bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Penggunaan Pengental Terhadap Karakteristik Fisikokimia Keju Mozarella Susu Sapi
Authors: Usmiati Sri , Abubakar NFN , Adieb Azmier
Published: August 2020

Saat ini penggunaan keju mozarella di Indonesia berkembang pesat. Sejumlah titik kritis menentukan mutu mozarella, antara lain total padatan susu yang tinggi, rennet yang aktif, proses curdling yang baik, mild temperatur saat peregangan/pemuluran (58-65°C). Jika tidak terpenuhi maka mutu mozarella yang dihasilkan kurang baik, antara lain sifat regang yang rendah yang berakibat terhadap kurangnya daya leleh keju. Diperlukan aplikasi bahan pengental berupa hidrokoloid untuk memperbaiki sensori, yaitu memperbaiki sifat kemuluran atau daya leleh mozarella yang lebih baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sifat fisikokimia keju mozarella dengan penambahan hidrokoloid sebagai bahan pengental. Penelitian didesain menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan 4 perlakuan penambahan hidrokoloid dan satu kontrol tanpa bahan pengental, yaitu: P0 (kontrol); P1 (gellan gum 0,010%); P2 (xhantan gum 0,010%+ gellan gum 0,010%); P3 (pati jagung/maizena 0,125%); dan P4 (susu skim bubuk 0,125%), masing-masing diulang 3 kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keju mozarella susu sapi dengan perlakuan penambahan pengental berupa hidrokoloid pati jagung (maizena) merupakan keju yang memiliki karakteristik terbaik dengan kadar lemak yang cukup baik (12,08%), tingkat hardness terendah (150,13 g/mm2), lelehan keju yang lembut, serta kecerahan warna yang baik (L= 88,99).

 

The Effect Of Thickener On Characteristics Of Cow Milk Mozarella Cheese.

Nowaday, the use of mozzarella cheese is growing rapidly in Indonesia. A number of critical points determine the quality of mozzarella, including high milk total solids, active rennet, good curdling process, mild temperature during stretching (58-65°C). The quality of the mozzarella produced is not good, among others lack of stretching ability causes low melting ability if the critical points are not fulfilled. The application of a hydrocolloid as thickener is needed to improve the sensory that was better stretching ability of mozzarella. The aim of study was to determine the mozzarella physicochemical characteristics use the addition of hydrocolloid as thickener. The study was designed using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments for addition of hydrocolloid and control without thickener, namely: P0 (control); P1 (gellan gum 0.010%); P2 (0.010% xhantan gum + 0.010% gellan gum); P3 (corn starch 0.125%); and P4 (powdered skim milk 0.125%), each repeated 3 times. The results showed that cow milk mozzarella cheese with the treatment of corn starch (maize starch) as thickener was the best cheese with good fat content (12.08%), the lowest hardness level (150.13 g/mm2), smoothy melted cheese and good colour brightness (L value of 88.99).
Using flash technology in educational process training of an electrical engineer
Authors: Belyaev V. P. , Shchur D. S. , Shirko S. V.
Published: August 2020

In the article in order to familiarize the use of modern digital technologies in the educational process is an electronic multimedia publication for the study of intelligent displacement sensor. It is based on Flash technology and has traditional construction of educational and methodological nature. The student has the opportunity prepare for the work, since the publication is equipped with a theoretical part, revealing the purpose and tasks, and the order of the work. Using Flash-technology visualizes the constructive construction of the device under study, its phased peration, circuit decisions of device nodes. An explanation of the operation of electronic units is accompanied by a graphic demonstration of the generated, processed and transmitted electronic circuits of electronic signals, reflecting the purpose of the device, namely obtaining a complex of signals proportional to the quality and quantity of the angular or linear movement of moving objects. Such visualization allows you to look “inside” electronic circuits, which is not provided possible in a real object. The scheme of determining the direction of movement (rotation) of an object is especially highlighted. Schemes are given speed measuring devices based on two principles of counting the number of pulses from the output of the displacement sensor. Designed electronic multimedia edition organically fits into the distance learning system as an integral part of the electronic university.
Transformation of Women Politicians in Parliament
Authors: Muafiah Evi
Published: August 2020

Abstract: Women’s representation in politics in Indonesia has been secured despite inequal percentage compared to the men. For instance, the results of the 2019 legislative elections for women only accounted for 20.5% or 118 seats of the 560 existing seats. On the other hand, it seems that the performance of women in parliament is also questionable. Thus, this research was conducted to find out and understand how was the performance of women politicians, their contribution to women empowerment and the obstacles they faced. This descriptive-explorative qualitative research was conducted in Ponorogo as a district in the former Residency of Madiun which always gets the highest number of women politicians in each elections until 2019. The research subjects were selected using purposive sampling toward women legislature members of DPRD Ponorogo. Meanwhile, the data was obtained through interviews, observation, and documentation. Furthermore, for the data analysis the author employed Harvard gender analysis and used data triangulation as one of the data verification techniques. The results of this study concluded that the performance of women legislative members was less satisfactory. This can be seen from 3 aspects; responsiveness, accountability and effectiveness. In addition, some obstacles they faced are (a) the strong patriarchal culture in the legislative environment, (b) weak coordination among women legislative members, (c) patterns of relationships that are built on a transactional basis, and (d) politically charged programs.
Features of alternative splicing in stomach adenocarcinoma and their clinical implication: A research based on massive sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ma Shengling , Niu Qian , Han Yun , Liu Xingyu , Jiang Jie , Chen Simiao , Lin Haolong
Published: August 2020

Background: Alternative splicing (AS) offers a main mechanism to form protein polymorphism. A growing body of evidence indicates the correlation between splicing disorders and carcinoma. Nevertheless, an overall analysis of AS signatures in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is absent and urgently needed.Results: 2042 splicing events were confirmed as prognostic molecular events. Furthermore, the final prognostic signature constructed by 10 AS events gave good result with an area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve up to 0.902 for 5 years, showing high potency in predicting patient outcome. We built the splicing regulatory network to show the internal regulation mechanism of splicing events in STAD. QKI may play a significant part in the prognosis induced by splicing events.Conclusions: In our study, a high-efficiency prognostic prediction model was built for STAD patients, and the results showed that AS events could become potential prognostic biomarkers for STAD. Meanwhile, QKI may become an important target for drug design in the future.
The Bdkrb2 Gene Family Provides a Novel View of Viviparity Adaptation in Sebastes schlegelii
Authors: Niu Jingjing , Song Weihao , Li Rui , Yu Haiyang , Guan Jian , Qi Jie , He Yan
Published: August 2020

Background：Black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) is a viviparous teleost. We proposed that the rockfish ovarian wall had a similar function to the uterus of mammals previously. In the present study, the well-developed vascular system was observed in the ovary wall and the exterior surface of the egg membrane. In gestation, adaptation of the ovary vasculature to the rising needs of the embryos occurs through both vasodilation and neovascularization. Bdkrb2, encoding a receptor for bradykinin, plays a critical role in the control of vasodilatation by regulating nitric oxide production. Results：Eight Bdkrb2 genes were identified in the black rockfish genome. These genes were located on chromosome 14, which are arranged in a tandem array, forming a gene cluster spanning 50 kb. Protein structure prediction, phylogenetic analysis, and transcriptome analysis showed that eight Bdkrb2 genes evolved two kinds of protein structure and three types of tissue expression pattern. Overexpression of two Bdkrb2 genes in zebrafish indicated a role of them in blood vessel formation or remodeling, which is an important procedure for the viviparous rockfish getting prepared for fertilization and embryos implantation. Conclusions： Our study characterizes eight Bdrkb2 genes in the black rockfish, which may contribute to preparation for fertilization and embryo implantation. This research provides a novel view of viviparity adaptation and lays the groundwork for future research into vascular regulation of ovarian tissue in the breeding cycle in black rockfish.
A member of wheat class III peroxidase gene family, TaPRX-2A, enhanced the tolerance of salt stress
Authors: Su Peisen , Yan Jun , Li Wen , Wang Liang , Zhao Jinxiao , Ma Xin , Li Anfei , Wang Hongwei , Kong Lingrang
Published: August 2020

Background: Salt and drought are the main abiotic stresses that restrict the yield of crops. Peroxidases (PRXs) are involved in various abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, only few wheat PRXs have been characterized in the mechanism of the abiotic stress response.Results: In this study, a novel wheat peroxidase (PRX) gene named TaPRX-2A, a member of wheat class III PRX gene family, was cloned and its response to salt stress was characterized. Based on the identification and evolutionary analysis of class III PRXs in 12 plants, we proposed an evolutionary model for TaPRX-2A, suggesting that occurrence of some exon fusion events during evolution. We also detected the positive selection of PRX domain in 13 PRXs involving our evolutionary model, and found 2 or 6 positively selected sites during TaPRX-2A evolution. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) results showed that TaPRX-2A exhibited relatively higher expression levels in root tissue than those exhibited in leaf and stem tissues. TaPRX-2A expression was also induced by abiotic stresses and hormone treatments such as polyethylene glycol 6000, NaCl, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), salicylic acid (SA), methyljasmonic acid (MeJA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Transgenic wheat plants with overexpression of TaPRX-2A showed higher tolerance to salt stress than wild-type (WT) plants. Confocal microscopy revealed that TaPRX-2A-eGFP was mainly localized in cell nuclei. Survival rate, relative water content, and shoot length were higher in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat than in the WT wheat, whereas root length was not significantly different. The activities of s superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were enhanced in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat compared with those in the WT wheat, resulting in the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The expression levels of downstream stress-related genes showed that RD22, TLP4, ABAI, GST22, FeSOD, and CAT exhibited higher expressions in TaPRX-2A-overexpressing wheat than in WT under salt stress.Conclusions: The results show that TaPRX-2A plays a positive role in the response to salt stress by scavenging ROS and regulating stress-related genes.
District-level strategies to control the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe: a practical example of precision public health
Authors: Makurumidze Richard , Decroo Tom , Lynen Lutgarde , Chinwadzimba Zororo Kudzaishe , Damme Wim Van , Hakim James , Rusakaniko Simbarashe
Published: August 2020

Objective We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using survey and programme data to assess district-level performance along the HIV care cascade (HIV testing target achievement, linkage to ART and ART coverage) in order to formulate district-specific recommendations, taking into consideration prevalence and yield of testing. Results Data from 60 districts were analysed. Forty-eight districts (80.0%) surpassed 90% of their 2018 HIV testing targets. Linkage to ART was less than 90% in 40 districts (83.3%). Thirty districts (50.0%) had ART coverage above 90%. Of the 30 districts with suboptimal (<90%) ART coverage, 18 districts had achieved high HIV testing target but with suboptimal linkage to ART, 6 had achieved high HIV testing targets and high linkage to ART, 4 had both suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and linkage to ART and 2 had suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and high linkage to ART. Priority should be given to districts with suboptimal ART coverage. Remediation strategies should be tailored to address the poorly performing stage of the cascade in each of the districts.
The effect of different doses of radiation on the morphogical, mechanical and chemical properties of the primary and permanent teeth—an in vitro study
Authors: Duruk Gülsüm , Acar Burçin , Temelli Öztun
Published: August 2020

Background. Radiotherapy, applied to the head and neck region, can cause radiation side effects such as reduction of saliva and radiation caries. The aim of this study was to perform an in vitro assessment of the effects of radiation therapy on the morphological, mechanical, and chemical properties of primary and permanent teeth.Methods. 92 extracted human teeth (46 impacted wisdom teeth, 46 primary molar teeth) were used. The teeth were divided into two directions: the mesiodistal direction and the vestibulolingual direction. The vestibular sections were used for the vickers analysis, and lingual sections were used for the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis. The teeth in the experimental group were fixed to wax models. Each model had an equal number of teeth (n=7). The doses were applied to the teeth for 6 weeks; 5 week days and 2Gy daily. After the radiotherapy was conducted weekly, a wax model was taken from radiation reception. Along with the elemental contents (Na, K, Mg, P, and Ca) of the teeth, enamel and dentin microhardness was evaluated, and SEM analyzes were performed on 8 teeth. These teeth were compared with the other non-irradiated sections. Results. Radiation caused a decrease in microhardness of enamel and dentin(p<0.05). In the elemental analysis by ICP-OES, it was observed that there were decreases in all doses, while the highest decrease was in 60Gy dose(p<0.01). In the experimental groups, amorphous structures were encountered in SEM images.Conclusions. Radiation has negative effects on the teeth structure and additional studies are needed in this regard. This study indicates that radiotherapy patients are at a higher risk for dental caries.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Associated with COVID-19 among Undergraduate Students in China
Authors: Peng Yaling , Pei Chenchen , Zheng Yan , Wang Juan , Zhang Kui , Zheng Zhaohui , Zhu Ping
Published: August 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a great threat to public health, which has greatly impacted the study and life of undergraduate students in China. Objective: This study aims to perform a survey of their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) associated with COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to gather information regarding the COVID-19 related KAP among undergraduates during the home isolation in the outbreak. Subjects were recruited from 10 universities in Shaanxi Province, China. Enrollees voluntarily and anonymously submitted their answers to a pre-designed questionnaire online. Results: A total of 872 subjects (female, 534; male, 338) were enrolled with ages from 17 to 25 years old. This cohort included 430 medical and 442 non-medical students, 580 freshmen and 292 higher school year students. There were 453 from public schools and 442 from private school, residing in 28 regions and provinces at the time of study. Results showed that appropriate knowledge was acquired by 82.34% subjects; the levels were significantly higher in undergraduates from public universities and medical majors than those from private schools and non-medical majors ( P ＜0.05). 73.81% subjects reported positive attitudes; females showed significantly higher levels of positive attitudes than males ( P ＜0.05). Proactive practice was found in 87.94% subjects. Using a common scoring method, the overall scores for Knowledge, Attitude and Practice were 4.12±0.749 (range: 0~5), 8.54±1.201 (range: 0~10), and 8.91±1.431 (range: 0~10), respectively. There was a positive correlation between attitude and practice (r=0.319, P <0.05) in the study group. Total KAP score was 21.57±2.291 (range: 0~25), which was significantly different among gender groups and major groups. Conclusions: Most undergraduates acquired necessary knowledge, positive attitude and proactive practice in response to COVID-19 outbreak; but their KAP scores significantly varied by gender, major and school types.
LTBP1 plays a potential bridge between depressive disorder and glioblastoma
Authors: Fu Xiaojun , Zhang Pei , Song Hongwang , Wu Chenxing , Li Shengzhen , Li Shouwei , Yan Changxiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant tumor in human brain. Diagnosis and treatment of GBM may lead to psychological disorders such as depressive and anxiety disorders. There was no research focusing on the correlation between depressive/anxiety disorder and the outcome of GBM. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of depressive/anxiety disorder correlated with the outcome of GBM patients, as well as the overlapped mechanism bridge which could link depressive/anxiety disorders and GBM.Methods: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were used to investigate the psychological condition of GBM patients in our department. To further explore the potential mechanism, bioinformatic methods were used to screen out genes that could be indicators of outcome in GBM, followed by gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Further, cellular experiments were conducted to evaluate the proliferation, migration capacity of primary GBM cells from the patients.Results: It was revealed that patients with higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores had significantly worse prognosis than their lower-scored counterparts. Bioinformatic mining revealed that LTBP1 could be a potential genetic mechanism in both depressive/anxiety disorder and GBM. Primary GBM cells with different expression level of LTBP1 should significantly different proliferation and migration capacity. GO, KEGG analysis confirmed that extracellular matrix (ECM) was the most enriched function of LTBP1. PPI network showed the interaction of proteins altered by LTBP1. Hub genes COL1A2, COL5A1 and COL10A1, as well as mesenchymal marker CD44 and Vimentin were statistically higher expressed in LTBP1 high group; while proneural marker E-cadherin was significantly higher expressed in low LTBP1 group.Conclusion: There is closely correlation between depressive/anxiety disorders and GBM. LTBP1 could be a potential bridge linking the two diseases through the regulation of ECM.
Prevalence of Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome among Patients on Maintenance Haemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bramania Puneet Kishore , Ruggajo Paschal , Bramania Rimal , Mahmoud Muhiddin , Furia Francis Fredrick
Published: August 2020

Background: Malnutrition, inflammation, and combination thereof are predictors of poor outcomes in haemodialysis patients. Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS) is an accelerator of atherosclerosis and portends high mortality. Early recognition and treatment of MICS may help to improve the clinical outlook of such patients. This study investigated the prevalence of MICS and its associated factors among patients on maintenance haemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study done among 160 adult patients on maintenance haemodialysis at MNH in 2019. All participants provided written informed consent. Questionnaires were used to collect data and patients’ blood was tested for complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, transferrin, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and albumin. The Malnutrition Inflammation Score was used to assess MICS and its severity. Data analysis was done using the SPSS 20 software.Results: Of the 160 patients included in the study, 111 (69.4%) were male. The mean age (±SD) of patients and mean duration (±SD) on haemodialysis were 52.2(13.3) years and 22(18) months respectively. MICS was prevalent in 46.3% (mild in 24.4% and moderate to severe in 21.9%). Long-term haemodialysis (>4years) was an independent predictor of MICS [Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR 5.04 (95% CI: 1.33–19.2), p<0.05]. Hypercholesterolaemia was a negative predictor of MICS [AOR 0.11 (95% CI: 0.01-0.97), p<0.05]. Patients with MICS had significantly lower mean body mass index, albumin, total cholesterol, transferrin, haemoglobin and serum creatinine levels. The presence of MICS was higher in underweight patients and those who had inflammation. Haemodialysis adequacy did not correlate with MICS.Conclusion: Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome is relatively common among patients on haemodialysis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Our study has shown a longer duration on haemodialysis to be associated with the occurrence of MICS; on the contrary, having hypercholesterolaemia seems to be protective against MICS consistent with the concept of reverse epidemiology. Patients on haemodialysis should be assessed regularly and accordingly treated for malnutrition and inflammation which if left unattended, compounds morbidity, and mortality among these patients.
D-mannose ameliorates autoimmune phenotypes in mouse models of lupus
Authors: Wang Haiting , Teng Xiangyu , Abboud Georges , Li Wei , Ye Shuang , Morel Laurence
Published: August 2020

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disorder of immune regulation characterized by overproduction of autoantibodies. D-mannose is a C-2 epimer of glucose that exhibits immunoregulatory effects in models of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, induced rheumatoid arthritis, and airway inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of D-mannose treatment in mouse models of lupus.Methods: The effect of D-Mannose was evaluated by flow cytometry on the in vitro activation of C57BL/6 (B6) murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells and their ability to induce antigen specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation. The effect of D-mannose administration in vivo on the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in B6 mice was assessed by flow cytometry. D-mannose was administered to two models of lupus: the chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) induced model and the B6.lpr spontaneous model. Autoantibody production was measured by ELISA and immune activation by flow cytometry. Results were compared by two-tailed statistics: unpaired or paired t tests, or Mann-Whitney U tests depending on whether the data was normally distributed.Results: D-mannose inhibited the maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells and their induction of antigen-specific T cell proliferation and activation in vitro. In vivo, D-mannose increased the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in unmanipulated control mice. In the cGVHD model of induced lupus, D-mannose treatment decreased autoantibody production, with a concomitant reduction of the frequency of effector memory and follicular helper T cells as well as germinal center B cells and plasma cells. These results were partially validated in the B6.lpr model of spontaneous lupus. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that D-mannose ameliorates autoimmune activation in models of lupus, at least partially due to its expansion of Treg cells, the induction of immature conventional dendritic cells and the downregulation of effector T cells activation. D-Mannose showed however a weaker immunomodulatory effect in lupus than in other autoimmune diseases.
Cluster analysis of resistance combinations in Escherichia coli from different human and animal populations in Germany 2014-2017
Authors: Suwono Beneditta , Eckmanns Tim , Kaspar Heike , Merle Roswitha , Zacher Benedikt , Kollas Chris , Weiser Armin A. , Noll Ines , Feig Marcel , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois
Published: August 2020

Recent findings on Antibiotic Resistance (AR) have brought renewed attention to the comparison of data on AR from human and animal sectors. This is however, a major challenge since the data is not harmonized. This study performs a comparative analysis of data on resistance combinations in Escherichia coli (E. coli) from different routine surveillance and monitoring systems for human and different animal populations in Germany. Data on E. coli isolates were collected between 2014 and 2017 from human clinical isolates, non-clinical animal isolates from food-producing animals and food, and clinical animal isolates from food-producing and companion animals from national routine surveillance and monitoring for AR in Germany. Sixteen possible resistance combinations to four antibiotics - ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin – for these populations were used for hierarchical clustering (Euclidian and average distance). All analyses were performed with the software R 3.5.1 (Rstudio 1.1.442). Data of 333,496 E. coli isolates and forty-one different human and animal populations were included in the cluster analysis. Three main clusters were detected. Within these three clusters, all human populations (intensive care unit (ICU), general ward and outpatient care) showed similar relative frequencies of the resistance combinations and clustered together. They demonstrated similarities with clinical isolates from different animal populations and most isolates from pigs from both non-clinical and clinical isolates. Isolates from healthy poultry demonstrated similarities in relative frequencies of resistance combinations and clustered together. However, they clustered separately from the human isolates. All isolates from different animal populations with low relative frequencies of resistance combinations clustered together and likewise separately from the human populations. Cluster analysis has been able to demonstrate the linkage among human isolates and isolates from various animal populations based on the resistance combinations. Further analyses based on these findings might promote a better one-health approach for AR in Germany.
Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis revealed key biomarkers associated with the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Chenxin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Liu Jiali , Wang Yu , Li Chunpu , Guo Dongmei
Published: August 2020

Objective: To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of HCM and find new effective therapeutic strategies using a systematic biological approach.Methods: The WGCNA algorithm was applied to building the co-expression network of HCM samples. A sample cluster analysis was performed using the hclust tool and a co-expression module was constructed. The WGCNA algorithm was used to study the interactive connection between co-expression modules and draw a heat map to show the strength of interactions between modules. The genetic information of the respective modules was mapped to the associated GO terms and KEGG pathways, and the Hub Genes with the highest connectivity in each module were identified. The Wilcoxon test was used to verify the expression level of hub genes between HCM and normal samples, and the "pROC" R package was used to verify the possibility of hub genes as biomarkers. Finally, the potential functions of hub genes were analyzed by GSEA software. Results: Seven co-expression modules were constructed using sample clustering analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis judged that the turquoise module is an important module. The hub genes of each module are RPL35A for module Black, FH for module Blue, PREI3 for module Brown, CREB1 for module Green, LOC641848 for module Pink, MYH7 for module Turquoise and MYL6 for module Yellow. The results of the differential expression analysis indicate that MYH7 and FH are considered true hub genes. In addition, the ROC curves revealed their high diagnostic value as biomarkers for HCM. Finally, in the results of the GSEA analysis, MYH7 and FH highly expressed genes were enriched with the "proteasome" and a "PPAR signaling pathway," respectively.Conclusions: The MYH7 and FH genes may be the true hub genes of HCM. Their respective enriched pathways, namely the "proteasome" and the "PPAR signaling pathway," may play an important role in the development of HCM.
Focal brain ischemia in mice does not cause electrophysiological signs of critical illness neuropathy
Authors: Huehnchen Petra , Toyka Klaus Viktor , Gertz Karen , Endres Matthias , Boehmerle Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Objective: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a common complication of severe systemic illness treated in intensive care medicine. Ischemic stroke leads to an acute critical injury of the brain with hemiparesis, immunosuppression and subsequent infections, all of which require extended medical treatment. Stroke-induced sarcopenia further contributes to poor rehabilitation and is characterized by muscle wasting and denervation in the paralytic, but also the unaffected limbs. Therefore, we asked whether stroke leads to an additional CIP-like neurodegeneration. Results: Focal brain ischemia was induced in adult mice by 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) following reperfusion and led to functional deficits and marked hemispheric brain atrophy. Nerve conduction function and muscle potentials were measured in the ipsilateral sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle with electroneurography/-myography on days 10, 22, 44 after stroke. An additional crush-injury to the sciatic nerve was included in two sham mice as positive control (sham+). We found no differences in nerve conduction function nor spontaneous electromyographic activity between MCAo and sham animals. Sham+ mice developed marked reduction of the motor action potential amplitudes and conduction velocities with pathologic spontaneous activity. In conclusion, we found no peripheral nerve dysfunction/ degeneration as signs of a CIP-like phenotype after MCAo.
Uncovering the Effects of COVID-19 Responses on the Lives of Commercial Sex Workers: A Phenomenological Study in Bahir Dar City Administration, Ethiopia
Authors: Belete Yohannes Mersha
Published: August 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus pandemic is the most shocking and unprecedented human tragedy of the 21st century, and it is regarded as a human, social and economic crisis. It is affecting every society throughout the world, but some groups of the society are suffering more because of it. Commercial sex workers are one of the groups adversely affected by the measures taken by governments to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, little is yet known about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on sex workers across the globe. Hence, the main objective of this qualitative study is to shed light on the untold effects of COVID-19 responses on the lives of commercial sex workers by taking Bahir Dar City Administration, Ethiopia as a case in point.
Methods

To meet the objective of the study, a qualitative method with phenomenology research design was used. Twelve female sex workers were selected through snowball sampling technique. Telephone interviews were held with each of them. The data extracted from the participants were analyzed using thematic qualitative data analysis technique, and member checking system was employed to validate the quality of the data.
Results

The results indicate that commercial sex workers have encountered unique problems after the enforcement of coronavirus-related regulations and laws. Sex workers have lost their job, and most of them have faced problems to cover their basic need expenses. They are at high risk to be starved in this coronavirus period. Financial problems have forced them to practice unprotected sex and sleep with unhygienic clients. This implies that coronavirus pandemic can be associated with the spread of HIV among sex workers. Their suffering has been further exacerbated by lack of support from the government, stigma at shopping places and structural stigma. Moreover, the nature of their job has exposed them to be easily infected with coronavirus. All these agonies have plunged sex workers into the depths of frustration and anxiety.
Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that government measures in response to COVID-19 have put many commercial sex workers in a dire situation. This suggests that there is an urgent need to support them and the government should provide economic and social supports to lessen the effects of COVID19 on the lives of sex workers.
A New Method for Quantifying Labial White Spot Lesions
Authors: Erbe Christina , Hartmann Luisa , Schmidtmann Irene , Ohlendorf Daniela , Wehrbein Heinrich
Published: August 2020

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence as well as incidence of White Spot Lesions (WSL) before and after labial multibracket appliance (MB) therapy. The goal was also to determine the intensity of WSL based on the Enamel Decalcification Index (EDI) by Banks & Richmond (1994). Moreover, this study investigated the scope of WSL by using a newly-developed evaluation tool. Materials & methods: Digital photographs of 121 patients (63 ♂, 58 ♀) with labial metal brackets were analyzed retrospectively before and after MB therapy. The patients were 12.5±2.1 years old. The treatment took 3.1±1.4 years. Adult patients as well as patients with structural or restaurative modifications were excluded from the study. All patients received standardized prophylactic instructions. The labial surfaces of anterior teeth, canine teeth, and premolars in the upper (UJ) and lower jaws (LJ) were evaluated by using the Enamel Decalcification Index (EDI) by Banks & Richmond (1994, levels 0-3) and a specially developed scaled graticule with concentric circles to quantify the extent of WSL (in %). The statistical data analysis was based on crosstabulations and logistic regression. Results: Before MB, 69.4% of the patients had WSL. After MB therapy, 97.5% of the patients presented at least one WSL. The incidence amounted to 28.1%. Before MB, 18.4% of the tooth surfaces (TS) showed an EDI level of 1-3. After MB, 51.8% of the TS featured WSL. Before and after MB, the prevalence for WSL was higher on UJ and LJ canine teeth and premolars than on incisors. 18.2% of the TS showed a WSL to the extent of ≥ 20-100% before MB and 52.3% after MB. The majority (40.8%) of the newly-developed WSL concerned ≥ 40% of TS. The incidence in the UJ was highest for the first and second premolars (71-79%), followed by the lateral incisors (61-63%). In the LJ, the incidence was highest for the second and first premolars (64-76%) and lowest for incisors (22-35%). The logistic regression showed a statistically increased risk to develop WSL after MB for lateral incisors, UJ canine teeth, and for UJ and LJ premolars in male patients. The probability for developing a new distal WSL is higher than developing gingival, mesial, and occlusal WSL. Conclusion: Labial MB therapy is found to drastically increase the risk of developing WSL. Particularly, premolars and canine teeth showed an increased prevalence. In using the specially developed evaluation index, we were able to verify through simple handling and intra-rater reliability a concise quantification of the extent of labial WSL.
Interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) in COVID-19 patients (INTERCOP): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Bosi Emanuele , Bosi Carlo , Querini Patrizia Rovere , Mancini Nicasio , Calori Giliola , Ruggeri Annalisa , Canzonieri Cecilia , Callegaro Luciano , Clementi Massimo , De Cobelli Francesco , Filippi Massimo , Bregni Marco
Published: August 2020

Background: Pharmacological therapies of proven efficacy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still lacking. We have identified IFNβ-1a as the most promising drug to be repurposed for COVID-19. The rationale relies on the evidence of IFNβ anti-viral activity in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 and animal models resembling SARS-CoV-2 infection and on a recent clinical trial where IFNβ was indicated as the key component of a successful therapeutic combination. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, open-label, monocentric, phase II trial (INTERCOP trial). 126 patients with positive swab detection of SARS-CoV-2, radiological signs of pneumonia, and mild-to-moderate disease will be randomized 2:1 to IFNβ-1a in addition to standard of care vs standard of care alone. No other anti-viral drugs will be used as part of the regimens, both in the control and the intervention arms. IFNβ-1a will be administered subcutaneously at the dose of 44 mcg (equivalent to 12 million international units) three times per week, at least 48 hours apart, for a total of two weeks. The primary outcome is the time to negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swabs. Secondary outcomes include improvement or worsening in a clinical severity score measured on a 7-point ordinal scale (including transfer to intensive care unit and death), oxygen- and ventilator-free days, mortality, changes in pulmonary computed tomography severity score, hospital stay duration, reduction of viral load measured on nasopharyngeal swabs, number of serious adverse events, changes in biochemical markers of organ dysfunction. Exploratory outcomes include blood cell counts, cytokine and inflammatory profile, peripheral mRNA expression profiles of interferon-stimulated genes, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and to IFNβ-1a. INTERCOP is the first study to specifically investigate the clinical benefits of IFNβ-1a in COVID-19 patients.Discussion: Potential implications of this trial are multifaceted: should the primary outcome be fulfilled and the treatment be safe, one may envisage that IFNβ-1a be used to reduce the infectivity of patients with mild-to moderate disease. In case IFNβ-1a reduced the duration of hospital stay and/or ameliorated the clinical status, it may become a cornerstone of COVID-19 treatment.Trial registration: EudraCT 2020-002458-25. Registered on May 11, 2020ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04449380
Evaluation of Immunophenotypic Markers and Clinico-Hematological Profile in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Implications for Prognosis
Authors: bagheri Marziye , Vosoughi Tina , Hosseinzadeh Mehran , saki najmaldin
Published: August 2020

Objective: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an adult leukemia presented with clonal accumulation of lymphocytes. Immunophenotypic changes can be effective in predicting clinical course, the survival of patients, and determining first-line treatment. This is a study of the association between immunophenotypic markers with complete blood cell count (CBC) values and clinical parameters.Results: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 35 newly diagnosed CLL patients. The expression of immunophenotypic markers and CBC were evaluated. Platelet counts and hemoglobin concentration had a significant, inverse association with Rai staging, modified Rai staging, Binet staging systems (all p< 0.001 in both parameters), and splenomegaly (p = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively). The platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) had a significant, inverse ‎association with Rai staging (p = 0.014), modified Rai staging (p = 0.024), Binet staging systems (p = 0.027), and splenomegaly (p = 0.033). However, CD38, CD25, and double-positive CD56/CD117 expression, group3 of innate lymphocyte cells (ILC3s), had no significant association with clinical parameters. In regression analysis, that ILC3s has an inverse correlation with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (r = -0.340, p = 0.046). Given that there is an inverse ‎association between PLR and advanced clinical stages, it seems that PLR may have prognostic value in CLL.
Triboelectric touch sensor for position mapping during total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Jeong Jae Bum , Kim Hyeok , YOO JUN-IL
Published: August 2020

Objective: In this research, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was utilized to determine if a pressure-based sensor could detect bearing friction in a total hip arthroplasty (THA) and detect the contact of specific areas during ROM checks. Results : The pressure-based sensor shows capability to sense bearing friction. In more detail, the TENG embedded in four different sides of the trial exhibits up to 1 V from peak-to-peak. Moreover, these flexible touch sensors with TENG describes a peak signal in output voltage which should lead to extremely sensitive detection of bearing friction induced by the THA.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Nicotiana Benthamiana Seedings Under Chinese Wheat Mosaic Virus Infection
Authors: He Long , Jin Peng , Chen Xuan , Zhang Tian-Ye , Zhong Kai-Li , Liu Peng , Chen Jian-Ping , Yang Jian
Published: August 2020

Background: Chinese wheat mosaic virus (CWMV) is a severe threat to winter wheat, and it is transmitted by Polymyxa graminis. However, the mechanisms of interactions between CWMV and plants are poorly understood. In this study, a comparative proteomics analysis based on nanoliquid chromatography (LC)- mass spectrometry (MS)/MS technique was conducted to characterize the proteomic changes of plants in response to CWMV infection. Results: A total of 2,751 host proteins were identified, 1,496 of which were quantified. 146 up-regulated and 248 down-regulated proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEPs were most strongly associated with Photosynthesis - antenna proteins, MAPK signaling – plant and Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism pathways. Subcellular localization analysis showed that more than half of DEPs were predicted to be localized in the chloroplast, an organelle indispensable for abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis. Our results suggested that CWMV infection interrupts normal chloroplast functions and decreased the contents of ABA in Nicotiana benthamiana. Further analysis showed that the ABA pathway was suppressed under CWMV infection and ABA treatment did induce plant hosts defense against CWMV. Conclusions: In summary, our results identified several candidate proteins under CWMV infection, and the ABA pathway was deeply involved in the responses to CWMV infection in N. benthamiana.
Personalised health education against the health damage of COVID-19 epidemic in Hungary (PROACTIVE-19): protocol of an adaptive randomised controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Erőss Bálint , Molnár Zsolt , Szakács Zsolt , Zádori Noémi , Szakó Lajos , Váncsa Szilárd , Juhász Félix , Ocskay Klementina , Vörhendi Nóra , Márta Katalin , Szentesi Andrea , Párniczky Andrea , Hegyi Péter J. , Kiss Szabolcs , Földi Mária , Dembrovszky Fanni , Kanjo Anna , Pázmány Piroska , Varró András , Csathó Árpád , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Péterfi Zoltán , Czopf László , Kiss István , Zemplényi Antal , Czapári Dóra , Hegyi Eszter , Dobszai Dalma , Miklós Emőke , Márta Attila , Tóth Dominika , Farkas Richard , Farkas Nelli , Birkás Béla , Pintér Erika , Pethő Gábor , Zsigmond Borbála , Sárközi Andrea , Nagy Anikó , Hegyi Péter
Published: August 2020

Background: Early reports indicate that COVID-19 may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission in 5-26% and overall mortality can rise to 11% of the recognized cases, particularly affecting the elderly. There is a lack of evidence-based targeted pharmacological therapy for prevention and treatment alike. We aim to compare the effects of a World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations’ based education and a personalised complex preventive lifestyle intervention package (based on the same WHO recommendation) on the outcomes of the COVID-19.Methods: PROACTIVE-19 is a pragmatic, randomized controlled clinical trial with adaptive “sample size re-estimation” design. Hungarian population over the age of 60 years without confirmed COVID-19 will be approached to participate in a telephone health assessment and lifestyle counselling voluntarily. Volunteers will be randomized into two groups: (A) general health education; (B) personalized health education. Participants will go through questioning and recommendation in 5 fields: (1) mental health, (2) smoking habits, (3) physical activity, (4) dietary habits, (5) alcohol consumption. Both groups A and B will receive the same line of questioning to assess habits concerning these topics. Assessment will be done weekly during the first month, every second week in the second month, then monthly. The composite primary endpoint will include the rate of ICU admission, hospital admission (longer han 48 hours) and mortality in COVID-19 positive cases. The estimated sample size is 3788 subjects per study arm. The planned duration of the follow-up is a minimum of one year.Discussion: These interventions may boost the body’s cardiovascular and pulmonary reserve capacities, leading to improved resistance against the damage caused by COVID-19. Consequently, lifestyle changes can reduce the incidence of life-threatening conditions and attenuate the detrimental effects of the pandemic seriously affecting the older population. Trial registration: The study has been approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (IV/2428- 2 /2020/EKU) and has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04321928) on 25 March, 2020.
Mother's support in NICU: A Focused Ethnographic Study
Authors: Negarandeh Reza , Hassankhani Hadi , Jabraeili Mahnaz , Abbaszadeh Mohammaf , Best Amy
Published: August 2020

Background: Mothers of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have complex needs and require a significant amount of support during the NICU admission. However, little is known about Iranian mothers support needs in the NICU. To explore Iranian mother’s experience of support in the NICU as well as explore nursing perceptions of mothers needs and practices that support mothers in the NICU.Methods: A focused ethnographic approach was adopted. Observation and interviews with 21 mothers, 18 nurses and 5 doctors were undertaken over a seven month period. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using the Roper and Shapira (2000) five-step framework. Result: The specific support needs of mothers of neonates in the NICU did not appear to be adequately identified by the treating healthcare team. There was also poor communication and inadequate sharing of information regarding the neonate’s clinical condition, diagnosis and treatment between both medical/nursing staff and the mother. This appeared to be a source of maternal distress. Conclusion: Cultural perspective Iranian nurses perceive providing support to mothers as an act of human kindness, a new paradigm is required where supporting mothers becomes a fundamental component of care provision.