bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Method of Linguistic and Statistical Features for Arabic Sentiment Analysis
Authors: AL-Jumaili Ahmed Sabah
Published: March 2020

Sentiment analysis refers to the task of identifying polarity of positive and negative for particular text that yield an opinion. Arabic language has been expanded dramatically in the last decade especially with the emergence of social websites (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Several studies addressed sentiment analysis for Arabic language using various techniques. The most efficient techniques according to the literature were the machine learning due to their capabilities to build a training model. Yet, there is still issues facing the Arabic sentiment analysis using machine learning techniques. Such issues are related to employing robust features that have the ability to discriminate the polarity of sentiments. This paper proposes a hybrid method of linguistic and statistical features along with classification methods for Arabic sentiment analysis. Linguistic features contains stemming and POS tagging, while statistical contains the TF-IDF. A benchmark dataset of Arabic tweets have been used in the experiments. In addition, three classifiers have been utilized including SVM, KNN and ME. Results showed that SVM has outperformed the other classifiers by obtaining an f-score of 72.15%. This indicates the usefulness of using SVM with the proposed hybrid features.
The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Scale (CLES+T): psychometric properties measured in the context of postgraduate nursing education
Authors: Ozga Dorota , Gutysz-Wojnicka Aleksandra , Lewandowski Bogumił , Dobrowolska Beata
Published: March 2020

Background . The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Scale ( CLES+T) instrument is internationally used for the evaluation of clinical learning environment in undergraduate nursing education. However, no evidence is available on the possible applications of this instrument in the context of postgraduate nursing education. Purpose . To examine the basic psychometric properties of CLES+T in the context of clinical postgraduate nursing education in Poland. Methods . Study among a sample of 417 nurses participating in the clinical postgraduate training in Poland. Results . Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was 0.97. A five-factor structure was confirmed in accordance with the assumptions adopted by the authors of the original version of the scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Polish version of the CLES+T subscales ranged from 0.83 ( Nursing care on the ward ) to 0.95 ( The content of supervisory relationship ). The mean results for individual subscales ranged from 4.52±0.63 for nursing care on the ward to 4.73±0.45 for role of the nurse teacher . Conclusions . Having shown satisfactory psychometric properties, CLES+T can be considered a useful instrument to assess those elements of clinical learning environment which are important for the assurance of education quality at the postgraduate level.
Royal Jelly ameliorates 6-mercaptopurine induced spermatogenesis impairment and testicular apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway in male rats
Authors: Hashem khalid , Abdelazem Ahmed Z. , Abdelbaky Naglaa W.
Published: March 2020

Testicular apoptosis is an obvious adverse effect of many chemotherapeutic agents.one of these chemotherapeutic drugs is 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) which has a powerful anticancer effect. On the contrary, it has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the prospective ameliorative effects of Royal Jelly (RJ) on 6MP induced testicular apoptosis and investigate the mechanistic pathway of protection. For this aim, forty male adult albino rats were divided into four equal groups (n= 10): control rats, RJ group (200 mg/kg.b.wt. of RJ for 30 day P.o.), 6MP group (5 mg/kg.b.wt of 6MP for 20 day P.o.), and RJ+6MP group pretreated with RJ (200 mg/kg.b.wt. for 10 day P.o.), and continued with 6MP (5 mg/kg.b.wt, P.o) for 20 day. After 30 days blood samples, epididymis and testis were collected to investigate sex hormones, sperm parameters, histological and molecular changes of testicular tissues, that include anti-oxidants activity, caspase-3, TNF-α, gene expression of Androgen receptors (AR) and P53 also protein concentration of PI3K, AKT, Nrf2 and HO1were estimated. The results of our study revealed that Pretreatment of Royal Jelly (RJ) abrogated 6MP induced spermatogenesis impairment by ameliorating sperm count, motility and morphology, regulating AR mRNA expression and sex hormones levels. RJ ameliorated testicular damage of 6MP exposed rats through restoring testicular antioxidant/oxidative redox, inhibiting caspase-3 activity and P53 mRNA expression as well as regulation of PI3K, AKT, Nrf2 and HO1 protein levels. Our data concluded that RJ protected testicular tissue from 6MP induced apoptosis by regulation PI3K/AKT pathway.
Association between strengths use and psychological adjustment to visual impairments among visually impaired individuals
Authors: Matsuguma Shinichiro , Kawashima Motoko , Ayaki Masahiko , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the association between strengths use and psychological adjustment to visual impairment. Fifty-nine visually impaired individuals (mean age: 49.3 ± 14.8 years; range: 22–82) were assessed using the Strengths Use Scale and the Japanese version of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale (anxiety/depression, self-esteem, attitude to disability, acceptance of disability, locus of control, and self-efficacy). The participants’ sociodemographic and their visual impairment-related information were also collected. A simple regression analysis of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale scores revealed that strengths use was significantly correlated with anxiety/depression, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and acceptance of VI, while multiple regression analyses identified strengths use as the most significant factor correlated with anxiety/depression, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Strengths use could be a promising means of facilitating better psychological adjustment to visual impairment, although further study is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms involved.
The effectiveness of full and partial travel bans against COVID-19 spread in Australia for travellers from China
Authors: Costantino Valentina , Heslop David , Macintyre Raina
Published: March 2020

Background: Australia implemented a travel ban on China on February 1st 2020. Partial lifting of the ban is being considered, given the decline in incidence of COVID-19 in China. We modelled three scenarios to test the impact of travel bans on epidemic control in Australia. Scenario one was no ban, scenario two and three were the current ban followed by a full and partial lifting from the 8th of March 2020.Methods: We used disease incidence data from China and air travel passenger movements between China and Australia, derived from incoming passenger arrival cards. We estimated the true incidence of disease in China using data on expected proportion of under-ascertainment of cases. We modelled the epidemic in each scenario using an age specific deterministic model.Results: The modelled epidemic with the ban implementation fitted the observed incidence of cases well, predicting 57 cases on March 6th in Australia, compared to 66 observed on this date, however we did not account for imported cases from other countries. The modelled epidemic, without a travel ban implemented, would continue for more than a year resulting in more than 2000 cases and about 400 deaths. The impact of a partial lifting of a ban is minimal, and may be a policy option.Conclusions: Travel restrictions were highly effective for containing the COVID-19 epidemic in Australia and averted a much larger epidemic. This research can inform decisions on placing or lifting travel bans as a control measure for the COVID-19 epidemic.
Wild rice controls more root endophytic fungi than cultivated rice in the F1 offsprings after the crossbreeding
Authors: Tian Lei , Lin Xiaolong , Ji Li , Chang Jingjing , Li Xiujun , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Tian Chunjie
Published: March 2020

Background: Rice, which serves as a staple food for more than half of the world’s population, has been planted all over the world. The hybridization of wild and cultivated rice has helped rice gain resistance to variable environmental conditions. Endophytic microbiomes have been known to be transferred along with the plants. However, the endophytic bacteria or fungi for the wild and cultivated rice, and their first crossbred generation have not been illustrated until now. Results: In this study, we systematically compared the endophytic microbial community structures of Asian and African wild and cultivated rice species with their F1 offsprings. Results showed that both African and Asian wild rice controls more root endophytic fungi than cultivated rice in their first generation after crossbreeding. Furthermore, network analysis of the bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units showed that Asian and African wild rice species can cluster and have more significant correlations than cultivated rice fungal species. The core bacterial species that connected wild rice with its F1 offsprings was Acidovorax, wherea the core bacterial species that linked cultivated rice to its F1 offsprings was Bradyrhizobium; and the core fungal species that can connect in wild rice and the F1 offsprings were Pleosporales, Myrothecium and Bullera, while the core fungal species that can connect in cultivated rice was those belonging to the Dendroclathra genus.Conclusions: This study may provide the theoretical significance of the endophytic bacteria and fungi for wild and cultivated rice along with their F1 offsprings.
Management of Small Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An analysis of the US SEER Database and a Chinese Single-center Cohort
Authors: Ji Shunrong , Liu Mengqi , Ye Zeng , Xu Xiaowu , Yu Xianjun , Zhuo Qifeng
Published: March 2020

Background. Nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs) are often small, slow growing, clinically silent neoplasms. Currently, ‘wait-and-see’ policy is recommended by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) for NF-pNETs (<2 cm). But the scientific basis for such recommendation is scarce. Methods. Data of NF-pNETs cases were reviewed retrospectively from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database during 2004-2015. Statistic description and survival analysis were done. Patients who underwent surgery for NF-pNET in our center during 2010-2018 were identified and analyzed retrospectively. Results. 1828 NF-pNET with tumor size between 1-4cm were identified in SEER database. Observation was recommended for 172 patients (9.4%). 1656 patients received surgery. The observation group was significantly older and mainly with tumor located in pancreatic head. There was no survival difference between the two groups with NF-pNET ≤2 cm. Median survival time was significantly longer in surgery group with NF-pNET >2 cm. 143 NF-pNETs with tumor size between 1-4cm were identified in our center. Conclusion. In selected older patients, nonoperative management of asymptomatic small NF-pNETs is safe. Preoperative grading with EUS-FNA may be a good option for making practice decision. Larger and prospective multicentric studies with long-term follow-up are now needed to validate this wait-and-see policy.
Prognostic factors in thyroid cancer patients following surgical resection: a retrospective study of optimal care strategies for postoperative complications
Authors: Konno Hiroki
Published: March 2020

Background : This study analyzed the effects of four candidate prognostic factors on length of hospital stay among inpatients following thyroid cancer resection; specifically, age ≥ 45 years, cervical lymph node metastasis, impaired calcium metabolism, and postoperative hypothyroidism.Methods : This was a retrospective study reviewing 434 patients’ medical and claim records (n=434; male 21.0%/female 79.0%, age: 57.31±13.52). Results : Patients who met one of the four prognostic criteria were more likely to have a longer hospital stay using acute-care beds than corresponding cases negative for these criteria. Regression analysis indicated that patient’s length of hospital stay was increased with each factor by the following rates: 1) 14.57% if 45 years or older, 2) 26.24% if positive for cervical lymph node metastasis, 3) 28.79% if positive for impaired calcium metabolism, and 4) 29.95% if positive for postoperative hypothyroidism. Moreover, estimations of cumulative probability of length of hospital stay indicate that: 1) 26.6% of the age≥45 patient group is expected to be discharged by the 7 th day in contrast to 42.9% of age<45 patient group (91.0%,97.4% at 14 th day); 2) 16.1% of the cervical lymph node metastasis patient group is expected to be discharged by the 7 th day in contrast with 30.5% of non-patient group (83.9%,92.8% at 14 th day); 3) 14.8% of the impaired calcium metabolism patient group is expected to be discharged by the 7 th day in contrast with 30.5% of non-patient group (70.4%,93.6% at 14 th day), and 4) 21.4% of the postoperative hypothyroidism patient group is expected to be discharged by the 7 th day in contrast with 29.8% of non-patient group (71.4%,92.9% at 14 th day). Conclusions : Disorders of calcium metabolism and postoperative hypothyroidism were the most likely postoperative complications to occur, yet these are not identified as prognostic factors in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination / Per-Diem Payment System (DPC/PDPS) framework in Japan. The findings suggest that patients with these two conditions should receive care in beds of a lower, sub-acute category, and they should be quickly transferred to such beds or, if possible, to outpatient care.
A flexible valve based piezoelectric pump for high viscosity liquid transportation
Authors: Huang Jun , Li Kai , Zhang Jianhui , Liu Jiaming , Zhang Quan , Wang Yuan
Published: March 2020

A piezoelectric pump with flexible valve has been developed to pump high viscosity liquid in various biomedical environments. The structure of the flexible valve is designed according to the characteristics of the human aortic shape which aims to simulate the bionic pumping function of the human heart. Dynamic stress-strain features of the flexible valve is analysed by the finite element method , and the results show that the proposed flexible valve is suitable and functional for the piezoelectric pump design. Then the cylinder and diffuser/nozzle piezoelectric pumps based on flexible valves have been developed and fabricated. The output performance experiments indicate that the maximum flow rate of the cylinder piezoelectric pump with flexible valve is 15.38 mL/min, which is 170.77% higher than the diffuser/nozzle piezoelectric pump with flexible valve. The outstanding ability of the cylinder piezoelectric pump with flexible valve for transmitting high viscosity liquid has been validated. Such advantages of the proposed piezoelectric pump with flexible valve made it featuring the potential application ability in living cells delivery, biomedical analysis system and fine chemical industry.
Transient visual acuity loss after spine surgery in prone position: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xiong Jun , Liang Guiling , Hu Liang , Chen Wei , Deng Jie , Gu Jun , Li Yushi , Wang Guoyi , Sun Yongxing
Published: March 2020

Background: Visual loss after spine surgery in prone position is disastrous postoperative complication because it is almost irreversible. Meamwhile, there is no optimal treatments and recommended peofessional guidelines. Case presentation: A 43 years old male patient complained visual loss after spine surgery in prone position. Immediate ophthalmic consultation undoubtedly considered central retinal artery occlusion, therefore combined therapies were administered including neurotrophy, anticoagulation, vasodilation and adequate fluid infusion, followed by hyperbaric oxygen treatment. After active treatment, his visual acuity recovered from postoperative 5 hours gradually. Conclusion: Because there is shortage of efficacious treatment against visual loss after spine surgery in prone position, the best method avoiding this complication is to pay great attention and prevent it.
Intervention fidelity and its determinants of focused antenatal care package implementation, in South Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Asressie Molla , Gebeyehu Abebaw , Mekonnen Solomon , Alemu Kassahun , Tigabu Zemene
Published: March 2020

Background: Evidences show that intervention packages at home-community setting are found to reduce neonatal mortality significantly. But millions of neonates are still dying by preventable causes with the implementation of these effective interventions. This might be due to evidence-practice gap. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the intervention fidelity and factors influencing focused antenatal care package. Methods:Cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. In the selected kebeles’, a total of 898 mothers who gave birth within six months before data collection, ten health posts with their health extension workers were employed. Interview-administered, self-administered and facility audit checklist were used for collecting data from all mothers, health extension workers and health posts respectively. Mothers were asked whether or not the required level of care were provided to them. Health extension workers & health posts were assessed for the competency and organizational drivers. Multilevel linear regression model were used to identify the possible moderating factors at individual and organizational level for intervention fidelity. Result: The overall weighted average focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity was 49.78% (95% CI: 47.73 – 51.83). The weighted average focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity by health extension workers was 62.02% (95% CI: 59.71 – 64.32) and skilled providers were 56.57% (95% CI: 53.94 – 59.19). The overall antenatal care coverage were 83.7% (95% CI: 81.28 – 86.12) with 34.97% (95% CI: of 31.56 – 38.39) of mothers received at least four antenatal visit and 6.12% (95% CI: 4.40-7.83) of them received all the recommended components of focused antenatal care. Previous maternal problem, paternal education and implementation of supportive/facilitation strategy were significant facilitators for focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity.Conclusion: In this study, focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity was low. This implies that the stagnation of neonatal mortality reduction might be partly due to the low focused antenatal care packages intervention fidelity. Paternal education and implementation of supportive/facilitation strategies were statistically significant facilitators of focused antenatal care intervention package fidelity. Therefore, improvement of implementation of facilitation strategy is recommended.
Association between stigma and depression among urban refugees in Mbarara Municipality, Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Bahati Ronald , Ainamani Herbert Elvis , Sigmund Cathy Denise , Rukundo Godfrey Zari
Published: March 2020

Background: More than half of the world’s refugees reside in non-camp settings, including urban areas. Refugees in urban areas often face acculturation challenges, stigma, overcoming stereotypes, and living in fear of being repatriated. Depression is one of the most frequent mental disorders experienced by refugee populations as a result of such challenges. In Uganda, the prevalence of mental disorders among urban refugees in general remains unknown and there is little epidemiological data to inform practice and policy in relation to the refugees’ mental health needs in urban areas. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between stigma and depression among urban refugees.Methods: Using snowball sampling method, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 343 refugees residing in Mbarara Municipality, Southwestern Uganda. The Discrimination and Stigma Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire were used to assess stigma and depression respectively. Using SPSS, means, standard deviations and ranges were calculated to determine the prevalence of stigma and depression. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations between stigma and depression.Results: Participants in our study experienced high levels of enacted stigma (n=293, 85%) and internalized stigma (n=239, 70%). Most of the participants experienced both internalized and enacted stigma (n=288, 84%). The overall prevalence of depression was 96% (n=329) of which 16% (n=53) was mild, 17% (n=59) was moderate, 41% (n=141) was moderately severe and 22% (n=76) was severe depression. There was a significant positive correlation between stigma and depression (β= 0.37, p<.001).Conclusions: Urban refugees experience high levels of both enacted and internalized stigma. There is a strong association between stigma and depression. Interventions aimed at reducing stigma could subsequently reduce depression among refugees living in urban areas.
Association of socioeconomic factors and prevalence of depression with quality of life among the elderly in rural China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: YANG Jia-tian , WANG Fang , Cai Le , SHEN Jing-Rong , LIU Ying-Nan , Golden Allison Rabkin
Published: March 2020

Background This study investigates how prevalence of depression differs across socioeconomic status (SES) and examines the association of depression with quality of life (QOL) among southwest China’s rural elderly population. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 1,629 participants aged ≥60 years was conducted in rural Yunnan Province, China in 2017. Older adults’ depressive status and QOL were measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) and Concise Health Scale (SF-36). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between individual SES variables and the prevalence of depression, while multivariate linear regression was used to model the variation in QOL. Results The overall prevalence of depression was 12.0% in the study population, and females had a higher prevalence of depression than males (14.2% vs. 8.9%, P<0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, and residential status, older adults with lower annual household income and poor access to medical services had a higher probability of suffering from depression than their counterparts (P<0.01). Older adults who suffered from depression also had lower scores in all domains of SF-36 and overall dimensions of physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) than older adults without depression (P<0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated negative correlations between depression and dimensions of PCS and MCS (P<0.01). Conclusion Improving mental health profoundly transforms quality of life. Future interventions to reduce the prevalence of depression in the elderly should focus on female and low-income populations as well as those with poor access to medical services.
Renal Involvement In Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Data From The Spanish Sjögrenser Cohort.
Authors: Narvaez Javier , Sánchez-Piedra Carlos , Fernández-Castro Mónica , Martínez-Taboada Víctor , Olivé Alejando , Rosas José , García-Vadillo Alberto , Júdez Enrique , Ruiz-Lucea Esther , Romani Lurdes , Montalá Núria , Andreu José Luis
Published: March 2020

Objectives To investigate the prevalence, associated factors, and effects of primary renal disease on morbidity in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).Methods All patients in the SJÖGRENSER (registry of adult SSp patients of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology) cohort were retrospectively investigated for the presence of clinically significant renal involvement directly related to pSS activity.Results Of the 437 patients investigated, 39 (9%) presented overt renal involvement during follow-up. Severe renal disease necessitating kidney biopsy was relatively rare (23%). Renal involvement may complicate pSS at any time during the disease course and is associated with severe disease (indicated by higher scores of involvement, activity, and damage), systemic multiorgan involvement, and a higher frequency of lymphoma. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.07), higher European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index scores (OR 1.1, CI 1.03–1.18), serum anti-La/SSB positivity (OR 6.65, CI 1.41–31.372), and non-vasculitic cutaneous involvement (OR 5.47, 1.03–29.02) were independently associated with this complication. Chronic renal failure developed in 23 of 39 patients (59%); only 1 of them progressed to end-stage renal disease necessitating renal replacement therapy. Patients with renal disease showed higher Sjögren’s syndrome disease damage index scores, higher rates of hospitalization due to disease activity and higher rates of clinically relevant comorbidities.Conclusion Renal involvement is an uncommon complication in pSS that was observed in 9% of patients. Although categorized as a non-negligible comorbidity, this condition shows a favorable prognosis.
Resistance genes and gene pyramids controlling rice blast pathogen populations in eight African countries
Authors: Awande Symphorien , Kini Kossi , Itolou Kassankogno Abalo , Raveloson Harinjaka , Amayo Robert , Kalisa Alain , Oludare Aderonke , Kpemoua Kossi , Lamo Jimmy , Ouedraogo Ibrahima , Sester Mathilde , Raboin Louis-Marie , Silue Drissa
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe behavior of rice varieties under natural environments in fields often differs from the expected one. For developing varieties, breeders give then a particular importance to multi-local field screening to confirm the resistance of their germplasm. We assembled 81 accessions e.g. blast differential, traditional and improved varieties and tested them for resistance to blast (Pyricularia grisea) in eight African hot spots under different ecologies. We thus expected to identify accessions and genes or gene pyramids that provide durable resistance locally or across sites.Methods81 accessions (e.g. blast differential, traditional and improved varieties were tested in hot spots in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali, Rwanda, Togo and Uganda for resistance to leaf and neck blast. An Alpha design (randomized incomplete block) with four replications was used. Correlation between leaf blast and neck blast severity and between incidence and severity were analyzed.Results:From 2013 to 2016, multi-local screening tests were conducted at yje selected sites. Among the 81 rice accessions tested, seven accessions were consistently susceptible while 12 were resistant across locations and seasons. Interestingly, effective individual resistance genes (R genes) or gene pyramids efficient across the sites were identified. In addition, we noticed on some sites, changes in the responses of some rice accessions to the disease from one season to the other. Responses of some accessions also showed great variations from one site to another. In addition, several accessions sharing the same resistance genes exhibited different responses to blast. Regarding the neck blast, only fewer accessions could be assessed as very susceptible ones died at early stages. Although differential responses were observed in the four sites considered for the analysis, several accessions consistently resisted. In addition, results showed that leaf and neck blast resistances were correlated.ConclusionsResults obtained provide useful information on the tested germplasm resistance. In addition, it was possible to identify resistant accessions and sometimes the R genes associated which were effective locally or across sites. Results also showed shifts in pathogenicity of the pathogen populations over seasons and sites. Finally, breeders can now use this valuable information for sustainable blast resistance breeding.
Dietary Patterns, Nutritional Knowledge and Status of Adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria.
Authors: Olatona Foluke Adenike , Ogide Precious Ifeoma , Abikoye Ebunoluwa Temiloluwa , Ilesanmi Oluwafemi Temitayo , Nnoaham Kelechi Ebere
Published: March 2020

Background Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, such as Nigeria, are at increased risk of under-nutrition and overnutrition. This study assessed this risk by examining the dietary patterns, nutritional knowledge and status of adolescents in Lagos state of Nigeria.Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study in which six hundred and eighty-two (682) adolescents were selected from their communities using multistage sampling technique. Nutritional knowledge and dietary patterns were ascertained using structured, self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were taken to determine nutritional status. Data was analyzed using Epi-Info version 7.2.3.1 computer software. Chi-square was used to test for association between categorical variables and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. WHO Anthro-Plus was used to evaluate nutritional status.Results The mean age of the adolescents was 13.6±2.3 years. Only 12.0% of them had good level of nutritional knowledge with the males having significantly higher levels. Dietary pattern and diversity were poor with the majority consuming refined cereals (73.5%), salty snacks/high fat foods (69.6%) and carbonated soft drinks (46.8%) while only 9.7% took adequate amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Prevalence of undernutrition was 5.4% while that of overweight and obesity were 10.7% and 5.3% respectively. More females were obese compared with the males. Sex, age, educational status, source of information, daily consumption of snacks, infrequent intake of fruits and vegetables, nutritional knowledge, food habits and dietary diversity were statistically significantly associated with nutritional status of adolescents in the positive direction (p≤0.05).Conclusions Nutritional knowledge and dietary patterns were poor while overweight and obesity are higher than previously reported in the region; especially among the females. Adolescent nutrition intervention programmes addressing weight control especially among females is needed in Lagos.
Clinical features of acute kidney injury in Coronavirus disease 2019—A case report with review of literature
Authors: Yuan Hai , Lu Xiaohan , Guo E , Hu Fengqi , Gao Zhao
Published: March 2020

Background: In December 2019, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. We surveyed 91 patients who were diagnosis as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Xiangyang, Hubei province. And we found the incident of acute kidney injury (AKI) was 3.29% (3/91), which was higher than in the whole country but similar in Hubei province.Case presentation: We describe a case of 58-year-old man who was diagnosis as AKI stage 3 and non-oliguria AKI in the SARS-CoV-2 infection. After antiviral and other supporting treatment, his kidney function improved and he was transferred to normal ward.Conclusions: This case illustrated that careful management and strict monitoring of kidney function should be employed in COVID-19 patients especially in high incidence area of COVID-19.
Clinical symptoms and psychological changes of patients with COVID-19 in Jiangxi Province
Authors: Zhou Jing , Xu Xin-Ping , Xu Fei , Shao Yi , Zou Mei-Hong , Yu Jing-Jing , Liu Fen , Zuo Wei , Xie Si-Guang , Zhou Cong-Yang , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2020

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and differences in etiology, clinical manifestations, and psychological activity of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) among patients. Results We recruited 90 subjects, 30 were healthy controls, 30 were patients with moderate infection, and 30 were patients with severe/critical infections. No significant differences were noted in the sex ratio, mean age, body mass index, or blood type; however, the history of exposure of the patients with COVID-19 compared with healthy controls was noteworthy. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as the levels of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A (SAA) were all increased. In terms of mental health, there were significant differences in the worry scores between severely and moderately infected patients and healthy controls. There was a significant difference in depression scores between patients with moderate infection and healthy hypertension, and there was also a significant difference in dream worry scores. Analysis of the Mini-Mental State Examination scores showed that for patients with moderate infection, the depression score was moderately and positively correlated with the dream anxiety score. For patients with severe infection, the anxiety score was positively correlated with the dream anxiety score, and the depression score was moderately and positively correlated with the dream anxiety score. Conclusion Patients with severe infection showed increased pain and sputum in the pharyngeal area compared with patients with moderate infection. Patients with blood type A may be more susceptible to COVID-19, and lymphopenia may indicate worsening of COVID-19.
Genetic Diversity and Pedigree Analysis of Muscadine Grape Using SSR Markers
Authors: Cao Shanshan , Stringer Stephen , Gunawan Gunawati , McGregor Cecilia , Conner Patrick J.
Published: March 2020

Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) is the first native North American grape to be domesticated. During the past century, breeding programs have created a large collection of muscadine cultivars. Muscadine cultivars are usually identified by evaluating morphological traits and checking breeding records, which can be ambiguous and unauthentic. During this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to generate DNA fingerprinting profiles to identify muscadine cultivars and verify their reported pedigrees. Eighty-nine Vitis accessions were genotyped using 20 SSRs from 13 linkage groups. From these, 81 unique subgenus Muscadinia accessions were identified, and a core set of five SSR markers was able to distinguish all of them. Eighteen misidentifications were found, and five previously unknown accessions were matched with cultivars in the dataset. The profiles of 12 cultivars were not consistent with their reported parentage–progeny relationships. Genetic diversity was analyzed at four levels: all V. rotundifolia cultivars (N = 67); current cultivars (N = 39); historical cultivars (N = 28); and wild V. rotundifolia accessions (N = 9). There was substantial genetic diversity in both wild and historically cultivated muscadines. The principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed clear separation among subgenus Vitis cultivars, wild muscadine accessions, and cultivated muscadines, with PCoA1 and PCoA2 explaining 11.0% and 9.3% of the total variation, respectively.
Yang-Baxter integrable Lindblad equations
Authors: Ziolkowska Aleksandra A. , Essler Fabian
Published: March 2020

We consider Lindblad equations for one dimensional fermionic models
and quantum spin chains. By employing a (graded) super-operator
formalism we identify a number of Lindblad equations than can be
mapped onto non-Hermitian interacting Yang-Baxter integrable models. Employing Bethe
Ansatz techniques we show that the late-time dynamics of some of these
models is diffusive.
Assessment of social and environmental dimensions of stockbreeding efficiency at agricultural enterprises
Authors: Shyian Natalyya , Kotelnikova Iuliia
Published: March 2020

The article explores theoretical and practical approaches to determining the nature of social, economic and environmental efficiency and evaluates social, economic, and environmental efficiency of cattle breeding in Ukraine. Negative trends in the industry are revealed accompanied by a decrease in the number of cattle, including cows, a decrease in production volumes of the industry, loss of production of cattle meat and a low level of profitability of milk production. To develop a motivational mechanism for improving the performance of social, economic and environmental functions of the stockbreeding industry by agricultural enterprises, a mechanism for raising its income has been proposed. The use of the socio-economic-environmental coefficient (SEEC) as an element of the proposed mechanism is justified. SEEC is an integral indicator of the social, economic and environmental efficiency of the stockbreeding development. This coefficient was verified through the example of agricultural enterprises of Kharkiv region, which in 2018 produced stockbreeding products. The relationship between SEEC and stockbreeding performance indicators was found to be related to the law of diminishing returns from changes in cost recovery due to income from milk sales and profit per cow. The maximum cost-recovery value is achieved with an SEEC of 2.1. According to a survey of 91 agricultural enterprises, only four enterprises could receive financial support for the high rates of social, economic and environmental efficiency of cattle breeding. In 2018, the amount of such support could be UAH 52,626.2 thousand.
DIGITAL PLATFORMS AS A MEANS TO INCREAS THE PROFITABILITY OF INNOVATIVE BUSINESS PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Panfilova Elena Evgenevna , Eroshina Mariia Sergeevna
Published: March 2020

The article discusses the creation of reference models of digital platforms for intersectoral interaction of agents in the digital economy. The problems of conducting transactions for innovative business participants on integrated platforms are identified. The relationship between the profitability of the organization operating within a digital platform and the structure of digital counterparts of products designed and manufactured on the basis of additive technologies is revealed.
Study of Toll-like Receptor 3 Gene Polymorphism as a Novel Risk Factor for HCV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egypt
Authors: EL-Sharawy Shimaa , Negm Osama El- Sayed , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , EL-Sorogy Hesham Ahmed , Shehata Mona Ahmed Helmy
Published: March 2020

Background & Aims:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive cancer
with few treatment options. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) plays a key role in innate immunity and may
affect the development of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the association between TLR3
gene polymorphism and HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt.

Methods:

This work was conducted on 70 individuals; fifty HCV cirrhotic patients were included in
two groups; with HCC (30 patients) and without HCC (20 patients) compared with a group of 20
apparently healthy controls. All of the studied individuals underwent clinical-laboratory evaluation.
TLR3 gene single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (+1234C/T) was tested by polymerase chain reaction-
restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:

This study reported that the prevalence of TLR3 +1234TT genotype was significantly increased
in cirrhotic patients with HCC than without HCC, while it was not detected at all among the
controls. When analyzing the TLR3 SNP +1234C/T with different clinical parameters in HCC patients,
there was a significant association between+1234C/T SNP; namely TT genotype and each of
the hepatic focal lesions᾽ number, size and the patients᾽ higher Okuda and BCLC stages. No association
could be detected between TLR3 SNP and the age, sex, Child-Pugh grades, MELD score or
AFP of the studied HCC cases.

Conclusion:

TLR3 gene SN P +1234C/T could be a novel risk factor for the HCV-related HCC
among the Egyptian population.
Enzyme-assisted Cyclization of Chalcones to Flavanones
Authors: Alonso Mariana Macías , Boluda Carlos José , Barajas Gabriela Díaz , Sánchez Nallely Caldera , Córdova-Guerrero Iván , Marrero Joaquín González
Published: March 2020

Enzyme catalyzed synthesis is an eco-friendly technique in organic synthesis, having several
benefits over conventional methods. In the present work, we describe a simple process of laccase and
chloroperoxidase assisted cyclization of chalcones, leading to the formation of flavanones. The reaction
proceeds in a mixture of phosphate buffer and ethanol, under oxygen atmosphere at room temperature,
yielding the corresponding flavanone in good to moderate yield. The relative configuration of the
products at C2 is tentatively assigned as S*-flavanone based on the coupling constants with the methylenic
protons H3α,β. In comparison to the chemical methods, we describe a process which can be
achieved efficiently under mild conditions using oxygen as oxidant.
Novel 1,2,3-Triazole-functionalized pyrido[3',2':4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidin- 4(3H)-one Derivatives: Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, CoMFA and CoMSIA Studies
Authors: Vadla Balakishan , Betala Sailu
Published: March 2020

A series of novel triazole functionalized pyrido [3',2':4,5] furo[3,2-d] pyrimidin-4 (3H)-one
derivatives 7a-p were prepared from ethyl furo[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxylate 3 on reaction with ammonia
to afford furo[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide 4. This compound, on reaction with triethyl orthoformate
TEOF, gave compound 5. Compound 5 on propargylation, followed by a reaction with substituted
aryl azides under Sharpless reaction conditions, furnished triazole tagged pyrido
[3',2':4,5]furo[3,2-d] pyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivatives. All the products 7a-p were screened against
four human cancer cell lines, such as HeLa - Cervical cancer (CCL-2), COLO 205- Colon cancer
(CCL-222), HepG2- Liver cancer (HB-8065), and MCF7 - Breast cancer (HTB-22) and one normal
cell line (HEK 293). Compounds 7b, 7n, 7o and 7p, which showed promising anticancer activity, were
identified and found to be non-toxic to normal cell line. Studies for HeLa, COLO205, HepG2, and
MCF-7 using CoMFA and CoMSIA were carried out . Models from 3D-QSAR provided a strong basis
for future rational design of more active and selective HeLa, COLO205, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell line
inhibitors.
Preparation and Characterisation of Starchy Foods by Plant Polymers from Abelmoscus esculentus Agro Waste and Gracilaria corticata - for Commercial Food Applications
Authors: Archana Ganesan , Sukumar Muthusamy
Published: March 2020

Objective:

The surface modification of high temperature processed potato chips by structurally
stable carbohydrate polymer from Abelmoscus esculentus and Gracilaria corticata were studied.
The 1% A. esculentus carbohydrate polymer surface coated chips had less coating pick up than
the chips coated with a combination of polysaccharide 1% A. esculentus + Gracilaria corticata polysaccharide.

Methods:

The mucilage polysaccharides were extracted from the A. esculentus and Gracilaria corticate
by hot solvent extraction. The mucilage coating solutions were prepared at 1% concentration individually
and in combination for coating the potato strips. The proximate analysis and characterisation
of edible coated potato chips were investigated.

Results and Discussion:

The proximate analysis of carbohydrate polysaccharide coated potato chips
showed a reduction in terms of fiber, ash, reducing sugar with a corresponding increase in protein
content than control snacks without any coating treatment. The instrumental textural analysis
revealed that maximum force required puncturing the surface structure of 1% A. esculentus and 1%
A. esculentus + Gracilaria corticata was 16.3-14.04N and 16.95-14.17N which was higher than the
force required for puncturing the surface structure of control chips (15.4-13.3N). The instrumental
color analysis was performed by image analysis technique, and the effect of the color values of the
structural polysaccharide on snack surface were expressed as L*a*b* values.

Conclusion:

The structural stability of both polysaccharides obtained by fracture force was well in
agreement with all of the sensory attributes which showed that they could act as structurally stable
polymers that could yield the highest crispiness value for the potato chips with better consumer acceptance.
Efficient Production of Biodiesel Catalyzed by Acidic Nanoporous Carbon Materials: A Review
Authors: Wang Anping , Zhang Heng , Li Hu , Yang Song
Published: March 2020

Background:

With the gradual decrease in fossil energy, the development of alternatives
to fossil energy has attracted more and more attention. Biodiesel is considered to be the most potent
alternative to fossil energy, mainly due to its green, renewable, and biodegradable advantages. The
stable, efficient and reusable catalysts are undoubtedly the most critical in the preparation of biodiesel.
Among them, nanoporous carbon-based acidic materials are very important biodiesel catalysts.

Objective:

The latest advances of acidic nanoporous carbon catalysts in biodiesel production was
reviewed.

Methods:

Biodiesel is mainly synthesized by esterification and transesterification. Due to the important
role of nanoporous carbon-based acidic materials in the catalytic preparation of biodiesel, we
focused on the synthesis, physical and chemical properties, catalytic performance and reusability.

Results:

Acidic catalytic materials have a good catalytic performance for high acid value feedstocks.
However, the preparation of biodiesel with acid catalyst requires relatively strict reaction conditions.
The application of nanoporous acidic carbon-based materials, due to the support of carbon-based
framework, makes the catalyst exhibit good stability and unique pore structure, accelerates the reaction
mass transfer speed, which in turn accelerated the reaction.

Conclusion:

Nanoporous carbon-based acidic catalysts have the advantages such as, suitable pore
structure, high active sites, and high stability. In order to make these catalytic processes more efficient,
environmentally friendly and low cost, developing new catalytic materials with high specific
surface area, suitable pore size, high acid density, and excellent performance would be an important
research direction for the future biodiesel catalysts.
Effect of Silk Sericin Content on the Electrospun Silk Nanofibrous Membrane Property
Authors: Liu Zhi , Xia Li , Ke Huizhen , Zou Lihua
Published: March 2020

Background:

Silk sericin has a significant influence on the regenerated silk solution and
silk-based materials property, while few reports were found to investigate this topic.

Aim:

The aim is to discuss the effect of silk sericin content on the electrospun silk nanofibrous membrane.

Methods:

Four degumming conditions (none degumming, boiling water degumming, 0.05 % Na2CO3
degumming, 0.5 % Na2CO3 degumming) were carried out for a systematic investigation in terms of
(1) the silk sericin content after degumming; (2) the morphology of regenerated silk nanofibrous
membrane was characterized by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM); and (3) structural properties
of regenerated silk nanofibrous membrane by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-Ray
Diffraction (XRD).

Results and Conclusion:

The results show that 0.5 % Na2CO3 degumming results in poor spinnability.
The solutions derived from none degumming and boiling water degumming present high viscosity,
leading to a hard silk nanofiber fabrication process. The silk nanofiber from the 0.05 % Na2CO3
degumming shows an easier fabrication process and better nanofiber morphology. These results will
benefit the silk-based materials preparation, biomedical and separation application.