bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Postural Stability-Indicator to Predict the Level of Fear of Falling In Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Pourghayoomi Ehsan , Behzadipour Saeed , Ramezani Mehdi , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , shahidi Gholamali
Published: June 2020

Background
Fear of falling (FoF) is defined as a lasting concern about falling that causes a person to limit or even stop the daily activities that he/she is capable of. 70% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients report activity limitations due to FoF. Timely identification of FoF is critical to prevent its additional adverse effects on the quality of life. Self-report questionnaires are commonly used to evaluate the FoF, which may be prone to human error.
Objectives
In this study, we attempted to identify a new postural stability-indicator to objectively predict the intensity of FoF and its related behavior(s) in PD patients.
Methods
Thirty-eight PD patients participated in the study (mean age, 61.2 years), among whom 10 (26.32%) were identified with low FoF and the rest (73.68%) with high FoF, based on Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). We used a limit of stability task calibrated to each individual and investigated the postural strategies to predict the intensity of FoF. New parameters (FTRi’s; functional time ratio) were extracted based on the center of pressure presence pattern in different rectangular areas (i = 1, 2, and 3). The task was performed on two heights to investigate FoF related behavior(s).
Results
FTR 1/2 (the ratio between FTR1 and FTR2) was strongly correlated with the FES-I (r = − 0.63, P < 0.001), Pull Test (r = − 0.65, P < 0.001), Timed Up and Go test (r = − 0.57, P < 0.001), and Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.62, P < 0.001). The model of FTR1/2 was identified as a best-fitting model to predicting the intensity of FoF in PD participants (sensitivity = 96.43%, specificity = 80%), using a threshold level of ≤ 2.83.
Conclusions
Using the proposed assessment technique we can accurately predict the intensity of FoF in PD patients. Also, The FTR1/2 index can be potentially considered as a mechanical biomarker to sense the FoF-related postural instability in PD patients.
Host Phylogeny Matters: Examining Sources of Variation in Infection Risk by Blood Parasites Across a Tropical Montane Bird Community in India
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Vishnudas C.K. , Robin V.V. , Dharmarajan Guha
Published: June 2020

Background: Identifying patterns and drivers of infection risk among host communities is crucial to elucidate disease dynamics and predict infectious disease risk in wildlife populations. Blood parasites of genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are a diverse group of vector-borne protozoan parasites that affected bird populations globally. Despite their widespread distribution and exceptional diversity, factors underlying haemosporidian infection risk in wild bird communities remain poorly understood. While some studies have examined variation in avian haemosporidian risk, researchers have primarily focused on host ecological traits without considering host phylogenetic relationships. In this study, we employ a phylogenetically informed approach to examine the association between host ecological traits and avian haemosporidian infection risk in endemic bird communities in the Western Ghats Sky Islands.Methods: We collected blood samples from 1177 birds (28 species) and amplified partial parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to identify avian haemosporidian infection and characterized unique haemosporidian lineages by sequencing. We employed a Bayesian phylogenetic mixed effect modelling approach to test the association between seven species specific ecological predictors, four individual level predictors and avian haemosporidian infection risk. We also examined the effect of host phylogenetic relationships on the observed patterns of variation in haemosporidian infection risk by estimating phylogenetic signal.Results: Our study shows that effects of host ecological traits and host phylogeny on infection risk vary for Plasmodium (generalist parasite) vs. Haemoproteus (specialist parasite). For Plasmodium, we found that sociality, sexual dimorphism and feeding strata were important ecological predictors. For Haemoproteus, patterns of infection risk among host species were associated with sociality, elevation and individual body condition. Interestingly, variance in infection risk explained by host phylogeny was higher for Haemoproteus parasites compared to Plasmodium. Conclusion: Our study highlights that while host ecological traits promoting parasite exposure and host susceptibility are important determinants of infection risk, host phylogeny also contributes substantially in predicting patterns of avian haemosporidian infection risk among host communities. Importantly, infection risk is driven by joint contributions of host ecology and host phylogeny and studying these effects together could increase our ability to better understand the drivers of infection risk and predict future disease threats.
Evaluation of Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy in Adult Men
Authors: Hussein1 Ahmed H , faisal mohammed , Ghanem Ahmed M
Published: June 2020

BackgroundVaricocele is an abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the testicular veins. Blocking the reflux in the internal spermatic vein is the cornerstone treatment for varicocele. Other treatment options include inguinal, sub inguinal, retroperitoneal, scrotal, and laparoscopic approaches. Laparoscopic varicocele ligation results in lower morbidity, lower analgesic requirements, and more rapid rates of return to work as compared to the standard open surgical approach.AimTo evaluate the laparoscopic varicocelectomy (at 3 and 6 months postoperatively) as regards the intraoperative, postoperative laboratory, and radiological data.MethodsThis prospective study included 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy procedure from March to November 2018.ResultsThe study was conducted on 40 patients aged 17–36 years who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Clinically, only four patients were detected to be bilateral, although radiological assessment revealed 22 patients had bilateral affection. Clinically, the mean grade is 2.15 ± 0.67 for the left side and 0.35 ± 0.74 for the right side, which improved to 0.35 ± 0.57 on the former and 0.1 ± 0.44 on the latter at 6 months postoperatively. Based on ultrasound findings, 11 patients had bilateral affection. The mean grade is 2.25 ± 0.64 for the left side and 0.75 ± 0.78 for the right side, which improved to 0.35 ± 0.67 on the former and 0.35 ± 0.49 on the latter at 6 months postoperatively. In the semen analysis, the sperm count, motility, and abnormal forms significantly improved. The mean operative time and hospital stay were 26.15 + 5.03 min and 1.15 ± 0.36 day, respectively.ConclusionLaparoscopic varicocelectomy is an effective treatment for varicocele. Significant symptom, sperm count, motility, and abnormal form improvements were observed during the postoperative follow-up. Therefore, laparoscopic varicocelectomy is recommended as more beneficial for patients.
Controls of plant diversity attributes over above ground biomass in Sal forests of Eastern India
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kumar Amit , Saikia Purabi
Published: June 2020

Background Above ground biomass (AGB) is a useful measure for assessing changes in forest structure and functional, and play a significant role in studying carbon stocks, the effect of deforestation and carbon sequestration on the global carbon balance. The present study aimed to study the relationship between AGB and community parameters in Sal forests of Eastern India through stratified random sampling by lying 92 belt transects each of 0.5 ha size. Results It recorded a high AGB (410.70 Mg ha-1), and carbon stock (Cp) (193.06 Mg C ha-1), and forest wise AGB ranged from 0.19 to 24.75 Mg ha-1 (mean 4.45 ± 0.45 SE). The spatial pattern of AGB showed that maximum studied forests (65%) had very low AGB (<5.00 Mg ha-1), and only one forests (1%) located in the northwest corner of Ranchi had very high AGB (>20 Mg ha-1). Species wise AGB ranged from 0.001 to 7074.94 Mg ha-1 (mean 106 ± 71 SE) and Shorea robusta with maximum basal area (120.81 m2 ha−1) contributed maximum AGB (64.87% of the total AGB), however, no similar trends have been observed in any other tree species. A significant positive correlation was observed between AGB and Cp (r=1.00, p<0.01), H’ (r= .58, p<0.01), Dmg (r= .31, p<0.01), Dmn (r= .49, p<0.01), ENS (r= .57, p<0.01), E (r= .26, p<0.05), and basal area (r= 0.71, p<0.05). However, a negative correlation of AGB was evident with CD (r= -.57, p<0.01), and density (r= - 0.17). Conclusions The relationships differed greatly among plant diversity attributes, basal area, density, AGB, and Cp within and among various forests and the strongest relationships within each forests were always those having greater richness (Dmg, Dmn), diversity (H, ENS), basal area or evenness (E). Estimation of forest Cp enables us to assess the amount of carbon loss during deforestation or the amount of carbon stored during forest regeneration. The present study will directly help in studying the response of climate change on ecosystem productivity, energy and nutrient flow, and for assessing the patterns of carbon sequestration in Indian forests under global climate change.
TUG1 enhances high gluose impaired endothelial progenitor cell function via miR-29c-3p/PDGF-BB/Wnt signaling
Authors: Li Yang , Zhi Kangkang , Han Shilong , Li Xue , Li Maoquan , Lian Weishuai , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: June 2020

Background
Diabetes is associated with the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), characterized as impaired angiogenesis, a phenomenon thought to be involved in the development of diabetic foot. LncRNA plays an essential role in microvascular dysfunction and signaling pathways in patients with diabetes. LncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) participates in angiogenesis in various cells. However, the mechanisms of TUG1 activity in EPCs have not been elucidated.
Methods
We isolated and then characterized EPCs from the peripheral blood of mice using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Western blot detected the wnt/β-catenin pathway in high glucose treated EPCs. Bioinformatics analysis predicted a putative binding site for TUG1 on miR-29c-3p. The interactions among TUG1, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and miR-29c-3p were analyzed by luciferase assays. In vivo, diabetic mouse ischemic limb were treated with normal saline or TUG1 overexpression lentiviruses.
Results
We found that EPC migration, invasion and tube formation declined after treatment with high glucose, but improved with TUG1 overexpression. Mechanically, wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy were involved in the function of TUG1 overexpression in high glucose treated EPCs. Moreover, TUG1 regulates the PDGF-BB/wnt pathway and function of high glucose treated EPCs via miR-29c-3p. In vivo, injection of TUG1 lentivirus in a diabetic mouse ischemic limb model stimulated angiogenesis.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that TUG1 restores high glucose treated EPC function by regulating miR-29c-3p/PDGF-BB/Wnt signaling.
Lung ultrasound and neonatal COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report.
Authors: Ríos Daniel Ibarra , García Dina Villanueva , Solano Edna Patricia Vázquez , García Alfonso de Jesús Martínez , González Horacio Márquez
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Severe Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in neonates is possible but reports are scarce. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has been reported useful for triaging, diagnosing, and monitoring of patients with COVID-19.Material and methods: We describe SARS-CoV-2 confirmed infection on a term newborn that developed pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension requiring mechanical ventilation. Ultrasonographic follow up of COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension was carried out. Results: A 3,140-g male infant born at 40.3 weeks’ gestation developed progressive respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation. Real time PCR respiratory tract swabs for SARS COV 2 sampled on day 3 were positive for the baby and both parents. Lung ultrasound showed an irregular pleural line (shred sign), multiple confluent B-lines and bilateral ≥ 0.5 cm subpleural consolidations. Improvement of the lung and cardiac conditions were documented by ultrasound. Conclusion: Our case represents a severe presentation of COVID-19 pneumonia with pulmonary hypertension requiring mechanical ventilation. LUS showed to be useful for diagnosis and follow up.
Management of Infections with Mycobacterium Other Than Tuberculosis (MOTT) as a Complication of Surgical Procedures.
Authors: Naskar Bikash
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND:Atypical mycobacteria (MOTT) have emerged as significant human pathogens, causing post-surgical wound infections.The aim of this study is to assess the causative organisms of such infection and their treatment response.METHODS:After matching the criteria, 28 cases, were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study.The diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial culture. RESULTS:Among 28 patients, 16 were females (median age of 45.5 year). Patients had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( n=13 ), laparoscopic appendicectomy ( n=3), laparoscopic hernioplasty ( n=2 ), open appendicectomy ( n=2 ), open mesh hernioplasty ( n= 7 ), exploratory laparotomy (n=1 ). No major comorbidities or immunosuppression was identified. All patients were initially treated with repeated incision and drainage and started conventional antibiotics until culture and sensitivity report was available.All except one patient had culture confirmed MOTT infection. Combination antibiotics (clarithromycin, linezolid and ofloxacin ) given for initial 3 months. 12 well responded within 3 months. 9 required additional few months to get complete cure. 4 patients cured after 6 months of treatment and 3 patients did not come for follow up.CONCLUSIONS:Delayed onset chronic wound infection by Atypical mycobacteria is preventable.These organisms are not responsive to conventional antitubercular drugs but to specific drug regimens.
Antibody-mediated disruption of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Wrobel Antoni , Benton Donald , Hussain Saira , Harvey Ruth , Roustan Chloë , Martin Stephen , Rosenthal Peter , Skehel John , Gamblin Steven
Published: June 2020

The CR3022 antibody, selected from a group of SARS-CoV-1 monoclonal antibodies for its ability to cross-react with SARS-CoV-2, has been examined for its ability to bind to the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Using electron cryo-microscopy we show that antibody binding requires rearrangements in the S1 domain that result in dissociation of the spike.
Protein Cysteine S-Nitrosylation Provides Reducing Power by Enhancing Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in Trichomonas Vaginalis Under Iron Deficiency
Authors: Cheng Wei-Hung , Huang Kuo-Yang , Ong Seow-Chin , Ku Fu-Man , Huang Po-Jung , Lee Chi-Ching , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Lin Rose , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Tang Petrus
Published: June 2020

Background Iron plays essential roles in the pathogenesis and proliferation of Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of the most prevalent nonviral human sexually transmitted infection. We previously demonstrated that under iron deficiency, the endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is accumulated and capable of regulating the survival of T. vaginalis. Herein, we aim to explore the influence of NO on the activity of the pyruvate-reducing enzyme lactate dehydrogenase in T. vaginalis (TvLDH).Methods Levels of lactate and pyruvate were detected for determining glycolysis activity in T. vaginalis under iron deficiency. Quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of TvLDH. S-nitrosylated (SNO) proteomics was conducted to identify the NO-modified proteins. The activities of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (TvGAPDH) and TvLDH were measured after sodium nitrate treatment. The effects of protein nitrosylation on the production of cellular reducing power were examined by measuring the amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and the ratio of the NAD redox pair (NAD+/NADH).Results We found that although the glycolytic pathway was activated in cells under iron depletion, the level of pyruvate was decreased due to the increased level of TvLDH. By analyzing the SNO proteome of T. vaginalis upon iron deficiency, we found that TvLDH is one of the glycolytic enzymes modified by SNO. The production of pyruvate was significantly reduced after nitrate treatment, indicating that protein nitrosylation accelerated the consumption of pyruvate by increasing TvLDH activity. Nitrate treatment also induced NAD oxidation, suggesting that protein nitrosylation was the key posttranslational modification controlling cellular redox status. Conclusion We demonstrated that NO-mediated protein nitrosylation plays pivotal roles in the regulation of glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the activity of TvLDH. The recycling of oxidized NAD catalyzed by TvLDH provided the reducing power that allowed T. vaginalis to adapt to the iron-deficient environment.
Clinical features and aetiology of newly diagnosed adrenal insufficiency: A single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study in Japan.
Authors: Misaki Makoto , Komagamine Junpei
Published: June 2020

Background: Central adrenal insufficiency (AI) has been reported to be twice as common as primary AI outside Japan. The most common causes of central AI are drugs and pituitary tumours. However, given the significant differences in the incidence rates of Addison’s disease and isolated ACTH deficiency between Japan and other countries, the most common causes of AI in Japan may differ from those in other countries. Furthermore, few studies have focused on the clinical features of newly diagnosed central AI.Methods: A retrospective single-centre observational study using electronic medical records from April 2012 to December 2019 was conducted. The main outcome was the proportion of cases of central AI among all cases of newly diagnosed AI. We also investigated the clinical features and common causes of central AI. Only patients with AI confirmed with hormone tests were included. Patients with AI who were asymptomatic or diagnosed clinically without hormone test confirmation were excluded. Based on hormone tests and the clinical diagnosis, AI was classified into primary and central AI.Results: A total of 34 patients were eligible. The mean patient age was 76.3 years, 11 (32.4%) were women, and 11 (32.4%) were former or current users of glucocorticoids for non-endocrine diseases. Of the 34 patients with newly diagnosed AI, all (100.0%) had central AI. The most common cause of central AI was glucocorticoids (n = 11, 32.4%), followed by central hypoadrenalism of unknown causes (n = 9, 26.5%), idiopathic isolated ACTH deficiency (n = 6, 17.7%), and pituitary tumours (n = 5, 14.7%). For the 34 patients with central AI, the mean time to receive a correct diagnosis from the onset was 6.2 months. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were anorexia (n = 26, 76.5%), fatigue (n = 23, 67.6%), asthenia (n = 22, 64.7%) and nausea or vomiting (n = 19, 55.9%).Conclusions: Primary AI is rare in Japan. The most common cause of newly diagnosed central AI is glucocorticoid use. Pituitary tumours may be a less common cause of central AI in Japan than in other countries.
The effect of sex hormone on COVID-19: analysis of laboratory-confirmed 5061 patients in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Kim Yong Chan , Cho Si Hyun , Lee Jinae , You Seng Chan , Song Young Goo , Won Young Bin , Park Yun Soo
Published: June 2020

Limited data describing the effect of sex hormone on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is available. We evaluated the effect of sex hormone on prevalence and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Retrospective cohort study was performed using the nationwide claims data of 5061 adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in South Korea, from January 20 to April 8, 2020. COVID-19 was most prevalent in women of the 20-39 age group (1250 [44.14%]). Men were more likely to receive oxygen therapy (144 [6.46%] vs 131 [4.63%], P=0.004), be admitted to the intensive care unit (60 [2.69%] vs 53 [1.87%], P=0.049), and stay longer after admission to the intensive care unit (19.70±11.80 vs 14.75±9.23, P=0.016). However, there was no significant difference in mortality rates between men and women. In multivariable Cox analysis, independent risk factors for mortality were older age and underlying co-morbidities, rather than sex. To evaluate the effect of HRT among women, subgroup analysis was implemented using age-matched case-control data with a 1:3 ratio of females receiving HRT to those who did not. HRT did not have statistically significant association with clinical outcomes. This study suggests that sex hormone may not affect prevalence and clinical outcome of COVID-19 in South Korea.
RUANG SOSIAL SEBAGAI PRODUK NEGOSIASI SPASIAL DI KAMPUNG KAUMAN YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Panglipur Septiawan Bagus , Amijaya Sita Yuliastuti
Published: June 2020

Title: Configuration of Social Space as a Result of Space Negotiation in Kampung Kauman Y ogyakarta

Kauman is one of the unique special area in Yogyakarta famous for the special formation of the settlement patterns and the history as well related to the inhabitant. Kauman residents are descendants of the courtiers of Kraton Yogyakarta. Kauman is known as the birth place of K.H. A. Dahlan, the founder of Muhammadiyah Islamic teachings. The use of spaces as the result of communities behaviour could be seen as an interesting phenomenon. Narrow paths ways are not only used for access but also used as spaces for activities. It creates kind of new spaces. Some temporary extension of residential areas is often found and accepted as an agreement among residents. The aim of this study is to analyze the formation of the new social spaces by community activities. The qualitative descriptive methods will be used to explain the activities of Kauman village residents. Human activities behavior creates patterns in the in the environment as new spaces both temporary and permanent. The research finding of a moving social space in Kauman is a social space created by traveling vendors as they open new spaces around the sales area. The other finding is temporary acquisition of the clothesline which is placed along the alley that become a shared property, this make the clothesline owner have a new personal space occupying the social space that already exists. The court yard of the Great Mosque whenever empty is used for pencak silat activities, this activity also attracts the hawkers to come to sell there.
MENGKAJI TRADISI MEMBANGUN “ORIN TAGAN” MASYARAKAT KAMPUNG NITA KABUPATEN SIKKA
Authors: Gobang Ambrosius Alfonso Korasony Sevili , Polawati Emiliana Yulistia
Published: June 2020

Title: Assessing the Tradition Building "Orin Tagan" Community of Kitaung Nita Sikka District

"Orin tagan" is an elevated house with 1 meter height underneath space (lewu) in Nita Village, Sikka Regency. The interaction among different cultural groups resided in the island of Flores had influenced one another, particularly in house building tradition. Research on housebuilding tradition in Nita Village is still scarce, only a few researches focused on building tradition at Nita Village. So some researches are sought based on similar themes (theme: building tradition) and similar locations (location: Kampung Nita, Sikka Regency). This research problem formulation is to understand how the tradition of building "orin tagan" by the people of Kampung Nita. The purpose of this study is to investigate the building tradition of “orin tagan”, using descriptive/ narrative strategy and qualitative methods. Primary data were collected based on in-depth interviews with: undagi (village architect/ handyman) and community leaders. Data analysis covered: (1) participants? meaning analysis and (2) structural system analysis and (3) display system analysis. The research results were presented in the form of diagrams containing the elements that make up the structure of “orin tagan” in Nita Village, Sikka Regency, namely the structural system and the stylistic system. The structural system consists of: the structure of the roof, walls and foundation. The stylistic system consist of: terrace display and frame display.
Emergence of reflexivity relation without identity matching-to-sample training in hooded crows (Corvus cornix)
Authors: Samuleeva Maria , Smirnova Anna
Published: June 2020

The ability to form equivalent relations between sign and referent—symbolization—is one of the important cognitive components of language. Equivalent relations have the properties of symmetry (if A→B then B→A), reflexivity (A→A, B→B), and transitivity (if A→B and B→C, then A→C). The current study evaluates whether reflexivity can be spontaneously revealed in hooded crows (Corvus cornix) without training after the formation of the symmetry relation. These birds were previously taught an arbitrary matching-to-sample task with the letters “S” and “V” as samples, and sets of images (same-sized and different-sized figures) as comparisons. Positive results in the transfer tests showed that the crows associated letters with the concepts of sameness/difference. After that, they successfully passed the symmetry test, in which samples and comparisons were switched around. In the present experiment we found out that the crows passed the reflexivity test (A→A, B→B) without identity training. We hypothesize that if the subject associates the sample not with certain stimuli but rather with concepts, it facilitates the formation of equivalence relations between them.
Rational Prediction with Molecular Dynamics for Hit Identification
Authors: Nichols Sara E. , Swift Robert V. , Amaro Rommie E.
Published: June 2020

Although the motions of proteins are fundamental for their function, for pragmatic reasons, the consideration of protein elasticity has traditionally been neglected in drug discovery and design. This review details protein motion, its relevance to biomolecular interactions and how it can be sampled using molecular dynamics simulations. Within this context, two major areas of research in structure-based prediction that can benefit from considering protein flexibility, binding site detection and molecular docking, are discussed. Basic classification metrics and statistical analysis techniques, which can facilitate performance analysis, are also reviewed. With hardware and software advances, molecular dynamics in combination with traditional structure-based prediction methods can potentially reduce the time and costs involved in the hit identification pipeline.
A Comparative Proteomic Study of Thermobifida Cellulosilytica TB100T Secretome Grown on Carboxymethylcellulose and Rice Straw
Authors: Elmahdy Mai H. , Azmy Ahmed F. , El-Gebaly Eman , Saafan Amal , Gaber Yasser
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cellulose, the major component of the plant cell wall, is the most abundant and cheap polymer on earth. It can be used by varieties of cellulolytic enzymes. Cellulases can hydrolyze cellulose to its glucose monomers, which can be fermented to many biotechnological products, such as biochemicals, bioplastics, and biofuels. Actinomycetes are potential sources of cellulases.

Objective:

The current study sheds light on the cellulolytic activity of Thermobifida cellulosilytica, a previously isolated thermophilic actinomycete, and the analysis of the lignocellulases produced in the secretome as a result of induction by different carbon sources.

Methods:

The cellulolytic activity was qualitatively confirmed by Congo red method showing a large halo zone around the colonies. The activity was also assayed using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. The secretome analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) based proteomic approach.

Results:

The cellulolytic activity increased by two folds upon the growth of T. cellulosilytica on rice straw (RS) as a complex substrate comparatively to Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as a simple one. These results were highly assured by LC-MS/MS. Where more proteins (n=31) were produced in the RS secretome, CMC produced only six proteins, including only one cellulase. Different classes of proteins produced in the RS secretome were cellulases (26%), hemicellulases (16%), proteases (10%), and others (48%).

Conclusion:

Lignocellulases are inducible enzymes. RS as a complex substrate induced T. cellulosilytica for the expression of more lignocellulolytic enzymes than CMC.
Purification and Properties of an Esterase from Bacillus licheniformis and it’s Application in Synthesis of Octyl Acetate
Authors: Bhardwaj Kamal K. , Dogra Adarsh , Kapoor Smita , Mehta Akshita , Gupta Reena
Published: June 2020

Background:

Esterase plays a major role in the degradation of natural materials, industrial pollutants and also provides an immense contribution to the eco-friendly approaches in various industrial applications.

Objective:

In the present study, extracellular esterase from bacterial isolate Bacillus licheniformis was purified, characterized and used in the synthesis of octyl acetate.

Methods:

Purification of esterase from Bacillus licheniformis was achieved using Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the octyl acetate synthesis.

Results:

The enzyme was salted out using ammonium sulphate precipitation and 60-70% saturation gave maximum specific activity of the enzyme during precipitation. A purification fold of 6.46 and yield of 9.69% was achieved when esterase from Bacillus licheniformis was purified using Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. Native as well as SDS-PAGE analysis gave a single band of 42 kDa. This showed that the enzyme was purified to homogeneity and it was a monomer with molecular weight of 42 kDa. Biochemical characterization of the enzyme revealed that it had optimum temperature of 45°C in 0.1 M Tris-HCl buffer of pH 8.0. On optimizing different parameters, such as molar ratio of reactants, incubation time, temperature, and amount of protein, the % yield of octyl acetate was found to be 77.3%.

Conclusion:

In this work, simple method was used to purify esterase and the enzyme was further used in producing esters/products of commercial value within a reasonably short period of 12 h with a maximum yield of 77.3%.
An Analytical-Predictive Model for Measuring the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Health Services
Authors: Vitezić Neda , Petrlić Antonija
Published: June 2020

Background:

The main function of public health services is to improve people’s health and therefore, efficiency and effectiveness are constantly a subject of various world-wide research works. Today, in the era of digitalization, when numerous data are created and built, it is much easier to develop and implement a measurement system. It is possible to quickly use a wide variety of accurate and reliable data, aiming to create different measures that will help in the assessment and the decision-making process. For a long time, public health services have been facing a problem of finding an appropriate solution for measuring efficiency and effectiveness.

Objective:

The aim of this research is to find an appropriate analytical-predictive model for measuring efficiency and effectiveness of public health institutes. Public health is oriented to monitoring, analysis, and evaluation of the health of a populationi.e., prevention activities. It is a complex and interdependent process of different realisation of services, programmes, and activities the results of which are sometimes visible only after a long period of time. Therefore, the results of their activities should be evaluated using an appropriate performance measurement system.

Methods:

The adjusted Balanced Scorecard (BSC) combined with the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique is used to help identify the possibilities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public health service activities.

Results:

The result of this study is the proposed Analytical-Predictive Model (APE) that uses Balanced Scorecard combined with Data Envelopment Analysis to measure relative and technical efficiency as well as long-term effectiveness. The model used DEA as a benchmark for targets set in each perspective within the BSC. Using the BSC model, we selected the goals and common indicators for all DMUs, and using DEA, we identified relative efficiency of the DMUs. Efficient DMUs are considered a benchmark and used as targets for measuring effectiveness.

Conclusion:

This research has confirmed the appropriateness of the combination of BSC and DEA methods for measuring efficiency and effectiveness of public health institutions. To be able to measure and predict the long-term effectiveness of the activities and programmes, we had to combine the realised outputs and the set outcomes. The implementation of the APE model in the institutes of public health will contribute to the improvement of analysis, forecast, and optimisation of all their activities. The model is applicable to other public health institutions.
Upaya meningkatkan kemampuan motorik halus melalui kegiatan montase pada anak kelompok B di TK Dharma Wanita Dinoyo 01 Mojokerto
Authors: Taznidaturrohmah Yuvi Erfiana , Pramono Pramono , Suryadi Suryadi
Published: June 2020

Kemampuan motorik halus penting distimulasi sejak dini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan morik halus melalui kegiatan montase pada anak kelompok B di TK Dharma Wanita 01 Dinoyo Mojokerto. Penelitian ini dirancang dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian tindakan kelas dengan pendekatan kualitatif dibantu dengan pengolahan data kuantitatif dengan tahapan-tahapanya yaitu: (1) Perencanaan, (2) Pelaksanaan, (3) Observasi, dan (4) Refleksi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan menggunakan teknik observasi dan dokumentasi. Kriteria keberhasilan dalam penelitian ini yaitu 75%. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Kesimpulan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Terjadi peningkatan kegiatan montase yang digunakan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan motorik halus anak kelompok B TK Dharma Wanita 01 Dinoyo Mojokerto. Pada Siklus I nilai rata-rata yang diperoleh anak adalah 74,1 dan meningkat pada Siklus II dengan skor rata-rata 87; dan (2) Pada tahap pra-tindakan skor rata-rata yang diperoleh anak adalah 53,1, kemudian dan mengalami peningkatan pada Siklus I dan II dengan skor rata-rata 74,5 dan 87,5.
Mining Twitter Data on COVID-19 for Sentiment analysis and frequent patterns Discovery (Preprint)
Authors: Drias Habiba , Drias Yassine
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

A study with a societal objective was carried out on people exchanging on social networks and more particularly on Twitter to observe their feelings on the COVID-19. A dataset of more than 600,000 tweets with hashtags like COVID and coronavirus posted between February 27, 2020 and March 25, 2020 was built. An exploratory treatment of the number of tweets posted by country, by language and other parameters revealed an overview of the apprehension of the pandemic around the world. A sentiment analysis was elaborated on the basis of the tweets posted in English because these constitute the great majority. On the other hand, the FP-Growth algorithm was adapted to the tweets in order to discover the most frequent patterns and its derived association rules, in order to highlight the tweeters insights relatively to COVID-19.
Advocacy Notwithstanding the Notwithstanding Clause
Authors: Leckey Robert
Published: June 2020

My topic is a fundamental social and political change and how it prompts advocates to think differently. We see the change on the part of legislatures. It’s a change from a paradigm of respect for rights to one of majoritarian willingness to override them without justification. I think this change imposes on advocates two responsibilities. One is to help judges to recognize the paradigm shift and its implications for them. The other is to conceive and frame arguments appropriate to the new paradigm — what I call advocacy notwithstanding the notwithstanding clause.
Charter Injunctions, Public Interest Presumption, and the Tyranny of the Majority
Authors: Feasby Colin
Published: June 2020

Quebec’s Bill 21, which seeks to restrict employees in its public service from displaying religious symbols at work, has attracted a number of constitutional challenges. In one of those challenges, Hak v Quebec (Attorney General), the plaintiffs sought an injunction suspending the operation of parts of Bill 21 pending a decision on the merits.1 Both the Quebec Superior Court and the Quebec Court of Appeal declined to issue an injunction. The majority of the Quebec Court of Appeal found that in enacting Bill 21 the legislature must be presumed to have acted in the public interest and, as such, the third part of the injunction test — balance of convenience — could not be satisfied.

The idea that Parliament and provincial legislatures must be presumed to be acting in the public interest — what I will call the public interest presumption — is problematic in Charter cases concerning constraints of fundamental rights and the treatment of minorities. Parliament and provincial legislatures are majoritarian institutions; they are the product of elections where the candidates and parties with the most votes win. A core objective of the Charter is to protect minorities from being oppressed by the majority. Giving too much weight to a majoritarian conception of the public interest in interlocutory injunction applications concerning minority rights undermines the Charter and negates injunctions and stays as elective remedies, particularly where an applicant establishes real harm. To fulfill the Charter’s mandate to protect minority rights it must be recognized that the government does not have a monopoly on representing the public interest and that a majoritarian conception of the public interest cannot control the outcome of the balance of convenience test in the face of evidence that other aspects of the public interest are harmed by the impugned legislation. This short article argues for a much weaker public interest presumption: one that may be rebutted by an applicant adducing evidence of harm to an identifiable group.

1  Hak c Procureure Générale du Québec, 2019 QCCA 2145 [Hak].
Universities, the Charter, Doug Ford, and Campus Free Speech
Authors: Turk* James L.
Published: June 2020

On a warm summer day at the end of August 2018, Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office issued a press release announcing, “Ontario’s Government for the People is delivering on its promise to uphold free speech on every Ontario publicly-funded university and college campus.”1 An accompanying “Backgrounder” spelled out the details.2 Although this policy seems progressive on its face, it is actually anything but. That said, it may have the unintended but beneficial effect of bringing Ontario universities under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.3 More about that later. First, the problems.

 

* Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Director, Centre for Free Expression. Faculty of Communications & Design, Ryerson University.1 Office of the Premier, News Release: “Ontario Protects Free Speech on Campuses: Mandates Universities and Colleges to Introduce Free Speech Policy by January 1, 2019” (30 August 2018), online: Government of Ontario  [Office of the Premier, “Ontario Protects”].2 See Office of the Premier, Backgrounder “Upholding Free Speech on Ontario’s University and College Campuses” (30 August 2018), online: Government of Ontario  [Office of the Premier, “Upholding Free Speech”].
The Conscientious Objection of Medical Practitioners to the CPSO’s “Effective Referral” Requirement
Authors: Moon Richard
Published: June 2020

The term “conscience” is used in two different ways in discussions about religious freedom. Sometimes, conscience is contrasted with religion. Freedom of conscience, in contrast to freedom of religion, is concerned with the protection of fundamental beliefs or commitments that are not part of a religious or spiritual system.1 Together, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion protect the individual’s most fundamental moral beliefs or commitments.2

Other times, though, the term “conscience” refers to a particular kind of accommodation claim. In most religious accommodation cases, an individual or group seeks to be exempted from a law that prevents them from engaging in a religious practice — for example, from wearing religious dress or keeping religious holidays. In conscientious objection cases, how- ever, the individual asks to be exempted from a law that requires them to perform an act that they regard as immoral or sinful. In many of these cases the claimant asks to be excused from performing an act that is not itself immoral, but supports or facilitates what they see as the immoral action of others, and so makes them complicit in this immorality. In this comment I will focus on this second use of the term conscience, and more particularly the conscientious objection claim made by some medical practitioners in Ontario to the requirement that they provide an effective referral to another doctor when they are unwilling, for moral or religious reasons, to perform a particular medical procedure(...)

1 The term “freedom of conscience” was once used interchangeably with freedom of religion to refer to an individual’s freedom to hold beliefs that were spiritual or moral in At this earlier time the moral beliefs of most individuals were rooted in a religious system. Freedom of conscience, though, is now viewed as an alternative to, or extension of, freedom of religion.2 However, as I have argued elsewhere, the conscience part of section 2(a) is seldom raised before the courts and may have very little practical See Richard Moon, “Conscience in the Image of Religion” in John Adenitire, ed, Religious Beliefs and Conscientious Exemptions in a Liberal State (Oxford: Hart, 2019) 73.
Conocimiento tradicional y valoración de plantas útiles en reserva de biosfera el cielo, Tamaulipas, México.
Authors: Medellín Morales Sergio G. , Barrientos Lozano Ludivina , Mora Olivos Arturo , Almaguer Sierra Pedro , Mora Ravelo Sandra G.
Published: June 2020

La investigación se realizó en dos ejidos, Alta Cima y San José, Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, de diciembre 2012 a marzo 2016. Objetivos: a) determinar riqueza de plantas útiles; b) calcular nivel de preferencia de los pobladores respecto a las mismas; y c) determinar prioridades de conservación y aprovechamiento sustentable mediante valoración socioeconómica y ecológica. Se realizaron entrevistas al azar al 30 % de los hogares; 20 entrevistas a informantes de calidad y dos talleres participativos comunitarios. Se utilizaron diversas metodologías para obtener el â€œvalor de usoâ€ y prioridades de conservación. Se identificaron 156 plantas útiles preferidas y 62 familias botánicas, siendo las más frecuentes: Labiatae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae y Fabaceae. Los taxa con mayor valor de uso fueron nogal cimarrón (Juglans mollis Engelm.), mora (Maclura tinctoria (L.) D. Don ex Steud.), malva babosa (Heliocarpus donellsmithii Rose), maravilla (Mirabilis jalapa L.) y encino roble o rojo (Quercus germana Schltdl. & Cham.). Estos valores de uso no necesariamente están relacionados con su valoración económica, ecológica y social. Son cinco las especies con mayor valor socioeconómico y ecológico vitales para la economía y subsistencia en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo (RBEC): palmilla (Chamaedorea radicalis Mart.), zarzamoras silvestres (Rubus sapidus Schltdl. y Rubus coriifolius Liebm.) y uvas de monte (Vitis cinerea (Engelm.) Millardet y Vitis tiliifolia Humb. & Bonpl. ex Schult.).
Propuesta para identificar simbolismo y valores en consumidores de quesos tradicionales mexicanos: caso queso Chapingo.
Authors: Hernández Montes Arturo
Published: June 2020

Se aplicaron metodologías para identificar la estructura de los valores de una comunidad y la existencia de comunalidad en el simbolismo de un alimento; el Queso Chapingo fue el objeto de estudio. Se aplicó una encuesta (n=187) a estudiantes de la comunidad agroindustrial para identificar la estructura de sus valores; los datos fueron analizados empleando análisis de escalamiento multidimensional y análisis factorial. En otra encuesta en línea con alumnos (n=137) y profesores (n=24) se evaluó el simbolismo del Queso Chapingo. Los valores representativos de la comunidad correspondieron a la categoría de benevolencia y los pertenecientes a la categoría de conformidad y tradición fueron de menor importancia y poco frecuentes. Las palabras relacionadas al simbolismo de identidad del Queso Chapingo fueron de 3.9 % y 2.3 % para profesores y alumnos, respectivamente. Además, las categorías para los diferentes significados del queso para los profesores no fueron diferentes (p>0.05). Las muestras de la comunidad agroindustrial mostraron una presencia escasa de los valores de la tradición y una minúscula comunalidad de identidad en el simbolismo del Queso Chapingo.
La Reforma Agraria y los cambios de uso del suelo ejidal en Aguascalientes, 1983-2013.
Authors: Beraud Macías Vianney , Sosa Ramírez Joaquín , Maya Delgado Yolanda , Ortega Rubio Alfredo
Published: June 2020

En 1992 la Reforma Agraria estableció medidas para regularizar el mercado del suelo en los núcleos agrarios, dando certidumbre a la tenencia de la tierra. Presumiblemente estas medidas modificaron los medios de vida de la población y la estructura del territorio. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar los posibles efectos de la privatización de los ejidos sobre los cambios del uso del suelo en el estado de Aguascalientes. El estado representa un modelo clásico de transición agrariaurbano-industrial. Se elaboraron mapas de uso del suelo para el periodo de 1983 a 2013. Se calcularon las tasas de cambio en el uso del suelo y se compararon entre décadas y en función de su grado de privatización. Se encontró que el proceso de certificación y adquisición del dominio pleno de las tierras ocurrió de manera acelerada en los primeros años de actuación de la reforma. La dinámica de cambio de uso del suelo se incrementó en los primeros años de certificación; estos cambios son independientes del grado de privatización. Se discutieron los factores asociados a estos procesos en función del contexto regional y la planeación urbana. Se hace énfasis en la importancia de elaborar políticas con enfoque integral que permitan un desarrollo territorial equilibrado.
Protection of Bombax Ceiba by Revealing their Fungal Endophytic Diversity and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Rohit Shankar Mane  , Ankala Basappa Vedamurthy
Published: June 2020

The objective of the present research investigation was to protect Bombax ceiba by revealing their endophytic fungi diversity for disease management. In the present research investigation, a total of 64 fungal endophytes were purified and, Aspergillus tamari was identified as a core fungal endophyte. The fungus showed the highest average linear growth rate of 6.2 mm/day and isolation frequency at 80% on tomato dextrose agar with white or dark brown or black or purple-brown to yellowish-green color variations with mycelial growth in between 65 mm to 90 mm on the media and 8 to 31 numbers of spores/ microscopic field. Further, the fungus revealed 2.86 g/100g of total wet biomass and 0.25 g/100g of the dried biomass of corn bran with 5.30 g/100ml of the aqueous crude  extract in  solid-state fermentation.   Mycochemical screening of  the  crude  extract showed  alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols with 29.0060±0.03223 mg of total phenolic and 12.2549±0.02345 mg of flavonoids content. Thin layer chromatography was used to get purified potent spots of alkaloids [0.29], flavonoids [0.41] terpenoids [0.15] and saponins [0.91]. The fungus produced chitinase, amylase, protease, and cellulases enzyme. Further the aqueous crude extract worked as an agent of antioxidant in the FRAP at the rate of 1.2407±0.00702 while PM at 0.7983±0.00351, antimicrobials against E. coli (100mg/ml at the rate of 16.3±0.57) and Aspergillus niger (100mg/ml at the rate of 20.5 ± 0.24), and in anthelmintic activity, extract induced paralysis in earthworms within 3 minutes and death in 8 minutes. It is concluded that the Bombax ceiba has the potential to purify the potent fungal endophytes and their bioactive compounds that may be helpful to evaluate in vivo models against different diseases.