bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc: Multidimensional Effects on Living Organisms
Authors: Cuajungco Math P. , Ramirez Maria Soledad , Tolmasky Marcelo E.
Published: January 2021

Zinc is a redox-inert trace element that is second only to iron in abundance in biological systems. In cells, zinc is typically buffered and bound to metalloproteins, but may also exist as a labile or chelatable (free ion) form. Zinc plays a critical role in prokaryotes and eukaryotes ranging from structural to catalytic to replication to demise. This review discusses the influential properties of zinc on various mechanisms of bacterial proliferation and synergistic action as anti-microbial element. We also touch upon the significance of zinc among eukaryotic cells and how it may modulate their survival and death through its inhibitory or modulatory effect on certain receptors, enzymes, and signaling proteins. A brief discussion on zinc chelators is also presented and chelating agents may be used with or against zinc to affect therapeutics against human diseases. Overall, the multidimensional effects of zinc in cells attest to the growing numbers of scientific research that reveal the consequential prominence of this remarkable transition metal in human health and disease.
Prenatal Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation and Newborn Anthropometry in India: Findings from DHANI
Authors: Khandelwal Shweta , Kondal Dimple , Chaudhry Monica , Patil Kamal , Swamy MK , Pujeri Gangubai , Mane Swati Babu , Kudachi Yashaswi , Gupta Ruby , Ramakrishnan Usha , Stein Aryeh D , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Tandon Nikhil
Published: January 2021

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid status during pregnancy may influence newborn anthropometry and duration of gestation. Evidence from high-quality trials from LMICs is limited. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial among 957 pregnant women (singleton gestation, 14-20 weeks’ gestation at enrollment) in India to test the effectiveness of 400 mg/d algal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to placebo provided from enrollment through delivery. Among 3379 women who were screened, 1171 were found eligible; 957 enrolled and were randomized. The intervention was two microencapsulated algal DHA (200 X 2= 400 mg/d) or two microencapsulated soy and corn oil placebo tablets to be consumed daily from enrollment (20 weeks) through delivery. The primary outcome was newborn anthropometry (birth weight, length, head circumference). Secondary outcomes were gestational age and 1 and 5 min Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) score. The groups (DHA; n=478 and placebo; n=479) were well balanced at baseline. There were 902 live births. Compliance with the intervention was similar across groups (DHA: 88.5%; placebo: 87.1%). There were no significant differences between DHA and placebo group for birth weight (2750.6 ± 421.5 vs. 2768.2 ± 436.6 g, p=0.54), length (47.3 ± 2.0 vs. 47.5 ±2.0 cm, p=0.13) or head circumference (33.7 ± 1.4 vs 33.8 ± 1.4 cm, p=0.15). The mean gestational age at delivery was similar between groups (DHA: 38.8 ± 1.7 placebo: 38.8 ± 1.7 wk, p= 0.54) as were APGAR scores at 1 and 5 min. Supplementing mothers through pregnancy with 400mg/d DHA did not impact the offspring birthweight, length or head circumference.
Stochastic Computing Implementation of Chaotic Systems
Authors: Camps Oscar , Stavrinides Stavros G. , Picos Rodrigo
Published: January 2021

An exploding demand for processing capabilities related to the emergence of the IoT, AI and big data, has led to the quest for increasingly efficient ways to expeditiously process the rapidly increasing amount of data. These ways include different approaches like improved devices capable of going further in the more Moore path, but also new devices and architectures capable of going beyond Moore and getting more than Moore. Among the solutions being proposed, Stochastic Computing has positioned itself as a very reasonable alternative for low-power, low-area, low-speed, and adjustable precision calculations; four key-points beneficial to edge computing. On the other hand, chaotic circuits and systems appear to be an attractive solution for (low-power, green) secure data transmission in the frame of edge computing and IoT in general. Classical implementations of this class of circuits require intensive and precise calculations. This paper discusses the use of the SC framework for the implementation of nonlinear systems, showing that it can provide results comparable to those of classical integration, with much simpler hardware, paving the way for relevant applications.
Bagaimana Good Corporate Governance (GCG) dalam Keberlanjutan Perusahaan?
Authors: Kurniyati K. , Khairiyani K.
Published: January 2021

This research aimed to examine the effect of Good Corporate Governance (GCG) on firm value. Good Corporate Governance (GCG) was measured by the Corporate Governance Perception Index (CGPI). CGPI was assessed by the Indonesian Institute of Corporate Governance (IICG), an independent institute that was conducting the development of Good Corporate Governance in Indonesia. The firm value was reflected by the stock price, PBV (Price to Book Value), and Tobin’s Q. This study used ten firms as a sample consistently listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange and followed the CGPI program during 2014-2019. The sample was determined by using purposive sampling. Analysis of data in this study used Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 3rd version. The result showed that CGPI reflected Good Corporate Governance affected firm value (stock price, PBV, and Tobin’s Q).
Implementasi Maqashid Syariah dalam Merumuskan Tujuan Laporan Keuangan Bank Syariah
Authors: Habibah Muzayyidatul
Published: January 2021

This research aims to analyze how the implementation of maqashid as-sharia in formulating Islamic bank financial statements’ objectives. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, through field research, by examining published Islamic financial reports and conducting interviews with management. The purpose of preparing Islamic financial reports on Islamic entities following the maqashid as-sharia is to fulfil the objectives in providing useful information to stakeholders comprehensively. The purpose of Islamic financial reports includes three levels, namely primary (dharuriyat), secondary (tahsiniyah), and tertiary (hajiyat). The primary aspect is very useful in providing financial information that all financial institutions' activities come from halal sources. Meanwhile, the second aspect can provide additional information on adherence to sharia principles, as a form of protection for property development through contracts under sharia principles. In the aspect of fulfilling the tertiary level, it shows the urgency in presenting assets owned by sharia entities in a transparent and accountable manner, as an effort to be accountable to humans and Allah SWT., Thus providing benefits to more people. Fulfillment of these three aspects of maqashid sharia is a form of benefit in the management of sharia entities.
Women’s Identity in the Digital Islam Age: Social Media, New Religious Authority, and Gender Bias
Authors: Muttaqin Ahmad
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses the phenomenon of religious lectures on social media that are gender-biased. The gender-biased religious lectures delivered in social media by some famous figures perpetuate the discrimination against women in Indonesia. This research answers how and why the religious lectures with gender-biased theme appear massively on social media. By using a qualitative method and feminist approach, the study focuses on the religious preachers on the new social media. This study shows that the large amounts of lectures with the gender-biased theme in social media are inseparable from the role of the promotional accounts. It shares videos of gender-themed propaganda massively and attractively to attract many visitors and followers of these accounts. This study reveals that the massive religious lectures with gender bias on social media are not only dealing with the textual understanding of religious texts but also a matter of the religious commodification. The actors of business could determine the massively particular religious discourse on social media.
SEED DETERIORATION PATTERN OF FOUR BAMBARA GROUNDNUT LANDRACES (Vigna subterraneasubterranean (L) Verdc) IN OPEN STORAGE SYSTEM
Authors: Hamami Happy Suryati , Qadir Abdul , Ilyas Satriyas , Budhianto Bambang
Published: January 2021

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a potential commodity to be developed in Indonesia, however, the production is done only once a year, therefore, it needs proper seed storage. The aim of this research was to study seed deterioration patterns of four bambara groundnut landraces stored in packages with different permeability in an open storage system for up to 6 months. This experiment was conducted from November 2015 to July 2016 at Seed Technology Laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB. Stages of experiment as follow: calculation of packaging permeability, seed storage, preparation and fitting data to regression equation.The packaging used in the study is aluminum foil, pp plastic and plastic sacks which have measured its permeability. The result showed that the seed deterioration of four bambara groundnut landraces in three packaging permeability has common sigmoidpattern with equation model: y = a / {1 + exp ((x + b) / c)}. The seed deterioration pattern based on SG and EC variables with the faster rate of decline occurred in Sumedang landrace packed in plastic sack (permeability = 1.4681 g/day m2 mm/Hg), thus having a shorter storability. The slower rate of decline occurred in Gresik landrace packed in aluminum foil (permeability = 0.098 g/day m2 mm/Hg), this means that it has a longer storability.
An Evaluation of Burnout Among Foundation Doctors in Malta
Authors: Grech Marco
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPostgraduate medical trainees are at an increased risk of burnout. Burnout has been defined as “a psychological condition of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment occurring in people persistently exposed to emotional and interpersonal stressors at work”. It can arise either from within the individual, from the medical profession itself or from healthcare organisations. Burnout is associated with mental health issues in trainees, impaired work performance and suboptimal patient outcomes.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study of three cohorts of the Malta Foundation Programme was conducted using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) to evaluate incidence of personal-, work-related and client related burnout. The cohorts were at 3-months, 1-year and 2-years of training respectively. The CBI was administered via Google Forms after ethical clearance. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric comparative statistics were used to analyse the results through SPSS v25.0.ResultsA global response rate of 26.5% was achieved. CBI and its sub scales showed good internal validity. High scores for burnout in all three scales were identified except for client-related burnout in First Year doctors. Burnout peaked midway through the 2-year period. High numbers reported “feeling “tired” and “physically exhausted”. Males reported more burnout than females.ConclusionThe high level of burnout so early in the career of Maltese postgraduate medical trainees is of concern. More studies are needed on the causality of this burnout and what factors are associated with burnout in this population.
Mortality Rate Due to Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated with Sars-Cov-2 Infection: Scope of Best Fit Regression
Authors: DATTA JAYDIP
Published: January 2021

In this article mortality rate ( 1) due to pulmonary fibrosis ( 2,3 )associated with SARS-COV-2 ( 4,5 ) is analysed at the early stage of Covid19 infection globally with effect from 21St January to 28th April, 2020 ( 6 ).Pulmonary fibrosis may be considered as one of the major cause of death due to severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS-COV-2 )(5) infection . The mortality percentage data(5) within a total ninety eight days are analysed by best fit regression(7) like Polynomial – Morgan Morgan Finney ( MMF ) (7, 8,9 )- Harris model are analysed in detail to compare the scope of best fit with two prime epidemiological parameters like mortality percentage (6) vs duration in days with regular interval of seven days . The entire statistical analysis is computationally analysed by a standard coding of data analysis (11).
Body Mass Index or Waist-Hip Ratio, Which Correlated With Arterial Stiffness Based on Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Chinese Rural Adults With Hypertension?
Authors: Hu Feng , Yu Rihua , Han Fengyu , Li Juan , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Huang Xiao , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association betweenbody mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and arterial stiffness (AS) based on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Chinese rural adults with hypertension.Methods: In this analysis, selected 5,049 Chinese rural adults with hypertension were divided into three groups according to BMI ( <24 kg/m2, control; 24‐28 kg/m2, overweight; and ≥28 kg/m2, obesity), WHR ≥0.9 for male and ≥0.85 for female was defined as central obesity, while baPWV ≥18.0 m/s was considered as increased AS. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the association between BMI, WHR (central obesity) and AS based on baPWV in different models. Furthermore, the generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting was used to visually show the relationship between BMI or WHR with baPWV. Finally, to ensure the robustness between BMI group or central obesity with increased AS, we also did the subgroup analyses that were performed using stratified multivariate regression and interaction analyses and presented in tabulated form or forest plot.Results: The prevalence of overweight, general obesity, central obesity and increased AS were 32.62%, 8.58%, 63.85% and 44.01%, respectively. In comparsion with control group, there are a statistically significant lower prevalence of increased AS in population with overweight or general obesity (adjusted-OR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.92, P <0.001; adjusted-OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.72, P <0.001, respectively; P for trend <0.001). Whereby in comparsion with non-central obesity group, there are an statistically significant higher prevalence of increased AS in population with central obesity (adjusted-OR: 1.54, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.83, P <0.001). The multivariate analyses indicated that BMI was negatively associated with baPWV (adjusted-β per SD increase: -0.49, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.38, P <0.001). In comparsion with control group, there are an statistically significant inversely relationship between BMI and baPWV in population with overweight or general obesity (adjusted-β: -0.55, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.35, P <0.001; adjusted-β: -1.00, 95% CI -1.32 to -0.67, P <0.001, respectively; P for trend <0.001). On the contrary, WHR was positively associated with baPWV (adjusted-β per SD increase: 0.27, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.38, P <0.001). In comparsion with non-central obesity group, there are a statistically significant positively relationship between WHR and baPWV in population with central obesity (adjusted-β: 0.55, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.75, P <0.001).Conclusion: We found that there was an inversely relationship between BMI and baPWV or increased AS, whereas WHR or central obesity is positively associated with baPWV and increased AS in Chinese rural adults with hypertension.
Associations of LRP5 and MTHFR Gene Variants With Osteoarthritis Prevalence in General Elderly Women: A Japanese Cohort Survey Randomly Sampled From a Basic Resident Registry
Authors: Nakano Masaki , Yui Haruka , Kikugawa Shingo , Tokida Ryosuke , Sakai Noriko , Kondo Naoki , Endo Naoto , Haro Hirotaka , Shimodaira Hiroki , Suzuki Takako , Kato Hiroyuki , Takahashi Jun , Nakamura Yukio
Published: January 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and degenerative joint disorder in the elderly. A greater importance of understanding the relationship between genetic factors and OA prevalence has emerged with population aging. We therefore investigated the associations of several bone disease-related genetic variants with the prevalence of OA and osteoporosis in Japanese elderly women from the Obuse study cohort, which was randomly sampled from a basic town resident registry. In total, 206 female participants (mean ± standard deviation age: 69.7 ± 11.0 years) who completed OA, bone mineral density, and genotype assessments were included. The number of patients diagnosed as having knee/hip OA and osteoporosis was 59 (28.6%) and 30 (14.6%), respectively. Fisher's exact testing revealed significant relationships between the minor T allele of LDL receptor related protein 5 (LRP5) rs3736228 and the prevalences of knee/hip OA and osteoporosis. The respective odds ratios (ORs) of the TT genotype for knee/hip OA and osteoporosis were 7.28 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22–28.08) and 5.24 (95% CI 0.95–26.98). An additional subgroup analysis for knee OA revealed that the frequency of the common C allele of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 had a statistically significant protective association with the prevalence of knee OA (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35–0.97). In sum, the present study demonstrated significant associations of LRP5 rs3736228 and MTHFR rs1801133 with knee/hip OA and osteoporosis prevalences and knee OA prevalence, respectively, in Japanese elderly women. These results will help further the understanding of OA pathogenesis and related genetic risk factors.
Colchicine-Enabled Genomic Doubling In Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.)
Authors: Nunekpeku Wonder - , Nyadanu Daniel - , Akromah Richard - , Amoatey Harry Mensah , Kena Alexander Wireko , Ali-Ghanim Abdelbagi Mukhtar , Agyei-Dwarko Daniel , Odoi King Manteaw , Danso Kenneth Ellis
Published: January 2021

The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis. Jacq.) is an oleaginous tree belonging to the family Arecaceae. The crop is naturally a diploid species (2n = 2x = 32) and the most important oil bearing perennial tree crop cultivated in tropics. In spite of its huge economic importance, it has a very narrow genetic base making its improvement using conventional techniques very difficult. All commercial planting materials are hybrids derived from heterozygous pisifera and dura parents. The imperativeness of generating adequate novel materials with sufficient genetic diversity in order to increase progress in oil palm improvement is therefore, very essential. Genomic manipulations through chromosome doubling may present opportunities to broaden the genetic base and increase the diversity within the commercial oil palm species. Developing an efficient genome doubling protocols using anti-mitotic agents is very important in this respect. It will also complement haploid/doubled haploid production efforts by enabling successful deployment of doubled haploids in oil palm breeding programmes. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to optimize genomic doubling in oil palm by determining optimum colchicine concentrations and also outline procedures for screening for putative polyploids. Oil palm seedlings were subjected to colchicine treatment at concentrations of 0, 1.26, 3.76, 6.26 and 8.76 mM for 0, 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours. The colchicine treatment produced variable physio-morphologies in the treated seedlings. Principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering of genotype dependent treatments were carried out to provide an ordination guide. The response of oil palm seedlings to colchicine treatment showed genotypic, concentration of colchicine applied and treatment duration dependency. Ploidy level analysis of the colchicine treated seedlings revealed that polyploidization in oil palm increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with increasing colchicine concentration. Seedlings of the genotype G-131 responded more favourably to the colchicine treatment than seedlings of G-132. Optimal colchicine concentration for genome doubling in G-131 (28.9 %) and G-132 (17.8 %) was 8.76 mM applied for a period of 24 h. A population of 154 tetraploids out of 1800 seedlings of the two genotypes mutagenized has been identified and being raised for further evaluation and genetic exploitation.
Preliminary establishment of a spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma
Authors: Yao Xingchen , Shi Xiangjun , Xu Ziyu , Tan Jie , Wei Yanzhe , Qi Lei , Zhou Zihao , Li Lihong , du xinru
Published: January 2021

Background: Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignant plasma cell disorder that represents the most common primary malignant bone tumor. It commonly involves bone metastasis in multiple vertebral bodies, which SINS scoring system may not be fully applicable to MM patients. We designed a stability evaluation system to evaluate the spinal stability of patients with MM spinal involvement in order to guide clinical treatment.
Methods: By using Delphi method, information was collected and extracted through a series of questionnaires and improved via feedback and we preliminary establishment of a spinal stability scoring system for multiple myeloma.
Results: Fifteen clinicians completed a second round of questionnaires and compared their answers with those of the first round of questionnaires to identify significant comments or changes that required group discussions. As a result, no further feedback was used to improve the scoring system. After integrating the information from the expert consultation questionnaire, we established the initial scoring system for MM spine stability and used the scoring system to assess a series of representative clinical cases. The scoring system consisted of the following six components.The MM spinal stability scoring system was created by calculating the scores of the six separate components: Location, Pain, Number of segments, Physiological curvature, Comorbidities and Neurological function. The minimum value was ‘0’, and the maximum value was ‘24’. A score of ‘0-10’ indicated ‘spine stability’, a score of ‘11-17’ indicated ‘potential instability’, and a score of ‘18-24’ indicated ‘spine instability’. Patients with a score of ‘11-24’ need an intervention such as surgery.
Conclusions: The initial establishment of the MM spine stability scoring system provides a vital theoretical basis for the evaluation of spine stability in individuals with MM.
Trial registration: The conducted study contains a retrospective analysis of medical
records of our hospital database. Beijing Chao-yang Hospital Human Research Ethics
Committee classifies this as a retrospective audit. The ethics approval and consent
was given for the conducted retrospective data analysis.
Midbrain Atrophy Related to Parkinsonism in a Non-Coding Repeat Expansion Disorder: Five Cases of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 31 With Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Dysfunction
Authors: Norioka; Ryohei , Sugaya Keizo , Murayama Aki , Kawazoe Tomoya , Tobisawa Shinsuke , Kawata Akihiro , Takahashi Kazushi
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSpinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31) is caused by non-coding pentanucleotide repeat expansions in the BEAN1 gene. Clinically, SCA31 is characterized by late-adult onset, pure cerebellar ataxia. To explore the association between parkinsonism and SCA31, five patients with SCA31 with concomitant nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction (NSDD) development, including three cases of L-DOPA responsive parkinsonism, were characterized. MethodsTo assess regional brain atrophy, cross-sectional and longitudinal imaging analyses were retrospectively performed using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) planimetry. The midbrain-to-pons (M/P) area ratio and cerebellar area were measured on midsagittal T1-weighted MRI in five patients with NSDD (NSDD(+)), 14 patients with SCA31 without NSDD (NSDD(-)), 32 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and 15 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. Longitudinal changes in the M/P area ratio were assessed by serial MRI of NSDD(+) (n = 5) and NSDD(-) (n = 9). ResultsThe clinical characteristics relevant to parkinsonism in NSDD(+) were indistinguishable from those of PD except for the prominence of bradykinesia/akinesia (5/5) and the absence of dysautonomia (5/5). However, a clear reduction in the midbrain area and the M/P area ratio was observed in NSDD(+) (p <0.05) while there was no significant difference in disease duration or in the pons area among NSDD(+), NSDD(-), and PD. A faster rate of decline in the midbrain area and the M/P area ratio was evident in NSDD(+) (p <0.05).Conclusion﻿The unique features of midbrain atrophy related to NSDD in our patients suggest that SCA31 belongs to the group of non-coding repeat expansion disorders causing parkinsonism.
The Intersectional Effects of Ethnicity/Race and Poverty on Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Within Multi-Ethnic Asian Populace: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Foong Hui Foh , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Ibrahim Rahimah , Haron Sharifah Azizah
Published: January 2021

Background: Ethnicity/race and poverty are among determinants of health in older persons. However, studies involving intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on health of older adults within multi-ethnic Asian populace is limited. Hence, this study aimed to examine the intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and multimorbidity among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia.Methods: Data were obtained from the first wave of a Peninsular Malaysia national survey - “Identifying Psychosocial and Identifying Economic Risk Factor of Cognitive Impairment among Elderly”. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify intersectional effects and associations between control variables and health outcomes. A comparison between Malay and non-Malay older adults within the same poverty group, as well as hardcore poor and non-hardcore poor older people within the same ethnicity groups, were conducted to understand the intersectional effects of ethnicity/race and poverty on health. Results: Prevalence of cognitive impairment was highest among the hardcore poor group while risk of depression and multimorbidity were highest among non-Malays. Malay older adults were more prone to developing cognitive impairment regardless of their poverty status whereas non-Malay from the hardcore poor group had higher tendency for risk of depression and multimorbidity. Hardcore poor older adults residing alone were associated with higher depressive symptoms. But fewer older adults currently working reported multimorbidity. Conclusions: Health outcomes of Malaysian older adults differ according to ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Given the importance of demographic characteristics on health outcomes, design of interventions targeting older adults within multi-ethnic settings must address specific characteristics, especially that of ethnicity and sociodemographic status so as to fulfil their needs. Several implications for future practice were discussed.
Characterization and Analysis of Sip1Aa Protein Expressed by cry1Ac Promoter
Authors: Wang Jing , Ding Mingyue , Wang Lin , Cui Jun , Li Haitao , Gao Jiguo
Published: January 2021

In this study, based on the pUC19 vector and using overlapping PCR technology, the researchers constructed an expression vector of the Sip1Aa protein guided by a cry1Ac promoter. The expression situation, insecticidal activity and solubility were researched, and the expression of the Sip1Aa protein, as guided by a T7 promoter, was compared. Additionally, the fermentation conditions were explored on a preliminary basis and a histidine label was added to the recombinant plasmid via reverse PCR for subsequent purification of recombinant proteins. The results showed that both the cry1Ac and T7 promoters could guide Sip1Aa to express as a soluble protein of 37.6 kDa, and there was no significant difference in insecticidal activity against Colaphellus bowringi Baly, with LC50 values of 1.637 mg/mL and 1.683 μg/mL, respectively. The soluble component of the Sip1Aa protein, when guided by the cry1Ac promoter, was significantly higher than when it was guided by the T7 promoter. The expression of the cry1Ac guider-promoted Sip1Aa protein was more suitable at 37℃ and 16 h. The recombinant protein was purified after an exogenous histidine sequence was added. This provides a new research method and idea to solve the problem of the Sip1Aa protein usually producing a large number of inclusion bodies when expressed in E. coli, and provides new ideas for the study of sip gene rapid expression, functional verification and insecticidal mechanisms.
Study on Anti-pneumonia Mechanisms of Honeysuckle Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Bai Chen , Xueyan Ma , Liu Hui , Xian Fuyang , Liu Shaoyang , Long Chaojun , Yu He , Liu Tiegang , Xiaohong Gu
Published: January 2021

Background: Honeysuckle is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It is widely used in the treatment of respiratory infectious diseases in Asia and even worldwide reported in the literature. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Pneumonia is one of the most common clinical manifestations of respiratory infections. This study is aim to find out the molecular mechanism of honeysuckle in the treatment of pneumonia.Methods: LPS-induced pneumonia rats were administered with honeysuckle decoction and compared its efficacy with dexamethasone. The components in honeysuckle decoction were analyzed by liquid-phase mass spectrometry. The target proteins for those components were obtained by database search, target fishing and text mining methods, and then were matched with the genes of pneumonia in the CTD database. Analyzed interactions of target protein by using String database, enrichment analysis by David database, molecular docking was performed by AUTODOCK and PyRx. Its related network diagrams drew by Cytoscape.Results: Our results indicate that honeysuckle can alleviate the inflammation of rat lung tissue to a certain extent, and has similar therapeutic effects as dexamethasone. There are 31 compounds in honeysuckle, and 366 genes associated with these compounds and pneumonia. Among them, 18 of the top 5%, including GAPDH, TNF, FOS, VEGFA, BDNF, etc., were enriched in pathway closely related to pneumonia: Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, Nitrogen metabolism, and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, etc. The results of molecular docking confirmed that Inosito binds to the PTEN protein of the Phosphatidylinositol signaling system pathway.Conclusions: This study suggests that honeysuckle can play a role in the treatment of pneumonia by affecting multiple targets and pathways, of which Inosito-PTEN-Phosphatidylinositol signaling system may be the most important mechanism. This reflects the multi-target multi-pathway of traditional Chinese medicine, and has a certain specific therapeutic effect on the disease. By interfering with the signaling pathways of the body cells, honeysuckle can be used as a drug candidate for clinical pneumonia treatment.
The usage of enzyme replacement treatments, economic burden, and quality of life of patients with four lysosomal storage diseases in Shanghai, China
Authors: Hu Jiahao , Zhu Lin , He Jiangjiang , Li Dingguo , Zhang Huiwen , Kang Qi , Jin Chunlin
Published: January 2021

Background

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare diseases that caused progressive physical dysfunction and organ failure, which significantly affected patients’ quality of life. Enzyme replacement treatments (ERTs) are now acknowledged as the advanced therapies for LSDs while cost millions per patient per year. Previous studies seldom reported the usage of ERTs and disease burden of patients with LSDs in China. The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics and usage of ERTs of patients with the four different LSDs (Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis) in Shanghai and then evaluate the economic burden and quality of life of these patients.
Methods

The study used data extracted from a large survey of living conditions of patients with rare diseases in Shanghai, which was conducted from April to August 2020. A total of 31patients, involving 5, 14, 4 and 8 patients with Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis, respectively, was included in analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the socio-demographic information (age, gender, education and etc.), economic burden caused by LSDs (direct medical and non-medical costs, and indirect cost in 2019), the treatment (usage of drugs) and the patients’ quality of life.
Results

Five Gaucher disease patients in Shanghai used Imiglucerase in 2019, while the other 26 patients with the other three LSDs didn’t receive ERTs. The total health expenditure of Gaucher disease patients was 2,273,000CNY on average mainly resulted by the high cost of Imiglucerase. The total health expenditure of the other 26 patients was 37,765CNY on average. The average total disease burdens of Gaucher disease patients and the patients with the other three LSDs were 164,301CNY and 58,352CNY, respectively. The mean EQ-VAS score of GD patients was 76.4 ± 15.5, which was higher than that of the other three LSDs. All the patients with LSDs in this study reported poor quality of life, which was significantly worse than the Chinese general population.
Conclusion

Few patients with LSDs in Shanghai could have access to available ERTs without a high reimbursement level. Though the cost-sharing mechanism of basic medical insurance, charity fund and patients had been explored for Gaucher disease in Shanghai, the Out-of-pocket part still laid a heavy economic burden on the patients and their families. The scope of drug reimbursement list and the reimbursement level should be further expanded and raised to help improve the quality of life of patients with LSDs.
Active Cloaking and Illusion of Electric Potentials in Electrostatics
Authors: Helfrich-Schkabarenko Andreas , Ismail-Zadeh Alik , Sommer Aron
Published: January 2021

Cloaking and illusion has been demonstrated theoretically and experimentally in several research fields. Here we present for the first time an active exterior cloaking device in electrostatics operating in a two-horizontally-layered electroconductive domain, and use the superposition principle to cloak electric potentials. The device uses an additional current source pattern introduced on the interface between two layers to cancel the total electric potential to be measured. Also, we present an active exterior illusion device allowing for detection of a signal pattern corresponding to any arbitrarily chosen current source instead of the existing current source. The performance of the cloaking/illusion devices is demonstrated by three-dimensional models and numerical experiments using synthetic measurements of the electric potential. Sensitivities of numerical results to a noise in measured data and to a size of cloaking devices are analysed. The numerical results show quite reasonable cloaking/illusion performance, which means that a current source can be hidden electrostatically. The developed active cloaking/illusion methodology can be used in subsurface geo-exploration studies, electrical engineering, live sciences, and elsewhere.
A systematic review and classification of information-sharing methods
Authors: Nikolaidis Georgios F. , Woods Beth , Palmer Stephen , Soares Marta O
Published: January 2021

Background: Sparse relative effectiveness evidence is a frequent problem in Health Technology Assessment (HTA). Where evidence directly pertaining to the decision problem is sparse, it may be feasible to expand the evidence-base to include studies that relate to the decision problem only indirectly: for instance, when there is no evidence on a comparator, evidence on other treatments of the same molecular class could be used; similarly, a decision on children may borrow-strength from evidence on adults. Usually, in HTA, such indirect evidence is either included by ignoring any differences (‘lumping‘) or not included at all (‘splitting‘). However, a range of more sophisticated methods exists, primarily in the biostatistics literature. The objective of this study is identify and classify the breadth of the available information-sharing methods. Methods: Forwards and backwards citation-mining techniques were used on a set of seminal papers on the topic of information-sharing. Papers were included if they specified (network) meta-analytic methods for combining information from distinct populations, interventions, outcomes or study-designs. Results: Overall, 89 papers were included. A plethora of evidence synthesis methods have been used for information-sharing. Most papers (n = 78) described methods that shared information on relative treatment effects. Amongst these, there was a strong emphasis on methods for information-sharing across multiple outcomes (n = 39) and treatments (n = 23), with fewer papers focusing on study-designs (n = 10) or populations (n = 6). We categorise and discuss the methods under four ’core’ relationships of information-sharing: functional, exchangeability-based, prior-based and multivariate relationships, and explain the assumptions made within each of these core approaches. Conclusions: This study highlights the range of information-sharing methods available. These methods often impose more moderate assumptions than lumping or splitting. Hence, the degree of information-sharing that they impose could potentially be considered more appropriate. Our identification of four ‘core‘ methods of information-sharing allows for an improved understanding of the assumptions underpinning the different methods. Further research is required to understand how the methods differ in terms of the strength of sharing they impose and the implications of this for health care decisions.
Tribological changes of tooth enamel-mullite/3Y-TZP couple in artificial saliva
Authors: Huang Yanqi , Li Zhuan , Liu Peng-fei , Cheng Yan-meng , Li Wen-jie , Xiao Peng
Published: January 2021

In-situ mullite toughened 3Y-TZP composite ceramic (mullite/3Y-TZP) with excellent mechanical properties was fabricated by gel-casting. The cytotoxicity of mullite/3Y-TZP was determined by both extract and direct contact methods, and the results indicated that mullite/3Y-TZP had no acute cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the tribological properties of the tooth enamel sliding against mullite/3Y-TZP in artificial saliva were investigated by using the pin-on-plate friction method. The friction coefficient (μ) between the two friction samples was about 0.464 with a stable friction process, and both of them showed slight wear. Analysis of the wear surface and debris demonstrated that the tooth enamel mainly suffered from fatigue wear accompanied by mild adhesive wear, while mullite/3Y-TZP showed slight abrasive wear. This result indicated that mullite/3Y-TZP had good wear resistance and showed potential applications in dental material.
The role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 in predicting sepsis-associated liver dysfunction: an observational study
Authors: Niesobska Ewa Woznica , Lesnik Patrycja , Woznica Ryszard , Janc Jaroslaw , Zalewska Malgorzata , Lysenko Lidia
Published: January 2021

Background: Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD) is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in the Intensive Care Unit. Bilirubin is one of the components of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment used in Sepsis-3 criteria. Hyperbilirubinemia is a late and non-specific symptom of liver dysfunction. The aim of the study was to identify plasma biomarkers, which could be used for the early diagnosis of SALD.Methods: A single-centre, prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of Wroclaw University Hospital. Plasma biomarkers - prothrombin time, INR, antithrombin III, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, albumin, endothelin-1, hepcidin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thrombin-antithrombin complex and interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 kDa were analysed. Plasma samples were obtained from eligible septic patients within 24 hours after having developed sepsis/septic shock. Enrolled patients were followed for 14 days for developing SALD and 28 days for overall survival.Results: 79 patients were enrolled in the study, and 24 (30.4%) of them developed SALD. PAI-1 with a cut-off value of 9ng/ml was shown to be a predictor of SALD (AUC=0.727, sensitivity 79.2%; specificity 41.8%; accuracy 53.2%) and of 28-day survival in patients with sepsis/septic shock (log rank test, p=0.00091). This was also useful in predicting 28-day survival, in combination with AST (log rank test, p=0.00242).Conclusions: Sepsis-associated hyperbilirubinemia is frequent, but bilirubin is a late and non-specific marker of SALD. Measuring PAI-1 serum levels at the onset of sepsis/ septic shock may be useful in predicting the development of SALD. A combination of PAI-1 and AST better predicts the 28-day survival than PAI-1 alone, but due to the low cut-off values of AST, this might not be clinically significant.
Cumulative Risk Effect on Unintentional Injury for Chinese Rural Children: A Nested case-control study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Bai Fengxin , Song Hongling , Yang Jun , Wang Xinlong , Ye Qingfang , Zhou Yuqiu
Published: January 2021

Background: Childhood unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children. Despite the risk factors that lead to injury occurrence have been identified, the relationship between cumulative risk effect of risk/protection factors on unintentional injuries are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the cumulative risk effect on unintentional injury of rural children.Methods: We used a nested case-control study design from a cohort database. Cases were children aged 6 to 14 with unintentional injury recorded, including 1,696 children which comprised 424 unintentional injury cases and matched on 1,272 control children. Risk factor index (RFI) and protection factor index (PFI) were used as dependent variables. Binary logistic regressions was used to estimate RFI, PFI and cumulative effect odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for childhood unintentional injury. The linear regression was performed to estimate the effect between RFI, PFI, interactive effect on unintentional injury.Results: The RFI had a significant difference between the two groups (p <0.01). After controlling the significant sociodemographic variables, the risk of unintentional injury increased with the RFI from 1 to 3 (ORRFI(1) = 0.978, 95% CI 0.739-1.296), (ORRFI(2) = 1.720, 95% CI 1.233-2.397), (ORRFI(3) = 5.162, 95% CI 3.129-8.517). While inversely it decreased with PFI increased/increasing. The linear regression indicated RFI, PFI and interactive effect were significant in the regression model, and the interactive effect of RFI⨯ PFI could be used to explain 32.2% the severity of unintentional injury.Conclusions: The cumulative risk effect on unintentional injury could regulate the unintentional injury in childhood. Pediatric care providers should consider a multifactorial interventions especially for the cumulative effect of risk/protection factors for childhood unintentional injury.
„oh isch FIND_s nich;“
Authors: Suderland David
Published: January 2021

This paper adds to the growing field of conversation analytical research on smartphone-use in face-to-face interactions. Whenever smartphones are used in mobile-supported sharing activities – e.g. to show a picture to co-present others – the smartphone user needs to search for and find the "searchable object" in the World Wide Web, an App or on the device's local memory. Analyzing audio-recordings of naturally-occurring conversations, this paper identifies two types of practices of speech that explicitly orient to ongoing smartphone-supported searches: Collaborative search (cf. Brown/McGregor/McMillan 2015) and search-accompanying commentary by the smartphone-user. Both practices verbally provide for the accountability of the otherwise opaque device use. They differ in the way they produce opportunities for co-present others to substantively contribute to the progression of the search as well as the degree to which they produce the search as an interactionally public event.
Improving the technology of construction of a longitudinal drainage system
Authors: Зубова О.В. , Силецкий В.В.
Published: January 2021

Приведены результаты исследований продольного водоотвода лесных дорог в Ленинградской области. Целью данного исследования является разработка мероприятий по улучшению работы боковых канав лесных дорог. Проведенное исследование показало, что отсутствие содержания продольного водоотвода негативно сказывается не только на земляном полотне, но также оказывает разрушительное воздействие и на лесную дорогу в целом. Предложен альтернативный материал - шламогрунт для использования в строительстве продольного водоотвода, а также альтернативный способ возведения канавы с использованием шламогрунта. Применение предложенной технологии и материала позволит повысить долговечность конструкции за счет прочных монолитных кристаллических структур, образующихся в ходе взаимодействия нефелинового шлама и грунтов местного залегания.

There’re presented results of studies of the longitudinal drainage of forest roads in the Leningrad region. The purpose of this study is to develop measures to improve the operation of side ditches of forest roads. The study showed that the lack of maintenance of the longitudinal drainage system has a negative impact not only on theroadbed, but also has a devastating effect on the forest road as a whole. An alternative material is proposed - a mixture of sludge and soil for use in the construction of a longitudinal drainage system, as well as an alternative method for constructing a ditch using a mixture of sludge and soil. The use of the proposed technology and material will increase the durability of the structure due to strong monolithic crystal structures formed during the interaction of nepheline sludge and local soils.
Risk assessment model of investment business process in the forest industry
Authors: Чудовская Л.А. , Галилеев С.М. , Галилеев М.М.
Published: January 2021

Рассмотрена оценка инвестиционного бизнес-процесса в отрасли лесопромышленного комплекса с помощью аппарата нечеткой логики. Модель позволяет оптимизировать работу транспортных узлов лесного комплекса, работу деревообрабатывающих предприятий, леспромхозов с точки зренияэффективности вложения инвестиций в условиях неопределенности современного состояния экономики. Рассмотрена модель оценки риска как задачи линейного программирования в нечеткой постановке. Использованы построенные функции принадлежности - треугольные и гауссовы на основе экспертных оценок. При решении задачи использован пакет MatLab с Toolbox Fuzzy Logic и метод Балаша. Полученные результаты показали работоспособность предлагаемой модели и возможность использования ее в различных отраслях лесопромышленного комплекса к оценке риска инвестиционного бизнес-процесса.

The article considers the evaluation of the investment business process in the timber industry using fuzzy logic. The model makes it possible to optimize the operation of transport nodes of the forest complex, the work of woodworking enterprises, forestry enterprises in terms of investment efficiency in the conditions of uncertainty of the current state of the economy. The risk assessment model is considered as a linear programming problem in a fuzzy formulation. The constructed membership functions - triangular and Gaussian-based on expert estimates are used. The MatLab package with Toolbox Fuzzy Logic and the Balash method were used to solve the problem. The results obtained showed the efficiency of the proposed model and the possibility of using it in various sectors of the timber industry to assess the risk of investment business process.