bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tight blood pressure control versus standard blood pressure control on the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Park Bumsoo , Budzynska Katarzyna , Almasri Nada , Islam Sumaiya , Alyas Fanar , Carolan Rachel L. , Abraham Benjamin E. , Castro-Camero Pamela A. , Shreve Maria E. , Rees Della A. , Lamerato Lois
Published: December 2019

Background The 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guideline defined hypertension as blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/80 mmHg compared to the traditional definition of ≥ 140/90 mmHg. This change raised much controversy. We conducted this study to evaluate incidences of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke comparing tight (TBPC) and standard BP control (SBPC).Methods The data were collected and analyzed in 2018. We retrospectively identified hypertensive patients for 1 year at our institution who were classified by BP rate across 3 years into 2 groups of TBPC (< 130 mmHg) and SBPC (130-139 mmHg). We compared the incidence of new MI and stroke between the 2 groups across a 2-year follow-up. Multivariate analysis was done to identify independent risk factors.Results Of 5640 study patients, the TBPC group showed significantly less incidence of stroke compared to the SBPC group. No differences were found in MI incidence between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis showed that increased age independently increased the incidence of both MI and stroke, and TBPC independently decreased the incidence of stroke but not of MI.Conclusions Our study showed that TBPC had a significant benefit in less stroke incidence compared to SBPC but did not affect the incidence of MI.
An improved HIV care cascade to assess HIV control programs among people who inject drugs.
Authors: Molès Jean-Pierre , Peries Marianne , Huong Duong Thi , Lien Truong Thi Xuan , Vallo Roselyne , Barrail-Tran Aurélie , Giang Hoang Thi , Thanh Nham Thi Tuyet , Khue Pham Minh , Vinh Vu Hai , Arasteh Kamyar , Rapoud Delphine , Quillet Catherine , Feelemyer Jonathan , Michel Laurent , Oanh Khuat Thi Hai , Jarlais Don Des , Laureillard Didier , Nagot Nicolas
Published: December 2019

Background Achievement of HIV control among key populations through universal access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) requires a precise evaluation of the cascade of care. One of the main difficulties in obtaining an accurate community-based cascade of care is misreporting, which could represent one of the most important bias for people suffering from stigma. The primary objective was to estimate the added value of plasma antiretroviral concentration to improve the estimation of HIV cascade of careMethods We constructed the cascade of HIV care among persons who inject drugs (PWID) living in Hai Phong, Vietnam, using a community-based survey. First and second line HIV treatment contained fixed dose of lamivudine. Misreporting of HIV status and ART were identified by plasma lamivudine detection. We then compared the two methods for estimating the cascade of HIV careResults The proportion of misreporting was estimated at 30% among PWID. No specific PWID profile could be identified as associated with misreporting.Conclusions Adding plasma ARV detection to the routine data collection strongly improved the accuracy of the HIV cascade of care.
Complexity of Gender Dependent Contributing Factors on the Number of Lifetime Sexual Partners among Smartphone Application Users: A Path Analysis Model
Authors: Zarei Nooshin , Khaksar Elahe , Roosta Fatemeh , Joulaei Hassan
Published: December 2019

Background Smartphone apps provide a more accessible way for people to find friends and potential sexual partners. This study aimed to investigate the effects of contributing factors on the number of lifetime sexual partners and its gender differences among smartphone application users.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2017 in Southwest of Iran via an online web-based questionnaire. Out of 414 smartphone users who completed the questionnaire, 169 were excluded due to not using mobile or apps to access sexual information and 245 were finally studied. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.0 and Mplus version 6.12. The path analysis was run for both men and women separately. The significant level was considered to be < 0.05 in all analysis. In addition, goodness of fit models were used by determining several indices.Results For both genders, the most effective variables on the number of lifetime sexual partners was the attitude toward the premarital relationship and more permissive attitude was accompanied with more number of sexual partner. Other similar contributing factors in both genders were calling by the Internet, duration of the Internet usage, marital relationship, employment status, birth place, emotional instability, and openness to experience personality. Intimacy with parents was another effective factor, which was only effective for females.Conclusion Due to the necessity of using smartphones, pre-puberty training and informing about the potential risks of the virtual environment should be considered. In this way, the role of parents should not be ignored.
Knowledge Level of Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors in the Gaza Strip: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Elshami Alaa , Alshorbassi Nabeela , Alkhatib Mohammed , Ismail Iyad , Abu-Nemer Khitam , Hana Mustafa , Qandeel Ahmed , Abdelwahed Ahmed , Yazji Hamza , Abuamro Hisham , Matar Ghadeer , Alsahhar Ahmed , Abolamzi Ahmed , Baraka Obay , Elblbessy Mahmood , Samra Tahani , Bottcher Bettina
Published: December 2019

Background In low-income settings, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages due to late presentation. Good public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms has a positive impact on the time patients take before they present to healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study examined public knowledge and awareness of cancer signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in the Gaza Strip. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from adult visitors (≥18 years) to governmental hospitals covering all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, and adolescent students (15 to 17 years) from ten high schools in corresponding locations. Visitors to oncology departments were excluded. An Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire was completed in a face-to-face interview. It described demographic data and knowledge of: cancer prevalence, age-related risk, signs and symptoms as well as risk factors both in recall and recognition questions. Results A total of 2886 participants (out of 3033; response rate= 95.2%) with a mean age of 24.9±11.9 years, completed the questionnaire, including 1457 (50.5%) adolescents (781 females; 53.6%) and 1429 (49.5%) adults (702 females; 49.1%). About two thirds (n= 1885) thought about cancer as unrelated to age. Only 196 participants (6.8%) identified colorectal cancer as the most common cancer among men. Awareness of cancer signs/symptoms was poor to fair, where ‘lump’ was most commonly recognized (n= 2227, 77.2%) and ‘change of bowel habit’ the least (n= 670, 23.2%). Only 217 participants (7.5%) had a good level of recognizing risk factors with ‘smoking’ being the most identified and ‘eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day’ the least. Adults were persistently better at identifying most cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors than adolescents, except for recalling ‘unexplained pain’, ‘persistent cough/hoarseness’, ‘non-healing ulcer’, ‘smoking’, and ‘eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day’. Conclusion Public awareness of cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors needs to improve in Gaza to facilitate early presentation and diagnosis. Combining the delivery of public campaigns with tailored education to population groups, including the youth, may increase their knowledge and maintain its impact and sustainability.
Tobacco cessation – as we want it! An interview study with young people.
Authors: Aurin Ingrid Edvardsson , Aurin Ingrid Edvardsson , Haraldsson Katarina , Lendahls Lena
Published: December 2019

Background Smoking is still common among teenagers and young adults, and about every third young smoker states that he/she wants to quit smoking. There are no obvious evidence-based methods for tobacco cessation for young adults, and therefore, the same methods are used for adolescents and adults. The aim was to study adolescents’ and young adult’s experiences and views about what support they would like for smoking cessation. Methods A qualitative content study using a descriptive and exploratory design was conducted. Young smokers 16 - 29 years old (n=25) were interviewed in five focus groups in southern Sweden. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Results The results illuminate young people’s suggestions to develop a model for tobacco cessation. Four themes emerged; Finding your own motivation – a prerequisite for taking the first step towards giving up smoking. Existing support rejected - existing apps, support by SMS, and self-help brochures did not appeal to the adolescents. Agreement between friends – To sign an agreement between two friends, which included a fee for relapses. Supportive environment - To organize the model with duo groups and give adapted support, and create the opportunity to win simple prizes to celebrate achieved interim goals. Conclusions The participants suggested that the model for tobacco cessation should contain adult support and involve an agreement between friends, as well as have elements of celebration and competition. The challenge will be to implement this model into environments where they live.
Evaluating of the Axivity accelerometers algorithm in measurement of physical activity intensity in boys and girls
Authors: Mansoubi Maedeh , Esser Patrick , Meaney Andy , Metz Renske , Beunder Kyle , Dawes Helen
Published: December 2019

Background: Accelerometers are new but popular tools in measurement of physical activity level but most of them use the algorithms which are more suitable for adults rather than adolescents. Also accelerometers accuracy in assessing physical activity intensity in boys and girls is widely unknown. Therefore, purpose the current study was to evaluate the validity of the Axivity accelerometers in relation to establish algorithm in the measurement of physical activity intensity in boys and girls. Methods: A total of 143 participants recruited from a local school in Oxfordshire and 119 of them (84 boys and 35 girls, age (12.71 ± 0.46)) completed the shuttle run test while wearing an AX3 accelerometer. Signal Vector Magnitude (gravity-subtracted) (SVMgs) and Metabolic equivalent (MET) values were calculated for both of boys and girls. Results: The study result showed that girls had significantly higher SVMgs value (P< 0.05) while according to the standard equations, girls have lower VO2max and MET in each shuttle run lap. Conclusion: This study result suggest that different algorithms might be necessary to measure physical activity in different genders.
Missed opportunities for NCD multimorbidity prevention in adolescents and youth living with HIV in urban South Africa
Authors: Kamkuemah Monika , Gausi Blessings , Oni Tolu
Published: December 2019

Background: Epidemiological transition in high HIV-burden settings is resulting in a rise in HIV/NCD multimorbidity. The majority of NCD risk behaviours start during adolescence, making this an important target group for NCD prevention and multimorbidity prevention in adolescents with a chronic condition such as HIV. However, there is data paucity on NCD risk and prevention in adolescents with HIV in high HIV-burden settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which NCD risk screening and health promotion for NCD prevention is integrated within adolescent HIV care in the primary care health system in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: We reviewed medical records of 491 adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) aged 10- 24 years across nine primary care facilities in Cape Town from November 2018- March 2019. Folders were systematically sampled from a master list of all AYLHIV per facility and information on HIV management and care, NCDs, NCD risk and NCD-related health promotion extracted. Results: The median age was 20 years (IQR: 14- 23); median age at ART initiation 18 years (IQR: 6 –21) and median duration on ART 3 years (IQR: 1.1 –8.9). Fifty five percent of participants had a documented comorbidity, of which 11% had an NCD diagnosis with chronic respiratory diseases (60%) and mental disorders (37%) most common. Of those with documented anthropometrics (62%), 48% were overweight or obese. Fifty nine percent of participants had a documented blood pressure, of which 27% were abnormal. Twenty-six percent had a documented health promoting intervention, 42% of which were NCD-related; ranging from alcohol or substance abuse (13%); smoking (9%); healthy weight or diet (9%) and mental health counselling (10%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates little integration of NCD screening and health promotion in AYLHIV accessing healthcare services. Where documented, our data demonstrates existing NCD co-morbidity and NCD risk factors highlighting a missed opportunity in multimorbidity prevention through NCD screening and health promotion. Addressing this missed opportunity requires an integrated health system and intersectoral action on upstream NCD determinants to turn the tide on the rising NCD and multimorbidity epidemic.
What does the American public know about ‘child marriage’?
Authors: Lawson David W , Lynes Rachel , Morris Addison , Schaffnit Susan B
Published: December 2019

Background: A global campaign to eradicate ‘child marriage’ (<18 years) increasingly targets governments, the private sector and the general public as agents of change. Here, we measure the current state of public knowledge of child marriage, identifying potential misconceptions and inaccurate beliefs. We then consider the implications of our survey for global health initiatives addressing child marriage. Methods: We surveyed USA nationals via the online survey platform MTurk. Participants provided sociodemographic information and answered ten questions about their understanding of child marriage. To identify potential misconceptions and inaccurate beliefs we present descriptive statistics for participant responses paired with correct answers where available. Results: 609 participants provided data for analysis. 59% were women, with a mean age of 37 years, just over half (55%) were university educated, and the majority (79%) were currently employed. Half of those surveyed mistakenly believed that the cut-off for child marriage is younger than the legal threshold of 18 years, and nearly three-quarters incorrectly believed that most child marriages occur at 15 years or below (child marriage primarily takes place in later adolescence). The large majority of participants incorrectly believed that child marriage is illegal throughout the United States (it’s illegal in only two states), and mistakenly believed that child marriage primarily takes place among Muslim-majority regions of the Middle East and North Africa (it is most common in sub Saharan Africa and South Asia). Participants tended to substantially overestimate the prevalence of child marriage in both the USA and abroad. Conclusions: These findings suggest that public understanding of child marriage is not only poor, but also shaped by wider misperceptions of both relatively high and low-income nations. Organizations seeking to empower girls and young women by reducing child marriage need to be cautious of these misunderstandings, and wary of the potential for their own activities to seed misinformation. For example, we suggest the terminology ‘child marriage’, as opposed to ‘teen marriage’ or ‘adolescent marriage’, may contribute to widespread confusion about the typical ages at which child marriages occur.
Treatment rationale and design of a phase I single-arm open trial of a modified vaginal pipe for use in total laparoscopic hysterectomies
Authors: Ito Fumitake , Kokabu Tetsuya , Matsushima Hiroshi , Koshiba Akemi , Mori Taisuke , Kusuki Izumi , Kitawaki Jo
Published: December 2019

Background: The Vagi-Pipe® is a useful device for performing total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The conventional model of the Vagi-Pipe® is unable to grasp the uterus during colpotomy for recovery of the resected uterus. However, the modified C-Type Vagi-Pipe® model has a shape that allows insertion into the vagina without removing the uterus manipulator. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the safety and efficacy of the C-Type Vagi-Pipe® in total laparoscopic hysterectomies. Methods: A total of 25 female subjects between 20 and 60 years old with uterine fibroids or adenomyosis will be included in this study. Patients with complications considered unsuitable for this study by the investigators will be excluded. The C-Type Vagi-Pipe® will be used rather than the conventional Vagi-Pipe® when performing total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The primary outcome will be safety, and the secondary endpoints will be operation time, bleeding volume, and presence of complications. The protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, written informed consent will be obtained from all patients before registration. Discussion: This study seeks to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the C-Type Vagi-Pipe® for total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Once confirmed, the introduction of the C-Type Vagi-Pipe® is expected to make the total laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure easier to perform and thereby allow it to be performed in many more medical facilities. Results of the study will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT), jRCTs052180221. Registered 18 March 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/search
Use, adoption and effectiveness of tippy-tap handwashing station in promoting hand hygiene practices in a resource-limited setting: A systematic review
Authors: Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe , Kalembo Fatch W. , Zgambo Maggie
Published: December 2019

Background A low cost and simple handwashing and enabling technology such as tippy-taps may provide adequate water sources, handwashing stations and motivation for people to prioritise handwashing. This systematic review aimed to establish the use, benefits, adoption and effectiveness of enabling technology; tippy-tap handwashing station, in resource-limited settings.Methods We systematically searched for articles in the PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, DOAJ and Google Scholar databases using a search strategy as predefined in the protocol registered with the PROSPERO database. Data were extracted and the quality of studies was appraised by the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool.Results Twenty articles met the eligibility criteria. The use of tippy-taps for handwashing by household members or school children was reported by authors of 16 studies, and it ranged from 2.7% to 80%. The availability of tippy-taps increased handwashing and use of soap among participants. Furthermore, the majority of people who were oriented to tippy-taps or recruited to tippy-tap studies built their tippy-tap stations even after the promotional activities or programs ended. In one study, tippy-taps were found to be effective in preventing episodes of stomach pain among participants.Conclusion Tippy-tap handwashing station could help in promoting handwashing practice in resource constraint settings. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of tippy-tap hand washing station on preventing water and hygiene-related infections.
Overexpression of chalcone synthase gene improves flavonoid accumulation and drought tolerance in tobacco
Authors: Hu Ben , Yao Heng , Gao Yulong , Wang Ran , Li Feng , Guo Jinggong , Li Kun , Zhao Mingyue , Jin Lifeng
Published: December 2019

Background:Flavonoids are important secondary metabolites in plants that play important roles in maintaining the cellular redox balance of cells. Chalcone synthase (CHS) is the key enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and has been found to monitor changes due to drought stress tolerance.Results:In this study, aCHSgene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) was overexpressed. Results revealed that transgenic tobacco plants were more tolerant than control plants to drought stress. Transcription levels of the key genes involved in the flavonoid pathway and the contents of seven flavonoids significantly increased in transgenic tobacco plants (p< 0.01). Overexpression of theCHSgene led to lower concentrations of the oxidative stress product, malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, 11 CHS family genes were mined from the tobacco genome. Based on the phylogenetic tree, these genes split into two groups with eight genes clustered together with the bona fide Arabidopsis CHS gene, suggesting that those tobacco genes are CHS genes. Further phylogenetic analyses indicated that the tobacco CHS genes grouped further into three independent clades with the cloned tobacco CHS gene located within Clade iii. The tobacco CHS family genes exhibited a highly conserved CDS length, pI, and molecular weight of the encoded peptides. All CHS peptides contained two conserved domains, and the genes harbored two or three exons.Conclusions:Based on the results of this study, theNtCHSgene is considered a possible candidate gene for genetically engineering enhanced drought tolerance and improved responses to oxidative stress in plants.
Yellow nutsedge WRI3/4-like gene improves drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by promoting cuticular wax biosynthesis
Authors: Cheng Chao , Hu Shutong , Han Yun , Xia Di , Huang Bang-Lian , Wu Wenhua , Hussain Jamshaid , Zhang Xuekun , Huang Bangquan
Published: December 2019

In this study we cloned a WRI1-like gene from yellow nutsedge. Conserved domain and phylogenetic analyses indicated it to be a WRI3/4-like gene. Arabidopsis plants transformed with WRI3/4-like gene showed significantly improved tolerance to both PEG-simulated drought stress and real dehydration compared with the wild type. Quantitative RT-PCR indicated that, under unstressed conditions, the expressions of key genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis was not significantly different between wild type (WT) and transgenic lines, while the expressions of genes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis was significantly higher in transgenic lines compared with the wild type. The PEG treatment slightly decreased the expression of above mentioned genes in WT plants while it was significantly increased in transgenic lines compared with their respective unstressed control. Without PEG treatment, the expression of TAG1, the gene involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation, was 10-40% lower in the transgenic lines than that in the wild type. However, after PEG treatment, the expression of TAG1 was slightly decreased in the wild type, while in the transgenic lines its expression was decreased by 20-70% compared with unstressed transgenic lines and was highly significantly lower than that in the wild type. The cuticular wax content in Arabidopsis leaves was significantly higher in the transgenic lines than that in the wild type, while the oil content was not significantly different.
Climate Change and Agriculture in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Mettu Woreda
Authors: Singh S.N.
Published: December 2019

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of climate change and its affect on agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. The main purpose of the research is to analyze the impact of climate change on the productivity of agricultural crops. Systematization literary sources and approaches for solving the problem associate were analyzed that indicates there is a significant adverse effect of climate change on agricultural productivity as well as allied fields. The relevance of the decision of this scientific problem is that the community participation and state interventions are required at grass-roots level. Investigation of the topic of climate change and agriculture in Ethiopia in the paper is carried out broadly in the following logical sequence at an appropriate empirical standard level. Methodological tools of the research methods were descriptive statistics and the year of research was 2018-19. The object of research is the chosen for Ethiopia as a whole and case study was carried out in Mettu Woreda to verify the significance. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of quantitative data, which showed that there is an adverse effect of climate change on agricultural productivity in the region. The climate change affects agricultural productivity and production through shortening of maturity period and to decreasing crop yields, changing livestock feed availability, affecting animal health growth and reproduction depressing the quality and quantity of the crops, changing distribution rate, contracting pastoral zones, expansion of tropical dry forests and expansion of desertification etc.The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that highlights the coordination between state and local communities are required to combat the adverse effect of climate change. The results of the research can be useful for policy maker, researchers, academicians and other international organizations like UNEP and UNDP etc.
Keywords: climate change, random sampling, descriptive statistics, crop productivity, food security and livestock.
Neutrino non-standard interactions: A status report
Authors: Dev Bhupal , Babu K. S. , Denton Peter , Machado Pedro , Argüelles Carlos A. , Barrow Joshua L. , Chatterjee Sabya Sachi , Chen Mu-Chun , de Gouvêa André , Dutta Bhaskar , Gonçalves Dorival , Han Tao , Hostert Matheus , Jana Sudip , Kelly Kevin J. , Li Shirley Weishi , Martinez-Soler Ivan , Mehta Poonam , Mocioiu Irina , Perez-Gonzalez Yuber F. , Salvado Jordi , Shoemaker Ian , Tammaro Michele , Thapa Anil , Turner Jessica , Xu Xun-Jie
Published: December 2019

This report summarizes the present status of neutrino non-standard interactions (NSI). After a brief overview, several aspects of NSIs are discussed, including connection to neutrino mass models, model-building and phenomenology of large NSI with both light and heavy mediators, NSI phenomenology in both short- and long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments, neutrino cross-sections, complementarity of NSI with other low- and high-energy experiments, fits with neutrino oscillation and scattering data, DUNE sensitivity to NSI, effective field theory of NSI, as well as the relevance of NSI to dark matter and cosmology.
We also discuss the open questions and interesting future directions that can be pursued by the community at large.
This report is based on talks and discussions during the Neutrino Theory Network NSI workshop held at Washington University in St.~Louis from May 29-31, 2019
Understanding empowerment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH): a scoping review
Authors: Dery Florence , Bisung Elijah , Dickin Sarah , Dyer Michelle
Published: December 2019

In low- and middle-income countries, a common component of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions is the goal of empowerment of beneficiaries, particularly poor households. Empowerment is viewed as an important development goal in itself, as well as a way to obtain improved WASH outcomes. However, empowerment is a complex and multi-dimensional concept, and it is often not clear how it is defined in WASH sector programming. This scoping review explores how concepts of empowerment have been used in the WASH sector and delineates relevant empowerment dimensions. Medline, Embase, and Global Health databases were searched for in the peer-reviewed literature published in English. A total of 13 studies were identified. Five major interrelated empowerment dimensions were identified: access to information, participation, capacity building, leadership and accountability, and decision-making. This review provides researchers and practitioners with a greater understanding of dimensions of empowerment that are relevant for strengthening WASH interventions, as well as tracking progress toward gender and social equality outcomes over time. This understanding can help ensure inclusive WASH service delivery to achieve gender-sensitive Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for universal water and sanitation access.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Biological treatment removal of rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) and metals from actual acid mine drainage
Authors: Nogueira E. W. , Licona F. M. , Godoi L. A. G. , Brucha G. , Damianovic M. H. R. Z.
Published: December 2019

Actual acid mine drainage (AMD) containing a high concentration of sulfate (∼1,000 mg·L−1), dissolved metals, uranium, rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) was treated using a down-flow fixed-structured bed biological reactor (DFSBR). The reactor was operated in a continuous flow mode for 175 days and the temperature was maintained at 30 °C. The synthetic AMD was gradually replaced by the actual AMD in 20, 50 and 75% of the total medium volume. Sugarcane vinasse was used as the electron donor and the influent pH of the reactor was decreased from 6.9 to 4.6 until the system collapsed. REY elements and transition metals were removed from the actual AMD and precipitated in the down-flow fixed-structured bed reactor. Sulfate reduction achieved 67 ± 22% in Phase II and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was above 56% in Phases I and II. Removal of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Y was higher than 70% in both Phases II and III while Fe, Al, Si and Mn were removed with efficiencies of 79, 67, 48 and 25%, respectively. The results highlighted the potential use of DFSBR in the treatment of AMD, providing possibilities for simultaneous sulfate reduction and metal and REY recovery in a single unit.
Carbon capture for blackwater: chemical enhanced high-rate activated sludge process
Authors: Jiang Haixin , Tang Xianchun , Wen Yexuan , He Yi , Chen Hongbin
Published: December 2019

Blackwater has more benefits for carbon recovery than conventional domestic wastewater. Carbon capture and up-concentration are crucial prerequisites for carbon recovery from blackwater, the same as domestic wastewater. Both chemical enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) and high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) processes have enormous potential to capture organics. However, single CEPT is subject to the disruption of influent sulfide, and single HRAS has insufficient flocculation capacity. As a result, their carbon capture efficiencies are low. By combining CEPT and HRAS with chemical enhanced high rate activated sludge (CEHRAS) process, the limitations of single CEPT and single HRAS offset each other. The carbon mineralization efficiency was significantly influenced by SRT rather than iron salt dosage. An iron dosage significantly decreased chemical oxygen demand (COD) lost in effluent. Both SRT and iron dosage had a significant influence on the carbon capture efficiency. However, HRT had no great impact on the organic mass balance. CEHRAS allowed up to 78.2% of carbon capture efficiency under the best conditions. The results of techno-economic analysis show that decreasing the iron salt dosage to 10 mg Fe/L could promise profiting for blackwater treatment. In conclusion, CEHRAS is a more appropriate technology to capture carbon in blackwater.
Black water treatment by an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor: a pilot study
Authors: Slompo Nathalie Dyane Miranda , Quartaroli Larissa , Zeeman Grietje , da Silva Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro , Daniel Luiz Antonio
Published: December 2019

Decentralized sanitary wastewater treatment has become a viable and sustainable alternative, especially for developing countries and small communities. Besides, effluents may present variations in chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total nitrogen values. This study describes the feasibility of using a pilot upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor to treat wastewater with different organic loads (COD), using black water (BW) and sanitary wastewater, in addition to its potential for preserving nutrients for later recovery and/or reuse. The UASB reactor was operated continuously for 95 weeks, with a hydraulic retention time of 3 days. In Phase 1, the reactor treated simulated BW and achieved 77% CODtotal removal. In Phase 2, treating only sanitary wastewater, the CODtotal removal efficiency was 60%. Phase 3 treated simulated BW again, and CODtotal removal efficiency was somewhat higher than in Phase 1, reaching 81%. In Phase 3, the removal of pathogens was also evaluated: the efficiency was 1.96 log for Escherichia coli and 2.13 log for total coliforms. The UASB reactor was able to withstand large variations in the organic loading rate (0.09–1.49 kg COD m−3 d−1), in continuous operation mode, maintaining a stable organic matter removal.
Чувствительность к ориентирующему значению направления взгляда партнера у дошкольников с задержкой психического развития
Authors: Смирнова Яна К.
Published: December 2019

Introduction. The relevance of the study of communication between the mechanism of joint attention and the subsequent normal and abnormal development of the child has been substantiated. It has been shown that a child’s ability to initiate and react to a joint attention of an ontogenetically precedes emergence of social and cognitive abilities. It has been determined a role of the joint attention in the child's ability o integrate information on himself, on other person and ability to unite his own intentions and other person's intentions. The problem of need for solution to a question of how the cognitive development pf the child interferes with development of social experience of the child has been raised.

Methods. Sample group was made by 514 children of preschool age, including the children with developmental disorders which characteristic of different forms of mental retardation. In the section there are descriptions of some techniques: 1. “Wrong opinion test”, “Sally-Ann”; the task “What does Charlie want?”, etc. for assessment of children's understanding of intentions, desires, the interests of others according to behavioural manifestations. 2. The developed task for assessment of ability of using the gaze direction of the character on the picture for the purpose of determination of its intentions. 3. Neuropsychological tests for a research of the block of reception and processing of information.

Results. Potential mechanisms of integration disorder of the joint attention, decrease in recognition of the focusing value of the gaze are revealed. The variability of formation and age changes of joint attention skills, to be exact, existence of differences in recognition, synthesis and interpretation of the focusing social information proceeding from eye contact is shown. It is revealed that children with a developmental delay have a low level of the "descending" joint attention. The parallelism of early deficiency of joint attention and difficulties of processing of information is revealed.

Discussion. The data display synchronism of cognitive development and formation of the mechanism of the joint attention. The conclusion is drawn that difficulties of integrative function of processing of social information can be combined with difficulties of synthesis of separate information signs in a Gestalt, complex information fusion, subject and symbolical orientation in space.
Investigation on the Interaction between Tetrakis (4-carboxylphenyl) Porphyrin and CopC by Spectroscopy and Docking Methods
Authors: Song Zhen , Liu Jin , Yuan Wen , Bai Ze , Gao Nvwa
Published: December 2019

Background:

Recently, the small molecule that inhibits the human copper-trafficking
proteins Atox1 and CCS was reported, which suggested that small molecule has an effect on the
copper regulation system in the cell. The copper chaperones CopC is regarded as a redox switch
and possess barrel structure, thus the interaction between CopC and small molecules could give
helpful information to elucidate the copper regulation mechanism. In addition, porphyrins play an
important role in the metabolism of living body. In the early-stage tumors, porphyrins were usually
used to diagnosis. After the amphiphilic porphyrins were given by intravenous injection, serum
albumins and serum proteins were the most usual carrier to transfer them. Then these molecules can
accumulate in malignant tumours and contact with cancer cells. Obviously, in drug distribution and
efficacy, investigation of the interaction between the porphyrins and protein is an important
research area. Obviously, in drug distribution and efficacy, investigation of the interaction between
the porphyrins and protein is an important research area.

Objective:

In this article, our motivation is to establish a relation between Tetrakis (4-
carboxylphenyl) porphyrin and CopC.

Methods:

In this article, we propose a framework for achieving our aforementioned object. Firstly,
FTIR spectra and CD were used to detect the structure changes of CopC. Secondly, the
fluorescence spectroscopic and UV-Vis spectra were used to measure quenching mechanism,
binding distance, binding site and binding distance. Using Tb 3+ as a probe to detect the interaction
between CopC and TCPP. Finally, molecular docking methods was used to show the results more
vivid.

Result:

Following the proposed framework, firstly, FTIR and CD results indicated that the CopC
conformation was changed by TCPP. The β-sheet content was reduced and the random coil content
was increased. Secondly, fluorescence spectra data indicated that the combination ratio of TCPPCopC
was 1:1, and the inclusion constant is (5.88 ± 0.12) × 10 5 M -1 . In addition, Tb 3+ was used
as a probe to detect the interaction between CopC and TCPP. The result further verified that CopC
can interact with TCPP. The thermodynamic parameters of interaction between CopC and TCPP
(ΔH, ΔS) indicated that the force between CopC and TCPP was mainly hydrophobic interaction.
Finally, the distance between tryptophan in CopC and TCPP was calculated through forster energy
transfer and molecular docking.

Conclusion:

The results revealed that TCPP can form 1:1 complex with CopC, and the binding
constant has been calculated to be (5.88 ± 0.12) × 10 5 M -1 . In addition, it was revealed that
TCPP quench the fluorescence of CopC by the static quenching mechanism and the binding site n
equals one. The formation of CopC-TCPP complex depended on the hydrophobic force and the
distance between TCPP and tryptophan residue in CopC was 2.07 nm.
Dual Inhibition of DPP-4 and Cholinesterase Enzymes by the Phytoconstituents of the Ethanolic Extract of Prosopis cineraria Pods: Therapeutic Implications for the Treatment of Diabetes-associated Neurological Impairments
Authors: Ram Heera , Jaipal Noopur , Kumar Pramod , Deka Purbajyoti , Kumar Shivani , Kashyap Priya , Kumar Suresh , Singh Bhim P. , Alqarawi Abdulaziz A. , Hashem Abeer , Tabassum Baby , Abd-Allah Elsayed Fathi
Published: December 2019

Background:

Insulin resistance causes decreased uptake of glucose which promotes the susceptibility of type 2 associated neurological impairments.

Methods:

The study was aimed to evaluate the inhibition potential of the ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria (EPC) pods against DPP-4 and cholinesterase enzymes by in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assessments. The present study consists of in vivo studies on a diabetes-induced rat model by HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment) and related parameters, in vitro studies through the DPP-4 enzyme assay and cholinesterase assays using Ellman’s reaction. The in-silico studies were conducted by the molecular docking of Cinerin C with targeted enzymes. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was demonstrated through LCMS studies. The antioxidant studies on the extract were performed by FRAP and TEAC assays.

Results:

The extract showed 64.8% maximum inhibition of DPP-4, 34.91% inhibition of AChE and 74.35% inhibition of BuChE. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was observed to be 847.81±16.25μM Fe2+ equivalent in the FRAP assay and 0.40 ± 0.08 mmol/l of Trolox equivalent in the TEAC assay. The in vivo study showed competent glycaemic control against significant HOMA IR (1.5), HOMA % β (26.5) and HOMA % S (68.8) as well as pancreatic cell mass proliferation. The insilico analysis also revealed positive interactions of Cinerin C with targeted enzymes (DPP4 and cholinesterase).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the phytoconstituents of Prosopis cineraria pod extract can be significantly considered in neuropharmacology to resolve insulin resistance-induced neurological complications as it showed inhibition against DPP-4, AChE and BuChE target enzymes.
A Comprehensive Review of the Genus Pyrola Herbs in Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Yang Xiliang , She Jianglian , Liu Jinping , Yang Tao , An Gege , Chen Qingru , Fan Cheng , Li Shuangjun , Liu Qian , Qian Chunguo , Liu Ying , zhou Yajie , Zhao Jingyi
Published: December 2019

Pyrola (Pyrolaceae), also known as Luxiancao/鹿衔草in China, was recorded in Sheng
Nong’s Herbal Classic listed in top grade. Pyrola herbs were used as medicinal plants for a long history
with wide-ranging activities such as nourishing kidney-yang, strengthening muscles and bones, activating
blood, stopping bleeding, dispelling rheumatism, and eliminating dampness. Currently, the research
on Pyrola plants is increasing year by year but there is no comprehensive and detailed review concerning
genus Pyrola. This review aims to sum up the updated and comprehensive information about botany
and traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and safety by analyzing the information
available on Pyrola plants via internationally accepted scientific databases. Collectively, more than 100
compounds have been isolated from the Pyrola plants. Furthermore, a total of 33 prescriptions containing
Pyrola plants are compiled in this review. Pyrola plants are used as indispensable agents in traditional
Chinese medicine due to its activities of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipidlowering,
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, proliferation of osteoblasts promoting, antineoplastic
and etc. Further work should be developed on the elucidation of structure-function relationship,
understanding of multi-target pharmacological effects, as well as developing its application both in
clinical usage and functional food for research and development of Pyrola plants.
Microextraction and Chromatographic Analysis of Budesonide Epimers in Exhaled Breath Condensate
Authors: Samini Laleh , Khoubnasabjafari Maryam , Alimorad Mohamad M. , Jouyban-Gharamaleki Vahid , Chan Hak-Kim , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: December 2019

Background:

Analysis of drug concentrations in biological fluids is required in clinical
sciences for various purposes. Among other biological samples, exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is
a potential sample for follow up of drug concentrations.

Methods:

A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) procedure followed by a validated
liquid chromatography method was employed for the determination of budesonide (BDS) in EBC
samples collected using a homemade setup. EBC is a non-invasive biological sample with possible
applications for monitoring drug concentrations. The proposed analytical method is validated according
to the FDA guidelines using EBC-spiked samples. Its applicability is tested on EBC samples collected
from healthy volunteers receiving a single puff of BDS.

Results:

The best DLLME conditions involved the use of methanol (1 mL) as a disperser solvent,
chloroform (200 μL) as an extraction solvent, and centrifugation rate of 3500 rpm for 5 minutes. The
method was validated over a concentration range of 21-210 μg·L-1 in EBC. Inter- and intra-day precisions
were less than 10% where the acceptable levels are less than 20%. The validated method was
successfully applied for the determination of BDS in EBC samples.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study indicate that the developed method can be used for the extraction
and quantification of BDS in EBC samples using a low cost method.
CNTs Supercapacitor Based on the PVDF/PVA Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Pour Gobad B. , Aval Leila F. , Mirzaee Masoud
Published: December 2019

Background:

In this paper, the supercapacitor based on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) electrodes
has been fabricated.

Objective:

The Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were used as a gel electrolyte.

Methods:

The electrodes and electrolytes thin films were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The specific Capacitance (Cs) of the
CNTs-based supercapacitor has been measured using the cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic methods.
For the scan rate, 20 mV s-1 the Cs of the CNTs-based supercapacitor was 173 F g-1.

Results:

Using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy the Nyquist curve has been plotted. The
reactance capacitance and the equivalent series resistance of the CNTs-based supercapacitor with
PVDF/PVA gel electrolytes were 90 Ω and 25 Ω respectively.

Conclusion:

Also, few patents for the CNTs-based supercapacitor have been reviewed and cited. The
CNTs-based supercapacitor proposed a new structure solid-state and flexible supercapacitor with high
performance.
Smooth Coated Otter Optimizer: A New Nature Inspired Optimizer
Authors: Rajani  , Kumar Naresh , Kaswan Kuldeep Singh
Published: December 2019

Background:

Nature inspired Algorithms have become predominant from the last few decades due to their derivative free nature and capability of avoiding the local optima problem. These algorithms have already shown humongous success in software reliability estimation. Objective: A new nature inspired algorithm inspired by the hunting capability of smooth coated otter’s for parameter optimization of software reliability models is proposed. Hunting in group is the most striking feature of the otters. In this paper, smart hunting behavior of otter’s is implemented to optimize software reliability model parameters.

Method:

Otters strongly co-operate together and show ideal team cooperation. Intelligent fish hunting capability of smooth coated otters makes them different from other swarm intelligence based algorithms. Three phases of otter hunting mainly moving in V formation in the direction of movement of the prey, approaching violently through the creek and then attacking the prey on the shore are implemented. Three software reliability models are used for showing the suitability of proposed algorithm.

Result:

The evaluation of study shows that proposed algorithm beat ABC, GA and PSO algorithms by 75% and 50% in terms of lower value of SSE and lower value of MSE.

Conclusion:

Intelligent foraging behavior of smooth coated otter provides significant gain capability in parameter estimation of software reliability models. The results are motivating. Further smooth coated otter optimizer can be applied to other optimization problems.