bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Ecotourism Segment in Amazonas State, Brazil
Authors: Vidal Marcelo Derzi , Pozzan Paim Fernanda , Meloni Nassar Pedro , Rodrigues Simonetti Susy
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected tourism worldwide. This paper examines the impacts of pandemic on companies and professionals related to ecotourism in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. For this purpose, we sent online structured questionnaire to workers in the sector, whose participation was voluntary and anonymous. We had 44 responses from seven macro-regions in the state, most of which were guides and workers in the market for over 15 years. For 91% of respondents, the pandemic totally affected personal or company turnover. Strategies to minimize impacts were adopted in 97% of cases, such as cancellation or rescheduling. The turnover forecast for the remainder of 2020 was very high for 38.6% of respondents. The budget recovery forecast is of at least two years for 43.2% of the cases. The professionals related to ecotourism in Amazonas had their activities affected and the perspective is for a slow recovery, resulting in vulnerability for the activity. Brazil's current image abroad, referring to the weak implementation of actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, represents a risk to the activity in Amazonas. Public policies are of utmost importance to recover the ecotourism and the valorization of the different actors and companies related to this tourist segment.
Keywords: Amazon; Coronavirus; Social isolation; Protected area; Tourism.
Pandemic’s (Covid-19) Impact on Tourism Sector of India
Authors: Faisal Mohammad , Dhusia Devendra Kumar
Published: September 2021

This paper examines the impact of pandemic on domestic tourism sector in India through finding out the changes in preferences of domestic tourists due to the pandemic (COVID-19).  For this purpose, primary data is collected from 364 Indian nationals to gain insights and secondary data is collected from various online sources such as reports, research articles, websites, books, etc. A structured questionnaire is developed for collecting primary data. The result of data analysis revealed that there is not much difference between numbers of people who used to travel before the pandemic and who want to travel after relaxations or vaccination according to their criteria as well as 76.2% respondents have intentions to travel for tourism activities within one year after relaxations (some or complete) or vaccination. The other findings disclosed that the history of Coronavirous cases of a state matter while choosing a destination and pandemic has influenced the preferences of the people for tourism components. These findings may help tourism as well as hospitality market players to develop new tourism products which also cover these changed preferences and help in reviving their business as well as the industry as early as possible by satisfying the tourists.

 Key words: Pandemic (COVID-19). Globalisation. Tourism. Health Tourism. Relaxations. Vaccination.
A Study on Adept Soft Skill & Knowledge Accompanying Hospitality Employee Retention Behavior During Covid-19 Lockdown Phase
Authors: Kumar Salla Vijay
Published: September 2021

This article converses the acceptability, challenges, and cue forward on hotel employees' through academic research on digital literacy. The researcher intends to study the correlation between personalized training customized by organizations and self –learning digital transformation which has shown its prominence during the unprecedented lockdown phase. The article also tries to emphasize labor flexibility and participation in decision making through various communication channels working in a conducive environment. The bibliographical review studies depict hospitality education, employment, and manpower development as some of the concerns being faced in the digital generation. The results of studies conducted show employee's digital competence as a catalyst to their productivity. They have reinforced and expanded the horizon of the employees to run with the advancement. Paul Gilster (1977) in his book has represented digital technologies as an "essential life skill." The conclusions are that there is an increase in understanding, using, and creating information sources using digital technologies in the tourism sector. The new-gen hoteliers are themselves keeping abreast with the latest innovation in procedures and practices to offer the service or product through the digital presence and retain the customers. Through this paper, the researcher would like to relate e-HR developmental approaches, customer relations management, and retention modeling as a tool for sustainable workforce investment.

 Key words: Hospitality; Digital; Literacy; Retention; Crisis; Knowledge.
bricolagem de experiências contraceptivas.
Authors: Cabral Cristiane , Reis Brandão Elaine
Published: September 2021

Trata-se de um ensaio que busca refletir sobre algumas dimensões do entrelaçamento entre pertencimento social, gênero, geração, raça e sexualidade nos domínios da contracepção e da reprodução. Propomos, a partir do exame da biografia de uma jovem de camadas populares, uma mirada dos contextos/cenários, atores, enredos, representações, valores sobre parentalidade que antecedem o engravidamento em si, e que acabam por constituir um conjunto de possibilidades e constrangimentos para a gestão da potencialidade reprodutiva. Esse deslocamento ilumina de forma exemplar a interdependência entre sexualidade/dimensão afetivo-sexual e contracepção, rompendo, portanto, com a perspectiva individualista de “escolha contraceptiva” comumente presente nas políticas públicas. Sublinha-se a dimensão relacional que preside as dinâmicas contraceptivas e as decisões reprodutivas (gravidez e aborto). Argumenta-se sobre a importância do desenvolvimento de políticas públicas, sobretudo de educação e de saúde, que tornem possível um processo de socialização contraceptiva - dimensão fundamental para ampliação do campo de possibilidades das trajetórias juvenis, ao menos no que tange a sua dimensão da gestão reprodutiva.
A Field Study to Determine Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction in Hotel Businesses
Authors: Yilmazer Aydın , Şeyhanlıoğlu Hasan Önal , Kingir Said
Published: September 2021

For organizations to shape their future of Tourism industry, it is essential for them to hire and retain top talent. Therefore, in this research, the relationship between organizational commitment and job satisfaction was examined. A quantitative research method was applied to test between the variables. The questionnaire technique has been used. The data were collected from 218 employees working in five-star and four-star hotels in the city of Ankara, capital of Turkey. First, the correlation coefficients between variables were calculated. Then, T test and One Way Anova analysis were conducted to determine whether there was a difference between variables and demographic characteristics. Finally, it was found that there was a positive and significant relationship between emotional commitment, a sub dimension of organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Further results indicated there is a negative and significant relationship between job satisfaction and other sub dimensions of organizational commitment, normative commitment and continuation commitment.

Key words: Organizational Commitment, Job Satisfaction, Hotel Employees, Tourism Establishments, Human Resources, Tourism.
Sempre a três movimentos da impermanência
Authors: Gonzaga Amador Antonio
Published: September 2021

O artigo é um relato de exercícios realizados pelo autor na busca de movimentos em direção a impermanência. São analisados três trabalhos artísticos e seus processos criativos que possuem a meditação como ponto de partida. Respiração, cuidado e escuta são conceitos que serão articulados e aproximados com cada trabalho artístico como uma forma de reflexão crítica. Por fim, é proposta uma prática performática a ser realizada por você, se quiser.
Perfil dos custos ambulatoriais no tratamento de neoplasia prostática
Authors:   , Oliveira Adriana Elisa Carcereri de
Published: September 2021

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Динамика рекомбинации и спиновой релаксации экситонов
в гетероструктурах (III,Al)(As,Sb)/AlAs
Authors: Шамирзаев Т.С. , Бакаров А.К. , Яковлев Д.Р.
Published: September 2021

Для изучения спиновой динамики спиновую систему, необходимо вывести из равновесия и создать
неравновесную заселенность спиновых состояний. Удобным методом для создания неравновесной
спиновой заселенности является нерезонансное возбуждение неполяризованным светом
расщепленных продольным магнитным полем состояний экситонов. При больших (по сравнению с
термической энергией kT) величинах Зеемановского расщепления (Ez) одинаковая заселенность
экситонных состояний с различными проекциями спина, обеспечивающаяся при таком возбуждении,
соответствует термодинамически неравновесному распределению. С течением времени процессы
спиновой релаксации, стремятся привести заселенности экситонных состояний в соответствие с
равновесным (больцмановским) распределением. Стремление спиновой системы к равновесию
сопровождается появлением циркулярной поляризации фотолюминесценции (ФЛ). Для типичных
структур с КТ при условии Ez >> kT максимальная степень поляризации ФЛ определяется отношением
времени жизни экситона (tr) к времени спиновой релаксации (ts) и при условии tr >> ts стремится к
100% [1].
Краевые фотогальванические эффекты в двумерных кристаллах
Authors: Тарасенко С. А.
Published: September 2021

В докладе представлены результаты теоретического и экспериментального исследования краевых
фотогальванических эффектов в двумерных кристаллах. Продемонстрировано, что возбуждение
двумерной структуры электромагнитным излучением приводит к генерации направленного
электрического тока вдоль геометрической границы структуры; полярность тока зависит от
поляризации излучения. Обсуждаются механизмы генерации краевого фототока для различных
спектральных диапазонов, соответствующих как межзонным, так и внутризонным оптическим
переходам в структурах на основе графена и других двумерных дираковских материалах. Показана
возможность многократного усиления фотоотклика в системах с латеральной сверхструктурой.
Обсуждаются также эффекты генерации фототоков в киральных и спиральных краевых каналах
двумерных топологических изоляторов.
Разработанная теория хорошо описывает зависимости фототока от поляризации излучения и
магнитного поля, наблюдаемые на графеновых системах, и показывает, что краевой фотогальванический эффект может доминировать в фотоэлектрическом отклике микроструктур.
Нелокальная киральная терагерцовая фотопроводимость в гетероструктурах на основе
топологической фазы Hg1-xCdxTe
Authors: Галеева А. В. , Казаков А. С. , Артамкин А. И.
Published: September 2021

Представлены результаты по нелокальной терагерцовой фотопроводимости в толстых
эпитаксиальных пленках Hg1-xCdxTe с инвертированным энергетическим спектром (x <~ 0.16).
В работе прямо продемонстрировано существование нелокальной компоненты терагерцового
фотоответа в толстых эпитаксиальных пленках Hg1-xCdхTe в магнитном поле. Знак нелокального
фотоответа зависит от положения потенциального зонда и направления магнитного поля, что
указывает на киральность индуцированного неравновесного транспорта. Наблюдаемые нетривиальные
особенности фототранспорта можно интерпретировать как проявление образования концевого
хирального краевого проводящего канала в топологической фазе сплавов Hg1-xCdхTe. Мы обсуждаем
результаты в терминах качественной модели, которая учитывает сосуществование объемного
транспортного и граничного проводящих каналов.
Перспективные гетероструктуры на основе А3В5 полупроводников для
фотоприемников ближнего и среднего ИК диапазонов спектра
Authors: Журавлев К. С. , Башкатов А. С. , Морозова О. Н.
Published: September 2021

В настоящее время при росте
гетероструктур используются бинарные соединения InSb, InAs, InSb и многокомпонентные твердые
растворы InGaAs и InAsSb; активно применяются и разрабатываются низкоразмерные
гетероструктуры с нанометровыми барьерами, с квантовыми ямами, квантовыми точками,
сверхрешетками и нанопроволоками. Для увеличении связи света с электронные состояниями
поглощающего материала, повышения чувствительности ИК ФП широко исследуются возможности
наноструктур в качестве просветляющих покрытий, оптических антенн, плазмонных структур и
метаматериалов. Твердый раствор In0,53Ga0,47As (Eg = 0,73 эВ), согласованный с InP подложкой,
является наиболее подходящим материалом для детекторов спектрального диапазона 1.0–1.7 мкм. ФП
на его основе имеют высокую чувствительность, низкий темновой ток и шум. Чувствительность ФП
можно максимизировать на желаемой длине волны, создать гетероструктуры с усилением света за счет
электронной инжекции или лавинного усиления. Активно развиваются конструкции гетероструктур
для малошумящих лавинных ФП. Еще один материал из семейства III – V, который выделяется на фоне
других материалов для ИК ФП - InAsSb. Этот тройной раствор, более устойчив по сравнению с
HgCdTe, имеет низкий коэффициент самодиффузии, довольно слабую зависимость между шириной
запрещенной зоны и составом и малую диэлектрическую проницаемость, обеспечивающую более
короткое время диэлектрической релаксации и меньшая емкость. На его основе создаются
короткопериодные сверхрешетки второго рода, характеристики которых значительно улучшены в
последнее время за счет введения блокирующего слоя с большей шириной запрещенной зоны чем
окружающие слои сверхрешетки. Стремление более высоких рабочих температур, более высокой
эффективности и более низкой стоимости ИК ФП стимулировали поиск гетероструктур с меньшая
квантовой размерностью. Большие надежды возлагались на нуль-мерные структуры. В настоящее
время активно исследуются возможности нанопроволок. Рассматривается три типа фотоприемников:
фотопроводники, фототранзисторы и гетероструктурные фотодиоды на основе InAs, InGaAs, InPAs и
InGaSb нанопроволок. В докладе анализируются достоинства и недостатки продемонстрированных
приборов, включая самые многообещающие фотоприемники на основе нанопроволок с лавинным
умножением. Кроме того в докладе рассматриваются новые нанотехнологические приемы,
позволяющие усилить взаимодействие света с электронной системой гетероструктур.
Unveiling the genetic divergence and phenotypic association in elite Pakistani wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
Authors: Gandahi Naila , Baloch Abdul Wahid , Talpur Mir Yar Muhammad Khan , Fatima Nasreen , Abro Tanweer Fatah , Jatoi Ghulam Hussain , Mari Asadullah , Bhutto Liaquat Ali , Zhang Rong Shu
Published: September 2021

The present study was designed to assess genetic divergence between commercial bread wheat genotypes based on yield and its related traits and to carry out phenotypic correlation. Twenty bread hexaploid wheat varieties were assessed for mean performance, correlation analysis and genetic distance. Randomized complete block design was used with three replications during growing season, 2018-2019 at Wheat and Barley Research Institute, Tandojam. The mean squares depicted significant differences (P<0.01) for all the investigated traits among the tested genotypes, proving that used genetic resources possess a great potential for further breeding experiments. Regarding mean performance, the genotypes Sassui and TD-1 displayed desirable performance for a variety of traits, unveiling their importance in wheat breeding programs. The results also showed that tillers plant-1, grains spike-1 and seed index developed significantly positive (P<0.05) interrelationship with grain yield plant-1. This demonstrates that genotypes possessing higher extent of these traits may be chosen in selection for developing high yielding bread wheat genotypes. The larger genetic distance was witnessed between Johar-78 and TD-1, followed by SKD-1 and TJ-83, SKD-1 and Mehran-89, SKD-1 and Johar-78, TD-1 and Khirman, TJ-83 and Imdad-05, Mehran-89 and TD-1 and Johar-78 and TJ-83. These paired showed wide genetic distances, which may also be preferred in wheat hybridization program.

Keywords: Genetic distance, hexaploid wheat, morphological traits, trait
Vegetation conditions in various plant communities and their performance in district Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Kalroo Muhammad Waseem , Pathan Attaullah Khan , Depar Muhammad Siddique , Rajput Imran Ali , Meghwar Behari Lal , Memon Arsalan , Ahmed Sarfaraz , Lodhi Abdul Mubeen , Ali Arif , Ibrahim5 Muhammad Bello
Published: September 2021

Six villages were registered for the experimental purpose/plantation where more than 25,000 plants were planted to develop range forest. These plants were developed at Marvi nursery PARC-Arid Zone Research Institute, Umerkot and some were purchased from private nursery situated at Mirpurkhas. Results revealed that maximum plants mortality rate was found at village Ratnore and lowest mortality of plants was observed at Mithrio Charan. Plants damaged due to unknown reason (natural), termite attack and diseases. In various locations most of plants were affected by termites than others biotic and abiotic factors. The most influenced plant was Prosopis cinerera. Maximum plants survived numbers of grafted ber was found at village Ratnore, the biomass production of green and dry grasses was taken after harvesting. A highest green grass weight 21812.58 kg and dry 3439.83 kg were observed from elephant grass stock and lowest green weight 5001.92 kg from Gatten grass and dry weight 477.57 kg per acre were recorded from Rhode grass 1 (Sabri). Gatten grass and Rhode grass 1 (Sabri) were found lower weight. All these seven grasses showed excellent performance except Elephant grass and Gatten grass. These two grasses needed more water as compared to remaining five species. These grasses when fed by goats their milk production was increased and goats like to feed these grasses. The pictures of these grasses showed their appearance and health irrigated by underground brackish water with more than 2200 ppm.

Keywords: grown, plants, performance, Tharparkar.
Effects of Staphylococcus aureus hemolysin toxins on blood cells and association with skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Shahid Adnan , Rafiq Afsheen
Published: September 2021

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is gram positive, catalase positive cocci which belongs to the family of Staphylococcaceae and is long known as clinical and foodborne pathogen. The emergence of multidrug resistance strain of S. aureus which is methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) challenges the health care system because it can cause wide variety of hospital and community acquired skin and soft tissue infections which are difficult to treat. The virulence of S. aureus is because of different factors which includes toxins, enzymes and superantigens. S. aureus produce variety of exotoxins, enterotoxins and exfoliative toxins which contributes to the virulence of S. aureus. Hemolysin toxins produce by S. aureus strains are associated with different skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and can cause the lysis of RBCs. Hemolysins are regulated by accessory gene regulator (agr) and is required for the enhanced expression of virulence factors secreted by S. aureus. Hemolysins have leucolytic activity and can help in iron scavenging from host. The most important toxin is alpha hemolysin which can induce the apoptosis and cause the lysis of epithelial cells, erythrocytes and keratinocytes. Human immune cells are affected by beta hemolysin and gamma hemolysin is a biocomponent toxin. Delta hemolysin is low molecular weight exotoxin which belongs to the class of phenol soluble modulins.

Keywords: MRSA, Exotoxins, Hemolysins, SSTIs
Thermal stable and proteinase-K resistant insecticidal toxins produced by Photorhabdus luminescens
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , ghamdi M.S. Al-
Published: September 2021

Photorhabdus is lives in a mutualistic association with nematodes from the family Heterorhabditis. Bacteria of the Photorhabdus can survive independently and cause toxicity in a larger variety of insects. In the present study, insecticidal activity of non-portentous heat-stable metabolites of Photorhabdus luminescens was evaluated against Galleria mellonella. For this purpose, the culture extract of P. luminescens was injected into the G. mellonella larvae, which killed almost 90% of larvae within 48 h. The extract showed 100% insecticidal activity after heat treatment of 70 C for 30 min and even 60% and 40% activity lasted at 80 C and 90 C respectively. The extract also showed a high degree of thermal stability and was 100% actives after 60 min at 70 C. In addition, insecticidal activity was preserved up to 100% after all proteinase-K treatments (0 ?g/mL to 50 ?g/mL). The results revealed that the extracts were non-portentous and showed high thermal resistance and stability.

Keywords: Photorhabdus, insecticidal activity, toxins, heat stable non-proteinaceous
Evaluation of the Effect of Removable Maxillary Expanders on Facial Vertical Dimension
Authors: Soheilifar Sepideh , AhmadPour Yousef , Soheilifar Sanaz , Neshati Ashkan , Teymouri Pouria
Published: September 2021

Background: Palatal expansion is one of the most common types of orthodontic treatment, which is administered employing different appliances, and is used for the correction of posterior cross bite. This treatment can elevate the palatal cusp on the maxillary first molar, lead to the rotation of mandible, and increase the height of the lower third of the face. In some cases, the use of bite plane is suggested to avoid vertical dimension changes of the face. This study aimed to assess the effect of removable maxillary expanders on facial vertical dimensions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 68 patients referring to Hamedan School of Dentistry and being treated using removable maxillary expander with or without bite plane were examined. Pretreatment and post treatment cephalograms of the patients were analyzed by Dolphin Imaging Software 11.9 version, and the results from 5 cephalometric variables, namely the mandibular plane related to SN line, the angle of mandibular plane related to FH, Y axis, the maxillary plane angulation, as well as the lower facial height were calculated. Patient’s transverse dimension was measured by a caliper on the dental casts along the mesiobuccal cusp of maxillary first molars. Paired t test and independent t-test were adopted for carrying out data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and sex at the beginning of treatment. However, maxillary plane angulation and Y axis changed significantly in group with bite plane. (P=0.034, P=0.007). The changes were less than 1.5 degrees. No significant difference was observed between the groups with or without bite plane regarding the changes of cephalometric variables during the treatment. The transverse dimension of the arch was increased significantly in both groups. The changes were similar in two groups. Conclusions: According to the results from this study, the presence of bite plane had no advantage over its absence. However, it seemed necessary to design a randomized clinical trial in this regard.
The Effect of Glaze Coating on Wear Resistance of Some Acrylic Denture Teeth: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Abbasi Samaneh , Ebrahimi Soodabe , Shisheian Arash , Farhadian Maryam
Published: September 2021

Background: Acrylic resin teeth wear resistance has an important role in the denture longevity. This study aimed to clarify the effect of glaze coating on wear resistance of three types of artificial acrylic teeth. Methods: In this in vitro study, the wear resistance rate of three of acrylic denture teeth (GENIUS, STON and CLASSIC) was compared with Ivoclar teeth (n=25/group). The wear resistance was measured by estimating the weight loss in pre and post removing glaze coating, following 5000 cycles in the chewing simulator device. Data analysis was made using paired t test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: ANOVA test showed that there was no significant difference between the mean amount of wear of GENIUS, CLASSIC, STON and IVOCLAR teeth in the first stage (P <0.061), but this difference was significant (P <0.001) in the second stage. The result of Tukey post hoc test showed that wear rates of GENIUS were significantly lower than other groups (P<0.001). Comparison between the mean wear rates of each dental group at the first and second stages showed a significant difference between average teeth wear resistance of CLASSIC, STON and IVOCLAR in the first and second stages (P <0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the teeth wear resistance of STON and CLASSIC were similar to IVOCLAR. Also, after removing the glaze coating, the teeth wear resistance decreased in all groups but was not statistically significant for group GENIUS.
The Rare Eruption of Second Mandibular Permanent Molar in a Seven-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report
Authors: Kamali Sabeti Arghavan , Entezari Moghaddam Niloufar , Younesi Ghazaal
Published: September 2021

Background: Information on tooth emergence is a key indicator for demonstrating maturity in the diagnosis of certain growth disturbances and an estimation of the chronological age of the children with unknown birth records in forensic dentistry. The association of dental and skeletal maturity with chronologic age among different populations has been investigated by several researchers. Early eruption of permanent molar appears to be a unique finding at such an early chronological age. The present report aimed to present a case of early eruption of mandibular second permanent molar in a seven-year-old girl. Case Report: A seven-year-old girl was referred to the department of pediatric dentistry of Hamadan University with the chief complaint of an extra palatal tooth. Apart from the supernumerary tooth, mandibular second molars and premolars were fully erupted. Radiographic evaluation revealed a closure of the apex of the maxillary and mandibular incisors along with the first molars. For further investigations, the patient was referred to pediatric endocrinologist in order to rule out any systemic disease; however, patient’s test results did not show any systemic or hormonal problems. This case is one of the rare cases of early eruption of mandibular second molars at seven with no underlying problems. To our knowledge, no case of early eruption of second permanent molar has been reported in a seven-year-old child and early eruption of second molar appears to be a unique finding at such an early chronological age. Conclusions: Any change in sequence or timing of the normal tooth eruption is not common, and it needs prepared eyes and adequate knowledge to diagnose and examine it in a timely manner.
Intra-ovarian injection of bone marrow-derived c-Kit+ cells for ovarian rejuvenation in menopausal rats
Authors: Sheshpari Sepideh , Shahnazi Mahnaz , Ahmadian Shahin , Nouri Mohammad , Mesgari Abbasi Mehran , Beheshti Rahim , Rahbarghazi Reza , Honaramooz Ali , Mahdipour Mahdi
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Cell-based therapies with certain cell types are touted as novel and hopeful therapeutic intervention in the clinical setting. Here, we aimed to assess the regenerative potential of c-Kit+ cells in the rejuvenation of ovarian tissue and fertility rate in rat model of premature ovarian failure (POF). Methods: Rats were treated with 160 mg/kg/BW of 4-vinylcyclohexene dioxide for 15 days. Freshly enriched rat bone marrow-derived c-Kit+ (MACS) and c-Kit- cells (4×105 cells/10 µL) were transplanted into the ovaries of treatment and control animals. Prior to transplantation as well as 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-transplantation, randomly-selected rats were euthanized and ovarian tissues were subjected to pathophysiological examinations and real-time PCR analyses. Results: POF status was confirmed by the presence of pathological features and a decreased number of immature and mature follicles compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed a substantial reduction of atretic follicles in POF rats receiving c-Kit+ cells in comparison with POF rats that did not receive these cells (P < 0.05). Compared with the control samples, angiogenesis-related genes, Angpt2 and KDR, showed increased and decreased expressions in POF ovaries, respectively (P < 0.05). c-Kit+ cells had potential to restore angiogenesis in the ovarian tissue within normal ranges. Systemic levels of FSH did not significantly change in pre- or post-transplantation time points for any group (P > 0.05). Notable reduction of collagen deposition was found in c-Kit-treated rats. Transplantation of c-Kit+ cells also restored the reduced fertility rate (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The administration of c-Kit+ cells can modulate angiogenesis and pathological changes, leading to the rejuvenation of ovarian function of a rat model of premature menopause.
Nanoencapsulation of Hirudo medicinalis proteins in liposomes as a nanocarrier for inhibiting angiogenesis through targeting VEGFA in the Breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)
Authors: Shakouri Amir , Kahroba Houman , Hamishekar Hamed , Abdolalizadeh Jalal
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most serious cause of women’s death throughout the world. Using nanocarrier vehicles to the exact site of cancer upgrades the therapeutic efficiency of the drugs. Capsulation of active proteins in the vesicular liposomes’ hydrophilic core is essential to develop a therapeutic protein carrier system. We aimed to encapsulate the medicinal leech saliva extract (LSE) and assess the inhibition of angiogenesis of breast cancer cells by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Methods: In this research, enhanced formulation of liposomal protein was determined by zeta potential analysis, droplet size, drug release assay, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, a cytotoxicity assay of liposomal LSE was performed to determine the cytotoxic activity of components. For assessing the expression of VEGFA, P53, and hypoxia-inducible factor subunit alpha (HIF1a) genes, Real-Time PCR was applied. Results: Nano liposome was chosen as an enhanced formulation due to its much smaller size (46.23 nm). Liposomal LSE had more practical actions on the MCF-7 cells. As noticed by DAPI staining, apoptosis was extensively greater in treated MCF-7 cells. Wound healing assay demonstrated that MCF-7 cells could not sustain growth at the presence of liposomal LSE and expression of the VEGFA gene was declined in treated cells. Downregulation of VEGFA was evaluated with western blotting technique. Conclusion: It can be concluded that our investigation of the tests confirmed the fact that nano liposomal LSE is a novel promising formulation for anticancer drugs and can significantly improve the penetration of protein drugs to cancer cells.
Peptides on a rescue mission against the hazardous cidal chemicals used in Eastern Indian Agriculture: An in-silico approach based on field survey in 2020
Authors: Chowdhury Debojyoti , Chhatar Abhisekh , Nandan Suman , Swarupa Sanchari , Shaw Ranjit , Basu Seena , Atre Nitin , Khedkar Dinesh
Published: September 2021

Background: The use of poisonous agrochemicals is both necessary and menacing for a farmer. The long-term hazards of chemicals can even be life-threatening to many people. Recently, the adverse effects of such chemicals on the environment and human health received serious attention throughout the world. In an Indian context, the usage of the chemical sprays has costed many lives and influenced vital organs to the greatest extent. This serious situation advocates the search for ways to prevent the inhalation and absorption of these chemicals into the body. The present study was conducted to evaluate different types of chemical sprays, their impact, and explore remedial ways to neutralize their toxic effects. Methods: Alpha-cypermethrin, phorate, fenobucarb, buprofezin, and mancozeb were selected for binding based on the feedback of severity in actions reported by the respondents and statistical analysis of different physical and chemical parameters. Chemical similarity analysis of the 39 cidal chemicals was performed to predict the binding similarity with respect to the above-mentioned 5 seed molecules. These five chemicals were docked with three different proteins 121p GTPase HRas, Torpedo acetylcholinesterase, and trypanosoma phosphoglycerate kinase, selected based on the common target prediction. Results: Common target prediction revealed that these chemicals have an affinity to bind these proteins with a higher binding interaction towards the aromatic amino acid residues and those capable of H-bonding, escorted by a predilection towards acetylcholinesterase. Conclusion: The in-silico findings are the basis to propose that acetylcholinesterase can be considered as a potential binding agent to trap fatal agrochemicals.
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors as Potential Tumor Biomarkers in Genitourinary Cancers: a Review Study
Authors: Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Baradaran Behzad , Aghebati Maleki Leili , Khabbazi Alireza
Published: September 2021

The genitourinary tissues express the different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are involved in many physiologic and pathologic processes. New studies have indicated the significant role of nAChRs in multiple tumor-related properties in different types of malignancies. Genitourinary cancers (GUCs) represent a heterogeneous population of cancers, in both histology and approach to treatment. nAChRs are functionally expressed by a variety of immune cells, tumor cells, and tumor-associated cells in the microenvironment of GUCs. In the current review study, publications until May 2021 were included in the literature review to summarize the potential effects and clinical and experimental significance of nAChRs in GUCs pathogenesis. The results yielded substantial and some paradoxical evidence regard the role of different subtypes of nAChRs as potential regulators and predictive biomarkers for GUCs. The accumulated evidence demonstrated that nAChRs levels were increased in the GUCs samples, which provides clinically relevant information on utilizing nAChRs as a new biomarker to improve the prognosis of these cancers. Also, activation or blockade of these receptors may lead to different downstream signaling pathways and cause diverse effects. Regarding the significant global burden of GUCs, evaluation of these receptors and delineating their molecular mechanisms could enrich our understanding of the biology of GUCs and may have new opportunities for clinical impacts.
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Occupational Stress and Anxiety of Nurses Caring for Patients With COVID-19 in Tehran
Authors: Mosazadeh Hasan , Błachnio Aleksandra , Pirnia Bijan
Published: September 2021

Background: This research aims to evaluate the impact of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the occupational stress and the anxiety of nurses. Methods: This was an experimental study with pre-test post-test design with a control group. We included all nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in governmental hospitals in Tehran during six months of 2020. Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Steinmetz Occupational Stress Questionnaire were used for data collection. Results: Box’s test (P=0.225) showed that the covariance-variance matrices were homogeneous. Levine’s test also indicated that the assumption of variance equality was observed. The amounts of ETA square root showed that 66.3% of the anxiety variance and 51.3% of the occupational stress variance could be predicted in the posttest through ACT. Conclusion: The rate of occupational stress and anxiety of the test group significantly decreased compared with the control group after the intervention. Therefore, ACT could decrease the occupational stress and anxiety of nurses and the therapists could use this approach for improving the mental health of nurses.
PCSK9 Gene Polymorphisms Associated With the Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Iranian Patients
Authors: Namordizadeh Farshad , Nasiri Mahboobeh
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulatory protein in lipid metabolism and a candidate gene in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and significance of PCSK9 rs505151 and rs11591147 variants with myocardial infarction (MI) risk in the Iranian population. Patients and Methods: The frequency of the PCSK9 rs505151 and rs11591147 variants were compared between 600 cases of MI and 600 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals. Tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS PCR) was used for rs505151, and amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (ARMS-PCR) was utilized to detect the rs11591147 polymorphism. Finally, SPSS and SHEsis software were applied for data analysis. Results: Carriers of the GG genotype of rs505151 polymorphism (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05–2.35, P = 0.02; age-adjusted; OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03–2.32, P = 0.03) and at least one G-allele including GG+AG vs. AA (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.04–2.28, P = 0.03; age-adjusted; OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.01–2.24, P = 0.04) have an increased risk of MI. No association between PCSK9 rs505151 alleles and MI risk was observed. The ratio of individuals with the rs11591147GT variant was higher in healthy individuals vs. patients with MI (48.6% vs. 41.7%), indicating a reduced risk of developing MI (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59–0.95; P = 0.01; age-adjusted; OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58–0.95; P = 0.01). The carriers of at least one T allele (TT+GT vs. GG) (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62–0.98; P = 0.03; age-adjusted; OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62–0.98; P = 0.03) showed a significant reduction in MI risk. The allelic frequencies at this polymorphic site did not differ between MI patients and healthy counterparts. No association was found between the haplotypes constructed from the alleles of these two polymorphisms. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidence that PCSK9 gene polymorphisms may serve as independent prognostic markers for MI patients in Iran.
Parental Education and Children’s Sleep Problems: Minorities’ Diminished Returns
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: September 2021

Background and aims: While increased parental education reduces children’s sleep problems, less is known about racial variation in such protection. According to Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory, economic resources such as parental education show weaker health effects for minority groups such as Blacks and Latinos than non-Latino Whites, which is due to racism and social stratification. In this study, we investigated the association between parental education and children’s sleep problems, as a proxy of sleep problems, by race. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 11718 American children aged 9-10. All participants were recruited to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. The independent variable was parental education, a five-level nominal variable. The dependent variable – sleep problems, was a continuous variable. Race/ethnicity was the effect modifier. Age, sex, and marital status were the covariates. Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis. Results: Parental education was associated with children’s sleep problems. However, there was a weaker inverse association seen in non-Latino Black and Latino families compared to non-Latino White families. This was documented by a significant statistical interaction between race and ethnicity and parental education on children’s sleep problems. Conclusion: Diminished protective effect of parental education on children’s sleep problems for non-Latino Black and Latino families compared to non-Latino White families is similar to the MDRs in other domains. Worse than expected sleep may contribute to higher-than-expected health risks of middle-class Black and Latino children.
When Health Systems Consider Research to Be Beyond the Scope of Healthcare Delivery, Research Translation Is Crippled Comment on "Academic Health Science Centres as Vehicles for Knowledge Mobilisation in Australia? A Qualitative Study"
Authors: Jorm Christine , Piper Donella
Published: September 2021

Edelman and colleagues’ analysis of the views of Board members of Australian Research Translation Centres (RTCs) is well timed. There has been little study of Australian RTCs to date. We focus on their recommendations regarding knowledge mobilisation (KM) to open broader debate on the wisdom of regarding UK practices as a blueprint. We go further and ask whether successful RTCs might, as a result of responding to local context, create idiosyncratic structures and solutions, making generalisable learning less likely? There has been much invested in Australian RTCs and implications of government’s formative evaluation of their work is discussed. Five recommendations are made that could help RTCs: allowing system end-users a greater say in funding decisions, taking a broader, more democratic approach to kinds of knowledge that are valued; investing in methodologies derived from the innovation space; and, a creative attention to governance to support these ideas.
Powerful Allies and Weak Consensus: Towards a Deeper Understanding of how Health-Harming Industries Seek to Influence Global Health Governance Comment on "Competing Frames in Global Health Governance: An Analysis of Stakeholder Influence on the Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases"
Authors: Zenone Marco , Hawkins Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Suzuki et al have identified commonalities in the policy positions adopted at a global forum by commercial sector actors and high-income countries (HICs), on the one hand, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), on the other, in ways that may allow commercial sector actors to block or delay evidence-based policies through the creation of political controversy. The ability of industry actors to draw on the support of the most politically and economically powerful countries for their favoured policy agenda is an important contribution to understanding the dynamics of global health governance in the area of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and beyond. Here we assess the relevance of this paper for the field of corporate actors’ research and the potential avenues this opens up for further study. More specifically we emphasize the need for comparative, cross disciplinary research to examine the power of heath-harming industries and the relevance of these findings for decolonizing global health.
"My Cancer Is Worth Only Fifteen Weeks?" A Critical Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Financial Toxicity and Cancer in Canada
Authors: Sayani Ambreen , Dilney Jessica , Kuhnke Janet L. , McNeil Tom
Published: September 2021

Background: Cancer patients experience financial hardship due to rising expenses related to cancer treatment and declining income levels associated with reduced employability. Employment Insurance Sick Benefits (EI-SB) is a social income support program which provides temporary income replacement to Canadians when they fall ill. Although EI-SB is designed to maintain continuity of income during an illness, little is known about the perspectives of cancer patients who receive EI-SB. This knowledge can inform the development of public policies which are responsive to the needs and priorities of cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a theory-informed thematic analysis of data collected from twenty semi-structured interviews with participants who were receiving care in a cancer centre in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and had received EI-SB. A coding framework was developed using Taplin and colleagues’ intermediate outcomes of patient care across the cancer care continuum. Interpretation of findings was guided by the synergies of oppression theoretical lens. Results: Three overarching themes describe the experiences of cancer patients receiving social income support: Economic exclusion, in which the structure of the labour market and social welfare system determine access to workplace benefits and continuity of reasonable income; financial toxicity, a vicious cycle of financial burden and increasing financial distress; and constrained choices, where cancer influences employability and lowered income influences the need to be employed. Conclusion: Cancer patients need income support programs that are tailored to match their healthcare priorities. In addition, policies which strengthen working conditions and facilitate a reintegration to work when possible will be important in addressing the structural drivers of income insecurity experienced by cancer patients.
Bed-to-Bed Transfer Program Among Patients Who Need Hospitalization in a Crowded Emergency Department in Taiwan
Authors: Ku Nai-Wen , Tsai Chu-Lin , Chen Shyr-Chyr , Huang Chien-Hua , Fang Cheng-Chung , Shun Shiow-Ching
Published: September 2021

Background: Emergency department (ED) crowding is a universal issue. In Taiwan, patients with common medical problems prefer to visit ED of medical centers, resulting in overcrowding. Thus, a bed-to-bed transfer program has been implemented since 2014. However, there was few studies that compared clinical outcomes among patients who choose to stay in medical centers to those being transferred to regional hospitals. The aim of this study was to explore the transfer rate, delineate the factors related to patient transfer, and clarify the influence upon the program outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using demographic and clinical disease factors from the patient electronic referral system, electronic medical records (EMRs) of a medical center in Taipei, and response to referrals from regional hospitals. The study included adult patients who were assessed as appropriate for transfer in 2016. We analyzed the outcomes (length of stay and mortality rate) between the referrals were accepted and refused using propensity score matching. Results: Of the 1759 patients eligible for transfer to regional hospitals, 420 patients (24%) accepted the referral. Medical records were obtained from the regional hospitals for 283 patients (67%). After propensity score matching, the results showed that interhospital transfer resulted in similar median total length of stay (8.7 days in the medical center vs 7.9 days in regional hospitals; P=.245). In-hospital mortality was low for both groups (3.1% in the medical center vs 1.3% in regional hospitals; P=.344). Conclusion: Transfer from an overcrowded ED in a medical center to regional hospitals in eligible patients results in non-significant outcome of total length of stay. With the caveat of an underpowered sample, we did not find statistically significant differences in in-hospital mortality. This healthcare delivery model may be used in other cities facing similar problems of ED overcrowding.