bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the history of higher musical education of Uzbekistan in the years of independence
Authors: Sahodat Murtazova
Published: March 2020

This article is devoted to the study of the history of the period of independence of higher musical education in Uzbekistan. It summarizes the implementation of the first days of independence of fundamental reforms in all spheres of life in Uzbekistan, including education, in particular, in the system of music education, as well as the adoption of decrees and resolutions related to the field, the changes that have occurred in the field of music, and successes other.

Along with this, the peoples of the world are currently carrying out serious activities to study, promote their culture and spirituality, carefully preserve and develop their rich traditions, establish creative cooperation, organize international festivals, scientific and practical conferences, conduct research, in this regard, a special place For the development of the sphere, the system of higher musical education is of great importance.

The article highlights information about the establishment in the system of higher musical education of teaching music education, training at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, the State Institute of Arts and Culture, at some regional pedagogical institutes, state universities, and about their achievements.

It was analyzed that the opening of the pop art faculty, the development of jazz art at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, the teaching of new academic disciplines based on the requirements of our time is important. In particular, in universities and higher educational institutions of the pedagogical direction, carrying out their activities in the regions of the republic, a number of cases are being carried out to prepare specialists in musical art, which is examined by the example of the music departments of Navoi State Pedagogical Institute, Bukhara State University and Karshi State University.

Thus, it is analyzed that from the first years of independence, the attitude towards national identity, spiritual heritage, traditional values, the Uzbek national musical heritage, music education and training, the implementation of large-scale reforms in recent years to widely familiarize the world community with our rich spiritual heritage at the international level, special attention paid to the faculty, training talent s staff in higher music education.
Detection a New Antiseptic Resistant Variant of qac Gene in Some Multi Drug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Different Clinical Sources
Authors: Et al. Saber
Published: March 2020

The increasing use of antiseptic compounds creates selective pressure cause emergence of antiseptic resistance among Staphylococcus aureus .Resistance mechanism of antiseptic is driven mainly by multi drug resistant (MDR) efflux protein.Sixty five isolates of S.aureuswere collected from different clinical sources and subjected to 11 antibiotics most of them are recognized by efflux systems as extruded substrates. Range of efflux activity was estimated using cartwheel method. Simultaneous discrimination of antiseptic coding genes (qacA/B, smr and norA)as well as nuc and mecA genes among multidrug resistantS.aureus(MRSA) isolates was preformed using multiplex PCR assay , 61 isolatesamong 65 were positive tonucand mecA genes, 58 of them were positive to norA, 14 of them were positive to qacA/B and only two were positive to smr. All isolates detected with qacA/B characterized by fluoroquinolones resistant and most of them show strong efflux activity at cartwheel assay, all of the 14 isolates positive qacA/B were sequenced to differentiate between variants depending on position 323 (aspartic in QacA, alanine in QacB), 3 of them harbored asparagines amino acid at position 323 and considered to be a new variants that reported for the first time.
Studies on Surface Morphology and Electrical Conductivity of PS Thin Films in Presence of Divalent Complexes
Authors: Et al. Al-Taa'y
Published: March 2020

Optical properties and surface morphology of pure and doped Polystyrene films with different divalent metals of Zn, Cu and Sn and one concentration percentage have been studied. Measurements of UV-Vis spectrophotometer and AFM spectroscopy were determined. The absorbance, transmittance and reflectance spectrums were used to study different optical parameters such as absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient and energy gap in the wavelengths rang 200-800nm. These parameters have increased in the presence of the metals. The change in the calculated values of energy gaps with doping metals content has been investigated in terms of PS matrix structural modification. The value of optical energy gap was found decreasing from 4.5eV of pure PS to reach 4.45, 4.38 and 4.32eV for Zn, Cu and Sn respectively. Measurement by AFM spectroscopy was done for two and three dimensional topographic images. From figures, the data of roughness average were 7.29, 7.31, 3.37 and 6.73nm for samples (Blank, Zn, Cu and Sn) respectively.
Spectrophotometric Assay of Salbutamol Sulphate in Pharmaceutical Preparations by Coupling with Diazotized ρ-bromoaniline
Authors: Et al. Tamathir
Published: March 2020

In this research, salbutamol sulphate (SAS) has been determined by a simple, rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method. Salbutamol sulphate in this method is based on the coupling of SAS with diazotized ρ- bromoaniline reagent in alkaline medium of Triton X-100 (Tx) to form an orange azo dye which is stable and water-soluble. The azo dye is exhibiting maximum absorption at 441 nm. A 10 - 800 µg of SAS is obeyed of Beer's law in a final volume of 20 ml, i.e., 0.5- 40 ppm with ε, the molar absorptivity of 48558 L.mol-1.cm-1 and Sandell's sensitivity index of 0.01188 µg.cm-2. This new method does not need solvent extraction or temperature control which is well applied to determine SAS in different types of pharmaceutical preparations.
The Effect of MHD on a Longitudinal Flow of a Fractional Maxwell Fluid between Two Coaxial Cylinders
Authors: Et al. Murad
Published: March 2020

In this paper fractional Maxwell fluid equation has been solved. The solution is in the Mettag-Leffler form. For  the corresponding solutions for ordinary Maxwell fluid are obtained as limiting case of general solutions. Finally, the effects of different parameters on the velocity and shear stress profile are analyzed through plotting the velocity and shear stress profile.
Symmetric and Positive Definite Broyden Update for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Et al. Mahmood
Published: March 2020

Broyden update is one of the one-rank updates which solves the unconstrained optimization problem but this update does not guarantee the positive definite and the symmetric property of Hessian matrix.

In this paper the guarantee of positive definite and symmetric property for the Hessian matrix will be established by updating the vector  which represents the difference between the next gradient and the current gradient of the objective function assumed to be twice continuous and differentiable .Numerical results are reported to compare the proposed method with the Broyden method under standard problems.
PWRR Algorithm for Video Streaming Process Using Fog Computing
Authors: Et al. Hassan
Published: March 2020

The most popular medium that being used by people on the internet nowadays is video streaming.  Nevertheless, streaming a video consumes much of the internet traffics. The massive quantity of internet usage goes for video streaming that disburses nearly 70% of the internet. Some constraints of interactive media might be detached; such as augmented bandwidth usage and lateness. The need for real-time transmission of video streaming while live leads to employing of Fog computing technologies which is an intermediary layer between the cloud and end user. The latter technology has been introduced to alleviate those problems by providing high real-time response and computational resources near to the client at the network boundary. The present research paper proposes priority weighted round robin (PWRR) algorithm for streaming operations scheduling in the fog architecture. This will give preemptive for streaming live video request to be delivered in a very short response time and real-time communication. The results of experimenting the PWRR in the proposed architecture display a minimize latency and good quality of live video requests which has been achieved with bandwidth changes as well as meeting all other clients requests at the same time
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity Study of Some New Substituted Benzoxazole Derivatives
Authors: Alheety Nuaman
Published: March 2020

This research included the preparation of 2-mercaptobenzoxazole (N1) by the reaction of ortho-aminophenol with carbon disulfide in an alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution. The 2-mercapto benzoxazole (N1) was then treated with hydrazine to obtain the 2-hydrazino benzoxazole (N2). A number of hydrazones (N3-N5) were prepared through the reaction of N2 with different benzaldehydes. The compound (N6) was also prepared whereby the ring closing of hydrazone (N3) using chloroacetylchloride, while the compound (N7) was prepared by treating 2-hydrazino benzoxazole with acetylacetone. When the compound (N1) was treated with formaldehyde, it afforded the compound (N8). Also, the N9 was obtained from the reaction of N1 with chloroacetic acid in the presence of alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The prepared compounds were characterized using physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods such as melting point, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). Thereafter, some of the compounds were selected for in vitro antibacterial activity and one of these compounds showed an inhibition effect against gram positive only which is very important because it is considered as specific antibacterial drug.
Gestión del talento humano en micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas de servicios en Colombia: aproximaciones a un modelo de diagnóstico organizacional
Authors: Pantoja-Kauffmann Gabriela
Published: March 2020

Rev.esc.adm.neg

El presente artículo pretende establecer una reflexión sobre el estado del arte de la gestión del talento humano para micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas —mipymes— en Colombia, en el contexto de la elaboración de un modelo de diagnóstico organizacional del sector servicios y a partir de la investigación documental sobre las prácticas de gestión del talento humano del grupo de investigación de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas de la Universidad de San Buenaventura con sede en Bogotá. En este escrito se busca establecer una aproximación a un modelo de diagnóstico organizacional con el fin de determinar la contribución de las áreas de gestión del talento humano en mipymes, a partir de los componentes de un modelo de gestión humana que mide la propuesta de valor de las áreas de gestión del talento en empresas colombianas; entendiendo que la gestión del talento humano en las organizaciones que agrega valor a la operación del negocio es aquella por la cual se logra trascender los asuntos operativos y contingentes del día a día y aportar a la toma de decisiones estratégicas en función de la comprensión de los mercados empresariales. Así pues, se concluye que en las mipymes colombianas las áreas de gestión del talento humano pueden erigirse como una herramienta movilizadora de recursos internos y en fuente de ventaja competitiva, en la medida en que se integren, de forma entrelazada, en el propósito de generar valor en la organización como un sistema integral.
El alcance de las prácticas de dirección en la vida de los colaboradores: la relación entre la percepción de justicia y el conflicto trabajo-familia en las organizaciones del sur colombiano
Authors: Andrade-Navia Juan Manuel , Ramírez-Plazas Elías , Rueda-Ramírez Humberto
Published: March 2020

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El presente estudio evalúa la relación entre la justicia organizacional, en sus dimensiones de justicia procedimental y justicia interaccional, y el conflicto trabajo-familia en las empresas colombianas. La investigación fue de carácter explicativo-causal y con el fin de evaluar las relaciones y los efectos entre las variables se utilizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. La investigación se realizó en tres organizaciones pertenecientes a diferentes sectores económicos —servicios, financiero y producción—, en las que se aplicaron 450 encuestas a sus empleados. En cuanto a los resultados, se obtuvo que solo la justicia interaccional presenta una relación negativa y significativa con el conflicto trabajo-familia; la relación justicia procedimental y conflicto trabajo-familia fue no significativa, además de positiva. Esta investigación y sus resultados respaldan la hipótesis de que el crecimiento empresarial, de la mano del bienestar del capital humano, depende de factores clave como la disminución de los conflictos de los empleados y la capacitación de los jefes o supervisores mediante estrategias de liderazgo transformacional que den cuenta de la justicia organizacional y de la participación activa de todos los actores, para fomentar así, relaciones y entornos laborales en los que prevalezcan valores fundamentales como el respeto, la honestidad, la dignidad y la cortesía.
Educación corporativa: análisis del índice de contribuciones y desarrollo de competencias organizacionales
Authors: Lago Attadia Galli Lesley Carina do , Aparecida Prates Glaucia , Aline Melenchon Caroline , Silva Patrícia Andrea da , Altafin Galli Rafael
Published: March 2020

Rev.esc.adm.neg

Las organizaciones se encuentran involucradas en constantes cambios y buscan implementar estrategias que les permitan enfrentar los nuevos desafíos que generan, sobre todo, la globalización y la competitividad, centrados en el poder del conocimiento. El objetivo de este artículo es mapear las contribuciones de la educación corporativa en la formación y el desarrollo de las competencias de los colaboradores de una organización del sector bancario. Para la realización de este trabajo se optó por una muestra no probabilística y por conveniencia. El cuestionario se aplicó en trabajadores del Banco ALFA de las ciudades de Ribeirão Preto, Jaboticabal e Itu, de Brasil. Lo contestaron 200 funcionarios en total. De esta manera, fue posible concluir que los participantes concuerdan, parcialmente, en que el banco valora los funcionarios que buscan entrenamiento, por tanto, para ellos poseer capacitaciones no es un diferencial profesional frente a otro colaborador que no los posea. Sin embargo, el análisis de los resultados evidenció que es esencial un mayor incentivo a la participación en los programas o cursos financiados por el banco; pues queda clara la importancia y la necesidad de una adecuada implementación de procesos de educación corporativa, pues esta se presenta como un pilar fundamental para una gestión empresarial exitosa.
La administración estratégica en la calidad de la industria del vestido de Puebla, México
Authors: Burguete-Garcia Mario Antonio , Romero y Cejudo Enrique Darío , Acle-Mena Ramón
Published: March 2020

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El objetivo de la investigación fue demostrar la relación entre la administración estratégica y la calidad en las micros, pequeñas y medianas empresas de la industria del vestido en Puebla, México. Esta investigación contribuye con conocimiento al reforzar la teoría según la cual la calidad es un problema de productividad y competitividad para las empresas. Los resultados que se muestran pertenecen a una investigación positivista, de revisión documental y de aplicación, con un estudio de campo sobre un modelo que permite determinar la relación entre la administración estratégica y la calidad en las empresas, respaldado por un coeficiente de correlación de 0,6500 y un nivel de significancia del 5 %. De forma práctica se usaron los conceptos de «calidad» y «administración estratégica» en la industria del vestido. Finalmente, el análisis de los resultados concluye que existe una relación positiva moderada entre la variable administración estratégica y la variable calidad en la industria del vestido en Puebla, pues queda claro que si se realiza un buen diagnóstico con un buen análisis interno y externo, que optimice estas variables de manera efectiva, será posible generar objetivos y estrategias que permitan mejorar la productividad y obtener ventajas competitivas frente a los otros mercados.
Caracterización cultural de tres organizaciones productivas indígenas de Toribío, Cauca
Authors: Vásquez-Rivera Oscar Iván
Published: March 2020

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Esta investigación tiene por objetivo analizar los rasgos culturales de tres organizaciones productivas indígenas del municipio de Toribío, en el departamento del Cauca, Colombia. La investigación se realizó mediante una metodología cualitativa basada en la etnografía organizacional y el análisis de categorías culturales emergentes. Dentro de los resultados se presentan puntos de convergencia cultural que han sido institucionalizados a partir del contexto y las características del entorno, propias de las comunidades y la etnia a la que pertenecen las tres organizaciones. Existen rasgos culturales que presentan similitud entre las tres unidades de análisis, tales como el lenguaje, las leyendas, los mitos, los héroes, las creencias, la religión, las mingas, las relaciones interpersonales, las relaciones laborales, las normas, las políticas, las reglas, la organización formal, la relación con las partes interesadas, las costumbres y la organización informal. Sin embargo, existen puntos de divergencia cultural relacionados con los supuestos básicos, los valores, la simbología, la infraestructura, el ambiente de trabajo, la proyección social y el liderazgo, los cuales se constituyen como el producto de las características internas de las organizaciones y la forma en la que estas se han desarrollado con el paso de los años. El estudio concluye que la manera en la que se materializan, realizan y simbolizan las características culturales difiere para cada organización, al ser unas más indígenas-tradicionales y otras más occidentales-modernas.
WITHDRAWN: Age-related changes of neutrophil characteristics, potential of activation, DNA release and NET formation
Authors: Krall Moritz , Mauracher Lisa-Marie , Roiss Johanna , Hell Lena , Ondracek Anna S , Gebhart Johanna , Brostjan Christine , Ay Cihan , Pabinger Ingrid
Published: March 2020

Background: Neutrophils are a heterogeneous population of leukocytes, which can be subdivided into high and low density neutrophils (HDNs/LDNs). They are known to fight intruders with different mechanisms, including the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which have also been associated with thrombosis. Risk of both, thrombosis and infections, increase with age. Differences in neutrophil subpopulations and functionality have been shown in various disease states, but investigations in healthy subjects and their dependence on age are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related changes in neutrophils regarding neutrophil subpopulations, their potential of activation, DNA release and NET formation. Methods: Neutrophil subpopulations (HDNs and LDNs) were isolated from 25 healthy individuals subdivided into 3 groups (<45 years, n=8; 45-54, n=9; >54, n=8). Neutrophil characteristics, potential of activation and the ability of NET formation were investigated using flow cytometry. Externalisation of DNA was detected by a DNA release assay. Results: HDN and LDN counts did not differ between age-groups. However, with increasing age we observed a shift in neutrophil subpopulations towards a lower amount of mature LDNs, characterized by their expression of membrane receptors CD62L and CD16. Upon stimulation, neutrophils of older individuals showed significantly higher release of DNA. NET formation was associated with increasing age. HDNs of younger participants increased activation markers (CD66b and CD11b) to a higher extent compared to those of older individuals. Conclusion: Neutrophils and their ability of activation, DNA release and NET formation change with age and this might contribute to the higher risk of infection and thrombosis at advanced age. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance and necessity of age-matching in studies that focus on neutrophil characteristics.
Significance and characteristics of Dexmedetomidine or Propofol-induced segmental electroencephalogram power spectra
Authors: Zhou Mao , Wen Jing , Peng Jun , Zhi Zhiyi , Peng Shuling
Published: March 2020

Background: Although the electroencephalogram patterns induced by dexmedetomidine and propofol are relatively similar, these drugs may have different molecular targets and involvement of distinct neural circuit dynamics in their effects. Our aim was to identify special neurophysiology signatures induced by these drugs.Methods: Forty seven patients receiving combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA）were randomly divided into two groups: Dexmedetomidine group (D group, n = 24) and Propofol group (P group, n = 23). Dexmedetomidine at 1 μg/kg was administered intravenously in 10 min, then adjusted to a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h and withheld if Ramsey sedation scale (RSS) reached 4 - 5. Propofol was given via a computer-controlled infusion to target a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL at the effect site and then to gradually increase the concentration 0.5 μg/mL every 5 min until satisfactory sedation was achieved. The vital signs, segmental Narcotrend EEG power spectra and arterial blood analysis results were recorded before sedation, and 0, 5, 10 and 15 min after drug administration ended.Results: After satisfactory sedation was achieved (RSS 4 - 5), propofol sedation was characterized with alpha wave, and dexmedetomidine sedation was characterized with theta wave.; After drug administration ended, relative power in alpha and beta waves of P group was higher than D group（P＜0.05); However, when patients were croused or patted on their shoulders, relative power in alpha, beta and theta was increased（P＜0.05) and relative power in delta wave was decreased（P＜0.05）in D group; The percentages of alpha and theta power were decreased gradually at drug withdrawal, 5min, 10min, 15min after drug administration ended; Narcotrend data have a good correlation with propofol sedation depth compared with the traditional sedation score.Conclusion: Distinct EEG patterns are induced by propofol and dexmedetomidine. Since patients sedated with dexmedetomidine may be easier to be waked up than those with propofol, this phenomenon may be associated with the lower alpha power percentage, a more easily blocked alpha wave and a higher excitability of delta wave under dexmedetomidine sedation.
Molecular Characterization of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in children with diarrhea in rural Burkina Faso.
Authors: DEMBELE Rene , Konaté Ali , Soulama Issiaka , Kaboré Wendpoulomdé A. D. , Kagambèga Assèta , N'Golo David Coulibaly , Traoré Oumar , Seck Abdoulaye , Traoré Alfred S. , Guessennd Nathalie K. , Gassama-Sow Amy , Barro Nicolas
Published: March 2020

Background In recent years, Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) resistance to antibiotics has dramatically increased leading to limitations of their treatment options. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in rural Burkina Faso, using bacterial strains obtained from previous studies. Results Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains was identified using 16-plex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), whereas antibiotic susceptibility was realized using the disk diffusion method. Furthermore, multiplex PCR assays were used to characterize bla KPC, bla VIM and bla IMP genes in carbapenemase-producing E . coli and Salmonella . The study highlighted high resistance rates of the identified bacteria to common antibiotics. Likewise, two strains of E . coli were imipenem resistant with Carbapenemase-encoding genes. The genes detected were Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), Verona integrin-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Imipenemase (IMP-2) reaching a rate of 40% each. However, no Carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected in Salmonella isolates. Conclusions This study showed that for a real-time infection control and prompt application of antimicrobial chemotherapy, characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in patients is crucial.
Analysis of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) associated co-expression and construction of ceRNA regulatory networks in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Haigen , Zhuang Jing , Yang Xi , Wu Wei , Dai Siqi , Qi Quang , Han Shuwen
Published: March 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and their host genes (SNHGs) in tumorigenesis and progression of esophageal carcinoma (EC).Methods: RNA-seq data and clinical information for EC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed snoRNAs (DE-snoRNAs) and SNHGs (DE-SNHGs) between EC samples and normal controls were screened with the edgeR package, followed by the trend analysis with STEM. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test. Screening of co-expressed genes and functional enrichment analyses were performed with Pearson’s correlation analysis and enrichment analysis, respectively. Lastly, the co-expression and ceRNA networks were constructed.Results: A total of 19 DE-snoRNAs and nine DE-SNHGs were screened between EC samples and normal controls. Moreover, two snoRNA clusters related to the clinic stage were analyzed through trend analysis. Survival analysis results demonstrated that SNORA70D was significantly associated with the overall survival of EC patients (P=0.034). In addition, a co-regulation network that included six snoRNAs and 29 mRNAs was constructed. A ceRNA network comprised of five SNHGs, 11 mRNAs, and 38 miRNAs was constructed based on the top 50 relationship pairs. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that SNORA14B, SNORA47, SNORA71C, SNORD12B, and SNORD14E in the co-expression network were mainly enriched in the NOD−like receptor signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction pathway. SNHG23, SNHG3, SNHG17, SNHG4, and SNHG8 in the ceRNA regulation network were mainly enriched in calcium signaling pathway, cytokine−cytokine receptor interaction, and the extracellular matrix−receptor interaction pathway.Conclusion: The data revealed a series of snoRNAs, SNHGs, and pathways involved in EC carcinogenesis, which will provide a basis for understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of EC development.
Association between agr group, genetic background, virulence factors and disease types of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Chinese children
Authors: Xu Yan , Qian Suyun , Yao Kaihu , Dong Fang , Song Wenqi , Sun Chen , Yang Xin , Zhen Jinghui , Liu Xiqing , Lv Zhiyong , Yang Xi
Published: March 2020

Background Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) accessory gene regulator (agr) system plays a critical role in staphylococcal pathogenesis. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between agr group, the genetic background, virulence genes and disease types distribution of S. aureus isolated from different clinical sources among Chinese children.Methods S. aureus strains were isolated from Beijing Children’s hospital from October 2017 to October 2019. Isolates were typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal protein A (spa), agr, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing (for methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA] isolates). Furthermore, all isolates were tested for the presence of 19 selected virulence genes.Results A total of 191 non-repetitive S. aureus clinical isolates were collected and the agr type I was the most prevalent (84.8%). S. aureus isolates were divided into 33 sequence types (STs), 20 clonal complexes (CCs) and 59 spa types, ST59 (39.8%) and t437 (37.7%) were the predominant types. CC59, CC25, CC22, CC951, CC8, and CC398 isolates possessed agr group I; CC15 isolates harbored agr group II; CC30 strains were characterized as agr group III, and CC121 harbored agr group IV. Of the 19 virulence genes, the tst gene was more prevalent among agr group III compared to other groups (p = 0.006); eta and etb genes were more prevalent among agr group IV than other groups (p = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively); nearly all strains that harbored the lukS/F-PV gene (98.3%) belonged to agr group I (p = 0.004); the frequencies of bbp and ebpS genes belonged to agr group I were statistically lower than that of other groups (p < 0.001). Among 161 diagnoses, the frequency of strains from cellulitis patient harbored agr group III was higher than that of other groups (p = 0.046), and one strain isolated from staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) patient, which was identified as agr type IV (p = 0.021).Conclusions The results indicated that the S. aureus agr type was linked to the genetic background. Besides, a possible relationship between the agr group, several virulence determinants, and specific disease types was observed.
Khat chewing practice and associated factors among medical students in university of Gondar, Ethiopia, 2019: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Birhan Tsegaye Adane , Worku Walelegn , Azanaw Jember , Yohannes Lamrot
Published: March 2020

Background: Globally, khat chewing practice becoming an alarming and common among the youth generation especially in higher educational institutions. It may also leads to frequent misbehavior, poor academic performance and memory impairment among students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of khat chewing and associated factors among medical students in University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed on 422 medical students. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 20 software. Stratified followed by random sampling was employed to select the samples. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the predictors. P ≤ 0.05 was used to select statistically significant factors.Result: The current prevalence of khat chewing among medical students was 21.5%. The odds of khat chewing was higher among males [AOR=3.353; 95%CI (1.460-7.701)], Muslims [AOR=6.390; 95%CI (1.903-21.460)], fifth and six year students [AOR= 3.391; 95%CI (1.354-8.488)], smokers [AOR=5.081; 95%CI (1.898-13.601)], alcohol users [AOR=4.872; 95%CI (2.094-11.332)], students who had khat chewer close friends [AOR=30.645; 95%CI (12.261-76.589)].Conclusion: Since a significant proportion of students chew khat, continuous awareness creation on the impact of khat chewing and counseling services are recommended.
Image-based metric heritage modeling in the near-infrared spectrum
Authors: Adamopoulos Efstathios , Bovero Alessandro , Rinaudo Fulvio
Published: March 2020

Digital photogrammetry and spectral imaging are widely used in heritage sciences, towards the comprehensive recording, understanding, and protection of historical artefacts and artworks. The availability of consumer-grade modified cameras for spectral acquisition, as an alternative to expensive multispectral sensors and multi-sensor apparatuses, along with semi-automatic software implementations of Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multiple-View-Stereo (MVS) algorithms, has made more feasible than ever the combination of those techniques. In the research presented here, the authors assess image-based modeling from near-infrared (NIR) imagery acquired with modified sensors, with applications on tangible heritage. Three-dimensional meshes, textured with the non-visible data, are produced and evaluated. Specifically, metric evaluations are conducted through extensive comparisons with models produced with high-resolution visible (VIS) spectrum image-based modeling, to check accuracy of results. Furthermore, the authors observe and discuss, when the implemented NIR modeling approach, enhances the preservation of surface detail on the reconstructed spectral models or counteracts certain problems arising from lighting conditions during VIS acquisition. Radiometric properties of the produced results are evaluated on the capacity to enhance observation towards the characterization of surface and under-surface state of preservation, and consequently, to support conservation interventions, in comparison to the respective results in visible spectrum.
Serosurvey and molecular detection of the main zoonotic parasites carried by commensal Rattus norvegicus populations in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Azimi Taher , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Fallah Fatemeh , Karimi Abdollah , Mansour-Ghanaie Roxana , Hoseini‐Alfatemi Seyedeh Mahsan , Shirdoust Mehdi , Azimi Leila
Published: March 2020

Background: Rattus norvegicus are reservoirs of various zoonotic parasites that have become a global public health concern. Considering the distribution of Rattus norvegicus throughout Tehran, this study aims to assess the frequency of zoonotic parasites carried by commensal rodents in Tehran, Iran.Methods: The study considered five regions (North, South, West, East, and center) of Tehran as case studies. The serological method was used for detecting antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis , Babesia spp, and Cryptosporidium spp using a commercial qualitative rat ELISA kit. The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii was surveyed by the conventional PCR method. Furthermore, nested PCR was used to detect Giardia spp and Leishmania spp in commensal Rattus norvegicus in Tehran.Results: Approximately, 76% of 100 Rattus norvegicus tested were infected with at least one zoonotic parasite, which demonstrates the significant frequency of parasites within the study areas. Seroreactivity against Trichomonas vaginalis , Babesia spp, and Cryptosporidium spp was detected in 5%, 0%, and 1% of Rattus norvegicus tested, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 32 out of 100 (32%) Rattus norvegicus , and Leishmania spp and Giardia spp DNA were found in 18 out of 100 (18%) and 76 out of 100 (76%) Rattus norvegicus investigated, respectively.Conclusion: The findings indicate a wide geographical dissemination of Giardia spp, Toxoplasma gondii , and Leishmania spp DNA in Rattus norvegicus within five districts of Tehran. In contrast, other parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp infection rarely occurred in Rattus populations. No evidence for the circulation of Babesia spp was found in this study.
Identification of a novel interaction between SMC1 DNA damage repair protein and Escherichia coli O157: H7 EspF using co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry
Authors: Fu Muqing , Hua Ying , Yan Kaina , Li Jia , Wu Jiali , Liu Jinyue , Li Xiaoxia , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei , Zhang Qiwei , Wan Chengsong
Published: March 2020

Background: It is known that the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157: H7 EspF is a multifunctional effector that triggers several damage processes in the host cells. However, in the process of EHEC O157: H7 infection, the interaction between EspF, its N- or C-terminus, and host proteins, are still unclear. Results: In this study, we used co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry to screen EspF-interacting proteins. A total of 311 host proteins are detected. The N-terminus of EspF is found to interact with 192 proteins, whereas 205 proteins interact with the C-terminus of EspF. These proteins are mainly involved in RNA splicing, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and a variety of metabolic signaling pathways. We verify here for the first time that SMC1 interacts with EspF and more strongly with its C-terminus, and provide evidence that EspF increases p-SMC1 levels. p-SMC1, known to influence the S-phase cell cycle arrest and usually express during periods of DNA damage. Surprisingly, Mass spectrometry reveals that EspF can also phosphorylate H2AX, suggesting that EspF may directly mediate DNA damage through SMC1 phosphorylation.Conclusion: Taken together, this is the first study describing the interaction between EspF and SMC1. Our work lays a foundation for further research on directly EspF-mediated host cells’ DNA damage, apoptosis, and even colorectal carcinogenesis.
Transient expression of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' effector SDE1 induces chlorosis by suppressing NbDDX3 gene in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Zhou Yinghui , Li Yanjiao , Liu Zhiqin , Zhao Xuxu , Xu Xianyuan , Duan Yongping , Zou Huasong
Published: March 2020

Background: 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las) is the pathogenic bacterium that causes Huanglongbing in citrus plants, as well as in several types of experimental plants. Las releases a set of effectors to modulate host responses. One of these critical effectors is Sec-delivered effector 1 (SDE1), which induces chlorosis in Nicotiana benthamiana. Results: Four SDE1-interacting proteins were identified from N. benthamiana, including DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX3, 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit PSMD14, an ARM repeat protein, and a hypothetical protein. Gene silencing revealed that knockdown of the NbDDX3 gene led to chlorosis in N. benthamiana leaves. Fluorescent signal detection revealed that SDE1 was localized to the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Simultaneously, NbDD3 was expressed in cytoplasmic vesicles, as well as in the cell membrane. The interactions between SDE1 and NbDDX3 were shown to be localized on cell membrane using co-localization and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. Moreover, the transcription of NbDDX3 gene was substantially suppressed in N. benthamiana plants that expressed SDE1. Conclusion: Las effector SDE1 interacts with NbDDX3 at the cell membrane. Most importantly, the transient expression of SDE1 exerts a suppression effect on the transcription of NbDDX3 gene. The silencing of NbDDX3 leads to leaf chlorosis in N. benthamiana. This provided evidence to understand the molecular events in association with chlorosis induced by SDE1.
Global Research on Osteosarcoma, 1999–2019: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis
Authors: Wu Han , Wei Baixing , Cheng Yuanpei , Li Yongbo
Published: March 2020

Background Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor that occurs in children and adolescents. Increasing numbers of scholars have studied its development and treatment. To fully understand the current status of osteosarcoma research and global trends therein, we performed a bibliometric and visual analysis of osteosarcoma studies published between 1999 and 2019. Methods We searched the Web of Science database for publications on osteosarcoma. The basic characteristics of this sample of publications, such as H indices, annual outputs, languages of publication, and authors, journals, institutions, and countries of origin, were determined. Co-citation, collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using CiteSpace software. Results The sample comprised 16,934 articles. The number of publications increased annually. H indices and total numbers of citations were far higher for articles from the United States than for those from other countries. Among institutions, the largest proportion of articles originated from Shanghai Jiaotong University. R. Gorlick was the author with the highest H index and total number of citations. Oncology Letters published the largest number of articles and Cancer Research was the most frequently cited journal. The five most frequently appearing keywords were “osteosarcoma,” “cancer,” “expression,” “apoptosis,” and “metastasis.” The analysis generated 10 major clusters of keywords and 23 clusters of co-cited references. Conclusions The findings of this study have guiding significance for researchers seeking cooperating institutions and partners for osteosarcoma research, popular journals and important literature in the field, an understanding of the knowledge base for this research, and up-to-date identification of research hotspots and trends. Keywords: osteosarcoma, bibliometric, citespace, visual analysis, co-citation
Defining Adequate Contact For Transmission Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis In An African Urban Environment
Authors: Castellanos Maria Eugenia , Zalwango Sarah , Kakaire Robert , Ebell Mark H. , Dobbin Kevin K. , Sekandi Juliet , Kiwanuka Noah , Whalen Christopher C.
Published: March 2020

Background. The risk of infection from respiratory pathogens increases according to the contact rate between the infectious case and susceptible contact, but the definition of adequate contact for transmission is not standard. In this study we aimed to identify factors that can explain the level of contact between tuberculosis cases and their social networks in an African urban environment. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kampala, Uganda from 2012-2016. We carried out an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in social network data from tuberculosis cases and their contacts. We evaluated the factorability of the data to EFA using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO). We used principal axis factoring with oblique rotation to extract and rotate the factors, then we calculated factor scores for each using the weighted sum scores method. We assessed construct validity of the factors by associating the factors with other variables related to social mixing. Results. Tuberculosis cases (N = 120) listed their encounters with 1,154 members of their social networks. Thirteen variables displayed high inter-correlation (KMO=0.72) and were included for EFA. Two factors were identified, which captured 82% of the variance. The first factor, named ‘Setting’, involves the type, frequency, duration and ventilation of the usual place of meeting as well the physical proximity among tuberculosis cases and contacts, represented by the sleeping and eating patterns. The second factor, named ‘Relationship’, was explained by the relationship, its duration, and the level of intimacy among cases and contacts, represented by the strength of knowledge of each other, provision of healthcare, and whether they were travel partners. Setting and Relationship scores varied according to the age, gender and nature of the relationship among tuberculosis cases and their contacts. Conclusions. In this large cross-sectional study from an urban African setting, we identified two factors that can assess adequate contact between tuberculosis cases and their social network members. These findings also confirm the complexity and heterogeneity of social mixing.
Hypoxia induced interstitial transformation of microvascular endothelial cells through mediating HIF-1α/VEGF signaling in systemic scleroderma
Authors: Mao Jing , Liu Jiexiong , Zhou Mei , Wang Guiqiang , Xiong Xia , Deng Yongqiong
Published: March 2020

Background: Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a key pathological event for vasculopathy which is one of the early features and hallmarks of systemic scleroderma (SSc). It is well established that hypoxia contributes to EndMT, however, little is known about the effects of EndMT induced by hypoxia on skin microvascular remodeling of SSc,as well as the underlying mechanism.Methods: Skin biopsy was down for SSc patients and healthy controls and skin tissues were collected for iTRAQ-based proteomics and Immunohistochemical test. Human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) cultured with hypoxic or normal conditions, treated by either tamoxifen or bevacizumab. The expression of Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) ,vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-a, CD31, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), VE-cadherin, fibronectin were detected at both protein and mRNA level.Results : The iTRAQ-based proteomics indicated significantly up-regulated HIF-1 sigaling in the skin tissues of SSc patients. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated a significant downregulation of the endothelial cell (EC) marker CD31 and a distinct positive staining of the interstitial cell (IC) marker α-SMA at sites lining the vessel lumens in the skin tissues of SSc. Meanwhile the positive staining of HIF-1α, a key transcription factor in response to chronic hypoxia, and VEGF-a were found to be diffusely distributed in SSc skin tissue. Consistent with these observations, HMEC-1 cells cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited a significant decrease in CD31 and VE-cadherin expression, alongside a marked increase in the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, as well as a distinct up-regulation of HIF-1α and VEGF-a, while comparing with them under normal condition. Of note, the inhibition of HIF-1α by tamoxifen effectively down-regulated the hypoxic induction VEGF-a, α-SMA, while rescuing hypoxic suppression of CD31. In addition, a VEGF-a inhibitor bevacizumab treatment had the same effect on the hypoxic expression of α-SMA and CD31 as tamoxifen intervention, but did not reduce HIF-1α.Conclusion: These results suggest that the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway has a critical role in mediating the effect of hypoxia-induced EndMT on skin microvascular remodeling of SSc.
High levels of immuno-inflammatory markers predicts unfavorable short-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Shinn-Kuang , Chen Pei-Ya , Chen Guei-Chiuan , Hsu Po-Jen , Hsiao Cheng-Lun , Yang Fu-Yi , Liu Chih-Yang , Tsou Adam , Su Yu-Chin
Published: March 2020

Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that occurs in the arterial wall. This immuno-inflammatory process plays a role throughout all stages of stroke. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets are crucial blood cells for innate and adaptive immunity. This study investigated the associations of four types of immuno-inflammatory markers, namely the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil count (NC), with clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 2903 inpatients with acute ischemic stroke from May 2010 to May 2019. Data included risk factors, laboratory parameters, and clinical features during hospitalization. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to assess stroke severity and outcomes.

Results

All four immuno-inflammatory markers exhibited positive linear correlations with age, glucose, creatinine, length of hospital stay, NIHSS score on admission, and mRS score at discharge. The levels of the four immuno-inflammatory markers were significantly higher in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism and were highest in patients with other determined etiology. Patients with levels of immuno-inflammatory markers higher than their cutoff values for unfavorable outcomes also exhibited higher rates of cancer history (except for SII and NC), uremia (except for NC), elevated troponin I, and in-hospital complications. Multivariate analysis including SII revealed that admission NIHSS score ≥ 5, age > 75 years, SII > 724, diabetes mellitus, female sex, elevated troponin I, heart disease, and prior stroke were significant predictors for unfavorable outcomes. These significant predictors were retained after replacing SII > 724 with NLR > 143, PLR > 3.5, or NC > 6 × 10 3 /mL, except for prior stroke. For a basic model comprising seven significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes, the C-statistic was 0.860. The addition of SII, NLR, and PLR to the basic model resulted in a significant improvement in the prediction performance to 0.864, 0.863, and 0.863, respectively.

Conclusions

Immuno-inflammatory markers provide more useful information than conventional risk factors and other laboratory parameters for the prediction of stroke outcomes. SII > 724 is the most appropriate marker when combined with other predictors.