bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myxozoan Minicollagen Gene Repertoire Is Not Simplified By The Parasitic Lifestyle: Computational Identification Of Novel Myxozoan Minicollagen Gene 
Authors: Kyslík Jiří , Kosakyan Anush , Nenarokov Serafim , Holzer Astrid S. , Fiala Ivan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundLineage-specific gene expansions represent one of the driving forces in the evolutionary dynamics of unique phylum traits. The obligate parasitic group of Cnidaria, Myxozoa, are evolutionarily altered and highly reduced organisms with a simple body plan including cnidarian-specific organelles, polar capsules (a type of nematocyst). A prominent constituent of nematocysts, linking Myxozoa and Cnidaria, represents a group of structural proteins, minicollagens. Despite recent advances in the identification of minicollagens in Myxozoa, the evolutionary history and diversity of minicollagens in Myxozoa and Cnidaria remain elusive. ResultsWe present newly generated transcriptomes of two myxozoan species with a novel pipeline for filtering of closely related contaminant species in RNA-seq data. Mining of the set of our transcriptomes and published -omics data confirmed the existence of myxozoan Ncol-4, once only reported, and we discovered a novel non-canonical type of minicollagen, Ncol-5, which is exclusive to Myxozoa. Phylogenetic analyses support a close relationship of myxozoan Ncol-1,2,3 with minicollagens of Polypodium hydriforme, however, suggest rather independent evolution in the case of two myxozoan minicollagens Ncol-4 and Ncol-5. Additional genome- and transcriptome-wide searches of cnidarian minicollagens expand the dataset to clarify better minicollagen evolutionary trajectories. ConclusionsThe development of a new approach for the handling of contaminated next-generation data by closely related species represents a useful tool for future applications not only in the field of myxozoan research. This pipeline of data processing allowed us to expand the dataset and study the evolution and diversity of minicollagen gene family in Myxozoa and Cnidaria. We identified a novel type of minicollagen in Myxozoa (Ncol-5). We suggest that a high number of minicollagen paralogs in some cnidarians is a result of several recent large gene multiplication events. We revealed a close localization of minicollagens Ncol-1 and Ncol-4 in myxozoan genomes suggesting their common evolutionary history. The unique gene structure of myxozoan Ncol-5 may indicate a putative specific function in the myxozoan polar capsule or tubule. The range of myxozoan minicollagens proves that the myxozoan minicollagen gene repertoire is similar to other cnidarians and is not simplified by the parasitic lifestyle.
Primary Solitary Mastocytoma of the Lung: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Xia Yan , Jiang Huifeng
Published: December 2020

Background

Extracutaneous mastocytoma is really rare. Although only four cases of extracutaneous mastocytoma in lung have been reported in the literature to date, the cellular composition of mast cell tumors has not yet been confirmed. Here we report a new case of primary solitary mastocytoma and try to discuss its cellular composition.
Case report:

A 46-year-old woman, who has been having bronchial asthma for 3 years, had been found a nodules in the left lower lobe of lung by computed tomography (CT) scan because of chest pain, distress, and pain in the left thoracic region of the back for 10 days. Then the left inferior pulmonectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed. We confirmed the presence of mast cells in the resected tumor by immunohistology (i.e., strong CD117 and CD45 staining and positivity for tryptase) and toluidine blue staining. Additionally, our findings suggested that solitary mast cell tumors was consisted of mature mast cells and immature mast cells with features of epithelial cells. A diagnosis of solitary mastocytoma of the lung was suggested. By now, the patient’s overall health was normal. No signs of recurrence was found. Symptoms of bronchial asthma were significantly alleviated as well.
Conclusion

Solitary mastocytoma of the lung is rare, but operative and relative drug therapy can release symptoms effectively. Solitary mastocytoma may be consisted of mature mast cells and immature mast cells. But the reason why the tumor exhibited epithelial immunophenotype still needs further study.
A Microbial Ecosystem: Agricultural Jiaosu Achieves Effective and Lasting Antifungal Activity against Botrytis Cinerea
Authors: Zhang Yue , Gao Youhui , Zheng Zehui , Meng Xingyao , Cai Yafan , Liu Jianbin , Hu Yuegao , Yan Shuangdui , Wang Xiaofen
Published: December 2020

Synthetic fungicides are eco-unfriendly to agriculture and the environment. Agricultural Jiaosu (AJ), which originates from organic wastes, has the potential to be a substitute for synthetic fungicides. In this study, the characteristics of AJ and its antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea were investigated for the first time. AJ was rich in lactic acid (4.46 g/L), acetic acid (1.52 g/L), Lactobacillus (72.45 %) and Acetobacter (15.23%), which was a microbial ecosystem consisting of acid-based substances (AS) and beneficial microorganisms (BM). The results of the antifungal assays suggested that B. cinerea was effectively inhibited by AJ, with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 9.24%. AJ showed the strongest and most-lasting inhibitory effect compared to cell-free supernatant and microbial solution of AJ, indicating that AS and BM and their synergistic effect contributed to the antifungal activity of AJ. Two-step inhibition’ is an antifungal mode of AJ. Firstly, AS not only inhibited the pathogen directly but also provided a dominant niche for BM of AJ. Then, BM in AJ, especially Acetobacter, proliferated and metabolized acetic acid continuously. Thus, AJ achieved high-efficiency and long-acting inhibition. AJ is a promising biological agent considering its features of an eco-friendly, low-cost and easy-to-operate biological agent in rural areas
A Genetic Variant of BTLA Gene is Related with Increased Risk and Clinical Manifestations of Breast Cancer in Chinese Women
Authors: Zhao Rui-Peng , Li Zhi , Li Chang , Xu Kang , Zhen Lin-Lin , Song Wei , Shi Jianhua
Published: December 2020

Background: B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), an immunoinhibitory receptor, is shown to suppress the lymphocyte activation. Several studies addressed the relationship between BTLA rs1982809 polymorphism and cancer's risk. Methods: To identify the effects of this polymorphism on the risk of breast cancer (BC), this study was designed in Chinese women from China, Jiangsu Province. This study involved 324 BC patients and 412 controls.Results: We observed that BTLA rs1982809 polymorphism elevated the risk of BC. Similar finding was also shown in the subgroup of premenopausal women and those aged < 55 years old. In addition, this polymorphism correlated with the estrogen receptor (ER) status, C-erbB-2 status, Ki-67 status, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and tumor size of BC patients. Conclusions: Collectively, BTLA rs1982809 polymorphism shows a significant association with elevated risk and clinical features of BC in Chinese women. Further studies involving other races are urgently needed to replicate these findings.
Analysis of influencing factors of viral load in patients with high-risk human papillomavirus
Authors: Lu Xuerong , Wang Tiantian , Zhang Youzhong , Liu Yuzhen
Published: December 2020

Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) load is thought to be influenced by many factors, and the relationship between viral load and the degree of cervical lesion is controversial. This study explored the possible influencing factors of HR-HPV viral load in the uterine cervix. Methods: A total of 605 women who needed colposcopic evaluation for abnormal cervical screening at the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, China, between November 2017 and September 2018 were enrolled. Cervical specimens were collected from the endo- and ectocervix separately using two different cervical brushes. The hybrid capture II test was used to measure HR-HPV load. Age, histological severity, number of viral types, and area and location of cervical lesions were recorded. The correlations between viral load and influencing factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: HR-HPV load was positively correlated with age, histological severity, multiple HPV types and area of cervical lesions (P<0.05). Viral load with the combination of endo- and ectocervical sampling was significantly higher than simple endocervical sampling (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, multiple HPV types and area of cervical lesions were independent factors for HR-HPV load with a combination of endo- and ectocervical sampling (P<0.05). However, only age and area of cervical lesions were independent factors for viral load with simple endocervical sampling (P<0.05). No significant association was found between viral load and lesion severity in multivariate analysis (P>0.05). Conclusion: HR-HPV load is influenced by age, histological severity, multiple viral types, area of cervical lesion and sampling methods. Age and area of cervical lesions are independent factors for viral load.
Assessment of Alcohol use Disorder and its Associated Factors among Alcohol users of Medical and Surgical Outpatients Attending a Specialized Hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Demilew Demeke , Boru Berhanu , Tesfaw Getachew , Kerebih Habtamu , Salelew Endalamaw
Published: December 2020

Background: Alcohol use disorders increase the risk of physical harm, mental or social consequences for patients and others in the community. Studies on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among medical and surgical outpatients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data on alcohol use disorders and associated factors among alcohol user medical and surgical outpatients for future interventions. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the systematic random sampling technique. Alcohol use disorders were assessed using the World Health Organization’s 10-item Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, a P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariate analysis and the strength of association was measured using AOR at a 95% confidence interval.Results: The prevalence of alcohol use and use disorder were 322 (68.50%) and 111 (34.5%), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, male sex (AOR=3.33, 95%CI: 1.40, 7.93), history of mental illness (AOR=2.68, 95%CI: 1.12, 6.38), drinking for relaxation (AOR=1.88, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.48) and history of lifetime tobacco use (AOR=5.64, 95%CI: 1.95, 16.29) were significantly associated with the disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among medical and surgical outpatients was found to be high. Male sex, history of mental illness, alcohol for relaxation and tobacco smoking need more attention in the assessment of the outpatient departments.
SARS-CoV-2: High-resolution microscopy study in human nasopharyngeal samples
Authors: Mondeja Brian , Valdes Odalys , Resik Sonia , Vizcaino Ananayla , Acosta Emilio , Montalván Adelmo , Paez Amira , Mune Mayra , Rodríguez Roberto , Valdés Juan , Gonzalez Guelsys , Sanchez Daisy , Falcón Viviana , González Yorexis , Kourí Vivian , Group The IPK Virology Research , Díaz Angelina , Guzmán Maria
Published: December 2020

Background The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of COVID-19. This virus has become one of the most dangerous in recent times with a very high rate of transmission. At present, several publications show the typical crown-shape of the novel coronavirus grown in cell cultures. However, an integral ultramicroscopy study done directly from clinical specimens has not been published. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from two Cuban individuals, one asymptomatic and RT-PCR negative (negative control) and the other from a COVID-19 symptomatic and RT-PCR positive for SARS CoV-2. Samples were treated with an aldehyde solution and processed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Confocal Microscopy (CM) and, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Improvement and segmentation of coronavirus images were performed by a novel mathematical image enhancement algorithm. Results The images of the negative control sample showed the characteristic healthy microvilli morphology at the apical region of the nasal epithelial cells. As expected, they do not display virus-like structures. The images of the positive sample showed characteristic coronavirus-like particles and evident destruction of microvilli. In some regions, virions budding through the cell membrane were observed. Microvilli destruction could explain the anosmia reported by some patients. Virus-particles emerging from the cell-surface with a variable size ranging from 80 to 400 nm were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Viral antigen was identified in the apical cells zone by CM. Conclusions The integral microscopy study showed that SARS-CoV-2 has a similar image to SARS-CoV. The application of several high-resolution microscopy techniques to nasopharyngeal samples awaits future use.
Platelet proteome changes in dogs with congestive heart failure
Authors: LEVENT Pinar , KOCATÜRK Meriç , AKGÜN Emel , SARIL Ahmet , ÇEVİK Ozge , BAYKAL Ahmet Tarik , TANAKA Ryou , CERON Jose Joaquin , YILMAZ Zeki
Published: December 2020

Background: Platelets play a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and changes in their proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of heart diseases in humans. There is lack of knowledge about the possible role of platelets in congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the changes in global platelet proteomes in dogs with CHF, to clarify the possible role of platelets in the physiopathology of this disease. Healthy-dogs (n=10) and dogs with acute CHF due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD, n=10) were used. Acute CHF was defined based on the clinical (increased respiratory rate or difficulty breathing) and radiographic findings of pulmonary edema. Dogs Blood samples were collected into tubes with acid-citrate-dextrose, and platelet-pellets were obtained by centrifuge and washing steps. Platelet-proteomes were identified using LC-MS based label-free differential proteome expression analysis method and matched according to protein database for Canis lupus familiaris. Results: Totally 104 different proteins were identified in the platelets of the dogs being 4 out of them were significantly up-regulated and 6 down-regulated in acute CHF dogs. Guanine-nucleotide-binding protein, apolipoproteins (A-II and C-III) and clusterin levels increased, but CXC-motif-chemokine-10, cytochrome-C-oxidase-subunit-2, cathepsin-D, serine/threonine-protein-phosphatase-PP1-gamma-catalytic-subunit, creatine-kinase-B-type and myotrophin levels decreased in acute CHF dogs. These proteins are associated with several molecular functions, biological processes, signaling systems and immune-inflammatory responses.Conclusion: This study describes by first time the changes in the protein composition in platelets of dogs with acute CHF due to MMVD. Our findings provide a resource for increase the knowledge about the proteome of canine platelets and their roles in CHF caused by MMVD and could be a tool for further investigations about the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Effects of Tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients: a cohort study
Authors: Vu Christine , Deronde Kailynn J , Vega Ana D , Holt Gregory , Zamora Jose Gonzales , Natori Yoichiro , Maxam Meshell , Salazar Veronica , Boatwright Renata , Morris Stephen R , Corvino Daniela de Lima , Betances Anmary Fernandez , Colucci Leah , keegan James , Lopez Andy , Rezk Andrew Hany , Rodriguez Yvette , Doblecki Susanne , Zerda David De La , Abbo Lilian M
Published: December 2020

Background: Due to the lack of proven therapies, we evaluated the effects of early administration of tocilizumab for COVID-19. By inhibition of the IL-6 receptor, tocilizumab may help to mitigate the hyperinflammatory response associated with progressive respiratory failure from SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on hospitalized adults who received intravenous tocilizumab for COVID-19 between March 23, 2020 and April 10, 2020. Results: Most patients were male (66.7%), Hispanic (63.3%) or Black (23.3%), with a median age of 54 years. Tocilizumab was administered at a median of 8 days (range 1-21) after initial symptoms and 2 days (range 0-12) after hospital admission. On the day of administration, the median PaO2/FiO2 was 166 (range 33-523) and 50 patients (83.3%) had ARDS. By day 30, 36 patients (60.0%) demonstrated clinical improvement, 9 (15.0%) died, 33 (55.0%) were discharged alive, and 18 (30.0%) remained hospitalized. Successful extubation occurred in 13 out of 29 patients (44.8%). Infectious complications occurred in 16 patients (26.7%) at a median of 10.5 days. After receipt of tocilizumab, there was a slight increase in PaO2/FiO2 and an initial reduction in CRP, but this effect was not sustained beyond day 10. Conclusions: Majority of patients demonstrated clinical improvement and were successfully discharged from the hospital alive after receiving tocilizumab. We observed a rebound effect with CRP, which may suggest the need for higher or subsequent doses to adequately manage cytokine storm. Based on our findings, we believe that tocilizumab may have a role in the treatment of COVID-19, however randomized controlled studies are urgently needed.
COVID-19 Lung CT Image Segmentation Using Deep Learning Methods: UNET Vs. SegNET
Authors: Saood Adnan , Hatem Iyad
Published: December 2020

Background: Currently, there is an urgent need for efficient tools to assess the diagnosis of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we present feasible solutions for detecting and labeling infected tissues on CT lung images of such patients. Two structurally-different deep learning techniques, SegNet and UNET, are investigated for semantically segmenting infected tissue regions in CT lung images.Methods: We propose to use two known deep learning networks, SegNet and UNET, for image tissue classification. SegNet is characterized as a scene segmentation network and UNET as a medical segmentation tool. Both networks were exploited as binary segmentors to discriminate between infected and healthy lung tissue, also as multi-class segmentors to learn the infection type on the lung. Each network is trained using seventy-two data images, validated on ten images, and tested against the left eighteen images. Severalstatistical scores are calculated for the results and tabulated accordingly.Results: The results show the superior ability of SegNet in classifying infected/non-infected tissues compared to the other methods (with 0.95 mean accuracy), while the UNET shows better results as a multi-class segmentor (with 0.91 mean accuracy).Conclusion: Semantically segmenting CT scan images of COVID-19 patients is a crucial goal because it would not only assist in disease diagnosis, also help in quantifying the severity of the illness, and hence, prioritize the population treatment accordingly. We propose computer-based techniques that prove to be reliable as detectors for infected tissue in lung CT scans. The availability of such a method in today’s pandemic wouldhelp automate, prioritize, fasten, and broaden the treatment of COVID-19 patients globally.
Expressing a cytosolic pyruvate dehydrogenase complex to increase free fatty acid production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Su Mo , Qin Ning , Nielsen Jens , Liu Zihe
Published: December 2020

Background Saccharomyces cerevisiae is being exploited as a cell factory to produce fatty acids and their derivatives as biofuels. Previous studies found that both precursor supply and fatty acid metabolism deregulation are essential for enhanced fatty acid synthesis. A bacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex expressed in the yeast cytosol was reported to enable production of cytosolic acetyl-CoA with lower energy cost and no toxic intermediate. Results Overexpression of the PDH complex significantly increased cell growth, ethanol consumption and reduced glycerol accumulation. Furthermore, to optimize the redox imbalance in production of fatty acids from glucose, two endogenous NAD + -dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenases were deleted, and a heterologous NADP + -dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was introduced. The best fatty acid producing strain PDH7 with engineering of precursor and co-factor metabolism could produce 840.5 mg/L free fatty acids (FFAs) in shake flask, which was 83.2% higher than the control strain YJZ08. Profile analysis of free fatty acid suggested the cytosolic PDH complex mainly resulted in the increases of unsaturated fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:1). Conclusions We demonstrated that cytosolic PDH pathway enabled more efficient acetyl-CoA provision with the lower ATP cost, and improved FFA production. Together with engineering of the redox factor rebalance, the cytosolic PDH pathway could achieve high level of FFA production at similar levels of other best acetyl-CoA producing pathways.
Rapid detection of M. bovis and M. avium in cytological smears and tissue sections by PNA-FISH
Authors: Javed Rabyia , Narang Deepti , Gupta Kuldip , Deshmukh Siddartha , Chandra Mudit
Published: December 2020

Background: Bovine Tuberculosis is globally the paramount cause of death from single pathogen in cattle and other species. Rapid and explicit identification of mycobacteria is essential to hold back tuberculosis in bovines. We performed a fluorescence Peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) procedure for specific detection of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in bovine was optimized on cytological smears and tissue sections of bovines suspected for bovine tuberculosis.Results: PNA-FISH was performed on lung and lymph node tissues impression smears. The probes were standardized for standard bovine mycobacterial cultures at 50% formamide concentration for M.bovis and 30% formamide concentration for M.avium. All the cytological smears were positive from M.bovis probe (MTBCcy3) which was standardized at hybridization conditions of (55oC and 40% formamide) concentrations. Results revealed four out of twenty five were positive in tissue sections with a bright red fluorescence with cy3 filter (MTBC probe). No results were seen with (MAVTAMRA) probe for M.avium which was standardized at hybridization conditions of (55oC and 30% formamide) respectively. No fluorescence was seen in control tissue sections .In addition, results were juxtaposed to other commonly used detection methods like IHC and PCR by targeting esxA gene. None of the sample was found positive for M. avium.Conclusion: PNA-FISH can be used in cytological impression smears and tissue sections. It is less time consuming in diagnosis of bTB in post mortem cases than PCR.
Methods of the 11-grade Students’ Teaching for Passing the National Exam on the Russian Language in the Distance Learning Condition: from Work Experience
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Oksana V Trofimova
Published: December 2020

The aim of the article is to describe the methods of the 11-grade students’ teaching for passing the National Exam on the Russian Language in the distance learning condition. The rules of communicative, reflective and system-activity approaches, distance-learning concept on the basis of the computer technologies in Russia of E. S. Polat are used in the work. The author depicts his own developed and time-tested algorithms of the group and individual forms of work with school children at social networks, at “VKontakte” to be exact, on the sites such as “I’ll pass the National Exam”, e. i. “Reshu EGE”, in the system of the web service “Google Classroom” and using the platform for the online conferences Zoom. The article shows the efficiency of such work in the distance learning condition. Scientific value of the research includes the complex description of the method which was used by the author in the distance learning condition, which took place in March-June, 2020 during the pandemic (COVID-19). The article gives detailed description of the group-work and pair-work (session halls), use of personal and social chats for interviews, screen demonstrations and online textbooks, creation of the guides to the course topics, using the posts to motivate the schoolchildren, to control their actions and to give them information. In the result of the survey the author proves that the use of the method is not only aimed and gives high results, allows to make teaching interesting and qualified but also performs goals.
An Electronic Educational Resource as an Instrument of Future Primary School Teacher’s General Cultural and Professional Competencies Development as a part of Preparation for World Skills Competition
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Natalya V. Vasilyeva , Valeriya S. Chebakova ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the model of the electronic educational resource, which can be used to form general cultural and professional competencies of university students in preparation for the World Skills competition in the “Teaching in elementary grades” competency. Using scientific literature on the research topic, the authors conclude that a multimedia interactive resource created on the Moodle online platform can be such an electronic educational resource. The structure of the electronic educational resource consists of a theoretical part, an intermediate test, a practical part and a final test. The theoretical part includes documents of the World Skills competition, education regulatory documents, and modules that correspond to the competitive tasks of the “Teaching in elementary grades” competency. The practical part includes video recordings of students performing competitive tasks of different years, tasks relating to the modules of the theoretical block of the electronic educational resource, and self-assessment sheets. The developed model of the electronic educational resource can be used to create copyright electronic resources that allow to improve the general cultural and general professional competencies of future primary school teachers.
Identificação de problemas ambientais na ótica dos estudantes do ensino Fundamental e Médio de Rio Paranaíba-MG
Authors: LOZASSO Jessyca , PEREIRA Jaqueline dias , OLIVEIRA André Henrique de , SILVA Kamila Soares , SILVA Rosimila Soares , SOUZA Rafael Antônio de
Published: December 2020

O conhecimento dos problemas ambientais é importante para a discussão e tomada de atitudes sobre a conservação do meio ambiente. Rio Paranaíba é marcado pela intensa produção agrícola e poucos programas de incentivo a conservação ambiental. Objetivou-se verificar a identificação dos problemas ambientais na ótica dos estudantes do Ensino Fundamental e Médio, conscientizá-los sobre esta problemática, bem como, destacar a importância dos diferentes biomas e sua conservação. Foram aplicadas metodologias específicas às faixas etárias envolvendo questionários, vídeos, palestras e atividades lúdicas em três escolas do município. Os estudantes do Ensino Fundamental I apresentaram uma visão do meio ambiente globalizado. Já os estudantes do Ensino Fundamental II e Médio apresentaram uma visão "naturalista" do meio ambiente, não associando natureza e sociedade. Estudantes e professores demostraram que muitos dos temas tratados durante as atividades foram novidades para eles.
Impact of an Epilepsy Educational Programme on Coping Mechanism, Attitude, Knowledge and Awareness: A Rural Sabah Experience
Authors: Raman Sivaraj , Wai Chang Chun , Ee Heng Jin , Wan Wong See
Published: December 2020

Epilepsy is a disabling disease which has not been adequately emphasised as a public
health concern. Patients are often left in the dark about their disease, affecting their ability to cope and live a normal life. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the effects of a structured epilepsy education programme (EEP) on awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA) and coping mechanism of patients. Recruited participants were required to complete the modified Malay AKA epilepsy questionnaire and Malay brief coping orientation to problem experienced (Brief COPE)-27. Upon completion, they received a structured EEP conducted by trained personnel using validated materials. Participants were then followed up for a period of 6 months and reassessed at 1, 3 and 6 months to measure any changes in their AKA and coping mechanisms. Twenty-two participants were successfully recruited. Total AKA score of participants showed a significant increase (mean score difference = 16.3, p = 0.021, 95% CI: 3.0, 28.1) at 6 months post-EEP. This improvement was mostly contributed by the increase in both knowledge and attitude scores. Religion was the most preferred coping mechanism (82.5%), followed by instrumental support, emotional support, active coping and acceptance at 75.0%, respectively. Only three domains showed significant differences after the educational programme: planning: 62.5% versus 77.5%, p = 0.026; denial: 57.5% versus 37.5%, p = 0.004; venting: 62.5% versus 52.5%, p = 0.004. The EEP was effective in improving attitude and knowledge while bringing about changes in coping skills of patients over a period of time. Educational programmes should be part of epilepsy standard of care, especially as they are inexpensive and brief yet impactful
Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Ganoderma lucidum on the Haematology, Oestradiol, Cholesterol and Protein Levels of Wistar Rats Fed with Monosodium Glutamate
Authors: Nwanneka Ofodile Lauretta , Abigail Abraham , Yemisi Ayoade , Oniovosa Leonard Adamu Governor , Onoriode Ovioma Godwin , Ndubuisi Chikere Nwakanma Moses , Ewenodere Bikomo Ojigho , Emmanual Ikegwu , Adekunle Ayodeji Ayo
Published: December 2020

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) at high concentration has been reported to alter the physiological and biochemical states of animals and humans. Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a polypore mushroom reported to possess many medicinal attributes such as anticholesterolemia and the control of hormonal disorders. The present study investigated the effect of water extract of G. lucidum in the changes of haematology, oestradiol, cholesterol and protein levels of Wistar rats induced by MSG. Haematological analysis was determined from plasma, while oestrogen, serum total protein and cholesterol levels were determined from the serum of the rats. Results showed that MSG significantly raised the level of oestrogen (62.5 ± 0.28 pg/mL) in the rats which was significantly reduced in the rats fed with MSG for 30 days before treating them with the extracts of G. lucidum (30.85 ± 12.94 pg/mL–44.15 ± 0.92 pg/mL) and in rats fed concurrently with MSG and G. lucidum. The cholesterol level was significantly reduced in the rats treated with MSG and G. lucidum (200 mg/kg) concurrently compared to rats fed with MSG alone. The white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) levels were within normal in rats fed with both MSG and G. lucidum as in the control group while the rats fed with MSG only had low WBC, neutrophil (NEU) and RBC. This could imply that G. lucidum ameliorates the effect of MSG on serum oestrogen, serum cholesterol, WBCs, NEU, platelets and lymphocytes.
Agroindustry Residues as a Source for Cellulose Nanofibers Production
Authors: Mariño Mayra , Cypriano Daniela , Tasic Ljubica
Published: December 2020

Our study was motivated by the large amount of crop residues produced in Brazil, which represent underutilized waste biomass and a serious threat to the environment because of the landfilling. For example, even though the corn crop is not popular in Brazil, it is produced in the area of around 18-20 million hectares with an average production of 5-6 t ha-1. That is the reason to seek for the crop residues value-added applications as proposed in the present study. Four Brazilian crop waste biomass: orange bagasse, corn husks, sugarcane straw and coffee residues were used for cellulose nanofibers (CNF) production. CNFs were prepared using alkali treatment, followed by bleaching with sodium chlorite and extraction with oxalic acid. All steps were applied under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure, such as temperature of 120 °C and below, water solutions with chemicals’ concentrations lower that 10% and short sonication pulses. CNFs with diameters in the range 50-70 nm were obtained and products from orange bagasse and corn husks presented high crystallinity indexes (CI), 0.72 and 0.75, respectively. The highest CNF yield was obtained from corn husks (38.5%) followed by sugarcane straw (24.0% with CI of 0.69). CNFs obtained from coffee residues showed a CI value of 0.65 after two bleaching steps. Different CNF morphologies were obtained according to the raw material. The four-crop waste biomass can be considered as excellent starting materials for CNF production in the four-steps process that adds new value to agro-industrial waste and might bring great economical valorization to Brazilian crops production.
Psychoeducational support group to the resilience of caregivers of chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Nuriyyatiningrum Nadya Ariyani Hasanah , Siswadi Ahmad Gimmy Prathama , Djunaidi Achmad , Akorede Quadri Mojeed
Published: December 2020

Making a resilient caregiver is important; in addition to lack of preparation, they are not adequately supported. Psychoeducational support groups can provide the necessary education about the conditions they are about to confront and create the sources of social support that will enable and fortify them when dealing with difficult conditions. This research aimed to understand the effect of a psychoeducational support group on caregivers' resilience of chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemo­dialysis. Five subjects were used in this case study, which employed mixed methods using a concurrent embedded strategy that used primary quantitative data. The qualitative data analysis used thematic analysis, while the quantitative data analysis used Wilcox signed ranks test. Quantitative data analysis showed a p-value of 0.892, which led the researcher to conclude no differences between the pre and post resilience scores. Qualitative primary data analysis revealed that psychoeducational support group has a positive effect on caregivers’ resilience. Besides, this research discovered that a psychoeducational support group can significantly increase the per­ception of caring ability and ameliorate the difficulties in taking care of patients.
Searching for meaning: The mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between meaningful work and turnover intention of Millennials
Authors: Siahaan Ferdinan Leonardo , Gatari Eka
Published: December 2020

The highest trends in employee turnover in companies are found in the Millennial generation. This trend is expected to continue to increase every year. This study aims to see how meaningful work influences the intention to leave the company through the role of work engagement as a mediator in the Millennial Generation sample. This research was conducted on 446 Millennial generation employees from various types of companies using convenience sampling methods. The instruments used in this study were Work as Meaning Inventory, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9, and Turnover Intention Scale. Based on mediation analysis, work engagement significantly acts as a mediator of the relationship between meaningful work and the intention to leave the company among millennial workers. Hopefully, the findings of this study can provide information for organizations to promote meaningful work and work engagement to increase the willingness of Millennial Generation employees to stay longer in their companies or organizations today.
How rationality predicts individual perception of safety climate: An application of the hybrid model of learning in personality
Authors: Mustika Martina Dwi , Jackson Chris J.
Published: December 2020

Jackson’s (2008) Hybrid Model of Learning in Personality (HMLP) is designed to measure the effect of biological, socio-cognitive, and experiential processes of personality and learning mechanisms on developing rationality and directing functional or dysfunctional behaviors of employees. We use HMLP to determine if rational thinking predicts individual perception of safety climate. The results found that the proposed indirect paths of learning mechanisms significantly predict the individual perception of a safety climate through rationality. The goodness-of-fit demonstrated that the model provided a satisfactory fit: c2 = 13.200, p = 0.067; RMS = 0.000; RMSEA = 0.063; GFI = 0.981; AGFI = 0.943; and CFI = 0.988. As a result, we identify the importance of rationality in predicting individual safety climate and once again confirm the usefulness of HMLP in predicting useful workplace outcomes. The HMLP offers valuable insights into the influence of rationality in predicting individual perception of safety climate, as well as the underlying process of developing rationality.
Współzależność cech budowy ciała i dynamiki ich zmian w okresie pokwitania (raport 3 z dwuletnich comiesięcznych badań na Jukatanie w Meksyku)
Authors: Wolański Napoleon , Rojas Armando , Uc Ligia , Siniarska Anna
Published: December 2020

In the present, the third publication included to this volume, the main topic considers the explanation of the existence of any relations between studied variables of body build during the period of 22 months, e.g. from the beginning till the end of investigations. At that time the considerable changes related to the pubertal period took place. The results of the correlation matrix between studied variables and factor analysis for the whole material and for each gender separately are presented. It is seen that there are differences between boys and girls in the interrelation concerning studied variables and in separated latent factors. It is rather related to differences in the phase of puberty (more advanced girls than boys in this process), although the same calendar age. Girls who mature earlier are characterized by greater initial stature and greater body weight, BM I fat mass (including subcutaneous fat tissue), and fat-free mass at the beginning and end of the study than girls who mature later. However, later matured girls show, in the whole investigated period, greater increments in stature and weight than earlier matured ones (of the same calendar age). At the earlier stage of puberty (boys under study) the factor one (F I) representing body mass and its increments, is associated with final body height (at the end of study), whereas F3 is associated with initial height (at the beginning of the study). This association is reverse at the latter phase of puberty (girls under study), while F I (also representing body mass but not its increments) is associated with the initial height, whereas final height represents the separate factor (F3).
Podmiotowość człowieka w okresie prenatalnym
Authors: Biesaga Tadeusz
Published: December 2020

The article rejects various attempts to negate the subjectivity of human embryo, formulated among others in the Polish debate entitled “Mother cells - life for a life?” and organized by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Information Technology in 2003 and 2004. The author thinks that the proposal to treat a human embryo as a deceased donor of organs is wrong both in the field of embryology and philosophical anthropology. It is also wrong to question the subjectivity of human embryo using various criteria of growth (developed nervous system, brain, consciousness, participation in the life of society, and looking after one's own interests). These criteria do not define humanity but describe a human being in various phases of expressions of his/her human nature. That is why it is not acceptable to make the right to life conditional on the stage and degree of the actualization of humanity. Furthermore, one cannot justify the deprivation of the subjectivity of human embryos because of medical progress and the so-called good of humankind. The acceleration of progress cannot be done at the cost of the life of some group of human beings.
The capacity of life to renew itself : being intuitive
Authors: Śleszyński Dariusz
Published: December 2020

Abstract in English is not available.
Taxonomic debate: anthropological or philosophical problem?
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek
Published: December 2020

Over the centuries, anthropology has been marked by periods of multiplication or reduction of the taxonomic names of the hominids. Repeatedly, anthropologists, examining the same hominid material, came to different conclusions and made its classification differently. It is therefore worth considering whether these taxonomic controversies result only from biological reasons, or rather from philosophical reasons. The positive answer to this question shows them the common research area of biological and philosophical sciences. Although the methodologies of these disciplines are different, and the type of questions and the scope of concepts are different, these sciences "cooperate" with each other on the basis of discussions about the origins of man.
Ekorozwój jedyną drogą polskiej wsi i rolnictwa
Authors: Górny Mieczysław
Published: December 2020

Limiting agricultural production with the use of industrial methods is in society's best interest. Industrial farms are places where the natural degradation of soil, rural landscapes, and ground waters takes place. They are also places where farm animals are mistreated and suffer. The crops, being high are, at the same time, of low quality, posing threat to people's and animals' health. The only agricultural managing system which complies with the idea of eco-development is ecological farming, whose initiators were: Dezydery Chłapowski at the beginning of the 9th century, officer, Napoleon's aide-de-camp as well as Rudolf Steiner from Austria, philosopher, theologian, and occultist at the beginning of the 20th century. Neither of them had agricultural education, both were active in the area now belonging to Poland (in Turew in Wielkopolska district and in Kobierzyce near Wroclaw respectively). Ecological farming based on family farms is a combination of ethical, ecological, and economic approaches. Not only does it provide the highest quality food and feeding stuff but it also helps protect the environment, fertilizes the soil, caters to good growth conditions of cultivated plants and animals, provides new jobs, and improves living conditions in rural areas.

The ecological farm must make sure: there is a balance between plant and animal production, take care of the landscape, prevent and not only fight pests. Every ecological farmer's duty is a continuous struggle to increase the fertility of the soil. He should not misunderstand the aim or the methods of fertilizing so that he can deliver high-quality food which undergoes the system of control.

There are about 2 000 certified ecological farms in Poland with an average area of 15 hectares, the total acreage being 50 000 ha. There are more than 20 ecological products processing plants (mills, bakeries, dairy plants, fruit, vegetables, and meat processing plants). There are 8 agricultural high schools where the rules of ecological farming are taught. Some schools run their own ecological farms and an experimental ecological farm is being prepared by the Warsaw University of Agriculture (SGGW). There are also 3 associations of ecological farmers and gardeners as well as 6 organizations that control and issue certificates to farms and processing plants. In the Ministry of Agriculture, there is the Department of Ecological Agriculture as well as the Ecological Farming Board.

Ecological farms are used in medical and social therapy, play an important role in ecological education, and increasing people's awareness. It should be hoped that ecological farming, bringing much good and being based on the idea of sustainable development, will eventually become part of far-reaching plans concerning rural and agricultural development in Poland.
Les instruments juridiques et financiers du développement écologique en Pologne
Authors: Rudnicki Maciej
Published: December 2020

The abstract is not available. The article is written in French.
Hiszpańskie i niemieckie osiągnięcia w rozwoju energetyki odnawialnej: aspekt prawny
Authors: Karski Leszek
Published: December 2020

Certainly, the renewable energy sector in Poland should be the beneficiary of the European Union enlargement. It results from both the energy policy and EU law. Poland should adopt national law to the EU requirements in the field of renewable energy sources. Polish legislators may rest on other countries' experiences in this subject. We especially should take into consideration Spanish and German measures. Spanish and German mechanisms of support for renewable energy sources at the national level are very interesting solutions. Those measures are intended to help to attain objectives such as meeting the commitments given on climate change, environmentally sustainable security of supply, and promotion of renewable energy sources. The article is an analysis of Spanish and German support systems in view of the modification of Polish law in the field of renewable energy sources.
Wymagania i perspektywy rozwoju jakości olejów napędowych przeznaczonych do eksploatacji szczególnie w warunkach komunikacji miejskiej z uwzględnieniem ochrony środowiska
Authors: Biernat Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Combustion of liquid fuels including diesel fuels is one of the major processes influencing the condition of the environment. Requirements for the quality of diesel fuels are related to the development of the construction of fuel feed systems, combustion and exhaust gas systems, and also with growing expectations from environmental protection. In the article are shown basic connections between standards of diesel fuels used in urban traffic described by proper norms and exploitation overworks and environmental expectations. Developmental tendencies of the quality of those fuels are also mentioned.