bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic Analyses of Nepoviruses: Diversity, Evolution and Identification of a Hitherto Undescribed Putative Region for Host Range in Subgroup a Species
Authors: hily jean-michel , Poulicard Nils , Kubina Julie , Reynard Jean-sebastien , Spilmont Anne-Sophie , Fuchs Marc , Lemaire Olivier , Vigne Emmanuelle
Published: February 2021

Datamining and metagenomic analyses of 277 open reading frame sequences of bipartite RNA viruses and variants in the genus Nepovirus documented how delicate it can be to unequivocally identify species, in particular subgroup A and C species, based on some of the currently adopted taxonomic demarcation criteria. It suggests a possible need for their amendment to accommodate pangenome information. In addition, we revealed a host-dependent structure of arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) populations at a cladistic level and confirmed a phylogeographic structure of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) populations. We also identified new putative recombinant events for species of subgroups A, B and C. The evolutionary specificity of some capsid regions of ArMV and GFLV that were previously described and biologically validated as vector determinant was circumscribed in silico. Furthermore, a C-terminal segment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of subgroup A species was predicted as a putative host range determinant based on statistically supported higher π values for GFLV and ArMV isolates infecting Vitis spp. compared to non-Vitis infecting ArMV isolates. This study illustrated how sequence information obtained via high throughput sequencing can increase our understanding of mechanisms that modulate virus diversity and evolution and create new opportunities for advancing studies on the biology of economically important plant viruses.
A Study on Power-Controlled Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing using a Data-driven Surrogate Model
Authors: Israr Rameez , Buhl Johannes , Bambach Markus
Published: February 2021

Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) provides an alternative for the production of various metal products needed in small to medium batch sizes due to its high deposition rates. However, the cyclic heat input in WAAM may cause local overheating. To avoid adverse effects on the performance of the part, interlayer dwelling and active cooling are used, but these measures increase the process time. Alternatively, the temperature during the WAAM process could be controlled by optimizing the welding power. The present work aims at introducing and implementing a novel temperature management approach by adjusting the weld-bead cross-section along with the welding power to reduce the heat accumulation in the WAAM process. The temperature evolution during welding of weld beads of different cross-sections is investigated and a database of the relation between optimal welding power for beads of various sizes and different pre-heating temperatures was established. The numerical results are validated experimentally with a block-shaped geometry. The results show that by the proposed method, the test shape made was welded with lower energy consumption and process time as compared to conventional constant-power WAAM. The proposed approach efficiently manages the thermal input and reduces the need for pausing the process. Hence, the defects related to heat accumulation might be reduced, and the process efficiency increased.
High Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Tashie Worlanyo , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Adu-Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Seidu Laila
Published: February 2021

Background: Hypovitaminosis D in pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes in mothers, newborns and infants. This study assessed the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, and evaluated the association between vitamin D deficiency and foeto-maternal outcome. Methods: This case-control study was conducted among pregnant women who visited the Comboni Hospital, in Ghana from January 2017 to May 2018 for antenatal care. A total of 180 pregnant women comprising 88 preeclamptic women (PE) and 92 healthy normotensive pregnant women (NP) were recruited. Socio-demographic, clinical and obstetric data were obtained using validated questionnaires. Blood pressure and anthropometrics were measured, and blood samples were collected for the estimation of 25(OH)D using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) and were also estimated. Results: A total of 81.7% of the study participants had vitamin D deficiency. Of these, 88.6% of the women with PE had vitamin D deficiency compared to 75.0% in the NP. Vitamin D levels was significantly reduced in the PE women compared to the normotensive pregnant women (p=0.001). A higher proportion of the preeclamptic women who were vitamin D deficient had preterm delivery (p < 0:0001) and delivered low birth weight infants (p < 0:0001), and infants with IUGR (p < 0:0001) compared to the control group (p < 0:0001). Pregnant women with PE presented with significant dyslipidaemia, evidenced by significantly elevated TC (p=0.008), LDL (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p=0.017) and a significantly reduced HDL (p=0.001) as compared to NP. In the preeclamptic women, serum 25(OH)D showed an inverse, but not significant association with TC (β= -0.087, p=0.464), TG (β= -0.143, p=0.233) and LDL (β= -0.101, p=0.388) and a positive, but not significant association with HDL (β= 0.166, p=0.154). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in both normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia but amplified in preeclampsia. Higher proportion of pregnant women with hypovitaminosis D had preterm babies and delivered low birth weight neonates. Additional studies are needed to explore the potential benefits and optimal dosing of vitamin D use in pregnancy especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Public Knowledge of Mental Health Symptoms and Help Seeking Attitude in a Population-based Sample in Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Ada , Lam Linda CW , Chan Sandra SM , Lee Sing
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMental health symptoms can be subtle, resulting in delaying treatment. A prompt identification of mental signs and symptoms is important for preventing mental disorders in the public. This study examined whether local public have adequate knowledge to identify mental health symptoms and the need to get timely professional help.MethodsA population-based telephone surveys based on 4033 respondents aged 12 to 75 years were conducted in 2015 and 2018. Mental health knowledge and help seeking attitude were assessed using six vignettes depicting subtle and obvious symptoms of anxiety disorders, mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, and dementia. Logistic regression models were performed to examine association between mental health knowledge and help-seeking attitude.ResultsPoor knowledge in subtle symptoms are more likely to be males (t=-5.0, p<.001), younger (F=15.0, p<.001), have tertiary education (F= 15.0, p<.001), and employed (t=-2.1, p=.037). Binary logistic regression found that poor knowledge of subtle symptoms was associated with reluctance to professional help seeking.ConclusionsHighly educated working males are less proficiently in identifying subtle mental health symptoms. Poorly identified subtle symptoms is a major barrier to early professional help. Future research should explore specific interventions to increase knowledge and professional help seeking in this group.
The effect of taping on maximum plantar pressure and ground reaction force in flat-footed people after applying a fatigue protocol
Authors: Aghakeshizadeh Fatemeh , Letafatkar Amir , Ataabadi Peyman Aghaei , Hosseinzadeh Mahdi
Published: February 2021

We examined the effects of two types of antipronation taping on the lower limb kinetics in flat foot people before and after performing a physical fatigue protocol. 20 male and female with flat foot aged 22.39 ± 2.02 years old were studied under three conditions (untaping, reverse-6 taping and low-dye taping) either before or after fatigue states. A statistically significant difference was observed after applying two types of taping (reverse-6 vs. low-dye taping) in the maximum plantar pressure perceived in metatarsus 1 (P = 0.016) and lateral heel (P = 0.044). In the post-fatigue conditions, there were significant differences between the two taping types in metatarsus 4 (P = 0.024). The maximum ground reaction force in toe 1 (P = 0.001), toe 2–5 (P = 0.001), metatarsus 5 (P = 0.001), and medial heel (P = 0.001) was significantly different between reverse-6 and Low-dye tapings. The results indicated that the low-dye and reverse-6 taping types can reduce the pressure on the medial side of the foot, and push it towards the lateral side. It is therefore suggested using taping as an effective treatment for redistribution of the pressure and force in sole of the foot in people with flat foot.
The Association of Hypocomplementemia With Disease Activity in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome
Authors: Lin Wei , Xin Zhifei , Wang Jialan , Liu Yixuan , Ren Xiuying , Yang Liu , Guo Shaoying , Yang Yupeng , Li Yang , Cao Jingjing , Ning Xiaoran , Liu Meilu , Su Yashuang , Sun Lijun , Zhang Fengxiao , Zhang Wen
Published: February 2021

We assessed the prevalence of hypocomplementemia (HC), possible risk factors, and its prognosis in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The data of 84 patients with HC admitted in Hebei General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed and compared to data of patients with normocomplementemic (NC). Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors. The presence of hyper-immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-Ro52 was significantly higher in patients with HC. The patients with pSS with HC had higher hematologic, renal, and nervous system involvement and The European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index score (p < 0.05) and received more immunosuppressant treatments than those with NC (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that renal involvement (odds ratio [OR] = 4.09), nervous system involvement (OR = 3.82), leukopenia (OR = 2.57), and hyper-IgG (OR = 3.34) were independent risk factors for pSS with HC. Thus, HC was not an uncommon manifestation of pSS and was associated with leukocytopenia, renal and nervous system involvement, and severe disease activity. HC occurred in younger and short-term patients with pSS. Those with pSS-HC had an increased possibility to develop systemic lupus erythematosus. Such patients have distinctive clinical manifestations and worse prognosis that require extensive treatments.
Investigation of Stress Arching Above Depleting Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Its Effect on the Compaction Drive Mechanism
Authors: Taherynia Mohammad Hossein , Aghda Seyed Mahmoud Fatemi , Fahimifar Ahmad , Koopialipoor Mohammadreza
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the compression drive mechanism, which can be considered as the most related oil drive mechanism with the reservoir geomechanical properties, has been investigated. The constant total vertical stress on the reservoir and uniaxial reservoir compaction with zero lateral strain are two main assumptions in the conventional reservoir compaction modeling. These assumptions are not considering the stress arching, which leads to a reduction in the total vertical stress and also affects the distribution of vertical and horizontal stresses. In this paper, it was tried to investigate the effects of three keys elastic parameters, including Young's modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Biot coefficient on the reservoirs stress paths and compaction drive mechanism using numerical modeling with ABAQUS software. Based on the modeling results the reservoirs stress paths is very different from simplifying assumption in uniaxial compaction models while the total compaction of reservoir obtained using numerical modeling and uniaxial model in some cases can be equal. Also, among the three geomechanical parameters, the ratio of Young's modulus of the reservoir and surrounding rocks has a significant effect on the reservoir stress paths and compaction. The results of modeling indicate when a reservoir rock is softer than its surrounding environment, due to the arching occurrence, the total vertical stress applied to the reservoir rock reduced even to half of the initial vertical stress, which leads to the oil recovery by the compression drive mechanism will be less than 50% of the predicted value.
Polyamine Transport Is Required for Stress Responses and Capsule Production in Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Authors: Nakamya Mary F. , Ayoola Moses B. , Shack Leslie A. , Swiatlo Edwin , Nanduri Bindu
Published: February 2021

Infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, a commensal in the nasopharynx, still claim a significant number of lives worldwide. Genetic plasticity, antibiotic resistance, limited serotype coverage of the available polysaccharide-based conjugate vaccines confounds therapeutic interventions. Pathogenic systems that allow successful adaption and persistence in the host could be potential innovative targets for mediations. Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic molecules and regulate many cellular processes. We previously reported that deletion of potABCD, an operon that encodes a putrescine/spermidine transporter (∆potABCD), resulted in an un-encapsulated attenuated phenotype. Here we characterize the transcriptome, metabolome, and stress responses of S. pneumoniae that is dependent on the polyamine transporter. Expression of genes involved in oxidative stress responses and the central metabolism was reduced while that of genes involved in the Leloir, tagatose, and pentose phosphate pathways was increased in ΔpotABCD. Downregulation of genes of the central metabolism will reduce production of precursors of capsule polysaccharides. Metabolomics results show reduced glutathione and pyruvate levels in the mutant. We also show that the potABCD operon protects pneumococci against hydrogen peroxide and nitrosative stress. These results show the importance of the potABCD operon and polyamine transport in pneumococcal physiology and fitness that represents a novel target for therapeutic interventions.
Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhu Quping
Published: February 2021

In this work, nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) were prepared by a facile chemical vapor deposition method using Fe/SBA-15 molecular sieve as the catalyst and different organic amines as carbon source and nitrogen source. The morphology, structure and composition of the obtained samples were characterized by a series of analytical techniques. The results revealed that the as-obtained N-CNTs are hollow bamboo like nanofibers with a diameter of 30-50 nm and a smooth surface. The effect of the organic amines on the yield, composition, morphology and properties of the N-CNTs were investigated. The N-CNTs prepared with diethylamine (DEA) have the highest yield (2.2 g · (g · cat) - 1). The water absorption of the as-synthesized N-CNTs samples increases with the increase of nitrogen content. The N-CNTs prepared with ethylenediamine (EDA) have the highest N/C molar ratio(0.35) and the highest water absorption (224.4 mg · g-1). The thermal conductivity (TC) of the silicon-based composites increases with the increase of N-CNTs. However, the N/C molar ratio of N-CNTs has a negative effect on the TC of silicon-based composites.
Moringa oleifera leaf extracts protect BMSC osteogenic induction following peroxidative damage by activating the PI3K/Akt /Foxo1 pathway
Authors: Liu Meiling , Ding Haifeng , Wang Hongzhi , Wang Manfeng , Wu Xiaowei , Gan Lu , Cheng Luyang , Li Xianglu
Published: February 2021

Objective: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on osteogenic induction of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) following peroxidative damage and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Conditioned medium was used to induce osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which were treated with H2O2, Moringa oleifera leaf extracts-containing serum, or the phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor Wortmannin, alone or in combination. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay. Cell cycle was assayed using flow cytometry. Expression levels of Akt, phosphorylated (p)Akt, Foxo1, and cleaved caspase-3 were analyzed using Western blot analysis. The mRNA levels of osteogenesis-associated genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen І, osteopontin (OPN), and Runx2, were detected using qRT-PCR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and ALP activity were detected using commercially available kits. Osteogenic differentiation capability was determined using alizarin red staining. Results: During osteogenic induction of rat BMSCs, H2O2 reduced cell viability and proliferation, inhibited osteogenesis, increased ROS and MDA levels, and decreased SOD and GSH-PX activity. H2O2 significantly reduced pAkt and Foxo1 expression, and increased cleaved caspase-3 levels in BMSCs. Additional treatments with Moringa oleifera leaf extracts partially reversed the H2O2-induced changes. Wortmannin partially attenuated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on protein expression of Foxo1, pAkt, and cleaved caspase-3, as well as mRNA levels of osteogenesis-associated genes.Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaf extracts ameliorate peroxidative damage and enhance osteogenic induction of rat BMSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt/Foxo1 pathway.
Dynamic modeling and optimal control of cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Rong Xinmiao , Fan Meng , Zhu Huaiping , Zheng Yaohui
Published: February 2021

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most severe helminth zoonosis with a drastic impact on human health and livestock industry. Investigating optimal control strategy and assessing the crucial factors are essential for developing countermeasures to mitigate this disease.Methods: Two compartment models were formulated to study the dynamics of cystic echinococcosis transmission, to evaluate the effectiveness of various control measures, and to find the optimal control strategy. Sensitive analyses were conducted by obtaining PRCCs and contour plot was used to evaluate the effect of key parameters on the basic reproduction number. Based on forward-backward sweep method, numerical simulations were employed to investigate effects of key factors on the transmission of cystic echinococcosis and to obtain the optimal control strategy.Results: The food resources of stray dog and invalid sheep vaccination rate, which are always neglected, were significant to the transmission and control of cystic echinococcosis. Numerical simulations suggest that, the implementation of optimal control strategy can significantly reduce the infections. Improving the cost of health education and domestic dog deworming could not decrease human infections.Conclusions: Our study showed that only a long-term use of the optimal control measures can eliminate the disease. Meanwhile, during the intervention, sheep vaccination and stray dogs disposing should be emphasized ahead of domestic dogs deworming to minimize the control cost. Simultaneously reducing other wild intermediate hosts and strengthening the sheep vaccination as well as disposing the stray dogs would be most effective.
The Aggressiveness of African breast cancer: An expose’ on CD44+CD24-/low breast cancer stem cell
Authors: Gyan Eric , Ahenkorah-Fondjo Linda , Owiredu William K.B.A , Jackson Andrew , Toss Michael S. , Akakpo Patrick K. , Derkyi-Kwarteng Leonard , Rahman Ganiyu A. , Green Andrew
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer (BC) in Africans and people of African descent is generally aggressive, with poorer prognosis and worse clinical outcomes. The molecular basis of this is however not entirely understood. The CD44+ / CD24-/low BC stem cell is known for its tumourigenic potential, tumour aggressiveness and its association with poor prognosis. This study identifies the relationship between CD44+/ CD24-/low BC stem cells and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in an African population.Methodology A Ghanaian BC cohort (n= 222) was used to assess CD44 and CD24 expression. Tissue microarray was constructed from the cohort samples and Immunohistochemically stained with CD44 and CD24 antibodies. The associations between clinicopathological features and the expression of the individual markers and their combinations were analysed. Results Of the total 222 breast cancer samples, 81.9 % were cytoplasmic CD24 positive and were associated with higher tumour grade (OR-3.623; r=0.199; p=0.004), gender (OR-9.514; p=0.028), clinical prognostic grading (OR-2.357 r= 0.162; p=0.027) and Her2 positivity (OR-0.216; r=-0.155; p=0.026). CD44 was associated with higher tumour grade (OR-3.148; r= 0.145; p-0.037), and increased mitotic count (OR-3.043, r= 0.173; p=0.028). There was no association between CD44 expression and hormone receptor status. Together, CD44+/CD24-/low staining was associated with higher tumour grade (OR-3.162; r=0.166; p=0.018), gender (OR- 12.0; p=0.012), and higher clinical prognostic staging (OR- 2.888; r=0.186; p=0.011). An inverse association of CD44+CD24+ was found with tumour grade (OR-0.220; r=-0.246; p=0.000), mitotic count (OR-0.406; r=-0.190; p=0.017) and clinical prognostic staging (OR-0.486; r=-0.151; p=0.040). There was no association between CD44-CD24+ and all the clinicopathological features.Conclusion Combined, CD44+CD24-/low was associated with poor prognosis and tumour aggression and may contribute to the tumour aggressiveness of African breast cancer. CD24 expression as a stand-alone marker was found to correlate with clinical and pathological indicators of tumour aggressiveness and poor prognosis.
Chemical Castration for Pedophiles: Study of Fiqh Problems in Indonesia
Authors: Tarigan Azhari Akmal
Published: February 2021

Chemical castration is a punishment against pedophiles, who have committed acts of crime that are considered an extraordinary crime. Pedophiles have ruined the future of children, with tremendous psychological and environmental impacts. This paper aims to uncover the problems of fiqh in Indonesia concerning chemical castration which has the aim of providing a deterrent effect for rape perpetrators of children. The data collection method in this study uses the literature study. There are differences in the views of legal experts with doctors. Legal experts decide on penalties for pedophiles with Law Number. 17 of 2016 concerning the Second Amendment to Law Number. 23 of 2002 concerning Protection of Children, while the Indonesian Doctors Association states reject chemical castration punishment, following the Code of Ethics as stated in the rules of the Medical Code of Ethics Assembly (MKEK) Number. 1 of 2016 concerning Chemical Castration. Fiqh experts disagree over the castration penalty for chemistry. There is no castration punishment in the fiqh, because the Prophet Muhammad forbade castration, as opposed to Islamic principles. Some fiqh experts agree that chemical castration punishment includes ta'zīr, which is a sentence handed over entirely to the legitimate government. Thus, although the castration chemical punishment has been determined, in its implementation there are problems because there are still rejections and problems according to the fiqh expert
Zakat Management in Indonesia: a Legal Political Perspective
Authors: Yahya Imam
Published: February 2021

This article aims to describe the management of zakat in Indonesia in a political and legal perspective carried out by BAZNAS (Badan Amil Zakat Infaq and Sadaqah) and LAZ (Lembaga Amil Zakat). Management of zakat management in a political-law approach is manifested in the zakat management regulations in Indonesia, namely Law no. 23 of 2011 concerning Zakat Management. Through literature research with a political-law approach, this research finds the following three points. First, the existence of BAZNAS is legitimized by law as a non-structural institution under the President, which has the authority to manage zakat, whether it is the collection, distribution or development of zakat assets. Second, as a consequence, taxes that have been paid through central BAZNAS or regional BAZNAS can reduce taxable assets. Third, BAZNAS has the power to recommend LAZ as well as supervise LAZ's performance at all levels, and the results are reported to BAZNAS.
Polyethyleneimine-impregnated alkali treated waste bamboo powder for effective dye removal
Authors: Zhang Jian , Lu Wenjing , Li Hui , Zhan Siyan , Wang Ximo , Ma Changpo , Qiu Zumin
Published: February 2021

In this study, the polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified waste bamboo powder (WBP-Na-PEI) was successfully prepared and applied to adsorbing Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solution. The obtained materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that WBP-Na-PEI(1.8 K-5) was synthesized successfully and PEI uniformly covered the WBP-Na-PEI(1.8 K-5) surface. In the process of adsorption, four kinds of influencing factors were discussed, and the adsorption mechanisms such as kinetics, isotherm, thermodynamics were explored. The maximum adsorption capacity of WBP-Na-PEI(1.8 K-5) was 992.94 mg·g−1 at 298 ± 1 K, and the removal efficiency was over 98%. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models were studied, the results showed that the adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order model, and the rate of this process was controlled by many steps. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of the adsorption kinetics reached 85% within 10 minutes. The results of the isotherm model and thermodynamics showed that the adsorption process was consistent with the Langmuir model and was mainly a spontaneous chemical endothermic process of monolayer. And the removal efficiency of the adsorbent reached 93% at the concentration of 400 mg/L, which can be expected to have a broad prospect in the treatment of CR industrial wastewater.
Effects of untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater discharges on the spatial and temporal variability of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from different streams in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Renato P. , Alves Luiz Felipe P. , de Cerqueira Clara B. , Mombrini Letícia M. , Ferreira Heitor Breno P.
Published: February 2021

Increasing atmospheric N2O concentrations is of great environmental concern due to the role of this gas in climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction. Nitrogen-enriched lotic water bodies are significant sources of N2O. However, N2O emissions from rivers and streams, particularly those that receive untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater discharge, are poorly understood, especially in Brazil. The present study investigated the effects of the discharge of untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater on the spatial–temporal variability of N2O emissions from different streams in Ilha Grande, located within the Abraão hydrographic system, in southeastern Brazil. Estimated N2O fluxes determined in Abraão streams and upstream of the urbanized stretch ranged from 18.4 and 96.5 μg N m−2 h−1. Inside the urbanized stretch, estimated N2O fluxes ranged from 110 to 561 μg N m−2 h−1 under non-limited dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions and 133 to 2,229 μg N m−2 h−1 under hypoxic conditions (DO < 2 mg O2 L−1). High spatial and temporal variability in N2O emissions were noted, with the highest emissions in Abraão urban areas. Therefore, the differences observed between N2O fluxes from the studied streams at Abraão seem to be associated with different lotic water body conditions, such as availability of reactive N and DO.
Application of hybrid electrocoagulation–filtration methods in the pretreatment of marine aquaculture wastewater
Authors: Xu Jianping , Du Yishuai , Qiu Tianlong , Zhou Li , Li Ye , Chen Fudi , Sun Jianming
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to provide technical means and data support for enhancing the filtration pretreatment capacity of a recirculating aquaculture system. A continuous flow electrocoagulation (EC)–filtration system was designed and its application in the pretreatment of marine aquaculture wastewater was studied. The influences of anode combination modes, hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of the EC reactor and filter pore sizes on the water treatment capacity were investigated. Results showed that EC could significantly enhance the treatment efficiency of the filtration equipment used in subsequent steps. Al-Fe electrodes used as anode led to better processing capacity of this system, and the optimum anode was 3Al + Fe. With the increase of HRT and decrease of filter pore size, the enhanced effect of the EC process on the filter was more obvious. When the current density was 19.22 A/m2, the anode was 3Al + Fe, the HRT was 4.5 min and the filter pore size was 45 μm, the removal efficiency of the system for Vibrio, chemical oxygen demand, total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) and total nitrogen was 69.55 ± 0.93%, 48.99 ± 1.42%, 57.06 ± 1.28%, 34.09 ± 2.27%, 18.47 ± 1.88% and 55.26 ± 1.42%, respectively, and the energy consumption was (26.25 ± 4.95) × 10−3kWh/m3.
B. PASTERNAK’S “MY SISTER — LIFE” IN HERMENEUTIC RECEPTION
Authors: Barykin Alexey V.
Published: February 2021

The relevance of this article lies in the hermeneutic approach to the analysis of a literary work, the verbal images of which are explicitly or implicitly oriented towards the traditional, mythical-sacred, and metaphysical semantic certainty. This work also presents a psychoanalytic interpretation of some images and examines the peculiarities of the poetics of the motive structure, figurative dominants, and lyrical plots, as well as their cyclic and dynamic orientation in the semantization of the text space and its allegorical code. Particular attention is paid to identifying the creative character of the lyrical hero, their ontological-existential state, which goes back to the primordial primogeniture of man and natural phenomena.
Among the specific features of poetics, the metaphoricity of the artistic word attracts most attention, cultivating the identity of existential and subjective-emotional manifestations — which gives rise to the effect of the personality of artistic ontology: signs of the originality of the author’s vision. The hermeneutic reception in the work is complicated by the phenomenological reading of the reflexive practice of the lyrical subject, which determines the dynamics of the figurative development.
In terms of methodology, the intertextual approach is actualized, which allows revealing the situation of the poet’s dialogue with literary and mythical-religious traditions.
Administration of Antioxidants in Infertile Male: When it may have a Detrimental Effect?
Authors: Dimitriadis Fotios , Symeonidis Evangelos N. , Tsounapi Panagiota , Kaltsas Aris , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Sokolakis Ioannis , Zachariou Athanasios , Takenaka Atsushi , Sofikitis Nikolaos
Published: February 2021

Background & Objective:

Significant advances in the field of male infertility have been witnessed
during the last years. Given the well-known detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the administration
of antioxidants has emerged as a promising solution for oxidative stress (OS)-induced male infertility. Nevertheless,
this perception seems largely oversimplified, and the existing literature fails to recognize a notable superiority
of the excessive use of these widely available nutritional compounds. Taking into consideration that several
trials have shed light on the so-called “antioxidant paradox” phenomenon, we recognize that over-the-counter
consumption of such supplements might be harmful.

Method:

The relevant studies indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases, published until September 2019 were identified and reported.

Conclusion:

In this setting, we acknowledge that there is an urgent need for more elaborate studies in the future
that will efficiently elucidate the risks and benefits of antioxidants on semen parameters and their impact on fertility
potential.
The Emergence of Immune-checkpoint Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ghidini Michele , Fusco Nicola , Salati Massimiliano , Khakoo Shelize , Tomasello Gianluca , Petrelli Fausto , Trapani Dario , Petrillo Angelica
Published: February 2021

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape in a number of solid tumors.
In colorectal cancer, evidence suggests that microsatellite high (MSI-H) tumors are the most responsive
to immune checkpoint blockade due to increased neo-antigen load and a favorable tumor
microenvironment. Indeed, Pembrolizumab now represents a first-line option in such patients. However,
MSI-H tumors represent the minority and a proportion of patients’ progress despite initially
responding. Trials are investigating different immunotherapy combinatorial strategies to enhance
immune response in less immunogenic colorectal tumors. Such strategies include dual immune
checkpoint blockade, combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with other treatment modalities
such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other biological or targeted agents. Moreover, there is an increasing
drive to identify biomarkers to better select patients most likely to respond to immunotherapy
and understand intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. Apart from MSI-H tumors, there
is a strong rationale to suggest that tumors with alterations in DNA polymerase epsilon and DNA
polymerase delta are also likely to respond to immunotherapy and trials in this subpopulation are
underway. Other strategies such as priming O6-methylguanineDNA methyltransferase silenced tumors
with alkylating agents to make them receptive to immune checkpoint blockade are also being
investigated. Here we discuss different colorectal subpopulations together with their likelihood of
response to immune checkpoint blockade and strategies to overcome barriers to a successful clinical
outcome. We summarize evidence from published clinical trials and provide an overview of
trials in progress whilst discussing newer immunotherapy strategies such as adoptive cell therapies
and cancer vaccines.
Homology Modelling and Virtual Screening of 3-deoxy-D-mannooctulosonic Acid Transferase of Aeromonas hydrophila as a Potential Target for Novel Natural Inhibitory Compounds
Authors: Payal P.S. , Jahageerdar Shrinivas , Kumar Sanath H. , Prasad Burra V.L.S
Published: February 2021

Background:

The fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila is fast acquiring resistance to
commonly employed antibiotics in aquaculture. This development has compelled the aquaculture
sector to identify and develop new therapeutics to manage the pathogen.

Methods:

In this study, the protein 3-deoxy-d-manno-2-octulosonic acid (Kdo) transferase of A.
hydrophila involved in the biosynthesis of the cell wall was studied in-silico as a potential drug
target to control this pathogen. The three-dimensional structure of Kdo transferase was predicted by
homology modelling using the Modellar 9.15. A total of 7682 natural compounds and 55 known
Gram-negative bacterial inhibitors were virtually screened. Laboratory evaluation of inhibitory
effects of identified inhibitors against A. hydrophila was performed using extracts from tea leaves
and Astragalus by standard disc diffusion method.

Results:

A molecular model of putative virulence factor Kdo was derived by homology modelling.
Eleven compounds were found to be potential inhibitors of Kdo. Among natural compounds, LArabinose
and Flavan-3,4-diol were identified as the putative therapeutic agents. In the disc diffusion
test, the zones of inhibition were observed at 2 mg/ml concentrations for tea leaves extracts and
8 mg/ml for Astragalus, suggesting the inhibitory effects of these extracts.

Conclusion:

The study shows the utility of essential enzymes such as the protein Kdo transferase as
a putative drug target and the potential application of natural compounds in the control of pathogens
in aquaculture without the need to use synthetic antimicrobial compounds.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its Synthetic Precursors: A Review
Authors: Shaik Rafi , Rao H. Surya Prakash
Published: February 2021

:

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an extremely important drug used for treatment of various ailments. WHO listed it as one of the essential drugs. Utility of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as prophylaxis of COVID19, although debated, is well known. We have reviewed synthetic strategies for industrial and academic synthesis of HCQ and its key intermediates like 4,7-dichloroquinoline (4,7-DCQ) and 2-((4-aminopentyl)(ethyl)amino)ethan-1-ol 9 (aka hydroxynovaldiamine; HNDA). The review is expected to provide the right perspective of the state-of-the-art knowledge in this field so that further developments are possible.
Prognostic Impact of Red Cell Distribution Width on the Development of
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy, Major Adverse Cardiac Events, and Mortality
in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary
Intervention
Authors: Latif Azka , Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Lateef Noman , Kapoor Vikas , Fazeel Hafiz Muhammad , Razzaq Faryal , Iftikhar Ahmad , Ashfaq Muhammad Zubair , Anwer Faiz , Mirza Mohsin , Kabach Amjad
Published: February 2021

:

Red cell distribution width (RDW) serves as an independent predictor towards the prognosis
of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
(PCI). A systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane
library was performed on October 10th, 2019, to elaborate the relationship between RDW and in
hospital and long term follow up, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, major adverse cardiac
events (MACE) and development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with CAD undergoing
PCI. Twenty-one studies qualified this strict selection criterion (number of patients =
56,425): one study was prospective, and the rest were retrospective cohorts. Our analysis showed
that patients undergoing PCI with high RDW had a significantly higher risk of in-hospital all-cause
mortality (OR 2.41), long-term all-cause mortality (OR 2.44), cardiac mortality (OR 2.65), MACE
(OR: 2.16), and odds of developing CIN (OR: 1.42) when compared to the patients with low
RDW. Therefore, incorporating RDW in the predictive models for the development of CIN,
MACE, and mortality can help in triage to improve the outcomes in coronary artery disease patients
who undergo PCI.
Quality of Life in Patients with β-thalassemia Major: Short-term and Long-term Effects After Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhai Lu , Liu Yuhua , Huo Rongrui , Pan Zhaofang , Bin Juan , Li Zhi , Tang Qiaomei , Fan Jing
Published: February 2021

Background:

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ALLO-HSCT) is a
potentially curative approach to treat β-thalassemia major (β-TM).

Objective and Methods:

To assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with β-TM after ALLO-HSCT,
we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and MEDLINE for articles on the quality of
life (QOL) of patients with β-TM from 1 Feb 2020 to 31 Mar 2020.

Results:

Our review revealed that the QOL of patients with β-TM after ALLO-HSCT from a sibling
donor is higher than that of patients that received blood infusion and iron-chelating therapy.
Survivors of ALLO-HSCT have a QOL as good as that of a healthy population and the ability to return
to normal life. However, studies thus far are limited to investigations with a few patients with
β-TM who received ALLO-HSCT of the bone marrow (BM) from a sibling donor or related donor.
Graft vs. host disease, patient age, gender, sexual desire, health condition, psychological state, financial
and employment stress, and social support contributed to a worse QOL after ALLO-HSCT.
Medicine usage, physical therapy, and psychological intervention may help improve the decline in
QOL related to ALLO-HSCT in patients with β-TM.

Conclusion:

Doctors and nurses must focus on implementing medicine usage, physical therapy,
and psychological intervention to improve the decline in QOL related to ALLO-HSCT.
Key Epigenetic Events Involved in the Maintenance of Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Pourmahdi Mahsa , Saber Ali , Rajabi Ali , Abdolahi Sepehr , Ebrahimi Pirooz , Safaralizadeh Reza
Published: February 2021

Background:

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors
and play significant roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, resistance to treatment, and relapse. They
are defined by self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation, and aggressiveness. Epigenetic modifications,
including DNA methylation and acetylation, histone modifications, and non-coding.
RNAs (ncRNAs), are partly responsible for CSC potentials and are involved in the modification of
key components of crucial pathways such as Notch and Wnt signaling in breast cancer.

Objective:

In this review, we present an overview of the pathways and epigenetic events that lead
to the transformation of mammary gland stem cells to breast CSCs (BCSCs). Based on the data presented
here, important pathways such as TGF-β/SMAD2 and Wnt/β-catenin and epigenetic modifications,
including histone modifications, DNA methylations, and microRNAs, play important roles
in BCSC formation and maintenance.

Conclusion:

Epigenetic events can alter the expression of genes and functional RNAs, resulting in
tumor initiation and progression. Thus, a better understanding of epigenetic modifications involved
in BCSC maintenance signaling pathways may help to eliminate or suppress BCSCs and overcome
cancer by generating more effective and efficient therapeutic agents.
Concise Review; The Recent Methods that Enhance the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Hou Yongchun , Yan Zi , Wu Zhongqi
Published: February 2021

Bone regeneration is a critical problem in modern clinical practice. Osteocytes are the most
abundant cell population of mature adult bone that play a major role in the regulation of bone formation.
In humans, segmental bone defects cannot be repaired by endogenous regenerative mechanisms.
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a promising option for the treatment of difficult segmental
and skeletal defects. BTE requires suitable cell sources with rapid expansion and adequate function,
inducible factors, and scaffolds to successfully regenerate or repair the bone injury. To overcome the
disadvantages of using allogeneic and autologous tissue grafts, stem cell-based therapy has progressed
in regenerative medicine. In the past few decades, numerous attempts have been made to generate osteocytes
by using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to repair and regenerate bone defects. Human induced
pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are PSCs that can self-renew and differentiate into a variety of cell
types. Reprogramming of human somatic cells into hiPSCs provides a new opportunity for regenerative
medicine, cell-based drug discovery, disease modeling, and toxicity assessment. The ability to
differentiate hiPSCs from mesenchymal stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) is essential for treating bone-related
damages and injuries. Several in vitro studies revealed that the cell origin of iPSCs, a combination of
transcription factors, the type of promoter in the vector, transduction methods, scaffolds, differentiating
techniques, and culture medium, may affect the osteogenic differentiation potential of hiPSCs.
This review will focus on several factors that influence the osteogenic differentiation of human iPSCs.
Immunological Mechanism and Clinical Application of PAMP Adjuvants
Authors: Yan Yu , Yao Dan , Li Xiaoyu
Published: February 2021

Background:

The host innate immune system can recognize Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) through Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), thereby initiating innate immune responses and subsequent adaptive immune responses. PAMPs can be developed as a vaccine adjuvant for modulating and optimizing antigen-specific immune responses, especially in combating viral infections and tumor therapy. Although several PAMP adjuvants have been successfully developed they are still lacking in general, and many of them are in the preclinical exploration stage.

Objective:

This review summarizes the research progress and development direction of PAMP adjuvants, focusing on their immune mechanisms and clinical applications.

Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were screened for this information. We highlight the immune mechanisms and clinical applications of PAMP adjuvants.

Results:

Because of the differences in receptor positions, specific immune cells targets, and signaling pathways, the detailed molecular mechanism and pharmacokinetic properties of one agonist cannot be fully generalized to another agonist, and each PAMP should be studied separately. In addition, combination therapy and effective integration of different adjuvants can increase the additional efficacy of innate and adaptive immune responses.

Conclusion:

The mechanisms by which PAMPs exert adjuvant functions are diverse. With continuous discovery in the future, constant adjustments should be made to build new understandings. At present, the goal of therapeutic vaccination is to induce T cells that can specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells and establish long-term immune memory. Following immune checkpoint modulation therapy, cancer treatment vaccines may be an option worthy of clinical testing.
Prediction of Protein-protein Interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana Using Partial Training Samples in a Machine Learning Framework
Authors: Ahmed Fee Faysal , Khatun Mst. Shamima , Mosharaf Md. Parvez , Mollah Md. Nurul Haque
Published: February 2021

Background:

Protein-protein interactions (PPI) play a vital role in a wide range of biological
processes starting from cell-cell interactions to developmental control in all organisms.
However, experimental identification of PPI is often laborious, time-consuming and costly compared
to computational prediction. There are several computational prediction models in the literature
based on complete training samples, but none of them dealt with the partial training samples.

Objective:

The objective of this work was to develop an effective PPI prediction model for Arabidopsis Thaliana using
partial training samples in a machine learning framework.

Methods:

We proposed an effective computational PPI prediction model by combining random
forest (RF) classifier and autocorrelation (AC) sequence encoding features with 1:2 ratio of positive-
PPI and unknown-PPI samples.

Results:

We observed that the proposed prediction model produces the highest average performance
scores of sensitivity (94.62%), AUC (0.92) and pAUC (0.189) with the training datasets
and sensitivity (88.14%), AUC (0.89) and pAUC (0.176) with the test datasets of 5-fold crossvalidation
compared to other candidate predictors based on LDA, LOGI, ADA, NB, KNN & SVM
classifiers. It also computed the highest performance scores of TPR (91.82%) and pAUC (0.174)
at FPR= 20% with AUC (0.948) compared to other candidate predictors.

Conclusion:

Overall performance of the developed model revealed that our proposed predictor
might be useful to elucidate the biological function of unseen PPIs from a large number of candidate
proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana.