bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KARAKTERISTIK EKSTERIOR, PRODUKSI DAN KUALITAS TELUR ITIK ALABIO (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo) DI SENTRA PETERNAKAN ITIK KALIMANTAN SELATAN
Authors: Sulaiman Abrani , Rahmatullah S. N.
Published: November 2021

Alabio duck as one of the genetic resources of South Kalimantan develop rapidly and well-known as an excellent breed of ducks for egg production in Indonesia. However, due to unplanned crossbreeding in the field, presumely  the productivity and the purity of Alabio ducks decreased.   The study is conducted in order to provide information of the characteristics of body weight, body shape, colour of feather, beak, and shank, and also egg production and egg quality of Alabio ducks at duck farming centers in South Kalimantan.  The results indicated that there are uniformity in body weight,  ≤ 1,5 – 1,6 kg for female and  > 1,6 kg for male at 20-24 weeks of age, bottle for of body shape, 60o elavation, but there are variations in some degree in feather colour, beak colour and shank colour of Alabio duks. The feathers vary between batik (strip) or not-strip with cream as the base color. Meanwhile, the colour of beak and shank vary as light yellow, old yellow and orange.  Unless for the higher egg production (91%) in the intensive system and yellow red yolk colour (12,93 RYCF) in the extensive system, egg qualities are not different between production systems.
PENGARUH EKSTRAK BIJI DURIAN (Durio zibethinusMurr) TERHADAP PENINGKATAN GAIRAH SEKSUAL MENCIT (Mus musculus L) JANTAN
Authors: Setyorini Noni Arai
Published: November 2021

Biji durian yang sampai saat ini belum dimanfaatkan, ternyata mengandung alkaloidyohimbin yang bermanfaat sebagai afrodisiaka (peningkat gairah seksual). Penelitian inibertujuan untuk membuktikan khasiat biji durian sebagai afrodisiaka pada mencit jantan.Rancangan penelitian yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 4kelompok perlakuan dan 3 ulangan, yaitu K1 : Kontrol (perlakuan dengan pemberian 1 mlakuades), K2 ( Perlakuan dengan 1 ml ekstrak 10%), K3 (Perlakuan dengan 1 ml ekstrak15% ) dan K4 (Perlakuan dengan 1 ml ekstrak 20%). Masing-masing ekstrak diberikan padahewan uji per oral 1 ml setiap har. Sore hari menjelang malam mencit jantan dimasukkan kedalam kandang mencit betina agar terjadi perkawinan. Pemberian ekstrak dan pengamatandilakukan selama 9 hari dari pukul 18.00 – pukul 19.00. Parameter yang diamati untukmenilai gairah seksual mencit jantan terhadap mencit betina adalah frekuensi pendekatan danfrekuensi kawin. Pada hari ke 10 diadakan pembedahan untuk diambil spermatozoa vasdeferensnya. Data yang diperoleh diolah secara statistik dengan uji ANAVA  = 5% untukmengetahui adanya perbedaan nyata dan dilanjutkan Uji BNT, untuk mengetahui letakperbedaan pengaruh antar perlakuan. Hasil penelitian mendapatkan bahwa pemberian ekstrakbiji durian meningkatkan frekuensi pendekatan dan frekuensi kawin mencit jantan sertapeningkatan jumlah spermatozoa.
METODOLOGIAS ATIVAS NO ENSINO DE SAÚDE DO IDOSO: uma revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Borges Ana Kleiber Pessoa , Brito Ana Gabriela Ferreira , Batista Ilaíse Brilhante , Marinho Jéssica da Silva , Costa Erenilde Barbosa da Silva , Melo Mislene Ferreira Xavier de
Published: November 2021

Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar as práticas em metodologias ativas utilizadas no ensino de saúde do idoso. Realizou-se a busca da amostra nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, Periódicos CAPES e buscador Google Scholar. Foram selecionados 07 artigos e sua análise resultou nas categorias “o uso de metodologias ativas para o ensino em saúde ao idoso” e “o uso das principais metodologias ativas na formação de acadêmicos, profissionais e cuidadores”. As demandas sociais atuais exigem metodologias de ensino que possibilitem uma formação crítica, reflexiva e problematizadora. Sugere-se a necessidade de mais pesquisas sobre esse tema, tanto no âmbito acadêmico, quanto em outros contextos de ensino, como a educação em saúde e permanente.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Metodologia ativa; Saúde; Idoso.
SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS: Moçambican ethnicities
Authors: Sefane Antonio Francisco , Gomes Joseneide dos Santos
Published: November 2021

This article aims to bring a reflection on the theory of Social Representations from the perspective of Social Psychology. From the bibliographic review, an analogy is made between the theories of social representations, to a concrete society, in this case, the Mozambican society. Social representations have been a topic widely discussed by several and categorized authors, many of them addressing the relationship between cognition-knowledge, individual and society. For this purpose, three Mozambican ethnicities were analyzed, namely, Macuas-Lomués, Ndaus and Tsongas, in which, based on the bibliographic verification of their cultures, beliefs and values, a real analogy can be drawn between the theories on social and cultural representations. the behaviors of these ethnic groups, which make clear the different social representations in the different regions that form the country called Mozambique.The basis of the research was the bibliographic review, both to address the theoretical supports, as well as to address the Mozambican reality.
Design and Prototyping Single-Phase Inverter with Arduino Nano
Authors: Maghfiroh, ST., M.Eng. Hari , Sujono Augustinus , Zidny M. Iqbal , Widyastama Taufik
Published: November 2021

Across the year, the needs of Indonesians in the use of electronic equipment are increasing, which results in higher electricity usage. Because most of the electricity load uses AC power, in the application of a DC power source such as solar cells, an inverter that converts DC to AC power is needed. Therefore, the inverter is one of the tools that are widely developed in power electronics. The output voltage from simulation and real hardware is a sine wave with some distortion due to lack of filter; therefore, there occurs a harmonic. The voltage and frequency were also measured with a multimeter. The result shows that both voltage and frequency are closed to the design specification which is 220V 50Hz with the voltage and frequency difference of 1.09% and 0.4%, respectively.
Desorption and Transport of Temperature-Pressure Effect on Adsorbed Gas in Coal Samples from Zhangxiaolou Mine, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Li Wenxin , Li Gan
Published: November 2021

The development of coal seam fissures and gas migration process caused by mining disturbance has an extremely important influence on gas control and roadway stability. In this study, the desorption, diffusion, and migration tests of adsorbed gas under the coupling effect of temperature and uniaxial compression were conducted on four coal samples from Zhangxiaolou mine, using the temperature and pressure coupling test system of deep coal rocks. The test confirms that the higher the temperature, the faster the desorption and emission of the adsorbed gases in the coal, and the larger the volume of the emitted gases. Meanwhile, it is found that the adsorbed gases in the coal samples of Zhangxiaolou mine are carbon dioxide and methane in the order of content. It is found that during the uniaxial compression process, several large negative values of the pressure of the emitted gas occur during the stable growth stage of the crack. This indicates that the crack expansion makes a new negative pressure space inside the coal sample, and the negative pressure values increase continuously during the unstable growth phase of the crack until the coal sample is destroyed. And after the axial pressure is removed, the escaped gas pressure shows a large positive value due to the rebound of the coal matrix and the continuous desorption of a large amount of adsorbed gas from the new crack location, which has a significant hysteresis with respect to the occurrence of the peak stress. Meanwhile, the SEM images of the coal samples before and after the test are analyzed to confirm the cause of the negative pressure generation.
Responding to COVID-19 by building health workforce capacity across eleven countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tsiouris Fatima Oliveira , Hartsough Kieran , Poimbouef Michelle , Raether Claire , Farahani Mansoor , Ferreira Thais , Kamanzi Collins , Maria Joana , Nshimirimana Majoric , Mwanza Job , Njenga Amon , Odera Doris , Tenthani Lyson , Ukaejiofo Onyekachi , Vambe Debrah , Fazito Erika , Patel Leena , Lee Christopher , Strasser Susan Michaels , Rabkin Miriam
Published: November 2021

Background: The global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus highlights both the importance of frontline healthcare workers (HCW) in pandemic response and their heightened vulnerability during infectious disease outbreaks. Adequate preparation, including the development of human resources for health (HRH) is essential to an effective response. ICAP at Columbia University (ICAP) partnered with Resolve to Save Lives and MOHs to design an emergency training initiative for frontline HCW in 11 African countries, using a competency-based backward-design approach and tailoring training delivery and health facility selection based on country context, location and known COVID-19 community transmission. Methods: Pre and Post-test assessments were conducted on participants completing the COVID-19 training. Parametric and non-parametric methods were used to examine average individual-level changes from pre- to post-test, and compare performance between countries, cadres, sex and facility types. A post evaluation online training survey using Qualtrics was distributed to assess participants’ satisfaction and explore training relevance and impact on their ability to address COVID-19 in their facilities and communities. Results: A total of 8,797 HCW at 945 health facilities were trained between June 2020 and October 2020. Training duration ranged from 1 to 8 days (median: 3days) and consisted of in person, virtual or self guided training. Of the 8,105 (92%) HCW working at health facilities, the majority (62%) worked at secondary level facilities as these were the HF targeted for COVID-19 patients. Paired pre- and post-test results were available for 2,370 (25%) trainees, and 1,768 (18%) participants completed the post-evaluation training survey. On average, participants increased their pre- to post-test scores by 15 percentage points (95% CI: 0.14, 0.15). While confidence in their ability to manage COVID-19 was high following the training, respondents reported that lack of access to testing kits (55%) and PPE (50%), limited space in the facility to isolate patients (45%), and understaffing (39%) were major barriers. Conclusion: Ongoing investment in health systems and focused attention to health workforce capacity building is critical to outbreak response. The success of our short-term IPC training initiative was due both to the speed, rigor and flexibility of its design and delivery, and to the pre-existing systems, resources, and partnerships that enabled its rapid implementation
Premammillary Artery Infarction after Microsurgical Clipping of Unruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: Risk Factors, Surgical, and Anatomical Considerations
Authors: LEE JONG MIN , Byun Joon Ho , Lee Seungjoo , Park Eun Suk , Park Jung Cheol , Ahn Jae Sung , Park Wonhyoung
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm is common and sometimes requires microsurgery; however, as data on premammillary artery (PMA) infarction after clipping is scarce, we retrospectively reviewed cases of post-clipping PMA infarction to analyze incidence, independent risk factors of infarction, and anatomical considerations.
Methods
Data from 569 consecutive patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for unruptured PCoA aneurysm between January 2008 and December 2020 were included. Patients were categorized into the normal or the PMA infarction group. Statistical analyses and comparisons between the two groups were used to determine the influence of various factors.
Results
The normal group included 515 patients while the PMA infarction group had 31. The mean length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the PMA infarction group (10.3 ± 9.1 days) than in the normal group (6.5 ± 6.4 days; p < 0.0001). The distribution of Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge was significantly different between the two groups (p ≤ 0.0001) but was not so at 6 months after discharge (p = 0.0568). Multivariate-logistic-regression analysis identified aneurysm size (odds ratio [OR], 1.194; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.32; p = 0.0005) and medial direction of aneurysm (OR, 4.615; 95% CI, 1.224–17.406; p = 0.0239) as independent risk factors of post-clipping PMA infarction.
Conclusions
Surgeons must beware of PMA infarction after clipping of large aneurysms that are medial in direction. Intraoperative verification of the patency of the PCoA and the PMA from various angles using various intraoperative methods can reduce morbidity due to PMA infarction.
Dynamically Tunable Plasmon-induced Transparency in Parallel Black Phosphorus Nanoribbons
Authors: Hu Bao Jing , Huang Ming , Hong SuMei , Yang JingJing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we investigate the dynamically tunable plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effects in parallel black phosphorus nanoribbons (BPNRs). The results show that the BPNRs having different lengths can be regarded as bright modes. Single-band, double-band, triple-band, and multi-band PIT effects based on the bright-bright mode coupling between parallel BPNRs are achieved. The physical mechanism of the single-band model can be explained theoretically by the radiating two-oscillator (RTO) model. Due to the heavier effective mass in the zigzag (ZZ) direction of the BP, the frequencies of the transparent peaks are shifted to lower frequencies when the placement directions of BPNRs are changed from the X-direction to the Y-direction. Furthermore, the resonant frequencies of the transparent windows in each model can be tuned by changing the relaxation rates of the BPNRs. The frequencies of the transparent windows are blue-shifted as the relaxation rates are increased. Finally, The corresponding sensors based on single-band PIT effect show high sensitivities of 7.35 THz/RIU. Our study has potential applications for improving the design of multiple-band filters, sensors and on-off switcher.
Understanding OxymaPure As A Peptide Coupling Additive. A Guide To New Oxyma Derivatives
Authors: Manne Srinivasa Rao , Sharma Anamika , Sazonovas Andrius , El-Faham Ayman , Torre Beatriz G de la , Albericio Fernando
Published: November 2021

An in-silico study, using the GALAS algorithm available in ACD/Percepta, was performed to calculate the pKa(s) of the various oximes with potential application as peptide coupling additives. Among the known oximes and predicted structures, OxymaPure is superior based on the pKa values calculated, confirming the results described in the literature and validating this algorithm for further uses in that field. Among the non-described oximes, based on pKa calculation, ethyl 2-(hydroxyimino)-2-nitroacetate seems to be a potential candidate to be used as an additive during peptide coupling.
Uncertainty Quantification of Granular Computing-neural Network Model for Prediction of Pollutant Longitudinal Dispersion Coefficient in Aquatic Streams
Authors: Ghiasi Behzad , Yuanbin Sun , Noori Roohollah , Sheikhian Hossein , Zeynolabedin Amin , Jun Changhyun , Hamouda Mohamed , Bateni Sayed M. , Abolfathi Soroush
Published: November 2021

Discharge of pollution loads into natural water systems remains a global challenge that threatens water/food supply as well as endangers ecosystem services. Natural rehabilitation of the polluted streams is mainly influenced by the rate of longitudinal dispersion (Dx), a key parameter with large temporal and spatial fluctuates that characterizes pollution transport. The large uncertainty in estimation of Dx in streams limits evaluation of water quality in natural streams and design of water quality enhancement strategies. This study develops a sophisticated model coupled with granular computing and neural network models (GrC-ANN) to provide robust prediction of Dx and its uncertainty for different flow-geometric conditions with high spatiotemporal variability. Uncertainty analysis of Dx GrC-ANN model was based on the alteration of training data fed to tune the model. Modified bootstrap method was employed to generate different training patterns through resampling from a 503 global database of tracer experiments in streams. Comparison between the Dx values estimated by GrC-ANN to those determined from tracer measurements show the appropriateness and robustness of the proposed method in determining the rate of longitudinal dispersion. GrC-ANN model with the narrowest bandwidth of estimated uncertainty (bandwidth-factor =0.56) that brackets the most percentage of true Dx data (i.e., 100%) is the best model to compute Dx in streams. Given considerable inherent uncertainty reported in other Dx models, the Dx GrC-ANN model is suggested as a proper tool for further studies of pollutant mixing in turbulent flow systems such as streams.
Functional Caracterization of CapBCA in Controlling Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid Synthesis in Corynebacterium Glutamicum
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Wang Jiyue , Gu Luning , Zhu Yaxin , Zha Jian , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhang Xiaojuan , Cheng Zhongyi , Yuan Zhenbo , Cui Wenjing , Shi Jinsong , Koffas Mattheos , Xu Zhenghong
Published: November 2021

Background

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural anionic biopolymer widely used in various fields, including medicine, food, cosmetics, and environmental protection. The γ-PGA synthase complex, CapBCA, is the only polyprotein complex responsible for γ-PGA synthesis. However, systematic and in-depth research on the function of each component involved in γ-PGA synthesis is scarce, which limits enhanced production of γ-PGA.
Results

To address this limitation, γ-PGA synthase components were localized, and their functions associated with γ-PGA synthesis were investigated in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Bioinformatics analysis and confocal microscopic observations of CapB-sfGFP, CapC-sfGFP, and CapA-sfGFP proteins revealed that γ-PGA synthase components CapB, CapC, and CapA were all localized on the cell membrane. More importantly, γ-PGA was detected only when CapB, CapC, and CapA were expressed in combination in C. glutamicum. Furthermore, enhancement of CapB or CapC transcription levels (from low to high) and maintaining medium-level CapA transcription led to 35.44% and 76.53% increase in γ-PGA yield (γ-PGA yield-to-biomass), respectively. However, maintaining medium-level CapB and CapC transcription, and moderate enhancement of CapA transcription level (from low to medium) led to 35.01% increase in γ-PGA yield, whereas a further increase in CapA expression (from medium to high) led to 10.36% decrease in γ-PGA yield. Notably, CapC had the greatest influence (accounting for 68.24%) on γ-PGA synthesis.
Conclusions

The present study determined the membrane localization of γ-PGA synthase components, CapB, CapC, and CapA, in C. glutamicum and confirmed the significance of these components in γ-PGA production. Furthermore, CapC was found to have the greatest influence on controlling γ-PGA synthesis. These findings shed light into the effect of γ-PGA synthase component expression on γ-PGA synthesis, and provide insights for further improvement in γ-PGA production.
Ruxolitinib Suppresses Liver Fibrosis Progression and Accelerates Fibrosis Reversal via Selectively Targeting Janus Kinase 1/2
Authors: Song Zhenghui , Liu Xinhui , Zhang Wan , Luo Yue , Xiao Hua , Liu Yun , Dai Guanqi , Hong Jian , Li Aimin
Published: November 2021

BackgroundJAK1 and JAK2 have been implicated in fibrosis and cancer as a fibroblast-related marker; however, their role in liver fibrosis has not been elucidated. Here, we aim to determine the effect and underlying mechanism of JAK1/2 inhibition on liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and further explore the therapeutic efficacy of Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 selective inhibitor, on preventing and reversing liver fibrosis in mice. MethodsImmunohistochemistry staining of JAK1 and JAK2 were performed on liver tissue in mice with hepatic fibrosis and human liver tissue microarray of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. LX-2 cells treated with specific siRNA of JAK1 and JAK2 were used to analysis activation, proliferation and migration of HSCs regulated by JAK1/2. The effects of Ruxolitinib (JAK1/2 inhibitor) on liver fibrosis were studied in LX-2 cells and two progressive and reversible fibrosis animal models (carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), Thioacetamide (TAA)). ResultsWe found that JAK1/2 expression was positively correlated with the progression of HCC in humans and the levels of liver fibrosis in mice. Silencing of JAK1/2 down-regulated their downstream signaling and inhibited proliferation, migration, and activation of HSCs in vitro, while Ruxolitinib had similar effects on HSCs. Importantly, Ruxolitinib significantly attenuated fibrosis progression, improved cell damage, and accelerated fibrosis reversal in the liver of mice treated with CCl 4 or TAA. ConclusionsJAK1/2 regulates the function of HSCs and plays an essential role in liver fibrosis and HCC development. Its inhibitor, Ruxolitinib, may be an effective drug for preventing and treating liver fibrosis.
El Nino/La Nina and IOD impact on Kharif Season Crops Over Western Agro-Climatic Zones of India
Authors: BHATLA R. , Bhattacharyya S. , Verma Shruti , Mall R. K. , Singh R. S.
Published: November 2021

Climate modes like ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) and IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) produce an impact on the monsoon rainfall over India. Monsoon rainfall is extremely important for the agriculture of our country. The impact of these climate modes on monsoon rainfall thus in turn affects the rain-fed crops (Kharif). In this study, four Kharif season crops namely Rice (Oryzasativa), Maize (Zea mays), pulses and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) are chosen over four arid/semi-arid agro-climatic zones of western India to study the effect of the climate modes on selected crops. The detailed analysis has been carried out to show the impact of El Nino/La Nina (phases of ENSO) and IOD years on the crop productions over the mentioned zones viz. (Central plateau & hills region; Western plateau & hills region; Gujarat hills and plains region; Western Dry region) from 1966-2011. Rice production has been largely affected during drought years associated with El-Nino. The production of Pulses shows marginal improvement during the neutral years or non-El Nino/non-La Nina. The Maize production seems to be better in La Nina years as compared to neutral years and worst in the El Nino years. El Nino years provides a minor impact on Sugarcane productions in different zones. La Nina years are well suited for sugarcane production in any zones of our study. Positive IOD years are associated with poor crop productions as compared to negative IOD years mostly in all zones due to the co-occurrence of positive IOD years with El Nino. The correlations between positive IOD and rainfall are much weaker as compared to the correlations between the El Nino and rainfall in the years of co-occurrences over the zones making El Nino much more influential than positive IOD events.
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese version of a Short Form of the Family Health Scale
Authors: Wang Fei , Wu Yunchou , Sun Xiaonan , Wang Dong , Ming Weijie , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo
Published: November 2021

Objective: To translate a Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF) and to test the reliability and Validity of the Chinese version of the FHS-SF. Method: A Short Form of the Family Health Scale was Chinese translated with the consent of the original author. A total of 8912 residents were surveyed in 120 cities across China using a multistage sampling method, with gender, ethnicity, and education level as quota variables. 750 participants were selected to participate in this study, and 44 participants were randomly selected to be retested one month later. Result: The Cronbach’s alpha of the Chinese version of a Short Form the Family Health Scale was 0.83,the Cronbach’s alphas of the four subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.90, the retest reliability of the scale was 0.75, the standardized factor loadings of the validation factor analysis were above 0.50, GFI = 0.98; NFI = 0.97; RFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.07, all within acceptable limits. Conclusion: The Chinese version of a Short Form the Family Health Scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to assess the level of family health of Chinese residents.
Recognizing Ancient South Indian Language Using Artificial Neural Network Associate With Opposition Based Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Nareshkumar A , Geetha G
Published: November 2021

Recognizing signs and fonts of prehistoric language is a fairly difficult job that require special tools. This stipulation makes the dispensation period overriding, difficult, and tiresome to calculate. This paper presents a technique for recognizing ancient south Indian languages by applying Artificial Neural Network (ANN) associated with Opposition based Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm (OGWA). It identifies the prehistoric language, signs and fonts. It is apparent from the ANN system that arbitrarily produced weights or neurons linking various layers plays a significant role in its performance. For adaptively determining these weights, this paper applies various optimization algorithms such as Opposition based Grey Wolf Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization and Grey Wolf Optimization to the ANN system. Performance results have illustrated that the proposed ANN-OGWO technique achieves superior accuracy over the other techniques. In test case 1, the accuracy value of OGWO is 94.89% and in test case 2, the accuracy value of OGWO is 92.34%, on average, the accuracy of OGWO achieves 5.8% greater accuracy than ANN-GWO, 10.1% greater accuracy than ANN-PSO and 22.1% greater accuracy over conventional ANN technique.
A Novel CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Enhanced the Therapeutic Effect of Epirubicin on Bladder Tumors in Rats
Authors: Luo Yang , Fu Xiaoyi , Dong Bin , Men Hongsheng , Zhang Shulin , Tian Sujuan , Han Bin , Zhang Fafu , Yuan Lihong , Meng Minjie
Published: November 2021

Background

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, which boast anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and chemotherapeutic activities, are promising immunomodulators. Recently, some preclinical studies have highlighted the potent immunostimulatory and anti-tumor effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, which has aroused interest in their potential clinical effects on human cancers.
Methods

In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of a new type of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide whose sequence (5’-AACGTTGTCGTCGACGTCGTCGTCAGGCCTGACGTTATCGATGGCGTTGTCGTCAACGTTGTCGTTAACGTT-3’) was designed by our laboratory in combination with epirubicin in a bladder tumor rat model induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea instillation. Moreover, we explored the safety of the novel CpG oligodeoxynucleotide for bladder tumor therapy by observing the degree of cystolith in the bladder and comparing the results against those of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin therapy, which is a gold-standard treatment for bladder tumor.
Results

All results showed that CpG oligodeoxynucleotide combined with epirubicin significantly inhibited the growth of bladder tumors and reduced the pathological grading. As compared with bladder cells or cytokines observed under the positive control or epirubicin-alone treatment conditions, all indexes including histopathological grading, Mutation P53 gene protein expression, and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) level were significantly optimized by instillation of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide. Immunohistochemical examination indicated that CpG oligodeoxynucleotide reduced the expression of Mutation P53 gene protein in the bladder tumor rat model. Specifically, the level of IL-2 in rat serum was increased by more than 30% CpG oligodeoxynucleotide treatment combined with epirubicin. Also, in comparison with the degree of cystolith observed in the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin group, no obvious side effects were caused by CpG oligodeoxynucleotide.
Conclusions

CpG oligodeoxynucleotide as an immunomodulator can enhance the efficacy of epirubicin and presents higher safety than Bacillus Calmette–Guérin in treating bladder cancer.
Study On The Effect of Tunicate Cellulose Nanocrystals in The Preparation of Sodium Alginate-Based Enteric Capsule
Authors: Xu Dezhong , Cheng Yanan , Wu Shuai , Zou Qiuxia , Mondal Ajoy Kanti , Ning Dengwen , Huang Fang
Published: November 2021

In this work, the tunicate cellulose nanocrystal (tCNC) was extracted from tunicate by bleaching and acid hydrolysis. It was used as filler in the preparation of sodium alginate-based enteric capsule. The addition of tCNC with high aspect ratio (65) rendered the enteric capsule excellent physical properties. Compared with the control sample, when the addition of tCNC was 10% (wt), the water contact angle of the capsule was enhanced by 46.0%, the opacity was increased by 356.8%, the maximum tensile stress was increased by 142.6%, the modulus of elasticity was increased by 240.3%, and the elongation at break was increased by 133.8%. In the in vitro degradation experiments, the capsule hardly degraded in the gastric environment (pH 1.2), while in the intestinal environment (pH 6.8), the degradation became slower with the increase of tCNC content, which was consistent with the properties of enteric capsule. This research developed a new direction for the application of tCNC in the pharmaceutical material productions.
Effects of Overexpressed SOCS1 Transfected DCs on Th17- and Treg-Related Cytokines in Mice with COPD
Authors: Liao Shi-Xia , Chen Jie , Zhang Lan-Ying , Zhang Jing , Sun Peng-Peng , Ou-Yang Yao
Published: November 2021

Background: In this study, we established a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model by stimulating mice with cigarette smoke, and observed the effects of dendritic cells (DCs) overexpressing SOCS1 on Th17, Treg and other related cytokines in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues of COPD mice.Methods: After successfully transfecting DCs with overexpressing SOCS1 (DC-SOCS1), the mice were injected with DC-SOCS1 (1×106), DC-SOCS1 (2×106) and immature DCs (1×106) via tail vein on days 1 and 7 of COPD fumigation modeling. After day 28 of modeling, the peripheral blood, BALF and lung tissue samples were extracted from the mice, and the changes of DCs, Th17 and Treg cells and related cytokines were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, HE staining, flow cytometry and ELISA.Results: The results showed that DC-SOCS1 was able to reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and increase the anti-inflammatory factors in the COPD mice, and the effect of high concentration (2×106 DC-SOCS1) was better than low concentration (1×106 DC-SOCS1). Moreover, the intervention effect was significant on day 1 compared with day 7. In the mice injected with DC-SOCS1, the expression of CD83, IL-4, Foxp3, and CCR6 was increased on day 1 than those on day 7, while IL-17 and IFN-γ was decreased.Conclusions: Intervention of COPD mice with high concentrations of DCs-SOCS1 reduced pro-inflammatory factor secretion and attenuated the inflammatory response in COPD.Trial registration: Not applicable.
The moderating role of audit quality and firm size in the effect of corporate governance on related party transactions: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Wahyu Santosa Perdana , Ismawati Rahayu Sovi , Zawir Simon Zainal , Eliakim Tambunan Martua
Published: November 2021

This study aims to analyze the essential corporate governance determinants of related party transactions (RPTs) in Indonesia. Based on a hand-collected sample of three business groups of small, medium, and large-cap publicly listed firms on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for 2013–2019, panel regression results find that foreign shareholders and firm size have a significant effect, at –2.402 and 0.248, respectively. The moderating model of audit quality shows that domestic shareholders, foreign shareholders, and firm size are significantly negatively associated, with –5.627 and –5.958 at 5%, respectively. Similar results show that foreign shareholders and independent commissioners significantly negatively affect related party transactions at –2.864 and –1.845, moderating the firm size at 10% and 5%, respectively. The moderation of regression results also indicates that audit quality and firm size tend to strengthen negative effects on the association between related party transactions and corporate governance. The moderation interaction confirms that audit quality will determine that domestic and foreign shareholders tend to increase the number of affiliate transactions. The interaction of complete information quality will force domestic and foreign shareholders to increase the role of affiliate transactions in creating firm value. The larger size of the firm, which is owned by foreign shareholders, will increase the intensity of cross-border related party transactions through the combined effects in the context of internationalization with a tendency of expropriation and transfer pricing practices, which can reduce government tax incomes.
Acknowledgment We are grateful to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Indonesia, for research grant No. 163/E4.1/AK.04.PT/2021, as well as the editor of the Investment Management and Financial Innovations journal, peer reviewers, and some colleagues for their suggestions, criticism and comments that significantly improved this paper.
Prevalence of common enteric viruses in municipal wastewater treatment plants and their health risks arising from wastewater reuse
Authors: Liu Peng , Li Zihan , Che Zifan , Hu Xinran , Ying Ming , Ren Hongqiang , Zhang Xu-Xiang
Published: November 2021

Enteric viruses are known to be prevalent in municipal wastewater, but information on the health risks arising from wastewater reuse is limited. This study quantified six common enteric viruses in raw wastewater and determined the effectiveness of different secondary and tertiary treatment processes at reducing their abundances in three full-scale wastewater treatment plants in China. In the raw wastewater, polyomavirus BK and norovirus GII (Nov GII) exhibited the highest abundance among the detected DNA and RNA viruses, respectively, with concentrations >5 log10 copies/L. Viruses in the raw wastewater were mainly removed by the secondary treatment processes, with log reduction values ranging from 1 to 2. The tertiary treatment processes of both chlorination and ultraviolet irradiation facilitated the additional reduction of viruses. The quantitative microbial risk assessment was applied to estimate the health risks of adenovirus (Adv) and Nov GII when reusing the treated wastewater for irrigation of public green spaces and crops. Estimated disability-adjusted life years of Adv and Nov GII for both reuses were higher than the risk threshold (10−6) required by the WHO in the actual scenarios. More effective treatment technologies should be implemented to remove viruses for safe reuse of the treated wastewater.
Factors Associated With Changes In Bone-Mass Density In Post Menopause Female Patients With Osteopenia
Authors: Suryana Bagus Putu Putra , Febriliant Muhammad Reza , Rosandi Rulli , Sukarlin Sukarlin , Lestari Wiji
Published: November 2021

Background: Many factors can cause changes in bone mass density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteopenia. Aim: Determine factors associated with changes in BMD in postmenopausal women with osteopenia with the most influential risk factors within 1 year.Methods: Survey was conducted on 38 patients who were included in the inclusion criteria with a cross-sectional study analysis and had BMD data for the last 2 years, body mass index, and conducted interviews for physical activity, age of menopause, and duration of menopause. Blood samples were also taken to check total calcium levels, vitamin D levels and estrogen levels. Finally, patients are followed for up to 1 week for daily nutrition records. The relationship between these factors and changes in BMD was analyzed using Pearson's or Spearman's test. The analysis result was considered significant if p<0.05.Results: There was no significant relationship between body mass index, menopause duration, physical activity, dietary calcium, serum calcium levels and serum estradiol levels on changes in BMD with p value > 0.05. However, there was a significant relationship between menopause onset and changes in ward mass density (r = 0,321, p = 0,04) and lumbal 1 (r = 0,333, p = 0,04), serum vitamin D levels and changes in great trochanter mass density (r = 0,336, p = 0,036), physical activity score and changes in ward mass density (r = -0,522, p < 0,01).Conclusion: Â menopause onset, vitamin D and physical activity are significantly associated with changes in BMD in female patients with postmenopausal osteopenia.
Obesity and COVID-19: Two Pandemics with Poor Outcomes
Authors: Samsu Nur
Published: November 2021

Obesity and COVID-19: Two Pandemics with Poor Outcomes
Obesity and COVID-19: An Epidemic Aggravating A Pandemic
Authors: Hasanah Dian
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 has been declared by WHO as a pandemic since March 2020. The pandemic has caused major deaths in the world and has become the candidate for the third largest pandemic in history after the Black Death pandemic and the Spanish Flu pandemic. Many conditions have made the deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic become large, including collision with the obesity epidemic. The aim of this literature review is to discuss the relationship between obesity as a risk factor for high mortality COVID-19 and its management.
Impact of SMS Text Messaging Reminders on Helmet Use Among Motorcycle Drivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Campbell Benjamin , Heitner Jesse , Amos Mwelelo Peter , Fogel Alexis , Mujumdar Vaidehi , Adams Lisa V , Boniface Respicious , Su Yanfang
Published: November 2021

Background

Road traffic injury is a pressing public health issue in Tanzania. Increasing helmet use among motorcycle drivers can help reduce the burden due to road traffic injuries in the country. Helmet adherence can be supported through mobile health interventions.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the comparative impact of two different types of SMS text messaging reminders on motorcycle helmet use.

Methods

Participants were 391 commercial motorcycle taxi drivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were randomized into three groups, each receiving a different set of messages: (1) social norming messages aimed at emphasizing society’s positive stance on helmet wearing, (2) fear appeal messages that emphasized the dangers of riding without a helmet, and (3) control group messages, which included basic road safety messages unrelated to helmet use. Every participant received the control messages. Adherence to helmet use was evaluated by self-report through surveys conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks.

Results

At 6 weeks, the odds of self-reporting consistent helmet use were estimated to be 1.58 times higher in the social norming group than in the control group (P=.04), though this difference was not significant after accounting for multiple testing. There was little difference between fear appeal and control group recipients (odds ratio 1.03, P=.47). Subgroup analysis suggests that both fear appeal and social norming message types might have been associated with increased helmet use among participants who did not consistently wear helmets at baseline (odds ratio 1.66 and odds ratio 1.84, respectively), but this was not significant (P=.11 and P=.07, respectively). Among those who were consistent wearers at baseline, the social norming messages performed better than the fear appeal messages, and this difference reached traditional significance (P=.03), but was not significant after accounting for multiple testing.

Conclusions

The use of SMS text messaging reminders may improve helmet use among motorcycle drivers when framed as social norming messages. Given that nearly half of the drivers in our sample did not consistently wear their helmets on every trip, strategies to increase consistent usage could greatly benefit public safety.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02120742; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02120742
Validation of a Mobile Health Technology Platform (FeverTracker) for Malaria Surveillance in India: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Pal Bhowmick Ipsita , Chutia Dibyajyoti , Chouhan Avinash , Nishant Nilay , Raju P L N , Narain Kanwar , Kaur Harpreet , Pebam Rocky , Debnath Jayanta , Tripura Rabindra , Gogoi Kongkona , Ch Nag Suman , Nath Aatreyee , Tripathy Debabrata , Debbarma Jotish , Das Nirapada , Sarkar Ujjwal , Debbarma Rislyn , Roy Rajashree , Debnath Bishal , Dasgupta Dipanjan , Debbarma Suraj , Joy Tripura Kamal , Reang Guneram , Sharma Amit , Rahi Manju , Chhibber-Goel Jyoti
Published: November 2021

Background

A surveillance system is the foundation for disease prevention and control. Malaria surveillance is crucial for tracking regional and temporal patterns in disease incidence, assisting in recorded details, timely reporting, and frequency of analysis.

Objective

In this study, we aim to develop an integrated surveillance graphical app called FeverTracker, which has been designed to assist the community and health care workers in digital surveillance and thereby contribute toward malaria control and elimination.

Methods

FeverTracker uses a geographic information system and is linked to a web app with automated data digitization, SMS text messaging, and advisory instructions, thereby allowing immediate notification of individual cases to district and state health authorities in real time.

Results

The use of FeverTracker for malaria surveillance is evident, given the archaic paper-based surveillance tools used currently. The use of the app in 19 tribal villages of the Dhalai district in Tripura, India, assisted in the surveillance of 1880 suspected malaria patients and confirmed malaria infection in 93.4% (114/122; Plasmodium falciparum), 4.9% (6/122; P vivax), and 1.6% (2/122; P falciparum/P vivax mixed infection) of cases. Digital tools such as FeverTracker will be critical in integrating disease surveillance, and they offer instant data digitization for downstream processing.

Conclusions

The use of this technology in health care and research will strengthen the ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria. Moreover, FeverTracker provides a modifiable template for deployment in other disease systems.
Validity of muscular fitness self-assessments in the ecofit smartphone application (Preprint)
Authors: Jansson Anna , Lubans David , Duncan Mitch , Smith Jordan , Bauman Adrian , Attia John , Plotnikoff Ronald
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile health apps that promote physical activity are being developed at a rapid rate. App-based interventions have the potential for wide reach and therefore, may be a useful tool in up-scaling physical activity interventions. In larger scale interventions, face-to-face assessments are less cost effective, and researchers often rely on surveys or built-in activity trackers to assess ongoing efficacy/effectiveness of outcomes. While there are valid means of assessing aerobic activity via smartphone apps, there is limited evidence of valid muscular fitness assessments that can be self-administered within mHealth.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the concurrent validity of upper and lower body muscular fitness that have been independently assessed by participants via the ecofit app, and face-to-face assessments conducted by a trained researcher.

METHODS

This study compared baseline data from the ecofit two-armed randomised controlled trial and self-assessed data collected via the ecofit smartphone app. As part of baseline assessment in a larger community-based physical activity intervention ‘ecofit’, participants undertook the validated 90-degree push-up and the 60-second sit-to-stand test face-to-face with a trained researcher. Those allocated to the intervention group received access to the ecofit app and were instructed to complete the self-assessed fitness tests within 14-days of receiving access to the app. To assess the concurrent validity, the self-assessed push-up and sit-to-stand tests were correlated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient against the research-assessed results. Bland-Altman plots were also used to allow visualisation of the differences between the self- and research-assessed tests.

RESULTS

Fifty-four participants completed at least one of the two muscular fitness self-assessments within 14-days of receiving the app, of these 24.1% and 100% completed the push-up and the sit-to-stand test respectively. The results found a strong significant correlation for the push-up test (0.83, p <.001) and a moderate significant correlation for the sit-to-stand test (0.63, p <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides support for the concurrent validity of self-reported upper and lower body muscular fitness assessments (i.e., the push-up and sit-to-stand tests) in mHealth. While these tests may be a feasible option for large scale physical activity interventions, more research is needed to determine the generalisability of these results.

CLINICALTRIAL

The ecofit trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12619000868189.
Usefulness of the nutrition based mobile application among children post cardiac surgery; A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Zahid Maryam , Sughra Ume , Mumtaz Sehrish , Hassan Mawara
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is the most common problem in congenital heart diseases patients. Nutrition based mobile applications play an important role in planning and tracking of diet for better nutritional status.

OBJECTIVE

To assess usefulness of the nutrition based mobile application among children post cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This was a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial that was conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi. The study duration was 6 months from February 2021 till July 2021. Sample size was calculated to be 88. Intervention group caregivers were provided with a nutrition based mobile application by a dietitian, primary objective of the mobile application was to improve /maintain nutritional status of children. Caregiver’s of children were able to choose their nutritional goals. Nutritional intake was tracked, daily and monthly insight regarding nutrients intake was provided to the user. Usual care group was handed a pamphlet with diet instructions on discharge by a dietitian.

RESULTS

At the end of intervention preferred diet planning tool for 79% of the participant’s caregiver was mobile application. At 8th week 93% of the caregivers considered visual cues useful, 80% thought that the mobile application language was understandable, 79% thought nutritional goal setting was a useful feature in mobile application and 55% thought the recipes in the application were useful.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed strength for the future of scalable modern technology for self-nutrition monitoring. The average income status and education level of the participant’s caregivers in our study was low to average. It represented a population that has been slow to adopt new technology but our participants showed interest in mobile application and used the technology after a brief training session.

CLINICALTRIAL

Study was registered on clinicaltrial.gov with trial identity number NCT04782635.