bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations and Sensitivity Analysis of Reference Evapotranspiration During 2010-2019 in the Zhangye Farmland Oasis, Northwest China
Authors: Fang Miao
Published: August 2021

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important parameter for agricultural water management in the arid Zhangye farmland oasis. However, the ET0 variations in this oasis over the last decade and meteorological forcings of these variations are unknown. This study investigated the ET0 variations during 2010-2019 in this oasis using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PM) and Hargreaves equations. Results showed that the ET0 features daily and monthly variations with peak values in mid-July and an annual cycle. Although the estimated ET0 series based on the two equations have high correlations in the time domain, the Hargreaves equation always underestimates the ET0 compared to the PM equation. The yearly ET0 showed statistically significant increasing trends (90% significance level) during 2010-2019, while statistically significant increasing trends in monthly ET0 are found only in March and November. Increasing trends reflected in monthly and yearly ET0 are mainly attributed to the increasing maximum temperature and sunshine duration and decreasing relative humidity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the meteorological factor to which the ET0 is most sensitive varies with time scale and equation. Moreover, regression equations used to correct the underestimation associated with the Hargreaves equation for estimating ET0 in the Zhangye farmland oasis also were constructed.
Comparison of Simultaneous Integrated Boost and Late-course Boost Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Yu , Du Guobo , Hu Jianping , Wu Tingting , Meng Xue , Tan Bangxian
Published: August 2021

This paper aimed to analyze and compare the outcomes of esophageal carcinoma treated with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) and late-course boost intensity-modulated radiation therapy (LCB-IMRT). The retrospective study was designed to analyze the clinical data of 274 esophageal cancer patients who received radical radiotherapy in the Oncology Department of our hospital, from January 2014 to December 2017. Propensity score matching analysis was used to balance the variable differences in the two groups. Survival, toxicities, and target dose were observed and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 software. P<0.05 judged to be statistically significant. 200 patients were finally included after propensity scores matching , The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival and local control rates of the entire group were 80.5% vs. 67.6%, 38.2% vs. 31.3%，and 22.2% vs. 20.4%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of the SIB-IMRT and LCB-IMRT group were 85.0% vs. 76.0%, 41.8% vs. 34.5%, and 25.5% vs. 21.3%, respectively (P＞0.05). The 1-, 3-, and 5- year local control rates of the SIB-IMRT and LCB-IMRT group were 77.3% vs. 58.0%, 31.4% vs. 30.1%, and 20.0% vs. 20.7%, respectively (P＞0.05). The recent total effective rates of the SIB-IMRT and LCB-IMRT group were 96.0% vs. 92.0% (P＞0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of ≥2 grade acute radiation esophagitis and pneumonia between the two groups (P＜0.05). The does of lung V5, lung V10, lung Dmean, and spinal cord Dmax in the SIB-IMRT group were significantly lower than those in LCB-IMRT group (P＜0.05). Patients age, tumor location, tumor length, gross tumor target volume, N stage were independent prognostic factors of overall survival and local control. Compared with the LCB-IMRT group, the survival prognosis of the SIB-IMRT group has benefit trend, patients in the SIB-IMRT group received less radiation dose to the normal organs around the target area, and the toxicities effects of radiotherapy were lighter, which is more conducive to the protection of normal tissues around the target area.
Astragaloside IV Promotes the Angiogenic Capacity of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Hindlimb Ischemia Model by FAK Phosphorylation via CXCR2
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Shen Zekun , Tang Yanan , Chen Bingyi , Chen Jinxing , Hou Jiaxuan , Li Jiayan , Zhang Mengzhao , Liu Shuang , Mei Yifan , Zhang Liwei , Lu Shaoying
Published: August 2021

BackgroundTherapeutic a­ngiogenesis by transplantation of autologous/allogeneic adipose stem cells (ADSCs) is a potential method for the treatment of severe limb ischemia (CLI). However, the therapeutic efficiency is limited by poor viability, adhesion, migration and differentiation after cell transplantation into the target area. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the main active components of Astragalus, has been widely used in the treatment of ischemic diseases and can promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis.MethodsADSCs were obtained and pretreated with the different concentration of AS-IV. In vitro, we analyzed the influence of AS-IV on ADSC proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and recruitment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and analyzed the relevant molecular mechanism. In vivo, we injected drug-pretreated ADSCs into a Matrigel or hindlimb ischemia model and evaluated the therapeutic effect by the laser Doppler perfusion index, immunofluorescence and histopathology. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that AS-IV improved ADSC migration, angiogenesis and endothelial recruitment. The molecular mechanism may be related to the upregulation of CXCR2 to promote the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). In vivo, Matrigel plug assay showed that ADSCs pretreated with AS-IV have stronger angiogenic potential. The laser Doppler perfusion index of the hindlimbs of mice in the ADSC/AS-IV group was significantly higher than the laser Doppler perfusion index of the hindlimbs of mice of the ADSC group and the control group, and the microvessel density was significantly increased.ConclusionAS-IV pretreatment can improve the migration, angiogenesis and endothelial cell recruitment of ADSCs by FAK phosphorylation via CXCR2, as well as the therapeutic effect on ischemic hindlimb model, which will bring new insights into the treatment of severe limb ischemia.
Micro-particle entrainment under stirred energy from liquid carrier system
Authors: Shovon S M Naser , Alam Adeeb , Khoda Bashir
Published: August 2021

Controlled delivery of inorganic microparticles by the dipping process can open up 3D near-net-shape production techniques through sintering, robocasting or additive manufacturing, and material joining. However, micro-scale inorganic particles (d>1 µm) have reduced surface area and higher density, making them negatively buoyant in dip-coating mixtures and challenging for high yield solid transfer through entrainment due to the density mismatch. In this work, the physical phenomenon of the particle transfer process under stirring energy with negatively buoyant, non-Brownian micro-particles from density mismatching mixture is investigated. Liquid carrier system (LCS) solution is prepared by the combination of a binder polymer and an evaporating solvent. Inorganic micro-particles are dispersed with the assistance of a magnetic stirrer to maintain the suspension characteristics of the mixture. The effect of solid loading and the binder volume fraction on solid transfer has been reported. Two coating regime is observed (i) heterogeneous coating where particles clusters are formed at a low capillary number and (ii) effective viscous regime, where full coverage can be observed on the cylindrical substrate. In our experiment, we have not observed ‘zero’ particle entrainment even at the low capillary number of the mixture, which can be attributed to the presence of binder and hydrodynamic flow of the particles due to the stirring of the mixture. The critical film thickness for particle entrainment is found as ℎ * = 0.16a for 6.5% binder and ℎ * = 0.26a for 10.5% binder, which are smaller than previously reported. Furthermore, the transferred particle matrices are compared with the analytical expression of density matching suspension. The finding of this research will help to understand the high-volume solid transfer technique and develop a novel manufacturing process.
Predictive factors of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis induced by durvalumab following concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mayahara Hiroshi , Uehara Kazuyuki , Harada Aya , Kitatani Keiji , Yabuuchi Tomonori , Miyazaki Shuichirou , Ishihara Takeaki , Kawaguchi Hiroki , Kubota Hikaru , Okada Hideaki , Ninomaru Taira , Shindo Chihiro , Hata Akito
Published: August 2021

BackgroundConcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by durvalumab is the standard of care for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell cancer (LA-NSCLC). However, a major concern about the administration of durvalumab after CCRT is whether the incidence of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (RP) increases. In the present analysis, we report the initial results of CCRT followed by durvalumab in patients with LA-NSCLC in a real-world setting with a focus on predictive factors for symptomatic RP. MethodsPatients who were pathologically diagnosed with NSCLC and initiated treatment with CCRT followed by durvalumab between July 2018 and December 2019 were eligible for this study. Patients were included if they completed the planned CRT course and were administered at least one course of durvalumab. We retrospectively investigated the preliminary survival outcome and incidence and predictive factors for symptomatic RP. ResultsOf the 67 patients who were scheduled to receive CCRT, 63 completed the entire CCRT course. Of these patients, 56 proceeded to consolidation with durvalumab. The median time to eternal discontinuation of durvalumab was 9.7 months. The cumulative proportions of patients who exhibited symptomatic RP were 30, 40 and 44% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the pulmonary fibrosis score and lung V40 were significant predictive factors for symptomatic RP (p < 0.001, HR: 7.83, 95% CI: 3.38-18.13, and p = 0.034, HR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.09-9.19, respectively). ConclusionsThe pulmonary fibrosis sore and lung V40 are significant predictive factors for symptomatic RP. We should be cautious about the administration of durvalumab for patients with subclinical pulmonary fibrosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first reports showing the predictive value of high dose volumes to the lung in patients with LA-NSCLC who receive CCRT followed by durvalumab.
Reducing Mental Health Stigma in Primary Healthcare Workers in a Rural Chinese County: a Contact-based Family-centric Approach
Authors: Wang An-Li , Qiu Selinda , Zhang Tian-Ming , Deng Yuer , Ran Mao-Sheng , Wong Yin-Ling Irene
Published: August 2021

Background: Mental health-related stigma is a key deterrent to help-seeking in people with mental illness. However, effective stigma reduction interventions are sparse, let alone ones adapted to the cultural context of mental health systems. The aims of the present study were to demonstrate the feasibility and to evaluate the impact of a culturally adapted brief contact-based family-centric training program on reducing mental health-related stigma in primary healthcare workers (PHW) in a Chinese rural county. Methods: The one-day stigma reduction training program was developed based on the Opening Minds Anti-Stigma Initiative. The program included didactic lectures, case studies (two audio-taped testimonies of patient-caregiver dyads) and communication skills training (role-playing). Ten township-level and ten village-level PHW participated in separate one-day training sessions. Mental health knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors, and provider empathy were measured before and after the training. Results: The intervention was favorably rated and considered acceptable among PHW. Compared to measures at baseline, participants’ stigmatizing attitudes reduced, their willingness to engage in relationship with people with mental illness increased, and their empathetic response toward patients improved post-intervention.Conclusions: Social contact-based family-centric training is a promising and feasible method of reducing stigma among rural Chinese PHW.
Low manganese and high iron levels in amniotic fluid correlate with fetal chromosomal abnormalities in pregnant women
Authors: Suliburska J , Pankiewicz Jakub , Sajnóg Adam , Paczkowska Magdalena , Nowakowska Beata , Bakinowska Ewa , Barałkiewicz Danuta , Kocyłowski Rafał
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to check the association of essential and toxic elements in amniotic fluid (AF) with chromosomal abnormalities. A total of 156 pregnant Polish white Caucasian women between the age of 20 and 43 years participated in the study. AF samples were collected during routine diagnostic and treatment procedures in pregnant women. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the levels of various elements in AF. Genomic hybridization and cytogenic karyotype analysis were used. The results of the karyotype analysis indicated chromosomal abnormalities in 19 fetuses (over 12% of the total population) and it was mainly trisomy 21 (N=11), trisomy 18 (N=2), triploidy (N=2) and other chromosomal aberrations. It was found that a low concentration of manganese in AF was associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. High levels of iron and advanced age of the mother increased the risk of aneuploidy in the fetus. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman correlation showed a strong correlation between essential and toxic elements in AF, especially in groups with chromosomal abnormalities. The results of this exploratory study indicate that the levels of essential and toxic elements in AF are associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the human fetus.
A New Remote Sensing Index for Assessing the Spatial Heterogeneity in Urban Eco-Environmental Quality Associated Road Network
Authors: Zheng Xincheng , Zou Zeyao , Xu Chongmin , Lin Sen , Wu Zhilong , Qiu Rongzu , Hu Xisheng , Li Jian
Published: August 2021

Although many prior efforts have found that road network has significantly affect the landscape fragmentation, the spatially heterogeneous effects of road network on the urban eco-environment remain poorly understood. To understanding the coupling mechanism of road network and eco-environment, a new remote sensing based ecological index (RSEI) was proposed to calculate the eco-environment quality, and kernel density of road (KDR) was applied to measure the road network density. We proposed a spatially explicit approach (geographically weighted regression, GWR) to explore the spatial variations in the relationship between the road network and the eco-environmental quality The results of GWR models fit better than those of the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) models. Among, the average effect of KDR on the variables of normalized difference vegetation index, land surface moisture and RSEI was negative, while it was positively associated with the variables of soil index, normalized differential build-up and bare soil index, index-based built-up index, and land surface temperature. From spatial perspective, the impacts of KDR on the urban boundary were generally greater than those on the city center. The spatial variation in the relationship between the road network and the eco-environment is mainly controlled by the relationship between the road network to the vegetation and the bare soil. Locally, the water body, whether a large regional river or urban inland rivers, has a great influence on the spatial variation in the relationship between the roads and the eco-environmental variables, and it can even change the sign of the influence.
Complete wastewater discoloration by a novel peroxidase source with promising bioxidative properties
Authors: Klanovicz Natalia , Stefanski Fábio Spitza , Camargo Aline Frumi , Michelon William , Treichel Helen , Teixeira Antonio Carlos Silva Costa
Published: August 2021

The occurrence of micropollutants in aqueous matrices has become a global concern and a challenge for wastewater treatment plants. Monitoring their toxicity has shown that these compounds, even at low concentrations, pose risks to human and environmental health. Therefore, our study aimed to prospect immobilization strategies for non-commercial oxidoreductase enzymes and insert them in the context of pollutant remediation. The enzymatic extract was obtained by submerged fermentation of the fungus Trichoderma koningiopsis in an alternative substrate, consisting of fresh microalgal biomass from the phycoremediation process. The immobilization efficiency of peroxidase (POD) was evaluated by monitoring the residual activity (RA) and the discoloration potential (DP) of a synthetic dye solution. Concomitantly, the catalytic properties of free POD were explored, and the most promising storage strategy to maintain the enzymatic activity was studied. Guaiacol peroxidase from T. koningiopsis expressed specific activity of up to 7801.1 U mg− 1 in the free form, showing stability when subjected to up 80°C in a pH range between 4.0–8.0. Furthermore, the bioproduct immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles expressed up to 688% RA and 100% DP. An increase in the RA of the enzyme, both in free and immobilized form, was also observe after storage for up to 8 months. The synthesized magnetic nanozymes showed good reusability, maintaining 13546.4 U mg− 1 after ten cycles and removing 93% of color in a second batch. Toxicological evaluation with Allium cepa indicated that the enzymatic process of color removal with immobilized POD, despite maintaining unwanted cytotoxic effects, was essential to eliminate genotoxic effects. In this sense, the immobilization processes of T. koningiopsis peroxidase presented in our work are promising for the enzyme market and for the wastewater treatment sector.
Comparison of the Jcerity Endoscoper Airway with the LMA Supreme for Airway Management in Patients Undergoing Cerebral Aneurysm Embolization
Authors: Zhou Junfei , Li Lu , Wang Fang , Lv Yunqi
Published: August 2021

Background

Interventional embolization of cerebral aneurysms often requires anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy during perioperative period. A new type of laryngeal mask airway (Jcerity Endoscoper Airway)with a unique design may cause less oropharyngeal injury and bleeding for patients receiving perioperative anticoagulation. This study sought to compare the efficacy, safety and complications of Jcerity Endoscoper airwayvs LMA((Laryngeal Mask Airway) Supreme in the procedure of cerebral aneurysm embolization.
Methods

In this prospective, randomised clinical trial, 182 adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class Ι-II scheduled for interventional embolization of cerebral aneurysms were randomly allocated into the Jcerity Endoscoper airway group and the LMA Supreme group. We compared success rate of LMA implantation, ventilation quality, airway sealing pressure, peak airway pressure, degree of blood staining, postoperative oral hemorrhage, sore throat and other complications between the groups.
Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of success rate of LMA implantation, ventilation quality, airway sealing pressure or airway peak pressure. The LMA Supreme group showed a significantly higher degree of blood staining than the Jcerity Endoscoper airway group when the laryngeal mask airway was removed (P = 0.04), and there were also more oral hemorrhages and pharyngeal pain than in the the Jcerity Endoscoper airway group (P = 0.03,P = 0.02). No differences were observed between groups in terms of other complications related to the LMA.
Conclusions

The Jcerity Endoscoper airway can be safely and effectively used for airway management in patients undergoing cerebral aneurysm embolization, which can significantly reduce airway complications related to perioperative anticoagulation.
Overexpression of chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 7 has diagnostic and prognostic value for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Authors: Wang Huaxiang , Xu Fengfeng Feng , Lv Lizhi , Wang Ruling , Jiang Bin , Liu Tingting , Hu Huanzhang , Jiang Yi , Huang Xinghua
Published: August 2021

Background

Chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 7 (CCT7), a member of the chaperonin containing TCP1 complex (CCT), has been reported regulating the expression of many tumor-related proteins. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of CCT7 expression for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods

We investigated the CCT7 expression in HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and our cohort. The diagnostic and prognostic value were verified by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. The association between CCT7 expression with DNA methylation status was investigated in the TCGA database. Gene ontology (GO), The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis were employed to identify the potential pathway in which CCT7 is involved in tumorigenesis and progression.
Results

CCT7 expression in HCC was significantly higher than adjacent normal tissues, and elevated CCT7 expression correlated with tumor stages and tumor grade. Furthermore, the ROC curve showed CCT mRNA expression has a better diagnostic value for HCC with early-stage and low alpha-fetoprotein expression. Positive predictive value (PPV) of CCT7 was higher than alpha-fetoprotein both in the GEO and TCGA database. The Multivariate Cox Regression analysis of clinicopathologic characteristics revealed that both high mRNA and protein expression of CCT7 were independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). High DNA methylation of CpG site(cg19515186) was associated with low CCT7 expression and better OS in HCC. The GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis demonstrated that CCT7 mRNA expression was associated with Spliceosome signaling pathway.
Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrated that CCT7 has diagnostic and prognostic value for HCC.
Halorussus halobius sp. nov., Halorussus marinus sp. nov. and Halorussus pelagicus sp. nov., isolated from salted brown alga Laminaria
Authors: Han Dong , Cui Heng-Lin
Published: August 2021

Four halophilic archaeal strains, designated HD8-83T, LYG-36T, DLLS-82 and RC-68T, were isolated from the salted brown alga Laminaria of three different origins (Dalian, Lianyungang, Dalian and Rongcheng) in China. All strains had pleomorphic rod cells that were motile, lysed in distilled water, stained Gram-negative and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plate, except DLLS-82 showing white colonies. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA genes, strain HD8-83T was closely related to Halorussus litoreus HD8-51T (97.9 % similarity), strain LYG-36T and DLLS-82 were closely related to Halorussus rarus TBN4T (94.4 % and 94.7 % similarities, respectively), and strain RC-68T exhibit close to Halorussus salinus YJ-37-HT (96.9 % similarity). Phylogenetic analyses based on rpoB′ gene and 728 concatenated single-copy orthologous clusters also show these strains formed three different branches and clustered tightly with the Halorussus members. The ANI, AAI and isDDH values between strain LYG-36T and DLLS-82 were 98.9 %, 98 % and 92.4 %, showing they were different strains of same species. While those values between isolates and other Halorussus members with values below 84.7 %, 82.9 % and 28.9 %. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, the strains HD8-83T, LYG-36T, DLLS-82 and RC-68T represent three novel species of the genus Halorussus for which the names Halorussus halobius sp. nov. (type strain HD8-83T = CGMCC 1.15334T = JCM 31110T), Halorussus marinus sp. nov. (type strain LYG-36T = CGMCC 1.13606T = JCM 32952T, reference strain DLLS-82 = CGMCC 1.13604 = JCM 32951) and Halorussus pelagicus sp. nov. (type strain RC-68T = CGMCC 1.13609T = JCM 32953T) are proposed.
Malay-English Translation Competencies Among Future Global Da’ies
Authors: Abdullah Hazlina , Mohd Ali Myra Aidrin , Baharun Hazleena , Massari Norhaili , Ismail Habibah
Published: August 2021

Demands for a greater number of preachers or Da’ies who are capable in delivering the Islamic teachings clearly and confidently are anticipated to increase. Besides knowledge on Islam and its teachings that they possess, these Da’ies are expected to have a good command of English language to convey the Islamic teachings to a wider global audience. Malaysia has many capable Da’ies who can disseminate Islam in the Malay language but many lack the ability to communicate well in English. Ignoring this problem will produce incompetent Da’ies who may miss critical issues, resulting in lost knowledge, and inadept understanding of Islam. Thus, it is vital for these Da’ies to have the ability to translate Islamic terms, concepts and worldview correctly, to ensure better coverage of da’wah. The objective of this paper is to investigate students’ English proficiency by looking at their ability to translate. This paper examines the translation competence of 71 students from various faculties from a Malaysian Islamic-based public university. A test was used as the research instrument which was later examined via document analysis approach. Students were asked to translate basic Islamic religious terms and the translated work were marked based on a set of acceptable answers determined by the researchers. Findings indicate that their translation competencies are influenced by three elements: language, textual/subject and cultural competences. However, the participants have poor translation qualities indicating lack of translation abilities. Future recommendations regarding translation competencies, and Islamic religious terms translation issues are discussed.
The Performance of Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences in 2020 and the Impact of COVID-19 on the Trend of Manuscript Submissions
Authors: Zulkapli Nour Azimah , Abdullah Jafri Malin
Published: August 2021

In this Editorial, we report on the trend of manuscript submissions during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The total monthly new manuscript submissions from 2018 to 2020 were compared to examine the overall trends in submission and publication activities.
Apart from that, we also report on the changes in the journal’s administration and the external recognition received by the journal.
Prevalence, Pattern and Predictors of Child Sexual Abuse Among Senior Secondary School Students in Enugu Metropolis
Authors: Chime Onyinye Hope , Orji Chinonyelu Jennie , Aneke Tonna Jideofor , Nwoke Ijeoma Ngozi
Published: August 2021

Objective: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a growing public health concern with health, academic and psychosocial implications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern and predictors of CSA among secondary school students.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among adolescents in four secondary schools in Enugu Metropolis , Nigeria. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 325 adolescents and data was analysed with a significance level set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of CSA in this study was 116 (35.7%). While the majority 20 (40%) of the victims were forced to watch pornography, most of the perpetrators were neighbours 34 (29.3%). A higher proportion of the victims were abused once, 79 (68.1%); when they were between 12 and 18 years old, 62 (53.4%); and at home, 39 (33.6%). Grouped ages, whom the child lived with, father’s and mother’s education, and father’s occupation were statistically significant on bivariate analysis. Predictors of CSA were students in senior secondary school Class 2 (SSS2) and those whose fathers were employed.
Conclusion: Our study revealed a high prevalence of CSA. Comprehensive sexuality education and legislative policies should be implemented to educate adolescents and deter perpetrators.
Characteristics of COVID-19-Related Deaths Among Older Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Mat Din Hazwan , Raja Adnan Raja Nurzatul Efah , Nor Akahbar Siti Aisyah , Ahmad Siti Anom
Published: August 2021

In response to the rising number of COVID-19-related deaths among older adults in Malaysia, observation concerning COVID-19-related mortality among older adults is of urgent public health importance. This study presents a review of the COVID-19-related death cases among older adults in Malaysia. Clinical and social demographic data of death cases officially released by the Ministry of Health Malaysia were reviewed. As of 12 June 2020, 81 older adult death cases were identified and included in this study. The mean age of the death cases was 71.88 years old. Even though 79% of these cases were male, gender was not likely to be associated with mortality. A substantial difference between the prevalence of diabetes among death cases and the nationwide population indicated that diabetes was more likely to be associated with mortality. Most of the studied deaths were individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, predominantly diabetes and hypertension, and those aged 70 years old or above. The mean time from hospitalisation to death was 11.83 days. Extra focus should be given to older adults in the prevention and control of COVID-19.
A Review of the Impact of Calorie Restriction on Stem Cell Potency
Authors: Kadharusman Marcello Mikhael , Antarianto Radiana Dhewayani , Hardiany Novi Silvia
Published: August 2021

Calorie restriction (CR) prolongs lifespan in various species and also minimises pathologies caused by aging. One of the characteristics seen in age-related pathologies is stem cell exhaustion. Here, we review the various impacts of CR on mammalian health mediated through stem cell potency in various tissues. This study comprised of a literature search through NCBI, Science Direct, Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on the impact of CR on pluripotency. In the skeletal muscle, CR acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and increases the presence of satellite cells endogenously to improve regeneration, thus causing a metabolic shift to oxidation to meet oxygen demand. In the intestinal epithelium, CR suppresses the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling in Paneth cells to shift the stem cell equilibrium towards self-renewal at the cost of differentiation. In haematopoiesis, CR prevents deterioration or maintains the function of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) depending on the genetic variation of the mice. In skin and hair follicles, CR increases the thickness of the epidermis and hair growth and improves hair retention through stem cells. CR mediates the proliferation and self-renewal of stem cells in various tissues, thus increasing its regenerative ability.
FICOCIANINA COMO INDICADOR DE CIANOBACTÉRIAS EM RESERVATÓRIOS
Authors: Silva Thiago , Albuquerque Rufina , Becker Helena
Published: August 2021

PHYCOCYANIN AS AN INDICATOR OF CYANBACTERIA IN RESERVOIRS. Phycocyanin is a pigment present in cyanobacteria whose optical characteristics favor its application in clinical, dietary, and environmental aspects. There are reports of studies of these pigments in lakes and reservoirs, which present different analysis methodologies. Based on this information, this work aims to evaluate correlations between phycocyanin and the number of cyanobacteria to optime the methodologies mentioned above. The samples were collected from four reservoirs in the semiarid region of Ceará, and the applied methodology was based on the work of Hórvath (2013). The spectrophotometry and the fluorimetry analyzes were performed in this analysis. The analytical curves for the phycocyanin showed high linearity, and the fluorimetric technique, which was used due to its greater analytical sensitivity. The absorbance coefficient (2.57 mL mg-1 cm-1) was obtained by spectrophotometry, which was lower than that reported in the literature. The correlations found were higher and significant for phycocyanin (r > 0.70) for the reservoirs, while the correlations with chlorophyll were much lower, hence is contrary to what was observed in the literature. It is concluded that the phycocyanin pigment should be used as an indicator in the estimation of cyanobacteria in reservoirs, replacing the use of chlorophyll for the same function.
Yuri Tynyanov’s comparative studies in the light of translation theory
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Zherebin Alexej I.
Published: August 2021

Against the background of the latest trends in the field of translation theory, the article attempts to distinguish between the terms “translation studies” and “translatology”. The material for analysis is a number of authoritative studies by Russian and foreign authors, in which literary translation and translated literature are considered as a fact of cultural transfer and the subject of comparative literary studies. Variants of the translatological approach are illustrated by an example from George Steiner’s monograph After Babel: Aspects of Language and Translation (1975) and Yuri Lotman’s “‘Journey to the Island of Love’ by Vasily Trediakovsky and the function of translated literature in Russian culture of the first half of the 18th century” (1985). The central part of the article is devoted to the comparative studies of Yuri Tynyanov in the early 1920s. An example of a more traditional translation approach is given by Tynyanovs study “Tyutchev and Heine” (1922), a classic example of Russian comparative studies that confirms the thesis that the delimitation and differentiated use of the terms “translation studies” and “translatology” allow us to more accurately describe the semantic structure of both scientific texts and those works of art to which they are devoted. On the contrary, in Tynyanovs study “Blok and Heine” (1921), which is close in theme and when created, both analytical strategies are present on equal terms; translation studies and translatology complement each other, forming a synthesis. A typological comparison includes both observations of Block’s translation strategy, supported by an aesthetic analysis of the works of both poets, and the posing of the question of the social function of art and the role of the artist in shaping the modernist metanarrative of personality emancipation.
Manipulation as a rhetorical argument in Chekhov’s poetics
Authors:   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Urazayeva Kuralay B. , Azkenova Zhanargul K. ,   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Published: August 2021

The article presents the experience of a discursive-oriented approach in the study of works of fiction and is devoted to the study of manipulation as a rhetorical argument. Summarizing the results of studying literature from the perspective of communicative strategies required describing the text as a communicative strategy in its connection with discourse. The analysis of manipulation is carried out by means of solving problems: classification of external and internal factors of effective communication, comparison of argumentative strategies of literary characters with argumentative results, and the establishment of factors of genre transformation. The interpretation of external factors of influence as a result of the disparity of communicative settings of heroes, and internal factors of communication as manipulation of heroes is conducted in the article. The analysis of the author’s point of view from the positions of metasense and meta-observer allowed the authors of the article to establish a connection between the genre and the methods of perlocative influence and the organization of the text as a pervasive program. The differences in the methods of perlocative influence in the story are explained by allusive illustrative discursivity. The analysis of the comic modality of the work showed a discrepancy between argumentative strategies and argumentative results, which revealed the role of manipulation in the genre transformation based on the synthesis of vaudeville, farce, and social сomedy. The establishment of factors of genre transformation in Chekhov’s poetics became possible on the basis of the analysis of Chekhov’s humor from the positions of metasense and semantic gaps.
In search of cognitive and linguistic methodology for discourse studies
Authors:   Belgorod State National Research University, Alefirenko Nikolay F. , Nurtazina Maral B. ,   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Stebunova Kira K. ,   Belgorod State National Research University
Published: August 2021

This work is devoted to the study of theoretical and methodological problems of modern discourse open for discussion. Being an object of interdisciplinary interests, discourse studies profess various methodological principles and theoretical categories. Taking into account the positions of different humanities using the discourse category, the authors of the article consider the methodological primary basis of discourse-analysis to be the identification of communicative-cognitive correlation of a literary text’s speech meaning and discourse forming concepts as the basis of author’s and reader’s thought code. The category “discursive activity” introduced and interpreted by the authors correlates with linguistic activity: the four-element model of cognition and communication. It is proved that discursive activity is built not on the traditional three “whales”, but four. A communicative event is projected by: 1) object realities; 2) sensual perception of realities in the form of objective and previously stored in memory phonetic representations; 3) a discursive model of the future (supposed) text, which is constructed by ideal phenomena — concepts; 4) such ideal units as “internal words”. This allows for the interpretation of discourse as a schematic means of mentally constructing a communicative situation in the aggregate of its verbal/non-verbal elements. The developed discourse analysis in the work is based on the interpretation of a system of concepts, which are a cognitive substrate of a discursive situation and serve as the pre-text model of the event experienced by communicants as a real fact. An adequate interpretation of semantic relations between keywords and basic concepts is important in the developed cognitive-linguistic methodology of discourse analysis. The contextual interpretation method and discourse analysis were used in the work.
Linguistic-cognitive and communicative-pragmatic features of a politician’s speech activity in a discursive position “after power”
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Goncharova Evgeniia A. , Tsutsieva Mariia G. ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia
Published: August 2021

The cognitive and speech activity of the linguistic personality of a politician in the discursive position “after power” has a number of significant differences in comparison with the stages “before power” and “in power”. Its general cognitive and communicative-pragmatic character that can be described as accumulative-syncretic, adaptive and agonal, is due, firstly, to the seamless combination of substantive-thematic and speech signals of the personal and political past experiences. These experiences are projected onto the issues of the supra-individual present and included in the forecasts of the social future. These signals are present in texts generated by the politician during the post-power period. There is a subject-object “stratification” with a different balance of a subject and/or object functional status in the structure of the linguistic personality of the post-power politician. As a (proactive) subject of cognition and communication, the politician “after power” creates his/her own texts, primarily memoirs and (oral) political speeches. Becoming the object of evaluation, the politician verbally responds to them as a mental-speech subject of speech utterances in communicative situations of interviews, political discussions, public responses to articles of other politicians or comments of journalists that are close or distant to the other side of the communication. At the same time, being an object, not only with social and professional functions, but also personal qualities of the ex-politician are publicly discussed, which indicates the mandatory combination of institutional, professional and individual (third-party) assessment parameters in the structure of his/her personality.
Social meaning in the mirror of political correctness
Authors:   Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Chernyavskaya Valeria E.
Published: August 2021

The article addresses two central notions, namely social meaning and political correctness. The concept of social meaning is well known in “third wave” sociolinguistics, which connects patterns of language variation with the wider social world, in metapragmatics after Michael Silverstein, language ideology research and discourse analysis. The analysis is in line with these research approaches and also reflects back the pragmatic interpretation of social meanings. It is presumed that the social meaning of a word or an utterance is indexical in its nature and conveys information about the social context of language use. Social meaning of an utterance reflects its social embeddedness. In this respect, the perspective of political correctness reflects the discursive process of social indexicality and social meaning making. The article examines modern cases of political correctness (PC) in the USA (2017–2020) to show the effects of discursive pressure on interpretation frames. PC is discussed as a controversial practice and it is aimed at avoiding expressions or actions that can be perceived to marginalize or insult socially disadvantaged and discriminated people. At the same time, it can overpoliticize issues and act as a struggle against implicit meanings and implicatures.
Conflicts among religious orders of Christianity: А study of Vietnam during the 17th and 18th centuries
Authors:   The University of Danang, University of Science and Education, Truong Anh Thuan
Published: August 2021

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the presence as well as activities of religious orders of Christianity in Vietnam, predominantly the Society of Jesus, Mendicant Orders (Franciscan Order, Dominican Order, etc.), and the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris, to establish or maintain and strengthen the interests of some Western countries’ (Portugal, Spain, France) missionary work in this country led to conflicts and disputes over the missionary area as well as the right to manage missionary activities among religious orders of Christianity. From 1665 to 1773, the Vietnamese Catholic Church witnessed protracted disputes and conflicts between Jesuits sponsored by the Portuguese and the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris backed by France. While contradictions between them remained unresolved, from the first half of the 18th century onwards, conflicts and disputes between the Spanish Franciscan Order and the missionaries of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris continued to arise. This influenced the development of Christianity in Vietnam during this period. Based on original historical sources and academic achievements of Vietnamese scholars as well as international, this article applies two main research methods of the history of science (historical and logical methods) with other research methods (systemic, analysis, synthesis, comparison, etc.) to closely examine the “panorama” of the conflicts between the religious orders of Christianity that took place in Vietnam during the 17th and 18th centuries. The article analyzes the underlying and direct cause of this phenomenon, making certain contributions to the study of the relationship among religious orders in the process of introduction and development of Christianity in Vietnam, as well as the history of East-West cultural exchange in the country during this period.
Esquemas de gestión en agostaderos de uso común en Huichapan, México
Authors: Elizalde López Guadalupe Genoveva , Sagarnaga Villegas Leticia Myriam , Salas González José María , Aguilar Ávila Jorge , Barrera Perales Octavio Tadeo
Published: August 2021

El objetivo del estudio es examinar esquemas de gestión en agostaderos comunes, a partir del análisis del sistema vaca-becerro y de normas de provisión, a fin de identificar mecanismos de aprovechamiento, a través del análisis de 12 de los 36 ejidos de Huichapan. Desde un enfoque metodológico de investigación inductiva, se recogió información a partir de grupos focales, cuestionarios de percepción, entrevistas en profundidad y semiestructuradas, analizadas mediante estadística descriptiva y pruebas de X2. Se encontraron tres esquemas: cerrado (58 por ciento), participativo (25 por ciento) y abierto (17 por ciento). En las categorías de uso, conducción y regulación, las variables con asociación significativa fueron el límite de anima-les, el trabajo familiar, el manejo conjunto, el límite en el pastoreo y el acceso limitado. El reconocimiento del deterioro por parte de los usuarios es el factor que incentiva el desarrollo de esquemas de gestión en agostaderos de uso común; a partir de ello, se emiten normas de provisión que limitan el número de animales que pastar y dan acceso exclusivo a ejidatarios o usuarios que rentan derechos de uso.
El Fondo Minero en México. Una propuesta para medir la coordinación intergubernamental
Authors: Gómez Ojeda María , Camacho García Ma. Ofelia
Published: August 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la coordinación intergubernamental de los tres niveles de gobierno en México a través de la gestión de recursos del Fondo para el Desarrollo Regional Sustentable de Estados y Municipios Mineros que realizan los Comités de Desarrollo Regional para las Zonas Mineras. Para ello, se diseñó el índice de coordinación intergubernamental de estados y municipios mineros, con cuatro variables: 1) relación del número de obras aprobadas y el monto del Fondo Minero otorgado; 2) coordinación en políticas de desarrollo territorial; 3) coordinación política y 4) participación social. La muestra se compuso por 89 municipios de los estados de Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, Sonora y Zacatecas. Según los hallazgos, los factores políticos y la existencia de otros programas federales para financiar proyectos de obra pública en los municipios son los que mejor explican la coordinación intergubernamental en la gestión de los recursos del programa.
Elissa Rashkin y Ester Hernández Palacios (coords.), Luz rebelde: mujeres y producción cultural en el México posrevolucionario. Xalapa, Universidad Veracruzana, 2019. 232 pp.
Authors: Galindo Ruiz María Fernanda
Published: August 2021

El libro de Luz Rebelde: mujeres y producción cultural en el México posrevolucionario, coordinado por Ester Hernández Palacios y Elissa Rashkin, estudia casos de seis mujeres que tuvieron participación directa en el espíritu renovador de la cultura mexicana durante la primera mitad del siglo XX. Muestra figuras poco conocidas, creadoras en varios rambos artísticos como poesía, teatro, música, literatura, artes plásticas, entre otros. Todas representaron formas femeninas en los ámbitos sociales, estéticos y políticos, lo que permite tener mayor conocimiento de la cultura política del siglo pasado.