bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Events in North Africa and Middle East: International Factors
Authors: Irishin G.
Published: May 2021

This publication presents regular materials of the scientific workshop "Modern Development Problems", which is held in the Center for Development and Modernization Studies of IMEMO RAN. The discussants analyzed changes that had taken place in the region and certain countries over the February to November 2011 period, as well as the inner dynamics of events. Special focus was on their external factors – the role of the West in whole, of France, Great Britain, NATO, the League of Arab States, Turkey.
Crisis of Eurozone: Implications of EurAsEC Architects
Authors: Shishkov Y.
Published: May 2021

The European Union is one of the most successful modern integration projects. The progress made for more than half a century gives an example for many regional associations, including EurAsEC. However, a variety of economic and political problems arose on the way of the EU establishment. Is it possible to solve them, and how? The article is devoted to the answers to these questions.
Global Modern: from World Economics to World Politics
Authors: Mart'yanov V.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of Modernity social and political project globalization processes. It is posited that the key transformations of the contemporary world are linked to the globalization of national models of Modernity rather than to transition from Modernity to postmodern condition, networked society or neotraditionalism. The article argues in favour of the hypothesis that the forced and non-simultaneous globalization of Modernity determines the key features of social and political processes in different regions. Thus, the author contributes to the complex analysis of Modernity transformations.
On the Potential of the Franco-German Tandem to Respond to the Common Security Challenges
Authors: Timofeev P. , Khorolskaya M.
Published: May 2021

The article focuses on the French and German joint efforts towards strengthening the EU’s ability to address the security challenges and act in the European frontier regions. The authors look closely at the two instruments aimed at developing the EU defense capacity: civil missions and military operations, and the European Intervention Initiative (EI2). In the first part of the article, they argue that after 1992 there was a strong possibility for the UK becoming France’s major partner in the military field, rather than Germany. Nevertheless, eventually, Germany shifted to the position of the key French ally in this area, helping to build the basis for the EU autonomous military potential. The EU has undertaken a number of civil missions and military operations; however, their scale and main parameters are far from the characteristics of such interventions of the UN, NATO, or national military operations. The authors indicate that it is difficult to talk about any “special role” of the Franco-German tandem in this field. Both states can be described as “major donors” for the EU missions and operations rather than champions in the EU security. In several cases there is a lack of synchronization of the countries’ objectives thus their military cooperation sometimes causes serious misunderstandings blocking the fragile coordination on the EU level. In the second part of their research the authors analyze the role of the Franco-German tandem in the European Intervention Initiative (EI2) establishment. The article examines three reasons behind the France’s decision to launch the EI2 initiative in 2018 despite some German objections. The EI2 emerged as a flexible frame for nine countries seeking to carry out offensive operations and interventions outside of the EU and to develop a joint strategic culture. The unique character of the EI2 is evident due to its possibility to engage member countries of the EU, CSFP/PESCO and NATO. The new organization aims to coordinate the work of strategic groups on the broad range of issues. The authors conclude that despite some differences, the Franco-German tandem stimulates a range of projects aspiring to expand its European leadership and to enforce the EU strategic autonomy. Meanwhile, the military leadership of the tandem in the future is not guaranteed, and as the PESCO example shows, there are reasons to start talking about the “quadriga” of players (France, Germany, Italy and Spain), possibly in cooperation with the UK.
Indian Stance on the Territorial Dispute over Sir Creek in the Context of India-Pakistan Relations
Authors: Makarevich G.
Published: May 2021

The author analyses in depth the long-lasting territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over Sir Creek situated in the Indus Delta and the neighboring area. This area is of great importance for the economy and security of the two nations. The article encompasses an overview of the historic background of the dispute and highlights both Indian and Pakistani positions during the negotiation process. The author looks at the legal aspects of the territorial dispute, including an overview of international rules relevant to regulating the dispute. The paper highlights the economic significance of the area from different perspectives including the importance of fishing for local populations as well as energy security, crucial for such emerging economies as India and Pakistan. The significance of the area in terms of defense and security, especially in the context of combating terrorism is also considered. The author argues that the territorial dispute is not likely to be resolved in the short or medium term. Both India and Pakistan will continue to refer to the international rules that are consistent with their stances in the dispute, and the situation in the region is likely to become more and more explosive. The author uses historical methods to compare the positions of India and Pakistan over time and to scrutinize the role of the territorial dispute in the Indo-Pakistani relation, analyses and interprets official statements concerning the territorial dispute and applies statistical methods to assess the economic potential of the disputed area.
Student Worksheet Development to Practice Critical Thinking Skill Using Blended Learning on Reaction Rate
Authors: Novitasari Intan , Yonata Bertha
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT: This research aims to determine the feasibility of student worksheets to practice critical thinking skills using blended learning on reaction rate matter. This research is using Research & Development (R&D) design with the subjects are 2nd-grade students. The instrument used which as the student worksheet, pretest-posttest sheet, student activity observation, and student responses questionnaire. The validity of the student worksheets on the concentration factor, surface area, temperature, and catalyst obtained the percentage respectively 89.37%, 87.55%, 87.67%, and 87.53%. Student activities, obtaining a percentage of 90% and observation of student responses by 91%. The effectiveness of the students' worksheets in terms of the N-gain score of the pretest and posttest with an average of 0.65 in the medium category is very effective to practice critical thinking skill. So the student worksheet using guided inquiry learning model and blended learning strategy in reaction rate matter to practice critical thinking skill is feasible to use in High School.Keywords: student worksheet, critical thinking skill, blended learning, the reaction rate
PV - Battery Energy Storage Progress in Brazil: A Review
Authors: Mariano Juliana D'Angela , Freitas Patrícia Monteiro Barbosa de , Medeiros Lúcio de , Block Pedro Augusto Biasuz , Riboldi Victor Baiochi , Tuo Ji , Urbanetz Junior Jair
Published: May 2021

Integration of battery energy storage in photovoltaic (PV) systems can reduce the electricity costs and provide desirable flexibility and reliability to these systems decreasing renewable energy fluctuations. This paper presents a review of the PV-battery application in Brazil, highlighting the challenges and prospects based on the state-of-art. A PV-battery systems description is presented in this work, as well as the most applied battery technology and its comparison. The paper also describes the set of applications such as voltage and frequency regulation, renewable energy integration, power quality, etc. In the Brazilian scenario, there are applications of PV-battery systems, most of them part of research and development projects (R&D’s), and some real cases are shown, including its goals, applied equipment, operation modes, strategies, and perspectives. Additionally, this work evaluates the Brazilian scenario regarding the energy storage systems implementation challenges, such as regulatory barriers, business models, and opportunities for R&D in the energy market. In conclusion, it is need develop proper regulatory models to expand PV-battery systems and make them visible to the agents in the electricity sector.
INDEL-typing: a new method of differentiation of Helicobacter pylori strains
Authors:   Rostov-on-Don Antiplague Institute of Rospotrebnadzor, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation, Sorokin V.M. , Vodop’janov A.S. ,   Rostov-on-Don Antiplague Institute of Rospotrebnadzor, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation, Pisanov R.V. ,   Rostov-on-Don Antiplague Institute of Rospotrebnadzor, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

For the first time INDEL-typing method of Helicobacter pylori strains is offered. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of 69 strains from the local database was carried out. Ten INDEL-markers were identified, five of which, with the highest variability, served as the basis for the differentiation scheme. INDEL-typing of twenty one strains of H. pylori of different geographical origin was carried out. Аnd fifteen individual genotypes with a high diversity index were identified (DI = 0.95). For cluster analysis, the MST (minimal spanning tree) method was used, which demonstrated a clear distribution of clusters according to the geographical origin of the strains studied. In addition to the proposed method of typing, if necessary, the MLVAtyping method can be used. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, PCR, INDEL, MST dendrogram, MLVA, geographical origin
Employee engagement in HR analytical systems
Authors:   Southwest State University, Belyaeva Tatyana , Kozieva Irina ,   Southwest State University
Published: May 2021

Employee engagement is an important resource for the development of modern organizations and enterprises. Effective management of employee engagement leads to an increase in labour productivity, achievement of goals and sustainable development of the managed object. Despite the considerable accumulated domestic and foreign research on employee engagement as a factor of growth and economic efficiency, many areas relating engagement diagnostics and assessment of the relation between engagement and results of financial and economic development remain understudied. In a digital economy, personnel knowledge and competences are recognized as a strategic resource for the development, which mainstreams research in the area of employee engagement and assessment of its impact on development processes and results. It is possible to assess engagement objectively and measure its resource potential by using HR analytics. HR analytics is a system of mathematical, statistical and heuristic methods for assessing, forecasting and decision-making aimed at developing competitive advantages of personnel, and increasing labor productivity and economic efficiency of an enterprise. The purpose of the article is a theoretical and methodological substantiation and practical use of employee engagement diagnostics indicators in the system of HR analytics. The article uses methods of engagement research, as well as economic, statistical, sociological, psychological tools of HR analytics. The outcome of the article is a practically applicable technique of employee engagement estimation and research of its interrelation with indicators of economic efficiency of enterprise development. Based on the received results, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the necessity to enhance employee engagement in order to create conditions for sustainable development and growth of economic efficiency of enterprises.
ORIGEN DE LA ANOMALÍA MAGNÉTICA DE SALAMANCA. CONTRIBUCIÓN DE LA FORMACIÓN ALDEATEJADA (PROTEROZOICO SUPERIOR) Y DE LAS PIZARRAS ORDOVÍCICAS
Authors: Yenes Laura , Ayarza Puy , Calvín Pablo , Santamaría Alberto
Published: May 2021

La Anomalía Magnética de Salamanca (AMSA) presenta una amplitud y geometría que sugieren la existencia de una fuente localizada a poca profundidad y situada ligeramente al sureste de la propia ciudad. Su característica más llamativa es su polaridad inversa, que indica la existencia de rocas con una magnetización remanente adquirida durante un cron de polaridad inversa. Se han estudiado dos litologías que son potencialmente portadoras de una magnetización remanente natural (NRM) compatible con dicha anomalía: las Pizarras de Aldeatejada (Neoproterozoico) y las Pizarras del Ordovícico Medio, ambas aflorando en el flanco sur del Sinclinal de Salamanca. Los estudios realizados incluyen microscopía óptica, desmagnetización de la NRM por campos alternos, curvas termomagnéticas y desmagnetización térmica de la magnetización remanente isotérmica (IRM) adquirida a lo largo de tres ejes. Los resultados muestran que las Pizarras de Aldeatejada presentan una NRM lo suficientemente intensa para generar una anomalía magnética. Sin embargo, es de polaridad normal, compatible con el campo magnético terrestre actual y, por lo tanto, no debe contribuir a la generación de la AMSA, de polaridad inversa. Por el contrario, las Pizarras Ordovícicas muestran una NRM de polaridad inversa compatible con la AMSA, pero poco intensa. Si estas últimas continúan hacia el este, por debajo de la ciudad de Salamanca, y la intensidad de su NRM aumenta, podrían ser la fuente de la anomalía.
Social Practices of Confucianism at the Early 20th Century: Kang Youwei and the “Heaven People”. Kang Youwei. Datong shu, Sixth Part, Fragments, Trans. from Chinese into Russian and Comm. by Dmitry E. Martynov
Authors:   Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Martynov Dmitry E. , Martynova Yulia A. ,   Kazan (Volga region) Federal University
Published: May 2021

Readers are invited to the first Russian translation of extracts from the first chap­ter of the sixth part Datong shu(“The Book of the Great Unity”) by Kang Youwei (1858–1927). Kang Youwei proposed an original project for the radical liberation of humanity, in which the traditional mechanisms of family, marriage and gender inequality and coercion will be eliminated, and the state will take care of each person at every stage of his life. Kang Youwei adhered to the view that the main goal of a person's life is to achieve a state of happiness and satisfy all emerging needs. Congenital hedonism is in conflict with the need to reproduce. According to Kang Youwei, the institution of the family was created in ancient times and is the product of violence and suppression. In the future, free partnership will be re­lieved of the burdens of raising and educating future generations.
Historical Epistemology – the Trigger of the Reform of the Philosophy of Knowledge
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Porus Vladimir N.
Published: May 2021

Historical epistemology has to become a basis for reconsideration of a concep­tual framework of the philosophy of knowledge. Such reform was about to happen because this framework meets difficulties, so far as it concerns the un­derstanding of historical processes, including сhanging of that conceptual framework itself. Reform will allow comprehending such concepts anew as “historical reality”, “a historical event”, “the subject of historical knowledge”, “rational reconstruction of historical knowledge”, etc. The principle of histori­cism has to be put in organic connection with the principle of objectivity, and this connection is a necessary basis for understanding “the truth of historical judgments”. Thus “historicism” joins a row the main epistemological concepts and stops being the “additive”, implemented to this row by a researcher’s dis­cretion. All elements of this row are interdependent values. Considered out of this interconditionality, they lose the sense and can turn into anti-values. The objectivity and the validity are historical in the same meaning in what his­toricism there is a necessary condition of objectivity and validity. These values exist only in the course of continuous change of historical knowledge. Such understanding of a backbone kernel of epistemological concepts conducts to a specification of the concept “subject of historical knowledge”, which gains contextual sense, and properly epistemological research is enriched with psy­chological, sociological, and existential characteristics. Their interrelation re­mains under the joint control of the principles of objectivity and historicism. The reform also affects the ontology of historical knowledge. The problem of the historical theory’s ontological bases is put and solved according to the principle of historicism.
Man and Culture of His Interactions with Society in the Russia’s Past, Present and Future (Continuing the Traditions of the Axial Generation)
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lapin Nikolay I.
Published: May 2021

Revealing the complexity of the formation of a new Russian society, the author focuses on the study of the variety alternating anthropo-sociocultural traumas and the upsurges in the life activity of the Russian population. He considers the civil-social culture of the Russian population`s interaction with society as the relevant source of these traumas and upsurges, and characterizes this type of culture as contradictory one: in external functions – flexibly collecting ethnic groups, and in internal – being routine-symbiotic, traumatic. The pulsar of its historical events has arisen: “trauma – rise – trauma...” In order to develop a humanistic society and a socially strong welfare state, it is necessary to establish a new civil-social culture among the Russian population – a composite-reach culture that gathers various ethnic groups and regions more effectiveiy. The All-Civil Enlightenment, conceived in the sense of I. Kant and implemented through the ordinary processes of socialization of the individual, can be a way of its rooting.
Bioethical Challenges of Human Genome Editing Technologies in Embryos
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Popova Olga V. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tishchenko Pavel D. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shevchenko Sergey Yu. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2021

Bioethical challenges associated with the development of human e mbryo genome editing technologies are being investigated. The role of bioethics as a fo­rum for discussing the interdisciplinary anthropological and ethical problems generated by the progress of biomedical technologies is noted. The basis of con­tradictions and discussions around the acceptability of the technologies under consideration is the value ambivalence associated with the difference between the artificial and the natural. Almost any innovation in the field of biology and medicine, and here genome editing technologies are no exception, since its in­ception has been at the epicenter of a sharp ideological confrontation between supporters of the progressive technological transformation of the world and their opponents from the camp of environmentally concerned people of bio-conserva­tive values. Progressive ideas are refined through ideas the life instrumenta­lization. Bio-conservative ideas are substantiated by the principle of natality H. Arendt, which is used by J. Habermas in criticizing neo-eugenic projects and supported by G. Jonas in the concept of ecological imperative. The problem of the moral status of embryos, the specific advantages and disadvantages of con­servative and liberal positions are analyzed, and a retroactive model of the moral status of embryos is proposed, which represents a specific social construction. The project of normative monitoring of the consequences of using human em­bryo genome editing technologies Sh. Yasanoff is discussed. Its connection with the ideas of ethics of responsibility of H. Jonas is established.
Risk Factor Analysis for Predicting Kyphosis Reoccurrence of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Patients Treated with Posterior Short-Segment Fixation
Authors: Sun Xiangyao , Sun Wenzhi , Hu Hailiang , Wang Wei , Zhang Tongtong , Kong Chao , Sun Siyuan , Hai Yong , Lu Shibao
Published: May 2021

Background: The thresholds of risk factors of kyphosis recurrence in thoracolumbar burst fracture patients were still controversial. The aim of this multi-center study was to identify these thresholds.Methods: 169 patients were included in this study. Upper intervertebral angle (UIVA), lower intervertebral angle (LIVA), Cobb angle (CA), anterior vertebral height ratio (AVH%), regional angle (RA), posterior vertebral height ratio (PVH%), vertebral wedge angle (VWA), anteroposterior ratio (A/P%), Clinical assessment included Load Sharing Classification (LSC) score, Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Body mass index (BMI) were perioperatively evaluated. Patients were divided into KR group and none KR (NKR) group according to whether the loss of CA correction was less than 15˚ or not. The risk factors of KR before or after implant removal were analyzed, respectively. Result: There were significant improvements in postoperative parameters compared with preoperative parameters, such as AVH%, A/P%, VAS, CA, VWA, PVH% (P < 0.001, respectively), and UIVA (P = 0.02). Age (AUC = 0.828) and BMI (AUC = 0.846) were good predictors of KR before implant removal. BMI (AUC = 0.871) was a good predictor of KR after implant removal. Conclusion: There were significant differences in risk factors of KR at different postoperative follow-up stages: age > 49 years, BMI > 24 were risk factors of KR before implant removal; BMI > 25.17 was a risk factor of KR.
Reproductive Factors and Breast Cancer Risk in Palestine: A Case Control Study
Authors: Sharif Nuha El , Khatib Imtithal
Published: May 2021

Background: Early age at menarche, late age at menopause, and late age at first full-term pregnancy are linked to a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer (breast ca). This study aims to investigate the reproductive determinants of breast cancer among women in the West Bank of Palestine.A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a case-control study (237 registered cases and 237 controls). A multivariate analysis model was used to adjust for the association between women’s reproductive factors and breast ca risk. This study was approved by Al Quds University Ethical Research Committee and the Ministry of Health research unit. Results: In the multivariate analysis, menarche after 13 years of age, use of oral contraceptives for more than two months, hormonal contraceptives use, and becoming pregnant at an early age (≤18 years) significantly doubled the risk for breast ca. Women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were significantly associated with higher odds (6 times) of having breast ca versus those who did not use them (p <0.05). Similarly, nulliparous women showed 6 times the odds of breast ca compared with women with one or more children (p = 0.005). Also, parental consanguinity marriage and positive family history of the condition can be strong determinants for breast ca in this study. Conclusion: This study provides clear evidence that the use of reproductive hormones, whether as a birth control tool or for therapeutic purposes, must be rationalized worldwide and in Palestine in particular.
The Study of Laccase Immobilization Optimization and Stability Improvement on CTAB-KOH Modified Biochar
Authors: Wang Zhaobo , Ren Dajun , Jiang Shan , Yu Hongyan , Cheng Yaohui , Zhang Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Wangsheng
Published: May 2021

Background: Although laccase has a good catalytic oxidation ability, free laccase shows a poor stability. Enzyme immobilization is a common method to improve enzyme stability and endow the enzyme with reusability. Adsorption is the simplest and common method. Modified biochar has attracted great attention due to its excellent performance. Results: In this paper, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-KOH modified biochar (CKMB) was used to immobilize laccase by adsorption method (laccase@CKMB). Based on the results of the single-factor experiments, the optimal loading conditions of laccase@CKMB were studied with the assistance of Design-Expert 12 and response surface methods. The predicted optimal experimental conditions were laccase dosage 1.78 mg/mL, pH 3.1 and 312 K. Under these conditions, the activity recovery of laccase@CKMB was the highest, reaching 61.78 %. Then, the CKMB and laccase@CKMB were characterized by TGA, FT-IR, XRD, BET and SEM, and the results showed that laccase could be well immobilized on CKMB, the maximum enzyme loading could reach 57.5 mg/g. Compared to free laccase, the storage and pH stability of laccase@CKMB was improved greatly. The laccase@CKMB retained about 40 % of relative activity (4 ℃, 30 days) and more than 50 % of relative activity at pH 2-6. In addition, the laccase@CKMB indicated the reusability up to 6 reaction cycles while retaining 45.1 % of relative activity. Moreover, the thermal deactivation kinetic studies of laccase@CKMB showed a lower k value (0.00275 min-1) and higher t1/2 values (252.0 min) than the k value (0.00573 min-1) and t1/2 values (121.0 min) of free laccase. Conclusions: We explored scientific and reasonable immobilization conditions of laccase@CKMB, and the laccase@CKMB possessed relatively better stabilities, which gave the immobilization of laccase on this cheap and easily available carrier material the possibility of industrial applications.
Radiosynthesis of A Novel Antisense Imaging Probe Targeting LncRNA HOTAIR in Malignant Glioma
Authors: Ren Jiongyu , Zhang Xiyuan , Cao Jiang , Tian Jiali , Luo Jin , Yu Yaping , Wang Fengkui , Zhao Qian
Published: May 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR was manifested amplifying in many human carcinomas, which could serve as a useful target for cancer therapy. The 99mTc radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) could visualize the expression of HOTAIR and provide a diagnostic value for malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to radiosynthesis 99mTc with HOTAIR ASON and investigate the in vivo imaging in malignant glioma xenografts.Methods: The ASON targeting lncRNA HOTAIR as well as mismatched ASON probe (ASONM) were designed and modified. The radiolabeling of 99mTc with two probes were via the conjugation of bifunctional chelator HYNIC. Then probes were purified by Sephadex G25 and tested for their radiolabeling efficiency and purity, as well as stability by ITLC and gel electrophoresis. Then the radiolabeled probes were transfected with lipofectamine 2000 for cellular uptake test and the next experimental use. Furthermore, biodistribution study and SPECT imaging were performed at different times after probes were intravenously injected in glioma tumor-bearing mice models. All data were analyzed by statistical software.Results: The labeling efficiencies of 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON and 99mTc-HYNIC-ASONM measured by ITLC were (91 ±1.5) % and (90 ±0.6) %, respectively, and the radiochemical purity were more than 89%. The probes showed good stability within 12 hours. Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the oligomers were successfully radiolabeled no significant degradation was found. Cellular uptake experiment showed that liposomes had the ability to carry probes into cells. Biodistribution study demonstrated that liposome coated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON had significantly higher uptake in the tumor and higher T/M ratio than the mismatched group. Meanwhile, the tumor was clearly shown at 1-hour post probe injection of liposome coated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON on SPECT/CT imaging, no tumor was seen in mismatched and blocking group.Conclusion: The liposome encapsulated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON probe can be used in the in vivo, real-time imaging of lncRNA HOTAIR expression in malignant glioma.
Estimating the Dog Population, Responsible Pet Ownership, and Intestinal Parasitism in Dogs in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Grijalva Colon Jaime , Walden Heather S. , Crawford P. Cynda , Levy Julie K. , Pine William E. , Hernandez Jorge A.
Published: May 2021

In 2011, authorities of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, approved an ordinance to promote public health and animal welfare through responsible pet ownership promotion. The population of dogs was not known, and the relationships between dog abundance, socio-economic factors, prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites, and pet ownership responsibility had not been investigated. The objectives of this study were (i) to estimate the human:dog (HD) ratio, (ii) to examine the relationship between household factors and responsible pet ownership and (iii) to estimate the prevalence of households with one or more dogs infected with intestinal parasites in Quito, Ecuador. Space-based random sampling procedures were used for estimation of HD ratios in stray dogs and confined owned dogs. The relationship between household factors and a responsible pet ownership index was examined using logistic regression. Dog fecal samples were tested for intestinal parasites. Among stray dogs, the observed HD ratio was 58:1. Among dogs kept indoors, the observed HD ratio was 3,5:1. A positive interaction effect between number of dogs in study households and household living conditions (a proxy for household wealth) on responsible pet ownership was observed, which we discuss in this report. Prevalence of households with dogs infected with intestinal parasites was 28% (95% CI = 21-37). Ancylostoma spp. was the most frequent intestinal parasite in study dogs kept indoors. This study provides new information that can be used by policy makers to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies and education programs aimed at enhancing pet ownership responsibility in Ecuador.
Meta-QTL Analysis for Stripe Rust Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Jan Irfat , Saripalli Gautam , Kumar Kuldeep , Kumar Anuj , Singh Rakhi , Batra Ritu , Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Balyan Harindra Singh , Gupta Pushpendra Kumar
Published: May 2021

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn (Pst) is one of the most prevalent wheat diseases causing upto 70% yield losses worldwide. The present study was conducted in wheat for the first time to identify important meta-QTL (MQTL) regions for their use in developing stripe rust resistant wheat cultivars and to understand the genetic architecture of stripe rust resistance in wheat. For this purpose, a dense consensus map consisting of 76,753 markers was constructed and 353 QTLs from earlier studies were projected on this consensus map. As many as 61 MQTLs were identified using 184 (out of 353) original QTLs. Ten important genomic regions including six breeders’ MQTLs (PVE >20%) and four MQTL hotspots were selected to be used by wheat breeders. As many as 409 important candidate genes (CGs) were also identified, which either encoded known R proteins (265) or showed differential expression (144) due to stripe rust infection. These included genes encoding the following proteins: NBS-LRR, WRKY domains, ankyrin repeat domains, sugar transporters, etc. Overall, the present study provided robust MQTLs and underlying CGs which may be potential targets for molecular breeding for development of stripe rust resistant wheat cultivars or may be the target for future molecular studies to understand the mechanism of stripe rust resistance.
Assay of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Accompanying Different Impurities
Authors: Sayed Mohsen A. , El-Bassuony Asmaa A. H. , Abdelsalam H. K.
Published: May 2021

No doubt that antimicrobial compounds such as antibiotics are the basic tools in clinical medicine. Increase in antimicrobial resistance may cause several human diseases. The potential of drugs and other agents can be improved by using nanoparticles. Wide use of antimicrobial compounds resulted in formation of resistance in microbes. There is demand to look for novel agents for therapy. Novel silver nanoparticles accompanied different impurities were assayed against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis (Gram-negative bacteria). In addition to Aspergillus niger, A. terrus, Penicillium cluclauni and Rhizopus stolonofer fungi. Four Candida spp. were also assayed: C. krusei, C. famata, C. parapsilosis and C. utiliz. The method which applied in assaying these microorganisms was diffusion method. Dilution method was obtained for the tested nanoparticles to find the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC. The annealing temperature of the tested nanoparticles affected on antifungal and antibacterial activities. It was found that the preparation of nanoparticles at room temperature gave higher activities against tested antimicrobial than that at high temperatures.
Acupuncture And Chinese Herb Medicine Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction For The Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: A Study Protocol For A Multi-Center, Controlled and Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wu Chuting , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Chunyan
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Endometriosis is an inflammatory estrogen-dependent gynecological disease, which is one of the common reasons for infertility. The current treatments of endometriosis-associated infertility often involve laparoscopic surgery, medical therapy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy, which are expensive, and the therapeutic effects are far from the expectation. Acupuncture and Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YZD) which have the advantages of effective and inexpensive, have been used clinically for the infertile female in China for many years. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence of their efficacy is lacking. Our study intends to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and YZD on endometriosis-associated infertility (EAI).Methods/design: This study is a multi-center, controlled and randomized clinical trial. A total of 224 eligible patients with endometriosis-associated infertility will be randomly assigned into two groups, in a 1:1 ratio as the treatment group or the control group. All participants will receive pregnancy guidance. The participants assigned to the treatment group will be treated with acupuncture and YZD while the control group will receive the GnRH-a therapy. The trial will include three menstrual cycles of treatment and twelve menstrual cycles of follow-up. The primary outcome is pregnancy rate that will be verified by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) tests and secondary outcomes include the result of ultrasound, cancer antigen 125 (CA125), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), sex hormones, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the Endometriosis Health Profile-5 (EHP-5). Outcome will be collected at baseline, the end of treatments and follow-up visits at 3, 6 and 12 menstrual cycles. All the data including the major adverse events will be recorded in electronic case report forms and analysed by SPSS V.25.0.Discussion: This study protocol will help to evaluate whether acupuncture and Chinese herb medicine Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction are effective in increasing pregnancy rate of the infertile female with endometriosis.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100042830; Registered on 29 January 2021.
Comparison of Clinical Features between Immune-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis and Hepatitis
Authors: Takinami Masaki , Ono Akira , Kawabata Takanori , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Wakuda Kazushige , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Endo Masahiro , Kiyohara Yoshio , Yasui Hirofumi , Niwakawa Masashi , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: May 2021

Background Immune-related hepatotoxicity is often regarded as immune-related hepatitis (irHepatitis) despite including immune-related sclerosing cholangitis (irSC). This study examined the clinical differences between irSC and irHepatitis.Methods A single-center retrospective study of 530 consecutive patients who received immunotherapy between August 2014 and April 2020 was performed. IrSC and irHepatitis were respectively defined as the radiological presence and absence of bile duct dilation and wall thickness.Results Forty-one patients (7.7%) developed immune-related hepatotoxicity. A CT scan was performed on 12 patients, including 11 of 12 with ≥grade 3 aminotransferase elevations. IrSC and irHepatitis were diagnosed in 4 (0.8%) and 8 (1.5%) patients, respectively. All the irSC patients had been treated with anti-PD-1. IrHepatitis was more common among patients receiving anti-CTLA-4 than among those receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (14%, 7/50 vs. 0.2%, 1/480, P <0.001). A ≥grade 2 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation resulting in a cholestatic pattern was seen in all 4 irSC patients. Among the irSC patients, 3 (3/4, 75%) developed ≥grade 3 aminotransferases elevation. The median duration from the start of immunotherapy until ≥grade 2 liver enzymes elevation was 257 and 55.5 days in irSC and irHepatitis patients. The median times for progression from grade 2 to 3 liver enzyme elevation were 17.5 and 0 days, respectively.Conclusions IrSC and irHepatitis have different characteristics in the class of immune checkpoint inhibitor and onset pattern. Radiological examination for the diagnosis of irSC should be considered for patients with ≥grade 2 ALP elevation resulting in a cholestatic pattern. (Registration number J2020-36, Date of registration June 3, 2020)
STOX2 Is the Target of Mir-30a to Increase Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Hydatidiform Mole Through ERK, AKT and P38 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Guo Zhenzhen , Zhu Chenyu , Li Zhen , Wang Youhui , Wang Lu , Fan Jianhui , Xu Yuefei , Zou Na , Kong Ying , Li Dong , sui linlin
Published: May 2021

BackgroundHydatidiform mole is a disease caused by abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic cells. MiR-30a acts as a tumor suppressor gene in most tumors and participates in the development of various cancers. But its role in hydatidiform mole is not clear. MethodsRT-qPCR was used to verify the expression level of miR-190 and STOX2. Flow cytometry (FCM) assays were performed to detect cell cycle. CCK-8 assay, EDU assay and colony formation assay was used to detect proliferation ability. Transwell assay was used to test invasion ability. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting were used to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved.ResultThe low expression of miR-30a promoted the ability of proliferation, migration and invasion in trophoblastic cells (JAR and HTR-8). The dual luciferase assay confirmed that STOX2 was a new target of miR-30a and resisted the effect of up-regulated miR-30a in trophoblastic cells. In addition, up-regulation of STOX2 by miR-30a could activate ERK, AKT and P38 signaling pathways. These results revealed that a new mechanism for ERK, AKT and P38 activation by miR-30a/STOX2, which could create excessive proliferation of trophoblast cells in the hydatidiform mole.Conclusions﻿In this study, we found that miR-30a plays an important role in the development of HM. Taken together, these fndings indicate that miR-30a may effect the malignant transformation of human trophoblastic cells by downregulating STOX2, which strengthens our understanding of miR-30a in regulating BC cell transformation.
A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenia After COVID-19 Vaccination: Coincidental or Causal Effect? Running Title: ITP After COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Vigna Ernesto , Caracciolo Daniele , Martino Enrica , Mendicino Francesco , Lucia Eugenio , Olivito Virginia , Morelli Rosellina , Gentile Massimo
Published: May 2021

The discovery and the introduction of different vaccines in the therapeutic armamentarium against SARS-CoV-2 represents a big hope in the fight against the pandemic. However, safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is continuously monitored for the emergence of potential new side effects, such as recently reported thrombotic events, after the use of certain types of vaccines. In this context, we report a case of 31-year-old woman who developed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) after 3 weeks from receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. She developed significant widespread petechiae and gum bleeding, with severe thrombocytopenia documented at her hemogram. Over a 10-day period, thrombocytopenia was treated first with high dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and platelet transfusions, without a platelet response. Two days later, she received the TPO-mimetic and after three days, his platelet count began to rise reaching the normal range 18 days from her admission to our Hematology department. These findings cannot actually elucidate if vaccination was causal or coincidental effect of ITP, but further highlights the need of additional pharmacovigilance studies to empower SARS-CoV2 vaccine efficacy.
What Messaging Best Promotes a 20-year-old Women’s Intention to have Cervical Cancer Screening?
Authors: Miyoshi Ai , UEDA Yutaka , YAGI Asami , KIMURA Toshihiro , KOBAYASHI Eiji , HIRAMATSU Kosuke , NAKAGAWA Satoshi , KIMURA Tadashi
Published: May 2021

Background: Because they have not been HPV-vaccinated, the vast majority of women in Japan are defenseless against HPV-caused cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screening has become their only means for intervention early enough to save their uterus and often, their lives. Unfortunately, the cervical cancer screening rate in Japan has dropped recently to 10.2% for 20-25-year-olds. We need to recommend earlier, more frequent, and more effective screening for them. We have assessed several factors that could promote the intention of Japanese women toward having cervical cancer screening. Method: We conducted an online survey of 412 Japanese women. Half of the respondents were given an information sheet concerning cervical cancer, the remaining half wasn’t. After this educational intervention, we quizzed them about their knowledge concerning cervical cancer, about their and their family’s cervical cancer screening practices, about having talks with their family about cervical cancer, and their intentions for having cervical cancer screening. Among the 127 women who admitted having had a sexual relationship, we evaluated their intention toward having cervical cancer screening. We assessed several factors that were likely to influence their intention to have cervical cancer screening. Results: We determined that an education with an information sheet, whether or not they had ever talked with their family about cervical cancer, and whether members of their family had ever had cervical cancer screening, were associated with an effective impact on the women's positive intention to have cervical cancer screening. Knowing that cervical cancer is becoming more common among young women, that cervical cancer could influence their fertility, and that cervical cancer screening could prevent any lesions from advancing to become invasive cancer, 3 were also associated with an effective impact on the women's positive intention. Conclusion: Personal educational intervention, talking with their family about cervical cancer, and the general health consciousness of their family, were all associated with an effective impact on the women's positive intentions toward cervical cancer screening. It is likely that the messaging for the need for cervical cancer screening for 20-year-olds targeting their innate desire to preserve their fertility would most effectively resonate with these young women.
Regional Air Quality: Forest Fires Impacts of SO2 Emissions on Air Pollutants in the Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: GAUTAM ALOK SAGAR , Kumar Sanjeev , Gautam Sneha , Ram Kirpa , Siingh Devendraa , Ambade Balram , Sharma Manish
Published: May 2021

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a toxic with adverse health effects on respiratory tract, eyes, mucous membranes and skin. In the present study, the continuous ground-based SO2 monitoring has planned over Srinagar Garhwal Valley of Uttarakhand. In the monsoon (M-2018), Post-monsoon (PoM-2018), Winter (W-2019) & Pre-monsoon (PrM-2019) & & M-2019 have high SO2 concentrations (3.66 ± 2.05 µg/m3, 5.54 ± 2.23 µg/m3, 6.42 ± 1.79 µg/m3, 7.56 ± 3.53 µg/m3 6.45 ± 3.49 µ g/m3) at1900 LT, 2000 LT, 1800 LT, 1900 LT &1900 LT attributed mainly due to biomass burning and long-range transportation of pollutants. A drastic change in the SO2 concentration has been observed from 4.81 to 17.39 µg/m3 during May 2019 with a strong correlation of 0.61 with fire-counts during extensive forest fire. Whereas Jul 2018 (1.07 ± 0.82 µg/m3) showed the lowest SO2 concentration due to wet scavenging process. Temperature, humidity and wind speed have significant correlation with SO2 in different season. Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model trajectories and cluster analysis indicate the transportation of air mass from the Gulf region, Sahara Desert, Pakistan, Afghanistan to Srinagar with a significant contribution of 40.43–72.29% air mass. We have also observed weekend effects (reduction in the pollutant concentration) in Jul 2018, Sep 2018, Feb 2019, Apr 2019 and May 2019.
Analysis of Pressure Response at an Observation Well against Pressure Build-Up by Early Stage of CO2 Geological Storage Project
Authors: Qiang Sun , Sasaki Kyuro , Sugai Yuichi , Nguele Ronald , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: May 2021

To ensure a safe and stable CO2 storage, pressure responses at an observation well is expected to be an important and useful field monitoring items to estimate the CO2 storage behaviors and the aquifer parameters during and after injecting CO2, because it can detect whether the injected CO2 leaks to the ground surface or the bottom of the sea. In this study, pressure responses were simulated to present design factors such as well location and pressure transmitter of the observation well. Numerical simulations on the pressure response and the time-delay from pressure build-up after CO2 injection were conducted by considering aquifer parameters and distance from the CO2 injection well to an observation well. The measurement resolution of a pressure transmitter installed in the observation well was presented based on numerical simulation results of the pressure response against pressure build-up at the injection well and CO2 plume front propagations. Furthermore, the pressure response at an observation well was estimated by comparing the numerical simulation results with the curve of CO2 saturation and relative permeability. It was also suggested that the analytical solution can be used for the analysis of the pressure response tendency using pressure build-up and dimensionless parameters of hydraulic diffusivity. Thus, a criterion was established for selecting a pressure transducer installed at an observation well to monitor the pressure responses with sufficient accuracy and resolution, considering the distance from the injection well and the pressure build-up at the injection well, for future CCS projects.