bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Infection as a Determining Factor to the Precipitation of Ischemic Priapism in a Young Patient with Asymptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Giuliano Antonio Francesco Maria , Vulpi Marco , Passerini Francesca , Vavallo Antonio , Belfiore Anna , Forte Saverio , Palmieri Vincenzo Ostilio , Ditonno Pasquale
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 is a disease characterized by respiratory distress, systemic inflammation, multiple organ dysfunction and coagulation disorders, chiefly pulmonary embolism, and deep venous thrombosis. In this case report, we discuss a peculiar case of ischemic priapism in a 36-year-old patient with asymptomatic COVID-19 and no other plausible causes of thrombophilia and/or alternative causes of priapism, as well as discussing possible explanations for such remarkable findings and comparing them to analogous cases recorded in literature. The patient was unsuccessfully treated via cavernous blood aspiration and required several shunting procedures, with no further recurrences and negative testing for pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and other causes of thrombophilia.
Predominant Bacterial Diversity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat After Treated with Caprine CSN1S2 Protein
Authors:   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Veteran, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia, Suyanto Eko , Fatchiyah Fatchiyah ,   Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Veteran, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia,   Research Center of Smart Molecule of Natural Genetics Resource, Brawijaya University, Veteran, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia
Published: July 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disease that is affected to microbial abnormalities in the gut and altered the metabolism and immune system. Bioactive peptides have many functions in the body that related to health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of caprine CSN1S2 protein and to identify the predominant bacterial diversity in rheumatoid arthritis rats through fecal analysis based on PCR-DGGE and phylogenetic analysis. The animals were divided into 6 groups with 2 types of the rat model, namely control rats (untreated (C), treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from milk (CM), and treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from yogurt (CY)) and rheumatoid arthritis rats (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from milk (RAM), and treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from yogurt (RAY). Predominant cultivable bacteria were obtained by direct culture and analyzed using PCR-DGGE with several specific primers. The DNA sequences were analyzed and aligned using bioinformatics software to construct the phylogenetic tree. The results showed that bacterial composition in all control groups was dominated by Lactobacillus group but in the rheumatoid arthritis rat (RA) group was dominated by Enterococcus group, particularly Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis. Meanwhile, Bacillus coagulans dominated in rheumatoid arthritis rats after treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein. The caprine CSN1S2 protein has effects in rheumatoid arthritis rats with the emergence of predominant bacteria that can promote the growth of B. coagulans and it might be suppressed pathogenic bacteria in the development of rheumatoid arthritis disease.
In Vitro Antagonistic Study of Maize Root Colonizing Fungal Isolates Against Fusarium moniliforme Causing Ear Rot Disease of Maize
Authors:   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur, Pin-733134, India, Mandal Parimal ,   Dr. PARIMAL MANDAL   ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR   DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY   RAIGANJ UNIVERSITY, Tiru Zerald ,   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur, Pin-733134, India, Sarkar Monalisha ,   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur, Pin-733134, India, Chakroborty Arka ,   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur, Pin-733134, India, Pal Ayon ,   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur, Pin-733134, India
Published: July 2021

In the present study, different root colonizing fungal isolates were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of maize growing areas of Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. All the isolates including test pathogen were identified from Indian Type Culture Collection, New Delhi. Plant growth promoting maize root colonizing fungal isolates- Penicillium pinophilum (ITC NO. 11,201.19), Trichoderma harzianum (ITC NO.11,203.19), Trichoderma asperellum (ITC NO. 11,209.19), Aspergillus niger (ITC NO. 11,204.19) and Penicillum purpurogenum (ITC NO. 11,207.19) exhibited antagonistic activities against F. moniliforme (ITC NO. 11,208.19) in vitro. Two antagonistic isolates of T. harzianum and eleven strains of T. asperellum showed antibiosis mechanism for antagonism against F. moniliforme with the range of Percent Inhibition of Radial Growth from 62.41% to 88.57%. Competitive mode of antagonism against test pathogen by the isolates of P. pinophilum, P. purpurogenum and six isolates of A. niger were found. Percent of inhibition of radial growth ranged from 57.14% to 91.42%. In our finding, antagonistic isolates especially Trichoderma harzianum (ITC NO. 11,203.19), Trichoderma asperellum (ITC NO. 11,209.19) strains either single or in combination with rest maize root colonizing strains could be used as potent growth promoters as well as biocontrol (BCA) agents.
Artificial propagation and embryonic growth in Stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) using S-GnRHa (salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue)
Authors:   Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh., Araf Tasrick , Hossain Alal ,   Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh, Chowdhury Gourab ,   Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh., Hossain Mohammad ,   Department of Fish Biology and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh, Rahman Arifur ,   Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh, Iqba Mohammed
Published: July 2021

An experiment was performed to observe the potentiality of synthetic hormone analogue in artificial propagation i.e., the embryonic and larval development of Heteropneustes fossilis. Broodfish were injected with S-GnRHa according to the following concentration: 1, 2.5 and 5 ml kg-1 of body weight (BW) to females and 0.5, 1.125 and 2.5 ml kg-1 BW to males, in treatment groups T1, T2 and T3, respectively each with three replicates. The fishes were ovulated at about 10-11 hours after the hormone injection. Result showed the highest fertilization (83.11±1.36) and hatching rate (89.56±1.04) in T2, whereas ovulation rate was 100% in all treatment groups. First cleavage was observed in 30 minutes of post-fertilization. Embryonic developmental period sequentially for 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, 16-cell, 32-cell, 64-cell, Morula, Blastula, Gastrula, somatic formation, yolk-plug, twisting movement and pre-hatching were 00:30, 00:45, 01:10, 01:30, 02:00, 02:30, 03:00, 04:00, 06:40, 09:00-18:00, 19:00, 20:00-21:00 and 22:00 hours, respectively. Hatching occurred after 23:00 hours of fertilization. Finally, the current result suggested that S-GnRHa might be an effective synthetic hormone in artificial propagation of H. fossilis.
DNA Barcoding for Selected Mangrove-Based Estuary Fishes from Way Kambas National Park, Lampung Province, Indonesia
Authors:   Department of Biology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung 35365, Indonesia, Ariyanti Yanti , Rini Ika ,   Department of Biology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung 35365, Indonesia, Oktaviani Indah ,   Department of Biology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung 35365, Indonesia, Leksikowati Sovia ,   Department of Biology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung 35365, Indonesia
Published: July 2021

Over the past decade, DNA barcoding has provided new insight into fish ecology and biosystematics and led to new species' discovery. DNA barcoding is a method for the recognition and identification of species using short, standardised DNA fragments. The correct taxonomic identification of species is critical for the assessment and monitoring of biodiversity. This study applied DNA barcoding techniques to identify selected fish species from a mangrove-based estuary in Way Kambas National Park, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was amplified and bi-directionally sequenced from 22 specimens. The resulting 680 base pairs (bp) sequence was used to identify species, obtain phylogenetic information, and analyse genetic distances. A neighbour-joining tree was constructed based on the mitochondrial COI gene using the Kimura two-parameter model. This study also exhibits conservation status for those identified species. Our findings will facilitate future studies of fish species diversity in mangrove estuary-based ecosystems and provide preliminary data in policymaking in conservation areas such as National Park.
Diversity of Pteridophytes in Mount Timolan Protected Landscape, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines
Authors:   Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Cudal Maricris , Calimbo Liberty ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Jr Diosdado ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Salise Jaidel ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Gomez Jessa ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Pagaling Meraflor ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Locson Jasper ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Cahayagan Joel ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Seno Jernol ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines, Daculio Jahuel ,   Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College, Pagadian City, 7016, Philippines
Published: July 2021

This study serves as the first generation research on the rich yet not poorly known ferns and lycophyte species of the Mount Timolan Protected Landscape (MTPL). A total of 151 species from 62 genera and 24 families were recorded from December 2019-May 2019. Overall, the species of MTPL respectively holds 14%, 40% and 71% of the recorded total species, genera and families of ferns and lycophytes in the Philippines. The most represented families in terms of the number of genera is Polypodiaceae (10 spp.), whereas, the most represented genera in terms of the number of species were Selaginella (11 spp.). The results of the study showed that Mount Timolan Protected Landscape harbours number of some endemic species (17 spp.), critically endangered species (1 spp.), endangered species (3 spp.), vulnerable species (5 spp.), threatened, non-native species and economically important species (25 spp.). Based on conservation and ecological status of assessed ferns and lycophyte species, it is likely to strongly suggest to set species-specific conservation management strategy to protect the threatened species. However, additional studies and thorough field explorations should also be done to conduct a re-inventory on the pteridophyte species in order to arrive a more scientific results to establish a real profile of the ferns and lycophyte species of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape.
Potency of Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacteria of Akar Kucing (Acalypha indica Linn.) as Antibacteria against Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors:   Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Rahmawati Fitriana , Suharjono Suharjono ,   Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University
Published: July 2021

The prevalence of pneumonia in Indonesia was 2% in 2018. Treatment of pneumonia using antibiotics caused resistance to pathogenic bacteria. Endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria from the medicinal plant Acalypha indica Linn., is a new type of bacteria that produces antibacterial compounds against Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study aims to analyze the potency and identify endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria of the A. indica Linn as an antibacterial of K. pneumoniae. The research includes isolation and purification of endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria of the A. indica Linn, antagonistic assay of bacteria cell culture, antibacterial assay of bacteria metabolites, and identification of potential isolates based on 16S rDNA sequence similarity. The results showed that number of rhizosphere bacteria 6.83 × 105 CFU/g was more than endophytic bacteria 1.78 × 104 CFU/g. Diversity of rhizosphere bacterial 0.72 was higher than endophytic bacteria 0.62. The rhizospheric bacteria RU112B and RU315B had the highest activity to inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniae. Both isolates RU112B and RU315B were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus with a similarity 99.83% and Luteimonas terrae with a similarity 99.67% respectively
Comparative Study of Morphology and Histology on Papuan Jellyfish Mastigias papua in Kakaban Lake and Sea
Authors:   Departement midwifery, faculty of health sciences, Universitas Borneo Tarakan, Nurasmi Nurasmi , Ridwan Ahmad ,   School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology., Awaludin Awaludin ,   Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Borneo Tarakan
Published: July 2021

Jellyfish are marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. Mastigias papua is a jellyfish from the Scyphozoa class. This study investigates differences in environmental parameters, morphology, and shape of nematocyte cells using the histological method with (SEM) Scanning Electron Microscopy on M. papua jellyfish Kakaban Lake and Sea. Environmental parameters in Kakaban Lake and Kakaban Sea were measured for salinity, temperature, and pH. The t-test analysis results showed significant differences in environmental parameters in Kakaban Lake and Kakaban Sea (p < 0.05). Body diameter and length of jellyfish tentacles were measured and analyzed using SPSS 16 with a t-test. The t-test analysis showed that for M. papua jellyfish in Kakaban Lake and jellyfish in the Kakaban Sea showed a significant difference in the diameter and length of the body tentacles (p < 0.05). The SEM results of jellyfish in the Kakaban Sea showed that the tentacles of M. papua in the Kakaban Sea had nematocytes consisting of three forms, namely microbasic isorhiza, atrichouz isorhiza, and merotrichous isorhiza. M. papua in Kakaban Lake has nematocyst cells, which comprise of one type, namely Microbasic mastigophoran, where the number of nematocytes is minimal and has a smaller size than the Papuan Mastigias jellyfish that live in the Kakaban Sea. Nemeatocyte cells are stinging cells in jellyfish. SEM results show that the jellyfish in Kakaban Lake cannot sting because the size of the jellyfish tentacles is reduced to smaller, fewer nematocyte cells and different shape nematocytes. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are differences in environmental parameters, body dimensions, tentacle length, and the size and number of nematocytes between M. papua jellyfish in Dunau and in the Kakaban Sea.
Potential and Performance of Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) in Obtaining Bioactive Compounds from Bee Propolis: Comparison with Soaking, Ultrasonication, and Microwave-Assisted Methods
Authors:   Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences  Associate Professor, Mojica Elmer-Riko , Charland Jozlyn ,   Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, New York 10038, United States, Deocaris Custer ,   Biomedical Research Section, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Commonwealth Avenue, Micor Jose ,   Institute of Chemistry, University of Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesInstitute of Chemistry, University of Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Published: July 2021

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees from buds and exudates of trees. The material has attracted much attention in recent years as a functional food component since it possesses various biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-ulcer properties. In this study, the performance of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was assessed and compared with varying methods of extraction: soaking (maceration), ultrasonication, and microwave-assisted methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other spectroscopic techniques, such as absorbance and fluorescence, were employed to assess the efficiency in the extraction of natural products. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content of the different extracts were also determined. Results showed samples obtained from the microwave method showed the highest yield in the extraction of bioactive compounds. Although microwave showed the best method in this study, some issues and recommendations on ASE application for extracting natural products from bee propolis were discussed. Given the ease in controlling extraction temperature with ASE, this technique has a great potential to be a better method for extraction of heat-labile natural products from propolis should optimization of conditions for extraction were further performed.
Population flux of the house sparrow Passer domesticus Linnaeus 1758 in Chinnamanur town, Uthamapalayam taluk of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam 625 533, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India, Meeran Mohamed , Marjuk Syed ,   Department of Zoology, Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam 625 533, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India, Byrose Mohammed ,   Department of Zoology, Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam 625 533, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India, Arivoli Subramanian ,   Department of Zoology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore 632 115, Tamil Nadu, India, Tennyson Samuel ,   Department of Zoology Madras Christian College Tambaram, Chennai 600 059, Fathima Syedali ,   Department of Zoology, Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam 625 533, Theni, Tamil Nadu, Indi
Published: July 2021

A thorough study of house sparrow behaviour and its population is essential to revive its population status which is the need of the hour. Therefore, the nature of sparrow population, their nests, water and food sources, interspecific competitions and noise pollution were taken into consideration in the present investigation, which documented its first research carried at Chinnamanur town, Uthamapalayam taluk of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study period was divided into summer and winter seasons and the survey was carried out for a period of nine months from April 2019 to December 2019 by point count and ebird data method. A total of 542 house sparrows were counted of which 250 was present in summer and 292 in winter. The overall house sparrow population in Chinnamanur town, related to the summer and winter seasons exhibited the range of correlation coefficient value to be 0.94 indicating a very strong positive correlation. Above all, the present study revealed that mobile phone towers were not the main reason for the decline of house sparrows, rather it was loss of habitat and food, urbanization, noise pollution, interspecific competition and conversion of agricultural lands into plots.
The expression of OsPLA2-III and OsPPO genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Fe toxicity stress
Authors:   Plant Biology Graduate Program, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences-IPB University, Kampus IPB Dramaga 16680 Bogor, Indonesia., Turhadi Turhadi , Hamim Hamim ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences-IPB University, Kampus IPB Dramaga 16680 Bogor, Indonesia, Ghulamahdi Munif ,   Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture- IPB University, Kampus IPB Dramaga 16680 Bogor, Indonesia, Miftahudin Miftahudin ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences-IPB University, Kampus IPB Dramaga 16680 Bogor, Indonesia
Published: July 2021

Lipids are an important biomolecule in plants because of their structural and functional roles in plant cells. Moreover, they could act as signal molecules in the defense system of plants suffering from biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, plants develop various tolerance strategies to cope with iron (Fe) toxicity, for example, by involving genes in the detoxification process and other mechanisms. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the expression of OsPLA2-III and OsPPO genes during Fe stress conditions. It was carried out using two-week-old seedlings of two rice varieties, namely, IR64 (Fe-sensitive variety) and Pokkali (Fe-tolerant variety). The seedlings were treated with 400 ppm FeSO4.7H2O in the nutrient culture solution and compared with control that received 1 ppm FeSO4.7H2O. Furthermore, leaf bronzing, chlorophyll content and relative expression of OsPLA2-III and OsPPO genes were observed. An in-silico study was also performed to predict the interaction between OsPLA2-III and OsPPO proteins. The results showed that the Fe toxicity induced leaf bronzing, decreased leaf chlorophyll content, and increased the expression levels of OsPLA2-III and OsPPO genes. Therefore, both genes were suggested to have a role in plant tolerance mechanism during Fe toxicity stress through the lipid signaling pathway.
Radiation sterilization of Honey and Honey-Alginate Wound Dressing from Stingless Bee (Tetragonula biroi) Collected from Sta. Maria, Laguna, Philippines
Authors:   Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Baldos Davison , Puno Joseph ,   Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Tolentino Levelyn ,   Senior Science Research Specialist, Biomedical Research Section, Atomic Resarch Division, Montefalcon Djowel ,   Science Research Specialist I, Biomedical Research Section, Atomic Resarch Division, Diano Gilberto ,   Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Asaad Celia ,   Supervising Science Research Specialist, Biomedical Research Section, Atomic Resarch Division
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted to determine the effect of radiation sterilization on alginate wound dressing containing honey from the Philippine stingless bee, Tetragonula biroi. Our results show that a radiation dose of 30 kGy did not affect the antibacterial property of honey against Staphylococcus aureus. Electron-beam irradiation did not produce significant alterations in the physicochemical properties (pH, total soluble solids, and flavonoids); however, the total phenolics was significantly increased in honey with higher irradiation doses. Demonstrating that irradiation can be applied to honey with negligible physicochemical effects, honey was incorporated in alginate and exposed to a sterilization dose of 25 kGy using an electron beam facility. Irradiation did not affect the physicochemical properties (pH, moisture content, gel fraction, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and fluid handling capacity) of the honey alginate wound dressing (HAWD). The perspectives for the potential use of irradiated HAWD as a natural product-based substitute for commercial wound care products may be considered.
Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Awareness on The Use of Micro- and Nano Plastic and Efforts into Their Degradation - A Mini Review
Authors:   Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Wiranto Ekwan , Rozdhl Amira ,   Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia, Hanafi Nafizatun ,   Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia, Redzuan Rabiatul ,   Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia, Huyop Fahrul ,   Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
Published: July 2021

Micro- and nanoplastic pollution possess a global threat and cause a future problem and needs greater attention. Its pollution is also exacerbated recently by the use of abundance of plastic polymers in efforts to prevent and handle COVID-19 pandemic at the global scale. This review covered the major concerns about the characteristic, effect and bioremediation of micro- and nanoplastics of post COVID-19. Based on size, microplastic is described as debris particles smaller than 5 mm whereas, nanoplastic is referred to any particles smaller than 100 nm. Micro- and nanoplastic are easily ingested by many aquatic organisms at different trophic levels. This ingestion caused negative health impacts to all living organisms. Microplastic direct effect on living organism for example mechanical injury, false satiation, declined growth, promoted immune response, energy loss, disrupted enzyme activity and production, decreased fecundity, production of oxidative stress, and mortality. Nanoplastic could enter the circulatory system and caused negative effects on the cellular and molecular levels. Bioremediation of microplastic by magnoliophyta, bacteria, fungus and algae on several polymer forms was previously reported, however, not many on nanoplastic biodegradation. Therefore, current review will focus on the characteristics, effect and bioremediation effort of micro- and nanoplastic.
Analysis of Functional Leaf Trait Variation among the Dominant Understorey Species in the Pine Forest of Morni Hills, Panchkula, Haryana
Authors:   Department of Botany Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136119 Haryana, India, Jakhar Somveer , Dhiman Himanshi , Saharan Harikesh ,   Department of Botany Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136119 Haryana, India
Published: July 2021

The functional diversity is an essential concept in the field of ecology. It refers to the relative abundance, range, and value of the functional traits present in a given community or ecosystem. Plant functional traits (leaf traits, stem traits, root traits, etc.) create a link between an ecosystem processes and plant physiology and thus offer a powerful means to study the global change on vegetation dynamics and ecosystem processes. When plant species grown in different environments, their physiological and functional traits get modifed due to changes in site-specific conditions. In the present study, leaf functional traits (leaf size-LS, specific leaf areaSLA, leaf dry matter content-LDMC, leaf nitrogen content-LNC, leaf phosphorus content-LPC and leaf nitrogen to phosphorus ratio-N:P) of twelve dominant understorey species (6 shrubs and 6 herbs) were examined in the Pine forest of Morni Hills range of lower Shivaliks, Haryana, India. During the study, the maximum value of leaf size was obtained for Murraya koenigii and Cynoglossum zeylanicum, while the maximum value of LDMC was obtained for Toxicodendron parviflorum and Dicliptera chinensis among shrubs and herbs respectively. Other than this, highest value of SLA, LPC and LNC were calculated for Parthenium hysterophorus among shrubs and Oxalis corniculata among herbs. The calculated values were also found to be significantly correlated among the selected plant species. The SLA was found to be negatively correlated with, LDMC and LPC whereas positively correlated with LNC and N:P. The present study represents a step forward in the direction of functional ecology performed in the forest ecosystems of Haryana. This study is essential for predicting the patterns of community assembly as well as for describing species contributions to ecosystem processes.
Role of Academic Institution to Inform Local and Regional Scale Biodiversity in the Eastern Philippines
Authors:   Bicol University College of Science Department of Biology Legazpi City, Guerrero Jonathan , Tanalgo Krizler ,   Landscape Ecology Group, Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Menglun, Mengla 666303, Yunnan Province, P.R. China, Abante Carlo ,   Bicol University Research and Development Management Division, Legazpi City 4500, the Republic of the Philippines
Published: July 2021

The Philippines is among the most threatened biodiversity hotspots. Developing effective conservation requires science-based evidence from field data and observations. Yet, many important biodiversity information remain unpublished, particularly from academic institutions and NGOs. Here, we synthesized 34-year data from biodiversity studies from Bicol University in Luzon Island, Philippines. We found a large number of studies that increased in the post-2000 period with the majority of the studies focused on community surveys and animal and wildlife studies. While there is a massive number of studies, we found clear disproportionate distribution in terms of geographic and thematic areas. Our results may be based on a regional level, but if taken carefully, it has important implications and applications to other higher education institutions in the Philippines in promoting biodiversity studies and conservation in the country.
Diversity of Foliar Endophytic Fungi in Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. and Citrus reticulata Blanco of Tripura
Authors:   Faculty member at Department of Botany, M.B.B. College, Agartala-799004, Tripura, India, Bhattacharya Sanchita , Debnath Sanjit ,   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799022, Tripura, India, Saha Ajay ,   Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799022, Tripura, India
Published: July 2021

Present investigation dealt with the isolation and diversity of foliar fungal endophytes from two fruit yielding plants of Tripura state. Seasonal distributions of endophytes in respect to fruiting and non-fruiting season in two host plants were also studied. Twenty one fungal strains along with one nonsporulating hyaline form were isolated as foliar endophytes from the two host plants. In both fruiting and non-fruiting seasons, from Citrus reticulata seven foliar endophytic fungi were isolated. Whereas from Artocarpus heterophyllus in both the season eleven fungal endophytes with one nonsporulating hyaline form were isolated. The relative frequencies of isolated fungi from both A. heterophyllus and C. reticulata in fruiting and non-fruiting season significantly differed among the sampling sites, whereas relative frequencies individual endophytic fungus showed no significant differences among various sampling sites.
Judicial review of Common Foreign and Security Policy by the ECtHR and the (re)negotiation on the accession of the EU to the ECHR
Authors: Rangel de Mesquita Maria José
Published: July 2021

The article addresses the issue of judicial control of the implementation of Common Foreign and Security Policy at international regional level within the framework of the relaunching of the negotiation in view of the accession of the EU to the ECHR. Considering the extent of jurisdiction of the CJEU in respect of Common Foreign and Security Policy field in the light of its case law (sections 1 and 2), it analyses the question of judicial review of Common Foreign and Security Policy within international regional justice by the ECtHR in the light of the ongoing negotiations (section 3), in the perspective of the relationship between non-national courts (section 3.A), having as background the (2013) Draft Agreement of accession (section 3.B.1). After addressing the relaunching of the negotiation procedure (section 3.B.2) and the issue of CFSP control by the ECtHR according to the recent (re)negotiation meetings (section 3.B.3), some concrete proposals, including for the redrafting of the accession agreement, will be put forward (section 3.B.4), as well as a conclusion (section 4).
Regressing into the right direction: Non-contractual claims in proceedings between contracting parties under Article 7 of the Brussels Ia Regulation
Authors: Poesen Michiel
Published: July 2021

This case comment addresses the interpretation of ‘matters relating to a contract’ in the EU law of civil jurisdiction, contained in the Brussels Ia Regulation. Recently, this topic received renewed attention in the Wikingerhofv.Booking.com judgment of the CJEU. More particularly, the judgment addressed whether non-contractual claims in proceedings between contracting parties can be characterized as a ‘matter relating to a contract’. This seemingly trivial question has been a recurring source of trouble in the case law of the CJEU as well as national courts. The annotation will side with the approach taken in this judgment, but criticize it for taking a long way round to settling the issue.
Designing Affordance-Based Procedures Using Heuristic Cognitive Work Analysis: Application to Triage in an Emergency Department
Authors: Morineau Thierry , Djenidi-Delfour Mounia , Arnault Fabrice
Published: July 2021

This study describes the concept of affordance-based procedure and its implementation in a triage station in a hospital emergency department. Rather than seeking to increase operators’ adherence to procedures, an affordance-based procedure (1) aims to induce task steps using affordances that also (2) support degrees of freedom for action. The design of this procedure was guided by the application of an extended version of cognitive work analysis, named “heuristic cognitive work analysis.” This design process produced a new procedural document: a reception card. Ten months after its implementation, a qualitative evaluation with 10 triage nurses shows that the reception card is viewed as supporting coordination between the different nurses’ tasks and providing an external memory to cope with frequent interruptions during high patient inflow, even though the document is used for convenience and with unexpected and partial uses of its items. The document assessed also afforded emerging benefits, that is, acceleration of ambulance release, higher level of confidentiality, assistance for staff hand-overs. Finally, novice triage nurses are particularly sensitive to the benefits brought by this affordance-based procedure.
Comparative analyses of the Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and Hymenoscyphus albidus genomes reveals potentially adaptive differences in secondary metabolite and transposable element repertoires
Authors: Elfstrand Malin , Chen Jun , Cleary Michelle , Halecker Sandra , Ihrmark Katarina , Karlsson Magnus , Davydenko Kateryna , Stenlid Jan , Stadler Marc , Durling Mikael Brandström
Published: July 2021

Background

The dieback epidemic decimating common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in Europe is caused by the invasive fungusHymenoscyphus fraxineus. In this study we analyzed the genomes ofH. fraxineusandH. albidus, its native but, now essentially displaced, non-pathogenic sister species, and compared them with several other members of Helotiales. The focus of the analyses was to identify signals in the genome that may explain the rapid establishment ofH. fraxineusand displacement ofH. albidus.

Results

The genomes ofH. fraxineusandH. albidusshowed a high level of synteny and identity. The assembly ofH. fraxineusis 13 Mb longer than that ofH. albidus’, most of this difference can be attributed to higher dispersed repeat content (i.e. transposable elements [TEs]) inH. fraxineus. In general, TE families inH. fraxineusshowed more signals of repeat-induced point mutations (RIP) than inH. albidus, especially in Long-terminal repeat (LTR)/Copia and LTR/Gypsy elements.

Comparing gene family expansions and 1:1 orthologs, relatively few genes show signs of positive selection between species. However, several of those did appeared to be associated with secondary metabolite genes families, including gene families containing two of the genes in theH. fraxineus-specific, hymenosetin biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC).

Conclusion

The genomes ofH. fraxineusandH. albidusshow a high degree of synteny, and are rich in both TEs and BGCs, but the genomic signatures also indicated thatH. albidusmay be less well equipped to adapt and maintain its ecological niche in a rapidly changing environment.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of caffeoyl-coenzyme A O-methyltransferase genes related to the Fusarium head blight response in wheat
Authors: Yang Guang , Pan Wenqiu , Zhang Ruoyu , Pan Yan , Guo Qifan , Song Weining , Zheng Weijun , Nie Xiaojun
Published: July 2021

Background

Lignin is one of the main components of the cell wall and is directly associated with plant development and defence mechanisms in plants, especially in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection. Caffeoyl-coenzyme A O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is the main regulator determining the efficiency of lignin synthesis and composition. Although it has been characterized in many plants, to date, the importance of the CCoAOMT family in wheat is not well understood.

Results

Here, a total of 21 wheat CCoAOMT genes (TaCCoAOMT) were identified through an in silico genome search method and they were classified into four groups based on phylogenetic analysis, with the members of the same group sharing similar gene structures and conserved motif compositions. Furthermore, the expression patterns and co-expression network in which TaCCoAOMT is involved were comprehensively investigated using 48 RNA-seq samples from Fg infected and mock samples of 4 wheat genotypes. Combined with qRT-PCR validation of 11 Fg-responsive TaCCoAOMT genes, potential candidates involved in the FHB response and their regulation modules were preliminarily suggested. Additionally, we investigated the genetic diversity and main haplotypes of these CCoAOMT genes in bread wheat and its relative populations based on resequencing data.

Conclusions

This study identified and characterized the CCoAOMT family in wheat, which not only provided potential targets for further functional analysis, but also contributed to uncovering the mechanism of lignin biosynthesis and its role in FHB tolerance in wheat and beyond.
Identification of candidate biomarkers and therapeutic agents for heart failure by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Kolur Vijayakrishna , Vastrad Basavaraj , Vastrad Chanabasayya , Kotturshetti Shivakumar , Tengli Anandkumar
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome and affects millions of people all over the world. HF occurs when the cardiac overload and injury, which is a worldwide complaint. The aim of this study was to screen and verify hub genes involved in developmental HF as well as to explore active drug molecules.

Methods

The expression profiling by high throughput sequencing of GSE141910 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which contained 366 samples, including 200 heart failure samples and 166 non heart failure samples. The raw data was integrated to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and were further analyzed with bioinformatics analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and REACTOME enrichment analyses were performed via ToppGene; protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs was constructed based on data from the HiPPIE interactome database; modules analysis was performed; target gene—miRNA regulatory network and target gene—TF regulatory network were constructed and analyzed; hub genes were validated; molecular docking studies was performed.

Results

A total of 881 DEGs, including 442 up regulated genes and 439 down regulated genes were observed. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in biological adhesion, extracellular matrix, signaling receptor binding, secretion, intrinsic component of plasma membrane, signaling receptor activity, extracellular matrix organization and neutrophil degranulation. The top hub genes ESR1, PYHIN1, PPP2R2B, LCK, TP63, PCLAF, CFTR, TK1, ECT2 and FKBP5 were identified from the PPI network. Module analysis revealed that HF was associated with adaptive immune system and neutrophil degranulation. The target genes, miRNAs and TFs were identified from the target gene—miRNA regulatory network and target gene—TF regulatory network. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and RT-PCR analysis revealed that ESR1, PYHIN1, PPP2R2B, LCK, TP63, PCLAF, CFTR, TK1, ECT2 and FKBP5 might serve as prognostic, diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic target for HF. The predicted targets of these active molecules were then confirmed.

Conclusion

The current investigation identified a series of key genes and pathways that might be involved in the progression of HF, providing a new understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of HF.
Risk prediction in multicentre studies when there is confounding by cluster or informative cluster size
Authors: Pavlou Menelaos , Ambler Gareth , Omar Rumana Z.
Published: July 2021

Background

Clustered data arise in research when patients are clustered within larger units. Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) and Generalised Linear Models (GLMM) can be used to provide marginal and cluster-specific inference and predictions, respectively.

Methods

Confounding by Cluster (CBC) and Informative cluster size (ICS) are two complications that may arise when modelling clustered data. CBC can arise when the distribution of a predictor variable (termed ‘exposure’), varies between clusters causing confounding of the exposure-outcome relationship. ICS means that the cluster size conditional on covariates is not independent of the outcome. In both situations, standard GEE and GLMM may provide biased or misleading inference, and modifications have been proposed. However, both CBC and ICS are routinely overlooked in the context of risk prediction, and their impact on the predictive ability of the models has been little explored. We study the effect of CBC and ICS on the predictive ability of risk models for binary outcomes when GEE and GLMM are used. We examine whether two simple approaches to handle CBC and ICS, which involve adjusting for the cluster mean of the exposure and the cluster size, respectively, can improve the accuracy of predictions.

Results

Both CBC and ICS can be viewed as violations of the assumptions in the standard GLMM; the random effects are correlated with exposure for CBC and cluster size for ICS. Based on these principles, we simulated data subject to CBC/ICS. The simulation studies suggested that the predictive ability of models derived from using standard GLMM and GEE ignoring CBC/ICS was affected. Marginal predictions were found to be mis-calibrated. Adjusting for the cluster-mean of the exposure or the cluster size improved calibration, discrimination and the overall predictive accuracy of marginal predictions, by explaining part of the between cluster variability. The presence of CBC/ICS did not affect the accuracy of conditional predictions. We illustrate these concepts using real data from a multicentre study with potential CBC.

Conclusion

Ignoring CBC and ICS when developing prediction models for clustered data can affect the accuracy of marginal predictions. Adjusting for the cluster mean of the exposure or the cluster size can improve the predictive accuracy of marginal predictions.
Community drivers of tuberculosis diagnostic delay in Kampala, Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mercaldo Rachel , Whalen Christopher , Kakaire Robert , Nakkonde Damalie , Handel Andreas , Sekandi Juliet N.
Published: July 2021

Background

Recent approaches to TB control have focused on identifying and treating active cases to halt further transmission. Patients with TB symptoms often delay to seek care, get appropriate diagnosis, and initiate effective treatment. These delays are partly influenced by whom the patients contact within their community network. We aimed to evaluate the community drivers of diagnostic delay in an urban setting in Uganda.

Methods

In this study we analyze data from a retrospective cohort of 194 TB patients in Kampala, Uganda. We characterized the patterns of contacts made by patients seeking care for TB symptoms. The main outcome of interest was total community contact delay, defined as the time patients spent seeking care before visiting a provider capable of diagnosing TB.

Results

Visits to health providers without access to appropriate diagnostic services accounted for 56% of contacts made by cohort members, and were significantly associated with community contact delay, as were symptoms common to other prevalent illnesses, such as bone and joint pain.

Conclusions

Education programs aimed at primary care providers, as well as other community members, may benefit case identification, by informing them of rarer symptoms of TB, potential for co-infections of TB and other prevalent diseases, and the availability of diagnostic services.
Efficacy of two-week therapy with doxycycline-based quadruple regimen versus levofloxacin concomitant regimen for helicobacter pylori infection: a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alhalabi Marouf , Alassi Mohammed Waleed , Alaa Eddin Kamal , Cheha Khaled
Published: July 2021

Background

Antibiotic-resistance reduces the efficacy of conventional triple therapy for Helicobacter Pylori infections worldwide, which necessitates using various treatment protocols. We used two protocols, doxycycline-based quadruple regimen and concomitant levofloxacin regimen. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of doxycycline-based quadruple regimen for treating Helicobacter Pylori infections compared with levofloxacin concomitant regimen as empirical first-line therapy based on intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses (PPA) in Syrian population.

Settings and design

An open-label, randomised, parallel, superiority clinical trial.

Methods

We randomly assigned 78 naïve patients who tested positive for Helicobacter Pylori gastric infection, with a 1:1 ratio to (D-group) which received (bismuth subsalicylate 524 mg four times daily, doxycycline 100 mg, tinidazole 500 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg, each twice per day for 2 weeks), or (L-group) which received (levofloxacin 500 mg daily, tinidazole 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg each twice per day for two weeks). We confirmed Helicobacter Pylori eradication by stool antigen test 8 weeks after completing the treatment.

Results

Thirty-nine patients were allocated in each group. In the D-group, 38 patients completed the follow-up, 30 patients were cured. While in the L-group, 39 completed the follow-up, 32patients were cured. According to ITT, the eradication rates were 76.92%, and 82.05%, for the D-group and L-group respectively. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was 1.371 [0.454–4.146]. According to PPA, the eradication rates were 78.9%, and 82.05% for the D-group and L-group respectively. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was 1.219 [0.394–3.774]. We didn’t report serious adverse effects.

Conclusions

Levofloxacin concomitant therapy wasn’t superior to doxycycline based quadruple therapy. Further researches are required to identify the optimal first-line treatment for Helicobacter-Pylori Infection in the Syrian population.

Trial registration

We registered this study as a standard randomized clinical trial (Clinicaltrial.gov, identifier-NCT04348786, date:29-January-2020).