Style Definitions Research Articles

Transcriptional analysis of Rhazya stricta in response to jasmonic acid

Background: Jasmonic acid (JA) is a signal transducer molecule that plays an important role in plant development and stress response; it can also efficiently stimulate secondary metabolism in plant cells. Results: RNA-Seq technology was applied to identify differentially expressed genes and study the time course of gene expression in Rhazya stricta in response to JA . Of more than 288 million total reads, approximately 27% were mapped to genes in the reference genome. Genes involved during the secondary metabolite pathways were up- or downregulated when treated with JA in R. stricta . Functional annotation and pathway analysis of all up- and downregulated genes identified many biological processes and molecular functions. Jasmonic acid biosynthetic, cell wall organization, and chlorophyll metabolic processes were upregulated at days 2, 6, and 12, respectively. Similarly, the molecular functions of calcium-transporting ATPase activity, ADP binding, and protein kinase activity were also upregulated at days 2, 6, and 12, respectively. Time-dependent transcriptional gene expression analysis showed that JA can induce signaling in the phenylpropanoid and aromatic acid pathways. These pathways are responsible for the production of secondary metabolites, which are essential for the development and environmental defense mechanism of R. stricta during stress conditions. Conclusions: Our results suggested that genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and aromatic acid synthesis pathways were upregulated during JA stress. However, monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) was unaffected by JA treatment. Hence, we can postulate that JA plays an important role in R. stricta during plant development and environmental stress conditions. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide treatment in 3T3-L1 cultures

Background: Lycium barbarum (also called wolfberry), a famous Chinese traditional medicine and food ingredient, is well recognized for its significant role in preventing obesity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its preventive effects on fat accumulation are not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. MTT was used to detect the proliferation of 3T3-Ll preadipocytes. Oil red O staining and colorimetric analysis were used to detect cytosolic lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology was used to detect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ( PPARγ ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α ( C/EBPα ), adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein ( aP2 ), fatty acid synthase ( FAS ), and lipoprotein lipase ( LPL ) expression. Results: The concentration of LBP from 25 to 200 μg/mL showed a tendency to inhibit the growth of preadipocytes at 24 h, and it inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In the preadipocytes treated with 200 μg/mL LBP, there were reduced lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, and its effect was opposite to that of rosiglitazone (ROS), which significantly reduced the PPARγ , C/EBPα , aP2 , FAS , and LPL mRNA expression of adipocytes. Conclusions: LBP exerts inhibitive effects on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and decreases the cytoplasm accumulation of lipid droplets during induced differentiation of preadipocytes toward mature cells. Above phenomenon might link to lowered expression of PPARγ , C/EBPα , aP2 , FAS , and LPL after LBP treatment. Thus, LBP could serve as a potential plant extract to treat human obesity or improve farm animal carcass quality via adjusting lipid metabolism. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

E-learning in Business Practice, a Case Study During COVID-19 in Croatia

Technological progress is increasingly changing the form of learning and communication in the business environment. The omnipresence of computers enables distance learning to an increasing number of people, whose systematic use is enabled primarily via various e-learning platforms. To be a market competitive, companies must be ready for fast changes and constant adaption to the new technologies. This paper provides a brief classification of e-learning its features and its content as well as an overview of the presence of e-learning in the companies from the Republic of Croatia via a survey that we conducted among 80 of them. The results of the survey are particularly important since they were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic when companies were abruptly forced to adapt to working from home. The primary goal of the survey was to analyze to which extent they use e-learning for their daily business and education of the employees. The survey also shows what services do they use and prefer the most and what is their overall opinion about e-learning in business. Normal 0 21 false false false SL X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language:SL; mso-fareast-language:SL;} Technological progress is increasingly changing the form of learning and communication in the business environment. The omnipresence of computers enables distance learning to an increasing number of people, whose systematic use is enabled primarily via various e-learning platforms. To be a market competitive, companies must be ready for fast changes and constant adaption to the new technologies. This paper provides a brief classification of e-learning its features and its content as well as an overview of the presence of e-learning in the companies from the Republic of Croatia via a survey that we conducted among 80 of them. The results of the survey are particularly important since they were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic when companies were abruptly forced to adapt to working from home. The primary goal of the survey was to analyze to which extent they use e-learning for their daily business and education of the employees. The survey also shows what services do they use and prefer the most and what is their overall opinion about e-learning in business

Reactivity Initiated Transient Response of TRIGA with the Progress of Core Burnt

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} This paper illustrates the effects on safety of TRIGA Mark-II research reactor of Bangladesh at its different steps of core burnt during reactivity induced transient. The modeling and simulation were carried by coupled point kinetics, neutronics, and thermal hydraulics code EUREKA-2/RR based on neutronics data calculated previously by Monte Carlo code for different burnt states of TRIGA core. Three burn steps until 150 MWD have been considered for present analysis which are regarded here as beginning of cycle (BOC); middle of cycle, MOC (75 MWD); and end of cycle, EOC (150 MWD). Initially, the results of steady state analysis obtained from EUREKA code for these three burn steps have been verified with that of COOLOD code. Based on consistency of the results from the two codes, transient simulation has been conducted considering reactor with non-function of scram. Reactivity inserted amount ranges within 0.001 to 0.02 dk/k with three durations of insertions of 0.1s, 1s, and 5s. Major parameters such as reactor core maximum power and fuel clad maximum temperature have been reported. The analysis presents transient pattern of these parameters due to change in amount and duration of inserted reactivity. The maximum imposed reactivity that causes the fuel clad to exceed its design temperature at each burn step has been evaluated in this study. It is also observed here for each amount and durations of inserted reactivity, maximum value of both power and clad temperature found to decrease with the progress of core burnt. These results obtained from this analysis will be useful for reactor operators and management team during core upgrading and modification program.

Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Mating Competitiveness of Male <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> (Diptera:Culicidae) in Laboratory

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} Culex quinquefasciatus is the main vector of lymphatic filariasis in Pekalongan City. Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) can be employed as complementary vector control for filariasis. The key success of this technique depends on the ability of laboratory-reared sterile males to mate with the wild-type females. This research aimed to was to determine the mating competitiveness, fecundity and fertility of sterile males of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were gamma irradiated at doses of 60, 70, and 80 Gy, whereas unirradiated pupae were prepared as control. The mosquitoes emerging from the irradiated pupae were found to be able to mate with normal females in the cages. Observation was done for the mean female laying eggs, the fecundity, the fertility and the mating competitiveness. The observation data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The results show that the irradiated Cx. quinquefasciatus at the test doses does not affect the fecundity and the mating competitiveness, but the fertility is disturbed (sterile) . A dose of 70 Gy was found to be the optimum dose, which gave a fertility rate of 1.8 % (98.2 % sterile) with a value of competitiveness (C index) of 0.568. Based on these results, irradiated Cx. quinquefasciatus can be recommended for semifield application.

Eye Lens Doses Received by Radiation Workers in Interventional Medical Procedures

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has recently recommended that the occupational dose limit for the eye lens be reduced to 20 mSv per year, averaged over defined periods of 5 years, with no single year exceeding 50 mSv. ICRP clearly states that the recommendations are chiefly based on epidemiological evidence that suggested the eye lens dose threshold for cataract induction revised downwards from 2-5 Gy to about 0.5 Gy. Interventional medical workers are at greater health risk from radiation exposure to eyes as a result of the procedures they undertake than most other medical specialists. An extensive study has been carried out to measure the eye lens doses received by 373 interventional medical radiation workers in twelve large hospitals in Indonesia. Measurements were made using Thermo Scientific Harshaw thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) chip (size 3.2 mm × 3.2 mm × 0.15 mm) put inside an EYE-D holder placed in the worker’s temple. The procedures performed are grouped based on classification made by the UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation). The results showed that in general the measured data are in an agreement with some published data, even though a large range of doses was observed. The highest mean eye lens dose of 0.2378 mSv per procedure was received by interventionists who worked in the abdominal interventions procedure. Overall, from the results of measurement, it can be concluded that most interventionists might receive eye lens dose exceeding the dose limit if the procedures are carried out on daily basis, and the abdominal interventions procedures were found to be the ones that give the highest risk to the eye lens of workers as it delivered the highest dose to this particular organ. 14.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}

Large-scale advances in SSR markers with high-throughput sequencing in Euphorbia fischeriana Steud

Euphorbia fischeriana Steud is a very important medicinal herb and has significant medical value for healing cancer, edema and tuberculosis in China. The lack of molecular markers for Euphorbia fischeriana Steud is a dominant barrier to genetic research. For the purpose of developing many simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers, we completed transcriptome analysis with the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Approximately 9.1 million clean reads were acquired and then assembled into approximately 186.3 thousand nonredundant unigenes, 53,146 of which were SSR-containing unigenes. A total of 76,193 SSR loci were identified. Of these SSR loci, 28,491 were detected at the terminal position of ESTs, which made it difficult to design SSR primers for these SSR-containing sequences, and the residual SSRs were thus used to design primer pairs. Analyzing the results of these markers revealed that the mononucleotide motif A/T (44,067, 57.83% of all SSRs) was the most abundant, followed by the dinucleotide type AG/CT (9430, 12.38%). Using 100 randomly selected primer pairs, 77 primers were successfully amplified in Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, and 79 were successfully amplified in three other related species. The markers developed displayed relatively high quality and cross-species transferability. The large number of EST-SSRs exploited successfully in Euphorbia fischeriana Steud for the first time could provide genetic information for research on linkage maps, variety identification, genetic diversity analysis, and molecular marker-assisted breeding. How to cite: Li H, Ma Y, Pei F, et al. Large-scale advances in SSR markers with high-throughput sequencing in Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.11.004

Implementasi model circuit learning dalam meningkatkan keterampilan menulis teks nonfiksi pada peserta didik kelas V sekolah dasar

This research aims to improve nonfiction text writing skills by implementing a Circuit Learning Model. The Type of this research is Classroom Action Research with 2 cycles. The subject of this research were 24 fifth grade students of Ta’mirul Islam Surakarta Primary School during 2018/2019 academic year. Data collection in this research uses interviews, tests, observations, and documentation with triangulation and data analysis of content. Qualitative data analysis used Miles- Huberman interactive analysis model. While, quantitative data analysis are the result of nonfiction text writing skills. The pre-action cycle resulting in percentage of 4,2% in classically, continued with the first cycle with the percentage of 33,3% in classical and in the last cycle resulting in percentage of 95,5% classically. Based on the result obtained, it can be concluded that nonfiction text writing skills of Ta’mirul Islam Surakarta Primary School in the 2019/ 2020 academic year can be upgraded through the implementation of the Circuit Learning Model. 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman,serif;} 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <w:LsdException Locked=false Priority=46 Nam

INFORMAL PAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN TURKEY

Informal payments for health care are common problems, especially in many developing countries. There is a growing interest in informal payments around the world. The study aims to explore the reasons for informal payments, in which ways informal payments occur and how it can be deterred. Due to lack of data purposive and snowball sampling approach was used. We conducted face-to-face interviews with a sample of 15 participants including healthcare users or patients. The participants were asked about the case in which they made informal payments, the reasons for those payments and their perception and attitude towards the case they went through. The study proposes that coping with a lack of information, strengthening the primary healthcare services and assuring the community engagement can reduce the informal payments in healthcare. Keywords: Healthcare, informal payments, envelope payment, health financing. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

A CROSS-SECTIONAL EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON TURKISH COMMUNITY: AN INTEGRATED PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES

Starting from China, COVID-19 has spread to countries from different continents and is defined as “pandemic” by WHO. Countries implemented many measures to block the spread of the virus. These measures related to COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people not only in terms of health status but also with social, economic, and psychological dimensions. This study aimed to provide an understanding of the effects of the COVID-19 on the Turkish population. The study is cross-sectional and quantitative. A survey was conducted to collect data from a total of 1021 participants from different cities in Turkey. Confirmatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U, and Kruskal Wallis tests were conducted. The study revealed that the burden of social, economic, and public health effects of COVID-19 were significantly different according to the demographic features of the sample. The results also indicated that there were significant relationships between social, economic effects and anxiety levels of the population. Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Effects, Socio-economic, Turkey . Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

Synthesis of β(1 → 3) and β(1 → 6) galactooligosaccharides from lactose and whey using a recombinant β-galactosidase from Pantoea anthophila

Background: Milk whey, a byproduct of the dairy industry has a negative environmental impact, can be used as a raw material for added-value compounds such as galactooligosaccharides (GOS) synthesis by β-galactosidases. Results: B-gal42 from Pantoea anthophila strain isolated from tejuino belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase family GH42, was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and used for GOS synthesis from lactose or milk whey. Crude cell-free enzyme extracts exhibited high stability; they were employed for GOS synthesis reactions. In reactions with 400 g/L lactose, the maximum GOS yield was 40% (w/w) measured by HPAEC-PAD, corresponding to 86% of conversion. This enzyme had a strong predilection to form GOS with β(1 → 6) and β(1 → 3) galactosyl linkages. Comparing GOS synthesis between milk whey and pure lactose, both of them at 300 g/L, these two substrates gave rise to a yield of 38% (60% of lactose conversion) with the same product profile determined by HPAEC-PAD. Conclusions: B-gal42 can be used on whey (a cheap lactose source) to produce added value products such as galactooligosaccharides. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Changes in freshwater sediment microbial populations during fermentation of crude glycerol

Background: This work studied how the exposure to an unusual substrate forced a change in microbial populations during anaerobic fermentation of crude glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, with freshwater sediment used as an inoculum. Results: The microbial associations almost completely (99.9%) utilized the glycerol contained in crude glycerol 6 g L-1 within four days, releasing gases, organic acids (acetic, butyric) and alcohols (ethanol, n-butanol) under anaerobic conditions. In comparison with control medium without glycerol, adding crude glycerol to the medium increased the amount of ethanol and n-butanol production and it was not significantly affected by incubation temperature (28°C or 37°C), nor incubation time (4 or 8 d), but it resulted in reduced amount of butyric acid. Higher volume of gas was produced at 37°C despite the fact that the overall bacterial count was smaller than the one measured at 20°C. Main microbial phyla of the inoculum were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. During fermentation, significant changes were observed and Firmicutes, especially Clostridium spp., began to dominate, and the number of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria decreased accordingly. Concentration of Archaea decreased, especially in medium with crude glycerol. These changes were confirmed both by culturing and culture-independent (concentration of 16S rDNA) methods. Conclusions: Crude glycerol led to the adaptation of freshwater sediment microbial populations to this substrate. Changes of microbial community were a result of a community adaptation to a new source of carbon. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Development of a species-specific PCR assay for authentication of Agkistrodon acutus based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene

Background: Agkistrodon acutus, a traditional Chinese medicine, clinically used in the treatment of rheumatism, tumor, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Due to the unique medicinal value and the difficulty of artificial breeding of Agkistrodon acutus, the supply of Agkistrodon acutus on the market exceeds the demand, and a large number of its adulterants are found on the market. In this study, the cytb gene sequences of Agkistrodon acutus and 9 snakes were compared and analyzed, specific primers were designed, and specific PCR methods were established to detect Agkistrodon acutus medicinal samples on the market. Results: This method was successfully applied to distinguish the snake from other adulterated species, and tested 18 Agkistrodon acutus samples randomly purchased from six cities. Twelve samples were counterfeit and six were genuine. The standard reference material of Agkistrodon acutus was cloned by molecular cloning and sequencing, and the gene sequence difference with other species was significant. It shows that the region could be used as the fingerprint region of the target species. Conclusions: The proposed method can be used as a species-specific marker and can be highly distinguished from other adulterated snake species, which is helpful to effectively avoid the problem of false sale of Agkistrodon acutus. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Outdoor Air Quality and Antibiogram Characteristics of Bacterial Isolates of Akure City Abattoirs, Nigeria

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Air sampling of Onyearugbulem and FUTA abattoirs was carried out to evaluate their quality. Air sampling was done using the open-settling method on general and selective agar media of the gutter, sleeping bench, slaughtering floor dumpsite, slaughtering table and roof of the abattoirs. Using standard methods, Presumptive identification of the bacterial isolates was carried out. An array of ten (10) conventional antibiotics was used to assay the antibiotic susceptibility characteristics of the bacterial isolates. Multiple antibiotic sensitivity index (MARI) was determined for isolated bacteria. At Onyearugbulem abattoir, the total Escherichia coli count ranged from 3.6×10 cfu/ml from the gutter and slaughtering table to 6.5×10 cfu/ml from the slaughtering floor, while the total bacterial count ranged from 1.34×102 cfu/ml from dumpsite to 2.55×102 cfu/ml from the gutter, the total coliform count ranged from 2.8×10 cfu/ml from slaughtering floor to 4.1×10 cfu/ml from sleeping bench. Several bacteria were presumptively isolated. These include: Micrococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp., Enterobacter aerogenes and Aeromonas sp. Ciprofloxacin (10 µg) had an inhibitory effect on all the Gram positive bacterial isolates with the highest inhibitory activity on S. aureus at 24.00 mm, and the Gram negative bacteria with the highest inhibitory activity on E. coli at 21.00 mm. Micrococcus sp. had the highest MARI of 0.8. These findings reveal the presence of multiple-antibiotic resistant bacteria in Onyearugbulem and FUTA abattoirs’ atmosphere. There is therefore need for routine environmental sanitation of the slaughterhouses.

WHY CONDUCTING AND UPDATING SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS ARE RESOURCE INTENSIVE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL QUALITATIVE STUDY PROTOCOL FENOMENOLOGIC

BACKGROUND : Systematic reviews are labour intensive and time consuming. Previous research describes the large variation of resources needed to conduct a good systematic review and the influence of various factors on the quality and time frame to complete the review process, but an in-depth analysis of the perceived areas where a gain in efficiency can be achieved, has not been conducted. OBJECTIVES : The objective of this study is to understand why some steps in the systematic review production and update processes are more resource intensive than others. METHODS : In-depth, semi structured interviews will be conducted with experts who have conducted or supported systematic reviews on health-related topics including clinical, health services, public health and health policy research. Discussion : As a result of this study we will be able to better understand why some steps of the systematic review process for health-related topics are experienced as resource intensive, as well as factors influencing that intensity. Keywords : systematic review, resources, process, factors Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

HOSPITAL MORBIDITY SPECTRUM AMONG CHILDREN 0-17 YEARS IN ROMANIA

CONTEXT: At the hospitals level, a large volume of resources is consumed, and efficient allocation of resources must be done based on valid and scientific evidence. As these resources are complex and vary for different categories of the population, the analysis of needs by age groups can support decision-making and the development of appropriate policies. The purpose of this analysis was to identify patterns of hospital morbidity among children 0-17 years and to provide evidence that can support the decision making process in the field of efficient allocation of resources. METHOD: Cross-sectional study performed on data on hospital activity at patient level, in the year 2019. The DRGNational 2019 database was interrogated and data on the level of hospital morbidity in children 0-17 years were extracted. Indicators were calculated, for measuring the level of hospital activity, such as: number of hospitalization episodes, proportion of hospitalizations in total hospitalizations, density of hospitalizations among children. Data were analyzed by age categories 0-1 years, 1-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years and 15-17 years; data were aggregated at national level, and for certain aspects, the data were also aggregated at county level. RESULTS: The analysis of the spectrum of pathologies highlights major differences between the age groups within the category of children 0-17 years, both in terms of their frequency in the top of pathologies for each major age category and in terms of their proportion of total hospitalizations. The spectrum of pathologies among children 0-17 years old hospitalized in Romanian hospitals is dominated by respiratory and digestive diseases, parasitic diseases and ENT diseases, and for each age group there are specificities of the hospitalization model. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from this study shows that there are large variations between pediatric hospital morbidity models identified, and these variations require in-depth analysis, on each population segment, in order to provide valid evidence to support decisions on efficient allocation of hospital resources in territorial profile. Keywords: major diagnosis categories, pediatric, Romania, morbidity Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND MEASUREMENT OF RESULTS IN MEDICAL REHABILITATION SERVICES – IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Health systems have as main goal the supply of quality medical services, which involves a variety of human, material and financial resources. The insufficiency or lack of some of these resources will result in diminishing the quality of medical care, with consequences on the health of patients. In the domain of medical rehabilitation, patients have complex pathologies which require long-term treatments, teams of professionals consisting of rehabilitation doctors and other professional categories (kinesiotherapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, speech therapists, psychologists, etc.) and specialized equipment. As one of the important goals of medical rehabilitation is to improve the functional status of patients, reliable and valid methods of performing functional assessment are necessary. Quality assessment and measuring outcomes of rehabilitation services provides insight into how they meet the needs of persons with various disabilities. Quality rehabilitation is a gain, both for the individual (improving functionality, increasing independence and quality of life) and for society. The presentation of systems for assessment of rehabilitation programs and monitoring results from US health system support the rehabilitation professionals in our country for a better knowledge, understanding and use of them in medical practice, where possible. Keywords: quality medical services, outcomes, medical rehabilitation, functioning, disability Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING AGING POPULATION - manifestations, challenges and concerns in the medical-social field

The accentuated tendency of population aging, currently registered nationally and internationally, is a process with numerous consequences and implications, manifested on several levels, and current concerns in this area focus on identifying issues that can be addressed and developing recommendations to be undertaken to reduce the demographic, medical, social or economic consequences. Similar to other countries, Romania also faces this phenomenon of accentuated population aging, with consequences and implications that are common to other countries, but also with particularities related to the way and level of organization and functioning of the medical system, aspects cultural, social, economic specific to our country. Thus, the approach of this concern is currently carried out, both at European level (within European consortia and cooperation in the field, in which Romania is also a partner, ensuring that through active contribution will benefit from the results of collaborations), and at national level (through national policies and strategies in the medical and related fields, thus ensuring that the common European recommendations are adapted according to national particularities). Keywords: aging trend, consequences, medical-social, economic Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Application of Context-Aware and Collaborative Mobile Learning System Design Model in Interactive E-Book Reader Using Design Thinking Methods

800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman,serif;} E-books as a learning medium have been widely used and utilized to support learning processes. The presence of e-books as digital books can be accepted by users because of the interactive content and display. However, the current format of e-book has not provided a mechanism/platform that accommodates contemporary learning styles on a two-way networked learning basis. E-books are more static in the sense that it has minimal interaction context. E-books have not been able to integrate learners with their learning environment in an interaction construct to support a learning activity. To address this problem, this study recommends a new approach called context-aware and collaborative mobile learning system design model. The method used in implementing the design model is design thinking . Usability testing using the guerrilla usability testing method is carried out to determine the quality of the e-books produced. The results obtained at the stages of empathize and define produced list and learning problems experienced by students when using e-books. The ideate and prototype stages produced e-book prototypes developed based on context-aware and collaborative mobile learning system design model. In the test stage, usability testing of 30 students showed good results. It is said to be good because there are no assignments with a score of one in the rubric usability testing table. So it can be concluded that the design model applied to the prototype e-book is feasible and can be understood by users . 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Survival of commercial probiotic strains and their effect on dark chocolate synbiotic snack with raspberry content during the storage and after simulated digestion

Background: A key challenge for manufacturers of pro-health food containing active probiotic microorganisms is to develop a product with attractive sensory features along with maintenance of declared number of microorganisms during storage and transfer by alimentary tract. Results: The highest concentration of polyphenols was observed in snacks without an additive of probiotics as well as those with an additive of L. rhamnosus and B. animalis bacteria and concentration of these compounds increased by 9.5% during six months of storage. None of the products distinguished itself in the sensorial assessment although each was assessed positively. The number of microorganisms was stable and comparatively high during six months of storage at a room temperature and in cooling conditions (10 8 cfu/g). In the digestion model, an influence of aggressive digestion conditions was examined in the alimentary tract on the number of microorganisms, which allowed to arrange strains from the most resistant ( S. boulardii ) to the most sensitive ( B. breve ). It must be noted that currently on the market there is no available snack containing probiotic yeast as well as there is no literature data on works on such formulation of food. Conclusions: In the newly developed snack made of chocolate, in which sugar has been replaced with maltitol, a raw material was added in the form of raspberry, prebiotic in the form of inulin and a strain of probiotic bacteria, including the unprecedented so far S. boulardii , which stands a high chance to occupy a good place on the market of functional food. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}