bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annual and Seasonal Variation in Artemia Population in Relation to Water Quality Parameters in Lake Galgas in Crimea, Russia
Authors: Ivanovna Rudneva Irina , Grigor’evich Shaida Valentin , Viktorovich Sherba Anton , Veniaminovich Zav’vyalov Andrei 
Published: December 2019

Aim: To study seasonal changes of hydrological parameters of the water and Artemia population status in the hypersaline Galgas Lake in the period of 2017-2019.
Study Area and Duration: The study was carried out in the Crimea, a peninsula on the northern coast of the Black Sea in Eastern Europe in 2017-2019.
Methodology: Water (brine) and Artemia samples were collected monthly from the lake located at the coastal line of the Black Sea. The parameters namely temperature, pH, salinity, Eh, and oxygen concentration of were determined in the water. Artemia population including the developmental stages and the cysts hatching rate of the cysts were measured in different seasons in the study period. The differences in hydrochemical characteristics of the study area in different years and seasons were observed.
Results: The results showed that the hydrochemical characteristics of the study area varied with the climate peculiarities. In summer months 2017, the lake was dried out. In the hot period, the temperature of the air and water was above +30°C, the pH ranged insignificantly, and the oxygen concentration was low. Artemia cysts were found throughout the year, however the nauplii were mostly available during spring and autumn seasons, while the adults were found in spring and summer months.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the changes of the water parameters depended on season and especially on air temperature. The changes of Artemia population were different in examined years and depended on the water characteristics and especially on temperature and oxygen concentration. The obtained results could be helpful for the local climate changes consequences studies and their influence on aquatic biota.
Effect of Mineral Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Marketable Yield and Economic Return of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mil) at Northwestern Zone of Tigray
Authors: Gebremichael Yohannes , Gebretsadikan Gebremedhen 
Published: December 2019

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates on the growth and yield tomato at Northwestern Zone of Tigray during 2016-2017 cropping season under irrigation condition. It is the most cultivated and high market value of vegetable crops in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. However, tomato production is limited due to low fertility of soil and inappropriate fertilizer rate. Six different levels of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, 69, 92 and 115 kg N /ha) and six different levels of phosphorus (0, 46, 69, 92,115 and 138 kg P2O5/ ha) were used and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replication. (Melkasalsa) tomato variety was used as a testing variety. The current findings showed that the highest marketable tomato fruit yield (61.16 t/ha) were obtained in 115 kg N/ha (250 kg urea/ha) and 92 kg P2O5 (200 kg Di Ammonium Phosphate DAP /ha). But, the profitable yield obtained was at N2P2 (46 kg N & 69 P2O5 kg ha-1) that is 100 kg/ha of Urea combined with 150 kg/ha of DAP yield was obtained 48.25 t ha-1 and the profit was 235502 birr per ha with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 26.16%. Therefore, 100 kg/ha of urea with 150 kg/ha of DAP was recommended for the growers to improve tomato fruit productivity in the study area.
Promoting Breastfeeding in Workplaces: Experiences with the Crèche at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Eke G. K. , Nte A. R. 
Published: December 2019

Background: The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) aims to promote, protect and support optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices among all women, irrespective of their employment status. Consequently the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), a Baby Friendly Hospital, has provided free Crèche services since 1996 to enable working mothers breastfeed their babies while at work, as they resume after 4 months of maternity leave.
Aims: To appraise attendance and use of the Crèche by health workers for the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding at the UPTH.
Study Design: Retrospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatrics, UPTH, Nigeria.
Methodology: Personal data and data on Crèche attendance were extracted from the Registers of children cared for at the Crèche between November 2006 and October 2016, entered into Excel Spreadsheet and analysed with SPSS version 20. Simple statistics were used to analyse and present data.
Results: One thousand and sixty-two children utilised the Crèche during the 10 years review period with total of 10,490 attendances. The children consisted of 604(57%) males and 458(43%) females, aged 6 weeks to 48 months (mean-6.44±2.54 months). An average of 93.6 children were cared for each month, with attendance showing a declining trend and they spent 2 to 9.5(mean-4.68) hours daily. The children attended the Crèche for 1 to 22(mean-7.35) days each month, while 32% of them attended only 1-3 days a month. Mothers from all clinical and non-clinical departments utilised the Crèche with nurses constituting 37%.
Conclusion: Utilisation of the Crèche services was sub-optimal. Its provision alone is insufficient to promote and support optimal IYCF practices among working women. User education and support for optimal IYCF practices are required. Access to Crèche services in all shifts and on all days should be guaranteed. Improved record keeping is required.
Impact of Organic Wastes on Physical and Chemical Properties of Sandy and Loamy Soils in Egypt
Authors: Ali Sweed Atef Abdelaziz , Negim Osama Ebrahim 
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two organic wastes used as soil amendments i.e. filter mud cake (FMC) and vinasse (V) on some physical and chemical properties of sandy and loamy sandy soils. Applications of organic were incubated with the soils for a three periods of 15, 30 and 60 days at four application rates (0, 0.5, 1 and 2%). This study was carried out in a two way randomized completely block design with three replications. After incubation periods, bulk density, porosity, water retention, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and organic matter were determined.
Results showed that the values of soil bulk density and soil pH were decreased with increasing the application rates of filter cake or vinasse compared with the control in two soils. In addition, application of different filter mud cake and vinasse rates to the study soils increased soil porosity, field capacity (FC), wilting point (WP), available water (AW), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic matter contents (OM) as compared to control at different period incubation time. The data of this study concluded that, organic wastes or byproducts of sugar industries could be applied to improve some soil properties.
Socio-demographic Determinants of Vaccine Coverage for Pneumococcus and Rotavirus among under Five Children in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Nabwana Brenda Wafana , Namayanja Sylvia Sidney , Kemigisha Collette , Kisakye Erina , Kusetula Amos Kuddiza , Wakabi Silvester , Wambi Ivan , Musiime Innocent , Nekaka Rebecca , Gavamukulya Yahaya 
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims: There is a high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in the children under five years of age, particularly pneumonia diarrhea and which is greatly affected by low immunization coverage despite the existing efforts and policies. This study was carried out in Butaleja district and was aimed at establishing the socio-demographic determinants of vaccine coverage for pneumococcus and rotavirus among under five children (U5C) in the district.
Study Design: This was a mixed methods cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda.
Methodology: Structured researcher administered questionnaires were administered to 434 caregivers of U5C in different parts of Butaleja district. In-depth interviews with key informants and focused group discussions with Village Health Teams and community members were conducted. Review of Health Management Information Systems records was done. STATA 15 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The study found that there is a declining trend in completion of the doses of Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) and Rotavirus vaccine. For example, in quarter 1 of 2019, out of the 312 children who started immunization, only 2 completed Rota virus immunization and only 117 completed PCV vaccinations a trend that has been observed since 2016. The factors that showed a significant association with the the fact that they gave their child at least one dose of the vaccine were having been sensitized on the current immunisation schedule(P-value = <0.001), misunderstanding that vaccine is harmful for child (P-value = 0.007), willingness to take children to vaccination (P-value = <0.001), and social factors such as family (P-value = <0.030). Gender also played a key determinant role where the children’s fathers lacked knowledge on significance of immunization and thus discouraged the mothers from taking the children for immunization. Inadequate funding was also highlighted from the Focus Group Discussions.
Conclusion: Vaccine coverage for pneumococcus and rotavirus is still low in Butaleja district mainly due to the attitudes and perceptions of caregivers as well as the knowledge gap. There is need for extensive sensitization of all community members to enable them understand the significance of immunization. It would further be important to increase the funding of the immunization programme to intensify and ensure effectual outreaches as well as the establishment and enforcement of a policy for immunization compliance.
Frequency of Outpatient Inhalers Prescriptions in Riyadh
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , F. Khan Mohd 
Published: December 2019

Background: Community pharmacists help patients in making informed decisions about their treatment and prevent the problems that could be developed from self-medication. The maintenance therapy with inhaled medications is the keystone of pharmacotherapy in many respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the frequency of inhalers dispensing in Riyadh.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, observational study carried out in Riyadh city to analyze the prescriptions in outpatient pharmacies.
Results and Discussion: The total number of prescriptions is 198 prescriptions that include 650 different medications. Out of the 650 medications, the majority were in the form of a tablet (61.7%), followed by capsules. The present study showed that the use of inhalers was uncommon in Riyadh. Out of 650 drugs, 27 drugs were available as inhalers (4.15%). Out of 27 Inhalers, Ventolin inhalers is the most prescribed (48.14%), followed by Seretide Evohaler (29.62%) and Symbicort Turbuhaler (22.2%).
Conclusion: Although there is a high prevalence of respiratory diseases, inhaler prescriptions and dispensing aren’t common. This may be due to the use of these inhalers as OTC drugs. The role of pharmacists should be to dispense the regular medications only by prescriptions and to counsel patients about the information regarding the use of inhalers.
Focal adhesion kinase confers pro‐migratory and antiapoptotic properties and is a potential therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Steinestel Konrad , Trautmann Marcel , Jansen Esther‐Pia , Dirksen Uta , Rehkämper Jan , Mikesch Jan‐Henrik , Gerke Julia S. , Orth Martin F. , Sannino Giuseppina , Arteaga Maria‐Francisca , Rossig Claudia , Wardelmann Eva , Grünewald Thomas G. P. , Hartmann Wolfgang 
Published: December 2019

Oncogenesis of Ewing sarcoma (EwS), the second most common malignant bone tumor of childhood and adolescence, is dependent on the expression of chimeric EWSR1‐ETS fusion oncogenes, most often EWSR1‐FLI1 (E/F). E/F expression leads to dysregulation of focal adhesions (FAs) enhancing the migratory capacity of EwS cells. Here, we show that, in EwS cell lines and tissue samples, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is expressed and phosphorylated at Y397 in an E/F‐dependent way involving Ezrin. Employing different EwS cell lines as in vitro models, we found that key malignant properties of E/F are mediated via substrate‐independent autophosphorylation of FAK on Y397. This phosphorylation results in enhanced FA formation, Rho‐dependent cell migration, and impaired caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis in vitro. Conversely, treatment with the FAK inhibitor 15 (1,2,4,5‐benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride (Y15) enhanced caspase‐mediated apoptosis and EwS cell migration, independent from the respective EWSR1‐ETS fusion type, mimicking an anoikis‐like phenotype and paralleling the effects of FAK siRNA knockdown. Our findings were confirmed in vivo using an avian chorioallantoic membrane model and provide a first rationale for the therapeutic use of FAK inhibitors to impair metastatic dissemination of EwS.
Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite markers for the widespread Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)
Authors: Sheik Matthew L. , LaBounty Kitty L. , Mitchell Erika , Gillespie Emily L. 
Published: December 2019

PremiseMicrosatellite markers were developed for Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum, Ericaceae) to facilitate downstream genetic investigation of this species and the extremely closely related, circumboreal Rhododendron subsect. Ledum.Methods and ResultsForty‐eight primer pairs were designed using Illumina data and screened for excellent amplification. Sixteen successful pairs were developed as microsatellite markers using fluorescently labeled amplification to generate chromatogram data. These data were evaluated for intrapopulation and interpopulation variability in three populations from Alaska and Maine, USA, and the Northwest Territories, Canada. Fourteen polymorphic markers genotyped reliably, each with one to eight alleles. Cluster analysis indicates that across the range, populations can be easily discriminated. Cross‐amplification in other Rhododendron subsect. Ledum species shows broad application of the developed markers within this small, well‐supported clade.ConclusionsThese microsatellite markers exhibit significant variability and will be useful in population genetics within R. groenlandicum and for investigation of species boundaries across Rhododendron subsect. Ledum.
Microsatellite markers for the endangered Puya raimondii in Peru
Authors: Tumi Liscely , Zhang Yu‐Qu , Wang Zheng‐Feng , Suni Mery L. , Burgess Kevin S. , Ge Xue-jun 
Published: December 2019

PremiseMicrosatellite primers were developed for Puya raimondii (Bromeliaceae), an endangered species distributed in the Andean Mountains of Bolivia and Peru.Methods and ResultsGenome skimming of P. raimondii, P. macrura, and P. hutchisonii resulted in the selection of 46 pairs of cross‐species microsatellite markers. Of these, 12 microsatellite primer pairs produced clear and polymorphic bands in P. raimondii. These primer sets were then used for the detection of potential polymorphisms in 84 P. raimondii individuals collected from four populations in Peru. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to six, and the observed and expected levels of heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.8929 and from 0.000 to 0.7662, respectively.ConclusionsThe microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful for future population genetic analyses and breeding system studies in P. raimondii.
Glucose–methanol‐based fed‐batch fermentation for the production of recombinant human interferon gamma (rhIFN‐γ) and evaluation of its antitumor potential
Authors: Prabhu Ashish A , Kumar Jadi Praveen , Mandal Biman B. , Veeranki Venkata Dasu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is nonmelanoma skin cancer, which is very common in patients having T‐cell immunosuppressant drugs. Anticancerous agents such as cytokines showed effective response on SCC. Human interferon‐gamma (hIFN‐γ), a type II cytokines, are having potent antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. In the current study, the fed‐batch cultivation of recombinantPichia pastoriswas carried out, and its effect on cell biomass production, recombinant human interferon‐gamma (rhIFN‐γ) production, and the overflow metabolites was estimated.P. pastorisGS115 strain coexpressed with 6‐phosphogluconolactonase (SOL3) and ribulose‐phosphate 3‐epimerase (RPE1) gene (GS115/rhIFN‐γ/SR) resulted in 60 mg L−1of rhIFN‐γ production, which was twofold higher as compared with the production from GS115/rhIFN‐γ strain. The antiproliferative potential of rhIFN‐γ was examined on the human squamous carcinoma (A431) cell lines. Cells treated with 80 ng mL−1of rhIFN‐γ exhibited 50% growth inhibition by enhancing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and disrupting membrane integrity. Our findings highlight a state of art process development strategy for the high‐level production of rhIFN‐γ and its potential application as a therapeutic drug in SCC therapy.
Helpfulness and economic impact of multidimensional rating systems: Perspective of functional and hedonic characteristics
Authors: Kong Demei , Yang Jun , Duan Hongchen , Yang Siyue 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNowadays, the multidimensional rating systems are increasingly popular in practice to help consumers evaluate multiattribute products or services. This study aims to examine the helpfulness and economic impact of multidimensional rating systems and the moderating effect of product type (ordinary, premium) from the perspective of product line. To identify the different effects of different product characteristics on consumers' behavior, multidimensional ratings and textual reviews are classified into two different sets according to the product attributes (functional, hedonic). Besides, the effects of review valence are considered simultaneously. Econometric analysis and text mining are conducted on the real data from autohome.com, a leading Chinese automobile rating platform. Results show that (a) in terms of perceived helpfulness, reviews with positive functional ratings or with negative hedonic ratings are perceived more helpful for ordinary product, whereas reviews with positive hedonic ratings are perceived more helpful for premium product. (b) Regarding product sales, the impacts of functional and hedonic ratings on product sales are inverted U‐shape. Furthermore, for ordinary product, variance of functional ratings has a negative effect on product sales, whereas hedonic ratings variance has an opposite impact. Surprisingly, ordinary product consumers tend to pay more attention to the negative hedonic reviews, whereas premium product consumers concentrate more on the negative functional reviews. In summary, various influences of multidimensional reviews and ratings across product type on review helpfulness and product sales are deeply explored in this study, suggesting that firms' online marketing strategies should be contingent on product type and characteristics.
Fractionation and characterization of antioxidant peptides from rice bran protein hydrolysates stimulated by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Phongthai Suphat , Rawdkuen Saroat 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and objectiveRice bran protein concentrate was prepared and hydrolyzed by using pepsin–pancreatin. The obtained result was further filtered through 5‐kDa membranes. A permeate was collected and sequentially fractionated by different chromatographic techniques. The peptide fractions were determined for the antioxidant activities.FindingsThree peptide fractions were derived after separating the crude protein hydrolysates by anion‐exchange chromatography. Due to its highest ABTS radical scavenging and metal chelating activities (p < .05), fraction F2‐A was pooled and separated further by size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Among the SEC fractions, F1‐S showed strongest antioxidant activities; thus, it was collected for reverse‐phase HPLC purification. Subsequently, the peptide fractions were successfully separated and F4‐H had the greatest ABTS‐scavenging activities (214.61 µmol Trolox/g sample, respectively). In addition, it displayed the strongest ability to reduce ferric to ferrous ions (104.80 µmol FeSO4/g sample) (p < .05), while F1‐H showed the highest ability to chelate metal ions (266.40 µmol EDTA/g sample) (p < .05).ConclusionThese results demonstrate that hydrophobic amino acids play a major role in scavenging free radicals, whereas polar amino acids are responsible for reducing and chelating metal ions.Significance and noveltyRice bran protein composes of high ratio of hydrophobic amino acid. It is a suitable source of antioxidant peptides that might be produced during gastrointestinal digestion. Separation and purification using chromatographic techniques showed promising results for selectively fractionate antioxidant peptides with specific activity.
Profilin as a dual regulator of actin and microtubule dynamics
Authors: Pinto‐Costa Rita , Sousa Mónica M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAlthough originally identified as G‐actin sequestering proteins, profilins are emerging as critical regulators of actin dynamics, capable of interacting with multiple acting binding proteins, and being able to link membrane lipids to cytoskeleton components. Recently, in addition to its actin, poly‐proline, and phosphatidylinositol binding domains, profilin has been shown to contain residues specialized in microtubule binding. Here we will discuss in a critical perspective the emerging body of data supporting that profilins are central mediators of actin microfilament and microtubule interaction. We will also address the unanswered questions in the field, including the nature of the interaction of profilin with microtubules, and its effect on microtubule dynamics. These recent discoveries deepen our understanding on how different cytoskeleton components are integrated within cells.
Inner retinal preservation in the photoinducible I307N rhodopsin mutant mouse, a model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Stefanov Antonia , Novelli Elena , Strettoi Enrica 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRod‐cone degenerations, for example, retinitis pigmentosa are leading causes of blindness worldwide. Despite slow disease progression in humans, vision loss is inevitable; therefore, development of vision restoration strategies is crucial. Among others, promising approaches include optogenetics and prosthetic implants, which aim to bypass lost photoreceptors (PRs). Naturally, the efficacy of these therapeutic strategies will depend on inner retinal structural and functional preservation. The present study shows that in photoinducible I307N rhodopsin mice (Translational Vision Research Model 4 [Tvrm4]), a 12k lux light exposure eliminates PRs in the central retina in 1 week, but interneurons and their synapses are maintained for as long as 9 weeks postinduction. Despite bipolar cell dendritic retraction and moderate loss of horizontal cells, the survival rate of various cell types is very high. Significant preservation of conventional synapses and gap junctions in the inner plexiform layer is also observed. We found the number of synaptic ribbons to gradually decline and their ultrastructure to become transiently abnormal, although based on our findings intrinsic retinal architecture is maintained despite complete loss of PRs. Unlike common rodent models of PR degeneration, where the disease phenotype often interferes with retinal development, in Tvrm4 mice, the degenerative process can be induced after retinal development is complete. This time course more closely mimics the timing of disease onset in affected patients. Stability of the inner retina found in these mutants 2 months after PR degeneration suggests moderate, stereotyped remodeling in the early stages of the human disease and represents a promising finding for prompt approaches of vision restoration.