bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Techniques to Assess Coral Physiology In Situ: Current Approaches and Novel Insights
Authors: Dellisanti Walter , Chung Jeffery T. H. , Chow Cher F. Y. , Wu Jiajun , Wells Mark L. , Chan Leo L.
Published: November 2020

Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to global changes in the marine environment. The increasing frequency and severity of massive bleaching events in the tropics are highlighting the need to better understand the stages of coral physiological responses to extreme conditions. Moreover, like many other coastal regions, coral reef ecosystems are facing additional localized anthropogenic issues such as nutrient loading, increased turbidity, and coastal development. The changes in coral metabolism under local or global stress conditions is studied largely through laboratory manipulation and field observations. Different strategies have been developed to measure the health status of a damaged reef, ranging from the resolution of individual polyps to an entire coral community, but techniques for measuring coral physiology in situ are not yet widely implemented. For instance, while there are many studies of the coral holobiont response in single or limited-number multiple stressor experiments, they provide only partial insights to metabolic performance under more complex temporally and spatially variable natural conditions. Here, we discuss the current status of coral reefs and their global and local stressors in the context of current experimental techniques that measure core processes in coral metabolism (respiration, photosynthesis, and biocalcification) and their role in indicating the health status of colonies and communities. The state of the art of in situ techniques for experimental and monitoring purposes is explored. We highlight the need to improve the capability of in situ studies in order to better understand the resilience and stress response of corals under multiple global and local scale stressors.
Controlling Spontaneous Emission from Perovskite Nanocrystals with Metal-Emitter-Metal Nanostructures
Authors: Tjahjana Liliana , Lee Kwan , Chin Xin Yu , Tobing Landobasa Y.M. , Adhyaksa Gede W.P. , Zhang Dao Hua , Birowosuto Muhammad Danang , Wang Hong
Published: November 2020

We show the enhancement in the intensity and emission rate of perovskite cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) and formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3) nanocrystals in the presence of single and double gold layer cavities, which we refer to as Metal-Emitter (ME) and Metal-Emitter-Metal (MEM) nanostructures. Up to 1.9-fold photoluminescence intensity and up to 5.4-fold emission rate enhancements were obtained for FAPbBr3 nanocrystals confined by double gold layers, which are attributed to plasmonic confinement from the gold layers. The experimentally obtained values are validated by analytical calculations and electromagnetic simulations. Such an effective method of manipulation of the spontaneous emission rate by simple plasmonic nanostructures can be utilized in sensing and detection applications.
Efficient Spectrum Occupancy Prediction Exploiting Multidimensional Correlations through Composite 2D-LSTM Models
Authors: Aygül Mehmet Ali , Nazzal Mahmoud , Sağlam Mehmet İzzet , da Costa Daniel Benevides , Ateş Hasan Fehmi , Arslan Hüseyin
Published: November 2020

In cognitive radio systems, identifying spectrum opportunities is fundamental to efficiently use the spectrum. Spectrum occupancy prediction is a convenient way of revealing opportunities based on previous occupancies. Studies have demonstrated that usage of the spectrum has a high correlation over multidimensions which includes time, frequency, and space. Accordingly, recent literature uses tensor-based methods to exploit the multidimensional spectrum correlation. However, these methods share two main drawbacks. First, they are computationally complex. Second, they need to re-train the overall model when no information is received from any base station for any reason. Different than the existing works, this paper proposes a method for dividing the multidimensional correlation exploitation problem into a set of smaller sub-problems. This division is achieved through composite two-dimensional (2D)-long short-term memory (LSTM) models. Extensive experimental results reveal a high detection performance with more robustness and less complexity attained by the proposed method. The real-world measurements provided by one of the leading mobile network operators in Turkey validate these results.
Post-Mortem Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Aquaro Giovanni Donato , guidi benedetta , biondi federico , chiti enrica , santurro alessandro , scopetti matteo , Turillazzi Emanuela , di paolo marco
Published: November 2020

Post-mortem cardiac magnetic resonance (PMCMR) is an emerging tool supporting forensic medicine for the identification of the causes of cardiac death, as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We proposed a new method of PMCMR to diagnose HCM despite myocardial rigor mortis. Methods: we performed CMR in 49 HCM patients, 30 non-HCM hypertrophy and 32 healthy controls. In cine images, rigor mortis was simulated by the analysis of the cardiac phase corresponding to the 25% of diastole. Left ventricular mass, mean and standard deviation (SD) of WT, maximal WT, minimal WT and their difference, were compared for the identification of HCM. These parameters were validated at PMCMR, evaluating 8 hearts with HCM, 10 with coronary artery disease and 10 with non-cardiac death. Results: The SD of WT with a cut-off of > 2.4 had the highest accuracy to identify HCM (AUC 0.95, 95%CI 0.89-0.98). This was particularly evident in female population of HCM (AUC=0.998), with 100% specificity (95%CI 85-100%) and 96% sensitivity (95%CI 79-99%). Using this parameter, at PMCMR all the 8 patients with HCM were correctly identified with no false positive. Conclusions: PMCMR allows to identify HCM as cause of sudden death using the SD of WT >2.4 as diagnostic parameter.
Effect of Animal Welfare Quality on the Reproductive Performance of Extensive Pasture-Based Beef Cows in New Zealand
Authors: Kaurivi Y. Baby , Laven Richard , Parkinson Tim , Hickson Rebecca , Stafford Kevin
Published: November 2020

One key area where animal welfare may relate to productivity is through reproductive performance. Welfare was assessed on 25 extensively managed pastoral New Zealand beef farms and the relationship between welfare and reproductive performance was explored. Relationships between welfare measures and key reproductive performance indicators (pregnancy rate, weaning rate, mating period and bull: cow ratio) were investigated using an exploratory Principal Components Analysis and linear regression model. Seven welfare measures (thinness, poor rumen fill, dirtiness, blindness, mortality, health checks of pregnant cows and yarding frequency/year) showed potential influence on reproductive performance, and lameness was retained individually as a potential measure. Mean pregnancy rates in both 2018 (PD18) and 2017 (PD17) were ~91% and mean weaning rate was 84%. Of the welfare measures, only lameness had a direct association with pregnancy rate, as well as confounding effect on the association between mating period and pregnancy rate. The bull: cow ration (mean 1:31) and reproductive conditions (dystocia, abortion, vaginal prolapse) did not influence pregnancy and weaning rates. In the study population there was no clear association between welfare and reproductive performance, except for the confounding effects of lameness.
La comunicación como factor esencial de aprendizaje en las plataformas educativas virtuales
Authors: Gamella-González David
Published: November 2020

En este artículo se plantea una reflexión sobre los cambios recientes en los formatos de aprendizaje que han amplificado el sistema educativo. Sirvan como ejemplo las nuevas necesidades formativas derivadas de la COVID19 que ponen en cuestión el modelo de enseñanza tradicional. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el creciente desarrollo de las plataformas digitales y el nacimiento del e-teaching, con el fin de reflejar la importancia de la tutorización y el seguimiento al estudiante. Se observa que su eficacia es aumentar las posibilidades en el manejo de información desde internet, pero este acceso no es garantía de aprendizaje. La clave son las personas que las manejan y su capacidad de comunicación, pues es esto lo que transforma los datos en educación. A partir de la premisa según la cual enseñar es comunicar, se analiza el aprendizaje desde la semiología, la neurología, las emociones y la motivación con el propósito de definir cómo humanizar estos entornos virtuales. Para así concluir que el aprendizaje en el ecosistema digital requiere de un uso prudente y estratégico de las herramientas tecnológicas y a la vez del lenguaje. Esta gestión ha de producir un tipo de enseñanza que habilite al aprendiz para serlo toda la vida, es decir, ser capaz de reconstruir y desmontar lo aprendido para reconfigurar nuevos aprendizajes.
Cyclic evolution of phytoplankton forced by changes in tropical seasonality
Authors: Beaufort Luc , Bolton Clara , Sarr Anta-Clarisse , Sucheras-Marx Baptiste , Rosenthal Yair , Donnadieu Yannick , Barbarin Nicolas , Bova Samantha , Cornuault Pauline , Gally Yves , Gray Emmeline , Mazur Jean-Charles , Tetard Martin
Published: November 2020

The effect of global climate cycles driven by Earth’s orbital variations on evolution is poorly understood because of difficulties achieving sufficiently-resolved records of past evolution. The fossil remains of coccolithophores, a key calcifying phytoplankton group, enable an exceptional assessment of the impact of cyclic orbital-scale climate change on evolution because of their abundance in marine sediments, and because coccolithophores demonstrate extreme morphological plasticity in response to the changing environment1,2. Recently, evolutionary genetic analyses linked broad changes in Pleistocene fossil coccolith morphology to species radiation events3. Here, using high-resolution coccolith data, we show that during the last 2.8 million years coccolithophore evolution was forced by Earth’s orbital eccentricity with rhythms of ~100,000 years and 405,000 years - a distinct spectral signature to that of coeval global climate cycles4. Simulations with an Earth System Model5 including the marine carbon cycle6 demonstrate that eccentricity directly impacts the diversity of ecological niches occurring over the annual cycle in the tropical ocean. Reduced seasonality favours species with mid-size coccoliths that bloom year-round, increasing coccolith carbonate export and burial. We posit that eccentricity pacing of phytoplankton evolution contributed to the strong 405,000-year pacing seen in records of the global carbon cycle.
The Impact of Okun Misery Index on Out-of-pocket-payments in the Iranian Healthcare System
Authors: Rezapour Aziz , Ghorbani Salar , Mahmoud Eisavi , Faradonbeh Saeed Bagheri
Published: November 2020

Introduction: One criterion to measure the achievement of a government's performance is stability and decreasing the misery index that is the sum of inflation and unemployment. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of misery index on patients' out-of-pocket-payments in the Iranian healthcare system. Methods: This paper has used time-series data from 2000 to 2016 and it used three methods to examine the relationship between variables. First, the Dickey-Fuller test was used to evaluate the stationary of variables. Second, the Toda-Yamamoto causality test was used to test causality between variables. Third, Auto-Regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) was used to test the long-run relationship. Analyzing data was conducted by Eviews 9 software.Results: The results showed that there was a bi-directional causal relationship between the misery index and the out-of-pocket-payments of patients in the health system. Also, increasing 1 unit of misery index increased 1.33 units of out-of-pocket-payments. The correction error coefficient was -0.435 that meant this amount was adjusted per period. In other words, it lasted more than 2 years and less than 3 years that the Nonequilibrium points converge to their long-run points of the relationship.Conclusion: Implementing appropriate policies in order to reduce unemployment and inflation rate can decline the out-of-pocket-payments in the Iranian healthcare system.
In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of Sustained Release of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) from Nanocomposite Hydrogel to Induce Angiogenesis
Authors: Kiaei Nasim , Aghdam Rouhollah Mehdinavaz
Published: November 2020

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a proglucagon hormone with cardioprotective effects and angiogenic ability. Results: Chitosan nanoparticles (65nm) possess the ability to encapsulate 65±4.1% of the GLP-1 used for the formulation of nanoparticles. Freeze-dried gels containing these particles released 40% of the total loaded GLP-1 during 192 hours. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was done to observe the morphology of particles both alone or when embedded into a gel. Results of in vivo studies and histological images showed that following the gradual release of GLP-1, new vessels formed into and around gels implanted into the back of rats. Through Drabkin assay, it was observed that the concentration of hemoglobin in the samples containing GLP-1 loading were similar to samples with VEGF loading, while a significant difference exists between hemoglobin concentration in sponges with or without GLP-1 release (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sustained release of GLP-1 induced new vessel formation in a subcutaneous in vivo model of angiogenesis. This system has the potential to induce angiogenesis in myocardial infarction situations.
WITHDRAWN: Spermine Protects Intestinal Barrier Integrity Through Rac1/PLC-γ1 Signalling Pathway in Piglets
Authors: Liu Guangmang , Xu Xiaomei , Wu Caimei , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Wang Jing
Published: November 2020

Background: Weaning stress can lead to the disruption of tight junctions and increased intestinal permeabilty, which contributes to the initiation and development of many disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Pigs are more ideal models for human studies than other animals. However, no information is found about the relationship of intestinal integrity and spermine supplementation in pigs. The objective of this study is to investigate whether spermine protects intestinal barrier integrity via Rac1/PLC-γ1 signalling pathway in piglets. Methods: In vivo, the piglets were categorised into the control group and the spermine group, which was fed with spermine at 0.4 mmol kg−1 body weight for 7 hours and 3, 6 and 9 days. In vitro, we examined whether spermine protects the intestinal barrier after TNF-α challenge through Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/Phospho-lipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) signalling pathway. Results: In vivo study revealed that the spermine treatment upregulated tight junction protein mRNA levels and Rac1/PLC-γ1 signalling pathway gene expression in the jejunum of piglets. The serum D-lactate content was significantly reduced after spermine treatment (P < 0.05). In vitro study revealed that 0.1 μM spermine significantly increased the levels of tight junction protein expression, Rac1/PLC-γ1 signalling pathway and transepithelial electrical resistance, and decreased paracellular permeability (P < 0.05). Further experiments showed that spermine treatment increased the levels of tight junction protein expression, Rac1/PLC-γ1 signalling pathway and transepithelial electrical resistance, and decreased paracellular permeability compared with the NSC-23766 and U73122 treatment with spermine after TNF-α challenge (P < 0.05). Conclusion: spermine protects intestinal integrity through the Rac1/PLC-γ1 signalling pathway.
Effect of Solid-State Fermentation on Nutritional Quality of Leaf Flour of The Drumstick Tree (Moringa Oleifera Lam.)
Authors: Shi Honghui , Yang Endian , Li Yun , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhang Junjie
Published: November 2020

Background: The drumstick tree is a fast-growing multipurpose tree with a large biomass and high nutritional value. However, it has rarely been exploited as a protein source. This study investigated solid-state fermentation induced by Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Bacillus subtilis to obtain high-quality protein feed from drumstick leaf flour. Results: Solid-state fermentation induced significant changes in the nutritional composition of drumstick leaf flour. The concentrations of crude protein, small peptides and amino acids increased significantly after fermentation. The protein profile was also affected by the fermentation process. Macromolecular proteins in drumstick leaf flour were degraded, whereas other high molecular weight proteins were increased. However, the concentrations of crude fat, fiber, total sugar and reducing sugar were decreased, as were the anti-nutritional factors tannins, phytic acid and glucosinolates. After 24 h fermentation, the concentrations of total phenolics and flavonoids were increased. The antioxidant capacity was also significantly enhanced. Conclusions: The results suggested that the feed quality of drumstick leaves was greatly improved by solid-state fermentation.
Molecular Insight into the Knockdown Resistance (kdr) in the Voltage Gated Sodium Channel (vgsc) Gene of the Main Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and the Discovery of Novel Regional Specific Point Mutation A1007G in Malaysia.
Authors: Akhir Mas Azlin M. , Wajidi Mustafa F. F. , Lavoué Sébastien , Azzam Ghows , Jaafar Izhan Shahrin , Besar Noor Aslinda Ummi Awang Besar Awang , Ishak Intan Haslina
Published: November 2020

Background: Characterization of the insecticide resistance mechanism imparts the society with the information on the evolutionary process involved in the adaptation of Aedes aegypti mosquito to environmental changes. Investigating the phenotypic status of the target mosquitoes, their resistance level as well as elucidating the genotypic profile provides information about the involvement of insecticide resistance mechanism, in terms of portraying the evolution of resistance in the field, to eventually managing vector control programs. In this current study, we investigated the quantification responses for the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Ae. aegypti population from different states in Malaysia. Methods: We tested insecticide susceptibility status of adult Ae. aegypti from populations of States of Penang, Selangor and Kelantan (Peninsular Malaysia) against permethrin 0.25% and pirimiphos-methyl 0.25% through WHO bioassay kit. Permethrin-resistant and permethrin susceptible samples were then genotyped for domains II and III in the voltage gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene using allele specific PCR (AS-PCR) for the presence of diagnostic single nucleotide mutations. AS-PCR results were then validated in sequencing these two domains to identify any possible additional point mutations. Results: Adult WHO bioassay revealed that populations of Ae. aegypti from these three states were highly resistant towards Permethrin 0.25% and Pirimiphos-methyl 0.25%. Genotyping results showed that three knockdown (kdr) mutations (i.e. S989P, V1016G and F1534C) were associated with pyrethroid resistance in these populations. We also report for the first time the presence of the A1007G mutation in Malaysian populations of Ae. aegypti.Conclusions: This study brings an insight on the occurrence and association of point mutations with insecticide resistance in Malaysian populations of Ae. aegypti. The results reveal the widespread of several kdr mutations in the field with the consequence to compromise the use of pyrethroid insecticides in vector control programmes. Knowledge on the distribution of target site resistance throughout Malaysia is vital to ensure the success of the insecticide-based vector control program.
Outcome and Associated Factors Among Patients Admitted With Perforated Peptic Ulcer in Dessie Referal Hospital: Document Review.
Authors: Zerefa Wondwossen Amtataw , Tegegne Tesfaye Birhane , Yimer Teka , Melese Wolde , Necho Mogese
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPeptic ulcer disease is resulted from imbalances between aggressive factors such as stomach acid, pepsin and mucosa defense barriers. Potentially, associated with life-threatening complications, including bleeding, perforation, penetration, and obstruction. The magnitude and main reasons for this problem is not well known in north east Ethiopia specifically in Dessie referral hospital. ObjectiveTo determine outcomes and associated factors among patients admitted with perforated peptic ulcer disease at Dessie Referral Hospital.MethodsA retrospective cross sectional study was conducted in Dessie Referral Hospital by revising three years patient card registry data from June 1/ 2016 - May 30/2019 G.C and data were collected using data abstracting checklist. All patients for whom laparotomy were done for perforated peptic ulcer disease during the study period were included. After checking data for completeness entered and cleaned using Epi info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 25 and binary logistic regression model were used for testing the presence and strength of association. ResultA total of 101 patients were studied. Males outnumbered than females by a ratio of 19.2: 1. The mean age of patients (SD) was 36.05 (±16.56) years. Most perforations were located on the first part of duodenum 93 (92.1%). Among majority of respondents 98 (97%) had Graham’s omental patch of the perforations. There were fifty eight post-operative complications recorded in eighteen (17.8%) patients. Superficial surgical site infection (11.9%), wound dehiscence (6.9%), respiratory infections (14.9%), post-operative collections (7.9%), acute kidney injury (5%) and ECF (1%) complications were identified. Comorbidity [AOR: 9.6(1.451-62.432)], SBP<90mmHg [AOR: 4.82(1.292-17.803)] and age above 50 years [AOR: 6.05(1.612-22.601)] were significantly associated with post-operative complication of perforated peptic ulcer. Conclusion and recommendationComplication and mortality rates in this study were lower than other study findings. Advanced age, co-morbidities, late presentation and hypotension were most important factors affecting patient’s out come in perforated peptic ulcer disease. Referral system should be improved to early interventions for better outcome. Post-operative analgesic, chest physiotherapy and appropriate wound care may decrease post-operative complications of perforated peptic ulcer disease.
Lipidomics Identified Lyso-phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidylethanolamine as Novel Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Yu Bo , Wang Jizhe
Published: November 2020

Objective Laryngeal cancer (LaC) remains one of the most common tumors of the respiratory tract with higher incidence in men than in women. The larynx is a small but vital organ on the neck. The dysfunction of the larynx can cause serious health problems such as hoarseness, respiratory distress, and dysphonia. Lipid has been recognized as a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the lipid biomarkers is lacking and the lipid molecular pathogenesis of LaC has remained obscure to date. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential Methods To identify new LaC-related lipid biomarkers used for the diagnosis or early diagnosis of LaC and to uncover their molecular characteristics, we conducted serum lipidomics study from LaC patients (n = 29) and normal controls (NC) (n = 36) using nontargeted lipidomics profiling based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/Q-TOF 5600 Plus mass spectrometry. Multivariate and univariate statistics analyses were used to discriminate LaC patients from NC. Results As expected, a lipid panel including LPC (16:0) and PE (18:0p_20:4) was found to distinguish the LaC patients from healthy individuals with very high diagnosis performance (area under the curve (AUC) = 1.000, sensitivity = 1.000, and specificity = 1.000). In addition, the levels of Cer, CerG1, SM, PC, PC-O, PE, PI, PS, and ChE in the LaC group significantly increased as compared with the NC group. However, the levels of LPC, LPC-O, LPE, LPE-p, and DG in the LaC group significantly deceased when the one was compared with the NC group. Among significantly changed lipid species, lysophospholipids containing a palmitoyl chain or an arachidonic acid acyl chain remarkably decreased and phospholipids including a palmitoyl chain or an arachidonic acid acyl chain increased in the LaC patients. Conclusion Our results not only indicate that lipidomics is powerful tool to explore abnormal lipid metabolism for the laC, but suggest that lysophospholipids and phospholipids may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of laC.
Contextualizing the Impact of ‘free’ Maternal Healthcare Policy Implementation: An Intrinsic Case Analysis of Maternal Healthcare Utilization and Stillbirth in Ghana
Authors: Azaare John , Akweongo Patricia , Aryeetey Genevieve Cecilia , Dwomoh Duah , Asambo Stephen Azari
Published: November 2020

Background: The inception of the 'Free’ Maternal Health Care Policy (FMHCP) in Ghana since 2008 has seen drastic improvement in maternal healthcare utilization, particularly antenatal care uptake and skilled delivery utilization. However, its impact against late pregnancy outcomes has yet to be examined contextually.Purpose: This study aimed to describe the implications of the ‘free’ policy funding constraints on maternal healthcare utilization and explain how factors play to contribute to stillbirth despite the increase in maternal healthcare utilization. Methods: The study adopted an intrinsic-case study method using qualitative techniques to collect primary data through one-on-one interviews with service providers, and focus group discussions for pregnant women. The study then interviewed an expert in healthcare practice and policy implementation as a key informer to triangulate the data for analysis. Deductive thematic analysis guided the approach to writing the report, where sub-themes also emerged inductively and are reported with verbatim quotes to aid explanatory power.Results: The study found that within increased skilled attendance, comes top-up payments for medicines and laboratory services among pregnant women despite the policy being described as ‘free’. The study also found that routine medicines such as folic acid, ferrous sulphate and multivitamin tablets are often in short supply in the ‘free’ policy credentialed facilities and affecting service provision and quality of care.Conclusion: We conclude that the increase in maternal healthcare utilization do not necessarily translate to desired late pregnancy outcomes in its current form, particularly within the context of acute shortages of medicine commodities. The Ministry of Health and its agencies should perhaps set agendas to ensure regular supply of drug commodities in hospitals and health centers to boost quality of care.
Adolescent's Health Needs in Aran Bidgol city in 2015-16: A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: bagheri azam , Lame Elahe , Mahdavipanah Mohammad , Darogheh Leila , sadat zohreh , nasiri saeideh
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPaying attention to the health of adolescents, especially girls, is one of the Millennium Development Goals and one of the missions of the member countries of the World Health Organization. Considering the importance of the health of this age group and that the first step in designing a comprehensive health plan is to assess the needs of the target group in the community, so this study was conducted to determine the health needs of adolescents in Aran and Bidgol in 2015-16.MethodThis cross-sectional study was performed on 497 students of 12-18 years in Aran and Bidgol in 2015-16. The data collection tool used in this study is the Adolescent Health Needs Questionnaire which is a psychometric instrument in accordance with Iranian culture. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) with the help of descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.ResultsParticipants in the study were 53.30% girls and 46.70% boys. The mean score of students' health needs in order of priority included nutrition (22.09±3.80), physical activity (10.19±2.90), health education services (64.30±15.90), healthy communication with parents (44.60±7.60), personal hygiene (21.10±2.71), mental health and counseling services (52.50±7.90) and spiritual health (21.90±3.70). ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, it is suggested that educational programs and interventions be designed and implemented in schools in order of priority to address the needs in various areas such as nutrition, physical activity, and healthy communication with parents, personal hygiene and spiritual health.
WITHDRAWN: Role of Acute Kidney Injury in High-Risk Surgical Patients. A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: katayama Henrique Tadashi , Gomes Brenno Cardoso , Lobo Suzana Margareth , Chaves Renato Carneiro de Freitas , Correa Thiago Domingos , Assunção Murillo Santucci Cesar , Neto Ary Serpa , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Júnior João Manoel Silva , Group Brasis study
Published: November 2020

Background: Patients who develop postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) have a poor prognosis, especially when undergoing high-risk surgery. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with AKI acquired after noncardiac surgery and the possible risk factors for this complication. Methods: A multicenter, prospective cohort study with patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) after noncardiac surgery was conducted to assess whether they developed AKI. The outcomes of patients who developed AKI were then compared to those of patients who did not develop it. Results: A total of 29 ICUs participated, of which 904 involved high-risk surgical patients who were included in the study. The occurrence of AKI in the postoperative period was 15.8%, and the mortality rate of postoperative AKI patients at 28 days was 27.6%. AKI was strongly associated with 28-day mortality (OR = 2.91; 95% CI 1.51-5.62; P= 0.001), and higher length of ICU stay (P< 0.001), length of hospital stay (P<0.001) and length of mechanical ventilator stay (P<0.001). Independent factors for the risk of developing AKI were preoperative anemia (OR=7.0; P= 0.001), SAPS 3 ( OR= 1.04, P<0.001), postoperative vasopressor use (OR= 2.47; P<0.001), postoperative infection (OR= 8.8; P<0.001), need for reoperation (OR= 7.1; P<0.001) and elective surgery (OR= 0.4; P<0.001) was protective for AKI. In addition, patients with higher perioperative fluid balance had more chance for AKI.Conclusions: AKI is associated with risk of death. Patients with anemia prior to surgery, who had a higher SAPS 3, needed a postoperative vasopressor or had postoperative infection or needed reoperation were more likely to develop AKI, as were those with a higher perioperative fluid balance.
Blood Flow Changes in Forearm Arteries After Ultrasound-guided Costoclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks: a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Xu Yang , Cui Derong , Zhang Junfeng , Ding Qian , Dong Jing , Wang Yan
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAs a new approach, an infraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) at the costoclavicular space (CCS) has been shown to be effective in achieving a sensory and motor blockade in the forearm. However, no studies have assessed blood flow changes in the forearm arteries after a costoclavicular BPB. The purpose of the present study was to assess blood flow changes in the distal radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) after a costoclavicular BPB using color Doppler ultrasound.MethodsThirty patients who underwent amputated finger replantation and received an ultrasound-guided costoclavicular BPB were included in the study. The hemodynamic parameters of the RA and UA were recorded before the block and 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min after the block using color Doppler ultrasound to determine the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (Vmean), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and area. The volumetric flow rate (VFR) was calculated using the formula Q=area×Vmean. The aforementioned parameters were compared not only before and after the BPB but also between the RA and UA.ResultsThere was a significant increase in the PSV, EDV, Vmean, area, and VFR and a significant decrease in the PI and RI of the RA and UA 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min postblock compared with the respective baselines. The increase of 30 min postblock in EDV (258.68% in the RA, 279.63% in the UA) was the most notable, followed by that in the Vmean (183.36% in the RA, 235.24% in the UA), and the PSV (139.11% in the RA, 153.15% in the UA) changed minimally. The Vmean and VFR of the RA were significantly greater than those of the UA before the BPB, howerver, there was no significant difference in VFR between RA and UA after the BPB.ConclusionsA costoclavicular BPB can increase blood flow in the forearm arteries. The RA had a higher volumetric flow rate than the UA before the BPB; however, the potential blood supply capacity of the UA is similar to that of the RA after a BPB.Trial registration﻿This study was registered in Chictr.org.cn registry system on 12 June 2019 (ChiCTR1900023796).
Evaluation of the effects of a new integrated health management service model on p eople with risk factors for dyslipidemia
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Shuang , He Yi-Ni , Wu Bin , Wu Ying , Yu Kai , Qi Dian-Jun , Yu Xiao-Song
Published: November 2020

Background: Dyslipidemia is a factor that affects the occurrence and development of many chronic diseases. With its prevalence increasing each year, dyslipidemia has caused substantial disease and economic burdens in China and around the world. Appropriate health management is imperative for people with risk factors for dyslipidemia. We established a new model of health management services (integration of general practice and personalized disease prevention in health management, IGPDP) to more appropriately manage people with risk factors for dyslipidemia. Methods: The experiment was conducted in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. We selected 5 administrative districts with populations of more than 100,000. Twenty-three community health service centers with a daily average of more than 50 outpatients were selected. A total of 5,032 subjects with risk factors for dyslipidemia who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Using prospective cohort study methods, the subjects were followed up for 24 months. The subjects were randomly divided into the control and test groups, and they received traditional health management services or IGPDP. We analyzed and compared changes in disease prevention, health protection, and health promotion between the two groups.Results: In terms of disease prevention, we found that after the intervention, subjects' behavioral risk factors (smoking habits, diets, sedentary lifestyles) and health literacy improved. In terms of health protection, we observed a decrease in Body mass index (BMI), a gradual improvement in blood lipid levels, and an overall increase in quality of life scores. In terms of health promotion, after the intervention, the proportion of the subjects who were willing to accept the contracted services of general practitioners increased.Conclusion: IGPDP can effectively cultivate healthy lifestyles, improve health literacy, reduce biological risk factors, decrease risk of dyslipidemia, and improve quality of life of subjects. IGPDP is conducive to improving the quality of the service of general practitioners, increasing the trust of the general public, and facilitating the establishment of a hierarchical medical system.
Nitrogen-Centered Radical Mediated Anomeric Specific Cascade Amidoglycosylation of Glycals
Authors: Shang Wenbin , Zhu Chunyu , Peng Fengyuan , Pan Zhiqiang , Ding Yuzhen , Xia Chengfeng
Published: November 2020

A nitrogen-centered radical-mediated strategy to prepare 1,2-trans 2-amino-2-deoxyglycosides in one step was established. The cascade amidoglycosylation was initiated by a benzenesulfonimide radical generated from NFSI under the catalytic reduction of TEMPO. The benzenesulfonimide radical electrophilic added to the glycals, then the resulted glycosidic radical was converted to oxocarbenium upon oxidation by TEMPO+, and enabled the following anomeric specific glycosylation.
Genetically Encoding Ultra-Stable Virus-like Particles Encapsulating Functional DNA Nanostructures in Living Bacteria
Authors: Zilberzwige-Tal Shai , Alon Dan , Gazit Danielle , Zachariah Shahar , Hollander Amit , Gazit Ehud , Elbaz Johann
Published: November 2020

DNA nanotechnology is leading the field of in vitro molecular-scale device engineering, accumulating to a dazzling array of applications from zeolite-like catalysts to bio-imaging. However, while DNA nanostructures' function is robust under in vitro settings, their implementation in real-world conditions requires overcoming their rapid degradation and subsequent loss of function. Viruses are incredibly sophisticated supramolecular assemblies, able to protect their nucleic acid content in the relatively inhospitable biological environment. Inspired by this natural ability, we engineered both in vitro and in vivo technologies, enabling the encapsulation and protection of functional DNA nanostructures inside MS2 bacteriophage virus-like particles (VLPs). We demonstrate the ssDNA-VLPs nanocomposites (NCs) abilities to encapsulate single-stranded-DNA (ssDNA) of an unprecedented variety of sizes (200–1500 nucleotides (nt)), sequences, and structures while retaining their functionality. Moreover, by exposing these NCs to hostile biological conditions, such as human blood serum, we exhibit that the VLPs serves as an excellent protective shell. To the best of our knowledge, these engineered NCs pose key properties that are yet unattainable by current fabrication methods.
Optimization of the de novo assembly of the transcriptome of the venom gland of Pamphobeteus verdolaga, prospecting novel bioactive peptides
Authors: Salinas-Restrepo Cristian , Misas Elizabeth , Estrada-Gomez Sebastian , Quintana Juan , Guzman Fanny , Calderon Juan Camilo , Giraldo Marco Antonio , Segura Cesar Hernando
Published: November 2020

Background: Spiders are among the most venomous animals in nature. Their venom constitutes a source of novel and innovative peptides and proteins with medicinal and biotechnological interest. However, their potential as antimicrobial, anti-cancerous, anti-hypertensive and even in the modulation of nociception is under-studied, mainly because handling the venom is technically challenging and there is paucity of next-generation-sequencing (NGS) data. Due to the increasing evidence of underestimation of the number of genes by the use of a single transcriptome assembler, we re-assembled and optimized the de novo transcriptome of the venom gland of the recently described Colombian spider P. verdolaga, by using three free access algorithms: Trinity, Soapdenovo and SPAdes. All the assemblies were evaluated by statistical parameters (e.g. contigs, GC%, max and min length and N50), by applying BUSCO´s terms retrieval against the arthropod data set to determine the best assembly for each software.Results: Our analyses show that while approximately 54% of all the assembled and structurally annotated sequences could be found in all three algorithms, around 23% of these were unique for Trinity and 21% were unique for SPAdes. The non-redundant merge of all three assemblies’ output permitted the annotation of 8640 sequences; at least 15% more when compared to each software separately, and an increase of 20% when compared to a previous P. verdolaga assembly. Analysis of the annotated genes allowed the identification of unreported lectins, kinins and over 200 peptides and proteins with potential antimicrobial and protease inhibition activities. Furthermore, homology search against the Arachnoserver database and the EROP knowledgebase allowed the identification of 135 novel theraphotoxins of biotechnological interest.Conclusion: Transcriptomic data is of utmost importance for spiders, as it is one of the more feasible and scalable ways to characterize these organisms. However, the use of a single de novo assembler implies an under representation of the expressed sequences, as it has been shown here. In the generation of data for non-model organisms as well as in the search for novel peptides and proteins with biotechnological interest, it is highly recommended that at least two different assemblers are employed.
PacBio single molecule real-time sequencing-based full-length transcriptome of tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) and mining of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
Authors: Deng Honghong , Liao Ming’an , Lv Xiulan , Lin Lijin , Deng Qunxian , Wang Zhihui , Wang Jin , Liang Dong , Hui Xia , Wang Xun
Published: November 2020

Background: Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendtn.) is a neglected, fast-growing, promising small fruit crop which provides a rich source of nutrition for human consumption. However, the transcriptome atlas of this important species is still lacking.Results: In this study, RNA samples from a broad diversity of tissues (roots, leaves, stems, flowers and fruits) of tree tomato were sequenced using Pacific Biosciences’ long-read single-molecule real-time sequencing technology. A total of 308699 full-length non-chimeric sequences with a mean length of 1005 bp and an N50 length of 1974 bp were obtained from our multi-tissue normalized cDNA libraries. A total of 140327, 104294, 135138, 78300, 53520, 152310 and 53520 transcripts were functionally annotated using Nr, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, KOG, GO, Nt and Pfam databases, respectively. Gene structural characteristics of the full-length transcriptome of tree tomato was subsequently investigated, including the predication of coding sequence and the identification of transcription factor families, long non-coding RNA and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker. Thirty primers were randomly selected to evaluate the application of SSR markers, 23 of which obtained successfully amplification.Conclusions: This is the first confident characterization of FL transcriptome profiling of tree tomato. The large-scale and high-quality transcriptome atlas and SSR molecular markers provided in the present study will facilitate further genetic studies of this important species.
Efekti dobi na međusobni odnos verbalnih i neverbalnih sposobnosti te emocionalne inteligencije
Authors:   Fakultet hrvatskih studija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Vučenović Dario , Hajncl Ljerka ,   Zavod za vještačenje, profesionalnu rehabilitaciju i zapošljavanje osoba s invaliditetom, Osijek
Published: November 2020

Provedenim istraživanjem nastojao se utvrditi međusobni odnos rezultata mjerenja emocionalne inteligencije, njihove relacije s mjerom verbalnih i neverbalnih sposobnosti te dobi i spola sudionika. Ispitivanje je provedeno na uzroku od 500 sudionika, širokog raspona kronološke dobi (od 15 do 65 godina; prosjek 36,9 godina) te oba spola (M = 257; Ž = 243). Dobivena je značajna povezanost varijabli emocionalne inteligencije te spola i dobi sudionika. Drugim riječima, žene i stariji sudionici imaju više razine emocionalne inteligencije. Dob je povezana s višim rezultatima emocionalne inteligencije, a negativna je povezanost utvrđena između neverbalne inteligencije i dobi, odnosno u starijim dobnim skupinama uočene su značajno niže razine neverbalnih sposobnosti. Ključni nalaz odnosi se na činjenicu kako s dobi i iskustvom dolazi do poboljšanja rezultata na mjeri emocionalne inteligencije, posebno na složenijim granama kao što su razumijevanje i analiza emocija te refleksivnost i regulacija emocija. Navedeni rezultati te dobivene korelacije s verbalnim faktorom inteligencije, doprinose potvrdi tumačenja emocionalne inteligencije kao sposobnosti nasuprot stajalištu kako se radi o osobini ličnosti koja bi se trebala mjeriti skalama samoprocjene. Ključne riječi: verbalne i neverbalne sposobnosti, emocionalna inteligencija
Doprinos moralnih temelja, religioznosti i društvene ideologije u objašnjenju orijentacija prema sreći
Authors:   Filozofski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Erceg Nikola , Bubić Andreja ,   Filozofski fakultet, Sveučilište u Splitu, Split
Published: November 2020

Istraživanje načina na koji pojedinci konceptualiziraju sreću, odnosno njihovih uvjerenja o tome što čini sretan život predstavlja važan element razumijevanja subjektivne dobrobiti jer ova uvjerenja ne reflektiraju samo njihova razmišljanja već i utječu na subjektivni osjećaj sreće. Istraživanja takvih uvjerenja pokazala su da postoje tri temeljne orijentacije koje naglašavaju mogućnost dostizanja sreće putem ugodnog, smislenog ili angažiranog života. S obzirom na to da nije dovoljno poznato koji činitelji doprinose razvoju spomenutih orijentacija, na uzorku od 415 sudionika provedeno je istraživanje čiji je cilj bio odrediti ulogu religioznosti, društvene ideologije i pet moralnih temelja koji uključuju brižnost, pravednost, lojalnost prema vlastitoj skupini, poštovanje autoriteta te tjelesnu i duhovnu čistoću u objašnjenju orijentacija prema sreći. Dobiveni rezultati izdvojili su moralne temelje lojalnosti i podložnosti autoritetu te liberalniju društvenu ideologiju i mlađu životnu dob kao statistički značajne prediktore orijentacije prema ugodnom životu. Uz to, moralni temelji brižnosti, lojalnosti i čistoće, kao i liberalnija društvena orijentacija, predviđali su izraženiju orijentiranost prema angažiranom životu, pri čemu se brižnost, zajedno s religioznošću, pokazala i kao značajan prediktor orijentacije prema smislenom životu. Dobiveni rezultati pokazuju da orijentacijama prema sreći, odnosno uvjerenjima pojedinaca o tome što predstavlja najbolji put prema sreći, doprinose njihova temeljna moralna, vjerska i društvena uvjerenja te upućuju na potrebu daljnjih istraživanja međuodnosa vrijednosnih orijentacija, zadovoljstva životom i orijentacija prema sreći. Ključne riječi: društvena ideologija, moralni temelji, orijentacije prema sreći, religioznost, subjektivna dobrobit
Utvrđivanje dimenzionalnosti i međusobnog odnosa varijabli klasične inteligencije i emocionalne inteligencije kao sposobnosti i kao osobine ličnosti u latentnom prostoru
Authors:   Fakultet hrvatskih studija, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Vučenović Dario , Hajncl Ljerka ,   Zavod za vještačenje, profesionalnu rehabilitaciju i zapošljavanje osoba s invaliditetom, Osijek
Published: November 2020

Prezentiranim istraživanjem nastojala se otkriti dimenzionalnost i faktorska struktura latentnog prostora ispitivanih varijabli (verbalna i neverbalna inteligencija, emocionalna inteligencija kao sposobnost i kao osobina ličnosti) s ciljem detektiranja je li emocionalna inteligencija dio kognitivnih sposobnosti ili osobina ličnosti. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 500 ispitanika dobnog raspona od 15 do 65 godina. Uzorak je podijeljen na tri dobne skupine: mlađu (15-25 godina), srednju (26-45 godina) i stariju (46-65 godina). Rezultati su pokazali da se u sve tri dobne skupine ekstrahira prvi faktor koji predstavlja kognitivne sposobnosti i zasićen je mjerom EI kao sposobnost. To su potvrdili koeficijenti kongruencije između tri dobne skupine. U mlađoj i srednjoj dobnoj skupini ekstrahirana su dodatna dva faktora, pri čemu drugi faktor predstavlja EI kao ličnost, a treći EI kao sposobnost. Koeficijent kongruencije je pokazao da treći faktor između mlađe i srednje dobne skupne nije kongruentan. U starijoj dobnoj skupini ekstrahiran je samo jedan dodatni faktor, povrh faktora kognitivnih sposobnosti i na njemu su se smjestile mjere EI kao sposobnost i EI kao osobina ličnosti. Ključni nalaz istraživanja jest da je EI kao sposobnost značajno povezana s verbalnim faktorom, tj. kristaliziranom inteligencijom te da postoji razlika u emocionalnom procesiranju u funkciji dobi. Sve navedeno upućuje na to da je emocionalna inteligencija vjerojatno jedna od kognitivnih sposobnosti, a ne osobina ličnosti. Ključne riječi: emocionalna inteligencija, inteligencija, sposobnost, osobine ličnosti