bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of Modified MOS Social Support Survey 5-item (MSSS-5 item) among Iranian Older Adults
Authors: Bavarsad Maryam Bakhshandeh , Foroughan Mahshid , Zanjari Nasibeh , Shushtari Zahra Jorjoran , Harouni Gholamreza Ghaedamini
Published: February 2021

Background: Social support is a key factor in public health. Since the precise evaluation of it is critical, the current study has been developed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MOS-SSS questionnaire's abbreviated form (MSSS-5 item) among the Iranian older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional and methodological study was conducted on 420 community older adults (age≥60) through random multi-stage sampling. At first, the questionnaire was translated into Persian through Forward & Backward method based on WHO guidelines. Next, the validity of scales was investigated by calculating face validity, content validity, Known-group validity, explanatory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis indices. Reliability of the questionnaire was calculated by internal consistency, test-retest, and absolute reliability. Moreover, the scalability of the questionnaire was checked through the Mokken scale analysis. The software packages SPSS version 22, AMOS version 22, and R (Mokken package) were employed to analyze the data. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: the face validity was conducted by using the interview with older adults and gathering the specialists' opinions and the items were grammatically and lexically corrected, accordingly. The CVI index of the overall scale was 0.94 and for every single item above 0.89. The results of the independent t-test showed that the current questionnaire well distinguished between the older adults who do and do not feel lonely (p<0.001). Two components were recognized according to the explanatory factor analysis. They together explained 67.78% of the total variance of the questionnaire. The CFA showed that the two-factor model had acceptable fit indices. The questionnaire had desirable internal consistency (α=0.78), stability (ICC=0.98), and absolute reliability (SEM=0.56, MDC=1.57). The Mokken scale proved that MSSS-5item was a strong scale (H=0.51, se=0.03).Conclusion: The present study results showed that the MSSS-5-item questionnaire had suitable validity and reliability to be used among Iranian older adults.
Chronic Anal Fissure in Female Patients: Is Fissurectomy and V-Y Anoplasty an Effective Procedure?
Authors: D'ORAZIO BEATRICE , Geraci Girolamo , Bonventre Sebastiano , Calì Dario , Vita Gaetano Di
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION: Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is still the approach of choice for the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF) regardless to the internal anal sphincter tone but it is burdened by high risk post-operative faecal incontinence (FI). In female patient there are some anatomical and functional differences of the sphinteric system which make them more at risk of FI and vaginal birth could cause sphinteric lesions affecting the anal continence function. The aim of our study is to evaluate the results of saving sphincter procedure as treatment for female patients affected by CAF. METHODS: We studied 110 female patients affected by CAF undergone fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement associating pharmacological sphincterotomy in patients with hypertonic IAS. The follow up was at least for 2 years. The goals were patient’s complete healing, the evaluation of FI, recurrence rate and manometry parameters. RESULTS: All wounds healed within 40 days after surgery. We recorded 8 cases of recurrences 6 healed with medical therapy and 2 with dilatation. We recorded 2 “de novo” temporary and low grade post-operative cases of FI. Post-operative value of MRP were unmodified in patient with normotonic IAS but significantly lower at 12 months follow up as compared with the pre-operative ones in patients with hypertonic IAS; after 24 months from surgery MRP values were within the normal range. CONCLUSION: The fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap alone or in association with a pharmacological sphincterotomy in patients with hypertonic IAS may represent an effective approach for the treatment of CAF in female patients.
Expression of SARS-CoV-2-related Receptors in Cells of the Neurovascular Unit: Implications for HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Torices Silvia , Cabrera Rosalba , Stangis Michael , Naranjo Oandy , Adesse Daniel , Toborek Michal
Published: February 2021

Background. Neurological complications are common in patients affected by COVID-19 due to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect brains. While the mechanisms of this process are not fully understood, it has been proposed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the cells of the neurovascular units (NVU), which form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim of the current study was to analyze the expression pattern of the main SARS-CoV-2 receptors in naïve and HIV-1-infected cells of the NVU in order to elucidate a possible pathway of the virus entry into the brain and a potential modulatory impact of HIV-1 in this process. Methods. The gene and protein expression profile of ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, BSG, DPP4, AGTR2, ANPEP, cathepsin B and cathepsin L was assessed by qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. In addition, we investigated if brain endothelial cells can be affected by the exposure to the S1 subunit of the S protein, the domain responsible for the direct binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptors. Results. The receptors involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection are coexpressed in the cells of the NVU, especially in astrocytes and microglial cells. These receptors are functionally active as exposure of endothelial cells to the SARS CoV-2 S1 protein subunit altered the expression pattern of tight junction proteins, such as claudin-5 and ZO-1. Additionally, HIV-1 infection upregulated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in brain astrocytes and microglia cells.Conclusions. These findings provide key insight into SARS-CoV-2 recognition by cells of the NVU and may help to develop possible treatment of CNS complications of COVID-19.
Integrated universal HIV testing with public health care program: an exploratory study of 1.1 million people from Eastern China
Authors: Xie Tiansheng , Liu Fumin , Wu Nanping
Published: February 2021

Objective
By investigating the large-scale HIV antibody screening of more than 1 million people, we explored weather the strategy of integrated universal HIV testing in a public health care program was useful.
Methods
We used a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method in a community-based investigation of 30 sample points within 9 counties in the Zhejiang province. The HIV antibody was detected, and demographic information was collected.
Results
Of the 1 113 030 people screened for HIV, 310 tested positive (adjusted HIV prevalence, 3.45/10000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.41–3.48). The HIV prevalence was higher in men(5.62/10000 ) than in women(1.17/10000) of all ages; those in the 25–34 and 35–44 age groups were highest (compared with the < 15 age group, the adjusted odds ratios were 25.69 and 18.48, respectively). The HIV prevalence at the medium gross domestic product (GDP) level (adjusted HIV prevalence, 5.28/10000; 95% CI, 4.53–6.04) was significantly higher than those at high and low GDP levels Especially in the male 25–34 and 35–44 age groups. Compared with the native HIV positive population, the migrants were younger, did not have a stable sexual partner, and had a lower level of education.
Conclusion
By using universal HIV testing integrated into a public health care program was feasible and (perhaps) effective in finding new HIV cases. We should pay more attention to the 25–44 age male population, as well as migrants in our HIV/AIDS control strategies, especial in industrial activity district.
Reference Data and Known-Groups Validity of the EQ-5D-5L for Vietnam
Authors: Vu Mai Quynh , Kim Giang Bao , Hoang Minh Van , Lindholm Lars , Sun Sun , Sahlen Klas Goran
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study aims to provide EQ-5D-5L reference data of the general Vietnamese population and to test the EQ-5D-5L’ known-groups validity among people living with hypertension in Vietnam.MethodsThe EQ-5D-5L population norms were obtained via a representative sample from a general population of 1200 adults. Outcomes of the population norms were presented through five dimensions and five levels, EQ-VAS, and EQ-5D-5L indexes. Descriptive statistics of these outcomes were categorised by gender and age groups. Evidence of the known-groups validity was based on a sample of 577 non-hypertensive adults, 242 individuals with undiagnosed and 477 individuals with diagnosed hypertension. A hypothesis was formulated that people with worse health status would have lower EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes. ResultsFor the EQ-5D-5L population norms, 54.4% of the respondents reported having full health. The mean EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes were 81.10 and 0.94, respectively. The EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes were higher among males, people at younger ages, those with more education, a paid job, and single. The mean EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes of people in the diagnosed hypertension group were statistically significantly lower than they were in the other two groups. ConclusionThe EQ-5D-5L population norms were derived for the Vietnamese general population. The EQ-5D-5L can distinguish the quality-of-life differences among Vietnamese with hypertension.
Effects of Life-form and Plants Functional Traits on Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulfur Distributed in Different Parts in Dry Region of Western India
Authors: Singh Genda , Singh Bilas
Published: February 2021

Background: Plants adapt to adverse environmental conditions accumulate varying concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) compounds to cope up with adverse climatic conditions. Carbon, N and S concentrations were determined in roots, stem and leaves of 33 species of trees/shrubs with objectives to observe the effects of life-form and plants functional traits, and select species with high concentration of these elements for their utilization in afforestation and medicinal uses. Results: Concentrations of C, N, and S and C: N and N: S ratio varied (P<0.05) between species, organs, life-forms and functional traits (legume vs non-legume). These variables were higher (except C in roots and stem) in trees than shrubs, and in leguminous than non-leguminous species. Non-leguminous species showed high S content and low N: S ratio. Antagonistic and synergistic relations were observed between C and N, and N and S concentration respectively. Species showed varying potential in assimilating carbon by regulating uptake and accumulation of these elements in different organs making them adapt to the habitats affected by drought and salinity. We observed strong plant size/life-form effects on C and N content and C: N and N: S ratios and of function on S content. Conclusions: Life-form/size and varying functions of the species determined C: nutrient ratio and elemental composition and helped adapting varying environmental stresses. This study assist in selecting species of high carbon, nitrogen and S content to utilize them in afforesting the areas affected by water and salt stresses, increased carbon storage and species with high S/N content in medicinal uses.
Lubrication Performance of Different Concentrations of Al2O3 Nanofluids on Minimum Quantity Lubrication Milling
Authors: Bai Xiufang , Jiang Juan , Li C. H. , Dong Lan , Duan Zhenjing , Zhang Haiying
Published: February 2021

Lubricant plays an important role in machining. Due to the problems of environmental protection and workers' health, traditional lubricants are gradually replaced. Nanofluid, adding nanoparticles into base oil, is a kind of environment-friendly low-carbon lubricant, which improves not only the heat transfer capacity but also the lubrication performance. However, how many nanoparticles added into the fluid can improve the lubrication performance best? There are few studies on the mechanism of lubrication performance of different concentrations, and the results are not very clear. In this research, nanofluid as lubricating fluid is made by adding 0.5~2.0% mass concentration of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles to the cottonseed oil during milling Grade 45 steel in minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) mode. The tribological properties of nanofluids with different concentrations at the tool/workpiece interface were studied by macro evaluation parameters (specific energy) and micro evaluation parameters (surface roughness, micro morphology, contact angle and viscosity). The results show that the concentration of nanoparticles has the most optimal value. When the concentration is 0.5 wt%, the specific energy is the minimum (0.281), and the roughness value is the lowest (1.63 μ m) . Meanwhile, slender chip and the largest droplet wetting area are obtained, which indicates better tribological properties. There is a nonlinear relationship between the lubricating effect of nanofluid and its concentration. The proper concentration of Al 2 O 3 nanofluid has good tribological properties and more potential to replace the pouring lubrication.
Effects of Early Cumulus Cell Removal on the Treatment Outcomes in Patients Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kong Pengcheng , Yin Mingru , Tang Chuanling , Zhu Xiuxian , Bukulmez Orhan , Chen Miaoxin , Teng Xiaoming
Published: February 2021

Background: Early cumulus cell removal combined with early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been widely practiced in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in China in order to avoid total fertilization failure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of early cumulus cell removal alone after 4 h co-incubation of gametes (4 h group) on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes as compared with the conventional cumulus cell removal after 20 h of insemination (20 h group) in patients undergoing IVF. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1784 patients who underwent their first fresh cleavage embryo transfer at the Centre for Assisted Reproduction of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from June 2016 to December 2018 (4 h group, n=570; 20 h group, n=1214). There were 1073 infants delivered after the embryo transfer (4 h group, n=337; 20 h group, n=736). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent association between early cumulus cell removal and pregnancy outcomes after adjustment for the potential confounders. The neonatal outcomes between the two groups were compared.Result(s): The 4 h group had similar pregnancy outcomes, including biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, live birth rate, when compared with the 20 h group. Both groups had comparable singleton and twin delivery rates (32.9% versus 33.5% and 13.2% versus 13.9%, respectively). There were 1073 infants delivered after the embryo transfer (4 h group, n=337; 20 h group, n=736). In both singleton and twin gestations, the preterm birth rate and very preterm birth rate, mean birth weight, mean gestational age, sex ratio at birth and rate of congenital birth defects in the 4 h group were similar to those in the 20 h group. In addition, Z-scores (gestational age- and sex-adjusted birthweight), the rates of small for gestational age, very small for gestational age, large for gestational age and very large for gestational age infants were also similar between the two groups in singleton gestations.Conclusion(s): Early cumulus cell removal alone was not associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing IVF. Thus, early cumulus cell removal to assess for a potential early rescue ICSI seems to be safe in terms of pregnancy and live birth outcomes.
Simultaneous Effect of Tool Rotation and Dwell Time on Quality of Dissimilar AA5052-Copper Joints Fabricated by Friction Stir Spot Welding
Authors: Jadidi Aydin , Azhiri Reza Bagherian , Baghdadchi Amir , Bideskan Abolfazl Salmani
Published: February 2021

In the present study, lap joints of dissimilar 5052 aluminum alloy and pure copper were fabricated by friction stir spot welding process. The work was aimed to find effect of parameters such as tool rotary speed (1000, 1400 and 2000 RPM) and dwell time (5, 10 and 15s) on microstructure and strength properties of lap joints. Also, statistical models of the quality characteristics were developed to understand which interaction has dominant effect on quality characteristics. Research findings showed that to obtain sound joints with high lap shear strength tool rotary speed of 2000 rpm and dwell time of 5s should be selected. It provides sufficient heat input and prevents the excessive material softening. On the other hand, to achieve maximum hardness, 2000 rpm tool rotary speed should be chosen to provide enough heat for formation of intermetallic compound and 10s dwell time should be used prevent enough time for microstructure refining. Moreover, from the statistical analyses, it was found that dwell time and tool speed are the significant factor for lap shear strength and hardness, respectively. In order to attain simultaneous maximum strength and hardness, tool speed of 2000 rpm and dwell time of 8 s should be used. In such condition lap shear strength of 1755 N and hardness of 77 V are achieved with desirability of 85%.
Probing Earth's Upper Mantle With Daily Magnetic Field Variations. Exploring a Physics-Based Parametrization of the Source
Authors: Zenhäusern Géraldine , Kuvshinov Alexey , Guzavina Martina , Maute Astrid
Published: February 2021

The electromagnetic (EM) field variations capable of probing the electrical conductivity of the upper mantle and mantle transition zone have a period range between a few hours and one day. At these periods, the dominant source of the EM signals is the ionospheric current system, which has a complex spatial and temporal structure. A concept of global-to-local (G2L) transfer functions can handle spatially complex source by relating global source expansion coefficients with locally measured magnetic (or/and electric) fields. When estimating the G2L transfer functions, the source is commonly expanded into spherical harmonics (SH). In this paper, we explore an alternative parametrization of the source based on a principal component analysis (PCA) of the Fourier transformed output from the physics-based Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM). Specifically, we investigate whether magnetic fields computed in the realistic three-dimensional conductivity model of Earth excited by the PCA-based source agree better with observatory data than those computed in the same model but induced by the SH-based source. Using PCA to capture the source current compared to SH parametrization, we found that agreement with the observatory data is better during magnetically disturbed times and at shorter periods. Vice versa, it is poorer during magnetically quiet times and at longer periods.
The Revised Self-monitoring Scale Detects Early Impairment of Social Cognition in Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Within the GENFI Cohort
Authors: Franklin Hannah Daisy , Russell Lucy L , Peakman Georgia , Greaves Caroline V , Bocchetta Martina , Nicholas Jennifer , Poos Jackie , Convery Rhian S , Cash David M , Swieten John Van , Jiskoot Lize , Moreno Fermin , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Borroni Barbara , Laforce Robert , Masellis Mario , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Rowe James B , Finger Elizabeth , Synofzik Matthis , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Santana Isabel , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris , Gerhard Alex , Levin Johannes , Danek Adrian , Otto Markus , Sorbi Sandro , Ber Isabelle Le , Pasquier Florence , Rohrer Jonathan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAlthough social cognitive dysfunction is a major feature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) it has been poorly studied in familial forms. A key goal of studies is to detect early cognitive impairment using validated measures in large patient cohorts. MethodsWe used the Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS) as a measure of socioemotional sensitivity in 730 participants from the Genetic FTD initiative (GENFI) observational study: 269 mutation-negative healthy controls, 193 C9orf72 expansion carriers, 193 GRN mutation carriers and 75 MAPT mutation carriers. All participants underwent the standardised GENFI clinical assessment including the ‘CDR® plus NACC FTLD’ scale and RSMS. The RSMS Total score and its two subscores, socioemotional expressiveness (EX score), and modification of self-presentation (SP score) were measured. Volumetric T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was available from 377 mutation carriers for voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. ResultsThe RSMS was decreased in symptomatic mutation carriers in all genetic groups but at a prodromal stage only in the C9orf72 (for the total score and both subscores), and GRN (for the modification of self-presentation subscore) groups. RSMS score correlated with disease severity in all groups. The VBM analysis implicated an overlapping network of regions including the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, temporal pole, medial temporal lobe and striatum. ConclusionsThe RSMS indexes socioemotional impairment at an early stage of genetic FTD, and may be a suitable outcome measure in forthcoming trials.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Separated Host-Symbiont Fractions From Five Symbiotic Corals: Applications of Chemotaxonomic and Trophic Biomarkers
Authors: KIM TAIHUN , Baker David M. , Ju Se-Jong , Lee Jetty Chung-Yung
Published: February 2021

Fatty acids (FAs) are the main components of lipids in corals. We examined FA profiles from five symbiotic coral species belonging to five different genera (Acropora, Pavona, Turbinaria, Favites and Platygyra) and four different families (Acroporidae, Agariciidae, Dendrophyllidae, Faviidae). We separated symbionts from coral host tissue to investigate the interaction of FA between symbionts and host tissue. After separation, we used FA profiles, in particular specific FAs (e.g. 16:0, 18:0, 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3, 22:6n-3) and their ratios (EPA:DHA, PUFA:SFA) as biomarkers to examine chemotaxonomic indication and trophic level (autotrophy vs. heterotrophy) of each coral species. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify and quantify FA. For quantification, the dry weight of total lipids was used to normalize FA concentration (μg mg-1). We found that 1) FA profiles and their abundance in coral host tissue and symbionts are distinct (with the exception of autotrophic species) 2) our five different coral species are defined by species-specific FA profiles, 3) certain FAs are useful biomarkers to determine relative trophic strategies (i.e. autotrophy and/or heterotrophy, 4) the application of FA ratios to define trophic level requires caution in research application and data interpretation. Considering the limitations of FA ratios determined herein, we suggest it to be more appropriate if these FA ratios were only applied to examine response to environmental change within species. Going forward, our study provides important FA baseline data that builds the foundation to future investigations on impacts of environmental changes on nutrition and metabolism in symbiotic corals.
JQ1 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Leukemia Cells Through BCL-2 Regulated Pathway
Authors: Zeng Yifan , Liang Xing-Hua , Xia Yong , He Wen-Yin
Published: February 2021

Objective To explore the mechanism of JQ1 on leukemia cells. Methods This study takes two myeloid leukemia cell lines as a research model. Cells treated with high concentration of JQ1 were collected for quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblot and flow cytometry to verify the effects of JQ1 on myeloid leukemia tumor cells. Combined with mRNA sequencing of cell lines to identify the differences in mRNA expression of different cell lines. Results Two cell lines changed cell morphology under JQ1 treatment. The cell membrane appeared in varying degrees of wrinkled internal subsidence. K562 cell lines can maintain stable proliferation after being induced by a specific concentration of JQ1. However, JQ1 cannot induce the death of the K562 cells. Although the MYC and BCL2 gene expression decreased, JQ1 did not affect the c-Myc targeted genes to affect the cell cycle, nor did it trigger the BCL2-mediated apoptosis pathway. On the contrary, after JQ1 induced the MV-4-11 cells, the MYC-mediated cell cycle significantly slowed down and arrested at the G0/G1 phase. The death of MV-4-11 tumor cells through the apoptosis pathway regulated by BCL-2 family. Conclusion JQ1 has different pharmacological effects on two myeloid leukemia cell lines. For MV-4-11, JQ1 mainly inhibited cell cycle by regulating MYC pathway and induced BCL-2-mediated apoptosis to kill myeloid leukemia tumor cells and thus perform anti-tumor effects. K-562 cells showed drug resistance to JQ1 which confirmed that the K-562 cell line has a feedback mechanism that prevents JQ1-induced apoptosis.
DFT study of the radical scavenging activity of isoxanthohumol, humulones (α-acids) and iso-α-acids from beer
Authors: Cvijetić Ilija N. , Bigović Miljan , Ristivojević Petar , Vitorović-Todorović Maja , Zloh Mire , Milojković-Opsenica Dušanka
Published: February 2021

Humulones and iso-humulones are potent natural antioxidants found in beer. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) method was applied for elucidating the structure-antioxidant activity relationship and molecular mechanism of antioxidant activity of eight bioactive humulones previously identified in different beer samples: isoxanthohumol, ( R )- and ( S )-adhumulone, cis - and trans -iso-adhumulone, cis - and trans -iso-n-humulone, and desdimetyhyl-octahydro-iso-cohumulone. The calculated bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) suggest that desdimethyl-octahydro-iso-cohumulone was the most potent compound with BDEs 5.1 and 23.9 kJ/mol lower compared to the values for resveratrol in gas phase and water, respectively. The enolic –OH is the most reactive site for hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). The presence of β-keto group with respect to enolic –OH diminishes the HAT potency via the formation of a strong intramolecular hydrogen bond. Another common antioxidant mechanism, single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), is only feasible for isoxanthohumol. The results of this study indicate a strong correlation between the increased antioxidant activity of beer products and the higher content of reduced iso-α-acids.
Barriers of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gohal Gassem , Mustafa Mai Mohamed Elhassan , Al-makramani Ali Ali Ahmed , Ahmed Amani , Elsharief Mohamed , Abdelmola Amani , Awadallah Sara Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background: Breastfeeding is considered the optimal infant feeding method with numerous benefits for both mother and infant. This study aims to assess breastfeeding Knowledge and determine barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers attending the Primary Health Care Centers in Jazan City. The scope of this research is to suggest a strategy for encouraging mothers in Jazan for the crucial needs for exclusive breastfeeding and overcoming the barriers of breastfeeding.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that included all mothers attending the PHC center. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. SPSS was used for data analysis using the student T-test and ANOVA Test.Results: Most study participants understand breastfeeding's health benefits for babies and mothers, but most believe that synthetic milk is the best alternative for working mothers' to feed their babies. 66.7% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of the child's life, and only 28.9% continued exclusive breastfeeding for six months. During the first six months of the child's life, exclusive breastfeeding shows a significant relationship with breastfeeding knowledge and barriers. Sixty percent of mothers have ever had any information about breastfeeding; those who knew the primary source were from their mothers and only 31.4% from hospital staff. Most of the respondents did not agree with the statements given to them as exclusive breastfeeding barriers, which grabs attention to an unexpected response.Conclusions: Most participants have good knowledge concerning breastfeeding benefits for both the mother and infants and disagreed on the mentioned barriers for exclusive breastfeeding that include lack of breastmilk, feel of Fatigue and tiredness, High household burdens, Father does not encourage breastfeeding, use of birth contraception, embarrassment of breastfeeding in public and in front of family members, lack of information and sufficient support and guidance on the importance of B.F., working conditions, bad smell of the nursing mother, transmission of diseases from mother to the child. Health care professionals should actively work hard to encourage mothers, raise their awareness and find the root cause for low exclusive breastfeeding practice rates.
Joint Multi-item Multi-supplier Sustainable Lot-sizing Model Applying Combined BWM, TOPSIS, Possibilistic Programming, and ε-constraint Method
Authors: Shaw Krishnendu , Lahri Vijay , Shankar Ravi
Published: February 2021

Procurement decisions play a vital part in the sustainable transformation of the supply chain. Till now, a variety of supplier selection and lot-sizing models have been suggested, in particular, focusing on carbon emissions in a deterministic environment. It is noted that stressing only on carbon emissions cannot fully transform a sustainable supply chain. The present study argues that with carbon footprint, other dimensions, such as social sustainability, water footprint, recycled material use, solid and liquid waste, need to be considered in sustainable procurement decisions. To fill the gaps, this study proposed a three-stage multi-objective multi-supplier, multi-period joint supplier selection, and a lot-sizing model, taking into account carbon footprint, water footprint, solid and liquid waste, and use of recycled materials in a stochastic environment. The model optimizes three objectives (cost, carbon emission, and social sustainability). The model considers different model parameters as uncertain, such as costs, emission, solid waste, liquid waste, recycled material, quality rejection, and capacity. The present study suggests how to quantify social sustainability and further use it in the lot-sizing model. The proposed study has been carried out in three stages. In the first stage, BWM (Best-Worst method) and TOPSIS are applied to evaluate suppliers' social scores. In the second stage, the suppliers' social scores are used in the proposed possibilistic lot-sizing model. In the third stage, various trade-off curves are generated by applying the ε-constraint method. The model produces distinct optimal solutions for different uncertainty levels, which are used to create trade-off curves among the cost, emission, and social dimensions. The results facilitate decision-makers to decide the lot-size in an ambiguous environment.
KLECTOR: Design of Low Power Static Random-Access Memory Architecture with reduced Leakage Current
Authors: Tamilarasan Ananth Kumar , Edward Darwin Sundarapandi , Sarasam Arun Samuel Thankamony
Published: February 2021

A novel approach called Keeper in LEakage Control Transistor (KLECTOR) is presented in this paper to reduce leakage currents in SRAM architecture. The SRAM is significantly affected by the leakage current during the "standby mode", which is caused by the fabric which has a lower threshold voltage. KLECTOR circuit employs less power consumption by restricting the flow of current through devices of less voltage drops and relies heavily on the self-controlled transistor at the output node. It has been found from the presented results that static (leakage) power in the write operation is reduced to 63% and 69 % for the read operation. This proposed approach is designed and simulated using the Virtuoso, Cadence EDA tool.
ANKIB1 Functions as a Partner of E3 ubiquitin ligase 
Authors: Xie Bohong , Ma Zhenling , Yang Zishan , Li Yuanbo , Liu Shirao , Yang Haijie , Wang Lei , Cheng Binfeng , Feng Zhiwei , Xie Yunfei
Published: February 2021

ANKIB1 is an RBR domain-containing protein. It has been classified as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for a long time. However, little is known about its E3 ligase activity and related ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s). We investigated the expression pattern, cellular localization, and brain distribution of ANKIB1. Immunoblotting showed that human cancer cell lines had different expression patterns of ANKIB1 with virus-transformed immortal lymphocytes and human brain. Immunocytofluorescence analysis indicated that ANKIB1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, and immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that ANKIB1 was highly expressed in the rat brain cortex but seldom expressed in the basal ganglia. We then performed coimmunoprecipitation, in vitro and in vivo ubiquitination assay to determine whether ANKIB1 functions as an E3 ligase. A panel of class I and class III E2s were tested, of which UbcH8, UbcH10, and UbcH13 were confirmed to interact with ANKIB1. Moreover, ANKIB1 showed E3 ligase activity both in vivo and in vitro, but it promoted protein ubiquitination more efficiently in vivo. These data suggest that ANKIB1 acts as a partner of an E3 ligase complex, and may play important roles in regulating tumorigenesis and brain cortex function.
PPARγ Agonist Pioglitazone Inhibits PDGF-induced Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation and Migration via Modulating TERT
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Feng Wei , Shi Wenhua , Wang Jian , Wang Qingting , Chai Limin , Chen Yuqian , Li Manxiang , Xie Xinming
Published: February 2021

Background: Vascular remodeling is a significant feature of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), characterized by abnormal proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as a determinant factor for controlling telomerase activity has been proved to be associated with cell proliferation. This study aims to explore whether TERT participates in the proliferation of PASMCs and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: Primary PASMCs of SD rat were used in this experiment. the proliferation and migration of cells were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assay, respectively. The telomerase activity was determined by Rat TE ELISA KIT. The siRNA transfection was conducted to silence the expression of c-MYC. the protein levels of p-Akt, c-MYC and TERT were determined through western blotting. Results: We found that PDGF upregulated TERT expression and telomerase activation by activation of Akt and upregulation of c-MYC in PASMCs. Inhibition of Akt by LY294002, knockdown of c-MYC by siRNA or suppression of telomerase activity by BIBR1532 repressed PDGF-induced PASMCs proliferation and migration. Furthermore, activation of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) by pioglitazone suppressed PDGF-induced TERT expression and telomerase activation, leading to inhibition of PASMCs proliferation and migration.Conclusion: our work demonstrates that TERT mediates PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of PASMCs. In addition, activation of PPARγ inhibits these processes via Akt/c-MYC/TERT pathway.
An Sr doping 0.65(Bi0.5Na0.5) TiO3-0.35 (Sr0.7+x+ Bi0.2) TiO3 Ceramic with Tunable Crystal Structures and Energy Storge Performances
Authors: Liu Yiming , Xia Weimin , Li Zhizhong , Lu Danfeng , Feng Yan
Published: February 2021

A series of 0.65(Bi0.5 Na0.5 )TiO3 -0.35(Sr0.7+x +Bi0.2 )TiO3 (BNT-S0.7+x BT) composite ceramic pellets are synthesized using the traditional solid sintering method, where a tunable x, that is the changeable volume of Sr, is expected to tailor energy storage through the adjustments of the A-site stoichiometry in BNT-S0.7+x BT. We find that a small excess of Sr2+ ions results in an extensively tunning on the crystal grain size and even contributes to the A-site disorder and charge fluctuation of BNT-S0.7+x BT. As such, the BNT-S0.7+x BT exhibits a minimum average grain size and a highly compact crystal morphology. Meanwhile, a relatively thin polarization-electric field (P-E) loop with a high maximum polarization of 42μC/cm2 and a low remnant electric polarization of 5μC/cm2 are obtained in a BNT-S0.75 BT sample under 100 kV/cm, which corresponds to a large energy density of 9.81 J cm-3 . Attractively, this ceramic possesses an excellent temperature stability of polarization performances and strain under high electric field of 100kV/cm, which favors of the energy storage of relaxor ferroelectric ceramics and is valuable to a supercapacitor serving at evaluated high temperature.
Increased Loading Rates During Gait Correlate with Morphology of Unaffected Hip in Juveniles with Treated Developmental Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Lee Wei-Chun , Chen Tsan-Yang , Hung Li-Wei , Wang Ting-Ming , Chang Chia-Hsieh , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: February 2021

Long-term follow-up studies on children with surgically treated developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) have shown that not only the affected side progresses to premature osteoarthritis, but the unaffected side may also suffer from insidious hip dysplasia or osteonecrosis. The current gait analysis study identified the loading and unloading rates of the ground reaction forces (GRF) and lower limb joint axial forces during gait, and their correlations with the hip morphology in twenty juvenile patients with surgically treated unilateral DDH during toddlerhood. Radiographic measurements of the hips were taken, and the correlations between the morphological parameters and the loading and unloading rates were obtained. The patients showed greater-than-normal peak loading rates of the joint axial forces, and the loading rates on both the affected and unaffected sides were highly correlated to the acetabular index on the unaffected side, which was also significantly correlated with the peak unloading rates on the affected side. These results suggest that apart from regular follow-up of the affected hip, routine assessment of the morphological changes and/or increased loading rates of the unaffected hip is also important for early identification of any signs of insidious hip dysplasia and risk of premature degeneration of the cartilage.
Development and control strategy research for subsea all-electric actuators
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Kewen , Chen Qianqian , Cao Jinfeng , Liu Jie , Wang Lihui
Published: February 2021

The development of subsea all-electric Christmas trees is an area of focus in the offshore oil industry worldwide. The main difficulties are associated with the development and control strategies for subsea all-electric actuators, which are the most critical components of subsea Christmas trees. In this paper, a single-motor level fuzzy PID control with an integrated working condition detection module and a 3-motor redundant-level deviation strategy with coupled joint synchronous control were proposed to realize the real-time determination of algorithm parameters according to the working conditions, accelerate convergence to solve the problem of rapid redistribution, maintain the fast speed of the servo motor of the subsea all-electric tree valve actuator, conduct simulation analyses of the synchronous control model, build the synchronous control electrical system and test this system. With the simulation analysis, a synchronous control electrical system was built, tested and verified. The simulation results of the control strategy show that the proposed single-motor fuzzy PID-deviation coupled control strategy in this paper tends to be stable approximately 0.2 s after the system is started; additionally, with this approach, the convergence speed is faster than that of the traditional PID method, tracking errors are highly reduced, and robustness to load shocks is decreased. The test results show that when the inlet pressures are 1.0 MPa, 1.5 MPa and 2.0 MPa and the three servo motors simultaneously work, the control effect is good, the synchronization effect is good. When one servo motor fails, the two redundant servo motors can still control the all-electric valve actuator and provide good synchronization control capabilities. When the inlet pressure is 1.0 MPa, 1.5 MPa and 2.0 MPa, whether the system is in normal operation or a servo motor fails, the vertical and horizontal vibration values of the system are within reasonable ranges. This result verifies that the proposed control strategy yields superior performance in power distribution compared to traditional systems and strong robustness. The synchronous control strategy can be applied to the synchronous control problem of subsea all-electric production systems, which is of great significance for the development of subsea all-electric production systems.
Antibiogram signatures of non-cholera causing Vibrio species recovered from environmental niches in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Authors: Ayodele Oluwakemi Victoria , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi
Published: February 2021

Background: The use of antibiotics globally has helped reduce mortality and morbidity rate due to its ability to effectively treat bacterial infections in both humans and animals. However, the menace of antimicrobial resistance has become a challenge to public health due to its increased mortality and morbidity rate. This study determined the antibiogram pattern of non-cholera causing Vibrio species against a panel of 11 antibiotics that are wildly used for treatment. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotype, multiple antibiotic resistant indices and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of test antibiotics were also determined.Results: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm 100 isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 82 and 46 isolates of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio fluvialis respectively, collected from the culture collections of the Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), University of Fort Hare. Thereafter, disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibiogram pattern of target non-cholera causing Vibrio species against a panel of 11 antibiotics that are of clinical importance. The highest rate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus resistance was observed against tetracycline (22 %) and nalidixic acid (16 %). Vibrio fluvialis also displayed highest rate of resistance against tetracycline (28 %) and nalidixic acid (28 %), while Vibrio vulnificus isolates exhibited highest rate resistance against imipenem (40 %) and tetracycline (22 %). A total of 38 MARP patterns were observed and the MAR indices ranged between 0.3 and 0.8. Against the resistant Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio fluvialis isolates, minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 16 µg/ml to 2048 µg/ml for both tetracycline and nalidixic acid, while against Vibrio vulnificus isolates, minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 8 µg/ml to 256 µg/ml for both imipenem and nalidixic acid. Conclusions: Results obtained from this study is an indication that antibiotic resistant bacteria that could pose as threat to health of humans and animals are present in the environment.
Printability of variative nanocellulose derived papers
Authors: Ozcan Arif , Tozluoglu Ayhan , Kandirmaz Emine Arman , Tutus Ahmet , Fidan Hakan
Published: February 2021

The printability properties of the paper can be increased by some processes applied to the surface. The use of non-recyclable materials derived from petroleum is decreasing day by day, and the demand for recyclable materials obtained from renewable sources is increasing. These materials include cellulose derivatives, starch types and polyvinyl alcohol. The materials ratios, sizes, physical and chemical properties of these materials used in the processes applied to the paper and the content of the paper will affect the strength of the paper as well as change the surface properties and significantly affect the printability.In this study, fluting and core board papers coated with different amounts of cellulose nanofiber/ cellulose nanofiber-oxidized (CNF/CNF-OX) were produced. Surface properties, contact angle, surface energy, color and gloss of the produced papers were measured by optical microscope, goniometer, spectrophotometer and glossmeter. The papers were printed with the IGT C1 offset printability tester. The color and gloss properties of the printed papers were measured. As a result, in terms of printability, it was determined that CNF/CNF-OX coated papers have smoother surfaces and give better results in terms of both gloss properties and printability.
Regulatory VCAN Polymorphism is Associated with Shoulder Pain and Disability in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Mafu Trevor Shepherd , September Alison V , Shamley Delva
Published: February 2021

Background and PurposeShoulder morbidity following breast cancer treatment is multifactorial. Despite several treatment- and patient-related factors implicated, unexplained inter-individual variability exists in the development of such morbidity. Given the paucity of relavant genetic studies, we investigate the role of polymorphisms in candidate proteoglycan genes.Patients and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on 254 South African breast cancer survivors, to evaluate associations between shoulder pain/disability and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within four proteoglycan genes: ACAN (rs1126823 G>A, rs1516797 G>T, rs2882676 A>C); BGN (rs1042103 G>A, rs743641 A>T, rs743642 G>T); DCN rs516115 C>T; and VCAN (rs11726 A>G, rs2287926 G>A, rs309559). Participants were grouped into no–low and moderate–high shoulder pain/disability based on total pain/disability scores: <30 and ≥30, respectively using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI).ResultsThe GG genotype of VCAN rs11726 was independently associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate to high shoulder pain (P=0.005, OR=2.326, 95% CI=1.259 - 4.348) or disability (P=0.011, OR=2.439, 95% CI=1.235 - 4.762) categories, after adjusting for participants’ age. In addition, the T-T-G inferred allele combination of BGN (rs74364 - rs743642) - VCAN rs11726 was associated with an increased risk of being in the moderate to high shoulder disability category (0=0.002, OR=2.347, 95% CI=1.215 - 4.534).ConclusionOur study is first to report that VCAN rs11726, independently or interacting with BGN polymorphisms, is associated with shoulder pain or disability in breast cancer survivors. Whereas our findings suggest an involvement of proteoglycans in the etiology of shoulder pain/disability, further studies are recommended.