Biotin Research Articles

A Study on the Functional Factors, Advertising Effect, and Satisfaction of Smartphone-based Shopping Brand App UI

A Study on the Functional Factors, Advertising Effect, and Satisfaction of Smartphone-based Shopping Brand App UI

Изучение роли факторов врожденного иммунитета в остром миелоидном лейкозе до и после химиотерапии

Изучение роли факторов врожденного иммунитета в остром миелоидном лейкозе до и после химиотерапии

Sex Differences in Promotion of Faculty Members in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Despite the increase in the women’s employment in universities, especially in medical fields in the recent decades, there is still some evidence indicating the lower number of academically higher rank females, especially in the full professor rank. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating the gender differences in academic promotions in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). The present study aimed to compare the academic promotion of male and female academic staff in SUMS from 1992 to 2013. The statistical population of this study consisted of all the faculty members working in the faculties and research centers of SUMS. The data were collected through access to their files on the gender, age, school, department, the university where they were educated, and the maximum length of time passed before their promotion. The findings of the study revealed that during the study years about 300 faculty members had promoted to the associate professor rank and 104 members to full professorship rank. The mean of the years passed for promotion to associate professor and professor ranks was 9.97 years (M±SD= 92) and 6.22 years (M±SD=3.32), respectively. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the number of the promoted male and female staff (P<001). It was also shown that the length of time passed for promotion and age of promotion to associate professor and professor ranks in both groups of female and male were not significantly different. Finally, according to the results, the length of time for promotion to associate professor rank was significantly different among the clinical and basic sciences faculty members (p<001). The results revealed that gender and field of study were influential factors in the academic staff’s promotion. Therefore, these differences can be due to gender discrimination or the time allocated to scientific activities of the members.

EVALUATION OF FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY AMONGST PATIENTS ADMITTED TO A TERTIARY CARE MEDICAL CENTER FOR COVID-19 INFECTION

Background To evaluate baseline characteristics, risk factors, outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalized patients Methods A retrospective observational study at an academic tertiary care center in Northern New Jersey Study population included 900 adult patients admitted to the hospital with a confirmed COVID-19 infection between March and April 2020 Results Overall in-hospital mortality over 75-day period is 40 7%(n=367) with ICU group showing 77 1%(n=237) mortality and floor group showing 21 9%(n=130) 257/900(28 5%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation 145(16 1%) patients managed on BiPAP/AVAPS, 323(35 9%) patients were on High Flow Nasal Cannula Cardiac injury (elevated troponin >0 05 ng/ml) was noted to be of highest incidence 51 2%(n=461) followed by renal failure 35 1%(n=316) Incidence of end organ injury and shock were significantly higher in ICU group and they had higher levels of inflammatory markers as compared to floor groups Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed age >65, elevated IL6, acute renal injury, cardiac injury, and invasive mechanical ventilation as risk factors associated with mortality Conclusion Cardiac injury is more common among hospitalized COVID 19 patients and is associated with increased mortality Different mechanisms have been postulated for the reasons for cardiac injury including hypercoagulable and pro-inflammatory state and demand ischemia as well Further in depth analysis is needed to ascertain a definitive cause [Formula presented]

Trace elements and the carotid plaque: the GOOD (Mg, Zn, Se), the UGLY (Fe, Cu), and the BAD (P, Ca)?

Multiple epidemiological studies have suggested that industrialization and progressive urbanization should be considered one of the main factors responsible for the rising of atherosclerosis in the developing world. In this scenario, the role of trace metals in the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis has not been clarified yet. In this paper, the specific role of selected trace elements (magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and calcium) is described by focusing on the atherosclerotic prevention and pathogenesis plaque. For each element, the following data are reported: daily intake, serum levels, intra/extracellular distribution, major roles in physiology, main effects of high and low levels, specific roles in atherosclerosis, possible interactions with other trace elements, and possible influences on plaque development. For each trace element, the correlations between its levels and clinical severity and outcome of COVID-19 are discussed. Moreover, the role of matrix metalloproteinases, a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, as a new medical therapeutical approach to atherosclerosis is discussed. Data suggest that trace element status may influence both atherosclerosis insurgence and plaque evolution toward a stable or an unstable status. However, significant variability in the action of these traces is evident: some - including magnesium, zinc, and selenium - may have a protective role, whereas others, including iron and copper, probably have a multi-faceted and more complex role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, calcium and phosphorus are implicated in the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques and in the progression of the plaque toward rupture and severe clinical complications. In particular, the role of calcium is debated. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemia, optimized magnesium and zinc levels are indicated as important protective tools against a severe clinical course of the disease, often related to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to cause a systemic inflammatory response, able to transform a stable plaque into an unstable one, with severe clinical complications.

Smart Wound Scaffolds: Light‐Controlled Growth Factors Release on Tetrapodal ZnO‐Incorporated 3D‐Printed Hydrogels for Developing Smart Wound Scaffold (Adv. Funct. Mater. 22/2021)

In article number 2007555, Leonard Siebert, Eunjung Lee, Su Ryon Shin, and co-workers develop a 3D printed smart wound scaffold encapsulating growth factors decorated with light-sensitive and antibacterial tetrapodal zinc oxide (t-ZnO) microparticles for the treatment of chronic wounds. The multifunctional pro perties of the smart scaffold combined with light-triggered angiogenic factor release, antibacterial properties, and tissue compatibility enable fast wound recovery.

Recent advances in preoperative assessment of hepatic functional reserve for hepatectomy

Hepatectomy represents the first choice of treatment for primary and secondary liver malignancies.However,post-hepatectomy liver failure(PHLF) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after liver resection.Inadequate remnant liver volume and function are the determining factors of PHLF.Therefore,preoperative assessment of hepatic functional reserve is of paramount importance for prevention of PHLF.There are two main conventional assessment systems of preoperative hepatic functional reserve.The first is remnant liver volume(RLV) and its derivative indicators such as residual liver volume ratio,standardized residual liver volume ratio,RLV/body weight,and RLV/body surface area,calculated by imaging-based methods such as CT,that assess whether the volume of residual liver meets the requirements of safe hepatectomy.However,RLV is not an appropriate indicator of functional liver remnant,since the function of liver within equal volume among different persons is unequal due to the underlying liver diseases.Functional imaging techniques,such as 99Tcm-GSA,99Tcm-IDA and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can simultaneously evaluate residual liver volume and function,leading to be a more appropriate indicator of functional liver remnant.The second is liver function tests,including serum biochemical parameters,clinical scoring systems and quantitative liver function tests.However,it can merely evaluate the overall liver function preoperatively,but not the residual one postoperatively.The residual liver function can be accurately measured by intraoperative indocyanine green clearance with the extrahepatic and intrahepatic blood flow of liver to be resected blocked.In addition,methods such as preoperative portal vein embolization and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy,can be used for patients with a predicted inadequate RLV.Due to the unequal liver function within an equal volume increased by different methods,functional imaging techniques are more appropriate in predicting the increasing functional liver than traditional methods which just assess the increasing liver volume.

Thrust force and base bending moment acting on a horizontal axis wind turbine with a high tip speed ratio at high yaw angles

Onshore wind turbines may experience substantially different wind loads depending on their working conditions, i.e., rotation velocity of rotor blades, incoming freestream wind velocity, pitch angle of rotor blades, and yaw angle of the wind-turbine tower. In the present study, aerodynamic loads acting on a horizontal axis wind turbine were accordingly quantified for the high tip speed ratio (TSR) at high yaw angles because these conditions have previously not been adequately addressed. This was analyzed experimentally on a small-scale wind-turbine model in a boundary layer wind tunnel. The wind-tunnel simulation of the neutrally stratified atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) developing above a flat terrain was generated using the Counihan approach. The ABL was simulated to achieve the conditions of a wind-turbine model operating in similar inflow conditions to those of a prototype wind turbine situated in the lower atmosphere, which is another important aspect of the present work. The ABL and wind-turbine simulation length scale factors were the same (S=300) in order to satisfy the Jensen similarity criterion. Aerodynamic loads experienced by the wind-turbine model subjected to the ABL simulation were studied based on the high frequency force balance (HFFB) measurements. Emphasis was put on the thrust force and the bending moment because these two load components have previously proven to be dominant compared to other load components. The results indicate several important findings. The loads were substantially higher for TSR=10 compared to TSR=5.6. In these conditions, a considerable load reduction was achieved by pitching the rotor blades. For the blade pitch angle at 90°, the loads were ten times lower than the loads of the rotating wind-turbine model. For the blade pitch angle at 12°, the loads were at 50% of the rotating wind-turbine model. The loads were reduced by up to 40% through the yawing of the wind-turbine model, which was observed both for the rotating and the parked wind-turbine model.

The Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Protozoan Parasites in Iranian Children with Hypereosinophilia.

The article's abstract is not available.

Yoga and Bone Health.

Osteoporosis is a public health problem affecting individuals globally. Yoga has been found to prevent and reverse bone loss. Yoga may result in better balance, improved posture, and greater range of motion, strength, and coordination, all factors that also mitigate the risk of falls and fractures. A 12-minute, 12-pose yoga regimen is discussed in detail. Once learned, the ongoing use of yoga is safe, without cost, and may be done lifelong.

The Effective Application of the Sustainable Development Concept in Construction Engineering - Case Study of the Construction Work of Modern Art Design Teaching and Training Centre by Shanghai Art & Design Academy

Manpower, machine, material, law, and environment are the five driving fact ors in a construction project; the joint workforce of real estate owners, project supervis ion, construction management, engineering design and other staff in the process of pro ject implementation imposes itself with a significant characteristics of looseness, due t o different units having their own interest demands. As an organizer, how to lead this “ talent-intensive” but loose technical team and promote their proactiveness; how to com plete the project under the premise of low consumption, high quality and high efficienc y, while the individual interests are also met remains a challenge. Therefore, on top of a comprehensive organizational structure, an effective construction management syste m and a strict quality supervision system/measures, team building and the psychologic al satisfaction of the needs of the staff remain key to the achievement of goals. In the p rocess of construction projects, to improve technology efficiency and meet the concept of sustainable development, green construction technology should be enhanced in app lications. On the premise of meeting the requirements of the project, it is essential to e nhance sustainability of the construction work, avoid excessive consumption of materi als, reduce construction costs, and to minimize the impact on the surrounding environ ment. The utilization of green construction technology can effectively achieve environ mental benefits, avoid excessive interference, and eventually improves the effectivenes s and environmental management level of the construction project.

Factors associated with chronic respiratory disorders in the saleswomen working near Dantokpas market highways in Cotonou, Benin

Sales around roads, a common activity mainly carried out by women in African urban areas, expose these later to outdoor air pollution (OAP), leading to chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). This research aims at studying associated factors with CRD among these professionals. A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted among 396 saleswomen working on the outskirts of the main track of Dantokpa’s market in Cotonou. Participants were systematically recruited by convenience, in the proportion of one in two, according to the defined selection criteria and interview. A multivariate analysis was performed by the top-down procedure. The CRDs prevalence was 43.18% for chronic bronchitis (35.18%) and asthma (8.33%). The associated factors with CRD were (Adjusted OR; 95%CI): the low-quality housing (1.92; 1.18-3.13), monthly income above the minimum wage (2.48; 1.51-4.06) and the daily selling time above 9 h (3.66; 2.15-6.22). Three items of the knowledge’s level about OAP were found to be protective factors, namely the recognition by saleswomen of: At least three sources of OAP (0.43; 0.26-0.72), the OAP’s reality (0.25; 0.07-0.85), and their higher exposure (0.06; 0.013-0.31). The risk and protective factors identified will help implementing preventive measures, including consciousness-raising for saleswomen and targeted OAP mitigation efforts. Keywords: Chronic respiratory disorders, associated factors, road sales, outdoor air pollution.

HIV-positive status disclosure with stable sexual partner at Gabriel Tour University Hospital, Bamako, Mali, 2017

Preventing new cases of HIV infection and mother-to-child HIV transmission requires knowledge of the factors associated with HIV-positive status disclosure with the sexual partner. Our objective was to determine the factors associated with HIV-positive status disclosure with the stable sexual partner at Gabriel Toure University Hospital, Mali. We conducted a cross-sectional study from February to March 2017 at Gabriel Toure University Hospital. We included PLWH 18 years of age and older, who were living with a stable sexual partner. We used a logistic regression to estimate OR for the identification of factors associated with HIV status disclosure. Prevalence of disclosure was 60.66%. Being married monogamously (OR 7; 95% CI [2.48-19.75]) or polygamously (OR 4.84; 95% CI [1.65-14.21]), being accompanied by the partner during the HIV testing process (OR 9.0; 95% CI [3.8-21.2]), being afraid of the partner's reaction (OR 0.24; 95% CI [0.1-0.5]) and trusting the partner (OR 7.2; 95% CI [3.8-13.7]), were factors independently associated with disclosure of HIV-positive status with the stable sexual partner. Couple testing should be introduced and unmarried people living with HIV (PLWH) who are afraid of their partners and those who do not trust their partners should be supported during the disclosure process. Key words: HIV positive status, disclosure, Mali.

Birth injuries in newborn: A prospective study of deliveries in South-East Nigeria

Birth injury is an important cause of short and long-term deformity and disability in children. It is becoming an increasing source of litigation in developing countries. Exploring the magnitude of the problem in a resource-limited setting, and, identifying associated factors, will help reduce its occurrence. This surveillance for birth injuries is a 4-year prospective study conducted in the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) between 2013 and 2017. Newborns with birth injuries and controls delivered around the same time with similar clinic-anthropometric parameters were enrolled for this study. One thousand nine hundred and twenty newborns were seen during the study period. Forty-six birth injuries were recorded giving in-hospital incidence rate of 24.0 (CI 17.3-30.9) per 1000 live birth. Majority (64.1%) of the injuries seen were related to the scalp. The commonest birth injuries encountered included Caput Succedaneum (41.2), Cephalohematoma (22.9), Erb’s Palsy (17.4), and shoulder dislocation (6.5). One case fatality (2.5%) due to skull fracture secondary to forceps delivery was noted. Birth weight (P=0.034), perinatal asphyxia (P=0.001) and prolonged labour (P=0.001) were significantly associated with birth injuries in the newborns surveyed. Birth injury remains a common and serious medical issue in our setting. Being proactive during antenatal care and labour could go a long way in minimizing the incidence of birth injuries and its consequences on children especially in the presence of risk factors such as high birth weight, perinatal asphyxia and prolonged labour. Key words: Birth injuries, newborns, delivery, Enugu.

Urban farmers land injustice: Assessing the impact of land development projects on agriculture in Dar es Salaam City

Land injustices are a global phenomenon but more vivid in developing countries, especially in Africa, where colonial hangover and the neo-liberal economic policies have been known to contribute into the plight of the urban poor including urban farmers. This paper examines the land injustices of urban farmers by taking Mbweni-Mpiji, a sub-urban area in the city of Dar es Salaam as a case study. The study used a qualitative approach to gather explanations, perceptions and feelings of the farmers regarding the issue of land injustices in the study area. From the findings, farmers in the study area are in constant pressure due to land insecurity and inferior land rights, the use of informality ways in accessing land, stiff competition from other land users and degrading land quality and constant decrease in size of agricultural land. In general terms, these factors are negatively affecting the day to day livelihood (in terms of food security, social status and income) of the people who entirely depend on urban farming. In order to overcome these challenges, this study recommends a dialogue between farmers and the city administrators as a short-term solution and inclusion of urban farming in the future master or strategic plans as a long term strategy. Key words: Land justice, urban agriculture, land development projects, compulsory land acquisition, plot delivery project.

Wage labor in rice cultivation areas near Lake Victoria in Western Kenya

Rice is now the most rapidly growing food commodity in sub-Saharan Africa. This growth is mainly driven by urbanization. There is substantial research on the wage labor dynamics in rice production in Asia, but in Africa, there is limited analysis of the labor used in rice cultivation-the attributes, numbers, and costs which make it difficult to understand the actual market, such as how products are procured. This study aims to fill this gap in the research by comparing wage labor factors in two rice cultivation areas in Kenya: Awach and Ahero. The role of wage labor in farm household management as well as in the economy of the areas is considered. The results, based on two surveys, show that, at the Awach small-scale scheme, the yield was low and the cultivation area small, generating profit per household of only about one-half that of the more large-scale Ahero scheme. High wage expenses at Awach put pressure on rice farming management because, although family labor was used for rice cultivation, additional labor was required for transplanting and weeding, incurring expenses. These were covered by sales of rice in the previous year or sales of livestock. In both areas, wage laborers were mostly people residing in the same area. In the case of Ahero, the scale of the scheme itself was large, and the hired laborers were unknown. However, in Awach, there was a high rate of hiring neighbors, and thus, wage labor costs could also be understood as a source of income for people in the area. Therefore, it can be inferred, in the case of Ahero, that there is a mechanism of wage labor based on economic principles, whereas in the case of Awach, small-scale production using family labor may be less efficient, but there is an additional concern with community principles. Key words: Rice cultivation, western Kenya, wage labor, economic principles, community principles.

Effects of genotype and environmental conditions on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) shoot morphology

Grapevine shoot morphology is widely studied for both ampelography and growing adaptation to environmental stresses. However, few is known concerning the relative contribution and interactions of the genotype and of the growing conditions to the vegetative growth. In this work, seven grapevine cultivars were studied in three geographically distant ampelographic collections to maximize the genotype and environment differences among samples. Phytomers were studied concerning the leaf area and the stem and petiole diameters and lengths. These measurements allowed the calculation of derivative parameters to describe the proportions among elements. Despite most of the studied parameters significantly discriminated both factors (cultivar and growing conditions), it was possible to identify, for each one of them, the most promising parameters based on their relative variance explanation. In fact, a negative correlation was observed between the roles of genotype and environment among the studied parameters. The low interaction effect suggested a stability in the plant behaviors, confirming the possibility to use vegetative descriptions for both cultivar discrimination and growing conditions. Future studies will be performed to develop specific indexes based on the phenotypical variability of shoot morphology described here.

ANALISIS PENGARUH PAJAK HOTEL, PAJAK RESTORAN, DAN PAJAK PENERANGAN JALAN TERHADAP PENDAPATAN ASLI DAERAH KABUPATEN KERINCI

This study aims to determine: 1.) To determine the effect of Hotel Tax, Restaurant Tax, and Street Lighting Tax on the Regional Original Revenue of Kerinci Regency in Partial and Simultaneous. 2) To find out the effect of Hotel Tax, Restaurant Tax, and Street Lighting Tax on Kerinci Regency's Original Revenue Partially and Simultaneously.The data collected in this study are secondary data, namely Ho tel Tax, Restaurant Tax, Street Lighting Tax, and Kerinci Regency Original Income from 2010 to 2020. The data analysis tool used is Multiple Linear Regression Analysisased on the results of the study, it shows that 1) There is no significant effect bet ween Hotel Tax on Kerinci Regency's Original Revenue in 2010-2020. This is evidenced by • There is no significant effect of Hotel Tax on Kerinci Regency's Original Revenue in 2010 -2020. This is evidenced by the value of t arithmetic 1.087 &lt; t table 2.365 o r a significance level of 0.313 &gt; 0.05. There is no significant effect between Restaurant Tax on Kerinci Regency's Original Revenue in2010-2020. This is evidenced by the t arithmetic value of 1.872 &lt; t table 2.365 or a significance level of 0.103 &gt; 0.05. There is no significant effect between the Street Lighting Tax on the Kerinci Regency's Original Revenue in 2010-2020. This is evidenced by the t arithmetic value of 0.009 &lt; t table 2.365 or a significance level of 0.993 &gt; 0.05. There is a significant effe ct between Hotel Tax, Restaurant Tax and Street Lighting Tax on Kerinci Regency's Original Revenue in 2010 -2020. This is evidenced by the calculated F value of 7.513 &gt; F table of 4.347 or a significance level of 0.014 &lt;0.05. The Great Influence of Hotel Tax, Restaurant Tax, and Street Lighting Tax on Kerinci Regency'sOriginal Revenue 2010-2020. The effect of hotel tax (X1) on local revenue (Y) partially is 0.18%. The effect of restaurant tax (X2) on local revenue (Y) partially is 75.84%. The effect of str eet lighting tax (X3) on local revenue (Y) partially is 0.31%. The magnitude of the effect of Hotel Tax (X1), Restaurant Tax (X2), and Street Lighting Tax (X3) simultaneously on Local Revenue (Y) is 76.3% and the remaining 23.7% is influenced by other fact ors outside of this study

Modifiable Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases among Undergraduate Students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are among the global health problems accounting for more than 70% of deaths. Yet, healthcare, workers, university and college students who are key educators to the public about health matters are ironically at high risk for NCDs. We aimed to assess modifiable risk factors for NCDs among undergraduates in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among respondents from six universities. The sample was split equally between universities with medical and those without medical courses. Respondents were randomly selected from each of the two clusters of universities. We administered a modified World Health Organization (WHO) STEP-1 questionnaire to collect data on modifiable risk factors for NCDs. Results Of the 574 undergraduates studied, 275 (47.9%) were in medical programmes. Among medical students, 262 (95.3%), as compared to 291 (97.3%) of the non-medical undergraduates had at least one NCD modifiable risk factor. While 15 (4.8%) of undergraduates in medical cluster reported consuming heavy alcohol, non-medical undergraduates reporting similar behaviour were 6 (2.3%). The proportion of non-medical undergraduates reporting to lead a sedentary lifestyle was significantly higher, 97 (37.5%), as compared to 82 (31.2%) of their counterparts (p<0.01). Independent of age, marital status and year of study, male undergraduates in non-medical programmes had 16% increased prevalence ratio of modifiable risk factors compared to females, (aPR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.03–1.30). Conclusions On one hand, use of tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption and excessive salt intake among undergraduates are low. On the other, the proportions of undergraduates having inadequate fruits and vegetables and physical inactivity are extremely high. Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases, Modifiable Risk Factors, STEPS Survey, Undergraduates, Tanzania.

Missed Opportunity for Vaccination among Children Under-five years of age: A Cross-Sectional Study at Mwananyamala Regional Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Background Immunization is among the most important public health interventions against common childhood diseases. However, a missed opportunity for vaccination (MOV), may hamper the progress made in reducing childhood illness through vaccination. Knowing the magnitude and contributing factors for MOV, is essential for planning and executing preventive measures; however, these factors are not well elucidated in the Tanzania context. Broad Objective To determine the magnitude and factors for MOV among children under five-years old admitted at Mwananyamala hospital. Methodology We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study among children under-five year old who were admitted at Mwananyamala hospital and their respective care givers from October to November 2018. An interview-guided questionnaire was used to collect data from the caregivers. The childhood immunization history was obtained from the immunization cards. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Results A total of 209 caretakers and their respective children were enrolled in the study. Thirty-eight (18.2%) had MOV, and among the missed vaccines, the second dose of measles and rubella was the most missed vaccine (45.5%). Identified factors for MOV were unavailability of the vaccine on the day of vaccination 12 (31.3%), the child being sick on the day of vaccination 10(26.3%), due date forgotten 8 (20.8%), not informed on when to return for vaccination 7(18.1%), and no money for transport to vaccination center 1 (2.7%). Conclusion and recommendation The magnitude of missed opportunity for vaccination is still high among hospital admitted children. Vaccine procurement and distribution as well as improved communication among caretakers and health personnel should be more strengthened to reduce the number of children who are missing vaccines. Keywords: Missed opportunity for vaccination, Children, Under-five, Dar es Salaam.