bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological Aspects of Transition to a New Educational Process Organization
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Pisareva Svetlana A. , Tryapitsina Alla P. ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia
Published: October 2020

In this paper we explained the selection of methodological foundations of transition to a new educational process organization based on the understanding of the post-non-classical methodology features of pedagogical research. They do not lead to the elimination of methods and cognitive attitudes of classical and non-classical research methodology, but more clearly define their scope. The selected methodological foundations determined the direction of the scientific search for a solution to the problem as follows: understanding the goals of modern education as contributing to the formation of identity (personal and professional) of a person at different stages of his/her life, considering the growing uncertainty of the modern world, which implies focus on the formation of universal human competences; understanding competence as a multifunctional knowledge “pack”, abilities (skills) and relationships that each person needs for a full personal life and professional activity; recognition of multivariance as an essential feature of modern educational process. We found that the new educational process design reflects the emerging trend of the “anthropological transition” in science, which is associated with the emergence of free access to knowledge and responsible attitude to the knowledge application. It is shown that the content design of university educational (and training) programs should be oriented toward the independent design of personalized learning by a student. This idea involves the appeal to personal experiences of teachers and students as a core of educational content affecting all its components by designing an individual student model of educational content expressed in the formed individual set of key competencies of a particular student. We established that the proposed approach to the design of the new educational process is founded on the content design based on the ideas of humanitarian design, determining the probabilistic nature of dynamic learning models design. The term “probabilistic” reflects the uncertainty of pedagogical systems, the dependence of ongoing pedagogical processes on a specific context, and the term “dynamic modeling” is understood as planning (selection) of active teaching methods allowing students to be creatively involved in the educative process.
El gobierno electrónico como espacio de paradiplomacia en Oaxaca y Puebla
Authors: Tapia Joselito Fernández
Published: October 2020

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar el gobierno electrónico como espacio de paradiplomacia de los gobiernos locales, en particular de los gobiernos de las ciudades para establecer y consolidar relaciones internacionales orientadas a la gestión de recursos y el desarrollo de los ámbitos locales. Para ello se eligió la Ciudad de Oaxaca de Juárez, capital del Estado de Oaxaca, y la Ciudad de Puebla de Zaragoza, del Estado de Puebla, para abordar la paradiplomacia y el uso de las tecnologías digitales como gestión del cambio, sus avances y limitaciones. El análisis se realizó desde las perspectivas de la gobernanza y la teoría de la nueva diplomacia. La metodología es un estudio cualitativo de casos con base en el análisis de documentos de estudios realizados, leyes y de los sitios web del gobierno de los dos municipios-ciudades para luego ser contrastados entre sí y con la teoría.
Cocoa agroforestry systems in Africa – the art of reconciling sustainable production and ecological services
Authors: Jagoret Patrick , Saj Stéphane , Carimentrand Aurélie
Published: October 2020

Combining mixed trees with cocoa trees in so-called cocoa agroforestry systems is emerging as a viable option for regenerating cocoa cropping in Africa. Pure cocoa crop stands currently prevail in these areas but are running out of steam. Technical solutions are therefore urgently needed to stabilize cocoa-growing areas, reduce pressure on forests and adapt to climate change. A balance can be struck in stands by combining cocoa trees with diverse trees chosen by farmers for their different uses, while maintaining a suitable and sustainable cocoa yield. Ecological services such as carbon storage and crop protection are co-benefits of this balance. Recent research in Cameroon highlights that cocoa agroforestry stands can be managed using a straightforward indicator—measurement of the basal area of cocoa trees and associated trees. This indicator could be adopted for sustainable cocoa production certification purposes, while the observed convergence between local know-how and scientific results could facilitate joint drawing up of technical recommendations.
Cacaocultura agroforestal en África: el arte de combinar producción sostenible y servicios ecológicos
Authors: Jagoret Patrick , Saj Stéphane , Carimentrand Aurélie
Published: October 2020

La agroforestería, que asocia árboles con cacaoteros, parece ser una opción posible para renovar el cultivo del cacao en África. El cultivo puro de árboles de cacao, dominante, no es sostenible y el potencial productivo disminuye con el tiempo. Por lo tanto, es urgente encontrar soluciones técnicas que estabilicen las áreas de cultivo de cacao, reduzcan la presión sobre los bosques y se adapten al cambio climático. Se puede encontrar un equilibrio entre los árboles de cacao y una mezcla de árboles escogidos por los agricultores para sus diversos usos, manteniendo al mismo tiempo un rendimiento de cacao adecuado a largo plazo. Este equilibrio también asegura servicios ecológicos como el almacenamiento de carbono y la protección fitosanitaria. Un trabajo reciente llevado a cabo en Camerún muestra que el manejo de las plantaciones de cacao agroforestales puede basarse en un indicador simple, la medición del área basal de los árboles de cacao y la de los árboles asociados. Este indicador podría ser adoptado para la certificación de cacao sostenible, mientras que la convergencia observada entre el conocimiento local y los resultados científicos podría ayudar a construir conjuntamente el asesoramiento técnico.
Carta ao Editor Sobre Torres-Costa et al “SARS-CoV-2 em Oftalmologia: Evidência Atual e Recomendações para a Prática Clínica”
Authors: Martins Thiago Gonçalves dos Santos
Published: October 2020

N/a.
EFEKTIVITAS PELATIHAN MANAJEMEN RESIKO DALAM UPAYA PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN KETRAMPILAN PENDERES
Authors: Ulfah Nur , Aji Budi , Harwanti Siti
Published: October 2020

Abstrak

Banyumas merupakan salah satu sentra industri gula kepala. Sekitar 27 ribu kepala keluarga (KK) menggantungkan hidupnya mengolah air nira menjadi gula kelapa. Angka kecelakaan kerja, para penderes nira di Banyumas sangat tinggi. Risiko sebagai penderes nira, tidak hanya kematian namun juga cacat permanen. Tahun 2016 tercatat ada 126 penderes jatuh, 52 orang diantaranya meninggal dan 74 orang mengalami cacat. Tahun 2017, data sampai Oktober sudah ada 138 penderes terjatuh, 53 meninggal dan 85 cacat (Setda Kabupaten Banyumas dalam http//newsdetik.com, agustus 2018)

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan, sikap dan keterampilan penderes kelapa tentang manajemen resiko kecelakaan kerja. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode eksperimen, pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling dengan kriteria tingkat pendidikan minimal SMP dan usia produktif. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan lembar kuesioner dan lembar observasi.

Berdasarkan analisis data yang dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan pengetahuan responden sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan dengan peningkatan pengetahuan sebesar 15,91%, ada perbedaan sikap responden sebelum dan sesudah pelatihan dengan peningkatan sikap sebesar 4,89%,dan terdapat perbedaan ketrampilan responden sebelum dan sesudah pendampingan dengan peningkatan keterampilan sebesar 50%.

Proses kegiatan pelatihan dan pendampingan sebaiknya bisa di follow up lebih lanjut oleh pihak desa dengan tujuan untuk merubah perilaku penderes kepada perilaku yang aman membutuhkan waktu yang tidak singkat, serta perlu adanya sebuah penelitian terkait dengan faktor kondisi tidak aman dan perilaku tidak aman yang menyebabkan kejadian kecelakaan kerja dengan pendekatan kualitatif.
Effect of Health Education on Knowledge Levels and Attitudes of Pregnant Women About Early Breastfeeding Initiation
Authors: Tulak Grace Tedy , Muhdar Muhdar , Winarni Anik
Published: October 2020

Early breastfeeding initiation is the process of self breastfeeding, at least for one hour when the baby has just born. The mothers can do early breastfeeding initiation properly if they have good knowledge and positive attitude. Target of this research that is analysing to determine the effect of health education on pregnant mother’s knowledge and attitude on early breastfeeding initiation in Region Work Puskesmas Wara Utara Kota, Palopo City Year 2018. This research use method of eksperimental, research desain the used is design eksperimental quasi: pre group one test post and test design. Sampel at this research amount to 34 people technicsly intake of accidental sampel of sampling. Result of research got that average value at pre test knowledge of pregnant mother’s about early breastfeeding initiation that is 1,41 while average value of post test knowledge of pregnant mother’s about early breastfeeding initiation that is 1,74 and got by probability equal to 0,001, showing 0,001 < 0,05. While average value at pre test attitude of pregnant mother’s about early breastfeeding initiation that is 1,41 while average value of post test attitude of pregnant mother’s about early breastfeeding initiation that is 1,74 and got by probability equal to 0,001, showing 0,001 < 0,05. Pursuant to difference value and analysis result, this matter can be concluded that there are to determine the effect of health education on pregnant mother’s knowledge and attitude on early breastfeeding initiation in Region Work Puskesmas Wara Utara Kota, Palopo City Year 2018.
Application of Neural Networks and Evolutionary Algorithms to Solve Energy Optimization and Unit Commitment for a Smart City
Authors: Garlík Bohumír
Published: October 2020

The optimization problem of two or more special-purpose functions of the energy system is subjected to an analysis. Based on experience of our research and general knowledge of partial solutions of energy system optimization at the level of control of production and power energy supply by energy companies in the Czech Republic, a special-purpose (cost) function has been defined. By analysing the special-purpose function, penalty and limitations have been defined. Using the fuzzy logic, a set of suitable solutions for the special-purpose function is accepted. An optimum of the special-purpose function is looked for using the simulated annealing method. The history of electricity consumption is sorted by day and by hour, representing the multidimensional data. When using the cluster analysis, type daytime diagrams of consumption are defined. Type daytime diagrams form prototypes of identified clusters. The so-called self-organizing neural network with Kohonen map attached is used to perform the cluster analysis. The result of our research is presented by an experiment.
Ideas in Genomic Selection that Transformed Plant Molecular Breeding: A Review
Authors: McGowan Matthew , Zhang Zhiwu , Wang Jiabo , Dong Haixiao , Liu Xiaolei , Jia Yi , Wang Xianfeng , Iwata Hiroyoshi , Li Yutao , Lipka Alexander
Published: October 2020

Estimation of breeding values through Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) using pedigree-based kinship and Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) are the two fundamental breeding methods used before and after the introduction of genetic markers, respectively. The emergence of high-density genome-wide markers has led to the development of two parallel series of approaches inspired by BLUP and MAS, which are collectively referred to as Genomic Selection (GS). The first series of GS methods alters pedigree-based BLUP by replacing pedigree-based kinship with marker-based kinship in a variety of ways, including weighting markers by their effects in genome-wide association study (GWAS), joining both pedigree and marker-based kinship together in a single-step BLUP, and substituting individuals with groups in a compressed BLUP. The second series of GS methods estimates the effects for all genetic markers simultaneously. For the second series methods, the marker effects are summed together regardless of their individual significance. Instead of fitting individuals as random effects like in the BLUP series, the second series fits markers as random effects. Differing assumptions regarding the underlying distribution of these marker effects have resulted in the development of many Bayesian-based GS methods. This review highlights critical concept developments for both of these series and explores ongoing GS developments in machine learning, multiple trait selection, and adaptation for hybrid breeding. Furthermore, considering the increasing use and variety of GS methods in plant breeding programs, this review addresses important concerns for future GS development and application, such as the use of GWAS-assisted GS, the long-term effectiveness of GS methods, and the valid assessment of prediction accuracy.
Transcriptional Regulation of Inflammasomes
Authors: Cornut Maxence , Bourdonnay Emilie , Henry Thomas
Published: October 2020

Inflammasomes are multimolecular complexes with potent inflammatory activity. As such, their activity is tightly regulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In this review, we present the transcriptional regulation of inflammasome genes from sensors (e.g NLRP3) to substrates (e.g. IL-1β). Lineage-determining transcription factors shape inflammasome responses in different cell types with profound consequences on the responsiveness to inflammasome-activating stimuli. Pro-inflammatory signals (sterile or microbial) have a key transcriptional impact on inflammasome genes, which is largely mediated by NF-κB and, that translates into higher antimicrobial immune responses. Furthermore, diverse intrinsic (e.g. circadian clock, metabolites) or extrinsic (e.g. xenobiotics) signals are integrated by signal-dependent transcription factors and chromatin structure changes to modulate transcriptionally inflammasome responses. Finally, anti-inflammatory signals (e.g. IL-10) counterbalance inflammasome genes induction to limit deleterious inflammation. Transcriptional regulations thus appear as the first line of inflammasome regulation to raise the defense level in front of stress and infections but also to limit excessive or chronic inflammation.
Revisión histórica y presupuestaria de las políticas culturales en Paraguay
Authors: Olmedo-Barchello Selva
Published: October 2020

El sistema de gestión de la política pública concerniente a la cultura en Paraguay se vio marcado por coyunturas vividas tanto en el ámbito político como en el social y económico a lo largo de los años, desde su etapa colonial hasta nuestros días. Ante este panorama, el objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión histórica y presupuestaria de las políticas culturales para el desarrollo en Paraguay, además de identificar sus principales mecanismos de aplicación. La metodología es de carácter documental bibliográfica, con la utilización de métodos descriptivos, analítico-sintéticos. Los resultados indican que, si bien a partir de la década de los noventa del siglo XX y, sobre todo, avanzado los años 2000, se dio un mayor impulso al sector cultural y creativo en Paraguay, las iniciativas aún son incipientes. Luego de esta revisión y a pesar de que el actual Plan Nacional de Cultura 2018-2023 recoge los grandes avances realizados con el fin de potenciar la cultura ante un escenario en el que se imponen la globalización, la tecnología, la innovación y el bono demográfico, se concluye que aún se encuentran elementos a fortalecer en aspectos tales como el financiamiento, el mayor impulso a otros sectores y la articulación entre diferentes actores que son necesarios para el desarrollo cultural.
Novel mutation in the TGFBI gene in a Moroccan family with atypical corneal dystrophy: a case report.
Authors: BENBOUCHTA Yahya , JAOUAD Imane CHERKAOUI , TAZI Habiba , ELORCH Hamza , OUHENACH Mouna , ZRHIDRI Abdelali , SADKI Khalid , SEFIANI Abdelaziz , LYAHYAI Jaber , BERRAHO Amina
Published: October 2020

Background: Corneal dystrophies (CDs) are a heterogeneous group of bilateral, genetically determined, non-inflammatory bilateral corneal diseases which are usually limited to the cornea. CD is characterized by a large variability in the age of onset, evolution and visual impact and the accumulation of insoluble deposits at different depths of the cornea. Clinical symptoms revealed bilaterally multiple superficial, epithelial, and stromal anterior granular opacities, in different stages of severity among three patients of this family. 99 genes are involved in CDs.The aim of this study is to identify pathogenic variant caused atypical corneal dystrophy in a large Moroccan family and to describe the clinical phenotype with their severe different stages of evolution.Case presentation: In this study, we report a large Moroccan family with CD. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed in the three affected members who shared a phenotype of a corneal dystrophy in different stages of severity. The variant validation and familial segregation were done by Sanger sequencing in affected sister and mothers and in two unaffected brothers. Whole exome sequencing showed a novel heterozygous mutation (c.1772C>A; p.Ser591Tyr) in TGFBI gene. Clinical examinations demonstrated bilaterally multiple superficial, epithelial and stromal anterior granular opacities; in different stages of severity among three patients of this family. Conclusions: This report presents a novel mutation in TGFBI gene, found in three family members affected with different phenotypic aspects. This mutation is associated with Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy and therefore, it could be considered as a novel phenotype genotype correlation, which will help in genetic counseling for this family
Risk factors for early wheezing in preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Xun , Yang Minjing , Huang Shengzhu , Qin Xiaolian , Pan Zhijian , Zhu Maoling , Zeng Dingyuan , Huang Yifeng , Liang Tao , Liang Chunmei , Nong Guangmin
Published: October 2020

Background: The factors that cause recurrent wheezing in children are complex, and premature delivery may be one of these factors. Little is known about early wheezing in preterm infants.Methods: Data were sourced from 1616 children born between 2007 and 2013 from 8 hospitals in Guangxi, China. All children were followed up by telephone or questionnaire through the sixth year of life. Children were grouped by gestational age (GA): Group A, GA ≤ 32 weeks; Group B, 32 weeks < GA < 37 weeks; and Group C, 37 weeks ≤ GA < 42 weeks.Results: The incidences and risk factors for early wheezing in preterm infants were analysed. The incidences of early wheezing were as follows: Group A > Group B > Group C. The incidence of persistent early wheezing in Group A or Group B was significantly higher than that in Group C, respectively. SGA (95% CI: 1.097 to 7.519) was a risk factor for early wheezing in group A. Male sex (95% CI: 1.595 to 4.501) and family history of allergies (95% CI: 1.207 to 3.352) were risk factors for early wheezing in group B.Conclusions: 1. New-borns with younger GAs had a higher risk of early wheezing. 2. The incidence of persistent early wheezing for preterm infants (GA ≤ 32 weeks and 32 weeks < GA < 37 weeks) was higher than that for full-term infants (37 weeks ≤ GA < 42 weeks). 3. SGA was a risk factor for early wheezing in preterm infants with a GA ≤ 32 weeks. 4. Male sex, personal history of allergies and family history of allergies were all possible factors affecting early wheezing in preterm infants with a GA > 32 weeks but < 37 weeks and full-term infants. Among them, male sex and family history of allergies were risk factors for early wheezing. 5. Mode of delivery, passive smoking, breastfeeding and invasive mechanical ventilation were not possible risk factors for early wheezing in infants of different GAs.
Gut microbiota of homologous Chinese soft-shell turtles ( Pelodiscus sinensis ) in different habitats
Authors: Wu Benli , Huang Long , Chen Jing , Zhang Ye , Wang Jun , He Jixiang
Published: October 2020

Background Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an important commercial species for their high nutritional value and unique taste, but it has been a vulnerable species due to habitat loss. In this study, homologous juvenile turtles were allocated to lake, pond and paddy field to investigate the habitat effects on turtles. Results The growth, morphology and gut microbial communities were monitored during the 4 months cultural period. It showed higher growth rate of turtles in paddy field and pond. The appearance, visceral coefficients, gut morphology and microbial communities in turtles were distinct among different habitats. The alpha diversity was obviously lower in initial turtle guts from greenhouses, whereas it was obviously higher in turtle guts sampled from paddy fields than ponds and lake. Significant differences on dominant phyla, genera and species were found among initial samples and subsequent samples from different habitats. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum in the guts of turtles sampled from the greenhouse initially, while Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum after cultivation in different habitats, followed by Bacteroidetes. The microbial composition were distinct in different habitats at 60d, and the appearance of dominant phyla and genera was more driven by sampling time than habitats at 120d. Both the sampling time and habitats affected the appearance of dominant phyla and genera during the cultivation. The functional predictions indicated that both habitat type and sampling time had significant effects on metabolic pathways, especially amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusion The turtles could adapt to natural lakes, artificial ponds and paddy fields. The gut microbial abundance was different among the habitats and sampling time. The species of microbes were significantly more diverse in paddy field specimens than in those from ponds and lakes. Rice-turtle coculture is a potential ecological and economic farming mode that plays important roles in wild turtle protection and food security.
A Comparison of the Autistic Behavior Checklist and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale for Suspected Autism in a Large Chinese Sample
Authors: Chu Jiahui , Bian Fang , Yan Ruiying , Li Yanlin , Cui Yonghua , Li Ying
Published: October 2020

Background: Autism is the most common clinical developmental disorder in children. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autistic Behavior Checklist (ABC) are the most commonly used assessment scales for diagnosing autism. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic validities of CARS and ABC based on a large Chinese sample.Methods: A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the diagnostic validities of CARS and ABC, as well as the corresponding cut-off determinations was calculated.Results: A total of 474 children with suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were screened by CARS and ABC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and it showed that the area-under-the-curve values of CARS is higher than ABC significantly (p <0.05) and the suggested cutoff values of CARS and ABC were 34 and 67, respectively.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CARS was superior to ABC in terms of its diagnostic validity of assessing suspected ASD cases in children. Based on our results, we recommend the CARS could be used for the assessments for suspected ASD cases in Chinses hospitals.
Cardiovascular risk prediction in diabetes – changes in the prognostic values of modern cardiovascular biomarkers in relation to duration of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Resl Michael , Vila G , Heinzl M , Luger A , Neuhold S , Prager R. , Wurm R , Hülsmann M , Clodi M
Published: October 2020

Background

Based on the complex pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis we hypothesized a dynamic change in prognostic value of cardiovascular biomarkers over time.
Methods

In this prospective study 746 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, being followed up for 60 months were analysed. The primary endpoint was defined as unplanned hospitalization for cardiovascular disease or death. Beside others, especially the prognostic performance of the biomarkers of interest (GDF-15, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) was evaluated in relation to quartiles of diabetesduration.
Results

In patients having a diabetes duration below 7 years lnGDF-15 (HR 2.84; p < 0.01) and lnhs-TnT (HR 2.96; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of the primary endpoint. LnAge (HR 40.11; p < 0.01) and lnNT-proBNP (HR 1.61; p < 0.01) were significant predictors in patients with a diabetes duration between 7 and 12 years. In the third quartile (diabetes duration 12–22 years) lnAge (HR 13.09; p = 0.041), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (HR 2.74; p = 0.001) and lnNT-proBNP (HR 1.81, p < 0.001) predicted the endpoint. In patients with a diabetes duration above 22 years, lnAge (HR 50.79; p = 0.002) and lnNT-proBNP (HR 2.1; p < 0.01) were the only significant predictors of the endpoint.
Conclusion

Prognostic power of cardiovascular biomarkers changes dynamically in relation to duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In patients with shorter duration of the disease markers of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction and inflammation perform better than markers of systemic advanced organ dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
The non-relativistic and relativistic quantum theory with temperature
Authors: Xiang-Yao Wu , Wu Ben-Shan , Liu Han
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we have proposed the principle of quantum
thermodynamics, including energy principle and microcosmic entropy
principle, and given the quantum thermodynamics of
non-relativistic and relativistic quantum theory, i.e., the
temperature-dependent schrodinger equation, Dirac equation and
photon equation. We given the solution for wave function and
energy level with temperature. Taking the hydrogen atom as an
example, we given the temperature correction to hydrogen atom
energy level and wave function.
Clean Technology Approach For Ciprofloxacin Sequestration Using Modified Banana Stalk
Authors: OREOFE Toyin Adedayo , OGUNLEYE Oladipupo Olaosebikan , Bello Olugbenga Solomon
Published: October 2020

The adsorption mechanisms and capacity of adsorbent derived from banana stalks in removing ciprofloxacin (CIP) from aqueous solutions were investigated in this study. The Banana Stalk Activated Carbon (BSAC) was prepared through acid activation and were characterised via SEM, FTIR and pHpzc. The SEM micrograph of BSAC revealed prominent well-developed pores which aid the adsorption process. The FTIR spetra shows the presence of various functional groups for efficient CIP adsorption. The effects of temperature (30 – 70 oC), adsorbent dosage (0.01 – 0.05 g/L), pH (2 - 10),initial adsorbate concentration (1 - 5 mg/L) and contact time (10 - 360 min) were evaluated using batch operations. Optimum CIP adsorption was obtained at pH 6. The maximum monolayer adsorptive capacity of the acid-treated banana stalk was 222.22 mg/g at 30 oC. Langmuir isotherm was the most appropriate isotherm model while pseudo second order kinetics best describe the kinetic process. Its thermodynamic studies indicated endothermic and spontaneous process. The cost implication of BSAC preparation (12.35 USD/kg) indicates that it is about 21 times cheaper than Commercial activated carbon (270.8 USD/kg) while the desorption studies reflects the reusability efficiency of the spent adsorbent. BSAC was found to be effective, efficient and economically viable for ciprofloxacin removal from aqueous solution.
The effect of different drying methods on non-volatile and volatile components and immunomodulatory activity of Osmamthus fragrans flowers
Authors: Chang Yuexing , Lin Junjie , Pan Siqing , Jing Yanlin , Guo Ailing , Deng Yun
Published: October 2020

Background: Osmamthus fragrans (O. fragrans) has high ornamental, edible and medicinal value in China. The components of its flowers have been gradually revealed, but the active ingredients with immunoregulatory activity have been unknown. Also, it needs to be studied that which groups and drying methods can make O. fragrans fowers produce more immunomodulatory activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of drying methods on non-volatile and volatile components of O. fragrans flowers from three groups, and to further explore if their groups and drying methods had an ovious effect on their immunoregulatory activity.Methods: O. fragrans flowers from three groups such as “Aurantiacus”, “Latifolius” and “Thunbergii” were dried with shade drying, sun drying, quick-lime drying, oven drying and microwave drying method, respectively. The non-volatile components such as salidroside, verbascoside, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid and volatile components such as linalool, linalool oxide, geraniol, α-ionone and β-ionone of O. fragrans flowers above were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. The immunomodulatory activities of chemical components above were investigated by the neutral red uptake assay.Results: There are more non-volatile components and less volatile components in O. fragrans flowers from Aurantiacus group and Latifolius group than Thunbergii group. Microwave drying and oven drying at high temperature were beneficial for the preservation of the bioactive non-volatile components for killing enzyme and protecting glycoside. Other drying methods such as shade drying, sun drying, quick-lime drying and oven drying at low temperature were beneficial to their preservation of the fragrant volatile components. Salidroside, verbascoside, linalool, and linalool oxide had the better immunoregulatory activity than other ingredients. In addition, non-volatile components played a more important role in the contribution to the immunoregulatory activity than the volatile components as the former was almost 1000 times as much as the latter. Conclusions: O. fragrans flowers from Aurantiacus group with microwave drying (high fire) method had the best immunoregulatory activity. The research could provide some evidence in choosing drying method of O. fragrans flowers as food or medicine.
Two-way covert quantum communication in the microwave regime
Authors: Candia Roberto Di , Yiğitler Hüseyin , Paraoanu Gheorghe , Jäntti Riku
Published: October 2020

Quantum communication addresses the problem of exchanging information across macroscopic distances by employing encryption techniques based on quantum mechanical laws. Here, we advance a new paradigm for secure quantum communication by combining backscattering concepts with covert communication in the microwave regime. Our protocol allows communication between Alice, who uses only discrete phase modulations, and Bob, who has access to cryogenic microwave technology. Using notions of quantum channel discrimination and quantum metrology, we find the ultimate bounds for the receiver performance, proving that quantum correlations can enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by up to 6 dB. We show that security can be reached by covering the carrier signal through the presence of the thermal noise in the environment. We complement our information-theoretic results with a feasible experimental proposal in a circuit QED platform. This work makes a decisive step toward implementing secure quantum communication concepts in
the previously uncharted 1 − 10 GHz frequency range, in the relevant scenario when the available power is severely constrained.
Assessment on the lung injury of mice posed by airborne PM2.5 collected from developing area in China and associated molecular mechanisms: from histopathology to integrated transcriptome analysis
Authors: Dai Shuiping , Wang Zhenglu , Yang Ying , Guo Tingting , li weimin
Published: October 2020

Background & aimsSome epidemiological investigations have revealed airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could induce adverse effects on respiratory system of human. However, the experimental evidences of the harmful effect of PM2.5 from mid-scale city in China and associated molecular mechanisms was still scarce. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effect on the lung system of PM2.5 collected from mid-city of China and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism through mRNA-seq and microRNA-seq integrated analysis.MethodsWe exposed male Balb/C mice to PM2.5 collected from Baoji city, China for 8 weeks (298.52 ± 25.86 μg/m3) using a whole-body exposure system. Micro-CT and histopathological analyses were performed to determine the morphology and histopathology changes of lung tissues induced by PM2.5. Transcriptome (both mRNA and microRNA) sequencing and the immunohistochemistry assay were performed to reveal the associated underlying mechanisms. The contents of PAHs absorbed in the PM2.5, as well as the pearson correlation index between it and the target genes and microRNA were examined.ResultsObvious lung injury including pulmonary dysfunction, immunological responses, and fibrosis were observed from the PM2.5 exposure group. The content of leucocyte of lung tissue was significantly increased. PM2.5 mainly induced immune pathways including B cell receptor signaling and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The expression levels of the associated genes and microRNA were verified using RT-qPCR. The protein expression of CD19, CD81, and PIK3CD involved into B cell receptor signaling significantly increased in exposure group. The concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) showed a marked correlationship with the genes and microRNA. ConclusionsPM2.5 from the mid-scale city of China caused adverse effects on lung system of mice, which was much stronger than the mega city, indicating the health risk of the air pollution in the developing area should be paid more attention. The toxicity of PM2.5 may associated with immune system response. This work for the first time provided a new sight into the molecular mechanism of PM2.5 toxicity on lung system using transcriptomics integrated analysis and help further to develop effective measures to prevent air pollution associated lung disease, especially in the developing area in China.
The Biological and Clinical Significance of Glutaminase in Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: Masisi Brendah , El-Ansari Rokaya , Alfarsi Lutfi , Craze Madeleine , Jewa Natasha , Oldfield Andrew , Cheung Hayley , Toss Michael , Rakha Emad , Green Andrew
Published: October 2020

Background: Glutamine metabolism has a key role in the regulation of uncontrolled tumour growth by modulating bioenergetics, redox homeostasis and serving as a precursor for biomass synthesis. Glutaminase is a key enzyme involved in glutaminolysis, a process which plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis and progression. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of glutaminase in luminal breast cancer (BC). Methods: The glutaminase protein isoforms (GLS and GLS2) were assessed at the genomic and transcriptomic levels, using METABRIC (n=1398) and GENE MINER datasets (n=4,712), and protein level using immunohistochemistry in large well characterised cohorts of luminal Oestrogen Receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative BC patients, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (n=206) and invasive BC (IBC; n=717) cohorts. GLS and GLS2 expression was associated with clinicopathological features, patient outcome and other glutamine-metabolism related genes. Results: In DCIS, GLS expression was an independent risk factor for shorter local recurrence-free interval (p<0.0008). In IBC high GLS and GLS2 mRNA and protein expression significantly correlated with solute carriers with high glutamine affinity, SLC3A2 (p≤0.01) SLC7A8 (p≤0.01) and SLC7A5 (p<0.001), and glutamine related enzymes; GLUD1 (p<0.001) and ALDH18A1 (p<0.001). GLS and GLS2 gene copy number gains were associated with poor patient outcome (p=0.028; p=0.010 respectively). High GLS2 protein was predictive of a longer disease-free survival (p=0.006). Conclusion: GLS appears to play a role in the early non-invasive stage of BC and it could be used as a potential biomarker to predict DCIS progression to invasive disease. In IBC, both GLS and GLS2 play a key role in the biological function of luminal tumours. Further functional assessments are needed to explore the specific role played by each isoform in BC.
Soluble B7-H4 and its association with clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Mach Pawel , Hoffmann Oliver , Kasimir-Bauer Sabine , Kimmig Rainer , Schmidt Boerge , Schapeler Julia , Bittner Ann-Kathrin
Published: October 2020

Background: Immunotherapy is a promising area for treatment of breast cancer (BC) that has transformed patient care. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are only effective in a subset of patients, and the identification of biomarkers that predict response to therapy is crucial to increase the rates of responders. B7-H4 is a potentially novel target for cancer therapy.Methods: We examined the association of sB7-H4 with clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with early BC. Using ELISA, we analyzed sB7-H4 serum concentrations in a total of 572 early BC patients before the onset of therapy, 109 patients (cohort 1) in the neo-adjuvant setting and 463 patients in the adjuvant setting (cohort 2). In cohort 1, measurements were also performed after neo-adjuvant therapy (NACT).Results: In cohort 1, sB7-H4 blood serum concentration was delectable in 27/109 (26%) patients before and in 50/109 (48%) patients after NACT. In cohort 2, the detection rate was only 4% (18/461 patients). In cohort 1, no significant differences between patients, even when stratifying for particular intrinsic subtypes, before and after NACT were observed. No significant chances in sB7-H4 blood serum concentration levels before and after NACT were associated with clinical parameters, prognosis and the risk of recurrence. The median blood serum concentration levels in cohort 2 were significantly higher than in cohort 1 after NACT (p=0.04) but not before NACT. Conclusions: sB7-H4 concentration levels in serum of non-metastatic BC patients are neither associated with prognosis nor with clinical characteristics in the adjuvant and neo-adjuvant setting.
Global Research Status and Development of COVID-19 in 2020: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Pan Xiaobin , Lin Wei , Xie Jinbao , Lin Xingsheng , Zhang Yingfeng , Zhang Lihui , Wu Chao , Ye Mei , Shi Songchang , Shi Songjing , Chen Gang
Published: October 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is currently widespread in the world. This study aimed to access the characteristics of the publications involving COVID-19 by using a bibliometric analysis.Methods: COVID-19 publications published between 1 January 2020 and 31 July 2020 was searched from the Web of Science database on 1 August 2020.The database retrieval was done on the same day. Analysis parameters mainly include publication month, research institutions, authors, journals, countries and cooperation networks among them.Results: A total of 14186 COVID-19 associated articles were retrieved from the Web of Science database, and the quantity of articles increased rapidly month by month. The authors of the top ten manuscripts per number of citations and the most productive institution were both from China. The total publication number of China was as high as 3,029，second only to the United States. Moreover, China ranks first in the number of total citations of articles and the average article citations. The United States has the highest number of total publications and ranks second only to China in terms of the influence of individual articles. Authors, institutions and Countries established a network of close cooperation for research on COVID-19.Conclusion: There was a growing number of articles on COVID-19 around the world, China and the United States are the two most influential countries.
Patterns and Related Influencing Factors of Multiple Chronic Diseases Among the Elderly Based on Data Mining in Shanxi, China
Authors: Zhang Chichen , Xiao Shujuan , Shi Lei , Zheng Xiao , Dong Fang , Xue Yaqing , Zou Jiayu , Zhang Jiachi
Published: October 2020

Background: The presence of multiple chronic diseases has become a public health issue worldwide. The study aimed to explore the patterns and related influencing factors of multiple chronic diseases among the elderly so as to provide a scientific reference for the health management strategy, which is dedicated to the prevention and intervention for multiple chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study, which used a multi-stage random sampling way, was conducted among 3266 elderly aged 60 years and above in Shanxi. A chi square test was used to compare the sociodemographic factors. The data mining methods, including association rule and decision tree, were performed to explore the patterns and related influencing factors of multiple chronic diseases in the elderly.Results: The prevalence of multiple chronic diseases was 30.31%. According to the results of the association rules, there were 10 association patterns screened out. The first five multiple chronic disease patterns were atherosclerosis and hypertension, coronary heart disease and hypertension, diabetes and hypertension, stroke and hypertension, eye disease and hypertension. The decision tree model selected 5 related influencing factors of multiple chronic diseases, including age, smoking, family genetic history, fresh fruit intake frequency and education level, simultaneously generating 9 influence rules.Conclusions: Multiple chronic diseases were prevalent among the elderly, which patterns mainly consisted of two or three chronic diseases. Regarding the unmodifiable related influencing factors, including an older age, a family genetic history, and low education level, relevant departments should help the elderly to establish prevention knowledge and raise awareness of strongly related chronic diseases, so as to reduce the incidence and adverse consequences.
The Diagnostic Properties of the Translated Chinese Whooley Questionnaire as A Case-Finding Instrument for Depression Among Chinese Women During and After Pregnancy
Authors: Lok Kris Yuet-Wan , Chow Charlotte , Tan Shirley W , Smith Robert , Lin Jessie , Kong Choi Wah , Fong Daniel YT
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Rising prevalence and undetected perinatal depression has been described in many countries and report that treating those who are already symptomatic, more effort should be targeted towards screening strategies to identify perinatal depression at the early stage. The Whooley questions is the recommended case finding strategy to aid the identification of perinatal depression. An official Chinese version has not been validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and stability of the translated Whooley questionnaire against the gold standard measurement during pregnancy (antenatal) and early after pregnancy (postnatal).Materials and method: This observational study recruited 131 pregnant women from antenatal clinics in a hospital setting from September 2019 till May 2020 in Hong Kong. We translated the Whooley questionnaire in Chinese and evaluated self-reported responses against an interviewer assessed diagnostic standard (DSM-IV criteria) among 107 women receiving antenatal care at 26-28 weeks gestation. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio, with DSM-IV diagnosis taken as the gold standard.Results: Antenatally, the Chinese Whooley questions had a sensitivity of 79% (95% CI 54.4-93.9), a specificity of 97% (95% CI 90.4-99.3), a positive likelihood ratio of 23.2 (95% CI 7.4-72.1) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.2 (95% CI 0.1-0.5) in identifying perinatal depression. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression in pregnancy have increased and screening early remains a significant tool in Western countries. The translated Chinese Whooley questionnaire appears to have acceptable diagnostic accuracy and can be implemented into health services among Chinese population as only requiring two yes/no questions.
SNPs in Apolipoproteins Contribute to Sex-Dependent Differences in Blood Lipids Before and After A Dietary Challenge in Healthy U.S. Adults
Authors: Wang Yining E. , Kirschke Catherine P. , Woodhouse Leslie R. , Bonnel Ellen L. , Stephensen Charles B. , Bennett Brian J , Newman John W. , Keim Nancy L. , Huang Liping
Published: October 2020

Background The effect of genetic polymorphisms on fasting blood lipid levels have been widely studied but the effects of these within the context of a meal challenge remain less characterized. The current study aimed to investigate the association of SNPs in lipoprotein-related genes with blood lipid levels in healthy adults in the U.S. Methods Men and women (n = 393) between 18-66 years of age with BMIs ranging from 18.5-45 kg/m 2 completed the cross-sectional Nutritional Phenotyping Study. Among them, 349 subjects (men = 167, 48%; women = 182, 52%) gave consent for genotyping. SNPs in APOA5 , APOB , APOC3 , APOE , and LDLR were assessed. Results Reduced blood HDL-cholesterol levels were associated with the C allele of the APOA5 SNP (rs3135506) in women and the C allele of the APOE SNP (rs429358) in men in both fasting and postprandial states. The C allele of the APOE SNP was also correlated with increased LDL-C levels. The APOC3 rs2854116 TT genotype was associated with elevated total cholesterol in both sexes. Nevertheless, these SNPs had little impact on the postprandial triglyceride responses to the high-fat challenge meal. Additionally, no significant effects of SNPs in APOB (rs1042034) and LDLR (rs2228671) on triglycerides, cholesterol, or non-esterified free fatty acids levels were found. Conclusions Cholesterol levels are strongly correlated with genotypes of the tested SNPs in APOA5 and APOE in a sex-dependent manner during fasting and postprandial states of healthy adults. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02367287. Registered February 20, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02367287.