bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL TOURISM: ESSENCE, STRUCTURE AND INNOVATIVE DIRECTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Holod Andrii , Flenchak Yuliia , Pidvalna Oksana
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the scientific approaches to understanding and research of social tourism and substantiates the theoretical and methodological principles and practical areas of this type of economic activity innovative development. The theoretical developments of authors who studied social tourism in relation to the definition of this concept, its structure are analyzed. Topical issues are the coordination of the conceptual and terminological apparatus, clarification of methodological approaches to understanding the nature and structure of social tourism. The practical problems of the organization of social tourism, in particular, the obstacles that arise on the way of innovative development of this type of economic activity are considered. Given the identified barriers that significantly limit the active development of social tourism, ensuring the availability of recreation for low-income groups requires the development and implementation of a number of specific measures, which include defining the state social policy in tourism, development and adoption of legislation and regulations that would regulate relations in the field of social tourism, the creation of social infrastructure in tourism, providing systems and mechanisms to support certain social segments of the population on opportunities to receive social tourism services, training skilled workers to work in the social tourism system. Three blocks of social tourism types by organizational features are singled out. The specifics of socialization of social types of tourism (sports-health, medical-health, sports, inclusive, ecological, rural, ethnic, religious, festival) are investigated and innovative directions of their development are substantiated. It is concluded that the whole set of interconnected organizational forms of innovation within the region forms a tourism system, the main purpose of which in modern conditions should be to ensure regional and national tourism competitiveness, taking into account the influence of social factors. Social tourism has an important role given the specifics of the current stage of social development, as well as its central place in the structure of the social doctrine of tourism.
SUSTAINABLE CITY MOBILITY INDICATORS
Authors: Tarasenko Denys , Tarasenko Oleksii , Tishchenko Maksym
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the sustainable urban mobility indicators framework. Currently, over half of the world’s population resides in cities. This urbanization trend is expected to continue and more than 80 per cent of humanity is expected to live cities by 2050. The urbanization process is accompanied by economic growth, but also drives the consumption of materials and energy, the production of waste, and the emission of greenhouse gases and impacts city mobility quality. Sustainable development is the main paradigm of modern city development which presupposes a balance between the needs of the present and development opportunities for future generations. Strategic transport planning in modern European cities takes the form of developing and implementing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. Ukrainian cities do not stand aside from European trends and are gradually developing and implementing urban mobility plans. An integral part of transport planning is the development of indicators of sustainable urban mobility. Sustainable mobility indicators provide information on current trends in the development of the society, city system viability, and the functioning of its elements. The development of effective, easily calculated, and interpreted indicators will reduce public costs and increase the efficiency of strategic transportation planning. The development of indicators of sustainable urban mobility involves careful analysis and systematization of data and finally results in indicators frameworks development. Sustainable mobility indicators frameworks based on important relationships between infrastructure needs and the environment, infrastructure and transportation impacts on the economy, environment, and social well-being. These frameworks can be used to help agencies refine their visions as well as develop policies, planning procedures, and measurement and monitoring systems for achieving sustainable city mobility. The development of such frameworks for Ukrainian cities requires the study of international experience and taking into account the national characteristics of the country.
Branding y personalidad de la marca visual
Authors: Pol Andrea
Published: June 2021

La identidad visual proyecta una determinada personalidad de la marca, a través de sus elementos gráficos, espaciales y cromáticos. Este es el punto de partida para la construcción de la imagen de marca por parte del público. Sostenidos por la urdimbre del conocimiento transdisciplinar, se exploraron los nexos conceptuales, teóricos, metodológicosy técnicos, existentes entre los fundamentos de las técnicas proyectivas gráficas -propias de la psicología- y el diseñode marcas, a los efectos de definir la personalidad marcaria y el brand character, a partir de sus aspectos formales, espacialesy cromáticos.
EVALUATION OF CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED GRADED LEVELS OF TREATED SESAME WASTE
Authors: Galadima Nasir M. , Aliyu A. M. , Bature I.
Published: June 2021

A total of one hundred and twelve day-old broiler chicks (Amo strains) were used to evaluate carcass traits fed with diets containing graded levels of treated sesame waste and its appropriate level of inclusion in the diet. The experimental birds were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments of 28 birds per treatment and each treatment was replicated four times with seven birds per pen. Results obtained showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in terms of weight (g), pluck weight (g), carcass weight (g), intestinal weight (g) and liver weight (%). Non-significant (P<0.05) difference were observed in terms of intestinal length (cm), wing weight (g), thigh weight (g), head & legs (%), gizzard (%), lungs (%), heart (%) liver (%), kidney (%) and spleen (%).
EVALUATION OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS AFTER TWO ROUNDS OF MASS DRUG ADMINISTRATION IN LAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE NIGERIA
Authors: Akafyi D. E. , Ndams I. S. , Luka S. A. , Ojeleye F. S. , Elkanah S. O. , Kamba B.
Published: June 2021

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) on Wuchereria bancrofti (microfilariae) after two rounds of combined Ivermectin and Albendazole distribution. A total of 221 participants were recruited in three communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State by convenience sampling method. Questionnaires and physical examinations were used to assess clinical manifestations associated with the infection. Blood samples were collected by finger prick method and stained with Giemsa stain for examination to establish the presence of W. bancrofti while immunochromatographic card test was performed to determine the presence of filarial antigen in serum. Previous data were used to determine the pre-drug prevalence of the parasite. The results showed that the drug did not significantly reduce the clinical manifestations reported among the patients. The microfilariae prevalence and microfilaria mean density after two rounds of drug administration was 19.5% and 1.49%, while the pre- MDA prevalence and microfilaria mean density was 27.8% and 2.44% respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease of microfilaria prevalence (P<0.05) after two rounds of MDA. There was no significant effect of MDA by age, sex and occupation-related microfilariae prevalence in the study area.  In conclusion, the study reveals that microfilaria prevalence and load decreased after two rounds of MDA of combined Ivermectin and Albendazole distribution amongst the studied populations. Routine evaluation of the MDA is required to assess the impact of the drug for the eventual elimination of the infection.
Utjecaj različitih oblika zrna pšenice na hektolitarsku masu
Authors: Jukić Željko , Jukić Karmen , Radiček Tihomir , Pospišil Ana , Krička Tajana
Published: June 2021

Hektolitarska masa je parametar kakvoće pšenice na čiju vrijednost utječe više čimbenika. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi razlike u nekim fizikalnim svojstvima pšenice kada se zrna razlikuju prema debljini, a istraživanje je provedeno u tvrtki Belje d.d. Mlinarstvo Križevci u 2012. godini. Za potrebe istraživanja, uzorci zrna ručno su uzeti tijekom transportiranja zrna iz skladišnog prostora u mlinsku čistionicu i neposredno prije početka mljevenja zrna (prije 1. krupljenja). Prosijavanjem zrna na sitima, dobivene su četiri frakcije zrna prema debljini (F1 > od 3,0 mm; F2 > od 2,5 mm; F3 > od 2,25 mm i F4 > od 2,0mm). Najviše zrna u postotku utvrđeno je u F2 (debljina zrna > 2,5 mm) kako u uzorcima koji su uzeti prije mlinske čistionice (60,82%) tako i u uzorcima koji su uzeti prije 1. krupljenja (62,93%). Hektolitarska i masa 1000 zrna smanjuju se sa smanjenjem debljine zrna tj., od F1 prema F4. Statistička analiza varijance pokazala je značajne razlike u hektolitarskoj i masi 1000 zrna između frakcija zrna. Iako je prosječna masa 1000 zrna bila veća u F1, u odnosu na F2, razlike u hektolitarskoj masi između F1 i F2 bile su neznatne, kako u uzorcima koji su uzeti prije mlinske čistionice tako i u uzorcima koji su uzeti prije 1. krupljenja. Iako u ovom istraživanju nije određen prinos brašna u frakcijama zrna, na osnovi dosadašnjih znanstvenih spoznaja mogu se očekivati bolji rezultati u preradi u frakcijama 1 i 2 u odnosu na frakcije 3 i 4.
Čuvane sorte u Republici Hrvatskoj
Authors: Jukić Goran , Delić Ivica , Cegur Željka , Šunjić Krešimir , Varnica Ivan
Published: June 2021

Područje stavljana čuvanih sorata na sortnu listu Republike Hrvatske, proizvodnja sjemena i stavljanje na tržište odrađena je implementacijom članka 9. Međunarodnog ugovora o biljnim genetskim resursima za hranu i poljoprivredu, koji se odnosi na prava poljoprivrednika koja je u nacionalnom zakonodavstvu provedena donošenjem propisa o upisu čuvanih sorti na Sortnu listu Republike Hrvatske i njihovom stavljanju na tržište (Pravilnik o upisu sorti u Sortnu listu, Narodne novine, br. 45/08, 84/08, 77/13, 136/15, 57/17, 70/18, 75/19 i 62/20. i Pravilnik o stavljanju na tržište sjemena čuvanih sorti, Narodne novine, br. 43/13 i 40/14). Također propisi Europske unije uređuju proizvodnju, priznavanje i stavljanje na tržište čuvanih sorti.
From the editors
Authors: Komulainen Ville
Published: June 2021

No abstract available.
APPLICATIONS OF ACTIVATED CARBON IN WASTE WATER TREATMENT AS A LOW COST MEDIA
Authors: Dasanayaka R.P.K
Published: June 2021

Environmental pollution caused by the
anthropogenic activities is a global challenge. Pollution due
to discharge of untreated wastewater, contributes to it
considerably. High expenditures for the treatment
technologies can be considered as one of the major reason
for improper wastewater discharge. Activated carbon
provides an excellent solution for this issue as it can be
used as a low cost wastewater treatment adsorbent. This
paper review, types of activated carbon, their applications
and recovery methods in wastewater treatment. Activated
carbon from conventional waste such as agricultural
waste, woody waste and non conventional waste such as
municipal waste can be used as a low cost media for waste
water purifications. Physical and chemical processes are
used to improve the adsorption property of the activated
carbon. H3PO4, KOH and ZnCl2 are the most frequently
used chemicals for the activation process. Granular
activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, activated
carbon fibers and carbon clothes are the major physical
forms of the activated carbon. These physical forms are
important to maximize the adsorption process according to
the purpose of usage. Activated carbon is used to remove
heavy metals, dyes, COD, BOD, organic contaminants and
volatile organic compounds in the waste water. Various
recovery methods are applied to regenerate activated
carbons. Among them, chemical, thermal, and bio
regeneration methods are examined. Strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, threats related to use of
activated carbon and future research priority areas are
also discussed
EFFECT OF SMART STRUCTURES ON AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINE
Authors: Syed Hira , Ahmed Dr.Gulraiz
Published: June 2021

In renewable energy the wind energy is the
most significant source. The wind turbine suppresses the
kinetic energy of the wind. Current research focuses on
improving the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine
blades through wind tunnel tests and theoretical studies.
These exercises are time taking and require considerable
laboratory resources. Similarly, simulation of wind
turbines using CFD software (Computational Fluid
Dynamics) provides cost-effective solutions for
aerodynamic analysis of the blades. Due to the energy
crisis in Pakistan, we need a solution to overcome the
power shortage. Wind energy is an economical and
affordable energy. In this study, two-dimensional airfoil
S4310, was selected for the blade cross section. 2.1 m cord
length from root and 0.67 m cord length from tip of the
blade, aerodynamic analysis of this model was performed
using ANSYS-FLUENT software. Using the
turbulence model, the lift and drag coefficients
were computed for wind-turbine blade at 0?-14? angles of
attack (AOA). The CFD results accomplish by all together
solving momentum ,continuity and the Navier-Stokes
equations using a standard non-linear solver. The
smart structures were also applied on the wing in which
active twist was applied to the blade using twist angles
from 0?-10? and similarly the lift to drag ratio were
considered.
The Emerging Roles of the RNA Binding Protein QKI in Cardiovascular Development and Function
Authors: Chen Xinyun , Yin Jianwen , Cao Dayan , Xiao Deyong , Zhou Zhongjun , Liu Ying , Shou Weinian
Published: June 2021

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have a broad biological and physiological function and are critical in regulating pre-mRNA posttranscriptional processing, intracellular migration, and mRNA stability. QKI, also known as Quaking, is a member of the signal transduction and activation of RNA (STAR) family, which also belongs to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K- (hnRNP K-) homology domain protein family. There are three major alternatively spliced isoforms, QKI-5, QKI-6, and QKI-7, differing in carboxy-terminal domains. They share a common RNA binding property, but each isoform can regulate pre-mRNA splicing, transportation or stability differently in a unique cell type-specific manner. Previously, QKI has been known for its important role in contributing to neurological disorders. A series of recent work has further demonstrated that QKI has important roles in much broader biological systems, such as cardiovascular development, monocyte to macrophage differentiation, bone metabolism, and cancer progression. In this mini-review, we will focus on discussing the emerging roles of QKI in regulating cardiac and vascular development and function and its potential link to cardiovascular pathophysiology.
Immature Follicular Origins and Disrupted Oocyte Growth Pathways Contribute to Decreased Gamete Quality During Reproductive Juvenescence in Mice
Authors: Kusuhara Atsuko , Babayev Elnur , Zhou Luhan T. , Singh Vijay P. , Gerton Jennifer L. , Duncan Francesca E.
Published: June 2021

Egg quality dictates fertility outcomes, and although there is a well-documented decline with advanced reproductive age, how it changes during puberty is less understood. Such knowledge is critical, since advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies are enabling pre- and peri-pubertal patients to preserve fertility in the medical setting. Therefore, we investigated egg quality parameters in a mouse model of the pubertal transition or juvenescence (postnatal day; PND 11–40). Animal weight, vaginal opening, serum inhibin B levels, oocyte yield, oocyte diameter, and zona pellucida thickness increased with age. After PND 15, there was an age-associated ability of oocytes to resume meiosis and reach metaphase of meiosis II (MII) following in vitro maturation (IVM). However, eggs from the younger cohort (PND 16–20) had significantly more chromosome configuration abnormalities relative to the older cohorts and many were at telophase I instead of MII, indicative of a cell cycle delay. Oocytes from the youngest mouse cohorts originated from the smallest antral follicles with the fewest cumulus layers per oocyte, suggesting a more developmentally immature state. RNA Seq analysis of oocytes from mice at distinct ages revealed that the genes involved in cellular growth signaling pathways (PI3K, mTOR, and Hippo) were consistently repressed with meiotic competence, whereas genes involved in cellular communication were upregulated in oocytes with age. Taken together, these data demonstrate that gametes harvested during the pubertal transition have low meiotic maturation potential and derive from immature follicular origins.
Axonal Regeneration by Glycosaminoglycan
Authors: Sakamoto Kazuma , Ozaki Tomoya , Kadomatsu Kenji
Published: June 2021

Like other biomolecules including nucleic acid and protein, glycan plays pivotal roles in various cellular processes. For instance, it modulates protein folding and stability, organizes extracellular matrix and tissue elasticity, and regulates membrane trafficking. In addition, cell-surface glycans are often utilized as entry receptors for viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, its roles as ligands to specific surface receptors have not been well understood with a few exceptions such as selectins and siglecs. Recent reports have demonstrated that chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate, both of which are glycosaminoglycans, work as physiological ligands on their shared receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ). These two glycans differentially determine the fates of neuronal axons after injury in our central nervous system. That is, heparan sulfate promotes axonal regeneration while chondroitin sulfate inhibits it, inducing dystrophic endbulbs at the axon tips. In our recent study, we demonstrated that the chondroitin sulfate (CS)-PTPσ axis disrupted autophagy flux at the axon tips by dephosphorylating cortactin. In this minireview, we introduce how glycans work as physiological ligands and regulate their intracellular signaling, especially focusing on chondroitin sulfate.
AVUBDI: A Versatile Usable Big Data Infrastructure and Its Monitoring Approaches for Process Industry
Authors: Luftensteiner Sabrina , Mayr Michael , Chasparis Georgios C. , Pichler Mario
Published: June 2021

The amount of sensors in process industry is continuously increasing as they are getting faster, better and cheaper. Due to the rising amount of available data, the processing of generated data has to be automatized in a computationally efficient manner. Such a solution should also be easily implementable and reproducible independently of the details of the application domain. This paper provides a suitable and versatile usable infrastructure that deals with Big Data in the process industry on various platforms using efficient, fast and modern technologies for data gathering, processing, storing and visualization. Contrary to prior work, we provide an easy-to-use, easily reproducible, adaptable and configurable Big Data management solution with a detailed implementation description that does not require expert or domain-specific knowledge. In addition to the infrastructure implementation, we focus on monitoring both infrastructure inputs and outputs, including incoming data of processes and model predictions and performances, thus allowing for early interventions and actions if problems occur.
Isolation of Mutants With Reduced Susceptibility to Piperaquine From a Mutator of the Rodent Malaria Parasite Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Ikeda Mie , Hirai Makoto , Tachibana Shin-Ichiro , Mori Toshiyuki , Mita Toshihiro
Published: June 2021

Elucidation of the mechanisms of drug resistance in malaria parasites is crucial for combatting the emergence and spread of resistant parasites, which can be achieved by tracing resistance-associated mutations and providing useful information for drug development. Previously, we produced a novel genetic tool, a Plasmodium berghei mutator (PbMut), whose base substitution rate is 36.5 times higher than that of wild-type parasites. Here, we report the isolation of a mutant with reduced susceptibility to piperaquine (PPQ) from PbMut under PPQ pressure by sequential nine-cycle screening and named it PbMut-PPQ-R-P9. The ED50 of PbMut-PPQ-R-P9 was 1.79 times higher than that of wild-type parasites, suggesting that its PPQ resistance is weak. In the 1st screen, recrudescence occurred in the mice infected with PbMut but not in those infected with wild-type parasites, suggesting earlier emergence of PPQ-resistant parasites from PbMut. Whole-genome sequence analysis of PbMut-PPQ-R-P9 clones revealed that eight nonsynonymous mutations were conserved in all clones, including N331I in PbCRT, the gene encoding chloroquine resistance transporter (CRT). The PbCRT(N331I) mutation already existed in the parasite population after the 2nd screen and was predominant in the population after the 8th screen. An artificially inserted PbCRT(N331I) mutation gave rise to reduced PPQ susceptibility in genome-edited parasites (PbCRT-N331I). The PPQ susceptibility and growth rates of PbCRT-N331I parasites were significantly lower than those of PbMut-PPQ-R-P9, implying that additional mutations in the PbMut-PPQ-R9 parasites could compensate for the fitness cost of the PbCRT(N331I) mutation and contribute to reduced PPQ susceptibility. In summary, PbMut could serve as a novel genetic tool for predicting gene mutations responsible for drug resistance. Further study on PbMut-PPQ-R-P9 could identify genetic changes that compensate for fitness costs owing to drug resistance acquisition.
Characterizing the Xenoma of Vairimorpha necatrix Provides Insights Into the Most Efficient Mode of Microsporidian Proliferation
Authors: Li Tian , Fang Zhuoya , He Qiang , Wang Chunxia , Meng Xianzhi , Yu Bin , Zhou Zeyang
Published: June 2021

Microsporidia are a group of obligated intracellular parasites that can infect nearly all vertebrates and invertebrates, including humans and economic animals. MicrosporidianVairimorpha necatrixis a natural pathogen of multiple insects and can massively proliferate by making tumor-like xenoma in host tissue. However, little is known about the subcellular structures of this xenoma and the proliferation features of the pathogens inside. Here, we characterized theV. necatrixxenoma produced in muscle cells of silkworm midgut. In result, the whitish xenoma was initially observed on the 12thday post infection on the outer surface of the midgut and later became larger and numerous. The observation by scanning electronic microscopy showed that the xenoma is mostly elliptical and spindle with dense pathogen-containing protrusions and spores on the surface, which were likely shedding off the xenoma through exocytosis and could be an infection source of other tissues. Demonstrated with transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent staining, the xenoma was enveloped by a monolayer membrane, and full of vesicle structures, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum around parasites in development, suggesting that high level of energy and nutrients were produced to support the massive proliferation of the parasites. Multiple hypertrophic nuclei were found in one single xenoma, indicating that the cyst was probably formed by fusion of multiple muscle cells. Observed by fluorescencein situhybridization, pathogens in the xenoma were in merongony, sporogony, and octosporogony, and mature stages. And mature spores were pushed to the center while vegetative pathogens were in the surface layer of the xenoma. TheV. necatrixmeront usually contained two to three nuclei, and sporont contained two nuclei and was wrapped by a thick membrane with high electron density. TheV. necatrixsporogony produces two types of spores, the ordinary dikaryotic spore and unicellular octospores, the latter of which were smaller in size and packed in a sporophorous vesicle. In summary,V. necatrixxenoma is a specialized cyst likely formed by fusion of multiple muscle cells and provides high concentration of energy and nutrients with increased number of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum for the massive proliferation of pathogens inside.
Heat Shock Proteins: Potential Modulators and Candidate Biomarkers of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chakafana Graham , Spracklen Timothy F. , Kamuli Stephen , Zininga Tawanda , Shonhai Addmore , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Sliwa Karen
Published: June 2021

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which heart failure and systolic dysfunction occur late in pregnancy or within months following delivery. To date, no reliable biomarkers or therapeutic interventions for the condition exist, thus necessitating an urgent need for identification of novel PPCM drug targets and candidate biomarkers. Leads for novel treatments and biomarkers are therefore being investigated worldwide. Pregnancy is generally accompanied by dramatic hemodynamic changes, including a reduced afterload and a 50% increase in cardiac output. These increased cardiac stresses during pregnancy potentially impair protein folding processes within the cardiac tissue. The accumulation of misfolded proteins results in increased toxicity and cardiac insults that trigger heart failure. Under stress conditions, molecular chaperones such as heat shock proteins (Hsps) play crucial roles in maintaining cellular proteostasis. Here, we critically assess the potential role of Hsps in PPCM. We further predict specific associations between the Hsp types Hsp70, Hsp90 and small Hsps with several proteins implicated in PPCM pathophysiology. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of select Hsps as novel candidate PPCM biomarkers and drug targets. A better understanding of how these Hsps modulate PPCM pathogenesis holds promise in improving treatment, prognosis and management of the condition, and possibly other forms of acute heart failure.
Reservoir Characteristics and Main Controlling Factors of the Mesozoic Volcanic Rocks in the D Oilfield in Southern Gentle Slope Zone of the Laizhouwan Sag
Authors: Xie Jun , Hu Xiao , Li Baichuan , Duan Yajun , Liang Huizhen , Su Yanchun , Cai Wuchao , Wang Rui
Published: June 2021

The Mesozoic volcanic rocks are widely developed in the Bohai Bay basin. The D oilfield, located in the southeast of the Bohai Bay Basin, is a Cenozoic depression developed on the base of the Mesozoic. The types of the volcanic rocks are complex and the reservoir space is diverse. According to the characteristics of the volcanic reservoir, such as vertical multi-stage and strong heterogeneity, and based on the analysis of the volcanic core observation, thin section identification, logging data and seismic data, we analyzed the reservoir space type, physical property characteristics and reservoir physical property control factors of volcanic reservoir in the study area. The results show that the volcanic rocks in the study area are mainly volcanic breccia, andesite and tuff; the lithofacies types mainly include volcanic eruption facies, effusion facies and volcanic sedimentary facies, and the volcanic eruption facies is the most developed. Four types of volcanic reservoirs and 14 effective storage space types have been identified from the macroscopic and microscopic multi-scale, mainly intergranular pores, intergranular dissolution pores, intracrystalline pores, structural fractures and weathering dissolution fractures. Reservoir performance is mainly affected by lithology, lithofacies, tectonic activity and diagenesis. The primary pores in the upper part of exhalative and explosive facies are the most developed. Early cement filling is beneficial to the preservation of primary intergranular pore space and is an important prerequisite for the formation of secondary dissolution pores. Under the action of multi-stage tectonic movement and weathering leaching, the reservoir performance of volcanic rocks has been greatly improved, and the volcanic rocks with superimposed fractures and porosities are effective volcanic reservoirs.
Aggressive Cushing’s Disease: Molecular Pathology and Its Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Yamamoto Masaaki , Nakao Takahiro , Ogawa Wataru , Fukuoka Hidenori
Published: June 2021

Cushing’s disease is a syndromic pathological condition caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (ACTHomas) mediated by hypercortisolemia. It may have a severe clinical course, including infection, psychiatric disorders, hypercoagulability, and metabolic abnormalities, despite the generally small, nonaggressive nature of the tumors. Up to 20% of ACTHomas show aggressive behavior, which is related to poor surgical outcomes, postsurgical recurrence, serious clinical course, and high mortality. Although several gene variants have been identified in both germline and somatic changes in Cushing’s disease, the pathophysiology of aggressive ACTHomas is poorly understood. In this review, we focused on the aggressiveness of ACTHomas, its pathology, the current status of medical therapy, and future prospects. Crooke’s cell adenoma (CCA), Nelson syndrome, and corticotroph pituitary carcinoma are representative refractory pituitary tumors that secrete superphysiological ACTH. Although clinically asymptomatic, silent corticotroph adenoma is an aggressive ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology of aggressive ACTHomas, including these tumors, from a molecular point of view based on genetic, pathological, and experimental evidence. The treatment of aggressive ACTHomas is clinically challenging and usually resistant to standard treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and established medical therapy (e.g., pasireotide and cabergoline). Temozolomide is the most prescribed pharmaceutical treatment for these tumors. Reports have shown that several treatments for patients with refractory ACTHomas include chemotherapy, such as cyclohexyl-chloroethyl-nitrosourea combined with 5-fluorouracil, or targeted therapies against several molecules including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and ligand for PD-1. Genetic and experimental evidence indicates that some possible therapeutic candidates are expected, such as epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and BRAF inhibitor. The development of novel treatment options for aggressive ACTHomas is an emerging task.
Successful ATAC-Seq From Snap-Frozen Equine Tissues
Authors: Peng Sichong , Bellone Rebecca , Petersen Jessica L. , Kalbfleisch Theodore S. , Finno Carrie J.
Published: June 2021

An assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) has become an increasingly popular method to assess genome-wide chromatin accessibility in isolated nuclei from fresh tissues. However, many biobanks contain only snap-frozen tissue samples. While ATAC-seq has been applied to frozen brain tissues in human, its applicability in a wide variety of tissues in horse remains unclear. The Functional Annotation of Animal Genome (FAANG) project is an international collaboration aimed to provide high quality functional annotation of animal genomes. The equine FAANG initiative has generated a biobank of over 80 tissues from two reference female animals and experiments to begin to characterize tissue specificity of genome function for prioritized tissues have been performed. Due to the logistics of tissue collection and storage, extracting nuclei from a large number of tissues for ATAC-seq at the time of collection is not always practical. To assess the feasibility of using stored frozen tissues for ATAC-seq and to provide a guideline for the equine FAANG project, we compared ATAC-seq results from nuclei isolated from frozen tissue to cryopreserved nuclei (CN) isolated at the time of tissue harvest in liver, a highly cellular homogenous tissue, and lamina, a relatively acellular tissue unique to the horse. We identified 20,000–33,000 accessible chromatin regions in lamina and 22–61,000 in liver, with consistently more peaks identified using CN isolated at time of tissue collection. Our results suggest that frozen tissues are an acceptable substitute when CN are not available. For more challenging tissues such as lamina, nuclei extraction at the time of tissue collection is still preferred for optimal results. Therefore, tissue type and accessibility to intact nuclei should be considered when designing ATAC-seq experiments.
Ethnic Differences in the Frequency of CFTR Gene Mutations in Populations of the European and North Caucasian Part of the Russian Federation
Authors: Petrova Nika , Balinova Natalia , Marakhonov Andrey , Vasilyeva Tatyana , Kashirskaya Nataliya , Galkina Varvara , Ginter Evgeniy , Kutsev Sergey , Zinchenko Rena
Published: June 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common monogenic disease caused by pathogenic variants in the CFTR gene. The distribution and frequency of CFTR variants vary in different countries and ethnic groups. The spectrum of pathogenic variants of the CFTR gene was previously studied in more than 1,500 CF patients from different regions of the European and North Caucasian region of Russia and the spectrum of the most frequent pathogenic variants of the CFTR gene and ethnic features of their distribution were determined. To assess the population frequency of CFTR gene mutations some of the common variants were analyzed in the samples of healthy unrelated individuals from the populations of the European part of the Russian Federation: 1,324 Russians from four European regions (Pskov, Tver, Rostov, and Kirov regions), representatives of five indigenous ethnic groups of the Volga-Ural region [Mari (n = 505), Udmurts (n = 613), Chuvash (n = 780), Tatars (n = 704), Bashkirs (n = 517)], and six ethnic groups of the North Caucasus [Karachay (n = 324), Nogais (n = 118), Circassians (n = 102), Abazins (n = 128), Ossetians (n = 310), and Chechens (n = 100)]. The frequency of common CFTR mutations was established in studied ethnic groups. The frequency of F508del mutation in Russians was found to be 0.0056 on average, varying between four regions, from 0.0027 in the Pskov region to 0.0069 in the Rostov region. Three variants W1282X, 1677delTA, and F508del were identified in the samples from the North Caucasian populations: in Karachay, the frequency of W1282X mutation was 0.0092, 1677delTA mutation – 0.0032; W1282X mutation in the Nogais sample – 0.0127, the frequency of F508del mutations was 0.0098 and 1677delTA – 0.0098 in Circassians; in Abazins F508del (0.0039), W1282X (0.0039) and 1677delTA (0.0117) mutations were found. In the indigenous peoples of the Volga-Ural region, the maximum frequency of the F508del mutation was detected in the Tatar population (0.099), while this mutation was never detected in the Mari and Bashkir populations. The E92K variant was found in Chuvash and Tatar populations. Thus, interethnic differences in the spectra of CFTR gene variants were shown both in CF patients and in healthy population of the European and North Caucasian part of Russia.
Integrated Transcriptome Profiling Revealed That Elevated Long Non-Coding RNA-AC007278.2 Expression Repressed CCR7 Transcription in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: You Yi , Zhao Xingwang , Wu Yaguang , Mao Jiangming , Ge Lan , Guo Junkai , Zhao Chenglei , Chen Dong , Song Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a serious autoimmune disease. Its molecular pathogenesis, especially the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) function, remains unclear. We want to investigate the lncRNA dysregulation profile and their molecular mechanisms in SLE.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome profiles (RNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients and two published transcriptome datasets to explore lncRNA profiles. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR in another set of female patients. We constructed the lncRNA-mRNA regulatory networks by performing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Dysregulated lncRNA AC007278.2 was repressed by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in Jurkat cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of AC007278.2 on target gene CCR7.

Results

We observed dominant up-regulation of transcripts, including mRNAs and lncRNAs, in SLE patients. By WGCNA method, we identified three modules that were highly related to SLE. We then focused on one lncRNA, AC007278.2, with a T-helper 1 lineage-specific expression pattern. We observed consistently higher AC007278.2 expression in SLE patients. Co-expression network revealed that AC007278.2 participated in the innate immune response and inflammatory bowel disease pathways. By knocking down AC007278.2 expression, we found that AC007278.2 could regulate the expression of inflammatory and cytokine stimulus response-related genes, including CCR7, AZU1, and TNIP3. AC007278.2 inhibits the functional CCR7 promoter to repress its transcription, thereby regulating autoimmunity and follicular T-helper cell differentiation.

Conclusion

In summary, our study indicated the important regulatory role of lncRNAs in SLE. AC007278.2 may be treated as a novel biomarker for SLE diagnosis and treatment.
High Level of Soluble CD146 In Cerebrospinal Fluid Might be a Biomarker of Severity of Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Li Qing , Chen Jinglong , Yin Mengzhuo , Zhao Jun , Lu Fuchang , Wang Zhanhang , Yu Xiaoqi , Wang Shuangyan , Zheng Dong , Wang Honghao
Published: June 2021

Background

Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an important pathophysiological process of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. A recent multi-center study showed that soluble (s) CD146 is a potential biomarker for monitoring early BBB damage and central nervous system inflammation, but little is known about sCD146 in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Method

Twenty-three anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients and seventeen controls with non-inflammatory neurological diseases were recruited. sCD146 and inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were detected by ELISA. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores were used to assess the neurological status of each patient. A follow-up review was completed three months after discharge.

Results

sCD146 levels in the CSF of patients with the acute stage anti-NMDAR encephalitis were significantly increased compared with controls and accompanied by increases in TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. CSF sCD146 was positively correlated with neuroinflammatory factors in the CSF and with mRS score. Three months after effective treatment, CSF sCD146 in patients was significantly decreased but remained significantly different compared with the controls.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that higher expression of CSF sCD146 correlated with more serious neurological damage. Therefore, levels of CSF sCD146 may represent a promising indicator for monitoring disease and optimizing clinical treatment decisions in the early stages of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
Macrophage Related Chronic Inflammation in Non-Healing Wounds
Authors: Li Meirong , Hou Qian , Zhong Lingzhi , Zhao Yali , Fu Xiaobing
Published: June 2021

Persistent hyper-inflammation is a distinguishing pathophysiological characteristic of chronic wounds, and macrophage malfunction is considered as a major contributor thereof. In this review, we describe the origin and heterogeneity of macrophages during wound healing, and compare macrophage function in healing and non-healing wounds. We consider extrinsic and intrinsic factors driving wound macrophage dysregulation, and review systemic and topical therapeutic approaches for the restoration of macrophage response. Multidimensional analysis is highlighted through the integration of various high-throughput technologies, used to assess the diversity and activation states as well as cellular communication of macrophages in healing and non-healing wound. This research fills the gaps in current literature and provides the promising therapeutic interventions for chronic wounds.
Non-Typhoidal Salmonella and the Risk of Kawasaki Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Thomas Yen-Ting , Chou Mei-Chia , Lai Jung-Nien , Chiu Lu-Ting , Chang Renin , Hung Yao-Min , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: June 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between non-typhoidalSalmonella(NTS) infection and the risk of Kawasaki disease (KD) by using a nationwide population-based data set in Taiwan.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 69,116 patients under 18 years of age, with NTS from January 1st, 2000, to December 31st, 2013, using the population-based National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. A comparison group without NTS was matched (at a 1:4 ratio) by propensity score. The two cohorts were followed from the initial diagnosis of NTS until the date of KD development or December 31st, 2013. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for covariates. Also, we conducted sensitivity analyses to examine our findings.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, the risk of KD for the children with NTS was significantly higher than that of the comparison group (hazard ratio = 1.31; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.66; p < 0.01). Stratified analysis showed that the associated risk of the investigated outcome was significant in children aged ≤2 years (aHR= 1.31, 95% C.I. 1.02-1.69), in female patients (aHR= 1.46, 95% C.I. 1.03-2.08), and in those without allergic diseases.

Conclusions

NTS is associated with an increased risk of KD in Taiwanese children.
Diversity of Indian Barnacles in Marine Provinces and Ecoregions of the Indian Ocean
Authors: Trivedi Jigneshkumar , Patel Krupal , Chan Benny K. K. , Doshi Mahima , Padate Vinay
Published: June 2021

The present study is the first completed and taxonomically validated literature review of the biodiversity of barnacles (Cirripedia) in India. A total of 144 species in 75 genera and 19 families have been recorded in India. The highest number of species has been recorded from the Bay of Bengal province, located on the eastern side of the Indian Peninsula, comprising the Eastern India ecoregion (76 species) and Northern Bay of Bengal ecoregion (34 species). The West and South India Shelf province has fewer species (Western India ecoregion: 29 species; South India and Sri Lanka ecoregion: 40 species; and Maldives ecoregion: 10 species) compared to the Bay of Bengal province. The Andaman province is composed of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and contains 65 species. Most of the coral-associated barnacles (family Pyrgomatidae) have been recorded in the corals reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (7 species), Eastern India (6 species), and Northern Bay of Bengal ecoregions (5 species). Sponge-associated barnacles (mostly in the subfamily Acastinae) were recorded in the Eastern India ecoregion, Southern India and Sri Lanka, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands ecoregions. Deepwater species were recorded the most extensively in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ecoregion (21 species), followed by the South India and Sri Lanka ecoregion (9 species) and Eastern India ecoregion (7 species). Six Atlantic/boreal cold water species previously reported in India were removed due to incorrect identification, and some incorrectly identified species were validated and corrected.
Trophic, Chemo-Ecological and Sex-Specific Insights on the Relation Between Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the Invasive Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder, 1845)
Authors: Miccoli Andrea , Mancini Emanuele , Boschi Marco , Provenza Francesca , Lelli Veronica , Tiralongo Francesco , Renzi Monia , Terlizzi Antonio , Bonamano Simone , Marcelli Marco
Published: June 2021

Biological invasions result in negative and unpredictable impacts on oceans worldwide. Non-indigenous macrophytes often synthesize secondary metabolites for defensive purposes and increased competition efficiency: this is the case of Caulerpa cylindracea, which has entered the Mediterranean Sea in 1990 and competed against local flora and fauna since. It was demonstrated that the white seabream Diplodus sargus (i) has included the algae into its diet, (ii) is subject to the peculiar Abnormally Tough Specimen (ATS) condition post-cooking, and (iii) suffers physiological and behavioral disturbances from caulerpin, one of the three major algal secondary metabolites. This paper confirms a feeding relationship between the fish and the algae, quantifies caulerpin accumulation in the liver, suggests a possible mollusk- and echinoderm-driven biomagnification, and highlights the fact that all ATS specimens were males. Multivariate analyses on a multi-biomarker panel reveals differential correlations to key cellular processes such as oxidative stress, metabolism, neurotoxicity, and lipid peroxidation as well as to condition indexes.
Epidemiology Profile of Viral Meningitis Infections Among Patients in Qatar (2015–2018)
Authors: Mathew Shilu , Al Khatib Hebah A. , Al Ansari Khalid , Nader Joanne , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Younes Nadin N. , Coyle Peter V. , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Al Maslamani Muna A. , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: June 2021

Background:Little is known about the etiology of meningitis in the MENA region, including Qatar. Viral agents are considered the major cause for meningitis worldwide. Here, we present primary data about the etiology and clinical and demographic characteristics of viral meningitis (VM) in Qatar between 2015 and 2018.

Methods:We retrospectively collected data from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), which provides about 80% of healthcare services in Qatar. Data were collected for the period between 2015 and 2018. During this time period, 6,705 specimens were collected from patients with suspected meningitis attending HMC and primary healthcare centers. These specimens were tested for a panel of viruses using the “FTD Viral meningitis” multiplex real-time PCR kit that detects Adenovirus (ADV), Human herpesvirus 1&2 (HSV1 and HSV2), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Enteroviruses (EV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), and Parechovirus (PV).

Results:Only 10.9% (732/6,705) of all suspected meningitis cases were caused by viral agents. 60.9% of the reported cases were males, compared to 39.1% in females. Most of the infections (73.9%) were reported in children younger than 10 years of age. EV were identified as the main causative agent (68.7%), followed by EBV (7.5%) and ADV (6.8%). Other viral agents including VZV, PV, HSV-1, and HSV-2 were also detected with a lower frequency. Confirmed VM were more prevalent among Qatari subjects compared to other nationalities. We observed no specific seasonality of viral agents, but a slight rise was recorded during the spring seasons (March to June). Fever (59.4%, 435/732) and acute central nervous system (CNS) infection (15.6%, 114/732) were initial symptoms of most cases.

Conclusion:This is the first report about the molecular epidemiology of VM in Qatar. In line with the international records, our data showed that EV is responsible for 68.7% of Qatar's VM cases. Further studies are needed to genotype and serotype the identified viruses.