bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Modeling of Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Based on Tumor Immune Microenvironment Characteristics
Authors: Liu Jing , Ye Ting , Zhang Xue fang , Dong Yong jian , Zhang Wen feng , Wu Feng lin , Bo Hua ben , Shao Hong wei , Zhang Rong xin , Shen Han
Published: July 2021

Most of the malignant melanomas are already in the middle and advanced stages when they are diagnosed, which is often accompanied by the metastasis and spread of other organs.Besides, the prognosis of patients is bleak. The characteristics of the local immune microenvironment in metastatic melanoma have important implications for both tumor progression and tumor treatment. In this study, data on patients with metastatic melanoma from the TCGA and GEO datasets were selected for immune, stromal, and estimate scores, and overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. A nine-IRGs prognostic model (ALOX5AP, ARHGAP15, CCL8, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22) was established by univariate COX regression, LASSO and multivariate COX regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model. Immune infiltration was analyzed by using CIBERSORT, Xcell and ssGSEA in high-risk and low-risk groups. The immune infiltration of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. Immune checkpoint analysis revealed that the expression of PDCD1, CTLA4, TIGIT, CD274, HAVR2 and LAG3 were significantly different in groups with different levels of risk scores. WGCNA analysis found that the yellow-green module contained seven genes (ALOX5AP, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22) from the nine-IRG prognostic model, of which the yellow-green module had the highest correlation with risk scores. The results of GO and KEGG suggested that the genes in the yellow-green module were mainly enriched in immune-related biological processes. Finally, we analyzed the prognostic ability and expression characteristics of ALOX5AP, ARHGAP15, CCL8, FCER1G, GBP4, HCK, MMP9, RARRES2 and TRIM22 in metastatic melanoma. Overall, a prognostic model for metastatic melanoma based on the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment was established, which was helpful for further studies.It could function well in helping people to understand the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in metastatic melanoma and to find possible therapeutic targets.
Visualisation and measurement of a laminar boundary layer on the surface of an isothermal section-triangular roof
Authors: Zhai Haoyu , Torres Juan F. , Zhao Yongling , Xu Feng
Published: July 2021

Natural convection in air over a heated section-triangular roof with a fixed aspect ratio of 0.1 is experimentally investigated. The development of the flow over the roof subject to a range of temperatures is measured by digital interferometry and thermocouples. The experiments present distinct images of the thermal boundary layer, which changes from a quasi-steady to an unsteady state as the surface temperature of the triangular roof increases. Contrary to numerical simulations previously published, the observed flow becomes unsteady, which is very likely influenced by uncontrolled perturbations at the critical Rayleigh number where a pitchfork bifurcation of a steady flow is theoretically expected.
Perceptual and Acoustic Characteristics of Speech Clarity with and Without a Facemask
Authors: Nguyen Duy Duong , Chacon Antonia , Payten Christopher , Black Rebecca , Sheth Meet , McCabe Patricia , Novakovic Daniel , Madill Catherine
Published: July 2021

Some studies have found that the speech of speakers wearing facemasks has reduced intelligibility. Although it has been found that facemasks attenuated high-frequency energy, no study has examined the effects of masks on spectral characteristics of vowels or voiceless fricative consonants. The present study investigated auditory perceptual rating of speech clarity and acoustic-phonetic measures of vowels and voiceless fricative consonant production in 16 health care workers who produced standardized voice tasks without and with wearing either a standard surgical mask or a KN95 mask. Voice samples were perceptually rated for speech clarity and were acoustically analysed for root-mean-square amplitude (ARMS), spectral moments of two voiceless fricatives /s/ and /ʃ/, and ARMS and amplitude of the first three formants (A1, A2, and A3). Speech produced whilst wearing either a surgical or KN95 mask was significantly less clear than without a mask, with KN95 showing greater impact than surgical masks. In both fricatives, ARMS was lower in the surgical mask and KN95 mask conditions compared to the non-mask condition. None of the amplitude measures of vowels were affected by facemasks. Linear regression models indicated that perception of speech produced by mask users was mainly affected by modification of voiceless fricative consonant characteristics.
Role of LRG1 in the Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hua Jie , Meng Qingcai , Liang Chen , Wei Miaoyan , Liu Jiang , Zhang Bo , Wang Wei , Xu Jin , Yu Xianjun , Shi Si
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the role of leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) in the biological function and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.Methods: LRG1 was detected in serum and tissue specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. LRG1-overexpressing and LRG1-knockdown cell lines were established with lentiviral vectors containing LRG1-overexpression and shRNA plasmids, respectively. Colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, Transwell migration, and in vivo tumorigenicity assays were conducted to assess proliferation and migration of the pancreatic cancer cells. RNA sequencing was performed to identify potential downstream molecules of LRG1.Results: Serum LRG1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer compared with healthy controls. The mRNA and protein levels of LRG1 were higher in cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. High LRG1 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival and found to be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. Additionally, LRG1 dramatically promoted cell proliferation and migration in vitro and accelerated tumor growth in vivo. By RNA sequencing, we identified Deltex (DTX)-3-like E3 ubiquitin ligase (DTX3L) as a potential downstream molecule of LRG1. Further validation experiments confirmed a positive correlation between LRG1 and DTX3L.Conclusions: LRG1 is a valuable prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer that plays a crucial role in cell proliferation and migration. Targeting LRG1 or the downstream molecule DTX3L provides a novel strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Evoked Potentials in Evaluation of Optic Chiasm Decompression
Authors: Poczos Pavel , Česák Tomáš , Jirásková Naďa , Macháčková Markéta , Čelakovský Petr , Adamkov Jaroslav , Gabalec Filip , Soukup Jiří , Kremláček Jan
Published: July 2021

Chiasmal compression is a known cause of visual impairment, often leading to surgical decompression of the optic chiasm (OC). A prospective study was held at University Hospital in Hradec Králové to explore the benefits of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in OC compression. 16 patients with OC compression, caused by different sellar pathologies, were included. The main inclusion criterion was the indication for decompressive surgery. Visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and peak time and amplitude of pattern-reversal (P-VEPs) and motion-onset VEPs (M-VEPs) were measured pre- and postoperatively. The degree of OC compression was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. For M-VEPs, there was a significant postoperative shortening of the peak time (N160) (p < 0.05). P100 peak time and its amplitude did not change significantly. The M-VEPs N160 amplitude showed a close relationship to the VF improvement. Thinner preoperative RNFL does not present a statistically important limiting factor for better functional outcomes. The morphological status of the sellar region should be taken into consideration when one evaluates the chiasmal syndrome. M-VEPs enable detection of functional changes in the visual pathway better than P-VEPs.
Measuring Vietnamese social work students’ and non-social work students’ attitudes toward poverty and poor population
Authors: Tien Le Minh
Published: July 2021

The paper reports the results collected from social work students (SW) and nonsocial work students (NSW) of Ho Chi Minh City Open University (OU) through attitudes toward poverty and poor people in Vietnam. The Attitude toward Poverty Short Form (ATP-SF) 21-item (ATP-SF) scale, developed by Yun & Weaver (2010), was used for the data collection. The sample of this study comprises 180 students enrolled in three disciplines: social work (n = 86), law (n = 34), foreign language (n = 30) and economics (n = 30). The questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study. Cronbach’s alpha and independent t-tests were run to compare means between two groups of students. All students voluntarily participated in the survey. Results: A total of 180 social work students and nonsocial work students at Ho Chi Minh City Open University in Vietnam were surveyed. Among them, 86 were social work students, and the other 94 students were from law (n = 34), foreign language (n = 30) and economics (n = 30). The survey results showed that when looking for causes of poverty, social work students and nonsocial work students put the most emphasis on structural factors of poverty. However, social work students, compared with nonsocial work students, consider personal deficiency and stigma more important.
Fabrication of Multifunctionalized Graphene Oxide Doped Alginate Hybrid Spheres for Enhanced Fluoride Adsorption
Authors: Jeyaseelan Antonysamy , Viswanathan Natrayasamy
Published: July 2021

In this present investigation, amine functionalized graphene oxide (AGO) doped on alginate (Alg) polymeric matrix gives AGO@Alg hybrid spheres was developed to explore its potential towards fluoride retention. The vital characterization techniques namely FTIR, TGA, SEM and XPS analysis of AGO@Alg hybrid spheres were acquired to identify its physicochemical properties. The liable parameters for fluoride adsorption onto AGO@Alg hybrid spheres were optimized in a batch mode to attain enhance defluoridation capacity (DC). The prepared AGO@Alg hybrid spheres follow the electrostatic interaction mechanism on defluoridation. The adsorption isotherms (Fruendlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models), kinetics (reaction and diffusion based models) and thermodynamic parameters (ΔS°, ΔG° and ΔH°) were surveyed at 303, 313 and 323 K. To lessen the cost-effectiveness of AGO@Alg hybrid spheres the recyclability test was conducted. The aptness of AGO@Alg hybrid spheres was also scrutinized for the fluoride contaminated field sample collected from fluoride endemic village.
Novel fructooligosaccharides of Dioscorea alata L. tuber have prebiotic potentialities
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Biplab , Mitra Prashanta Kumar , Mandal Vivekananda , Mandal Narayan Chandra
Published: July 2021

Dioscorea alata L. (Dioscoreaceae) is a versatile and popular tuber crop vegetable used across the globe. The main aim of the study is to extract and characterize the fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) fractions from the tuber of this plant and evaluate their prebiotic properties. The soluble FOSs were fractionated by the conventional solid-phase extraction method and were characterized by FT-IR, HPTLC, and ESI-MS analyses. In addition, the beneficial health attributes of these fractions were checked for prebiotic properties in vitro and in vivo in Swiss albino mice. The FT-IR, HPTLC, and ESI-MS analyses of the FOSs from the hot water and 80% ethanol fractions showed that both are rich in inulin-like prebiotics. Furthermore, these FOSs showed an excellent prebiotic activity score comparable to standard prebiotics, inulin. In addition, these FOSs had enhanced in vitro cholesterol-binding activities in the presence of probiotics LAB strains and had antioxidant efficacies. In vivo treatment in Swiss albino mice, these FOSs had significantly lowered total serum cholesterol, serum LDL, serum VLDL, triglyceride, and significantly enhanced serum HDL level and enhanced IgA mediated immunomodulation. The results were also more significant than the standard prebiotics, inulin. They also influenced the gut colonization of probiotic LAB strains. Thus, the study revealed that the FOSs from the storage tuber of D. alata possess some novel prebiotic that could contribute to human nutrition. This is the first report of the prebiotic FOS characterization from this plant.
Do Older Patients with Stage IB Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Obtain Survival Benefit from Surgery? A Propensity Score Matching Study Based on the SEER Database
Authors: Ye Xian , Liu Yang , Wang Yan , Cui Xiaohong , Xie Hongjun , Song Lining , Ding Zihan , Yang Lei , Zhang Haijian
Published: July 2021

Background: Although surgery is the preferred treatment method for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), more than a third of older patients with stage IB NSCLC didn’t receive surgical treatment. Methods: Data of patients with NSCLC was downloaded from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, converted from the 7th edition staging to those of the 8th edition staging, and then screened out older patients (aged ≥65 years at diagnosis) with stage IB NSCLC. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was were balanced the distribution proportions of clinical characteristics between the surgery and no surgery groups.Results: After 1:1 propensity score matching, the distribution proportions of clinical characteristics were balanced between the surgery and no surgery groups (P > 0.05, all). The overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients in the surgery group were significantly better than those in the no-surgery group (P < 0.001, both). Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that receiving surgery was a protective factor for overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients in all clinical character-related subgroups. Ultimately, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that gender, tumor size, tumor grade, and tumor classification were independent prognostic factors for overall survival and disease-specific survival in patients undergoing surgery. Conclusions: Older patients with Stage IB NSCLC should opt for surgery without hesitation. This study is expected to provide strong evidence-based medical evidence for the surgical treatment of these patients.
A New Strategy for Fabricating Low Haze p-Type Cui Film
Authors: You Ruisong , Luo Shulin , Liu Weixin , Sun Hui
Published: July 2021

As an intrinsic p-type transparent conductor with a wide band gap of 3.1 eV, γ-CuI full of potential has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. However, γ-CuI films deposited by various techniques generally present high haze with a frosted-glass-like appearance, significantly hampering the device’s performance. Herein, a new strategy is proposed, where truly p-type CuI thin films with low haze were successfully synthesized at room temperature. The specular transmittance of CuI film above 85% in the visible region (400-800 nm) can be achieved. The haze of the as-prepared γ-CuI films can be as low as 0.7%. Meanwhile, the as-prepared CuI film possesses a FOM as high as 230 MΩ -1 . This ideal stable p-type optoelectronic performance was a significant achievement among various typical p-type transparent conductive films.
Ultrasound imaging features of bronchial anthracofibrosis
Authors: lu xiaofeng , liu daishun , cai xiaoyan , zeng qingshong , zou li , du zuoli , zhou guoqi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To determine the ultrasound imaging characteristics of participants with bronchial anthracofibrosis (BAF) and identify clinical markers for prevention and treatment.
Methods

We randomly selected 1,243 participants (including 113 with BAF) who underwent bronchoscopy and treatment at our institution from April 2018 to October 2019. BAF was classified as flat, deep seated retracted, or mucosal protrusion type, based on microscopy. Ultrasound probes were used to determine the maximum thickness of the tube wall and submucosa. The average values of the submucosal and bony tissue areas of the BAF subtypes were compared.
Results

The BAF group included 13 participants with a history of tuberculosis (11.5%) and 57 with biofuel exposure (50.4%). The average exposure time was 17.4 ± 6.2 years; BAF accounted for 10% of bronchoscopies performed. The maximum tube-wall thicknesses of the deep-seated retracted (17.3 ± 5.7) and black protruding (19.3 ± 5.4) groups were significantly greater than that of the flat group (12.5 ± 5.0; P < 0.05). The maximum thicknesses of the submucosa in the deep-retracted (9.8 ± 3.0) and black protruding (14.5 ± 5.0) groups were significantly greater than that of the flat group (6.6 ± 3.5; P < 0.05). The ratios of bone tissue in the flat and black protruding groups were 33.3 ± 9.3% and 34.9 ± 12.1%, respectively; the ratio in the deep-seated retracted group (65.2 ± 8.7%) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The flat type showed no significant change (P > 0.05).
Conclusion

Differences in BAF airway remodeling among the different subtypes may lead to varying clinical symptoms. Analyzing the characteristics of BAF airway remodeling and the regulatory pathway may provide new clues for treatment.
A theoretical derivation of an Electomagnetic reactionless Drive using the Abraham Lorentz force
Authors: Chen Ite , Cronin Tara
Published: July 2021

This paper derives a reactionless drive using the Abraham Lorentz force, and demonstrates how to construct an actual reactionless drive which has been tested and implemented by the author. This drive produces thrust that is visible to the naked eye.
Uptake of HIV Testing and Counselling among the Youth in Kintampo South District, Ghana
Authors: Kabiri Mukasa , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Nortey Priscillia , Eusebi Paolo , Danso-Appiah Anthony
Published: July 2021

Background

HIV/AIDS remains a threat to global development and human security. Sub-Saharan Africa is the worst affected, with an estimated 25.7 million people living with HIV as at 2018 and the youth accounting for 33% of new infections. Despite the high proportion, there is paucity of data on testing and counselling among the youth and which factors influence their decision are largely unknown. This study assessed factors influencing uptake of HIV testing and counselling among the youth aged 15 to 24 years in Kintampo South District in Ghana.
Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving the youth who have lived in the Kintampo South District for not less than 6 months. A total of 309 respondents aged 15 to 24 years were drawn from four sub-districts of the six administrative sub-districts by simple random sampling. Simple proportions and logistic regression analyses were performed to elucidate factors influencing uptake of HIV testing and counselling. The level of acceptable statistical significance used was p < 0.05.
Results

Overall, the proportion of the youth 15 to 24 years who ever tested for HIV was 50.2%. Lack of confidentiality and privacy, inconvenient facility opening hours, fear of positive results, and perceived poor attitude and mistrust of health service providers reportedly were the main barriers to uptake of HIV testing and counselling. Further logistic regression analyses showed that demographic factors including age, marital status and occupation as well as ever heard of HIV testing and counselling, convenience of test, willingness to test, importance of test and location of test, were key determinants of HIV testing and counselling.
Conclusion

Giving that about half of the respondents had never had a test and did not know their infection status, has serious implications for HIV control in the Kintampo South District. Even though a significant number of the youth showed interest in knowing their infection status, this did not reflect uptake of HIV testing. Public health effort targeted to the youth should be intensified to increase HIV testing and counselling among the youth in the Kintampo South District.
Design and Numerical Verification of Four States Polarization-independent Grating Coupler Using a Double-Layer Approach for a Single-photon Source based on HPW
Authors: Khaleel Farooq Abdulghafoor , Tawfeeq Shelan Khasro
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a double-layer approach is proposed to design a compact four states polarization-independent grating coupler (GC). The proposed polarization-independent GC is designed to couple a 700 nm polarized light propagated in a 150 nm Gallium Phosphide (GaP) waveguide to a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). The double-layer approach is based on the deposition of GaP gratings designed to couple the transverse magnetic (TM) light over the GaP gratings designed to couple the transverse electric (TE) light. The two layers are separated by a Hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) with an optimum thickness of 20 nm. The proposed method resulted in relatively high coupling efficiencies (CEs) of 39.2%, 31.1%, and 23.3% for the TE, TM, and 45º/-45º linearly polarized light, respectively. The polarization-dependent loss (PDL) is 1 dB, 1.26 dB, and 2.26 dB corresponds to TE-TM, TM-45º/-45º, and TE-45º/-45º, respectively. The performance of the double-layer approach is numerically verified by the two-dimensional (2D) finite element algorithm (FEM) using COMSOL software. The proposed method suggests a novel and simple approach to design a compact four states polarization-independent GC that could be used in integrated (on-chip) photonic communication circuits.
Forecasting Modeling Studies For Predicting New Leprosy Cases: Protocol For A Scoping Review
Authors: Ascef Bruna de Oliveira , de Oliveira Gustavo Laine Araújo , Coriolano Carmelita Ribeiro Filha , Junior Haliton Alves de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Background: Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Mathematical models and statistical methodology could have a role to play in decision-making for maintaining the gains in elimination programs. Diverse forecasting modeling studies of leprosy cases have been reported in the literature, but there are distinct approaches and settings for predicting the cases being proposed. The purpose of this study is to complete a scoping review to identify and synthesize forecasting modeling studies of leprosy cases. Methods: A scoping review methodology will be applied following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported according to PRISMA-ScR. We will perform a systematic search from inception until June 2021 and we will include the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs. Data will be extracted and recorded on a calibrated predefined data form and will be presented in a tabular form accompanied by a descriptive summary. The Prediction model study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) will be used. Discussion: This scoping review will identify and map the methodological characteristics and further evidence from modeling studies for predicting leprosy cases. Thereby contributing to a scientific basis for researchers to inform, design, and conduct appropriate models for predicting cases of leprosy. This information could be used to enhance national surveillance systems and to target specific policies. Systematic review registration: This scoping review was registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/W9375).
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON MANEUVERING PERFORMANCE OF SMALL WATERPLANE AREA TWIN HULL
Authors:   College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China, Dai Kun , Li Yunbo ,   College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
Published: July 2021

Free running model tests and a system-based method are employed to evaluate maneuvering performance for a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) ship in this paper. A 3 degrees of freedom Maneuvering Modeling Group (MMG) model is implemented to numerically simulate the maneuvering motions in calm water. Virtual captive model tests are performed by using a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method to acquire hydrodynamic derivatives, after a convergence study to check the numerical accuracy. The turning and zigzag maneuvers are simulated by solving the maneuvering motion model and the predicted results agree well with the experimental data. Moreover, free running model tests are carried out for three lateral separations and the influence of the lateral separations on maneuvering performance is investigated. The research results of this paper will be helpful for the maneuvering prediction of the small waterplane area twin hull ship.
Identification of the yeast strain cystobasidium slooffiae isolated from the cake test sample
Authors: Bazhenova A. E. , Rudenko O. S. , Pesterev M. A. , Shcherbakova N. A. , Misteneva S. Yu.
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the problem of food safety and quality assurance throughout the product life cycle is topical in the whole world. According to the WHO data, foodborne diseases linked with consumption of unsafe food, including diseases caused by microbial pathogens, are common in many world countries and are still the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prevention of the microbiological spoilage of food products is an important task in all food industry sectors. One of the ways for its solution is to carry out investigations to reveal potential sources of microbial contamination of food products including flour confectionery. Cakes are multi-component confectionery products. As a rule, they have the high moisture mass fraction, which conditions the presence of a favorable environment for the development of all types of microorganisms and contributes to the instability of this product type to the effects of environmental conditions during storage. In this study, yeast and mold counts were determined by growing cultures on the solid culture medium (Sabouraud). Pure cultures were isolated by the streak plate method. Stained and unstained microorganisms were examined by the microscopic method. Saccharolytic enzymes of the isolated bacterial cultures were identified using the Hiss’s culture media. Based on the analysis of the ribosomal gene sequence obtained by sequencing the DNA region encoding the ITS-D1/D2 rDNA region, an accurate identification of the strain was performed. The phylogenetic relationship analysis carried out using strains of closely related microorganisms showed that species Cystobasidium slooffiae was the closest relative of the studied strain. The source of Cystobasidium slooffiae was the environment. The detection of this strain indicates violations of the sanitary and hygienic condition of inventory, equipment, industrial premises, including hard-to-reach places, as well as violations of the hygiene rules by personnel; in addition, this indicates the high contamination of raw materials.
Preparation and use of the whey protein microparticulate in the sour cream production technology
Authors: Melnikova E. I. , Stanislavskaya E. B.
Published: July 2021

One of the promising directions in the application of the valuable whey protein cluster is production of the whey protein microparticulate. The aim of the study was modification of the whey protein cluster to obtain the whey protein microparticulate and its use in the sour cream production technology. Cheese whey, whey protein microparticulate and sour cream were used as the objects of the research. The microparticulate production technology included purification of cheese whey from casein and fat, ultrafiltration, thermomechanical treatment. The composition of the objects of the research, their physico-chemical properties were determined according to the Russian standards. During investigations, the bifidogenic properties of the microparticulate, its high antioxidant activity, water- and fat-binding capacities as well as emulsifying capacity were confirmed. The data about an effect of the microparticulate on the physico-chemical and biochemical processes in sour cream production are presented. Addition of the microparticulate stimulated lactose fermentation, influenced sour cream consistency increasing product viscosity and reducing syneresis. The recommended dose of the microparticulate in the sour cream composition was 15%. Quality indicators of sour cream corresponded to the requirements of the normative documentation. Addition of the microparticulate imparted more pronounced aroma to the product. Higher content of lactic acid microorganisms was observed in the finished product compared to the control sample. The prebiotic properties of the microparticulate improved viability of starter cultures during storage. Formation of free fatty acids in the experimental sample during storage was more intensive compared to the control, while fat oxidation was less pronounced. The use of the whey protein microparticulate in sour cream production is characterized by many advantages: it allows achieving an increase in the effectiveness of milk processing, facilitates sustainability, production profitability, improves finished product quality.
Saline extraction as a method of obtaining a mixture of biologically active compounds of protein nature from a porcine pancreas
Authors: Vasilevskaya E. R. , Aryuzina M. A. , Vetrova E. S.
Published: July 2021

A relevant solution to the problem of processing meat industry waste in Russia is to obtain useful biologically active compounds from abundant organs. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the saline extraction as a method for extracting a mixture of promising biologically active compounds from the porcine pancreas, as well as to determine the optimal time for the process. The study consisted of extraction of the porcine pancreas with 0,9% sodium chloride solution for 5 h 30 min with further determination of the total protein concentration and proteomic profile of the samples taken throughout the process. Based on the analysis of the dependence of the total protein content in the extractant on time, the optimal extraction time was determined to be 135–150 minutes. When studying the results of electrophoresis and the data of their processing, the optimal extraction time for the targeted isolation of the low-molecular fraction of compounds was also determined to be 90 min. At the same time, 13 protein bands with a molecular weight of 52 kDa and below were found on the electropherograms. Saline should be considered applicable for obtaining extracts rich in biologically active substances, incl. hormones, enzymes and other physiologically active compounds.
Development of the technology of juice fruit and vegetable products enriched with collagen
Authors: Verkhivker Ya. G. , Myroshnichenko E. M. , Pavlenko S. I.
Published: July 2021

The beauty and aging of the human body is associated with such a protein substance as collagen. Our body’s ability to produce this biologically active component naturally and in the right amount becomes limited as we age. Collagen slows down the aging process of the skin, prevents injury, promotes wound healing, improves the absorption of amino acids, can help maintain or improve the biophysical properties of the skin (elasticity, moisture), reduce transepidermal water loss and solve the problem of skin roughness. The purpose of the research work is the development of the technology, recipes for food products — fruit and vegetable juices, drinks, enriched with animal or plant collagen. As a result, the assortment and quality of different types of collagen (tomato, beef, pork and fish) were studied. The organoleptic characteristics of this food additive were studied and the most preferred collagen sample for drinks was selected. The required amount of this substance has been determined, while ensuring the required quality of the drinks. The preservation of the active properties of various types of collagen in a drinking product was investigated. It was proved that beef collagen in an amount of 5% to the mass of the drink retains its active properties as much as possible, in terms of fractional composition — salt, alcohol, alkaline protein fractions. It has been shown that the amino acids methionine, tryptophan and hydroxyproline, which confirm the presence of collagen in the product, are contained in ready-made juice drinks enriched with collagen of beef origin. This type of collagen makes it possible to obtain drinks of “potable” quality, which is confirmed by organoleptic and physicochemical indicators. In general, the studies have shown that a new assortment of juice-containing fruit and vegetable products supplies the important biologically active component (collagen) to the human body.
Ice cream and frozen desserts nutrient compositions: current trends of researches
Authors: Landikhovskaya A. V. , Tvorogova A. A.
Published: July 2021

The current state and new research trends of creating functional ice cream and frozen desserts are considered in the article. Attention is paid to the difference between the characteristics of ice cream regulated by the term in the countries of European Union and Eurasian Union. Taking into account that ice cream and frozen desserts are multicomponent products, the correction of their composition may have different effect on their quality indices. In particular, replacing sucrose by substitutes can lead to a change of traditional taste, consistency and structure. In this connection, aspects of the usage of sucrose substitutes by sweetness (glucose-fructose syrup, processed fruit products, stevia, sucrolose) and by dry matter (food fibers and polyols) are considered. In particular, the authors of researches note that the application of polyols changes the ice cream consistency to be firmer. The researchers pay attention to the impact of some components, introduced into ice cream and frozen desserts, on the cryoscopic temperature of mixture. The enrichment of ice cream and frozen desserts with pro- and prebiotics and application of milk with the increased nutritional value (sheep and goat milk) has been noted to be a trend in research. The attention is drawn to the practical use of enzymes. For people with lactose intolerance, the reason of which in ice cream is Nonfat milk solids (MSNF) it is proposed to hydrolyze it by different methods. In this review the experience of some scientists on the use of transglutaminase enzyme for changing properties of milk proteins, in particular, increasing their water- holding capacity is reflected. Researchers pay great attention to the increasing of nutritional value of ice cream and desserts by growth of mass fraction of protein and introduction of easily digestible proteins (concentrates of whey proteins, including the hydrolyzed proteins). Taking into consideration the growth of people who do not consume products of animal origin, some researches on replacement of milk protein to vegetable one, in particular, soy are noted.
Development and Validation of a Method for Ionic Dyes Determination in Guava Fibrous Matrix Using Reverse Phase Chromatography
Authors: dos Reis Marina , Silva Fabiano , Madureira Fernando , Vargas Eugênia , Oliveira Lucas , Lopes Renata
Published: July 2021

In this work, a method for food dyes determination in fibrous fruit pulps was developed. The analytes Tartrazine, Twilight Yellow FCF, Erythrosine, Orange G and Allura Red were analyzed by reverse phase chromatography with diode array (DAD) detection. The sample preparation consisted of a simple procedure, based on initial pH adjustment of the sample (pH = 10.0), followed by an extraction with acetonitrile (5.0 mL and agitation for 30 s), ultrasonic (5 min) and centrifugation (4000 rpm, 20 ºC, for 20 min). The supernatant had its pH adjusted to 3.0, followed by filtration. The method was validated, with the analytical curves prepared in a matrix, in the range of 50 to 150 mg kg-1 for all the analytes studied (determination coefficients (R2) > 0.99). The method veracity was evaluated in terms of recovery, obtaining recoveries of 93-110%. The repeatability was less than 13.7%, while the intermediate precision was less than 19.0%. The limits of detection and quantification were determined, being 15 and 30 mg kg-1, respectively. The combined relative uncertainties were less than 13.8%. Therefore, it can be concluded that a simple method was developed, suitable for monitoring the presence of dyes in fruit pulps in routine analyzes.
Access to Justice for Victims of Dating Violence: Gender Perspective
Authors: Sofiani Trianah
Published: July 2021

This gender perspective of qualitative research explores the shape, causes, impact of dating violence; and access to justice for dating violence victims. Data collection using, observation, interviews, questionnaires, and literary studies. The analysis uses an interactive model. The results showed that, the shape of dating violence, i.e: verbal-emotional, physical, sexual, and economic. The main causes of dating violence are patriarchal culture and a lack of understanding of gender, thus causing gender inequality, parenting gender biased; women stereotype, and the absence of regulation about dating violence. Dating violence affects not only victims but also the perpetrators. The dating violence victims have not gained access to justice, because the legal system, which includes the substance, structure, and legal culture is still gender-biased and patriarchal. This condition is confirmed by the fact that the community and victims do not know, understand, and be aware of their rights to justice. Therefore, we needed efforts to understand gender and dating violence, including access to justice for victims, through student activity in and out of the campus. Lawmaking about eliminating dating violence in the future (ius constituendum) must be made a political agenda for the government and legislative.
The Changes in the Daily Activities Cycle of Women Informal Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Vulnerability and Resilience
Authors: Asriani Desintha Dwi , Fatimah Dati , Mardhiyyah Mida , Zubaedah Aminatun
Published: July 2021

This article is based on research discussing the daily activities cycle of women that work in the informal sector during the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Yogyakarta. The research method is qualitative, followed by gender perspective, to affirm the narrative based on women’s experiences and gender analysis. On one side, economic recession due to the Pandemic of COVID-19 has increased the vulnerability of women in the informal sector because their income depends on daily economic activity. On the other side, the implementation of social distancing has increased women’s workload at home. However, culturally, women’s works in private sectors such as care works and mothering tend to be normalized. Economic activity is associated with men’s jobs as breadwinners, and it is limited on public space. Therefore, women seem not productive economically even though they have endless works (at home). This article does not only explore one single aspect of women’s double burdens. But it is also to discuss how women’s identical activity with care works has been dis­connected from the economic cycle chain itself. Meanwhile, living in the time of pandemic COVID-19 shows that women’s works become the vital pillar of resilience in handling crisis, whether in health and economy.
The Reciprocal Paradigm of Tafsīr al-Miṣbah and Tafsīr al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr on Surah al-Baqarah verse 222 about Menstruation Blood
Authors: Millati Halya
Published: July 2021

Misogynistic interpretation of women on their menstruation period as "a dirt" that emerged from pre-Islamic Arab society and some classical commentators opened vast space for critics. One of the critics is the interpretation of al-Baqarah verse 222 as an effort to maintain reproduction health. This paper compares the inter­pretation of al-Baqarah verse 222 in Tafsīr al-Miṣbaḥ by Quraish Shihab, and Tafsīr al-Taḥrīr wa al-Tanwīr, by Ibn 'Āshūr. These two interpretations are taken because they have relatively similar interpretations when interpreting al-Baqarah verse 222, even though the author's historical setting is different. With the comparative method and theory of qirā’ah mubādalah, this paper answers how the interpretation of Quraish Shihab and Ibn 'Āshūr on al-Baqarah verse 222 and how the linearity of that inter­pretation is. This paper finds, firstly, that Quraish Shihab and Ibn 'Āshūr agree in interpreting al-Baqarah verse 222 with the prohibition of intercourse, while the wife is on her period to maintain re­production health and interpret adhā as an uncomfortable condition. It's just that Quraish Shihab defines adhā as distur­bance, while Ibn 'Āshūr means al-ḍarr (injury or danger). Secondly, the two interpretations use a reciprocal paradigm with the evidence of the meaning of adhā as a disturbance or risk that can be occurred both women and men.
Winter Stoneflies of Illinois (Insecta: Plecoptera)
Authors: Webb Donald W.
Published: July 2021

Winter stoneflies (Insecta: Plecoptera) are an aquatic group of insects whose adults emerge in IIlinois from late November to early April. Twenty-one species have been reported from Illinois. Extensive collections of winter stoneflies were made in Illinois during the 1920s and 1930s by Frison, the 1960s by Ross and “the winter stonefly club’, and the 1990s by Webb. These specimens are housed in the Insect Collection of the Illinois Natural History Survey and allowed for an evaluation of the current status of these species following a century of environmental change.Over the past century (1900-2000), the species diversity of winter stoneflies averaged 2.5 species per county with species reported from every county but 3 (Carroll, DuPage, Ford) and with 10 counties recording 5 or more species. Pope County (13 species) reported the greatest species diversity. During the recent resurvey (1976-2000), species diversity average 1.9 species per county withspecimens not collected in 11 counties, and only 3 counties (Hardin, Pope, and Saline) exhibited 5 or more species.Four species are considered extirpated from Illinois: Allocapnia illinoensis, Nemocapnia carolina, Paracapnia angulata, and Taeniopteryx parvula. Seven species were found to be common (known from more than 15 localities): Allocapnia forbesi, A. granulata, A. mystica, A. rickeri, A. vivipara, Taeniopteryx burksi, and T: nivalis. Four species are considered uncommon (known from 4—15localities): Allocapnia recta, Strophopteryx fasciata, Taeniopteryx metequi and Zealeuctra claasseni. Six species are considered rare (known from 1-3 localities): Allocapnia nivicola, A. smithi, Prostoia completa, Taeniopteryx lita, Zealeuctra fraxina, and Z. narfi. Significantly reduced patterns of distribution were noted in three species: A. granulata, A. mystica, and Strophopteryx fasciata. OnlyTaeniopteryx nivalis, previously rare, is now spreading its distribution across northern Illinois.There has been a modest decline during the past century in the diversity of stonefly species within various counties. Also, a trend was observed toward an increase in pollution-tolerant, “generalist” species with a decrease in pollution-sensitive, habitat “specialists.”
Impact of App-Delivered Mindfulness Meditation on Functional Connectivity, Mental Health, and Sleep Disturbances Among Physician Assistant Students: Randomized, Wait-list Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Smith Jeremy L , Allen Jason W , Haack Carla I , Wehrmeyer Kathryn L , Alden Kayley G , Lund Maha B , Mascaro Jennifer S
Published: July 2021

Background

Health care provider and trainee burnout results in substantial national and institutional costs and profound social effects. Identifying effective solutions and interventions to cultivate resilience among health care trainees is critical. Although less is known about the mental health needs of physician assistants (PAs) or PA students, accumulating research indicates that they experience similarly alarming rates of burnout, depression, and emotional exhaustion. Mobile app–delivered mindfulness meditation may be an effective part of salubrious programming to bolster long-term resilience and health among PA students.

Objective

This study aims to examine the impact of app-delivered mindfulness meditation on self-reported mental health symptoms among PA students. A secondary aim is to investigate changes in brain connectivity to identify neurobiological changes related to changes in mental health symptoms.

Methods

We recruited PA students enrolled in their third semester of PA school and used a longitudinal, randomized, wait-list–controlled design. Participants randomized to the mindfulness group were provided 1-year subscriptions to the 10% Happier app, a consumer-based meditation app, and asked to practice every day for 8 weeks. Before randomization and again after completion of the 8-week program, all participants completed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging as well as self-report assessments of burnout, depression, anxiety, and sleep impairment. App use was acquired as a measure of mindfulness practice time.

Results

PA students randomized to the mindfulness group reported improvements in sleep impairment compared with those randomized to the wait-list control group (ηp2=0.42; P=.01). Sleep impairment decreased significantly in the mindfulness group (19% reduction; P=.006) but not in the control group (1% reduction; P=.71). There were no other significant changes in mental health for those randomized to app-delivered mindfulness. Across all students, changes in sleep impairment were associated with increased resting-state functional connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (a component of the default mode network) and the superior temporal gyrus, as well as between areas important for working memory. Changes in connectivity predicted categorical conversion from impaired to nonimpaired sleep in the mindfulness group.

Conclusions

This pilot study is the first to examine app-based mindfulness for PA students’ mental health and investigate the impact of mindfulness on PA students’ brain function. These findings suggest that app-delivered mindfulness may be an effective tool to improve sleep dysfunction and that it may be an important part of the programming necessary to reduce the epidemic of suffering among health profession trainees.