bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver enzymes and lipid profile of malaria patients before and after antimalarial drug treatment at Dembia Primary Hospital and Teda Health Center, Northwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Megabiaw Fentahun , Eshetu Tegegne , Kassahun Zeleke , AEMERO MULUGETA
Published: October 2021

Backgroundinfection with malaria in humans involves liver cell destruction, which alters the levels of liver enzymes and lipid profiles. Although a number of studies have been conducted to address the impact of malaria on liver enzymes and lipid profiles, their findings lack consistency and no studies were conducted after antimalarial drug treatment in the Ethiopian context. This study, therefore, is intended to fill this gap. MethodsAn observational cohort study was conducted at Dembia Primary Hospital and Teda Health Center, from June to August 2020. A total of 88 study participants were recruited using random sampling techniques. Socio-demographic data, capillary and venous blood samples were collected from confirmed Plasmodium -infected individuals. Assessment of liver enzymes and lipid profiles was done using Beckman Coulter DC-700 clinical chemistry analyzer. Data were entered using Epi-data and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. One way ANova, independent t-test, and paired t-test were used to compare the mean liver enzymes and lipid profile. A p -value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTSBefore anti-malaria treatment, among 88 malaria-infected study participants, abnormally elevated AST was observed in 87.5% of them. Similarly, elevated ALT, ALP, and TG were observed among 12.5%, 43.2%, and 17.2% of the study subjects, respectively. A lower level of HDL was observed among 87.5% of the study participants, while LDL and TC levels were within the normal range. After anti-malaria treatment,100% of AST, ALT, HDL, and LDL, and 92% of ALP, 94.3% of TC, and 86.4% of TG results were in the normal range. The mean level of AST (39.70±3.55and 55.35±9.6) and ALT (22.11±11.75, and23.24±16.05) results were increased, whereas HDL (28.88±11.63and22.73±14.26) level decreased from low to higher density parasitaemia. The mean level of AST at posttreatment (33.90±15.15) was significantly lower compared to the pretreatment (47.60±9.65). The mean levels of ALT had not altered during pretreatment(23.53±16.28)and posttreatment (23.49±11.10).Moreover, the mean of HDL, LDL, and TC at posttreatment were found to be increased when compared with pretreatment, though it is statistically insignificant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONMalaria parasites could be responsible for increased liver enzymes and certain lipids while decreasing some lipid profiles compared with the normal range. After anti-malaria treatment, these parameters were reversed to normal from 86.4% to 100%. When the mean values are compared, a significant change was observed in AST level while ALT level remains the same. Hence, prompt treatment is important to improve liver enzymes and lipid profile impairment during malaria infection.
Alterations of Thyroid Microbiota Across Different Thyroid Microhabitats in Patients With Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Daofeng , Yan Yang , Yang Yong , Dang Tianfeng , Xiao Jiansheng , Wang Weibin , Teng Lisong , Ye Jing , Jiang Hongqun
Published: October 2021

Background: In recent years, the incidence rate of Thyroid carcinoma(TC) has been increasing worldwide. Thus, research on factors of TC carcinogenesis may promote TC prevention and decrease the incidence rate. There are several studies targeting the correlation between gut microbiota and thyroid disease. Carcinogenesis of several malignancies is influenced by microbiota. However, thyroid microbiome of TC has not been revealed. This study investigated thyroid microbiota in different TC microhabitats. Methods: We performed 16s rRNA gene sequencing using tumor tissues and matched peritumor tissues from 30 patients with TC to characterize thyroid microbiota. Results: The richness and diversity of thyroid microbiota were lower in TC tumor samples than in matched peritumor tissues. At the genus level, the core microbiota of thyroid included Sphingomonas, Comamonas, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Microvirgula, and Soonwooa. The abundance of Sphingomonas and Aeromonas was significantly increased in tumor tissues, while the abundance of Comamonas, Acinetobacter, and Peptostreptococcus was significantly enhanced in peritumor tissues. The combination of Comamonas and Sphingomonas could discriminate tumor samples from peritumor samples with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.981 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.949-1.000). The abundance of Sphingomonas was significantly higher in N1 stage than in N0 stage. Sphingomonas could distinguish between N0 and N1 stage with an AUC of 0.964 (95% CI: 0.907-1.000).Conclusions: The microbial diversity and composition were significantly different between peritumor and tumor microhabitats from patients with TC, which may eventually affect TC carcinogenesis and progression. The combination of Comamonas and Sphingomonas could serve as a powerful biomarker for discrimination between tumor and peritumor tissues. Furthermore, the higher abundance of Sphingomonas was correlated with lymph node metastasis, indicating that it may play a role in promoting TC progression.
Determining the Impacts of Educational Intervention based on PLST Extended Care model on Caregiving Methods and Improved Exposure to Challenging Behaviors of People with Dementia (PWD): A mixed-methods study
Authors: Zamani-Alavijeh Fereshteh , Zahed Shakiba , Emami Maryam , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad , Barekatain Majid , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Eslami Ahmad Ali
Published: October 2021

Background: Psychological events in People with Dementia (PWD) lead to behavioral disorders which require targeted planning for caregivers on how to adapt to these behaviors. Progressively lowered stress threshold (PLST) model provides effective interventions for caregivers to adapt to the behaviors of People with Dementia (PWD). Therefore, this study aims to determine the impacts of educational intervention based on the progressively lowered Stress threshold extended (PLSTE) model on the caregiving of People with Dementia (PWD) in Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This exploratory mixed methods study was initially conducted with a qualitative approach to content analysis type from May 2016 to June 2018. Data were collected in a qualitative stage through in-depth non-structured interviews with 29 People with Dementia (PWD)'s caregivers using the "new comment" command in a word and then analyzed. The researcher designed a multi-sectional questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, knowledge measurement, and monitoring the practice of caregivers. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by the panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient (knowledge section 0.838 and practice section 0.802). To adjust the intervention program, the educational content based on the PLSTE model was used for 38 caregivers available at two elderly nursing centers in Isfahan. The data were collected immediately and one month after the educational intervention using a questionnaire. Results: According to the results of the qualitative section of this study, the researcher was able to add a cultural and belief class, and then the related Intervention method to the PLST model. In the quantitative part, paired t-test indicated that the mean scores of knowledge, caregiving practice, and exposure to Challenging Behaviors (CB) in all dimensions of practice immediately and one a month after intervention were significantly higher than the mean scores before intervention (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Considering the impacts of this intervention, educating the caregivers with PLST extended the care model is recommended, with a specific focus on cultural and traditional issues of the society, to improve knowledge and practice of caregivers in caregiving skills and appropriate exposure to Challenging Behaviors People with Dementia (CBPWD).
The Management of Lichen Sclerosus Urethral Strictures by 3 Different Techniques: a single-center surgical algorithm based on the evaluation of corpus spongiosum
Authors: Zheng Dachao , Xie Minkai , Wan Xiang , Mao Yuanshen , Yao Haijun , Wang Zhong
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of unknown cause which occurs in the male genital area and can affect the external genital and the anterior urethra. Nowdays, urethral stricture associated with LS is still a challenge to urologists and different surgical options are employed according to surgeons’ personal preferences. In this study, we report our experience of surgical treatments for genital lichen sclerosus urethral stricture and try to share our surgical algorithm. MethodsBetween March 2013 and March 2018, 55 patients with LS urethral strictures underwent three different surgical techniques including of Kulkarni technique, Bracka technique and perineal urethrostomy (PU). Approaches were chosen according to the evaluation of the degree of spongiofibrosis and patients’ wishes. ResultsThe overall success rate was 74.55%. Kulkarni technique was performed in 37 patients with a success rate of 78.38%. 12 patients who were planned for staged substitution urethroplasty, developed a 50% success rate, including 3 local graft contractures following the first stage, 2 fistulas and 1 dehiscence following the urethroplasty respectively. PU was chosen as the primary treatment in 6 patients and performed as salvage surgery on 4 patients, which resulted a 100% success rate. Comparing to the Kulkarni and Bracka techniques, PU offers the highest degree of success and could be considered as a final salvage for all patients and statistic difference was found between three techniques (P=0.0082). ConclusionThe staged urethroplasty by excising corpus spongiosum consumed more cost of time and money but could not provide similar therapeutic effects as the Kulkarni technique and PU. Therefore, the evaluation of corpus spongiosum is a necessary step in the surgical decision making which can make surgeons avoid unsuitable decisions and improve the success rate.
The Political Economy of Priority-Setting for Health in South Sudan: A Case Study of The Health Pooled Fund
Authors: Widdig Heloise , Tromp Noor , Lutwama George William , Jacobs Eelco
Published: October 2021

Objective

In fragile and conflict affected settings (FCAS) such as South Sudan, where health needs are immense, resources are scarce, health infrastructure is rudimentary or damaged, and government stewardship is weak, adequate health intervention priority-setting is especially important. There is a scarcity of research examining priority-setting in FCAS and the related political economy. Yet, capturing these dynamics is important to develop context-specific guidance for priority-setting. The objective of this study is to analyze the priority-setting practices in the Health Pooled Fund (HPF) of South Sudan using a political economy perspective.
Methods

A mixed methods study was conducted combining document review, 30 stakeholder interviews, and a quantitative assessment of service delivery. An adapted version of the Walt and Gilson policy analysis triangle guided the study’s design and analysis.
Results

Priority-setting in the context of HPF takes place throughout program design, implementing partner (IP) contract negotiation, and implementation of the service package. The National Basic Package does not provide adequate guidance because it is too expansive and unrealistic given financial and health system constraints. Furthermore, power asymmetries between actors are pronounced. At the local level, IPs must manage the competing interests of the HPF program and local health authorities as well as challenging contextual factors, including conflict and shortages of skilled health workers, which eventually affect service provision. The resulting priority-setting process remains implicit, scarcely documented, and primarily driven by donors’ interests.
Conclusion

This study highlights power asymmetries between donors and national health authorities within a FCAS context, which drive a priority-setting process that is dominated by donor agendas and leave little room for government ownership. These findings emphasize the importance of paying attention to the influence of stakeholders and their interests on the priority-setting process in FCAS.
Ultrasensitive Dynamic Light Scattering Immunosensing Platform for NT-ProBNP Detection Using Boronate Affinity Amplification
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Ding Lu , Chen Jing , Fu Jinhua , Zhu Kang , Guo Qian , Huang Xiaolin , Xiong Yonghua
Published: October 2021

Herein, we reported a new dynamic light scattering (DLS) immunosensing technology for the rapid and sensitive detection of glycoprotein N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). In this design, the boronate affinity recognition based on the interaction of boronic acid ligands and cis-diols was for the first time introduced to amplify the nanoparticle aggregation for enabling highly sensitive DLS transduction, thereby lowering the limit of detection (LOD) of the methodology. After covalently coupling with antibodies, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were employed as the nanoprobes to selectively capture trace amount of NT-proBNP from complex samples and facilitate DLS signal transduction. Meanwhile, silica nanoparticles modified with phenylboronic acid (SiO2@PBA) were designed as the crosslinking agent to bridge the aggregation of MNPs in the presence of target NT-proBNP. Owing to the multivalent and fast affinity recognition between NT-proBNP containing cis-diols and SiO2@PBA, the developed DLS immunosensor exhibited charming advantages over traditional immunoassays, including ultrahigh sensitivity with an LOD of 7.4 fg mL−1, fast response time (< 20 min), and small sample consumption (1 µL). The DLS immunosensor was further characterized with good selectivity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and practicability. Collectively, this work demonstrated the promising application of the designed boronate affinity amplified-DLS immunosensor for field or point-of-care testing of cis-diol-containing molecules.
Gaps in neonatal thermal care in low-resource settings: A web-based survey of healthcare workers.
Authors: Kyokan Michiko , Jirapaet Veena , Rosa-Mangeret Flavia , Pisoni Giorgia Brambilla , Pfister Riccardo E
Published: October 2021

Objective
To explore the gaps in knowledge and practice in neonatal thermal care among healthcare workers in low-resource settings.
Methods
We conducted a 2-round, web-based survey of a purposive and snowball sample of healthcare workers in neonatal care in low-resource settings globally. The questionnaire was developed using themes of neonatal thermal care extracted from existing neonatal care guidelines, including WHO’s. The survey asked multiple-choice questions, supplemented by open-ended questions to capture first hand insights and information on neonatal thermal care. Results of the survey were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Data was collated and summarized using descriptive measures.
Results
Almost all participants acknowledged the importance of all the WHO warm chain elements, however, fewer participants responded positively regarding the practice of this warm chain. Only 56% of the participants acknowledged the usefulness of checking the peripheral temperature by hand-touch. The usefulness of the core temperature was valued higher than that of the peripheral temperature as an indicator of cold stress, with 70% and 58% agreement, respectively. Opinions diverged regarding the peripheral temperatures, including apparent inaccuracy compared to rectal or axillary temperature. Preferences on rewarming strategies widely differed among participants and so did the availability of warming equipment in their institutions.
Conclusions
We identified the general acknowledgment of the importance of the WHO warm chain but also its limited practice. We also identified that an inadequate understanding of cold stress underestimates the potential benefits of peripheral temperatures and leads to missed opportunities for timely prevention of hypothermia. Furthermore, lack of consistent guidance on equipment for rewarming hypothermic neonates hampers recovery.
Comparison Between Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio And Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index As Predictors Of One-Year Survival In Patients With Untreated Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hasan Irsan , Lutfie Lutfie , Rinaldi Ikhwan , Kurniawan Juferdy , Loho Imelda Maria
Published: October 2021

Background
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) generally only come for treatment when cancer has reached an advanced stage, with very limited treatment options. There has not been an accurate predictor marker to be able to identify which group of patients may have better survival. This study wanted to analyze the role of the inflammatory status indices as predictors of one-year survival in patients with advanced HCC who did not undergo therapy.
Methods
This study has a retrospective cohort design using secondary data on subjects with advanced HCC who did not undergo therapy at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Dharmais Hospital. The Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were evaluated for their role as predictors of one-year survival based on the Area Under Receiving Operator Curve (AUROC). The best optimal cutoff for NLR and SII was decided based on the Youden index, followed by survival analysis based on those cutoffs. Confounding factors were analyzed with multivariate cox regression analysis.
Results
A total of 196 subjects were included in the data analysis. One-year survival was 6.6%, with a median survival of 56 days (95% CI: 46-67). The NLR had a discriminatory ability based on AUROC of 0.667 (95% CI: 0.536-0.798; p = 0.044), with the optimal cut-off point to differentiate survival was 3.7513. The SII has a discriminatory ability based on AUROC of 0.766 (95% CI: 0.643-0.889; p = 0.001), with the optimal cut-off point to distinguish survival was 954.4782. SII had superiority in discriminatory ability (p = 0.0415).
Conclusions
The discriminatory ability based on AUROC of SII was better than that of NLR in predicting one-year survival in patients with advanced HCC who did not undergo therapy.
External Fixator Safe Removal Supplementally Assessed by Mechanical Test
Authors: Liu Yanshi , Jia Qiyu , Cai Feiyu , Liu Kai , Zhang Tao , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: October 2021

Background: Timing the fixator removal is vital for a successful external fixation treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of axial load-share ratio in vivo as a supplemental decision support tool for the safe removal of an Ilizarov external fixator.Methods: This prospective observational study consists of 83 patients undergoing tibial or femoral lengthening with Ilizarov circular external fixation in our institution, from January 2011 to October 2019. In group Ⅰ (38 patients), the external fixator was removed based on the surgeon’s clinical experience and radiographs from January 2011 to June 2015. In group Ⅱ (45 patients), from July 2015 to October 2019, the supplemental axial load-share (LS) ratio test was accomplished without the knowledge of the clinical results by another medical team. The test was performed by electronically measuring forces in the fixator rods and in a ground force plate. When the LS ratio < 10% was consistent with the conclusion (dense bone formation was achieved in the distraction zone) drawn from the corresponding routine radiographs by the treating surgeon, the external fixator was removed.Results: There was no statistical significance in demographic data between the two groups (P>0.05). In group Ⅰ, 4 of the 38 patients suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 10.5%) after fixator removal, and bone union was finally achieved with further intervention by intramedullary nail. In group Ⅱ, 36 patients terminated the external fixation after the first mechanical test, and another 9 patients terminated the external fixation at the subsequent test. None of the 45 patients in group Ⅱ suffered refracture (the refracture rate was 0%). There was statistical significance in the refracture rate between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusions: Adequate assessment of bone regenerate is crucial before removing an external fixator to prevent deformation or refracture. The axial load-share ratio in vivo is a practically quantitative method to supplement radiography and clinical experience for the assessment of regenerate healing, and the axial load-share ratio dropped below 10% is a safe limit for the Ilizarov external fixator removal.
Amino Acid Sensor GCN2 Promotes SARS-CoV-2 Receptor ACE2 Expression in Response to Amino Acid Deprivation
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Niu Yuguo , Luo Peixiang , Xiao Fei , Yuan Feixiang , Yin Hanrui , Chen Shanghai , Guo Feifan
Published: October 2021

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a primary receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we investigated the expression regulation of ACE2 in enterocytes under amino acid deprivation conditions. In this study, we confirmed that ACE2 protein was highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells in mice and found that ACE2 expression was upregulated upon all or only an essential amino acid deprivation in human colonic epithelial CCD841 cells. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) reduced intestinal ACE2 mRNA and protein levels in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, we revealed two GCN2 inhibitors, GCN2iB and GCN2-IN-1, downregulated ACE2 protein expression in CCD841 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that increased ACE2 expression in response to leucine deprivation was GCN2 dependent. Through RNA-seq analysis, we identified that two novel transcription factors, MAFB and MAFF, positively regulated ACE2 expression under leucine deprivation in CCD841 cells. These findings demonstrate that amino acid deficiency increases ACE2 expression and thereby likely aggravates intestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Strain-level Screening of Human Gut Microbes Identifies Blautia Producta as a Novel Anti-hyperlipidemic Probiotic Via the Production of 12-methylmyristic Acid
Authors: Wu Chongming , Xu Wenyi , Yu Jiaqi , Li Zhuanyu , Zhang Yinghui , Zhang Fang , Yang Yanan , Wang Qingshi , Xie Yong , Zhao Bowen
Published: October 2021

Background: Compelling evidence has linked the commensal gut microbiota to human metabolic syndromes and provided new therapeutic potentials against diseases, such as hyperlipidemia. However, the precise regulatory effect of each bacterial species on human lipid homeostasis remains largely unknown.Results: We set up a cell-based high-throughput screening platform and screened 2250 human gut bacterial strains from 186 species for the lipid-decreasing activity in HepG2 cells, in which 388 strains steadily inhibited lipid accumulation. Different strains in the same species usually displayed distinct lipid-modulatory actions, revealing an obvious strain-specificity. Blautia producta, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum contained a much higher portion of hypolipidemic strains. Among all the tested strains, the mucosal bacterium Blautia producta exhibited the most potency to suppress lipid accumulation, and gavage of live Bl. producta effectively ameliorated hyperlipidemia in mice. 12-Methylmyristic acid (12-MMA) was identified as an important active metabolite of Bl. producta by pan-genomics and comparative metabolomics, which exerted potent anti-hyperlipidemic effect in vivo and activated G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), thus stimulating white adipose tissue browning.Conclusions: Together, these data reveal a previously unreported large-scale lipid-modulatory profile of gut microbes at the strain level, and raise the possibility of developing therapeutics based on Bl. producta and microbial metabolite 12-MMA to treat hyperlipidemia.
ZNF582 Methylation Predicts Better Radiotherapy Response of Cervical Cancer and ZNF582 Overexpression Reduces Radiosensitivity by Arresting the Cell Cycle in S Phase
Authors: Wu Nayiyuan , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhu Miaochen , Fang Chao , Liu Xiaoting , Wang Ying , Li He , Liu Siye , Ting Hong , Qin Chongzhen , Liao Qianjin , Cai JingTing , Wang Jing
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Our previous studies identified ZNF582 methylation (ZNF582m) level as a useful biomarker for cervical cancer screening, detection, and prognosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between ZNF582m level and cervical cancer radiotherapy sensitivity and its underlying mechanism.Patients and Methods: This was a prospective multicenter clinical study, included two independent cohorts locally advanced cervical cancer patients. Exfoliated cervical cancer cells were collected pre-treatment and during treatment (after 24, 30, 36, 48, and 64 Gy) to test ZNF582m level, radiotherapy response evaluated according to RECIST Version. Results: In the first cohort, 22 cases achieved satisfied response, 28 exhibited modest response. Radiotherapy reduced ZNF582m level among all patients. Baseline ZNF582m was significantly higher in the satisfied response cases than in modest response cases, also, patients with high baseline ZNF582m (ZNF582m-high, n = 21) were more sensitive to radiotherapy than ZNF582m-low patients (n = 29), as evidenced by greater satisfied response rate (76.2% vs. 20.7%). An independent cohort confirmed above results. The magnitude of ZNF582m reduction was associated with a radiotherapeutic response, a subset of ZNF582m-low patients (5 of 28) exhibiting a transient increase in ZNF582m demonstrated greater radiosensitivity than other ZNF582m-low patients. ZNF582 overexpression induced cell cycle arrest in S phase.Conclusion: High ZNF582m level predicts better cervical cancer radiosensitivity, ZNF582 overexpression reduces radiosensitivity by cell cycle arrest.
Modes of the BiOS-driven Adriatic Sea thermohaline variability
Authors: Denamiel Cléa Lumina , Tojčić Iva , Pranić Petra , Vilibić Ivica
Published: October 2021

In this study the impact of the Adriatic-Ionian Bimodal Oscillating System (BiOS) on the interannual to decadal variability of the Adriatic Sea thermohaline circulation is quantified during the 1987-2017 period with the numerical results of the Adriatic Sea and Coast (AdriSC) historical kilometer-scale climate simulation. The time series associated with the first five Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs) computed from the salinity, temperature and current speed monthly detrended anomalies at 1-km resolution are correlated to the BiOS signal. First, it is found that the AdriSC climate model is capable to reproduce the BiOS-driven phases derived from in-situ observations along a long-term monitoring transect in the middle Adriatic. Then, for the entire Adriatic basin, high correlations to the 2-year delayed BiOS signal are obtained for the salinity and current speed first two EOF time series at 100 m depth and the sea-bottom Finally, the physical interpretation of the EOF spatial patterns reveals that Adriatic bottom temperatures are more influenced by the dense water circulation than the BiOS. These findings confirmed and generalized the known dynamics derived previously from observations, and the AdriSC climate model can thus be used to better understand the past and future BiOS-driven physical processes in the Adriatic Sea.
Noncanonical Wnt5a/JNK Signaling Contributes to the Development of D-Gal/LPS-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Ji Xiang-fen , Fan Yu-chen , Sun Fei , Wang Jing-wei , wang kai
Published: October 2021

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a deadly clinical disorder with few effective treatments and unclear pathogenesis. In our previous study, we demonstrated that aberrant Wnt5a expression was involved in acute on chronic liver failure. However, the role of Wnt5a in ALF is unknown. We investigated the expression of Wnt5a and its downstream signaling of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a mouse model of ALF established by co-injection of D-galactosamine (D-Gal) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in C57BL/6 mice. We also investigated the role of Box5, a Wnt5a antagonist in vivo. Moreover, the effect of Wnt5a/JNK signaling on downstream inflammatory cytokines expression, phagocytosis and migration in THP-1 macrophages was studied in vitro. Aberrant Wnt5a expression and JNK activation were detected in D-Gal/LPS-induced ALF mice. Box5 pretreatment reversed JNK activation, and eventually decreased the mortality rate of D-Gal/LPS-treated mice with reduced hepatic necrosis and apoptosis, serum ALT and AST levels, and liver inflammatory cytokines expression, although the last was not significant. We further demonstrated that recombined Wnt5a (rWnt5a) induced tumor necrosis α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression, and increased the phagocytosis ability of THP-1 macrophages in a JNK-dependent manner, which could be restored by Box5. In addition, rWnt5a-induced migration of THP-1 macrophages was also turned by Box5. Our findings suggested that Wnt5a/JNK signaling play important role in the development of ALF, and Box5 could have particular hepatoprotecive effects in ALF.
Genomic Selection Using Environmental Covariates Within an Integrated Factor Analytic Linear Mixed Model
Authors: Tolhurst Daniel , Gaynor R. Chris , Gardunia Brian , Hickey John , Gorjanc Gregor
Published: October 2021

This paper introduces a single-stage genomic selection approach which directly integrates environmental covariates within a special factor analytic framework. The factor analytic approach of Smith et al. (2001) is an effective method of analysis for multi-environment trial (MET) datasets, but has limited biological interpretation since the underlying factors are latent so the modelled genotype by environment interaction (GEI) is observable, rather than predictable. The advantage of using known environmental covariates, such as soil moisture and daily temperature, is that the modelled GEI becomes directly interpretable, and thence predictable. This paper develops a model for both predictable and observable GEI in terms of a joint set of known and latent factors, as well as non-genetic sources of variation within trials and environments. This single-stage approach is referred to as the integrated factor analytic linear mixed model (IFA-LMM). The IFA-LMM is demonstrated on a late-stage cotton breeding MET dataset from Bayer Crop Science. The results show that the environmental covariates explain 34.6% of the genetic variance across environments (compared to only 23.3% for a conventional regression model). This represents 92.7% of the crossover GEI. The latent factors then explain 40.7% of the genetic variance, which represents 87.6% of the non-crossover GEI. This demonstrates the ability of the IFA-LMM to model crossover and non-crossover GEI in a manner that is both informative and practical to plant breeding.
WISATA SYARIAH DALAM UPAYA PENGEMBANGAN EKONOMI KREATIF BERBASIS POTENSI LOKAL
Authors: Wahyuni Titi
Published: October 2021

Abstrak: Wisata Syariah sebagai salah satu pilihan dalam koridor pariwisata perlu dikembangkan di masyarakat lokal. Tidak semua daerah memiliki anugerah berupa potensi lokal yang menarik untuk peruntukan pariwisata. Kondisi alam dapat dimanfaatkan untuk memunculkan ide-ide kreatif dalam upaya pengembangan ekonomi kreatif berbasis pariwisata. DIY dengan wisata budaya kearifan lokal dan Jateng dengan wisata peninggalan sejarah Islam Wali Sanga. Penelitian ini bermaksud untuk melihat destinasi dan produk pariwisata yang ditawarkan di DIY-Jateng yang berpotensi untuk dikembangkan menjadi pariwisata syariah, bagaimana pengelolaan pariwisata selama pandemi COVID-19, serta rekomendasi pengelolaan potensi wisata syariah yang semestinya dilakukan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian deskriptif (descriptive research).  Hasilnya, (1) destinasi dan produk pariwisata yang ditawarkan di DIY dan Jateng yang berpotensi untuk dikembangkan menjadi pariwisata syariah dibedakan menjadi dua secara terintegrasi dan secara terpisah; (2) pengelolaan pariwisata di tengah pandemi COVID-19 dilakukan secara terbatas, buka-tutup untuk pengunjung lokal; dan (3) saran yang dapat diterapkan dalam pengelolaan pariwisata syariah DIY-Jateng adalah adanya infrastruktur yang nyaman dan aman, promosi yang masif, sistem website yang terintegrasi, ketersediaan informasi yang memadai, serta kerjasama antar pemerintah provinsi dan masyarakat setempat dalam melestarikan destinasi wisata syariah yang ada.
Kata Kunci: Wisata Syariah; Ekonomi Kreatif; DIY-Jateng; Pengelolaan Pariwisata.
 
Abstract: Halal Tourism is the first choice that developed by the local community. Not all regions have an interesting local gift for tourism. Natural conditions give rise to creative ideas in the efforts to develop a tourism-based creative economy. DIY has cultural tourism of local wisdom and Central Java has tourism relics of Islamic history Wali Sanga. This study intends to see tourism destinations and products offered in DIY-Jateng which are potential to result the halal tourism products, how to manage tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recommendations for halal tourism proper management. This research used a descriptive research approach. As a result, (1) tourism destinations and products offered in DIY and Central Java that potentially to result Syariah tourism products are divided into two integrated and separated; (2) tourism management during the COVID-19 pandemic is conducted on a limited basis, open-close for local visitors; and (3) recommendations that can be applied in the management of Syariah tourism DIY-Jateng is the existence of a comfortable and safe infrastructure, massive promotion, integrated website system, availability of adequate information, as well as cooperation between provincial governments and local communities in preserving existing Syariah tourism destinations.
Keywords: Syariah tourism; creative economy; DIY-Jateng; tourism management.
UUVs support to naval operations
Authors: Novac Valerian
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the environmental conditions present in the Black Sea basin and, in this view, the opportunity of employment of unmanned underwater platforms, especially in the contested littoral area. The introductory part of the article is presented up to date UUVs platforms in use with their capabilities and limitations. Then, the paper identifies the shortfalls and opportunities to engage unmanned platforms to operate independently or paired with other undersea, surface, unmanned aerial platforms, or fixed arrays. The closing section analyzes the types of payloads, missions, and capabilities of actual vehicles, and some ways ahead are underlined, especially regarding future sensors, weapons, navigation, and underwater communications capabilities.
The influence of the cruise speed on the amplitude of the oscillatory movements of the ship - OCTOPUS software-assisted study
Authors: Manea Grei
Published: October 2021

In their current activity, the officers on board of the ships are interested in the practical ways by which, the complications generated by the sea waves can be overcome and the ship can be safely operated. The paper present a computer-assisted study of the characteristics that define the behaviour of the ship under real navigation conditions (amplitudes of the oscillatory movements, energy spectrum of the ship response to the action of the sea waves) depending on the cruise speed of the ship. OCTOPUS was used as a working tool.
Point‐Injected Phosphorus Effects on Established Cool‐Season Grass Yield and Phosphorus Content
Authors: Gelderman Ron H. , Gerwing James R. , Twidwell Edward
Published: October 2021

Phosphorus applied to established grass has been shown to increase forage yield. However, broadcast P applications could result in more P runoff to surface waters compared with subsurface P application. A field study was conducted to evaluate if subsurface point‐injected P is more effective than surface‐applied P at increasing forage yield and tissue P concentration for established grass. Nine site‐years with very low P soil tests and long‐term (>10 yr) established cool‐season grass stands were utilized. Fertilizer treatments were no fertilizer P and 29 kg P ha−1 [66 kg ha−1 phosphoric oxide (P2O5)] applied on the surface or point‐injected beneath the surface. Fertilizer P significantly increased dry matter yields at four site‐years. Placement of P did not influence forage yields at the P responsive sites, except for one site‐year. Forage P concentration was increased by added P at seven of nine site‐years. Forage P concentrations from point‐injected P treatments were lower compared with broadcast P at five of the seven P responsive site‐years. Results of this study suggest that point‐injected P offers no advantage over surface‐applied P for increasing forage yield or P concentration of established cool‐season grass stands.
Mixed Model Formulations for Multi‐Environment Trials
Authors: Basford K. E. , Federer W. T. , DeLacy I. H.
Published: October 2021

When studying genotype × environment interaction in multi‐environment trials, plant breeders and geneticists often consider one of the effects, environments or genotypes, to be fixed and the other to be random. However, there are two main formulations for variance component estimation for the mixed model situation, referred to as the unconstrained‐parameters (UP) and constrained‐parameters (CP) formulations. These formulations give different estimates of genetic correlation and heritability as well as different tests of significance for the random effects factor. The definition of main effects and interactions and the consequences of such definitions should be clearly understood, and the selected formulation should be consistent for both fixed and random effects. A discussion of the practical outcomes of using the two formulations in the analysis of balanced data from multienvironment trials is presented. It is recommended that the CP formulation be used because of the meaning of its parameters and the corresponding variance components. When managed (fixed) environments are considered, users will have more confidence in prediction for them but will not be overconfident in prediction in the target (random) environments. Genetic gain (predicted response to selection in the target environments from the managed environments) is independent of formulation.
Appropriateness of Management Zones for Characterizing Spatial Variability of Soil Properties and Irrigated Corn Yields across Years
Authors: Schepers Aaron R. , Shanahan John F. , Liebig Mark A. , Schepers James S. , Johnson Sven H. , Luchiari Ariovaldo
Published: October 2021

Recent precision‐agriculture research has focused on use of management zones (MZ) as a method for variable application of inputs like N. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) if landscape attributes could be aggregated into MZ that characterize spatial variation in soil chemical properties and corn yields and (ii) if temporal variability affects expression of yield spatial variability. This work was conducted on an irrigated cornfield near Gibbon, NE. Five landscape attributes, including a soil brightness image (red, green, and blue bands), elevation, and apparent electrical conductivity, were acquired for the field. A georeferenced soil‐sampling scheme was used to determine soil chemical properties (soil pH, electrical conductivity, P, and organic matter). Georeferenced yield monitor data were collected for five (1997–2001) seasons. The five landscape attributes were aggregated into four MZ using principal‐component analysis of landscape attributes and unsupervised classification of principal‐component scores. All of the soil chemical properties differed among the four MZ. While yields were observed to differ by up to 25% between the highest‐ and lowest‐yielding MZ in three of five seasons, receiving average precipitation, less‐pronounced (≤5%) differences were noted among the same MZ in the driest and wettest seasons. This illustrates the significant role temporal variability plays in altering yield spatial variability, even under irrigation. Use of MZ for variable application of inputs like N would only have been appropriate for this field in three out of the five seasons, seriously restricting the use of this approach under variable environmental conditions.
Behavioral models in insurance risk management
Authors: Prokopjeva Evgenija , Tankov Evgeny , Shibaeva Tatyana , Perekhozheva Elena
Published: October 2021

Behavioral characteristics attributed to consumers of insurance services are a relevant factor for analyzing the current situation in the insurance market and developing effective strategies for insurers’ actions. In turn, considering these characteristics allows the insurer to be more successful in the highly competitive field, achieving mutual satisfaction in interacting with the customer. This study is aimed to develop cognitive models of the situation (frame) “Insurance”, taking into account the specifics of the Russian insurance market and systemic factors affecting participants’ behavior in the market. In this regard, the study involves systemizing risks at various levels of the economic system, generalizing factors for the motivation of insurance consumers, developing descriptive and economic-mathematical models for the behavior of economic entities in risky situations.The results obtained represent a behavioral model of interactions among insurance market entities, which determines opportunities for efficient and mutually beneficial coordination of their activities. The developed model includes the following elements: structured individual and institutional frames “Insurance”; a professional index of interest in insurance presented in the form of a mathematical model; methodology for governing the relationships among insurance participants in the digital environment.The recommendations enable predictions of the situation in the insurance market and allow most accurately defining the consumer needs in the conditions of market changes.
Antimicrobial resistance: causes, consequences, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in modern medicine
Authors: NOWAKIEWICZ ANETA , ZIĘBA PRZEMYSŁAW , GNAT SEBASTIAN , TROŚCIAŃCZYK ALEKSANDRA , OSIŃSKA MARCELINA , ŁAGOWSKI DOMINIK , GONDEK MICHAŁ , KNYSZ PRZEMYSŁAW , SZYSIAK NATALIA
Published: October 2021

The drug resistance of microorganisms has been a serious threat to public health for several decades. The growing problem of opportunistic infections in recent years and the wide access to antimicrobial drugs in both human and animal medicine determine and drive the complex mechanism related to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, this phenomenon does not result only from certain practices related to the intensification of livestock production in recent years, which is often indicated as the main cause. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of drug resistance requires not only the assessment of its contemporary causes, but also a retrospective look and an analysis why modern medicine, despite its extensive research capabilities and profound knowledge, continues to struggle with the problem of microbial insensitivity to most antimicrobials available today. This problem should be considered in the very broad context of the doctrine of “One Health”, which includes the dependence in the interconnected system of human–animal–environment.
Use of computed tomography in the diagnosis of dental diseases in domestic rabbits
Authors: BORAWSKI WOJCIECH , KUBIAK-NOWAK DOMINIKA , KIEŁBOWICZ ZDZISŁAW , SKORUPSKA MILENA , KUBIAK KRZYSZTOF , SPUŻAK JOLANTA , JANKOWSKI MARCIN , GLIŃSKA-SUCHOCKA KAMILA , SOKALSKI RADOSŁAW
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study is to present our own experience in diagnosing dental diseases in domestic rabbits with atypical clinical signs by means of computed tomography, with reference to specific clinical cases. It has been shown that clinical signs of dental diseases in domestic rabbits are very often non-specific. These include discharge from the nasal cavities, discharge from the conjunctival sacs, head deformities, neck swelling, and head tilt (in otitis media secondary to teeth disease). In the differential diagnosis of the causes of the abovementioned signs, dental diseases should always be considered. In order to make a final diagnosis, computed tomography should be used, which, in these cases, offers the highest diagnostic effectiveness.
O MODELO MATEMÁTICO DE VON BERTALANFFY COM O MÉTODO DE GAUSS-NEWTON NA ESTIMAÇÃO DE PARÂMETROS
Authors: Vascon Gabriel Moreno , Bazão Vanderléa Rodrigues
Published: October 2021

A aplicação de modelos matemáticos em fenômenos biológicos tem sido cada vez mais útil e vem impulsionando o ramo da Biologia conhecido como Biomatemática. Na aquicultura, a modelagem matemática é uma importante ferramenta para otimizar e aumentar a produção de pescados e destaca-se, entre outros modelos, o modelo matemático de Von Bertalanffy. A função desse modelo nos permite descrever com precisão o crescimento de diferentes espécies de peixes e fazer bons prognósticos de peso e comprimento. O propósito deste trabalho consiste em aplicar o Método de Gauss-Newton para estimar os parâmetros do modelo de Von Bertalanffy, caracterizado por uma função não linear. Com base em um conjunto de valores de peso em função do tempo de uma espécie de peixes, o objetivo é analisar a eficiência do modelo de Von Bertalanffy para descrever o crescimento dessa espécie, assim como a do Método de Gauss-Newton na estimação dos parâmetros, comparando a curva da função obtida a partir dos mesmos, com a curva dos valores experimentais observados em pesquisas da área de aquicultura da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD).
CONTROLE POPULACIONAL APLICADO AO SISTEMA DE LOTKA-VOLTERRA MODIFICADO COM DIFUSÃO A PARTIR DA TEORIA DE SOLUÇÃO POR ONDA VIAJANTE
Authors: Frighetto Daiane Frighetto , Da Costa Camila
Published: October 2021

A distribuição de indivíduos pode ser representada através do modelo difusivo linear, que combinado com um termo de reação (taxa de crescimento e interação entre os indivíduos) constitui um modelo de reação-difusão. Se esse modelo representar a interação de duas espécies, cuja relação entre elas é do tipo presa-predador e o único alimento do predador é a presa, que cresce até um determinado nível, então tem-se o sistema de Lotka-Volterra modificado com difusão. É possível incluir uma função de controle com o objetivo de controlar o crescimento de populações que são prejudiciais a determinadas atividades humanas. Assim, este trabalho objetiva apresentar um estratégia de controle, inserida nesse sistema, considerando a teoria de solução por onda viajante e a teoria de controle ótimo realimentado para sistemas não lineares a fim de levar o sistema biológico ao estado de equilíbrio desejado. Além disso, neste sistema biológico define-se somente a presa, conhecendo a taxa de crescimento intrínseco e a taxa de sucesso de captura quando o predador encontra a presa. Através dessa estratégia de controle, é possível caracterizar o predador encontrando a sua taxa de mortalidade. Considerou-se uma aplicação para ilustrar a eficiência da estratégia de controle proposta por meio de simulações computacionais.
DESIGUALDADES DO TIPO NORDHAUS-GADDUM PARA O NÚMERO DE ANIQUILAÇÃO
Authors: Porto Guilherme , Jaume Daniel , Puliti Marco
Published: October 2021

Seja G um grafo com n vértices e Gc seu complemento. O número de aniquilação de G, denotado por a(G), é o maior número inteiro k tal que a soma dos k menores graus de G não ultrapassa seu número de arestas. Esse invariante é usado como cota superior para o número de independência do grafo. Neste trabalho, apresentamos as seguintes cotas para o número de aniquilação e seu problema de Nordhaus GaddumTambém investigamos o comportamento extremal desses invariantes e mostramos que satisfazem a propriedade do intervalo. Além disso, caracterizamos alguns grafos extremais, garantindo que as cotas obtidas são as melhores possíveis.