bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between problematic social media use and memory performance in a sample of Lebanese adults: the mediating effect of anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia
Authors: Dagher Maya , Farchakh Youssef , Barbar Sam , Haddad Chadia , Akel Marwan , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: February 2021

Background

Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia and problematic social media use are able to alter our memories and might have an impact on memory function and retrieval. More studies are needed to better understand the relationship between memory performance and mental health disorders, especially the ones that could be related to problematic social media use. The objective of this study was to evaluate any association between problematic social media use, depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia vs memory performance among a representative sample of Lebanese people.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2019, enrolled 466 community dwelling participants using a proportionate random sample from all Lebanese governorates. The questionnaire consisted of the following measures: the Memory Awareness Rating Scale (MARS) to assesses views of memory performance, the problematic social media use scale to measure the degree of addiction to social media, the Hamilton depression rating scale and Hamilton anxiety scale to assess depression and anxiety respectively, the Beirut Distress Scale to assess stress and the Lebanese Insomnia sale to assess insomnia. The data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 25. A linear regression was conducted, taking the memory performance scale as the dependent variable. A mediation analysis was performed to test the effect of problematic social media use on memory performance mediated by depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia.

Results

Higher problematic social media use (Beta = − 0.21) and higher anxiety (Beta = − 0.25) were significantly associated with lower memory performance. The association between problematic social media use and memory performance was partially mediated by anxiety (21.19%) but not depression, stress or insomnia.

Conclusion

Concerning problematic social media use, a clear correlation was demonstrated in this study linking it to lower memory performances. Future studies should evaluate the possible mechanisms and methods for effective awareness especially towards the younger generation.
Optimization of protoplast regeneration in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Jeong Yeong Yeop , Lee Hun-Young , Kim Suk Weon , Noh Yoo-Sun , Seo Pil Joon
Published: February 2021

Background

Plants have a remarkable reprogramming potential, which facilitates plant regeneration, especially from a single cell. Protoplasts have the ability to form a cell wall and undergo cell division, allowing whole plant regeneration. With the growing need for protoplast regeneration in genetic engineering and genome editing, fundamental studies that enhance our understanding of cell cycle re-entry, pluripotency acquisition, and de novo tissue regeneration are essential. To conduct these studies, a reproducible and efficient protoplast regeneration method using model plants is necessary.

Results

Here, we optimized cell and tissue culture methods for improving protoplast regeneration efficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana. Protoplasts were isolated from whole seedlings of four different Arabidopsis ecotypes including Columbia (Col-0), Wassilewskija (Ws-2), Nossen (No-0), and HR (HR-10). Among these ecotypes, Ws-2 showed the highest potential for protoplast regeneration. A modified thin alginate layer was applied to the protoplast culture at an optimal density of 1 × 106 protoplasts/mL. Following callus formation and de novo shoot regeneration, the regenerated inflorescence stems were used for de novo root organogenesis. The entire protoplast regeneration process was completed within 15 weeks. The in vitro regenerated plants were fertile and produced morphologically normal progenies.

Conclusion

The cell and tissue culture system optimized in this study for protoplast regeneration is efficient and reproducible. This method of Arabidopsis protoplast regeneration can be used for fundamental studies on pluripotency establishment and de novo tissue regeneration.
Lung stereotactic body radiation therapy for elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with pathologically proven early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Katsui Kuniaki , Sugiyama Soichiro , Yoshio Kotaro , Kuroda Masahiro , Hiraki Takao , Kiura Katsuyuki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Toyooka Shinichi , Kanazawa Susumu
Published: February 2021

Background

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an established therapy for medically inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many elderly patients are medically inoperable owing to comorbidities. Therefore, SBRT may be a useful therapy for elderly patients. However, the application of SBRT for patients aged ≥ 80 years has not been completely elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinical utility of SBRT for elderly patients aged ≥ 80 years with pathologically proven early-stage NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients aged ≥ 80 years with pathologically proven primary NSCLC who underwent SBRT at our institution between January 2009 and March 2020. Treatment outcomes and toxicities were analyzed. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate survival curves and the log-rank test to compare the survival curves. We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. p-values < 0.05 were regarded significant.

Results

Sixty-four patients (65 lesions) were included, and the median follow-up period was 38.7 (range 3.5–95.7) months. The median age was 82.9 (range 80.0–94.8) years. Sixteen patients were medically operable, and 48 patients were medically inoperable. The prescribed dose of SBRT was either 48 Gy in four fractions or 60 Gy in 10 fractions. The median survival time was 60.0 months (95% confidence interval, 43.5–71.1). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control, cancer-specific survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 98.4%, 98.4%, 81.0%, and 88.9%; 90.1%, 93.7%, 58.9%, and 68.3%; and 87.4%, 83.5%, 38.2%, and 47.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that inoperability and solid nodules were the predictors of poor overall survival after SBRT in elderly patients. Two patients (3.1%) had grade 3 radiation pneumonitis, and one patient (1.6%) had grade 5 radiation pneumonitis.

Conclusions

SBRT was feasible in patients aged ≥ 80 years with NSCLC. It achieved good local control with minimal toxicity. SBRT may be beneficial in elderly patients with early-stage NSCLC.
Claudin-2 inhibits renal clear cell carcinoma progression by inhibiting YAP-activation
Authors: Kumar Balawant , Ahmad Rizwan , Giannico Giovanna A. , Zent Roy , Talmon Geoffrey A. , Harris Raymond C. , Clark Peter E. , Lokeshwar Vinata , Dhawan Punita , Singh Amar B.
Published: February 2021

Background

Claudin-2 expression is upregulated in multiple cancers and promotes cancer malignancy. Remarkably, the regulation of claudin-2 expression in kidney cell lines contrasts its reported regulation in other organs. However, claudin-2 role in renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unknown despite its predominant expression in the proximal tubular epithelium (PTE), the site of RCC origin.

Methods

Publicly available and independent patient databases were examined for claudin-2 association with RCC. The novel protein function was validated in vitro and in vivo by gain or loss of function assays. Mechanistic results were concluded by Mass spectroscopy, immunoprecipitation and mutational studies, and functional evaluations.

Results

We show that the significant decrease in claudin-2 expression characterized PTE cells and Ex-vivo cultured mouse kidney subjected to dedifferentiation. Inhibition of claudin-2 was enough to induce mesenchymal plasticity and invasive mobility in these models. Further, a progressive loss of claudin-2 expression associated with the RCC progression and poor patient survival. Overexpression of claudin-2 in RCC-derived cancer cells inhibited tumorigenic abilities and xenograft tumor growth. These data supported a novel tumor-suppressive role of claudin-2 in RCC. Mechanistic insights further revealed that claudin-2 associates with YAP-protein and modulates its phosphorylation (S127) and nuclear expression. The tumor suppressive effects of claudin-2 expression were lost upon deletion of its PDZ-binding motif emphasizing the critical role of the PDZ-domain in claudin-2 interaction with YAP in regulating RCC malignancy.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a novel kidney specific tumor suppressive role for claudin-2 protein and further demonstrate that claudin-2 co-operates with the YAP signaling in regulating the RCC malignancy.
Oncogenic lncRNA ZNF561-AS1 is essential for colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through regulation of miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis
Authors: Si Zizhen , Yu Lei , Jing Haoyu , Wu Lun , Wang Xidi
Published: February 2021

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are reported to influence colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Currently, the functions of the lncRNA ZNF561 antisense RNA 1 (ZNF561-AS1) in CRC are unknown.

Methods

ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 expression in CRC patient samples and CRC cell lines was evaluated through TCGA database analysis, western blot along with real-time PCR. SRSF6 expression in CRC cells was also examined upon ZNF561-AS1 depletion or overexpression. Interaction between miR-26a-3p, miR-128-5p, ZNF561-AS1, and SRSF6 was examined by dual luciferase reporter assay, as well as RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown experiments were performed to assess the role of ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 in the proliferative actives and apoptosis rate of CRC cells. A mouse xenograft model was employed to assess tumor growth upon ZNF561-AS1 knockdown and SRSF6 rescue.

Results

We find that ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 were upregulated in CRC patient tissues. ZNF561-AS1 expression was reduced in tissues from treated CRC patients but upregulated in CRC tissues from relapsed patients. SRSF6 expression was suppressed and enhanced by ZNF561-AS1 depletion and overexpression, respectively. Mechanistically, ZNF561-AS1 regulated SRSF6 expression by sponging miR-26a-3p and miR-128-5p. ZNF561-AS1-miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis was required for CRC proliferation and survival. ZNF561-AS1 knockdown suppressed CRC cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis. ZNF561-AS1 depletion suppressed the growth of tumors in a model of a nude mouse xenograft. Similar observations were made upon SRSF6 depletion. SRSF6 overexpression reversed the inhibitory activities of ZNF561-AS1 in vivo, as well as in vitro.

Conclusion

In summary, we find that ZNF561-AS1 promotes CRC progression via the miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis. This study reveals new perspectives into the role of ZNF561-AS1 in CRC.
DNA methylation of blood cells is associated with prevalent type 2 diabetes in a meta-analysis of four European cohorts
Authors: Juvinao-Quintero Diana L. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Ochoa-Rosales Carolina , Russ Tom C. , Deary Ian J. , van Meurs Joyce B. J. , Voortman Trudy , Hivert Marie-France , Sharp Gemma C. , Relton Caroline L. , Elliott Hannah R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a heterogeneous disease with well-known genetic and environmental risk factors contributing to its prevalence. Epigenetic mechanisms related to changes in DNA methylation (DNAm), may also contribute to T2D risk, but larger studies are required to discover novel markers, and to confirm existing ones.

Results

We performed a large meta-analysis of individual epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of prevalent T2D conducted in four European studies using peripheral blood DNAm. Analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMR) was also undertaken, based on the meta-analysis results. We found three novel CpGs associated with prevalent T2D in Europeans at cg00144180 (HDAC4), cg16765088 (near SYNM) and cg24704287 (near MIR23A) and confirmed three CpGs previously identified (mapping to TXNIP, ABCG1 and CPT1A). We also identified 77 T2D associated DMRs, most of them hypomethylated in T2D cases versus controls. In adjusted regressions among diabetic-free participants in ALSPAC, we found that all six CpGs identified in the meta-EWAS were associated with white cell-types. We estimated that these six CpGs captured 11% of the variation in T2D, which was similar to the variation explained by the model including only the common risk factors of BMI, sex, age and smoking (R2 = 10.6%).

Conclusions

This study identifies novel loci associated with T2D in Europeans. We also demonstrate associations of the same loci with other traits. Future studies should investigate if our findings are generalizable in non-European populations, and potential roles of these epigenetic markers in T2D etiology or in determining long term consequences of T2D.
Emergency open surgery with a duodenotomy and successful removal of an impacted basket following a complicated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure: a case report
Authors: Abu Shakra Ibrahim , Bez Maxim , Bickel Amitai , Badran Mahran , Merei Fahed , Ganam Samer , Kassis Walid , Kakiashvili Eli
Published: February 2021

Background

Current management of choledocholithiasis entails the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and clearance of the common bile duct. A rare complication of this procedure is the impaction of the basket by a large stone, which necessitates lithotripsy. Here we report a case of an impacted basket during ERCP, which was managed by open surgery with a duodenotomy and the manual removal of the basket.

Case presentation

A 79-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our department with yellowish discoloration of urine, skin and eyes. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a slightly thickened gallbladder, multiple gallbladder stones, dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and extrahepatic bile extending to 1.1 cm. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a stone in the common bile duct, which caused dilation of the biliary ducts. The patient was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice secondary to choledocholithiasis; and underwent an ERCP, a sphincterotomy and stone extraction. Four days following discharge, the patient was readmitted with jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. He was diagnosed with ascending cholangitis and treated initially with antibiotics. A second ERCP revealed a dilated common bile duct and choledocholithiasis. Stone removal with a basket failed, as did mechanical lithotripsy. Finally, the wires of the basket were ruptured and stacked in the common bile duct together with the stone. During exploratory laparotomy, adhesiolysis, a Kocher maneuver of the duodenum and a subtotal cholecystectomy were performed. Choledochotomy did not succeed in removing the impacted wires together with the stone. Therefore, a duodenotomy and an extension of the sphincterotomy were performed, followed by high-pressure lavage of the common bile duct to remove additional small biliary stones. The choledochotomy and duodenotomy were closed by a one-layer suture, and a prophylactic gastroenterostomy was performed to prevent leakage from the common bile duct and the duodenum. The postoperative course was satisfactory.

Conclusions

This is the first report in the literature of removal of an impacted Dormia basket through the papilla by performing a duodenotomy and an extension of the sphincterotomy, followed by gastroenterostomy.
Ischemic stroke secondary to self-inflicted carotid sinus massage: a case report
Authors: Lopez-Navarro Edgar R. , Greif Götz , Haensch Carl-Albrecht , Ringelstein Adrian , Larbig Robert
Published: February 2021

Background

The risk of stroke after carotid sinus massage is greater if there is preexisting carotid stenosis or carotid plaques. We present the case of a patient with underlying 40% carotid stenosis, who developed a watershed stroke after a self-neck massage in our stroke unit. We show a well-documented case with magnetic resonance images before and after the neck massage. We report a case of a watershed brain infarct after a self-massage of the carotid sinus, with preexisting carotid artery stenosis. Neck massage continues to be a significant cause of stroke and should therefore not be performed by patients. Clinicians must be aware of the implications of a carotid sinus massage in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

Case presentation

We admitted a 58-year-old white male patient, with no relevant medical history, to our department with a brain stem infarct. During his stay at our stroke unit, the patient performed a self-neck massage with consecutive bradycardia and asystole, resulting in left-side hemiparesis. The underlying cause of the hemodynamic stroke is believed to be secondary to this intensive neck massage performed by the patient. The patient also suffered from unknown right internal carotid artery stenosis.

Conclusion

Clinicians and patients must be aware that neck massage can lead to ischemic stroke. We postulate that repetitive impaired cardiac output can lead to a hemodynamic (watershed-type) stroke.
Multiple solutions for a class of nonlocal quasilinear elliptic systems in Orlicz–Sobolev spaces
Authors: Heidari S. , Razani A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study some results on the existence and multiplicity of solutions for a class of nonlocal quasilinear elliptic systems. In fact, we prove the existence of precise intervals of positive parameters such that the problem admits multiple solutions. Our approach is based on variational methods.
Long-term changes in the plant ecology of an African savanna landscape and the implications for ecosystem theory and conservation management
Authors: Western David , Mose Victor N. , Maitumo David , Mburu Caroline
Published: February 2021

Background

Studies of the African savannas have used national parks to test ecological theories of natural ecosystems, including equilibrium, non-equilibrium, complex adaptive systems, and the role of top-down and bottom-up physical and biotic forces. Most such studies have excluded the impact of pastoralists in shaping grassland ecosystems and, over the last half century, the growing human impact on the world’s rangelands. The mounting human impact calls for selecting indicators and integrated monitoring methods able to track ecosystem changes and the role of natural and human agencies. Our study draws on five decades of monitoring the Amboseli landscape in southern Kenya to document the declining role of natural agencies in shaping plant ecology with rising human impact.

Results

We show that plant diversity and productivity have declined, biomass turnover has increased in response to a downsizing of mean plant size, and that ecological resilience has declined with the rising probability of extreme shortfalls in pasture production. The signature of rainfall and physical agencies in driving ecosystem properties has decreased sharply with growing human impact.

We compare the Amboseli findings to the long-term studies of Kruger and Serengeti national parks to show that the human influence, whether by design or default, is increasingly shaping the ecology of savanna ecosystems. We look at the findings in the larger perspective of human impact on African grasslands and the world rangelands, in general, and discuss the implications for ecosystem theory and conservation policy and management.

Conclusions

The Amboseli study shows the value of using long-term integrated ecological monitoring to track the spatial and temporal changes in the species composition, structure, and function of rangeland ecosystems and the role of natural and human agencies in the process of change. The study echoes the widespread changes underway across African savannas and world’s rangelands, concluding that some level of ecosystem management is needed to prevent land degradation and the erosion of ecological function, services, and resilience. Despite the weak application of ecological theory to conservation management, a plant trait-based approach is shown to be useful in explaining the macroecological changes underway.
SEPHS1 promotes SMAD2/3/4 expression and hepatocellular carcinoma cells invasion
Authors: Yang Shu , Zhang Hongying , Yang Hua , Zhang Jin , Wang Jiao , Luo Ting , Jiang Yangfu , Hua Hui
Published: February 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common cancers that are very aggressive. The secreted cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) promotes cancer metastasis by multiple mechanisms such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune evasion. The canonical TGF-β signaling is largely mediated by smooth muscle actin/mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) proteins. The current study aims to explore the regulation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling by selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SEPHS1).

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of SEPHS1 in HCC and adjacent liver tissues. Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels in HCC cell lines. Cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to determine SEPHS1 expression in HCC and its correlation with the survival of HCC patients.

Results

Here we report that SEPHS1 is a positive regulator of SMAD proteins. SEPHS1 expression is up-regulated in HCC compared with adjacent liver tissues. SEPHS1 knockdown leads to decreased expression of SMAD2/3/4 and mesenchymal markers including snail, slug and N-cadherin in HCC cells. Furthermore, SEPHS1 knockdown results in a decrease in HCC cells migration and invasion, and suppresses the stimulation of HCC cells migration and invasion by TGF-β. Overexpression of SEPHS1 in HCC cells promotes cell invasion, which can be abrogated by SMAD3 knockdown. Lastly, higher expression of SEPHS1 is correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients, as manifested by decreased overall survival and disease-free survival.

Conclusions

SEPHS1 is a positive regulator of TGF-β/SMAD signaling that is up-regulated in HCC. Increased SEPHS1 expression may indicate poor prognosis for patients with HCC.
The bacterial communities of Alaskan mosses and their contributions to N2-fixation
Authors: Holland-Moritz Hannah , Stuart Julia E. M. , Lewis Lily R. , Miller Samantha N. , Mack Michelle C. , Ponciano Jose Miguel , McDaniel Stuart F. , Fierer Noah
Published: February 2021

Background

Mosses in high-latitude ecosystems harbor diverse bacterial taxa, including N2-fixers which are key contributors to nitrogen dynamics in these systems. Yet the relative importance of moss host species, and environmental factors, in structuring these microbial communities and their N2-fixing potential remains unclear. We studied 26 boreal and tundra moss species across 24 sites in Alaska, USA, from 61 to 69° N. We used cultivation-independent approaches to characterize the variation in moss-associated bacterial communities as a function of host species identity and site characteristics. We also measured N2-fixation rates via 15N2 isotopic enrichment and identified potential N2-fixing bacteria using available literature and genomic information.

Results

Host species identity and host evolutionary history were both highly predictive of moss microbiome composition, highlighting strong phylogenetic coherence in these microbial communities. Although less important, light availability and temperature also influenced composition of the moss microbiome. Finally, we identified putative N2-fixing bacteria specific to some moss hosts, including potential N2-fixing bacteria outside well-studied cyanobacterial clades.

Conclusions

The strong effect of host identity on moss-associated bacterial communities demonstrates mosses’ utility for understanding plant-microbe interactions in non-leguminous systems. Our work also highlights the likely importance of novel bacterial taxa to N2-fixation in high-latitude ecosystems.
cfDNA deconvolution via NIPT of a pregnant woman after bone marrow transplant and donor egg IVF
Authors: Zhu Jianjiang , Hui Feng , Mao Xuequn , Zhang Shaoqin , Qi Hong , Du Yang
Published: February 2021

Cell-free DNA is known to be a mixture of DNA fragments originating from various tissue types and organs of the human body and can be utilized for several clinical applications and potentially more to be created. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), by high throughput sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), has been successfully applied in the clinical screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, with more extended coverage under active research.

In this study, via a quite unique and rare NIPT sample, who has undergone both bone marrow transplant and donor egg IVF, we investigated the sources of oddness observed in the NIPT result using a combination of molecular genetics and genomic methods and eventually had the case fully resolved. Along the process, we devised a clinically viable process to dissect the sample mixture.

Eventually, we used the proposed scheme to evaluate the relatedness of individuals and the demultiplexed sample components following modified population genetics concepts, exemplifying a noninvasive prenatal paternity test prototype. For NIPT specific applicational concern, more thorough and detailed clinical information should therefore be collected prior to cfDNA-based screening procedure like NIPT and systematically reviewed when an abnormal report is obtained to improve genetic counseling and overall patient care.
Competing mortality risks: predicted cardiovascular disease risk versus predicted risk of breast cancer mortality in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in a single Irish center
Authors: Prior Lisa , Featherstone Hannah , O’Reilly David , Nugent Killian , Lim Marvin , McCaffrey John , Higgins Michaela J , Kelly Catherine M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Due to advances in care, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not die from the disease itself. Instead, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most frequent cause of death. Many breast cancer patients are older and have established CVD risk factors. They are at further risk due to exposure to anthracyclines, HER2 targeted agents, endocrine therapy and radiotherapy. In this study, we compared the 10-year predicted risk of breast cancer mortality versus that of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity/mortality in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy using online predictive risk calculators. Furthermore, we evaluated the predicted outcome of CV risk factor optimisation on their overall CV risk.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study. All patients with resected Stage I-III breast cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy at our centre from September 2015 to November 2016 were identified. Data recorded included demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments and CV risk factors. To calculate predicted 10-year risk of CVD and impact of lifestyle changes, we used the JBS3 (Joint British Society) online risk calculator. To calculate the predicted 10-year risk of breast cancer mortality, we used the PREDICT calculator. Biostatistical methods included Wilcoxon signed rank test for predicted CVD risk pre and post cardiovascular risk optimization.

Results

We identified 102 patients. Of this cohort, 76 patients were ≥ 50 years & 26 were < 50 years of age. The group had significant baseline cardiovascular risk factors: increased BMI (68 %, n = 70), ex-smoking (34 %, n = 35), current smoking (13 %, n = 13), hypertension (47 %, n = 47) and dyslipidemia (57 %). Of the total group, 48 % had a high (> 20 %) and 37 % had a moderate (10–20 %) 10-year predicted breast cancer mortality risk. Regarding 10-year predicted risk of CVD, 11 % and 22 % fell into the high (> 20 %) and moderate (10–20 %) risk categories, respectively. Assuming CV risk factor optimisation, there was a predicted improvement in median 10-year CV risk from 26.5 to 9.9 % (p = .005) in the high CVD risk group and from 14.0 to 6.6 % (p < .001) in the moderate CVD risk group.

Conclusions

Benefits predicted with a CVD risk intervention model indicates that this should be incorporated into routine breast oncology care.
Assessment of nutritional status and associated factors among adolescent girls in Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hadush Gebrehiwot , Seid Oumer , Wuneh Abel Gebre
Published: February 2021

Background

A body of evidences showed that adolescent undernutrition is a serious public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. Adolescence period is the last chance for curbing the consequences of undernutrition and breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and poor health. Despite this fact, they have been considered as a low-risk group for poor health and nutrition problems than the young children or the very old. This study aimed to assess prevalence of nutritional status and associated factors among adolescent girls in Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2017.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 736 adolescent girls from February15 to March 05, 2017 in Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2017. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants. A pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements was used to collect the data. The collected data were entered in to Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for further statistical analysis. Body Mass Index for age (thinness) and height for age (stunting) was used to assess undernutrition of adolescent girls by using the new 2007 WHO Growth Reference. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. The degree of association between dependent and independent variables were assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, and variables withpvalue < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

The study revealed that the prevalence of thinness and stunting were 15.8% (95% CI 13.3–18.5%) and 26.6% (95% CI 23.5–29.9%), respectively. Being at an early adolescent age (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.23–6.81) for thinness and being at an early adolescent age (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.02–3.74), household food insecure (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.15–7.21), menstruation status (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.03–5.71), and availability of home latrine (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.15–4.42) for stunting were the independent predictors among the adolescent girls.

Conclusions

The prevalence of thinness and stunting is above the public health importance threshold level. Thus, Multi-sector-centered nutrition interventions to improve nutritional status of disadvantaged adolescent girls through providing comprehensive nutritional assessment and counseling services at community, school, and health facility levels, and creating household’s income-generating activities are recommended before they reach conception to break the intergenerational cycle effect of malnutrition.
Operational optimization of a building-level integrated energy system considering additional potential benefits of energy storage
Authors: Liu Sai , Zhou Cheng , Guo Haomin , Shi Qingxin , Song Tiancheng E. , Schomer Ian , Liu Yu
Published: February 2021

As a key component of an integrated energy system (IES), energy storage can effectively alleviate the problem of the times between energy production and consumption. Exploiting the benefits of energy storage can improve the competitiveness of multi-energy systems. This paper proposes a method for day-ahead operation optimization of a building-level integrated energy system (BIES) considering additional potential benefits of energy storage. Based on the characteristics of peak-shaving and valley-filling of energy storage, and further consideration of the changes in the system’s load and real-time electricity price, a model of additional potential benefits of energy storage is developed. Aiming at the lowest total operating cost, a bi-level optimal operational model for day-ahead operation of BIES is developed. A case analysis of different dispatch strategies verifies that the addition of the proposed battery scheduling strategy improves economic operation. The results demonstrate that the model can exploit energy storage’s potential, further optimize the power output of BIES and reduce the economic cost.
A pilot case-control study using a one health approach to evaluate behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Authors: M Pry Jake , Jackson Wendi , Rupasinghe Ruwini , Lishanthe Guneratne , Badurdeen Zied , Abeysekara Tilak , Chandrajith Rohana , Smith Woutrina , Wickramasinghe Saumya
Published: February 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) was first recognized in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, and since then it has reached epidemic levels in the North Central Province of the country. The prevalence of CKDu is reportedly highest among communities that engage in chena and paddy farming, which is most often practiced in the dry zone including the North Central and East Central Provinces of Sri Lanka. Previous studies have suggested varied hypotheses for the etiology of CKDu; however, there is not yet a consensus on the primary risk factors, possibly due to disparate study designs, sample populations, and methodologies.

Methods

The goal of this pilot case-control study was to evaluate the relationships between key demographic, cultural, and occupational variables as risk factors for CKDu, with a primary interest in pesticide exposure both occupationally and through its potential use as an ingredient in brewed kasippu alcohol. An extensive one health focused survey was developed with in cooperation with the Centre for Research, Education, and Training on Kidney Diseases of Sri Lanka.

Results

A total of 56 CKDu cases and 54 control individuals were surveyed using a proctored, self-reported questionnaire. Occupational pesticide exposure and alcohol consumption were not found to be significant risk factors for CKDu. However, a statistically significant association with CKDu was observed with chewing betel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93, 19.35), age (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13), owning a pet dog (aOR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.38, 10.11), water treatment (aOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.09, 12.43) and pests in the house (aOR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.56, 21.60).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest future research should focus on practices associated with chewing betel, potential animal interactions including pests in the home and pets, and risk factors associated with water.
Evaluation of Packaging Materials in Freeze-Drying: Use of Polymer Caps and Nested Vials and Their Impact on Process and Product Attributes
Authors: Wenzel Tim , Gieseler Henning
Published: February 2021

Current trends in the pharmaceutical industry led to a demand for more flexible manufacturing processes with smaller batch sizes. Prepackaged nested vials that can be processed as a unit were introduced into the market to fulfill this need. However, vial nests provide a different thermal environment for the vials compared to a hexagonal packaging array and could therefore influence product temperature profiles, primary drying times, and product quality attributes. Polymer caps with the possibility of vial closure inside the freeze-drying chamber were developed to remove the risks and need of a crimping process. A general concern with the use of such caps is the possibility of an increase in resistance to water vapor flow out of the vial. This case study investigated the effect of the LyoSeal® and PLASCAP® polymer caps and EZ-fill® nests on the freeze-drying process. Amorphous and partially crystalline model formulations were freeze-dried. Process data and product quality attributes were compared for regularly stoppered vials and vials with polymer caps as well as vials in a hexagonal packaging array and nested vials. The results indicated no increased resistance or impeded water vapor flow by the polymer caps. Differences in the macro- and microscopic appearances of products and a trend towards lower product temperatures were observed for the investigated nest type compared to a regular hexagonal packaging array. Consequently, the polymer caps could be used as an alternative to regular stoppers without affecting freeze-drying process data or product quality attributes, while the different thermal environment of nested vials should be considered.
Protocol for a controlled, randomized, blind, clinical trial to assess the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation dorsolateral prefrontal cortex associated with balance training using games in the postural balance of older people
Authors: Kunitake Andre Issao , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Nascimento Klaine Silva , Oliveira Bianca Barioni Cardoso de , Muniz Natalia Maciel , Silva Soraia Micaela , Corrêa Fernanda Ishida
Published: February 2021

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the additional effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) applied on dorsolateral pré-frontal cortex on training postural balance with the use of video games in the aged.

Methods: This is a blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial protocol, with older people of both genders. Participants will be randomized into three training groups: Group 1 (videogame balance training), group 2 (videogame balance training associated with anodal tDCS), group 3 (videogame balance training associated with sham tDCS). The training will be carried out twice a week for four weeks, totaling eight sessions, and will be performed with the Nintendo Wii videogame console, using games that stimulate the postural balance associated with tDCS, with anode applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cathode on the contralateral supraorbital region at 2 mA for 20 minutes. The postural balance will be assessed using the Mini Test of the Balance Assessment System and posturography. Evaluations will be carried out before and after eight training sessions and 30 days after the end of treatment.

Discussion: Some studies show favorable results from the use of video games in improving postural balance in older people; however, their effect does not remain long-term. TDCS associated with other therapies can potentiate and prolong the effects of these therapies owing to its ability to stimulate neurotrophins important for neurogenesis, facilitating tasks that require attention, and helping to consolidate learning and memory. The effect of the two associated techniques on balance has not yet been tested in this population.

Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ID U1111-1213-4266; registered on 15 October 2018.
CURRENT TASKS OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
Authors: Nebessayeva Zhanar , Kunzhigitova Gulnur , Bekbolatova Kuralay
Published: February 2021

This article shows the analysis of educational development of current pedagogical sciences in a sustainable way. Methods of improving and increasing efficiency pedagogical scientific research has been examined. Sustainable educational development is a new, innovative way of changing system that avoids application of current methods, technologies. In this sustainable search, there are couple of questions that needs to be addressed: «What to teach, how to teach, and why to teach?». In order to find answers, theoretical background is required.
Consistent Allocation of Emission Responsibility in Fossil Fuel Supply Chains
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sanjith , Granot Daniel , Granot Frieda
Published: February 2021

Since 2016, Canada’s federal government has pledged to factor in upstream emissions during the environmental impact assessment of fossil fuel energy projects. The upstream emissions attributable to a proposed project could be compared against a rejection threshold—a maximum permissible level of emissions—or the firm could be mandated to offset the attributed emissions. We adopt a cooperative game-theoretic model and propose the nucleolus mechanism to apportion upstream emission responsibilities in a fossil fuel supply chain, represented by a directed tree, wherein the nodes correspond to various entities in the supply chain such as extractors, distributors, refineries, and end consumers. The nucleolus allocation avoids the distortionary effects of double counting and exhibits a certain consistency property that is especially important in a regulatory context wherein fossil fuel supply chains span multiple legal jurisdictions. We develop a polynomial-time algorithm to compute the nucleolus and further prove that it arises as the unique subgame perfect equilibrium allocation of a noncooperative game induced by two easily stated and verifiable policies, thereby providing an implementation framework. We then demonstrate the strong Nash stability of the nucleolus mechanism subject to the two policies, study its sensitivity to parameter changes, and characterize it on the basis of fairness considerations. Furthermore, under the common assumption that the emissions allocated to a firm and the resulting financial penalties do not impact the revenues from the firm’s core operations, we also provide lower-bound guarantees on the welfare gains it delivers to firms in the fossil fuel supply chain and on the incentives it offers such firms to adopt emission abatement technologies. Finally, we contextualize our discussion with a case study on a proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline in Western Canada.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.
Efficient Formulations and Decomposition Approaches for Power Peak Reduction in Railway Traffic via Timetabling
Authors: Bärmann Andreas , Martin Alexander , Schneider Oskar
Published: February 2021

Over the last few years, optimization models for the energy-efficient operation of railway traffic have received more and more attention, particularly in connection with timetable design. In this work, we study the effect of load management via timetabling. The idea is to consider trains as time-flexible consumers in the railway power supply network and to use slight shifts in the departure times from the stations to avoid too many simultaneous departures. This limits peak consumption and can help to improve the stability of the power supply. To this end, we derive efficient formulations for the problem of an optimal timetable adjustment based on a given timetable draft, two of which even allow for totally unimodular polyhedral descriptions. The proper choice of the objective function allows the incorporation of the priorities of either the train operating companies or the infrastructure manager. These include the avoidance of large peaks in average or instantaneous consumption and the improved use of recuperated braking energy. To solve the arising optimization models efficiently, we develop specially tailored exact Benders decomposition schemes that allow for the computation of high-quality solutions within a very short time. In an extensive case study for German railway passenger traffic, we show that our methods are capable of solving the problem on a nationwide scale. We see that the optimal adjustment of timetables entails a tremendous potential for reducing energy consumption.
Russian-Iranian (1804–1813) and Russian-Turkish (1806–1812) wars for the South Caucasus
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Buryan Mykhailo , Buryan Maria ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: February 2021

The article deals with topical issues of incorporation of the territory of the South Caucasus into the Russian Empire at the beginning of the XIX century. The relevance of the analysis of the international situation in this period is due to the resumption of military operations in Nagorno – Karabakh in October-November 2020, the unresolved territorial contradictions between other countries in the region, and the danger of a frozen regional conflict turning into a stage of war if one of the opposing forces is militarily strengthened. The cause of ethnic, religious, and territorial contradictions in the Caucasus region should be found in the historical past, in territorial redistributions that took place more than two hundred years ago. As then, so now, the South Caucasus is a strategically important region in which both regional players – Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran – and global players-Russia and Turkey-claim dominance. Russian Russian-Iranian and Russian-Turkish mutual claims to the lands of Transcaucasia in 1804–1813 and 1806–1812. Accordingly, they led to wars that ended with the victory of the Russian Empire and the inclusion of a significant part of the lands of the South Caucasus in its composition.
Development of correspondence pedagogical education in Ukraine in 1950–1980 in the historical context
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Kovpak Olena
Published: February 2021

The problem of development of correspondence pedagogical education is considered in the historical context as a set of social, socio-political and economic conditions that determined its purpose, objectives, nature and features. It was found that the development of distance pedagogical education was due to the postwar reconstruction of the national economy and the scientific and technological revolution, which required qualified specialists. The state policy in the field of education was aimed at ensuring compulsory general secondary education, which resulted in the problem of shortage of teachers, an effective way to solve it in the difficult socio-economic situation in the country was distance education. This is confirmed by the adoption of a number of legislative acts aimed at its improvement. It was not only a source of overcoming the shortage of staff in schools, but also a convenient ideological tool of the government, which led to high centralization and policy management.
American magazine „Svoboda” about the first informed elections in Galicia in 1895–1897
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Alekseeva Maria
Published: February 2021

The article highlights the events that took place on the eve and during the elections to the Sejm, county councils, and the Vienna State Council, which lasted for three years from 1895 to 1897. It is established that illegal actions and violent events of the three-year elections influenced the political „awakening” of Ukrainians in Galicia. The American magazine „Liberty” is a source for studying political protests, the history of electoral events, and the formation of politically conscious views. The magazine was founded in 1893 in Jersey by Ukrainian emigrants from Galicia. The magazine's articles covered events from all over the world, from Ukraine, introduced the reader to science, supported the patriotic spirit. The headings of the magazine entitled „About elections in Galicia” and „News from the old land” provide an opportunity to study in detail the course of events related to the elections on the basis of the stories and actions of different segments of the population. The events described in the texts introduce different views on the purpose of elections and different means of achieving results. The „Liberty” pages detail each election year and some of the key events that resonated in Europe and America. The consequences of electoral events are described, reviews of foreign states that reacted to violations of the constitutional rights of Galicians. The conclusions indicate the scientific value of the rubrics, which helps to investigate the process and results of three-year elections; further influence on the development of politically conscious protest, and takes an honorable place in the further study of the development of the politically conscious movement of the Ukrainian population at the end of the XIX – beginning. XX centuries.