bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Long-Term Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma in East Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Xiaozheng , Li Zhijun , Liu Yahui , Wang Zishuai , Peng Fenghui , Yu Qiong , Fu Xueqi , Ji Bai
Published: September 2020

Context: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths around the world. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) have been adopted for the treatment of HCC. The aim of the meta-analysis was to explore the long-term efficacy of RFA compared with LH for small HCC (sHCC) patients in the East Asian population. Evidence Acquisition: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by the literature search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese Biological Medical Literature (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang from their inception until October 10, 2019, for comparing the long-term efficacy outcomes of RFA with LH. Results: Fourteen retrospective studies with 1,390 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the LH-treated group, RFA could raise the local recurrence rate under median follow-up duration and reduce disease-free survival (DFS) rates at 1 - 3 years. However, it failed to affect 5-year overall survival (OS) and DFS rates. In the subgroup analyses, different RFA approaches had significantly higher local recurrence rates than the LH group. A similar effect on OS and DFS rates within five years for single early (≤ 3 cm) HCCs and on the 1- and 5-year DFS rates for nodules ≤ 5 cm were observed between the two groups, but RFA approaches could reduce the 3-y OS and DFS rates for single nodules ≤ 5 cm. The percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) group had significantly lower 3- and 5-year OS and the 1- and 3-year DFS rates than the LH group, while no significant difference in OS and DFS rates in the laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) approach. The RFA approach improved the 3-year OS compared with the LH group in Japan, but reduced the 3-year OS and DFS rates within 3 years in China. Conclusions: Our results support that LH treating sHCC had a better long-term efficacy and a lower local recurrence rate than RFA in the East Asian population. Further high-quality prospective studies are required to confirm the long-term efficacy.
Telecardiology and Digital Health for Cardiac Care During COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities and Precautions
Authors: Gonzalez Garcia Manuel , Fatehi Farhad , Ershad Sarabi Roghayeh
Published: September 2020

: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a substantial impetus for the rapid expansion of digital health services worldwide. With the rule of social distancing and quarantine following the outbreak of Coronavirus infection in many countries, special attention has been made to telecardiology as one of the best alternatives to traditional in-person cardiac care. The imposition of unprecedented restrictions on close encounters in almost all sectors, including health care necessitated the expansion of telemedicine and digital health in cardiology services (telecardiology). This paper highlights the benefits and potential risks of the rapid adoption of telecardiology and other digital health solutions for the management of patients with chronic cardiac conditions such as heart failure.
A new green-coloured Lusitanipus Mauriès, 1978 from the Iberian Peninsula (Diplopoda: Callipodida: Dorypetalidae)
Authors: Gilgado José Domingo , Martínez-Pillado Virginia , Prieto Carlos E.
Published: September 2020

Recent samplings in cavities of the Iberian Peninsula led to the discovery of a new millipede species of the order Callipodida in one cave in the region of El Bierzo (León, Spain): Lusitanipus xanin sp. nov. In additional samplings (near that cave), more specimens of this new species were discovered in surface habitats. The species has various distinctive characteristics, such as its green colour, but the morphology of the gonopod has several similarities with that of Lusitanipus alternans (Verhoeff, 1893), indicating a close relationship between them. The diagnosis of the genus Lusitanipus Mauriès, 1978 has to be changed to accommodate the new species. The presence of crests in two different sizes is no longer a diagnostic character of the genus Lusitanipus, but of the species L. alternans. Lusitanipus xanin sp. nov. is the fourth species of the order Callipodida for the Iberian Peninsula, and the second species for the genus. Lusitanipus xanin sp. nov. seems to be an epigean but troglophile species.
FGF23, alpha-Klotho and vitamin D mediated calcium-phosphate metabolism in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Pasaoglu Ozge , Senelmis Ayse , Helvaci Ozant , Derici Ulver , Pasaoglu Hatice
Published: September 2020

Background: Klotho is a protein that acts as a co-receptor for FGF23. FGF23-Klotho axis has great importance regarding the regulation of mineral metabolism by kidneys. In this study, we analysed FGF23, Klotho, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone, Calcium and Phosphate levels of haemodialysis patients in order to investigate the nature of the mineral metabolism disruption in chronic kidney diseases. Methods: Sixty haemodialysis patients and 34 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum iFGF, cFGF, and soluble Klotho were analysed using ELISA kits. Moreover, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was determined using LCMS/MS. Calcium, phosphate, iPTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured using autoanalyzers. Results: In haemodialysis patients, iFGF23, cFGF23, iPTH and P levels were significantly higher, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, Klotho and Ca levels were significantly lower compared with the control group. There was no significant difference in the 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Conclusions: Our study showed that lack of sufficient amounts of Klotho is crucial for mineral metabolism disruptions seen as a complication of chronic kidney diseases. Despite the high levels of the hormone, FGF23 is unable to accomplish its function properly, likely due to deteriorated kidney function in haemodialysis patients.
La transmisión de conocimientos tradicionales con enfoque de género para su inclusión en la Educación ambiental
Authors: Martínez-Molina Lucía , Solis-Espallargas Carmen
Published: September 2020

Resumen: Históricamente los pueblos han desarrollado numerosos conocimientos útiles para la vida, saberes funcionales adaptados al territorio, compartidos y valorados por una comunidad. Su aplicación y transmisión son especialmente relevantes en la mejora de nuestra calidad de vida y la gestión los recursos naturales de una manera sostenible, especialmente en condiciones cambiantes e inciertas. Presentamos un estudio con enfoque de género e intergeneracional sobre la transmisión de Conocimientos tradicionales en la región de Andalucía Oriental en el que participaron mayores de Centros de Participación Activa y jóvenes universitarios. Cuestiones sobre práctica, origen y traspaso de Conocimientos tradicionales, así como sobre su componente sostenible han sido el centro de interés de esta investigación. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las mujeres mayores son las principales practicantes, transmisoras y receptoras de estos conocimientos, especialmente los relacionados con la salud y los cuidados. Los datos revelan la existencia de una brecha generacional en cuanto a su práctica. El fin último de este trabajo se centra en proponer claves para fomentar la práctica y transmisión de los Conocimientos tradicionales sostenibles en programas de educación ambiental con enfoque de género.Abstract: Historically, people have developed many useful knowledge for life, functional knowledge adapted to the territory, shared and valued by a community. Its application and transmission are especially relevant to improve our quality of life and managing natural resources in a sustainable way, especially in changing and uncertain conditions. We present a study with a gender and intergenerational approach on the transmission of Traditional knowledges in the region of Eastern Andalusia, in which elderly people from Active Participation Centers and young university students participated. Questions about practice, origin and transfer of Traditional knowledge as well as its sustainable component have been the focus of this investigation. The results show that elder women are the main practitioners, transmitters and recipients of this Knowledge, especially those related to health and care. The data reveal the existence of a generation gap in terms of its practice. The last objective will be to propose keys to promote the practice and transmission of Traditional knowledge in environmental education and gender.
Mediação e Ensino da Arte: Um Exercício de Partilha do Sensível
Authors: Schlichta Consuelo Alcioni Borba Duarte , Teuber Mauren
Published: September 2020

Nesse trabalho, pretende-se pensar a educação estética no ensino formal e espaços não escolares partindo do pressuposto de que a produção artística satisfaz a necessidade de expressão de seu criador; porém, enquanto criação para os outros, deve ser compartilhada. Inscreve-se aí o papel do educador em arte: mediador do processo de partilha do sensível ou de apropriação da realidade humano-social também sob a forma de arte. O exercício de mediação – obra, autor, leitores – pode contribuir sobremaneira para tornar visível o significado humano objetivado nas obras de arte. Assim, concebe-se a mediação como um lugar de análise da produção artístico-visual conectando-a as suas condições de produção e apreciação; de produção de novos significados; de distribuição dos bens culturais e, por último, instância de construção de autonomia do aluno na leitura de imagens, processo permanente de significação, de apropriação e de partilha da arte, uma das principais contribuições da educação estética.
Ações Educativas em Museus de Arte: Entre Políticas e Práticas
Authors: Barbosa Maria Helena Rosa
Published: September 2020

Este artigo é um recorte de uma pesquisa anterior, concluída no ano de 2009, no qual se apresentam reflexões sobre a função educativa dos museus e as práticas educativas, a partir de alguns documentos oficiais que determinam uma política educacional para os espaços museais, assim como na obra de autores que investigam a educação em museus. Além disso, apresenta-se a análise de algumas questões que permeiam as ações educativas em museus de arte brasileiros.
INFRANGÍVEL E DESMESURA: DUAS POTÊNCIAS DA PAISAGEM
Authors: Brito Ana Carla de
Published: September 2020

Este trabalho trata de algumas obras de Thiago Rocha Pitta procurando contemplar dois aspectos: o fascínio frente à paisagem como desastre; e a interrogação da visibilidade de elementos incorpóreos. Comparece como articulação teórica Immanuel Kant, que permite refletir sobre a atração pelo que é temível e imensurável; Maurice Blanchot, cujas reflexões autorizam a compreensão de certas nuances relativas ao processo de criação; e François Cheng, que permite pensar a fugacidade dos vapores através do conceito de devir recíproco identificado com a pintura de paisagem chinesa.
CRISTIAN SEGURA: DA PAISAGEM AO ESPAÇO
Authors: Amarante Joana Aparecida da Silveira do
Published: September 2020

Fogo no museu (2010), trabalho realizado pelo artista argentino Cristian Segura propõe ao visitante um modo diferente de observar o museu. O artista utiliza o dispositivo simulacro, pensado por Jean Baudrillard (1997), de modo a desencadear outras experiências, como um incêndio iminente. A partir disso, as imagens de destruição de Cristian Segura são puras imagens sem avesso, sem perspectiva, sem ilusão ou intenção de criar outra realidade, pois pertencem ao seu próprio domínio. Para Cristian Segura, cada trabalho é uma nova possibilidade de perceber os espaços esquecidos pela cidade e questionar os problemas das instituições de arte, não buscando uma representação de um passado ou futuro sentimental, mas ironizando os espaços urbanos e museológicos.
CARICATURA NA DESTERRO DO SÉCULO XIX O Periódico Crítico Matraca
Authors: Didoné Fabiana Machado
Published: September 2020

O Periódico Crítico Matraca circulou em Nossa Senhora do Desterro no período de 1881 a 1886, registrando, com humor e crítica, acontecimentos políticos, sociais e culturais, como também as peculiaridades da vida da cidade. Esse periódico, editado pela Oficina de Tipografia e Litografia de Alexandre Margarida, tinha como ilustrador e caricaturista seu filho, Joaquim Margarida. Durante o século XIX, era prática comum entre artistas do Brasil e do exterior se valer da caricatura e da sátira como instrumento para representar com ironia os acontecimentos da sua época. A caricatura e sátira, gênero que combina arte, crítica e humor, fornecem um rico e pouco explorado material que possibilita compreender as relações sociais, culturais e políticas de uma sociedade.
BAS JAN ADER: Dimensões do Mar Do Eu-Corpo Ao Outro-Corpo
Authors: Mari Ricardo
Published: September 2020

Bas Jan Ader (1942-1975), entre os anos de 1970 e 1975, produz uma série de trabalhos em vídeo que registra o seu percurso na performance. Este ensaio busca investigar um corpo em seu devir, corpo performático, corpo hermenêutico em constante transformação, intermediário entre o eu e o outro. Para tanto, serão os trabalhos do artista analisados paralelamente ao romance Thomas l’Obscur (1950), de Maurice Blanchot, cujo protagonista experiencia uma relação com o neutro, relação em que o sujeito não está, abertura para o desconhecido que se dá ao adentrar a noite.
SINGULARIDADES DA MONTAGEM FOTOGRÁFICA EM FABIANA WIELEWICKI
Authors: Bahia Lúcia Helena Fidellis
Published: September 2020

A pesquisa aborda a produção fotográfica de Fabiana Wielewicki (Londrina, 1977). As questões tratadas em seu trabalho foram consideradas a partir dos seguintes aspectos: fotografia-artifício, fotografia-revelação, fotografia-enigma. Esses aspectos permitem à artista construir suas fotografias dialogando com a técnica da montagem e fazendo dela seu artifício principal.
APONTAMENTOS INICIAIS- YARA GUASQUE: Do Pictórico Ao Digital
Authors: Makowiecky Sandra , Marcelino Luciana
Published: September 2020

Este artigo visa analisar e registrar a transição do pictórico ao digital no pensamento e na produção da artista Yara Guasque, professora do curso de Artes Visuais da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, pesquisadora em arte e tecnologia. Seu percurso artístico e intelectual parte de uma produção pictórica nos anos 80 e 90, centrada em pinturas monocromáticas de grandes dimensões com aplicação de têmpera sobre lona, na qual encontramos questões formais como cor e dimensão, que a aproximam dos artistas expressionistas abstratos da década de 50, especialmente com Mark Rothko, artista de maior aproximação. Transfere-se para o campo das artes digitais a partir dos anos 2000, cujos trabalhos tornam-se ainda mais experimentais e colaborativos. Percurso sintomático da atual mudança de paradigmas analógico/digital, o artigo busca analisar os atravessamentos do conceito de imersão tanto na produção pictórica quanto na produção digital realizada pela artista. Partindo das possibilidades imersivas do campo pictórico chega-se ao estudo da imersão em telepresença nos trabalhos experimentais realizados pelos grupos Perforum Desterro e Perforum São Paulo, coordenados, respectivamente, por Yara Guasque e Artur Matuck.
Latent exploitation of users of digital platforms as a norm of the techworld: to articulation of the problem for social research
Authors: Popova Svetlana Mikhailovna
Published: September 2020

The subject of this article is the substantiation of problematic situation that requires attention of social sciences. Rapid transition of multiple types of relations of citizens with official structures and economic agents to digital form is accompanied by contradictory consequences. The facts demonstrate that in the conditions of techworld, latent exploitation of users of digital platforms becomes the norm. This phenomenon already caught the attention of economists, media theoreticians, specialists in the area of information systems and strategic managements, but still has not become the subject of interests of social scientists. The author describes the examples of paid professional activity, which regular citizens are forced to carry out without due compensation, if they desire to use digital gadgets, platforms and various services. The differences between latent exploitation and acquisition of labor through crowdsourcing are demonstrated. A conclusion is made that the concept, according to which digital platforms exploit users “not as employees, but the audience” requires appending, since in addition to production of Big Data, the users unconsciously and without compensation fulfill actual labor functions for the corporations and “digital government”. This aspect requires an in-depth social research.
A Pilot Study of Jugular Compression (Queckenstedt maneuver) for Cranial Movement Perception
Authors: Abenavoli Alessandra , Pisa Stefano , Maggiani Alberto
Published: September 2020

Context

Osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) is among the most controversial topics of osteopathic practice. The mechanism by which cranial movement (CM) occurs is poorly understood, but includes speculation that intracranial pressure can generate a movement of the cranial bones. If this model is valid, an increase in intracranial pressure produced by bilateral compression of internal jugular veins, or the Queckenstedt maneuver (Q-test), should be detectable.

Objective

To determine whether osteopaths can perceive a palpable change in CM when the Q-test is applied.

Methods

Blindfolded osteopaths experienced in OCF evaluated the CM of volunteers as a trained clinician applied the Q-test. The osteopaths reported any change in CM amplitude during 3 different 1-minute periods. The total number of variations perceived in each period (PV) by all osteopaths on all volunteers was analyzed. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to evaluate the differences between the test periods. The Mann-Whitney test was used for a pairwise comparison. Statistical significance was set at P≤.05.

Results

Eight osteopaths participated in this study and evaluated the CM of 6 volunteers. A Kruskal-Wallis test of the PV between monitoring periods revealed a statistically significant difference (P<.001). A Mann-Whitney Test showed there was a significant increase in PV between the compression period and the 2 other monitoring periods (base P=.003 and expectation P=.009).

Conclusion

Osteopaths could detect a change in the amplitude of CM after the Q-test was applied. Although this was a small-scale pilot study, our data represent a starting point for understanding whether an intracranial or an extracranial mechanism is responsible for the CM.
Cannonball jellyfish digestion: an insight into the lipolytic enzymes of the digestive system
Authors: Martínez-Pérez Raul B. , Rodríguez Jorge A. , Leyva Soto Luis Alonso , Gortáres-Moroyoqui Pablo , Diaz-Tenorio Lourdes M.
Published: September 2020

The digestive system and metabolism of the cannonball jellyfishStomolophussp. 2 are not well-known. The digestion study was critical to explain its ecology and bloom success. Different enzymes are involved in food digestion, which hydrolyze carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. This study detected lipolytic activity in enzymatic extracts from gastric pouches ofStomolophussp. 2 collected in the summer of 2013 at Bahía de Kino, Sonora, México (28°47′47″N 111°57′25″W). Lipase/esterase activity showed optimal pH at 11.0 and 50–60 °C with a half-life (t1/2) of 33 min at 55 °C, whereas halotolerance of this activity was recorded from 0-4 M NaCl. Metal ions Ca2+and Mn2+did not affect the activity, but Mg2+decreased it 14.2% ± 3.15, while chelating agents as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid reduced the activity 8.55% ± 2.13. Inhibition of lipase/esterase activity with tetrahydrolipstatin and paraoxon-ethyl decreased the activity 18.2% ± 2.3, and 62.80% ± 0.74, respectively, whereas phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (a protease inhibitor) did not affect it. The enzyme displayed a higher specificity for short-chain triglycerides, but triolein, coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil were hydrolyzed. For the first time, phospholipase activity from the gastric pouch ofStomolophussp. 2 was detected using L-α-phosphatidylethanolamine from chicken egg yolk as a substrate. These results suggest thatStomolophussp. 2 hydrolyze several kinds of lipids, and lipolytic enzymes are active at alkaline pH under different saline conditions, which may be essential to digest different preys.
Resilience is inversely associated with self-harm behaviors among Chinese adolescents with childhood maltreatment
Authors: Tian Xin , Yang Guangya , Jiang Linling , Yang Runxu , Ran Hailiang , Xie Fujia , Xu Xiufeng , Lu Jin , Xiao Yuanyuan
Published: September 2020

Background

Abundant studies have identified the association between childhood maltreatment and self-harm (SH), but little has been discussed with regard to the role of resilience in SH behaviors of adolescents who had experienced childhood maltreatment. In this study, we investigated if resilience, as well as its five dimensions, could present negative associations with presence, repetition, and severity of SH among maltreated and neglected adolescents in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey including 2,084 maltreated teenagers aged from 10 to 17 years was conducted in southwest China Yunnan province. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), The Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA), and the Modified version of Adolescents Self-Harm Scale (MASHS) were adopted to measure childhood maltreatment experiences, psychological resilience, and SH behaviors of the respondents, respectively. Binary univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to discuss the associations between resilience and occurrence, repetition, severity of SH.

Results

Among the participants who met the criteria of CTQ, the prevalence rates of SH were 63.83%, 73.94%, 71.50%, 55.53%, and 58.21% for physical abuse (PA), emotional abuse (EA), sexual abuse (SA), physical neglect (PN), and emotional neglect (EN). Final regression model demonstrated that resilience was in general inversely associated with SH, repeated SH, and severe SH for all types of childhood maltreatment, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) ranging from 0.29 (95% CI: 0.19-0.44) to 0.46 (95% CI: 0.26-0.81). Of the five dimensions of resilience, emotion regulation served as the strongest associated factor of SH among abused youths, regardless of maltreatment types. Besides, compared with those who had lower level of goal concentration and interpersonal assistance, subjects with higher resilience level reported significantly decreased risks of SH occurrence, SH repetition, and more severe SH, in adolescents who had experienced EA and PN.

Conclusions

Resilience showed inverse association with childhood maltreatment related SH in Chinese adolescents. These findings preliminarily indicated that interventions targeting on building up resilience, especially enhancing emotion regulation ability, improving goal concentration, and consolidating interpersonal assistance, could be effective in reducing SH risk, repetition, and severity in maltreated Chinese teenagers.
Identification of priority shorebird conservation areas in the Caribbean
Authors: Cañizares Jessica R. , Reed J. Michael
Published: September 2020

Despite being geographically central to the Atlantic Americas Flyway for migratory birds, the Caribbean is often overlooked or underappreciated when addressing the conservation of North American shorebirds. To our knowledge, this is the first Caribbean-wide assessment of shorebird use in the region. We analyzed 211,013 shorebird species observations in the insular Caribbean from 2010–2019, representing 78,794 eBird checklists and cumulative total of 2.1 million shorebirds of 45 species. We conclude that priority areas for shorebird conservation include Humedal Sur de Pinar del Río (Humedal Sur de Los Palacios) in Cuba, and Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic as they each likely support more than 20,000 shorebirds annually, and they host large abundances of geographic populations for particular taxa. Specifically, the former site hosts >10% of Short-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus griseus griseus/hendersoni), and >1% of Black-bellied Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae) and Wilson’s Plovers (Charadrius wilsonia wilsonia), while the latter site supports large numbers of Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus).We also identified at least 15 additional sites that likely cross the 1% population threshold for one or more shorebird taxa. These sites may qualify for special international designations such as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas or as part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network; 11 of the 17 sites we identified do not hold either of these titles. Data on subspecific or geographic distributions of three species, Snowy Plover (C. nivosus), Black-necked Stilt, and Killdeer (C. vociferous), are insufficient to reveal if the sites with the highest abundances were mostly comprised of Caribbean populations or migrants, but the limited information suggests that they also likely exceed 1% thresholds on several islands. Based on our results, we recommend more extensive systematic surveys of shorebirds in the Caribbean, including research on turnover rates and movements between islands, as well as assimilation of shorebird survey data not yet included in the eBird portal.
Reduced organizational skills in adults with ADHD are due to deficits in persistence, not in strategies
Authors: Durand Guillaume , Arbone Ioana-Smarandita , Wharton Monica
Published: September 2020

Background

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with poor organizational skills, as per the definition of ADHD. However, the contribution of each of the following factors (and their interactions) to the aforementioned poor organization, while comparing individuals with and without ADHD, has not been analyzed in-depth: Work Organization; Communication Clarity; Punctuality; Goal-oriented behaviour; Assiduity; Workspace Organization; Strategies; and Attentiveness. The purpose is to examine the self-reported levels of organizational skills in adults with and without ADHD.

Methods

Seven hundred seventy-four (n = 303 with a diagnosis of ADHD) adults from the community were recruited online. Participants completed a measure of organizational skills and a screening measure of ADHD.

Results

Participants with a diagnosis of ADHD displayed lower scores than individuals without a diagnosis of ADHD on all organizational skills with the exception of using strategies to remain organized and learn new information. Higher levels of education were associated with higher levels of organizational skills. While there was no difference between males and females with ADHD, females without ADHD scored higher than males without ADHD.

Conclusion

This study supports that individuals with ADHD can efficiently develop strategies, but may have difficulties using those strategies in a continuous manner. Suggestions to increase organizational skills in adults with ADHD are presented.
Mechanisms of diversity maintenance in dung beetle assemblages in a heterogeneous tropical landscape
Authors: Rivera Jose D. , Gómez Benigno , Navarrete-Gutiérrez Darío A. , Ruíz-Montoya Lorena , Delgado Leonardo , Favila Mario E.
Published: September 2020

Background

Anthropized landscapes play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, as they encompass about 90% of the remaining tropical forest. Effective conservation strategies require a deep understanding of how anthropic disturbances determine diversity patterns across these landscapes. Here, we evaluated how attributes and assembly mechanisms of dung beetle communities vary across the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve (REBISO) landscape.

Methods

Community attributes (species diversity, abundance, and biomass) were assessed at the landscape scale, using spatial windows and vegetation classes. Windows were categorized as intact, variegated, or fragmented based on their percent cover of tropical forest. The vegetation classes analyzed were tropical forest, second-growth forest, and pastures.

Results

We collected 15,457 individuals and 55 species. Variegated windows, tropical forests, and second-growth forests showed the highest diversity values, while the lowest values were found in intact windows and pastures. Landscape fragmentation was positively and strongly related to dung beetle diversity and negatively related to their abundance; biomass was positively associated with forest cover. Beta diversity was the primary driver of the high dung beetle diversity in the landscape analyzed.

Discussion

The landscape heterogeneity and its biodiversity-friendly matrix facilitate the complementarity of dung beetle assemblages in the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve. Random processes govern beta diversity patterns in intact and variegated windows. Therefore, vegetation cover in the region is sufficient to maintain a continuous flow of dung beetles between forested landscape segments. However, intense anthropic disturbances acted as deterministic environmental filters in fragmented windows and pastures sites, leading to biotic homogenization processes. Our results suggest that increasing habitat variegation in highly fragmented sites is an effective strategy to prevent or buffer homogenization processes in the REBISO landscape.
Participatory Livelihood Analysis as an Alternative Method for Agricultural Extension Needs-Assessment: Case of a Rural Community in Kenya
Authors: Cheruiyot Joseph Kipkorir
Published: September 2020

The well-being of the rural population globally has been associated with the performance and resilience of the agriculture sector. The sector continually requires new needs-based knowledge and technologies. It has become necessary to empower the rural communities through a wider bottom-up system that directly addresses their needs. This paper explores the application of little-used Participatory Livelihood Analysis for the adoption and up-scaling of its use in the assessment of agricultural-extension-needs for disadvantaged rural communities. It presents a case study of a village perceived by Agriculture stakeholders as disadvantaged in Nandi County, Kenya. Using a case study design and a participatory livelihood analysis approach, the descriptive study analyses the pentagon of resources (Natural/Land, human, social, physical and financial) based on the sustainable livelihood framework. It identifies livelihood strategies, constraints and opportunities for improvement on the performance of the livelihood strategies. The study observed that the Participatory Livelihood Analysis approach was an effective method in the assessment of agricultural-extension-needs of disadvantaged communities in relatively remote locations. Further trials of the approach in similar socio-economic contexts for use in needs assessment are recommended.
Savings Level and Investment Behaviour of Cooperative Farmers (Analysis and Prospects) in Jos East Local Government Area, Plateau State
Authors: Iheoma Chizea Chizobam , Chidiebere Alamanjo Cosmos
Published: September 2020

The study was carried out in Jos East Local government area Plateau state on savings level and investment behavior of cooperative farmers (Assessment and Prospects). A total of 99 respondents were purposively selected and cross-sectional data was collected using structured questionnaires, the data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and 4 point Likert scale. Findings showed that 35.4% of the respondents were between the ages brackets of 31-40 years, 58.6% were male. Also, 43.4% of the respondents  saved between 51,000 – 100,000 Naira annually and 40% of the respondents engaged in saving of food stuff which they sell when prices rises to get better price. The findings shows that the savings levels of cooperative farmers are low; also better investment should be harnessed to improve the income of the farmers. Cooperative societies are meant to provide marketing information, easy access to finance and other support to their members, but from our findings this is yet to be achieved.
Effect of Substrate on Structural and Electronic Properties of Au-Pd, Au-Pt and Au-Ag Atomic Chains
Authors: Dave Mudra R. , Sharma A. C.
Published: September 2020

We report structure and electronic properties of Au-Pd, Au-Pt and Au-Ag bimetallic atomic chains absorbed on NiAl(110) and Cu(110) substrate. It is found that the presence of substrate significantly influences the electronic structure of the chains. Atoms of single chains of Au-Pd, Au-Pt and Au-Ag bind more strongly with Ni atoms of NiAl substrate, as compared with Cu atoms in Cu(110). The interaction between chain atoms is found stronger than the chain-substrate atoms, when chains are placed on Cu substrate, while it is other way round in case of chains on NiAl substrate. Effect of change in positions of atoms in bimetallic chains in presence of substrate is studied by placing double chains of Au-Pd, Au-Pt and Au-Ag on Cu (110) substrate in three different configurations. It is found that Au-Pd and Au-Pt bimetallic chains stabilize in double zigzag topology, when placed on Cu (110) substrate. While Au-Ag chains exhibit ladder topology on Cu(110) substrate. Ferromagnetism that is observed in ground state of free standing chains of Au-Pd and Au-Pt is not found when chains are absorbed on NiAl(110) and Cu(110) substrate. It is likely that the interaction between chain and substrate atoms results to zero magnetic moment.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Pathogenesis, Immune Responses, and Treatment Options
Authors: Eswaran Nandini , Krishna Shwetha
Published: September 2020

Background: The emergence and the spread of the novel coronavirus or the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a devastating impact on the economy and has become a pressing issue globally. Due to the significant increase in the number of confirmed cases and death tolls worldwide, and certain countries reporting second waves, there is an immediate need for an effective vaccine or other therapeutic intervention to control the spread of the disease. Improving our understanding on the host’s anti-viral immune response on SARS-CoV-2 infection, the potential immune evasion mechanisms adopted by the virus, and the speculated role of antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis will aid in identifying and designing effective therapeutics.

Aim: This review aims to provide an in-depth view of the current knowledge available on the range of host defense mechanisms activated by SARS-CoV-2 infection and various immune evasion mechanisms utilized by the virus. In addition, it also highlights the postulated role of ADE in viral pathogenesis and covers the different preventive and therapeutic options available for the treatment of COVID-19 based on current literature.

Discussion: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic serves as a timely reminder on the constant evolutionary process the virus undergoes to emerge as a novel strain and to spread undetected within the population. Similar to other infectious diseases, the host defence mechanism is triggered, and it plays a central role in dampening viral replication by recruiting immune cells and activating anti-viral mechanisms to control the spread of infection by SARS-CoV-2. However, the virus has adopted different immune evasion mechanisms to circumvent host surveillance to successfully establish infection. Hence, understanding the host’s immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection is critical for identifying and designing novel and effective therapeutics. Currently, over 70% of the population are either asymptomatic or they showcase mild to moderate symptoms and reasons for why some people can mount immune responses more quickly than others are unknown. However, a growing body of research speculates that the ADE mechanism may facilitate the SARS-CoV-2 entry and can contribute to severe clinical manifestations. With the constant rise in the number of confirmed cases, there is an immediate need for an effective vaccine to mitigate the spread of the virus. Presently, there is no treatment for COVID-19 although several vaccine candidates are in clinical trials. Therefore, preventive measures like social distancing, isolation, and travel restrictions, may be the key to controlling the rapid spread of COVID-19.
Gibberellic Acid Application and Plant Spacing Effects on Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Akter Taslima , Islam Md. Nazrul , Rahman Md. Jahedur , Sultana Rebaka , Dey Puja Chaity , Islam Farzana , Sarker Md. Rezwan , Rahman Md. Mofizur
Published: September 2020

Aims: This study aimed to optimize the levels of gibberellic acid (GA3) and plant spacing on growth and yield of lettuce.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, from November 2013 to January 2014.

Methodology: The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A- two levels of gibberellic acid (GA3,) application, viz. G1= 25 ppm and G2= 50 ppm in relation to a control G0 and factor B- four plant spacing viz. S1=15cm x 15cm, S2=20 cm x 20 cm, S3=25 cm x 25 cm and S4=30 cm x 30 cm. GA3 was applied twice as a foliar application by hand sprayer at 20 and 30 days after sowing. First, second and final harvesting was done at 25, 35 and 45 days after sowing respectively.

Results: The growth and yield characters of lettuce showed significant variation for different levels of GA3 and plant spacing. Among GA3 levels, 25 ppm GA3 produced the maximum number of leaves (15.6), leaf area (283.9 cm2), fresh weight (91.6 g plant-1), dry weight (11.8 g plant-1), fresh yield (1794 g plot-1) and gross yield (12 t ha-1) at final harvesting compared to control where GA3 was not used. Under plant spacing, highest plant height (17.5 cm), leaf area (281.1 cm2), fresh weight (99.1 g plant-1) and dry weight (12.1 g plant-1) was revealed from wider spacing 30 cm x 30 cm followed by optimum spacing 25cm x 25cm. Meanwhile, closure spacing 15 cm x 15 cm showed maximum fresh yield (1710 g plant-1) and gross yield (15.5 t ha-1) due to higher plant density at final harvesting. Besides, lower chlorophyll content (0.43%) and the highest number of leaves (16.2) was found from 25 cm x 25 cm at final harvesting. So, optimum spacing 25 cm x 25 cm would be more suitable considering different points of view. Moreover, the treatment combinations 25 ppm GA3 with 25 cm x 25 cm exhibited highest benefit-cost ratio (2.04) than other treatments.

Conclusions: It is concluded that the combinations 25 ppm GA3 application with 25cm x 25cm spacing would be optimum for better growth and yield of lettuce
Impact of Thermal Radiation and Heat Source on MHD Blood Flow with an Inclined Magnetic Field in Treating Tumor and Low Blood
Authors: Omamoke Ekakitie , Amos Emeka , Jatari Efere
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we will be analyzing the impact of thermal radiation and heat source on blood flow past a horizontal channel that is permeable with an applied magnetic field that is inclined at variable angles. The non-linear higher partial differential equation which is the governing equation is transformed to ordinary differential equations using non-dimensional variable to non-dimensional equations that is then solved analytically with the application of required boundary conditions for the blood flow and temperature equations which is a function of y and t. Parameters that are varied shows an effect on the blood flow and temperature profile with the presentation of results shown graphically and results clearly discussed. Observations from the research shows that when the thermal radiation increases, there will be a mixed effect in the flow of blood, increase in the magnetic field on the artery shows an increase in flow of blood while the blood flow reduces and the temperature of the blood increases when the heat source is increased. Other parameters also shows an effect on the flow of the blood.
Genetic Variability Analysis of Early Maturing Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Clones Using Morphological Characters
Authors: Singh Rajvinder , Kamat D. N. , Kumar Balwant , Kumari Pooja , Govindbhai Zala Rakesh
Published: September 2020

An investigation was undertaken to identify sugarcane clones suitable for the identification of early maturing genotypes for higher sugar yield at Research Farm of DRPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar in Randomized Block Design with three replications during spring season 2018-19. Variability, correlation, and path analysis in twelve early maturing clones of sugarcane for twenty-one different morphological and juice quality characters were studied in relation to the checks viz. CoLk94184 and CoSe95422. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for all characters studied. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was highest for Sugar yield (CCS) at harvest (t/ha) among the early maturing clones. The highest heritability was obtained for Brix at 8-month stage, Pol in juice at 8-month stage and Brix at 10-month stage. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was found to be highest in sugar yield (CCS) at harvest, cane yield and single cane weight indicating effectiveness of selection due to preponderance of additive gene action and breeder may consider these traits as main selection criteria.
Antimicrobial Activity and Interactions of Toddalia asiatica Isolated Coumarins with Two Known Drugs
Authors: Onjero I. , Juma B. F. , Korir J. C. , Kamau R. W.
Published: September 2020

Five coumarins namely, 5, 7-dimethoxy-6-(3'-hydroxy-3'-methylbutan-2-oxo) coumarin coumarin (1), Toddalolactone (2), Coumurrenol (3), gleinadiene (4) and Toddaculin (5) were isolated from either the stem and/or root bark of Toddalia asiatica , with compound 1 being reported for the first time. These were obtained using chromatographic methods and identified using spectroscopic techniques, as well as comparison of their physical data with already published results. Combinations of compound 3 and fluconazole displayed additive effect in inhibiting the growth of Penicillium digitatum with reduced MIC to 125 μg/mL compared to that of fluconazole alone at 250 μg /mL. Combination of compounds 1 and 3 also showed additive effect in inhibiting Rhizopus stolonifer lowering the MIC from 500 μg/mL (for both molecules) to 250 μg /mL. Interaction in antibacterial activity between two isolated compounds 1 and 3 was also evident. These lowered the MIC in action against Staphylococcus aureus to 250 μg/mL compared to individual compounds with MIC of 500 μg/mL while showing additive effect. All the crude extracts apart from that of stem bark hexane and the individual isolated compounds showed considerable activity against all the organisms tested.
Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Characteristics of the Drinking Water of the Aguégués Lake District in the Lower Ouémé Valley - Benin
Authors: Dan Toussaint Cokou , Landeou Rodrigue C. , Dominique Boko , Azonhe Thierry , Bessa Bénoît N’
Published: September 2020

Water is an essential resource for life on earth and is the source of several microbiological and toxicological diseases. The Aguégués one of the communes of the lower valley of Ouémé-Benin are very exposed to these type of diseases. Pathogens swarm in a highly polluted environment because of the peculiarity of this predominantly aquatic area. This is what justifies this research, which aims to assess the quality of drinking water for the populations of the Commune des Aguégués. The research technique focused on the field survey which made it possible to identify the different sources of water supply used by the population. Likewise, the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of these water sources has been determined. These research techniques have made it possible to discover that the population of Aguégués uses several sources of water. Apart from the recommended sources (National Water Company of Benin and Village Water Supply) the populations use other sources of water. These are rainwater consumed in the rainy season by 97% of the households surveyed, surface water used by 78.26% of the population, especially during flood periods for various uses. Physico-chemical and bacteriological analyzes have shown that apart from SONEB waters only available in the districts of Zoungamey and Houédomey, the other sources of water have parameters which do not comply with WHO standards. This justifies the prevalence of diarrheal diseases in the study environment, which represents the second cause of consultation in health centers.
Escherichia coli YegI is a novel Ser/Thr kinase lacking conserved motifs that localizes to the inner membrane
Authors: Rajagopalan Krithika , Dworkin Jonathan
Published: September 2020

In bacteria, signaling phosphorylation is thought to occur primarily on His and Asp residues. However, phosphoproteomic surveys in phylogenetically diverse bacteria over the past decade have identified numerous proteins that are phosphorylated on Ser and/or Thr residues. Consistently, genes encoding Ser/Thr kinases are present in many bacterial genomes such as in the Escherichia coli genome, which encodes at least three Ser/Thr kinases. Here, we identify a previously uncharacterized ORF, yegI, and demonstrate that it encodes a novel Ser/Thr kinase. YegI lacks several conserved motifs including residues important for Mg2+ binding seen in other bacterial Ser/Thr kinases, suggesting that the consensus may be too stringent. We further find that YegI is a two‐pass membrane protein with both N‐ and C termini located intracellularly.
Crystal structure of the rice acyl‐CoA‐binding protein OsACBP2 in complex with C18:3‐CoA reveals a novel pattern of binding to acyl‐CoA esters
Authors: Jin Jing , Guo Ze‐Hua , Hao Quan , Chye Mee‐Len
Published: September 2020

Acyl‐CoA‐binding proteins (ACBPs) are a family of proteins that bind acyl‐CoA esters at a conserved acyl‐CoA‐binding domain. ACBPs maintain intracellular acyl‐CoA pools to regulate lipid metabolism. Here, we report on the structure of rice OsACBP2 in complex with C18:3‐CoA ester. The residues Y33, K34 and K56 of OsACBP2 play a crucial role in binding the CoA group, while residues N23, L27, K52 and Y55 in one molecule of OsACBP2 cooperate with L27, L28, A59 and A62 from another anchoring the fatty acyl group. Multiangle light scattering assays indicate that OsACBP2 binds C18:3‐CoA as a monomer. The first complex structure of a plant ACBP binding with C18:3‐CoA is therefore presented, providing a novel model for the interaction between an acyl‐CoA ester and the acyl‐CoA‐binding domain(s).