bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KIF23 Predict Immune Infiltration and Overall Survival in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bai Maoshu , Liu Xin
Published: January 2022

BackgroundKinesin family member 23 (KIF23), an index of tumor proliferation, can serve as a prognostic marker in numerous tumors. However, the relationship between KIF23 expression and immune infiltration and the diagnostic value of KIF23 remain unclear in GC (gastric cancer). This study aimed to explored the prognosis value of KIF23 and its interactions with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in GC by bioinformatics analysis. ResultsThe relationship between clinicopathologic features and KIF23 expression was also analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and logistic regression. And the expression level of KIF23 was validated by IHC and GEO databases, which was consistent with informatics results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the value of KIF23 as a binary classifier using the area under the curve (AUC value). High expression of KIF23 was significantly associated with longer overall survival and progression-free survival in GC. The mutations of KIF23 in GC were analyzed using cBioPortal and the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer database. Enrichment analysis of co-expressed genes and KIF23 analysis was performed using LinkedOmics. By using STRING and GeneMANIA databases, we investigated the protein-coding genes related to KIF23 and its co-expression genes in GC tissues. Then, the relationship between KIF23 expression and immune infiltration in GC was investigated using Timer and GEPIA. We found that KIF23 might be used as a potential prognosis biomarker in GC. Subsequently, KIF23 expression level was correlated with the infiltration levels of CD8 + T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and more obviously with B cells and dendritic cells. In addition, KIF23 expression was significantly associated with T cell exhaustion (CTLA-4 and GZMB). KIF23 expression showed correlations with the infiltration of diverse immune markers in GC. ConclusionOur findings suggest KIF23 can serve as a marker for immune infiltration and prognosis in GC.
Plasmodium Infection Suppresses Colon Cancer Growth by Inhibiting Proliferation and Promoting Apoptosis Associated with Disrupting Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Mitophagy in Mice
Authors: Yao Xin , Cao Yujie , Lu Li , Xu Yuanxia , Chen Hao , Liu Chuanqi , Chen Dianyi , Wang Kexue , Xu Jingxiang , Fang Runqi , Xia Hui , Li Jiangyan , Tao Zhiyong , Fang Qiang
Published: January 2022

Background: Colon cancer is a common gastrointestinal tumor with a poor prognosis, which makes it urgent to explore new therapeutic strategies. The anti-tumor effect of Plasmodium infection has been reported in some murine models, but it is not clear whether it has an anti-colon cancer effect. In this study, we investigated the anti-colon cancer effect of Plasmodium infection and its related mechanisms using a mouse model of colon cancer.Methods: An experimental model was established by intraperitoneal injection of Plasmodium yoelii-infected erythrocytes into mice with colon cancer. The size of tumors was observed dynamically in mice, and the expression of Ki67 detected by immunohistochemistry was to analyze tumor cells proliferation. Apoptosis was assessed by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of apoptosis concerned proteins, including Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-9, Cleaved Caspase-3, were detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural change of colon cancer cells. And the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis correlative central protein, PGC-1α, and mitophagy relevant crucial proteins, PINK1/Parkin, were detected by western blot. Results: We found that Plasmodium infection reduced the weights and sizes of tumors and decreased the expression of Ki67 in colon cancer-bearing mice. Furthermore, Plasmodium infection promoted mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells, as evidenced by the increased proportion of TUNEL-positive cells, the up-regulated expression of Bax, Caspase-9, and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins, and the down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 protein. In colon cancer cells, we found destroyed nucleus, swollen mitochondria, missing cristae, and the decreased number of autolysosomes. In addition, Plasmodium infection disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy through the reduced expression of PGC-1α, PINK1, and Parkin proteins in colon cancer tissues.Conclusions: Plasmodium infection can play an anti-colon cancer role in mice by inhibiting proliferation and promoting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells, which may relate to mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.
Bioinformatic Analyses to Uncover Genes Involved in Trehalose Metabolism in the Polyploid Sugarcane
Authors: Oliveira Lauana , Navarro Bruno , Pereira João Pedro , Lopes Adriana , Martins Marina , Riaño-Pachón Diego , Buckeridge Marcos
Published: January 2022

Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) is an intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis that plays an essential role in plant metabolism and development. Here, we comprehensively analyzed sequences from enzymes of trehalose metabolism in sugarcane, one of the main crops used for bioenergy production. We identified protein domains, phylogeny, and in silico expression levels for all classes of enzymes. However, post-translational modifications and residues involved in catalysis and substrate binding were analyzed only in trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) sequences. We retrieved 71 putative full-length TPS, 93 trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), and 3 trehalase (TRE) of sugarcane, showing all their conserved domains, respectively. Putative TPS (Classes I and II) and TPP sugarcane sequences were categorized into well-known groups reported in the literature. We measured the expression levels of the sequences from one sugarcane leaf transcriptomic dataset. Furthermore, TPS Class I has specific N-glycosylation sites inserted in conserved motifs and carries catalytic and binding residues in its TPS domain. Some of these residues are mutated in TPS Class II members, which implies loss of enzyme activity. Our approach retrieved many homo(eo)logous sequences for genes involved in trehalose metabolism, paving the way to discover the role of T6P signaling in sugarcane.
Comparing Impacts of Different Bowel Cleansing Agents and Oral Probiotics After Cleansing On Symptom and Microbiota: a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Dai Penghui , Tang Feng , Gan Ke , Hu Qing , Liao Jingyuan , Li Xiaoyun , Shi Lei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hailong , Zhu Qingliang , Cheng Yongnan , Zheng Jie , Chen Jie , Han Ming , Lv Muhan , Deng Mingming , Xia Hongfen , Luo Gang
Published: January 2022

Background: Sodium sulfate-based purge has shown better quality of bowel preparation than polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a large retrospective study. However, its side effects and impact to gut microbiota have not been assessed. Besides, evidence from intestinal microecology that probiotics were beneficial to individuals who received bowel preparation is still lacking. The aims are to evaluate the side effects and microecological impact of two bowel cleansing agents (PEG and mirabilite), as well as the regulating effect of probiotics on microecosystem perturbed by bowel preparation.Results: Mirabilite preparation appeared superior to PEG preparation in terms of side effects, consumed time and volume of solutions. Quantitative PCR results showed that the recovery rate of total microbial load in mirabilite group was faster than that in PEG group. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that there were no significant differences in effects of two bowel cleansing agents on multiple microbiota diversity metrics. And both laxatives may affect the relative abundance of core microbiota until 28 days after bowel preparation. Probiotics supplementation was beneficial to recovery of perturbed microecosystem and the maintenance of homeostasis in the gut according to our results. Moreover, probiotics supplementation relieved abdominal symptoms and few individual events induced by bowel preparation during long-term follow-up.Conclusions: Mirabilite could be an optimal bowel cleansing agent for healthy people and can be applied broadly. Besides, probiotics are suggested to administrate after bowel cleansing as it brings multiple benefits in our study.
Green Synthesis of Surfactant Capped CTAB@Ag Nanoparticles and Study of Its Catalytic Activity
Authors: Shaikh Julekha A.
Published: January 2022

In the present study, ginger extract, which is widely available as a medicinal herb, is used to develop a facile method for green synthesis of bare Ag and surfactant capped CTAB@Ag nanoparticles via Hydrothermal route. The as-prepared Ag nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic properties of as prepared bare and surfactant capped CTAB@Ag nanoparticles were also investigated in reductive degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) dye and 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP). Surfactant-capped CTAB@Ag nanoparticles exhibit superior catalytic properties in the degradation of MO and conversion of 4-nitro phenol to 4-amino phenol when compared to bare silver nanoparticles.
Political Endorsements by Scientific Organizations Reduce Trust in Scientific Expertise During COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Floyd
Published: January 2022

High-profile political endorsements by scientific organizations and publications have been common in recent years, which raises concerns about political backlash against the endorsing organization in particular and scientific expertise in general. In a pre-registered large-sample online controlled experiment, I randomly assign subjects to receive information about Nature's endorsement of Joe Biden for the 2020 U.S. presidential election in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing the endorsement message leads to large reductions in self-reported trust in Nature among Trump supporters. This distrust translates into lower demand for COVID-related information provided by Nature, as evidenced by substantially reduced requests for Nature articles on vaccine efficacy and emerging COVID variants when offered. The endorsement also reduces Trump supporters' stated trust in scientists in general, suggesting "reputational externalities" on the scientific community. Treatment effect estimates for Biden supporters are positive but small and often statistically insignificant across outcomes. Finally, I find little evidence that the endorsement is successful at changing subjects' views about Biden and Trump. These results show political endorsement by scientific organizations can undermine public confidence in the endorsing organization and in the scientific community.
C-kit+VEGFR-2+ Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiate into Cardiovascular Cells and Repair Infarcted Myocardium after Transplantation
Authors: Zhou Pei , Zhang Hai-feng , Wang Yong-li , Tao Ping , Tan Yu-zhen , Wang Hai-jie
Published: January 2022

Background: Resent preclinical studies and clinical trails prove that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promised therapy for ischemic diseases. However, the properties of c-kit+ cells in MSCs remain unclear. We investigated the differential potential of c-kit+VEGFR-2+ MSCs and evaluated their effects on repairing the infarcted myocardium after transplantation. Methods: c-kit+VEGFR-2+ MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow. Gene expression profile of the cells was examined with RNA-sequencing. Differential potential of the cells was determined after induction with VEGF, TGF-β and BMP-2 for 2 weeks. Improvement of cardiac function and repair of the infarcted myocardium were assessed at 4 weeks after transplantation of the cells preconditioned with hypoxia and serum deprivation. Results: Gene expression profile revealed that the upregulated genes are enrichment of genes related to immune process and cell differentiation. The cells represented a potential of differentiation towards endothelial cell, smooth muscle cells and cardiamyocytes. In hypoxic condition, secretion of VEGF, SCF and SDF-1α from the cells was increased. VEGF and SCF promoted proliferation and migration of the cells. VEGF could induce the cells to incorporate to the microvessels. After transplantation of the preconditioned cells into the infarcted myocardium, cardiac function was improved, scar size of the infarcted myocardium was decreased, and angiogensis and myocardium repair were enhanced significantly. With preconditioning and delivery by fibrin gel, survival of the cells in the ischemic tissue was augmented. Conclusion: These results suggest that c-kit+VEGFR-2+ MSCs have a potential of differentiation towards cardiovascular cells. SCF/c-kit and VEGF/VEGFR-2 singnalling pathways regulate proliferation, migration and differentiation of the cells. Transplantation of c-kit+VEGFR-2+ MSCs may enhance repair of the infarcted myocardium effectively.
Seropositivity for CMV, EBV, HBV, HCV, and HIV in Leukemia Patients and Its Relationship with Cytogenetic Changes
Authors: Eslami Mohammad , Falahati Vahid , siroosbakht Soheila , Nikoohemmat Mahdi , Arabi Nahid
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Leukemias are involving the bone marrow and the soft tissues in inner parts of the bones, where new blood cells are formed. This malignancy is the most common pediatric cancer, which its etiologic causes are not well understood. This multifactorial disease is believed to linked with genetic and non-hereditary environmental factors. Cytogenic analyses of chromosomal abnormalities provide diagnostic and prognostic values in leukemia patients. Given the high prevalence of viral diseases and clinical suspicions on the relationship between certain viral infections and leukemia, it is necessary to investigate this possible relationship, especially in third-world countries. The present study recruited 65 children with leukemia (AML, CML, or ALL) who were presented to two tertiary hospitals. At first, all the patients underwent testing for HBV, HCV, CMV, EBV, and HIV. Bone marrow specimens were studied for identifying possible chromosomal abnormalities in cytogenic investigations. According to our findings, there was a relationship between incidence of leukemia, the 12:21 chromosomal translocation and CMV infection. Therefore, preventing CMV infection can lead to a reduced incidence of leukemia. It is expected that the findings of this study enlighten the scientists to conduct more extensive research on the relationship between viral diseases and leukemia in third-world countries.Method:The present study recruited 65 children with leukemia (AML, CML, or ALL) who were presented to two tertiary hospitals. At first, all the patients underwent testing forHBV, HCV, CMV, EBV, and HIV. Bone marrow specimens were studied for identifying possible chromosomal abnormalities in cytogenic investigations.Result:According to our findings,there was a relationship between the incidence of leukemia,the 12:21 chromosomal translocation, and CMV infection.Therefore, preventing CMV infection can lead to a reducedincidence of leukemia.Conclusion:In this study, we demonstrated that leukemia is relevant to the 12:21 chromosomal translocation and CMV virus infections, So the reduction in leukemia prevalence is dependent on the prevention of CMV disease. It is expected that the findings ofthis studyenlighten the scientists to conduct more extensive researchon the relationship between viral diseasesand leukemia in third-world countries.Trial registrations:Clinical trial registration code:IR.AJAUMS.REC.1399.161Evaluated by: AJA UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCESApproval Date:2020-11-15Approval statement: The project was found to be in accordance with the ethical principles and the national norms and standards for conducting Medical Research in Iran.
Psychometric Properties of The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC- SF) In Iranian Adolescents
Authors: Afrashteh Majid Yousefi
Published: January 2022

Background: Psychological tests are necessary to assess and assess the mental state of individuals. Mental health is one of the important psychological indicators and is increasingly considered as having various aspects of well-being. The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) is a 14-item instrument that assesses mental health, focusing on emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the MHC-SF among adolescents, focusing on its factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and gender measurement invariance.Methods: The population of this study was Iranian adolescents between 11 and 18 years old who were enrolled in the seventh to twelfth grades. A convenience sample of 822 Adolescents from four large cities in the Iran (Tehran, Zanjan, Hamedan and Ghazvin) participated in the present study. Questionnaires were completed online. Statistical analyses to evaluate the factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, gender and age factorial invariance were performed in SPSS and LISREL.Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the 3-factor structure of MHC-SF (emotional, psychological, and social well-being). Reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha method and composite reliability (>.7). Measurement invariance were confirmed among girls and boys. Convergent and divergent validity were also evaluated and confirmed by correlating the test score with similar and different tests.Conclusion: This study examined and confirmed the psychometric properties of GHQ in the Iranian adolescent community. This instrument can be used in psychological research and diagnostic evaluations.
Three Perspectives: The Approach of Neoadjuvant Treatment of Rectum Cancer According to Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, and Surgeons
Authors: Beypinar İsmail , Tercan Mustafa , Tugrul Fuzuli
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Two treatment modalities are considerable for radiation therapy: short-course radiotherapy and immediate surgery or chemoradiation with 5-Fluorouracil based chemotherapy with delayed surgery. In this study, we try to evaluate the real-life treatment approaches of medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists for neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancers.
Method
The online survey form was established via Google Forms. The survey was taken voluntarily by medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, and general surgeons.
Results
One hundred eighty-three of the participants were medical oncologists while 36 were radiotherapists and 36 were surgeons. Most of the study population preferred long-course radiation therapy and chemotherapy which was consisting eighty-five percent. Two-thirds of the participants apply chemotherapies before operation. The most frequent chemotherapy cycles for the pre-operative setting were ‘three’ or ‘four-or-more’ with the percent of 27,8 and 25,1 respectively. Medical oncologists had a significantly higher tendency of offering chemotherapy between radiation therapy and surgery compared with the other groups. The optimal time of surgery was different between groups. There was no difference among groups between surgery and the ‘watch & wait’ strategy. A significant difference was observed between groups in offered neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens.
Conclusion
In our study, we found the new pre-operative chemotherapy regimen with short-course radiotherapy was slowly adopted in current practice. Also, medical oncologists tend pre-operative chemotherapy compared with other groups. The optimal surgery time for patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment is still controversial.
Evaluation of the Relationship between Para-aortic Adipose Tissue and Ascending Aortic Diameter using a New Method
Authors: Adar Adem , Onalan Orhan , Cakan Fahri , Akbay Ertan , Akıncı Sinan , Coner Ali , Haberal Cevahir , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Para-aortic adipose tissue (PAT) is the local adipose tissue that externally surrounds the aorta. It contributes significantly to aortic atherosclerosis and enlargement. Studies conducted with computed tomography and magnetic resonance have shown that individuals with aortic aneurysm had more PAT than healthy individuals. In this study, we measured PAT for the first time using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).The aim of this study is to investigate the possible relationship of TTE measured PAT with ascending aortic width.Methods: PAT was defined as the hypoechoic space in front of ascending aortic 2 cm above the sinotubular junction at the end of the systole. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of dilatation in the ascending aorta using Roman's classification (aortic size index, ASI). ASI of less than 21 was considered no aortic dilation and an ASI of 21mm/m2 or greater was considered to have aortic dilation.Results: A total of 321 unselected patients were divided into the ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) group (n=96) and the normal ascending aorta diameter group (n=225 patients). PAT was significantly higher in the AAD group compared with the non-ADD group (0.9 (0.48) vs. 0.7 (0.91) mm, p < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PAT (OR: 3.005, 95%CI (1.445–6.251)) were significantly associated with AAD.Conclusion: Our results showed an association between PAT measured by transthoracic echocardiography and ascending aorta width. PAT appears to be an important follow-up parameter in patients at risk of developing aortic aneurysm.
F-18 FDG PET/CT in Relapsing Polychondritis Patients with Initial Respirotory Symptoms: Imaging Features and Association with Pulmonary Function and Disease Activity
Authors: Yi Jing-Wei , Hou Peng , Wang Jin-Ling , Qi Jing , Lin Si-Yan , Wang Min , Wang Xin-Lu
Published: January 2022

Background: To summarize F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging features of relapsing polychondritis (RP) and to evaluate the feasibility of imaging parameters in the estimation of pulmonary function and disease activity in a cohort of RP patients with airway involvement.Methods: Thirty RP patients with respiratory symptoms who underwent PET/CT scans before corticosteroid treatment were included. Six patients underwent another post-therapeutic PET/CT scan. Imaging features were described by consensus, and FDG uptake values (SUVmax, PET FDG Burden Score (PETFBS) and PETCTindex) either for global cartilages or for the airway were calculated to correlate with clinical symptoms, pulmonary functional parameters and serological inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Results: Laryngo-tracheo-bronchial involvement was detected by PET/CT for all patients with increased FDG uptake in 28/30 patients. The incidence of positive PET was higher in segments with wall thickening (52.68% vs. 15.48%) but was not associated with calcification or stenosis. A total of 46.7% (14/30) of patients presented with sole respiratory symptoms, while PET/CT revealed additional abnormalities in addition to laryngo-tracheo-bronchia. FDG uptake values negatively correlated with disease duration but not with fever. All FDG uptake values showed a positive correlation with FEV1/FVC, with the highest coefficient for SUVmax in the airway (rs =0.628). CRP and ESR were negatively correlated with PETFBS and PETCTindex but not with SUVmax. The largest Spearman correlation coefficient resulted in PETFBS in the airway (rs =0.67). Re-examination PET/CT in 6 patients revealed partial therapeutic response (n = 4), stable disease (n = 1) and progressive disease (n = 1).Conclusion: PET/CT is a valuable tool for assessing RP with airway involvement, especially for patients who present with sole respiratory symptoms. SUVmax and PETFBS have distinct advantages in the clinical evaluation of RP with respect to pulmonary function and disease activity.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Some Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes Collected From Erzincan Province of Turkey
Authors: OZTURK HALIL IBRAHIM
Published: January 2022

BackroundTurkey is a country with different geographical features and therefore it is extremely diverse in plant diversity. Tomato is one of the most important vegetables produced both in the world and in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to determine the genetic diversity of 24 tomato genotypes collected from local farmers from “Center villages” and “Üzümlü” district in Erzincan province.Methods and ResultsMorphological (qualitative and quantitative) and molecular markers (ISSR) were used to determine genetic diversity among genotypes. Genotype 24 was found to be higher than other genotypes with important quantitative morphological features such as fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight and soluble solid content (SSC). Considering the overall morphological traits, a wide variation was detected between genotypes. According to the molecular findings obtained. The polymorphism rate ranged from 0–100% and the average polymorphism rate was calculated as 80%.ConclusionPresent findings revealed the diversity in tomato genotypes collected from Erzincan province and may constitute the bases for further breeding studies in tomato and will bring an integrity in tomato identification studies.
The Effect of Activated Carbon Using on Aroma and pH Values in Yogurt Fermentation
Authors: Zümrütdal Emin
Published: January 2022

Yogurt is a known food item all over the world. Consuming yogurt can be quite difficult for people with lactose intolerance at times. In addition to its active carbon adsorbent feature, it is a lactose chelate. It is aimed to use yoghurt prepared by using activated carbon for nutritional purposes. For this purpose, aroma and pH changes in yogurt made with activated carbon compared to classical yogurt production were studied. It was determined that the active carbon usage method used in the study did not cause any aroma change in yoghurt, however, it increased the pH. This result makes us think that lactose cannot be used by yogurt microorganisms and that yogurt with activated carbon may be an alternative for lactose intolerant people who want to consume yogurt.
Seroprevalence of Leptospirosis in Suspected High Risk Sudanese Patients; A Pilot Exploratory Study
Authors: Mohammed Wisal Mustafa Ibrahim , Abdelrahim Nada Abdelghani
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe extent of leptospirosis is unknown in Sudan and it might be mistaken for other more common febrile infectious diseases. Leptospirosis might also be associated with renal diseases that are common in Sudan. We intended to explore the existence of human leptospirosis in suspected high risk patients in Khartoum, Sudan, via sero-screening random febrile patients and those undergoing renal dialysis.MethodsThis is a pilot exploratory study that was conducted in 6 months period from April to September of 2013. Hospitals were selected conveniently following a non-random sampling approach. A total of 119 febrile patients (with or without definitive diagnosis) and patients under renal dialysis were included and their serum specimens, clinical and demographic data were collected. Sera were screened qualitatively for the existence of anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies using rapid lateral flow immunosorbent assay. Ethical clearance and official permissions were obtained.ResultsOut of the total 119 patients, 57 (47.9%) had end stage renal disease and were under dialysis at Renal Dialysis Unit in Asbab Charity Hospital in Bahri, 47 (39.5%), were febrile with unknown origin attending the Tropical Medicine Hospital in Omdurman, and 15 (12.6%) were febrile and were diagnosed as having malaria or typhoid and attended Yastabshiron Medical Centre and Bashauer Teaching Hospital. The overall prevalence of anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies among all 119 screened patients was 7%. The prevalence among the 57 with end stage renal disease was 9%, and among the 47 with fever of unknown origin was 6%. The prevalence among the 15 with fever of known origin (diagnosed as malaria or typhoid) was 0%. Almost all positive patients had recurring episodes of fever, are in close contact with livestock, were farmers and have natural untreated source for drinking water.ConclusionLeptospirosis is probably a common febrile condition and can be easily considered as one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease affecting people in this country. A national sero-screening for leptospirosis among those living in high risk geographical areas and those at occupational risk is highly recommended.
Climate Change and Odawa Cultural Plants in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore
Authors: Stoffle Richard William , Evans Michaei J. , Sittler Christooher Sittler , Berry Desmond L. , Vlack Kathleen Van
Published: January 2022

Climate change has been observed for hundreds of years by plant specialists of three Odawa Tribes in the Upper Great Lakes along Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the focus of two National Park Service-funded studies of Odawa Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of plants and ecosystems and climate change impacts on these. Data collected during these ethnobotany studies were designed to contribute to a Plant Gathering Agreement between the tribes and the park. This essay provides an analysis of these observations derived from 95 ethnographic interviews conducted by University of Arizona anthropologists. Odawa people recognize in the park 288 plants and five habitats of traditional and contemporary concern. Tribal representatives explained how 115 of these traditional plants and all five habitats are known from multigenerational eyewitness accounts to have been impacted by climate change.
Effects of Wolbachia Infection, Parasitic Order, And Time Interval On The Outcome of Inter-Strain Intrinsic Competition Between Bisexual Strain And Wolbachia-Induced Thelytokous Strain of Egg Parasitoid, Trichogramma Dendrolimi
Authors: Jin-Cheng Zhou , Dan Shang , Shi-Meng Liu , Qian Qian , Hong-Yu Liang , Xu Zhao , Chen Zhang , Yan Zhao , Li-Sheng Zhang , Hui Dong
Published: January 2022

Parasitoids may deposit a second clutch of eggs on a host that has been parasitized by the same parasitoid species. This is termed “superparasitism”. Wolbachia infection increases the superparasitism frequency of Trichogramma females. We investigated the outcome and fitness cost of inter-strain intrinsic competition between Wolbachia-infected thelytokous strain (TDW) and uninfected bisexual strain (TDB) of Trichogramma dendrolimi. To determine the developmental rate of both strains, the size of immature stages of T. dendrolimi offspring at different times after parasitization was measured in single parasitism and superparasitism conditions. The results showed increased superparasitism by Wolbachia-infected females compared to uninfected females, regardless of the time interval between oviposition; Trichogramma females were unable to distinguish between host eggs previously parasitized by TDB or TDW females. When the first oviposition was performed by TDB females, the TDB offspring outcompeted TDW offspring deposited later. However, although the TDW offspring was deposited 8 h earlier than the TDB offspring, it gained no advantage over TDB offspring. Regardless of parasitism conditions, the differences in development rate and time between TDW and TDB offspring were not significant. This study revealed that albeit TDW females presented a higher tendency of superparasitism than TDB females, TDB offspring outcompeted TDW offspring even when the latter was deposited 8 h earlier. The negative effects of Wolbachia infection on the competitive ability of TDW offspring inside the host eggs were due to offspring’s low fitness rather than delayed development.
Die Rolle von oxidativem Stress auf die Zellviabilität von epithelialen Lungenzellen bei Ataxia-teleangiectasia
Authors:   , Kowalski Natascha
Published: January 2022

Unter dem vielseitigen Symptomkomplex der autosomal-rezessiv vererbten Erkrankung Ataxia-teleangiectasia (A-T) nimmt die Lungenschädigung eine herausragende Rolle ein. Sie beeinflusst die Morbidität und Mortalität der Erkrankung durch rezidivierende Infekte, Bronchiektasien sowie akutes oder chronisches Lungenversagen nachhaltig. Als pathophysiologische Grundlage gilt oxidativer Stress mit einer erhöhten Sensitivität für reaktive Sauerstoffspezies (ROS) und DNA-schädigende Reagenzien. Das aus dem gleichnamigen Gen resultierende Protein ATM wird durch das Vorkommen von DNADoppelstrangbrüchen (DSB) und ROS auf verschiedene Arten aktiviert und reguliert anschließend diverse Prozesse wie der DNA-Reparatur und den zellulären Stressantwortmechanismen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es die Sensitivität von ATM-defizienten Lungenzellen im Hinblick auf oxidativen Stress näher zu untersuchen. Hierfür wurden Atm-defiziente murine Lungenzellen spontan und nach Stimulation mit Bleomycin (BLM) auf ihre prozentuale Verteilung in der Lunge, auf den Level von ROS, ihre Viabilität und ROS-induzierte DNA-Schäden hin untersucht. Spontan zeigte sich ein signifikant erhöhtes Vorkommen von Alveolarepithelzellen vom Typ 2 (AT2-Zellen) in Atm-defizienten Mauslungen im Vergleich zu Wildtyp-Lungen, welches sich durch die Stimulation mit BLM noch verstärkte und auf erhöhte Regenerations- und Reparaturvorgänge in der Lunge hindeutet. Zudem ist der intrazelluläre Level an ROS in den Lungenzellen und AT2-Zellen signifikant erhöht. Mit steigenden Konzentrationen an BLM sank die Zellviabilität pulmonaler Atm-defizienter Zellen deutlich und die Resolution von DNA-Schäden ist im Vergleich zu Wildtyp-Zellen verzögert. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit deuten auf eine Beteiligung von oxidativem Stress und DNA-Schäden als pathophysiologische Komponente bei der Entstehung der Lungenmanifestation bei A-T hin.
Implementation of a fuzzy decision support system for selection of hand tractor assembly suppliers
Authors: Utomo Denny , Pratikto Pratikto , Santoso Purnomo Budi , Sugiono Sugiono
Published: January 2022

Supplier selection is a complex problem in the current Industry 4.0 era. The large number of suppliers with different performance qualities makes it difficult for the company's internal parties to choose the appropriate supplier. The suitability of quality suppliers needed to supply raw materials needed by the industry is an important matter to be resolved. In the hand tractor assembly industry, this small and medium industry is also very dependent on the availability of supply materials, and of course it also depends on the selection of the supplier itself. In this study, the object of research is the 151 hand tractor assembly manufacturing industry using 10 main criteria for selecting suppliers. Each criterion has a weight that is calculated using the Fuzzy AHP method so as to obtain alternative supplier results that are displayed in order.

A supplier is a company or individual that provides the raw materials needed by the company and its competitors to produce certain goods. In this study, a decision support system for supplier selection at the company has been developed using the AHP fuzzy method. The results of this study are expected to help companies in selecting suppliers that match the predetermined criteria. In building a decision support system that provides supplier recommendations, the authors apply the AHP fuzzy method in the process. With the Supplier Selection Decision Support System Using the AHP Fuzzy Method, it can help companies in selecting suppliers. Based on the research that has been done, suggestions can be made for a Decision Support System for Supplier Selection Using the Fuzzy AHP Method so that in the future it can facilitate the use of a more dynamic system
Numerical simulation of reynolds number effect of a free incompressible isothermal turbulent coaxial jet
Authors: Oyewola Olanrewaju Miracle , Ismail Olawale Saheed , Sanni Lateef Anjola
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the effect of Reynolds number on a two-dimensional free incompressible isothermal coaxial turbulent jet over a range of high Reynolds numbers. This is necessary because of its application in noise control and mixing. The Reynolds numbers at the nozzle exit were 9824, 19648, 29472, 39296 and 49120. The models were designed in ANSYS Design Modeler and the numerical simulation was done using a finite volume based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in ANSYS FLUENT using the two-dimensional Realizable turbulence model. The Governing equations were discretized using the finite volume method with the solution based on the PISO algorithm. The decay of centerline velocity, turbulent kinetic energy profile, the radial profile of axial velocity and similarity profile were investigated along the flow direction. Contour plot indicates that the velocity is high at the jet exit and decreases downstream due to the rapid mixing of the inner and outer jet and the surrounding fluid. It is found generally that Reynolds number plays significant role especially before self-similarity region. The result shows that increasing the Reynolds number give rise to more turbulence which in turn decreases the potential core length, turbulent kinetic energy and enhances the mixing of the fluid. However, at the jet exit, the flow with the lowest Reynolds number has the highest turbulent kinetic energy because it suffers the greater shear. The spreading of the jet was more or less independent of the Reynolds number beyond the self-similarity region. It is also found that the velocity profile is brought to congruence at about z/D=25 for the Reynolds numbers considered
Numerical simulation of nitrogen oxide formation in dust furnaces
Authors: Ongar Bulbul , Beloev Hristo , Iliev Iliya , Ibrasheva Assem , Yegzekova Anara
Published: January 2022

Even though natural sources of air pollution account for over 50 % of sulphur compounds, 93 % of nitrogen oxide which are the most dangerous artificial anthropogenic sources of air pollution and primarily associated with the combustion of fossil fuel. Coal-fired thermal power plants and industrial fuel-burning plants that emit large quantities of nitrogen oxides (NО and NО2), solids (ash, dust, soot), as well as carbon oxides, aldehydes, organic acids into the atmosphere pollute the environment in majority. In the present work, a mathematical model and a scheme for calculating the formation of nitrogen oxide has been developed. Also, the dependence of the rate of release of fuel nitrogen from coal particles at the initial stage of gasification and content of volatiles has been obtained. The main regularities of the formation of NOx at the initial section of the flame in the ignition zone of the swirl burner flame during the combustion of Ekibastuz coal have been revealed. Modern environmental requirements for the modernization of existing and the creation of new heat and power facilities determine the exceptional relevance of the development of effective methods and constructions to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and ash to 200, 300, and 100 mg/nm3 at a=1.4. The dust consumption in all experiments was kept constant and amounted to 0.042 g/s, as well as with the results of calculating the thermal decomposition of the Ekibastuz coal dust, the recombination of atomic nitrogen into nitrogen molecules, and the kinetics of the formation of fuel nitric oxide.

It was found that despite the presence of oxygen in Ekibastuz coal for gases Odaf=11.8 % in an inert atmosphere, nitrogen oxides are not formed
Conhecimentos de Tecnologia da Informação para Formação do Profissional Contábil: a percepção de contadores do Estado do Paraná
Authors: Luciano Matana Lucas , Tibes Fausto Viviane , Rufato da Silva Marivania , Adriano Antonelli Ricardo , Bernardes Voese Simone
Published: January 2022

Diante de uma realidade impactada pela globalização e pelas inovações tecnológicas, novos desafios são impostos aos profissionais de contabilidade, entre eles o desenvolvimento de competências de Tecnologia da Informação (TI). Neste cenário, buscou-se identificar os conhecimentos de TI considerados relevantes para a formação do profissional contábil na percepção dos contadores do Estado do Paraná. O instrumento para coleta de dados foi construído com base nos conteúdos de TI presentes nos planos de ensino dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis de instituições de ensino superior públicas do Estado do Paraná e uma adaptação da técnica Delphi com especialistas nas áreas de contabilidade e sistemas de informações contábeis. O questionário foi enviado por e-mail aos contadores do Estado do Paraná, obtendo-se 137 respostas válidas que permitiram a realização de análise fatorial. Como principais resultados, obtiveram-se conhecimentos de TI agrupados em sete fatores: (1) Conceitos de Tecnologia/Sistemas de Informação; (2) Análise de Sistemas de Informação; (3) Sistemas de Informação Contábil; (4) Relação entre Sistemas de Informação e Empresa; (5) Informática Básica; (6) Atualização de Software/Conhecimentos de lnternet; e (7) Instalação de Programas. Destaca-se que os profissionais contábeis valorizam o conhecimento da relação entre os sistemas de informação e as particularidades da empresa, a necessidade de conhecer as tecnologias de atualização dos sistemas que utilizam e as ferramentas de Internet, bem como a operacionalização de Sistemas de Informação Contábil. Adicionalmente, foi possível concluir que boa parte dos conhecimentos de TI considerados relevantes pelos profissionais contábeis ainda não constam nos planos de ensino analisados.
Análise das Estratégias de Recuperação da Legitimidade Social da Petrobrás Adotadas após os Episódios Recentes de Corrupção
Authors: Furio Carla Alves , Giomo Nayara Lopes , Borsatto Junior José Luiz
Published: January 2022

Este estudo aborda as estratégias de recuperação de legitimidade social da Petrobrás, adotadas após o envolvimento em escândalo de corrupção. Assim, objetivou-se compreender como a Petrobrás tem buscado recuperar sua legitimidade social após tais eventos de corrupção. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo temática e empregaram-se as categorias aberta, axial e seletiva para a análise das divulgações obrigatórias e voluntárias da companhia. Identificou-se a articulação de diversas práticas ilícitas que compuseram o “ecossistema” de corrupção da empresa: formação de cartel, lavagem de dinheiro, pagamentos indevidos, tráfico de informações, fraudes e suborno. Em decorrência disso, constatou-se que a Petrobrás tem buscado recuperar a sua legitimidade por meio de iniciativas de cunho moral, pragmático e cognitivo. Concretamente, a empresa rejeitou o envolvimento com corrupção, criou monitores para acompanhar as mudanças, justificou-se em relação ao ocorrido, reviu práticas, reconfigurou sua estrutura organizacional, especialmente a governança corporativa, tem se explicado ao longo do tempo e reviu diversas práticas. Ademais, os resultados destacam o papel das divulgações voluntárias na recuperação da legitimidade da companhia. Conclui-se que a Petrobrás tem empregado várias estratégias para recuperar a sua legitimidade. Isso suscitou mudanças organizacionais, comportamentais e na governança da companhia no sentido de se inibir novos envolvimentos com atividades ilícitas ligadas à corrupção. Contudo, salienta-se que as investigações ainda estão em curso e que, eventualmente, a empresa terá que se posicionar novamente sobre essa matéria.
As Razões do Opt-out: um Estudo sobre Mulheres que Interromperam suas Carreiras em Função da Maternidade
Authors: De Queiroz Monteiro Paula Furtado Hartmann , Lemos Ana Heloísa Da Costa , Costa Alessandra De Sá Mello da
Published: January 2022

Este artigo teve como intuito identificar as razões que levaram muitas mulheres a aderirem ao movimento opt-out, bem como as suas experiências com o cuidado integral dos filhos, após a interrupção da carreira. A metodologia de estudo adotada foi de natureza qualitativa, contando com entrevistas semiestruturadas com 14 mulheres pós-graduadas que interromperam suas trajetórias profissionais em função da maternidade. Os resultados revelaram que as entrevistadas não se afastaram de suas carreiras apenas devido a um desejo de se dedicar unicamente aos filhos, mas por razões mais complexas que compreendem, também, aspectos relacionados à dinâmica do trabalho, aos filhos e aos companheiros, tais como: longas jornadas de trabalho, estigma contra as mães no local de trabalho, problemas de saúde dos filhos e ausência dos companheiros no cuidado das crianças e nas tarefas domésticas. Além disso, constatou-se que, durante o tempo de afastamento, elas vivenciaram experiências que envolvem tanto sentimentos positivos, como acompanhamento do desenvolvimento dos filhos, quanto negativos, como crises de identidade, sentimento de improdutividade e medo do futuro. Tais resultados conduziram a uma leitura crítica do movimento opt-out, por se entender que tal fenômeno contribui para uma mudança limitada e/ou manutenção do status quo frente às desigualdades estruturais e organizacionais.
Men’s health and osteoporosis: modern treatment and prevention options
Authors: Biryukova E. V. , Shinkin M. V.
Published: January 2022

Osteoporosis (OP) has traditionally been seen as a pathology that mainly occurs in postmenopausal women and elderly men, and until recently, the problem of this disease among males has not been given sufficient priority. At the moment, however, OP in men is widely acknowledged to be an important issue of modern health care. Given the etiological and pathogenetic characteristics, two categories of OP have been identified: primary and secondary. In the structure of male OP, the secondary category of OP accounts for up to 40-60 % of all cases. Hypogonadism is one of the common causes of bone loss in men. Initially, males develop a larger bone mass compared to women and, accordingly, greater bone strength. Men over the age of 50 do not undergo rapid bone mass loss, as women do after menopause, and the bone mass decreases more gradually, in a linear manner. With ageing, the trabecular number (Tb.N) in men are relatively maintained with underlying more pronounced thinning of Tb. N associated with decreased osteoblast-forming activity. Although the prevalence of OP among men is significantly lower than among women, the clinical consequences of OP in men are of a great importance. The primary strategy of the anti-osteoporotic therapy is to prevent OP and low-traumatic fractures. According to the current guidelines for the treatment of OP in men, bisphosphonates (BP) are the drugs of choice. Zoledronic acid is a highly effective nitrogen-containing BP, the first drug to be injected once a year. Intravenous injection of zoledronic acid is as effective in reducing the risk of fractures in men as in women.