmune disease that primarily affects middle-aged
women and runs a slowly progressing course with sicca symptoms being the prevalent manifestation.
Premature atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are frequently
encountered in rheumatic diseases characterized by significant systemic inflammation, such as the inflammatory
arthritides, systemic vasculitides and systemic lupus erythematosus. In the same context,
chronic inflammation and immune aberrations underlying Sjögren’s syndrome are also reported to be
associated with augmented risk of atherosclerosis. Increased CV disease (CVD) frequency has been
found in recent meta-analyses. The involvement of the CV system is not a common feature of Sjögren’s
syndrome; however, specific manifestations, such as autoantibody-mediated heart block, pericarditis,
pulmonary arterial hypertension and dysautonomia, have been described. This review focuses on studies
addressing CV morbidity in Sjögren’s syndrome and presents current data regarding distinct CV features
of the disease.
The Effects of Different Kinds of Nutrition and Functional Foods on Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Falahatian Masih
Published: January 2020

It is an assumption that different kinds of nutrition, diet, and functional foods might have
different positive or negative effects on multiple sclerosis (MS), a neuroinflammatory disease of the
central nervous system (CNS). This brief paper involved a study on various kinds of nutrition including
salt, fat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables. At the end of this study, appropriate diets were evaluated for
MS patients. Based on previous studies both on animal models and on MS patients, excessive dietary
salt intake and animal fat had worsening effects on MS patients but fruit and vegetable intake helped
the remission of MS and decreased the risk of developing it. There were, of course, conflicting results
in different studies over the role of some nutrition in MS and future studies on larger numbers
of cases were required to collect reliable results. As a result, at the end of this study and based on literature,
it is suggested that a diet should be programmed by nutritionists containing fewer salt, fat,
and dairy intake and more fruits and vegetables for MS patients in order to better management of the
disease.
Effects of an Antihypertensive Combination in Japanese Hypertensive Outpatients Based on the Long-acting Calcium Channel Blocker Benidipine on Vascular and Renal Events: A Sub-analysis of the COPE Trial
Authors: Umemoto Seiji , Ogihara Toshio , Matsuzaki Masunori , Rakugi Hiromi , Shimada Kazuyuki , Hayashi Koichi , Makino Hirofumi , Ohashi Yasuo , Saruta Takao
Published: January 2020

Background:

In the trial known as COPE (Combination Therapy of Hypertension to
Prevent Cardiovascular Events), three benidipine (a Calcium Channel Blocker; CCB) regimens
were compared. Hypertensive Japanese outpatients aged 40–85 years (n=3,293) who did not
achieve the target blood pressure of <140/90 mmHg with benidipine 4 mg/day were treated with the
diuretic thiazide (n=1,094) or a β-blocker (n=1,089) or an additional Angiotensin Receptor Blocker
(ARB; n=1,110). A significantly higher incidence of hard cardiovascular composite endpoints and
of fatal or non-fatal strokes was observed in the benidipine-β-blocker group compared to the
benidipine-thiazide group.

Objective and Methods:

We further evaluated the treatment effects of the three benidipine-based
regimens on vascular and renal events in a sub-analysis of the COPE patients.

Results:

A total of 10 vascular events (0.8 per 1,000 person-years) including one aortic dissection
(0.1 per 1,000 person-years) and nine cases of peripheral artery disease (0.8 per 1,000 person-years)
were documented, as was a total of seven renal events (0.6 per 1,000 person-years). No significant
differences in vascular and renal events were revealed among the three treatment groups: vascular
events, p=0.92; renal events, p=0.16, log-rank test.

Conclusions:

Blood pressure-lowering therapy with benidipine combined with an ARB, β-blocker,
or thiazide was similarly effective in the prevention of vascular and renal events in hypertensive
outpatients, although there are not enough events to compare the difference in the three treatment
groups.
Chemical Composition and Bioactive Potential of Essential Oils from Banisteriopsis campestris
Authors: Rocha Edmilson de O. , Chang Roberto , do Nascimento Evandro A. , Martins Mário M. , de Morais Sérgio A.L. , de Aquino Francisco José T. , Cunha Luís C.S. , Silva Larissa de O. , Martins Carlos H.G. , Teixeira Thaise L. , da Silva Cláudio V. , Justino Allisson B. , Espindola Foued S.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Banisteriopsis campestris is a Malpighiaceae, also known as “cipó-prata” or
“murici”. There are some reports about the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to test the Essential Oils (EOs) from leaves, stems, and roots of B.
campestris for antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antiprotozoal activities and the inhibition of
glycation and cytotoxicity on Vero cells.

Methods:

The plant was collected and the essential oil was obtained and tested for antibacterial, antifungal,
antioxidant, and antiprotozoal activities and the inhibition of glycation and cytotoxicity on Vero
cells, using the more adequate methods to achieve the objectives.

Results:

The EOs inhibited the growth of aerobic and anaerobic oral bacteria. The root oil presented the
highest antibacterial activity with MIC levels ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg mL-1. The three EOs showed
antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania amazonensis. The stem and root EOs presented low cytotoxicity
to Vero cells. The roots and stem oils showed inhibition of glycation above 50%, with stem oil with
of 79.11%. The compounds identified in the leaf EOs were palmitic acid (22.98%), phytol (22.98%),
and triacontane (14.88%); in the stem–palmitic (49.79%), linoleic (11.63%), oleic (4.83%), and palmitoleic
(4.15%) fatty acids; in the root–palmitic acid (57.39%), linoleic (10.38%), and oleic acids
(5.47%).

Conclusions:

The results presented indicate that the EOs have remarkable antioxidant properties and
potential antimicrobial activity and confirm the essential oils of B. campestris as an alternative source of
medicinal substances.