bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology of Juniperus Cone and Its Implications on Cone Evolution
Authors: Wang Xin , Xu Xiuping
Published: September 2020

Background

The basic cone unit in Pinaceae is called bract-scale-seed complex (BSSC), in which the scale is supposed to be equivalent to an axillary shoot bearing ovules in Cordaitales. This correlation established by Florin provides a rational foundation on which an interpretation for the origin of cones in at least most Coniferales is built, and may be called Florin model for convenience. Cupressaceae is a family in Coniferales, in which the ovule-scale and its subtending bract are thought fully fused and hard to distinguish by external morphology.
Results

Different from Pinaceae and other typical conifers, Juniperus (Cupressaceae) appears not following Florin’s model closely. For example, the cone of Juniperus oxycedrus has only three rather than more BSSCs in a whorl, and its fleshy fructification appears more like a berry rather than a typical coniferalean cone. In this paper morphology and anatomy of Juniperus oxycedrus fructifications are documented using Micro CT. New observation demonstrates clearly that three seeds alternate the three surrounding bracts in J. oxycedrus.
Conclusions

Such spatial arrangement is quite different from that in typical BSSCs, in which the ovules should be aligned with their subtending bract. Together with other unexpected features in other cupressaceous cones, Juniperus my help to expand the avenue through which we can interpret the origin and homology of cones in Cupressaceae and other conifers or gymnosperms in general.
Quantification of SPECT Concentric Ring Artifacts by Radiomics and Radial Features
Authors: Mezzenga Emilio , Sarnelli Anna , Bellomo Giovanni , DiFilippo Frank P , Palestro Christopher J , Nichols Kenneth J
Published: September 2020

Background: Conspicuous concentric ring artifacts in phantom reconstructions triggers retuning SPECT systems. These evaluations are visual, not quantitative. Our study was undertaken to determine the degree to which observers agree about SPECT concentric ring artifacts, and to test whether quantitative texture analysis metrics correspond to significant artifacts.Methods: Test data were acquired as part of quarterly quality assurance using standardized SPECT phantoms containing solid spheres, solid rods and volumes of uniform activity concentration loaded with 99mTc. Forty SPECT studies were identified as having concentric ring artifacts or were acquired to assess whether artifacts were resolved following camera retuning after obtaining an unacceptably non-uniform result. Transaxial reconstructions were reviewed independently by two medical physicists who graded severity of artifacts on a 5-point scale. Counts were tabulated in volumes of interest created in uniform phantom sections, from which were computed 72 radiomics image texture analysis metrics. Radial contrast (RContrast) derived from the radial profile of summed slices transformed into polar coordinates and radial noise-to-signal (RNSR) also calculated. Results: Artifacts were considered sufficiently severe to require camera retuning in 10 rods sections, 17 sphere sections, and 16 uniform sections. In uniform sections, there was “good agreement” for inter-observer and intra-rater assessments (κ = 0.66, Fisher exact p < 0.0001 and κ = 0.61, Fisher exact p = 0.001, respectively). While 3 radiomics image analysis features agreed significantly (p = 0.001) with visual detection of significant artifacts in uniform sections, the parameters most strongly associated with severe artifacts were RContrast > 4.75% and RNSR > 2.7%, for which ROC AUC accuracy = 88%±5%, sensitivity = 83%, specificity = 83%, p < 0.0001. Accuracy was 76%-78% for the 3 radiomics features, with significantly lower specificity (48%-61%, p < 0.05) than RContrast and RNSR. Increasing magnitude of RContrast and RNSR correlated significantly with increasingly severe artifact scores (ρ = 0.71-0.72, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: There was good agreement among physicists as to the presence of circular ring artifacts in uniform sections of SPECT quality assurance scans, with artifacts accurately detected by radial contrast and noise-to-signal ratio measurements.
Examination of Referral Source and Retention Among Women in Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Rivera Dean , Dueker Donna , Amaro Hortensia
Published: September 2020

Background: Court-mandated substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, as compared to nonmandated treatment, has been associated with increased retention and completion. However, whether child protective services (CPS)-mandated women’s residential SUD treatment leads to improved treatment retention in comparison to criminal justice (CJ)-mandated and nonmandated treatment remains unclear. Purpose: This study compared the number of days retained in residential SUD treatment among three referral sources (CPS, CJ, and nonmandated), while also examining whether having a co-occurring mental health disorder or certain mental health characteristics (increased stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptomology) contributed to decreased retention. This study tested the hypothesis that women mandated by the CPS and CJ systems would have improved residential SUD treatment retention compared with nonmandated women. Methods: Multivariate regression analyses were conducted on data for a diverse sample of 245 women (Hispanic: N = 141, Black: N = 50, White: N = 50) mandated or nonmandated (CJ: N = 114, CPS: N = 82, nonmandated: N = 49) into residential SUD treatment to determine each group’s treatment retention outcomes. Results: Women mandated to SUD residential treatment regardless of source (CPS or CJ) remained in treatment significantly longer (CPS: M = 116.59 days, SD = 65.59, p = .023; CJ: M = 133.86 days, SD = 79.43, p = .028), compared to women not mandated (M = 96.11 days, SD = 72.09), representing a 34.4% and 31.6% increase, respectively. Findings further revealed a corresponding 2.3% decrease in retention (p = .024) for each one-unit increase in a patient’s stress score, whereas those with a co-occurring mental health diagnosis had a 43.6% decrease in SUD treatment retention (p < .001). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of future research that examines the impact of referral source, co-occurring mental disorders, and stress on women’s residential SUD treatment retention.Further research is needed examining the variability in external motivation among referral sources compounded by dynamic intersections of risk associated with having a co-occurring disorder and stress on treatment retention.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02977988 (first posted November 30, 2016; last update posted October 7, 2019); U.S. NIH Grant/Contract: 5R01DA038648
The Influence of Adsorption Small Molecules Atrazine on Nonvolatile Resistive Switching Behavior in Co-Al Layered Double Hydroxide Films
Authors: Sun Yanmei , Li Li , Shi Keying
Published: September 2020

Co-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) thin films were prepared by drop-casting process on ITO coated glass substrates. And then the small molecule atrazine was adsorbed on the Co-Al LDHs film by impregnation method. Current-voltage characteristics revealed nonvolatile resistive switching in Co-Al LDHs adsorbed atrazine films. The Influence of adsorption small molecules atrazine on nonvolatile resistive switching behavior in Co-Al LDHs Film has been investigated. By varying the atrazine adsorbed content in Co-Al LDHs thin films, the nonvolatile resistive switching behavior of device could be adjusted in a controlled way. Entirely different nonvolatile resistive switching characteristic, such as write-once read-many-times memory effect and rewritable memory effect are discriminable by the current-voltage curves.
A real world retrospective observational study exploring the effectiveness and safety of antifibrotics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wright William Alexander , Crowley Louise , Parekh Dhruv , Crawshaw Anjali , Dosanjh Davinder , Nightingale Peter , Thickett David
Published: September 2020

Background Pirfenidone and nintedanib are the only disease-modifying treatments available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Our aim was to test their effectiveness and safety in clinical practice.Methods This is a single centre retrospective observational study undertaken at a specialised interstitial lung disease centre in England. Data including progression-free survival (PFS), mortality and drug tolerability were compared between IPF patients on antifibrotic therapies and an untreated control group who had a forced vital capacity percentage (FVC %) predicted within the licensed antifibrotic treatment range.Results 104 patients received antifibrotic therapies and 64 control patients were identified. PFS at 6 months was significantly greater in the antifibrotic group (75.0%) compared to the control group (56.3%) (p=0.012). PFS was not significant at 12 or 18 months. The 12-month post-treatment mean decline in FVC% predicted (-4.6±6.2%) was significantly less than the 12-month pre-treatment decline (-10.4 ±11.8%) (p=0.039). The 12-month mortality rate was not significantly different between the antifibrotic group (25.3%) and the control group (35.5%) (p=0.132). Baseline BMI≤25, baseline DLco% predicted ≤35 and antifibrotic discontinuation within 3 months were independent predictors of 12-month mortality. Antifibrotic discontinuation was significantly higher by 3 and 6 months for patients on pirfenidone than those on nintedanib (p=0.006 and p=0.044, respectively). Discontinuation at 12 months was not significantly different (p=0.381).Conclusion This real-world study revealed that antifibrotics are having promising effects on PFS, lung function and mortality. These findings may favour commencement of nintedanib as first line antifibrotic therapy, given the lower rates of early treatment discontinuation.
AŞKIN ZARARIN İSPATI
Authors: KESER Yıldırım
Published: September 2020

Para borçları, borçlanılan tutarı ifade eder. Borçlu, borçlandığı nominal değeri öderse, para borcunu ifa etmiş sayılır. Para borçlusu temerrüde düşerse, temerrüt faizinden sorumlu olur. Paranın satın alma gücünün zamanla azaldığı ekonomik düzenlerde temerrüt faizi ile karşılanmayan zararlar ortaya çıkmaktadır. Temerrüt faizi ile karşılanamayan zararlar, aşkın zarar olarak nitelendirilir. Aşkın zararın varlığını alacaklı ispat etmelidir. Aşkın zararın ispatında hangi yöntemin uygulanması gerektiği konusunda yasal bir düzenleme yoktur. Bu zarar türünün ispatında somut ve soyut yöntem olmak üzere iki farklı ispat yöntemi vardır. Somut yöntemde, alacaklı zararını somut olarak ispat etmek zorundadır. Soyut yöntemde ise, alacaklı, paranın değer kaybetmesini gerekçe göstererek zararını talep edebilir. Bu yöntemde alacaklının fiili karinelerden yararlanarak zararının miktarını ispat edebilmesi mümkündür. Türk Hukuku’nda aşkın zararın ispatı konusunda hangi yöntemin uygulanması gerektiği konusunda görüş birliği yoktur. Yöntemlerin uygulanmasında ilkelerin geliştirilmesi gerekir. Bu nedenle de borcun kaynağı üzerinde durulmalıdır. Somut yöntem, sözleşmeden doğan para borçlarının temerrüdü hâlinde ortaya çıkan aşkın zarar iddiasının ispatında uygulanmalıdır. Soyut yöntem ise haksız fiilden, sebepsiz zenginleşmeden ve gerçek olmayan vekâletsiz iş görmeden doğan borçlardan kaynaklanan aşkın zararın ispatı için uygulanması gereken yöntemdir.
SOSYAL POLİTİKA VE SOSYAL REFAH AÇISINDAN TÜRKİYE’DE SOSYAL İNOVASYON VE İYİ UYGULAMA ÖRNEKLERİ
Authors: ATES Muradiye
Published: September 2020

Bu çalışma, toplumsal sorunların çözümünde ve ihtiyaçların karşılanmasında yeni yollar olarak bilinen sosyal inovasyonun Türkiye’deki durumunu sosyal politika ve sosyal refah açısından ele almaktadır. Bu doğrultuda, Türkiye’de sosyal politika ve sosyal inovasyonun gelişimi ele alınmış, farklı sektörlerde sosyal inovasyon örneklerine yer verilmiştir. Sosyal inovasyonun yenilikçi sosyal politika uygulamalarının bir aracı olarak görülmeye başlanması nedeniyle kavramın sosyal politika açısından önemi irdelenmiştir. Ayrıca sosyal politikalar bağlamında kamu tarafından bizzat yürütülen ve desteklenen sosyal inovasyon örnekleri ilgili kurumlarla görüşülerek derlenmiştir. Böylelikle sosyal politika alanına yeni bir bakış açısı sunabilecek söz konusu uygulamalar sosyal inovasyon kavramı çerçevesinde ilk defa ele alınmaktadır.
Çoklu Yetersizliği Olan Az Gören Çocuklara Doğrudan Öğretimle Sunulan Şematik Düzenleyicinin Bir Fen Konusunun Öğretiminde Etkisi
Authors: ŞAFAK Pınar , BİLGİÇ Hatice Cansu
Published: September 2020

Bu araştırmanın genel amacı, az gören ve orta düzeyde
zihinsel yetersizlikten etkilenmiş üç öğrenciye, fen konularından biri olan
‘kurbağanın yaşam döngüsü’ konusunun öğretilmesinde doğrudan öğretim yöntemi
ile sunulan şematik düzenleyicinin etkililiğini, bireylerin konu hakkındaki
öğrenmelerini öğretim sona erdikten 7,14 ve 21 gün sonra da sürdürüp
sürdüremediğini belirlemektir. Araştırma, Ankara ilinde bulunan, görme
engelliler okulu ve özel alt sınıfa devam eden ayrıca özel eğitim kurumunda da
eğitim gören az gören ve orta düzeyde zihinsel yetersizliği bulunan biri yedek
olmak üzere dört öğrenci ile yapılmıştır. Araştırmada katılımcılar arası çoklu
yoklama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verilerinin toplanabilmesi için,
öğretmen ve aile görüşme formları, beceri kontrol listesi, ölçüt bağımlı ölçü
araçları, uygulama güvenirliği ve sosyal geçerlilik formları geliştirilmiş ve
kullanılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre; doğrudan öğretim yöntemi ile
sunulan şematik düzenleyicinin ‘kurbağanın yaşam döngüsü’ konusunun
öğretilmesinde etkili olduğu ve her üç katılımcının da öğretim sona erdikten
7,14 ve 21 gün sonra öğrendikleri konunun tamamını bağımsız şekilde şema
üzerinden gösterebildikleri belirlenmiştir.
Zmienność runa leśnego w grądzie wysokim rezerwatu Las Bielański pod wpływem ruchu turystycznego
Authors: Grutkowska Anita
Published: September 2020

Las Bielański covers 150 hectares, it is a unique remnant of the ancient Mazowiecka Forest. At present 130 hectares out of 150 hectares are a nature reserve, where the influence of humans is limited only to tourist paths. The aim of this research was to estimate a possible impact of use the path by humans on the development of nearby plants. Namely, whether the presence of the path induces any changes, and if so, what sort and scope of the changes is seen. A 125 m long section of a tourist path, located in an oak-hornbeam association was chosen. Three sampling lines parallel to the path were traced: line A – 15-30 cm distant from the path’s edge, line B – 5 m away, and line C – about 10 m away from the path’s edge (Fig. 1). Plants were collected using sample squares of 0.1 m2 in area, distributed evenly along each line (25 samples per line, i.e., 75 samples altogether). The data collected in the field were analyzed statistically. Most of the species exhibit a clumped distribution of the number of sprouts (Tab. 1). This phenomenon is seen in each line. In order to demonstrate the differences in the abundance of sprouts, as well as differences in plant cover between the samples taken along the three lines, nonparametric statistics were applied – the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The results of those analyses show for restricted plant cover in the line closest to the path: the percentage of the coverage and the number of sprouts per sample in line A are lower than those estimated for lines B and C (Fig. 3). The species occurring most frequently are those typical of the oak-hornbeam association. The estimate of frequency is the lowest for all the species directly in the closest vicinity of the path (Fig. 2). Seasonal variability is evident, too. No presence of animals was noticed within the distance of 5 m from the path’s edge. The majority of animal traces occurred around line C, about 10 m distance from the path. Particular attention was paid to the distribution of hornbeams (Carpinus betulus) – the species in the oak-hornbeam association. No significant differences were found between the three lines as far as the number of hornbeam sprouts and frequency is concerned (Fig. 4 and 5). The number of sprouts of this species is the highest in spring, and it decreases gradually, due to heavy mortality of seedlings and juvenile specimens, with the progressive light shortage. It means the tourist traffic is not the only factor affecting plant abundance.
Technologie energetycznego wykorzystania odpadów
Authors: Biernat Krzysztof , Dziołak Paulina Luiza , Samson-Bręk Izabela
Published: September 2020

The aim of this paper is to show municipal and organic waste as an alternative source of energy and the benefits which can bring their energy use. These benefits concern both environmental reasons, as well as freedom from conventional energy sources and increasing energy security. The article discusses the biogas technology and plasma technology as the most promising waste to energy technologies.
Wpływ doświadczalnych pożarów na zespoły mezofauny (Collembola i Acarina) dwóch typów łąk
Authors: Olejniczka Izabella , Russel Stefan , Prędecka Anna
Published: September 2020

The impact of experimental fires in grasslands on soil mesofauna was studied in the field experiment. The study was carried out on two kinds of meadows: on mineral (meadow I) and organic soils (meadow II), near Warsaw (52010’N; 20050’E). In November 2007 sampling plots, 1 m2 in size were chosen at random and burnt. Soil samples were taken just after fire and in April, July, and November 2008 to the depth of 10 cm from unburned places (control), at the border of fire and in burnt plots. The soil mesofauna was extracted from soil samples in the Tullgren apparatus. There were not found any effects of experimental fires on mesofauna densities. However, a slight increase of mesofauna abundance was s observed in burned plots 12 months after experimental fires on the meadow I and decrease on the meadow II. Just after fire, in burned plots, only euedaphic species of Collembola were present among mites communities dominated Oribatida, with thick cuticule.
Problem ludzkiej wolności i adekwatnej interpretacji przyrody w świetle genocentryzmu
Authors: Marek-Bieniasz Anna
Published: September 2020

In the article, the stance of genetic determinism, represented by Edward Wilson and Richard Dawkins on the grounds of sociobiology, has been presented and critically commented. The stance finds the gene to be the main actor on the stage of life, whom anything else in nature, including man – seen as a machine of replicators’ survival – is subjected. The criticism of the stance held by radical sociobiologists, undertaken by the author, results among other things from her conviction of inability to reduce the meaning of human existence to being subordinated to genes’ existence.
Metodyka waloryzacji przyrodniczej. Część II: Zastosowania w praktyce ocen oddziaływania przedsięwzięć na środowisko
Authors: Matyjasiak Piotr
Published: September 2020

The aim of this paper is (i) to review the method of valorization of natural resources as applied in the environmental impact assessment, and (ii) to develop recommendations on how valorization expertise should be prepared in order to be comprehensive and transparent. Valorization is the proper time to carry out identi>cation of the possible negative environmental impacts and damages of a planned project. It is recommended to perform valorization due to the state (numbers) and functions (quality) of natural resources. This approach is related to the concept of environmental damage, which is defined as a measurable adverse change in a natural resource or measurable impairment of a natural resource service (which means the functions performed by a natural resource for the benefit of another natural resource or the public). Valorization of natural resources should include an assessment of potential environmental damage, including an impact on the local biodiversity, the ecological connectivity, the N2000 network, and the legally protected areas. The valorization of natural resources should be performed at the following thematic levels focusing on the role of the area under consideration due to: (1) the implementation of the objectives of protection of Nature 2000 network and its overall coherence, (2) the implementation of the objectives of protection of legally protected areas other than N2000, (3) the maintenance of the ecological connectivity in a context other than the coherence of Nature 2000 network, (4) the maintenance of species and natural habitats with favorable conservation status, (5) the conservation of species and natural habitat types that are not legally protected.
Mir-320b Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting FOXM1
Authors: Jingyang Zhou , Jinhui Che , Lu Xu , Weizhong Yang , Yunjiu Li , Haihong Wang , Wuyuan Zhou
Published: September 2020

Backround:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and deadly cancer. Surgical resection is the only possible cure for pancreatic cancer but often has a poor prognosis, and the role of adjuvant therapy is urgently explored.

Methods:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play very important role in tumorigenesis by regulating the target genes. In this study, we identified miR-320b lower-expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues but relatively higher-expressed in the adjacent nontumor tissues.

Results:

Consistently，the expression of miR-320b in different pancreatic cancer cell lines was significantly lower than the normal pancreatic cells. In order to identify the effects of miR-320b on cell growth, we overexpressed miR-320b in PANC-1 and FG pancreatic cancer cell lines, CCK8 and BrdU incorporation assay results showed that miR-320b inhibited cell proliferation.

Discussion:

We next predicted miR-20b targeted FOXM1（Forkhead box protein M1）and identified the negative relationship between miR-320b and FOXM1.We also demonstrated that elevated miR-320b expression inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion:

All of these results showed that miR-320b suppressed pancreatic cancer cells proliferation by targeting FOXM1, which might provide a new diagnostic marker for pancreatic cancer.
Is there a Relationship Between Gestational Diabetes and Postpartum Depression?
Authors: Khazaei Salman , Ayubi Erfan , Bashirian Saeid , Hamzehei Ronak , Jenabi Ensiyeh
Published: September 2020

Background:

The relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression
(PPD) is poorly understood and seldom studied.

Objective:

In an effort to explore this issue, the present study investigated the relationship between
gestational diabetes and PPD.

Methods:

The present cross-sectional study was performed on 342 women who were referred to
four urban health centers of Hamadan city, west of Iran. We used convenience sampling as a
method to recruit women in each health center. We used a researcher-made checklist for gathering
data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors of PPD. The Persian validated
version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess PPD. Univariate
and multivariable binary logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence
interval [CI]).

Results:

Gestational diabetes was identified as the most important risk factor for PPD with OR
(95% CI) of 2.19 (1.11, 4.31); P-value=0.02 after adjusting for other variables. Moreover, the adjusted
odds ratio showed that PPD among less-educated women (primary school) was 3.5 times higher
compared to women with a university education (OR=3.54, 95% CI: 1.27, 9.84; P-value=0.01).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggested that PPD is more likely among women with gestational diabetes
and those who are less educated. Interventional and educational activities can be employed to
reduce the risk of PPD in this population.
Prevalence of OXA-type Class D β-lactamases Among Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Multiple Centers of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Mehrbakhsh Pariya , Basharkhah Yalda , Bahkshi Ashraf , Kamarposhti Lida Tahmasebi Nezhad , Bolori Shahin
Published: September 2020

Background:

Drug- and multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates have been
found worldwide. Treatment failures against carbapenems and extended-spectrum cephalosporins,
the currently recommended drugs, contribute to consider K. pneumoniae infections as untreatable
infections. The emergence and spread of oxacillinases (OXAs) with carbapenem-hydrolyzing properties
are a major concern and seriously become a public health problem worldwide. The present
study was aimed to explore the blaOXA genes among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae in some clinical
settings in Tehran, Iran.

Methods:

A total of 90 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from different clinical samples at
hospitals in Tehran during the year 2016 and 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed
on bacterial isolates using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar
plates. PCR experiments were carried out to detect the presence of the blaOXA genes, including blaOXA-
1, blaOXA-2, blaOXA-4, blaOXA10, and blaOXA-48-like, using specific primers.

Results:

The antibiotics susceptibility results showed that 41% of the K. pneumoniae isolates were
resistant to imipenem and meropenem. Resistance rates for cephalosporin agents, including cefpodoxime,
ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, and cefepime, were measured as 72.3%, 67.8%,
67.7%, 65.5%, and 60%, respectively. In the present study, 51.1% of isolates were classified as
multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. The molecular assays showed that 56.6% of isolates harbored
blaOXA-2. In addition, blaOXA-4, blaOXA-1, blaOXA-10, and blaOXA-48-like genes were also found in
16.7%, 5.6%, 1.1%, and 1.1% of isolates, respectively.

Conclusions:

The spread of blaOXAs, especially blaOXA-48-like, among K. pneumoniae isolates indicated
the inadequate dissemination control of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the Iranian hospital environment.
There is a reason to assume that OXA producing K. pneumoniae will limit clinical therapeutic
options in the future and pose threats to national public health among the Iranian population.
Overview of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Saad Nadine , Onel Karen
Published: September 2020

Joint pain is a common symptom in children and adolescents. While there are many causes of joint pain in children, most of these are acute or not related to underlying joint inflammation. Chronic arthritis, however, can be one of the reasons behind the joint pain. The most common causes of chronic arthritis in children are categorized under juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The purpose of this review is to highlight the most important clinical features, work-up, and medical management of the different subtypes of JIA.
The Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 in Yoghurt Samples from Hamadan, Iran
Authors: Heshmati Ali , Mozaffari Nejad Amir Sasan Mozaffari , Ghyasvand Tayebeh
Published: September 2020

Background:

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hepatocarcinogenic and hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1, detected in milk and milk products.

Objectives:

The aim of our research was to determine the incidence and risk assessment of AFM1 through the consumption of yoghurt in Hamadan province of Iran.

Methods:

Fifty yoghurt samples were gathered from various areas of Hamadan province, Iran and tested for AFM1 by ELISA technique. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and the liver cancer incidence of aflatoxin M1 were determined.

Results:

AFM1 was detected in 43 (86%) samples, (mean: 28.56 ng/kg; range: <5-98.65 ng/kg). The level of AFM1 in 9 (18%) samples was above the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/kg). The AFM1 intake through yoghurt consumption in various population groups ranged from 0.016 to 0.032 ng/kg bw/day in mean consumers and 0.019 to 0.046 ng/kg bw/day in high consumers.

Conclusion:

The AFM1 intake through yoghurt contributed a slight part from the overall incidence of liver cancer in the Iranian population. From the findings of the current study, it can be derived that although the high percentage of yoghurt samples in Iran proved to be contaminated with AFM1 contents, did not show a public health concern considering the European Commission (EC) and the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) maximum limits.
Transient Free Convective Flow of CNT Water Nanofluid with Heat Transfer from a Moving Cylinder
Authors: Sridevi C. , Sailakumari A.
Published: September 2020

Background:

In this paper, transient two-dimensional laminar boundary layer viscous incompressible
free convective flow of water based nanofluid with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) past a
moving vertical cylinder with variable surface temperature is studied numerically in the presence of
thermal radiation and heat generation.

Methods:

The prevailing partial differential equations which model the flow with initial and boundary
conditions are solved by implicit finite difference method of Crank Nicolson type, which is unconditionally
stable and convergent.

Results:

Influence of Grashof number (Gr), nanoparticle volume fraction (φ), heat generation parameter
(Q), temperature exponent (m), radiation parameter (N) and time (t) on velocity and temperature
profiles are sketched graphically and elaborated comprehensively.

Conclusion:

Analysis of Nusselt number and Skin friction coefficient is also discussed numerically
for both single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
Microwave-assisted Green Synthesis of β-Diketone Hydrazone Derivatives and Evaluation of their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Syed Ameen Syed Tajudeen , Vilvanathan Anbalagan , Khader Syed Zameer Ahmed , Mahalingam Gayathri
Published: September 2020

Background:

A series of β-diketone hydrazones have been synthesized via condensation
of isoniazid with series of β-diketone. The structures of the Schiff bases are established by elemental
and spectroscopic techniques. The prepared compounds were screened for antibacterial and
antioxidant potential by DPPH free-radical scavenging activity and Ferric reducing antioxidant
power (FRAP) assays.

Methods:

β-diketone hydrazine derivatives were synthesized by simple condensation between various
β-diketones and isoniazid. The titled compounds were synthesized following both conventional
and microwave irradiation methods. The in vitro antibacterial activity of synthesized derivatives
was evaluated against gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus and S. pyogenes) and gram-negative (E.
coli, and K. pneumonia) bacterial strains and expressed in terms of zone of inhibition and also
screened for antioxidant activity.

Results:

The yield of products was appreciably increased in shorter reaction times with the aid of
microwave-assisted synthesis. Therefore, it follows the green chemistry approach by making the
above reactions eco-friendly. The synthesized compounds were characterized using FT-IR, 1H
NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis techniques. The spectroscopic techniques showed the formation
of β-diketone hydrazone compounds. Theoretical data show good agreement with the experimental
results. Some of the compounds displayed significant antibacterial and antioxidant potentials
when compared to the standard drug.

Conclusion:

In the present research work, we report the synthesis of some novel β-diketone hydrazone
derivatives. A high yield of compounds was noted under microwave-assisted reaction in shorter
reaction times. The results revealed that the synthesized Schiff bases showed good radical scavenging
activity.
Changes in the contents of the oral flora, in gingival hypertrophy caused by fixed orthodontic appliances (Preprint)
Authors: Robo Ilma , Heta Saimir , Gjumsi Enxhi , Ostreni Vera
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The placement of orthodontic apparatus in the oral cavity, according to the literature, should influence the alteration of oral flora, especially the subgingival one. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the subgingival flora of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, regardless of placement time.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the subgingival flora of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, regardless of placement time.

METHODS

In 3 cases of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, a bacterial sample of the gingival sulcus was taken for laboratory examination. Patients were clinically evaluated for the presence or tendency, of having gingival hypertrophy.

RESULTS

Results from the 3 cases included in the study, 1 of them came up with Streptococcus Anginosus positive, Doxycilin-sensitive. The tendency for gingival hypertrophy was maximal 3% to 1.5% respectively in each patient. In the patient with different oral flora, daily topical treatment with tetracycline, placed in the gingival sulcus, was applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Alteration of the oral flora with the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances is not a fully verifiable fact, as it indicates the patient's follow-up, at the time of placement of the apparatus and until removal after orthodontic treatment, depending on the 2-3-year period of treatment. The tendency for gingival hypertrophy is apparently high, versus the presence of fixed orthodontic apparatus.
Artificial Intelligence-based Segmentation of Nuclei in Multi-organ Histopathology Images: Model Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Owais Muhammad , Noh Kyoung Jun , Yoon Hyo Sik , Haider Adnan , Sultan Haseeb , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Accurate nuclei segmentation in histopathology images plays a key role in digital pathology. It is considered a prerequisite for the determination of cell phenotype, nuclear morphometrics, cell classification, and the grading and prognosis of cancer. However, it is a very challenging task because of the different types of nuclei, large intra-class variations, and diverse cell morphologies. Consequently, the manual inspection of such images under high-resolution microscopes is tedious and time-consuming. Alternatively, artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated techniques, which are fast, robust, and require less human effort, can be used. Recently, several AI-based nuclei segmentation techniques have been proposed. They have shown a significant performance improvement for this task, but there is room for further improvement. Thus, we propose an AI-based nuclei segmentation technique in which we adopt a new nuclei segmentation network empowered by residual skip connections to address this issue.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop an AI-based nuclei segmentation method for histopathology images of multiple organs.

METHODS

Our proposed residual-skip-connections-based nuclei segmentation network (R-NSN) is comprised of two main stages: Stain normalization and nuclei segmentation as shown in Figure 2. In the 1st stage, a histopathology image is stain normalized to balance the color and intensity variation. Subsequently, it is used as an input to the R-NSN in stage 2, which outputs a segmented image.

RESULTS

Experiments were performed on two publicly available datasets: 1) The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA), and 2) Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). The results show that our proposed technique achieves an aggregated Jaccard index (AJI) of 0.6794, Dice coefficient of 0.8084, and F1-measure of 0.8547 on the TCGA dataset, and an AJI of 0.7332, Dice coefficient of 0.8441, precision of 0.8352, recall of 0.8306, and F1-measure of 0.8329 on the TNBC dataset. These values are higher than those of the state-of-the-art methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed R-NSN has the potential to maintain crucial features by using the residual connectivity from the encoder to the decoder and uses only a few layers, which reduces the computational cost of the model. The selection of a good stain normalization technique, the effective use of residual connections to avoid information loss, and the use of only a few layers to reduce the computational cost yielded outstanding results. Thus, our nuclei segmentation method is robust and is superior to the state-of-the-art methods. We expect that this study will contribute to the development of computational pathology software for research and clinical use and enhance the impact of computational pathology.

CLINICALTRIAL
Validation of a measuring scale of the expectations of millennials at work, the Mexican case
Authors: De la garza carranza María Teresa , López Lemus Jorge Armando , Guzmán Soria Eugenio , Atlatenco Ibara Quetzalli
Published: September 2020

Today the retention millennial workers is a challenge for organizations. The purpose of this paper is to propose ideas to the decision makers, to lessen the high rate of personnel turnover in all kinds of industries in many countries. This research validates an instrument that evaluates the employability factors of millennials in Mexico, according to their own expectations. We based our study on the previous literature about the millennial generation in many countries. To validate the questionnaire, a sampling of 781 workers from the states of Querétaro and Guanajuato in México was conducted. The method used to achieve the objective was through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling, and tested two different methods: first order and second order models. With the three methods, exploratory, first order and second order factor analyses, similar results were obtained. In the analysis of the statistical techniques, two latent variables associated with the expectations of this generational group were generated. The factors found are “personal satisfaction with the organization” and “satisfaction with the organization’s social commitment.” These two factors are supported by the literature of other researchers. It is suggested that this questionnaire be validated in other countries but also in other regions of Mexico, using different productive sectors, thereby obtaining a broader perspective that will allow us to understand not only what millennials want from their work, but to what extent they want it.
Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Osoro Alfred A. , Atitwa Edwine B. , Moturi John K.
Published: September 2020

Universal Health Coverage has attracted global attention as an ideal vehicle that will drive health care services to the individuals, families, and communities globally. Good health systems are capable of serving the needs of entire populations, including the availability of infrastructure, human resources, health technologies, and medicines. This study seeks to identify the barriers and challenges which have hindered the provision of basic health care to communities and suggest ways of addressing some of them. Literature search reviewed 40 materials which were more relevant. Results revealed that there have been disparities in the provision of healthcare. Challenges in service provision include; lack of political commitment, weak health system resulting from limited financial allocation and poor leadership, lack of adequate number of skilled human resources, equipment and supplies and poor infrastructures. For UHC to be successful, an effective and well-functioning Primary Health Care (PHC) system is essential. Thus health systems can be strengthened through financial allocation; training of skilled and well-motivated healthcare workers. Also provision of right equipment and supplies, equity in resource distribution, improvement of infrastructures to meet the needs of the people is fundamental.
A INCIDENCE, PREVALENCE, AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF POISONING CASES IN TELANGANA STATE REGION – A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: HARISHWARREDDY POTHULA , D NAGALATHA , G VEENA
Published: September 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to find the incidence, prevalence, and clinical management of poisoning cases in Telangana state region.

Methods: It was a prospective and observational study done for 9 months and the data were obtained from the case sheets of 600 patients admitted in tertiary care hospital with poisoning. Data were analyzed according to age, gender, type and route of poisoning, treatment of poisoning, and mortality and morbidity rate.

Results: Out of 600 cases admitted, female patients were 312 (52%) and males were 288 (48%) and the age group ranged from 6 months to 70 years of age. The most common route of exposure was ingestion (oral) (91.5%) followed by topical (dermal) (8%), and the agents which were used included organophosphate (33%) in most of the cases followed by chemical poisoning (24%). The average duration of therapy till the discharge of the patients was 1–5 day. About 80% of the cases were from the low socioeconomic background. More or less, the treatment is restricted to symptomatic and supportive care if the poisonous agent is unknown. A specific antidote is given, where there is enough information regarding the poison.

Conclusion: The present study revealed increasing incidence of poisoning cases from rural areas and below the poverty line due to lack of knowledge, easy availability, stress, depression, and familial disharmony. By providing educational, awareness programs, and establishing a poison information center, there is a possibility for a decline in the incidence of poisoning.
OXIDATIVE METABOLISM AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE BLOOD IN ATHLETES
Authors: MARTUSEVICH ANDREW K , A KARUZIN KONSTANTIN
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Monitoring of metabolic status in athletes includes a wide range of different parameters, but not all of them have been fully studied. Thus, the presence of oxidative stress is noted in athletes, but its features are revealed only in fragments. The crystallogenic properties of blood in athletes have not been previously studied.

Methods: The study enrolled a total of 262 athletes (19–29 years old) that are highly qualified in cyclic sports. Furthermore, screening data of apparently healthy non-exercising volunteers of the same age (n=35) were used for control. Blood serum of the athletes and non-exercising volunteers was analyzed for 8-isoprostane level, oxidized low-density lipoproteins, activity of superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and reductase. We also studied the level α- and β-carotenes, α- and γ-tocopherols, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Crystallogenic properties of blood serum were tested with own method.

Results: The complex study demonstrated the presence of shifts in oxidative metabolism and blood serum physical and chemical properties induced by professional sports and manifested both in the status of blood pro- and antioxidative systems and in shifts of biofluids crystallogenic activity. At the same time, the obtained data confirmed the development of oxidative stress in qualified athletes.

Conclusion: Our data shown that there are some shifts of oxidative metabolism and crystallogenic properties of blood plasma in professional athletes.
PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE SIDE EFFECTS BETWEEN ATYPICAL–ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC COMBINATIONS WITH TYPICAL-ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC COMBINATIONS ON THE PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS INPATIENTS
Authors: FUTIHAT CHILYATI EKY , DARMAWAN ENDANG , IKAFITRIANI ASTRIT
Published: September 2020

Objective: Antipsychotic therapy is the main therapy in psychotic disorders. Antipsychotics use often causes various side effects, such as the orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, and waist circumference. The study objective is to prove these side effects on combination therapy of atypical-atypical and typical-atypical antipsychotics on the psychotic disorders in patients.

Methods: This study method is a prospective cohort applied to psychotic disorders inpatients. This study is composed of 2 different groups(n=16). Data analysis using Risk Relative Ratio for orthostatic hypotension study variables and statistical difference test with 95% confidence level for study variables of weight gain and waist circumference.

Results: The p value showed that there was no significant side effects of orthostatic hypotension (p>0.05). Relative Risk Ratio (RR) value explained that the atypical-atypical antipsychotic combination group had opportunity to cause orthostatic hypotension side effects by 2,000 times greater than the typical-atypical antipsychotic combination group at 0th week observation and 1,667 times greater than the typical-atypical antipsychotic combination group at 1st and 2nd week observations. Atypical-atypical antipsychotic combinations use and typical-atypical antipsychotic combinations use cause insignificant weight gain (p>0.05). Typical-atypical antipsychotic combination use in the 2nd week increases waist circumference greater than atypical-atypical antipsychotic combination use in the 2nd week (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Typical-atypical antipsychotic combinations use and atypical-atypical antipsychotic combination use did not cause significant on orthostatic hypotension and weight gain. Significant test results appear on the waist circumference increasing in the second week of typical-atypical antipsychotic combinations use when compared to atypical-atypical antipsychotic combinations use.
EFFECT OF POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES OF CURCUMIN ON A549 CELL LINE
Authors: SAIKIA TRIDEEP , LALHLENMAWIA HAUZEL , LALDINCHHANA  , ROY PROBIN KUMAR , THANZAMI KAWL
Published: September 2020

Objective: Lung cancer cell line specially A549 is one of the most common malignant tumors. Curcumin is obtained from rhizomes of curcuma longa and does possess biological and pharmacological properties, among them anti-tumor activity is also one of the major findings. Here we try to developed a method for delivery of curcumin for cancer therapy.

Methods: Due to low water solubility and bioavailability curcumin delivery designed as polymeric nanoparticles and prepared by emulsification homogenization method.

Results: Characterization done by evaluating zeta size, potential, scanning electron microscopy. Release pattern also studied along with encapsulation and loading data. Nanoparticles were found to be spherical from morphological study and found to be below 200 nm. It does possess cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cell line and potent in comparison with its free from.

Conclusion: We can conclude that polymeric nanoparticles are suitable form to delivery for antitumor activity and have suitable anticancer ctivity.
DETERMINATION OF ENERGY CONTENT, PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF POTENTIAL WILD EDIBLE LEGUME; CANAVALIA ROSEA (SW.) DC. FROM NORTHERN KERALA
Authors: V. ASWATHI , A. K. ABDUSSALAM
Published: September 2020

Objective: Major objective of this study is to determine the calorific value and antioxidant activity of Canavaliarosea.

Methods: Petroleum ether extract of the seeds were tested qualitatively for twelve components. Calorific value in kJ/100g seed flour was determined based on the results of the proximate analysis. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were analyzed by standard procedures using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer.

Results: C. roseais a perennial creeper with roughly circular compound leaves. Flowers are brightly pink-purple, in racemes. It is having large fruits up to 8-12 cm, with brown dormant seeds inside. Seeds were collected from banks of ‘Kabani’ River (Panamaram) and from various tribal hamlets in Wayanad district, Kerela. Preliminary phytochemical screening reveals the presence of eight compounds such as, tannins,saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, coumarins and phlobatannins. The analysis of nutritive value of seed has a higher value of crude protein (48.71 %) and crude carbohydrate (34.07). The calorific value of seed material was 1529.9kJ/100g seed flour. Enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (38.134 u/mg fw) and catalase (19.051 u/mg dw) then non-enzymatic antioxidants poly phenols (12.81 u/mg dw) and ascorbic acid (10.301 u/mg fw) were tested. All those tests show significant levels of antioxidants in the sample.

Conclusion: Hence, the present study providing details about the place of collection, ethnobotanical information, energy content and antioxidant activity of Canavaliarosea.