bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening Sub-national Systems for Area-wide Sanitation and Hygiene
Authors: Coultas Mimi
Published: October 2021

From late 2020 to early 2021, the Sanitation Learning Hub (SLH) collaborated with local government actors and development partners from three sub-national areas to explore ways of increasing local government leadership and prioritisation of sanitation and hygiene (S&H) to drive progress towards area-wide S&H. For some time, local government leadership has been recognised as key to ensuring sustainability and scale and it is an important component of the emerging use of systems strengthening approaches in the S&H sector. It is hoped that this work will provide practical experiences to contribute to this thinking. Case studies were developed to capture local government and development partners’ experiences supporting sub-national governments increase their leadership and prioritisation of S&H in Siaya County (Kenya, with UNICEF), Nyamagabe District (Rwanda, with WaterAid) and Moyo District (Uganda, with WSSCC), all of which have seen progress in recent years. The cases were then explored through three online workshops with staff from the local governments, central government ministries and development partners involved to review experiences and identify levers and blockages to change. This document presents key findings from this process.
Impact of the use of comfort devices on the exhaust toxic compounds from a modern PC car with spark ignition engine
Authors: Siedlecki Maciej , Merkisz Jerzy , Dobrzyński Michał , Kubiak Kamil
Published: October 2021

The use of comfort systems, the number of which in vehicles is constantly increasing, has a direct impact on fuel consumption and engine load. As part of the article, the vehicle's drive in real operating conditions was analyzed in terms of the emission of toxic compounds. The tests were carried out without and with the systems turned on, using the PEMS apparatus, where road emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and solid particles were measured in terms of mass, number and size distribution of diameters. The track was driven four times with different setting of the powertrain of examined car.
Modernization of didactic theories: answer to the present challenges
Authors:   Voronezh state university, Raikhelgauz Leonid B.
Published: October 2021

The article provides a scientific and theoretical overview of research in the field of didactics. The analysis of historical experience, foreign and domestic studies in the field of didactic theories, the author's own studies made it possible to consolidate scientific ideas and theoretical concepts for the formation of didactic systems, theories and approaches, to reflect new didactic ideas and methodological initiatives developed in response to the challenges of the present time. The materials provided in the article reflect the author's vision of solving the problem of modernizing didactic knowledge, represent a set of approaches, principles, methodological tools, and demonstrate the dynamics of didactic thought at various stages of the development of science. Domestic and foreign classical theories of learning that arose within the framework of behavioral and cognitive approaches are considered, the features of their application at the modern stage are substantiated. Didactic concepts reflecting the ideas of non-classical rationality of the late XIX to the middle of the XX century are analyzed. The advantages and limitations of the progressive didactic by J. Dewey are analyzed in detail. The main idea of constructivism is emphasized – the construction of knowledge for each student individually through understanding of their own metacognitive strategies. The possibilities of the development of didactic knowledge in the era of post-non-classical rationality, which is characterized by the rejection of monologism, recognition of many approaches and fundamental falsification of theories, are explored. As an example of the didactic theory that arose in this line, the theory of connectivism is presented. The conclusion is made about the significant expansion of the object sphere of didactics in the paradigm of post-non-classical rationality and the inclusion of new phenomena in it: digital educational environment, interactive technologies, individualization and personalization, development of values and meanings in the learning process. This article continues the discussion started earlier on the pages of «Yaroslavl Pedagogical Bulletin» journal and within the framework of the activities of the inter-university research center «New Didactics» on issues of methodology and practice in the field of didactics of pedagogical education.
Improvement of professional and personal qualities of officer-managers in engineering and aviation service in the process of professional development
Authors:   Military and air academy named after professor N. E. Zhukovsky and Yu. A. Gagarin, Solokhin Aleksey V.
Published: October 2021

The article substantiates the relevance of the creation and implementation of pedagogical conditions for the development of professional and personal qualities of the management team of engineering and aviation service in the process of improving the qualifications. Based on the theoretical and methodological analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature, pedagogical conditions, contributing to the development of competence, motivational and prognostic, moral and behavioral professional personal qualities of officers. A theoretical description of pedagogical conditions, including: a problem presentation of educational material, a targeted organization of independent work, attracting highly qualified teachers with the experience of organizing engineering and aviation provision of combat training and conducting hostilities by aviation compounds and parts, as well as the use of modern information and technological and material and technical provision. Based on experimental work, during the forming step of the experiment, targeted work was carried out to create pedagogical conditions. The diagnosis of the level of development of professional and personal qualities of officers was conducted on the basis of issues and tasks on the main discipline «Organization of Engineering and Aviation Support», the methods of identifying communicative and organizational inclinations («KOR-2»), K. Kharsky Test»Personal Values» Subcategory «Material Values» (Qualification, Education, Profession, Career), Subcategory «Ideological Values» (faith, debt, patriotism, spirituality, morality), Questionnaire by V. I. Morosanova «Self-regulation of behavior». The quantitatively qualitative analysis of the results based on statistical processing of data on the criterion of Pearson χ2 showed that the created pedagogical conditions largely allow increasing the level of development of officers’ professional personal qualities. Thus, the resolution of the problem of the development of professional and personal qualities of specialists of the management team of engineering and aviation service in the process of advanced training is seen in the targeted implementation of pedagogical conditions.
TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN ENERGY CERTIFICATION AND INSPECTION OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS OF BUILDINGS IN THE IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Authors: Denysiuk S. , Kotsar O. , Shovkaliuk M.
Published: October 2021

European integration is a strategic direction for the development of our country's foreign policy. In pursuance of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, a plan for the implementation of the European Parliament Directive on the energy performance of buildings (2010/31/EU) has been developed, which provides for the introduction of energy certification of buildings as a type of energy audit. Given the significant energy consumption in Ukraine compared to other countries, improving the energy efficiency of the buildings is an extremely important objective. The greatest effect in the existing buildings is achieved only in the case of integrated implementation of energy saving measures for fencing structures, utilities and equipment, and such projects require significant funds. To obtain funding from various investment funds and to be able to participate in state or local funding programs, it is necessary to perform an energy audit and justify energy saving measures, to assess the energy efficiency class of the building. The result of the implementation of measures will be a reduction in the total consumption of energy resources, as well as the cost of paying for them, improving the conditions of the microclimate. Institute of Energy Saving and Energy Management of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute has many years of successful experience in training specialists in the area of energy and improving the energy efficiency of industry and utilities. On basis of the Training Center for Energy Management, advanced training courses have been introduced for specialists who intend to carry out activities on certification of energy efficiency and inspection of engineering systems of buildings. Energy certificates of buildings are mandatory for new buildings, state-owned buildings, local government buildings and in case of attracting public funds for complex thermal modernization. In this paper highlighted the experience, reveals the content of the curriculum for training, retraining and advanced training of energy auditors and presents the results of the Attestation Commission of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF AIR EXCHANGE DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN ROOMS ON THE APARTMENT ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Authors: Deshko V. , Bilous I. , Sukhodub I. , Yatsenko O.
Published: October 2021

Modern results of Ukrainian buildings energy analysis show that 30-50% of the energy for heating goes to heat the supply air, and that is the largest share in the building energy balance. In terms of energy consumption, efficiency of the air exchange mode largely depends on occupancy schedule and air distribution in time and space. The application of air exchange schedule approach makes more sense in case when individual heating control is carried out. Therefore, during occupied hours, the comfortable ventilation level can be ensured, and, during unoccupied hours, it can be reduced to a minimum. According to the results of the study, the use of intermittent air exchange mode in the studied apartment on weekdays, leads to decrease in energy consumption compared to constant air exchange at the level of upper values of the ventilation schedule. In terms of energy efficiency, the use of the constant air change rate from ASHRAE Std 62 is the most efficient approach. In terms of indoor air quality and concentration of CO2 and VOCs, the scheduled air exchange approach with increased air change rates (from EN 16798) during occupied hours is more efficient. Therefore, the use of required and experimental air change rate values to create the hourly schedules allows to define more precisely a building energy consumption and to choose an optimal operation schedule for building engineering systems to provide thermal comfort and indoor air quality during occupied hours.
FORMATION OF FUNCTIONAL PLASMA SPRAYED COATINGS WITH COMPLEX OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND OPERATIONAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Karpechenko А. , Bobrov M.
Published: October 2021

The possibility of increasing the complex of physical, mechanical and operational properties of plasma sprayed coatings from powders of the PG-19M-01 and PRH18N9 grades due to the electric pulse effect on the heterophase high-temperature flow during spraying and next surface plastic deformation of the deposited coatings by shot blasting has been investigated. It is shown that shot blasting provides the formation of a hardening layer with a thickness of up to 180...200 μm, while the maximum level of microhardness is observed at a depth of about 60 μm. The microhardness of the coating from PG-19M-01 powder at the point of maximum hardening increases by 35%; steel coatings from PR-H18N9 powder – by 48% compared to the state after spraying. Experimental studies of the effect of this treatment on the bond strength and wear resistance of the obtained coatings have been carried out. It is shown that after shot-blasting the bond strength of the coatings decreases by 10...15%, and the wear resistance increases by 32...38%.
УРОДЖЕНЦІ ЧЕРКАЩИНИ У ВИЗВОЛЬНІЙ БОРОТЬБІ 1917–1921 РР.: БІОГРАФІЧНО-ДІЯЛЬНІСНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Рогожа М. , Карасевич А.
Published: October 2021

У статті розглянуто участь уродженців Черкащини у національно-визвольній боротьбі 1917–1921 рр. як частину цілісного явища будівництва незалежної держави. За мету поставлено дослідити через біографії й участь у боях генералів Базильського, Вовка, Загродського та Тютюнника, очолюваних ними військових з’єднань у контексті цілісного державотворчого процесу. Біографічний аспект виявив якості очільників, сформовані різними чинниками: родинними, суспільними, освітніми, вишкільними, службовими, міжособистісними тощо. Діяльнісний аспект реалізовано через вибір іпостасі вояка, досягнення й реалізацію якої кожен здійснив своїм шляхом. Участь генералів Базильського, Вовка, Загродського і Тютюнника у національно-визвольній боротьбі стала результатом позитивної взаємодії суми факторів, розглянутих через біографо-діяльнісний аспект. Саме вони сформували якості високопрофесійних вояків. Генерали очолювали значні військові з’єднання Армії УНР, досягали перемог, але варто зауважити, що ворогів українській армії завжди вистачало, бракувало союзників. Очевидно, з цих та інших причин армія зазнала перебування в таборах інтернованих у Польщі, Румунії.

Ключові слова: Базильський, Вовк, Загродський, Тютюнник, боротьба, Армія УНР, честь, Україна
ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ НОВІТНЬОЇ ПОЛЬСЬКОЇ БІОГРАФІСТИКИ (ЗА МАТЕРІАЛАМИ ВИДАННЯ «POLISH BIOGRAPHICAL STUDIES»)
Authors: Стамбол І. І.
Published: October 2021

Визначено основні тенденції розвитку біографічних досліджень у Польщі на початку ХХІ ст. За основу взято публікації наукового журналу «Polish Biographical Studies», що виходить у Щецині з 2015 р. при Центрі біографічних досліджень. Серед проблем, які порушують польські науковці, найпомітнішими є біографії комуністичних функціонерів, військових та науковців різних галузей. Окрім того, дослідження стосуються постколоніального наративу в біографічних текстах і гендерних питань.

Ключові слова: біографістика, науковці, політичні діячі, польська гуманітаристика, «Polish Biographical Studies», ХХІ ст.
Expanding Interactome Analyses beyond Model Eukaryotes
Authors: James Katherine , Wipat Anil , Cockell Simon
Published: October 2021

Interactome analyses have traditionally been applied to yeast, human and other model organisms due to the availability of protein-protein interactions data for these species. Recently these techniques have been applied to more diverse species using computational interaction prediction from genome sequence and other data types. This review describes the various types of computational interactome networks that can be created and how they have been used in diverse eukaryotic species, highlighting some of the key interactome studies in non-model organisms.
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors and their Relationships with Metabolic Disorders among Adults in Burkina Faso: Findings from the First National Survey
Authors: Diendéré Jeoffray , Kaboré Jean , Zeba Augustin Nawidimbasba , Bosu William Kofi , Somé Jérôme Winbetourefa , Garanet Franck , Ouédraogo Victor Pingdéwendé , Savadogo Abdoul Aziz , Millogo Athanase
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to report the magnitude of modifiable lifestyle factors, their relationships with metabolic disorders in Burkinabè adults by using nationally representative data. This cross-sectional study included 4100 adults selected through multistage cluster sampling performed during the first national survey conducted in 2013 in Burkina Faso. The modifiable factors we considered were tooth cleaning, fruit and/or vegetable (FV) intake, substances’ use, physical activity and overweight/obesity, while metabolic syndrome abnormal components defined metabolic disorders. We performed logistic regressions. 31.1% cleaned the teeth at least twice a day, 14.7% consumed five or more FV, 39.7% used alcohol and/or tobacco, the prevalence of physical inactivity and overweight/obesity was respectively 6.6% and 17.7%. About 41.0% had at least two metabolic disorders and 9.5% had at least three. Lifestyle factors associated with having at least two metabolic disorders were overweight/obesity, more FV intake (when five or more aOR=1.5, p<0.001), physical inactivity (aOR=1.3, p<0.05), tooth cleaning (aOR=0.8, p<0.01). Except for consuming five or more FV (aOR=1.4, p=0.09), the same trend of relationships was observed with having at least three metabolic disorders. Excluding overweight/obesity and physical inactivity, unhealthy modifiable lifestyle factors were common and tooth cleaning was found as a protective practice for metabolic disorders.
The West Africa Inequality Crisis: Fighting austerity and the pandemic
Authors: Martin Matthew , Walker Jo , Obeng Kwesi W. , Hallum Christian
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and worsened the depth of inequality in West Africa. It has pushed millions into poverty. There is no end in sight due to the obscene global vaccine inequality, which means that less than 4% of West Africans had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as at September 2021, compared with 52% in the United States and 57% in the European Union. In 2021, when COVID-19 infections are rising in West Africa, the critical support health and socioeconomic programmes put in place by most governments in 2020 are being rolled back and replaced with austerity. Many governments are following advice from the IMF and World Bank, reminiscent of the severe cuts in spending imposed under the structural adjustment policies of the 1980s and 1990s. However, as this paper argues, the pandemic offers West African governments a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest heavily in inequality-busting policies by boosting public spending (especially on healthcare, education and social protection), making tax systems more progressive, and tackling joblessness and precarious work. This report uses the Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII) framework devised by Oxfam and Development Finance International to assess the policies of West African governments. Visit the CRI Index website to learn more: www.inequalityindex.org.
The Axial Load-Share Ratio in Vivo as a Supplemental Assessment for the External Fixator Safe Removal
Authors: Liu Yanshi , Jia Qiyu , Cai Feiyu , Liu Kai , Zhang Tao , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: October 2021

Background: Timing the fixator removal is vital for a successful external fixation treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of axial load-share ratio in vivo as a supplemental decision support tool for the safe removal of an Ilizarov external fixator.Methods: This prospective observational study consists of 83 patients undergoing tibial or femoral lengthening with Ilizarov circular external fixation in our institution, from January 2011 to October 2019. In group Ⅰ (38 patients), the external fixator was removed based on the surgeon’s clinical experience and radiographs from January 2011 to June 2015. In group Ⅱ (45 patients), from July 2015 to October 2019, the supplemental axial load-share (LS) ratio test was accomplished without the knowledge of the clinical results by another medical team. The test was performed by electronically measuring forces in the fixator rods and in a ground force plate. When the LS ratio < 10% was consistent with the conclusion (dense bone formation was achieved in the distraction zone) drawn from the corresponding routine radiographs by the treating surgeon, the external fixator was removed.Results: There was no statistical significance in demographic data between the two groups (P>0.05). In group Ⅰ, 4 of the 38 patients suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 10.5%) after fixator removal, and bone union was finally achieved with further intervention by intramedullary nail. In group Ⅱ, 36 patients terminated the external fixation after the first mechanical test, and another 9 patients terminated the external fixation at the subsequent test. None of the 45 patients in group Ⅱ suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 0%). There was statistical significance in the refracture rate between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusions: Adequate assessment of bone regenerate is crucial before removing an external fixator to prevent deformation or refracture. The axial load-share ratio in vivo is a practically quantitative method to supplement radiography and clinical experience for the assessment of regenerate healing, and the axial load-share ratio dropped below 10% is a safe limit for the Ilizarov external fixator removal.
Salivary Metabolic Hormones as Biomarkers of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Manohar Shiny Lizia , Janardhanam Hemamalini Arambakkam , Ravichandran Latha
Published: October 2021

IntroductionObesity is a major threat to the health and development of children. While hormones in serum samples have been extensively investigated in childhood obesity research, our study attempts to explore salivary metabolic hormones as biomarkers of childhood obesity.MethodsObese (n=83) and non-obese (n=83) school children aged 6-11 years were recruited as cases and controls, respectively, for this case-control study. Salivary concentrations of the hormones, Ghrelin, Leptin, Adiponectin and Insulin were assessed and compared between obese and non-obese children to evaluate their role in childhood obesity. Results The mean ghrelin (1.69 ± 0.38 pg/ml) and adiponectin (95.53 ± 64.92 ng/ml) levels of the non-obese children were higher than the mean values of the obese, while the mean values of the hormones leptin (265.95 ± 83.16 pg/ml) and insulin (224.56 ± 184.86 pg/ml) were found to be higher among the obese. Higher levels of the hormones insulin (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.12) and leptin (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) posed higher risks for childhood obesity, followed by adiponectin, which was found to be lower among the cases (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99995-0.99998) which increased the risk of childhood obesity.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the efficacy of saliva as a promising non-invasive tool in childhood obesity research and highlights the significance of appetite regulatory hormones as biomarkers of childhood obesity.
Is the Status of CXCL9-CXCL10-CXCL11/CXCR3 axes Altered in Brucellosis Patients?
Authors: Hassanshahi Farzaneh Hassanshahi , Hassanshahi Gholamhossein , karimabad Mojgan Noroozi
Published: October 2021

Aim and objectives: Brucellosis is common in most parts of the world between humans and domestic animals. The causative agent is bacteria from the Brucella family, which are intracellular pathogens. Despite, Brucella spp. Is able to infect humans, their ability to induce production of chemokines by lung cells is unknown. In this study, we showed an association between brucellosis and CXCL9, 10 and 11chemokinesMethods:We have totally recruited 71 brucella patients who have referred to the either local health centers or hospitals of kerman province. Diagnosis of acute brucellosis was made based on a brief history of the disease,clinical examinations results of serological tests,antibody titration in serums was performed by bacterial wright method, agglutination and 2ME with antigen. Brucellosis patients CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 serum levels were detected by sandwich ELISA using paired chemokine-specific mAbs, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Transcription levels of mRNA for the CXCR3 as the chemokine receptor for CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 was examined by QRT-PCR using primers. Results: We have found that there was a positive correlation between the level of chemokines and their receptor. Here ELISA test showed that B. abortus induces expression of some IFN-γ induced CXCL9, 10 and 11chemokines in brucellosis patients. We have also showed the increased expression of CXCR3 as their shared receptors in brucellosis patients with real time-PCR. Conclusion: According to these findings there was a positive correlation between the level of chemokines and their receptor. We have found that there was a positive correlation between the level of chemokines and their receptor.
Whole exome sequencing identified novel mutation in SUOX gene causes extremely rare autosomal recessive isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hao Yajing , Xu Ying , Qin Jiale , Wang Yanfang , Dey Subrata Kumar , Li Chen , Wang Huilin , Banerjee Santasree
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIsolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD) is the rarest types of life-threatening neurometabolic disorders characterized by neonatal intractable seizures and severe developmental delay with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. ISOD is extremely rare and only 29 mutations have been identified and reported worldwide. Germline mutation in SUOX gene causes ISOD. MethodsHere, we investigated a 5-days old Chinese girl, presented with intermittent tremor or seizures of limbs, neonatal encephalopathy, subarachnoid cyst and haemorrhage, dysplasia of corpus callosum, neonatal convulsion, respiratory failure, cardiac failure, hyperlactatemia, severe metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, moderate anemia, atrioventricular block and complete right bundle branch block. Karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis were performed and identified no chromosomal abnormalities in the proband. Whole exome sequencing was performed for the proband. Sanger sequencing was performed for the proband and her family members. ResultsWhole exome sequencing identified a novel heterozygous deletion (c.1406_1421delCCTGGCAGGTGGCTAA) and a previously reported heterozygous substitution (c.1200C>G) in exon 6 of the SUOX gene in the proband. The novel heterozygous deletion leads to frameshift (p.Thr469Serfs*20) which results into the formation of a truncated sulfite oxidase of 488 amino acids. The substitution leads to a premature stop codon (p.Tyr400*) followed by the formation of a truncated sulfite oxidase of 399 amino acids. Hence, both the variants are loss-of-function variants. The proband’s father and mother is carrying the substitution and deletion in a heterozygous state respectively. These two variants were not identified in the elder brother of the proband as well as in the 100 healthy individuals. ConclusionHere, we reported the first variant of SUOX gene associated ISOD in Chinese population. Our study not only expand the mutational spectrum of SUOX gene associated ISOD, but also strongly suggested the application of whole exome sequencing for identifying the novel disease-causing mutation in candidate genes.
Utilization of Long Acting And Permanent Contraceptive Method and Associated Factor Among Women of Reproductive Age in West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2018.
Authors: Zeleke Eden Dagnachew , Assefa Dawit Getachew , Woldesenbet Tigist Tekle , Gido Rediet
Published: October 2021

Background: Increasing access to family planning helps to ensure the reproductive right, decrease unintended pregnancy, improve the health and nutritional status of children, reduction of maternal mortality, and enhance longer birth spacing . There is continually low utilization of long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods among low and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the Utilization of Long-Acting and permanent Contraceptive methods and associated factors among Women of Reproductive Age in the West Guji Zone.Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional design was conducted among women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study subjects for the survey with a sample size of 507. Descriptive analysis was utilized to summarize the data while logistic regression to assess factors influencing the utilization of Long-Acting and permanent Contraceptive methods use. Statistical significance was declared for variables outcomes of the P-value less than 0.05.Result: Current utilization of Long-Acting And permanent Contraceptive methods at West Guji zone among the reproductive-aged group was 51.1%. More than the median of participants had negative altitude (72.4%) and poor knowledge (57%) towards the long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of Long-Acting and permanent Contraceptive methods, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery are significant determinant factors of long-acting and permanent family planning methods. Conclusion: Educational status, number of alive children ( Parity) , acceptance of Long-Acting And permanent Contraceptive methods , how treated by other staff, and waiting time to get the service are statistically significant predictors of utilization of long-acting and permanent family planning methods. More than half of women had a negative attitude and poor knowledge of Long-Acting and permanent Contraceptive methods.
3C Based DNA Hybridization Method for Chromosomal Translocation Screening
Authors: Absalan Moloud , Jabbarpour Zahra , Ghahremani Mohammad Hossein , Motevaseli Elaheh , Mahmoudian Fatemeh , Karimi Roya , Tavoosidana Gholamreza
Published: October 2021

Background: DNA probes have been widely used as diagnostic tools for chromosomal translocations in malignancies. PCR-based methods often fail to detect translocations such as MYC/TRD in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In addition, microscopic techniques cannot be helpful due to size detection limitations. This study sought to design a screening tool using immobilized ssDNA probes on a nitrocellulose membrane followed by 3C library fragments hybridization. Results: Hence, we focused on developing a suitable 27 bp specific probe for the juxtaposed region of MYC and TRD. Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNP) functionalized translocation fragments of the MYC gene with a thiol group (MYC-AuNP-probe). Then TRD-probes were immobilized on nitrocellulose surface to detect TRD/MYC translocation in the SKW3 cells. Hybridization between DNA probes and 3C-library fragments of SKW3 cells was determined by color intensity. Optimal hybridization of the 3C library sample of the cell line to TRD-probe and MYC-AuNP-probe showed higher color intensity due to their convenient proximity to the juxtaposed region compared with normal cells. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that DNA hybridization colorimetric assay could be a helpful technique in chromosomal rearrangements screening. Accordingly, the combination of 3C based techniques and DNA-DNA hybridization can identify cancer cells with high specificity and sensitivity.
Metabolic Differences Between Suaeda Salsa and Puccinellia Tenuiflora Under Saline-alkali Stress
Authors: Chen Qi , Xie Huansong , Wei Guanyun , Guo Xiaorui , Zhang Jian , Lu Xueyan , Tang Zhonghua
Published: October 2021

Background: Salinization of soil is an urgent problem that restricts agroforestry production and environment protection. Substantial accumulation of metal ion or high alkaline alters plant metabolites and may even cause plant death. In order to explore the differences in the response strategies between Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) and Puccinellia tenuiflora (P. tenuiflora), two main constructive species that survive in saline-alkali soil, their metabolic differences were characterized.Result: Metabolomics was conducted to study the role of metabolic differences between S. salsa and P. tenuiflora under saline-alkali stress. A total of 68 significantly different metabolites were identified by GC-MS, including 9 sugars, 13 amino acids, 8 alcohols, and 34 acids. A more detailed analysis indicated that P. tenuiflora utilizes sugars more effectively and may be salt-alkali tolerant via sugar consumption while S. salsa mainly utilizes amino acids, alcohols, and acids to resist salt-alkali stress. Measurement of phenolic compounds showed that more C6C3C6-compounds were accumulated in P. tenuiflora while more C6C1-compounds, phenolic compounds that can be used to defense stress as signaling molecules, were accumulated in S. salsa.Conclusion: Our observations suggest that S. salsa resists the toxicity of saline-alkali stress using aboveground organs and P. tenuiflora eliminates the poison of saline-alkali via roots. S. salsa has a stronger ability of habitat transformation and can provide better habitat for other plants.
Effect of Blood Pressure on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A 15-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Qi , Jin Qing-Dong
Published: October 2021

Objective

The association between blood pressure(BP) and cardiovascular outcomes has not been well investigated by large prospective studies on Chinese. We aim to analyze the association of BP with cardiovascular outcomes in Chinese population.
Method

We included a total of 4,569 adults aged 40–90 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) cohort. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CIs. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to explore linear and nonlinear relationships of BP with cardiovascular outcomes.
Result

With a mean follow-up of 12.1 years, a total of 4,569 individuals were enrolled in our study, of whom 403 developed cardiovascular outcomes. Multivariable adjusted Cox models showed a strong positive association between BP and cardiovascular outcomes. SBP was significantly associated with composite outcome(HR per 10 mmHg 1.23[1.16–1.29]), myocardial infarction(MI)(HR per 10 mmHg 1.17[1.07–1.27]), and stroke(HR per 10 mmHg 1.29[1.21–1.38]). DBP was significantly associated with composite outcome(HR per 10 mmHg 1.32[1.20–1.44]), MI(HR per 10 mmHg 1.26[1.10–1.44]), and stroke(HR per 10 mmHg 1.39[1.25–1.55]). Restricted cubic spline analyses showed linear relationships of either SBP or DBP with composite outcome, MI and stroke.
Conclusion

Either SBP or DBP is independently and linearly related to the risk of cardiovascular outcomes. These associations are steeper for stroke than for MI, and vary widely by age, use of antihypertensive treatment, and diabetes status.
Treatment of Severe Refractory Thrombocytopenia in Brucellosis With Eltrombopag
Authors: Zhang Xianwen , Ren Peng , Sang Baohua , Song Chunyan , Lin Yunbi , Lei Qingling , Lv Yu , Yang Chunhui , Li Na , Tian Xin , Huang Tilong
Published: October 2021

Background: Brucellosis is a common zoonotic illness in the world. Brucellosis is often characterized by hematologic abnormalities, including mild anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia. However, severe refractory thrombocytopenia in brucellosis is very rare and easily misdiagnosed.Case presentation: The patient was a 5-year-old girl with brucellosis who developed severe refractory thrombocytopenia (platelet count: 3×109/L) with complaints of epistaxis, skin petechiae and purpura. Most conventional treatments including glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) did not elevate her platelets, but eltrombopag worked well and her platelet count recovered rapidly. One week later, the patient's symptoms improved and the platelet count returned to normal.Conclusions:Patients with severe refractory thrombocytopenia, particularly resistant to IVIg and steroid treatment should be considered for second-line drugs such as eltrombopag. Our results also increase the application experience of eltrombopag in Chinese patients with severe refractory thrombocytopenia in brucellosis. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first reported case of the successful treatment of severe refractory thrombocytopenia in brucellosis with eltrombopag.
Association Between Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of NKX2.5 and Congenital Heart Disease in Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Huan , Li Tianjiao , Wu Yuqing , Wang Xi , Wang Mingyuan , Wang Xin , Fang Xiaoling
Published: October 2021

Background: NKX2.5 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in cardiovascular growth and development. Many independent studies have been conducted to investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism 606G>C (rs3729753) in the coding region of NKX2.5 and congenital heart disease (CHD), although the results were inconsistent. This study aimed to reveal as much as possible the relationship between NKX2.5 single nucleotide polymorphism 606G>C and the risk of congenital heart disease in the Chinese population through meta-analysis.Methods and Results: After retrieving related articles in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of science, Coherane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang DATA, VIP database until Aug 2021, a total of 8 studies were finally included. Then, we merged the qualified research data into allele model, dominant model, recessive model, heterozygous model, homozygous model, additive model respectively. Overall meta-analysis results showed that 606G>C was not associated with congenital heart disease of the Chinese population in any model. Also, subgroup analysis based on congenital heart disease type gave the same negative result. Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant correlation after the deletion of each study. The results were negative and the heterogeneity was not significant.Conclusion: Our results show that NKX2-5 single nucleotide polymorphism 606G> C may not lead to the risk of congenital heart disease in Chinese.
Study of effect modifiers of genetically predicted CETP reduction
Authors: Legault Marc-André , Barhdadi Amina , Gamache Isabel , Lemaçon Audrey , Perreault Louis-Philippe Lemieux , Grenier Jean-Christophe , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Hussin Julie , Rhainds David , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: October 2021

Genetic variants in drug targets can be used to predict the effect of drugs. Here, we extend this principle to assess how sex and body mass index may modify the effect of a genetically predicted lower CETP levels on biomarkers and cardiovascular outcomes. We found sex and BMI to be modifiers of the association between genetically predicted lower CETP and lipid biomarkers in UK Biobank participants. Female sex and lower BMI were associated with higher HDL-cholesterol and lower LDL-cholesterol for a same genetically predicted reduction in CETP concentration. We found that sex also modulated the effect of genetically lower CETP on cholesterol efflux capacity in samples from the Montreal Heart Institute Biobank. However, these modifying effects did not extend to sex-differences in cardiovascular outcomes in our data. Our results provide insight on the clinical effects of CETP inhibitors in the presence of effect modification based on observational genetic data. The approach can support precision medicine applications and help assess the external validity of clinical trials.
Chronic overexpression of neuropeptide Y in the skin is sufficient to induce inflammation and epidermal and dermal pathology
Authors: Anderson Zoya T. , Palmer Joseph W. , Slominski Andrzej T. , Proctor Jennifer L. , Idris Misgana I. , Wang Dezhi , Martin Adam E. , Harris Melissa L.
Published: October 2021

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a pleiotropic peptide produced in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. Despite conjectures that NPY may have a role in skin physiology and pathology, the effects of NPY in this organ remain poorly understood. We reported that a knock-in mouse with entopic NPY overexpression exhibits significantly elevated NPY in the skin, accompanied by premature and progressive hair graying secondary to depletion of melanocyte stem cells within hair follicles. However, the question remains as to whether NPY overexpression in the skin can induce non-melanocyte pathology. In this study, we employed this mouse to investigate the consequences of skin-specific overexpression of NPY. Our findings show that chronic NPY overexpression in the skin induces dermal fibrosis and epidermal hyperkeratosis. Additionally, NPY overexpression induces significant accumulation of macrophages and regulatory T cells in the dermis. RNA sequencing of whole skin from NPY-overexpressing mice further reveals NPY-mediated transcriptional changes consistent with inflammatory processes and inflammation-associated skin changes and highlights novel cell types involved in the NPY-mediated response in the skin. Together, these results provide long-awaited evidence of NPY’s involvement in skin pathology, providing a background for defining the precise role of NPY in the regulation of cutaneous homeostasis and disease.
Using Peroxymonosulfate-Ozone Advanced Oxidation For The Treated Wastewater Disinfection and Amoxicillin Micro-Pollutant Removal Simultaneously
Authors: Gholikandi Gagik Badalians , Mollazadeh Atefeh , Farimaniraad Hamidreza , Masihi Hamidreza
Published: October 2021

Due to the recent efforts to improve the conventional disinfection methods efficiency of wastewater treatment plants effluent, in this study, the efficiency of the peroxymonosulfate-ozone (PMS+O3) advanced oxidation process in lab scale by the aim of disinfection and simultaneous removal of existing amoxicillin micro-pollutant under optimum operational condition was investigated for the first time. Furthermore, the results were compared with those obtained from the experiments conducted employing persulfate-ozone (PS+O3), hydrogen peroxide-ozone (H2O2+O3), and ozonation (O3) processes. For this purpose, the main parameters including the total coliforms, amoxicillin concentration, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total nitrogen (TN), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS) were considered. The test results show that under optimized operational conditions (retention time of 20 minutes, ozone dosage rate of 0.83 mmol/L, and peroxymonosulfate concentration of 0.06 mmol , 99.99% total coliforms (e.g., the number of total coliforms reached consistently less than 400 MPN in 100 ml) removal was reached by peroxymonosulfate-ozone advanced oxidation process. Also, amoxicillin concentration removal efficiency reached 90±2%. In comparison, although the total coliforms reduction of PS+O3 and H2O2+O3 methods in 30 min are approximately the same, the amoxicillin concentration removal efficiency is about 60-70%. Due to the importance of ensuring effluent quality, the related removal efficiency of other considered parameters is also evaluated and presented. Eventually, the peroxymonosulfate-ozone method can be considered as a novel efficient approach for wastewater plants effluent disinfection and amoxicillin micro-pollutant removal simultaneously which is a novel approach.
Single-cell Profiling of Immune cells After Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy in ⅢA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Ren Xiubao , Hui Zhenzhen , Zhang Jiali , Ren Yulin , LI XIAOLING , Yan Cihui , Yang Lili , Yu Wenwen , Wang Tao , Xiao Shanshan , Chen Yulong , Zhang Ran , Zhang Lianmin , Xu Feng , Wei Feng , You Jian
Published: October 2021

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with chemotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy) in the neoadjuvant setting have achieved favorable clinical benefits in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the mechanism of clinical responses remain unclear. To identify factors associated with the clinical outcome, we provide a rich resource of 186,477 individual immune cells from matched multiple immune-relevant tissue sites and peripheral blood of four treatment-naïve and eight neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy treated ⅢA NSCLC patients (responders versus non-responders) by single-cell RNA-seq and TCR-seq. We showed that the synergistic increase of B cells and CD4+ T cells are associated with positive therapeutic response of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. B cell IgG subclasses IgG1 and IgG3 play a critical role in anti-tumor immune response in tumor lesion, and this process was driven by increased IL-21 protein secreted by infiltrated T follicular helper (Tfh) cells after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. Furthermore, we uncovered several critical events for positive clinical outcome, including the diminished activated TNFRSF4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), increased LAMP3+ dendritic cells (DCs), high pre-therapy peripheral blood T-cell diversity, and the expansion of intratumoral CD4+ T clones and peripheral CD8+ T clones. In total, our comprehensive study of the single-cell profile of immune cells provide mechanistic insight of clinical responses and identified novel predictive factors and potential therapeutic targets for improving the efficiency of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in NSCLC.
Dietary Iron Consumption Estimates Among Women Of Reproductive Age In Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Assefa Nega , Abdullahi Yasir Younis , Abraham Aklilu , Hemler Elena C , Madzorera Isabel , Dessie Yadeta , Roba Kedir Teji , Fawzi Wafaie W
Published: October 2021

Dietary iron inadequacy is a public health concern in developing countries. Women of reproductive age (WRA) are the most at risk for this micronutrient deficiency due to biological, socio-cultural, and dietary factors. This analysis aimed to assess estimated dietary intakes of iron (including heme and non-heme) and estimate bioavailability of dietary iron intake in Ethiopian women of reproductive age in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 1140 randomly selected women from households in Kersa participated in this study. We used a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess total dietary iron consumption in WRA. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using modified Poisson regression to evaluate factors for inadequate dietary iron intake. The median usual iron consumption was 24.7 mg/d and 41.8 % of WRA were at risk for iron inadequacy. The following factors were associated with a greater likelihood for the risk of iron inadequacy: seasonal (APR 1.56; 95% CI 1.36-1.80) and part-time (APR 1.75; 95% CI 1.45-2.12) agricultural employment, market food source (APR 1.30; 95% CI 1.14-1.49), old age (APR 1.29; 95% CI 1.05-1.60) and low women’s dietary diversity (APR 2.34; 95% CI 1.88-2.91). Two-fifths of women had an inadequate dietary iron intake. Improving dietary diversity and food security, fortifying staple foods that have low iron bioavailability, and increasing animal-based foods and fruit consumption with meals would help to decrease the burden of iron dietary inadequacy and deficiency in WRA.
Circular RNA Hsa_Circ_0007444 Inhibits Tumor Progression Through MiR-23a-3p/DICER1 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Min , Sun Yu , Xu Hanzi , Shi Yaqian , Shen Rong , Teng Fang , Xu Juan , Jia Xuemei
Published: October 2021

Background: Circular RNAs are a class of non-coding regulatory RNAs reported to be involved in cancer development and progression. Previous studies, including our own, have indicated that hsa_circ_0007444 was downregulated in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues. Herein, we demonstrated another mechanism of hsa_circ_0007444 in ovarian cancer.Methods: The expression of hsa_circ_0007444, miR-23a-3p, and DICER1 were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were examined by cell counting kit 8, transwell, and flow cytometry assays. The roles of hsa_circ_0007444 in tumor growth and metastasis were assessed in vivo using a nude mouse xenograft model. The bioinformatics tools were employed to predict the binding sites, which were then verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. DICER1 protein level was measured by western blot. Results: Hsa_circ_0007444 was downregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines compared with normal ovarian epithelial cell lines. Also, gain- and loss-of-function results indicated that hsa_circ_0007444 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, increased cell apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and impaired tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Additionally, the results of the bioinformatics analysis, RIP, dual-luciferase reporter, and rescue assays confirmed that hsa_circ_0007444 could interact with AGO2 and sponge miR-23a-3p, thereby upregulating DICER1 expression, which was an important tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer.Conclusion: We found that overexpressed hsa_circ_0007444 could inhibit ovarian cancer progression through the hsa_circ_0007444/miR-23a-3p/DICER1 axis.