bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Razón de sexos y morfometría de Calidris minutilla (Aves, Scolopacidae) en Cuba: un análisis a partir de especímenes en colecciones científicas
Authors:   Univ. de La Habana, Cuba, García-Lau I. , González A. ,   Univ. de La Habana, Cuba, Jiménez A. ,   Univ. de La Habana, Cuba, Acosta M. ,   Univ. de La Habana, Cuba, Mugica L. ,   Univ. de La Habana, Cuba
Published: December 2020

Sex ratio and morphometrics of Calidris minutilla (Aves, Scolopacidae) in Cuba: an analysis of specimens in scientific collections Calidris minutilla (Least Sandpiper) populations exhibit morphometric variation across breeding and wintering sites. We documented sex ratio (N = 99) and morphological measurements (N = 49) of Least Sandpiper inhabiting Cuba using specimens in museum collections. We also assessed bill length variation in relation to the longitude (degrees) and type of coastal zone where sampling was conducted. Proportion of female was 0.47 and morphometric measurements were within the range described for the species. Differences in bill length were explained by sex but not by sampling site characteristics.
Tendencias poblacionales recientes de la avutarda hubara en las Islas Canarias: análisis metodológico y estado de conservación
Authors:   Grupo de Rehabilitación de Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA), Mahadahonda Spain, Schuster C. , Iglesias-Lebrija J. J. ,   Grupo de Rehabilitación de Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat (GREFA), Mahadahonda Spain, Carrascal L. M. ,   Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales- CSIC, Spain
Published: December 2020

Recent population trends of the houbara bustard in the Canary Islands. Methods and conservation status Determining conservation status requires rigorous and reliable data about population sizes and trends, especially if they have to be applied to islands where the species have small populations. The Canary bustard houbara (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae) is catalogued as ‘in danger’ by the Red Book of the Birds of Spain. This work analyzes the value of previously published information on the species using the method of adjacent linear transects separated by 200 m, as a baseline for establishing robust population trends in 30 important areas (ranging from 1.3 to 12.8 km2) for the houbara in the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). Censuses were repeated on the same dates (from November to December) and localities as those carried out in 1994, 2004 and 2006. The detection probability of the houbara was estimated by means of distance sampling, being 0.42 up to 250 m from the observer, and 0.82 in the main census belt of 100 m on either side of the line transect. The method of adjacent linear transects —counting the maximum number of hubaras detected— provides accurate figures of population densities (detection of 95.2% of the birds). The previous estimations of houbara densities can therefore be considered highly trustworthy, with a probable average underestimation of only 5 %. Nevertheless, the confidence intervals of density estimations using only one census were very large. Therefore, with only one census per sampling area and year it is not possible to obtain precise estimates of houbara densities with small variation around the average value. This raises concern when trying to obtain solid evidence about the increases–decreases of houbara populations comparing different dates or study areas. The density of the Canary Island hubara bustard decreased significantly from 2004/2006 to 2011 in eight areas of Fuerteventura (Vega Vieja, Los Alares–Pocetas, Matas Blancas, Lorenzo– Diviso, Corralejo, Lajares and Fimapaire) and in two areas of Lanzarote (Argana and La Santa). Conversely, the density of the houbara significantly increased in three areas of Lanzarote (Zonzamas, Guatiza and Llano de las Maretas). As a whole, average population density did not differ significantly between 2004/2006 and 2011 in Fuerteventura (slight decrease of 29% in 2011), but there was a significant increase in Lanzarote (increase of 60% from 2004/2006 to 2011). The change in density from 2004/2006 to 2011 tended to be an increase in areas further from paved roads, and a decrease in locations predominantly covered by loose sandy soils.
Galliformes science and species extinctions: what we know and what we need to know
Authors:   World Pheasant Association, Newcastle Univ. Biology Field Station, UK, McGowan, P. J. K. , Owens L. L. ,   World Pheasant Association, Newcastle Univ. Biology Field Station, UK, Grainger M. J. ,   World Pheasant Association, Newcastle Univ. Biology Field Station, UK
Published: December 2020

In early 2010, the 193 Parties that had signed up to the Convention on Biological Diversity all acknowledged that they had failed to meet the target that they had set themselves in 1992 of significantly reducing species extinctions by 2010. At the end of the year they set a new and more ambitious target of preventing species extinctions by 2020. Achieving that target will require much greater efficiency in the use of resources and research has a very significant role to play in making this happen. There are 290 species of Galliformes of which 26 % are considered at risk of extinction, compared with 12 % of all 10,000 bird species. At the same time there is significant research literature on the group that stretches back decades for some species. It is timely, therefore, to consider whether it is possible to increase the efficiency and global impact of gamebird research so that, with careful planning that involves more strategic direction and sharing of lessons learnt, game biologists can play a significant role in achieving the 2020 target for species adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity. Specific areas in need of this lesson sharing approach are population estimation and threat assessment, analysis of exploitation and determining the ecological basis of successful interventions.
Assessing the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, territory size, and population size of marsh tapaculo (Scytalopus iraiensis)
Authors:   Uniiv. Federal do Paraná, Brasil, Klemann Jr. L. , Vieira J. S. ,   Uniiv. Federal do Paraná, Brasil
Published: December 2020

First described in 1998, the marsh tapaculo (Scytalopus iraiensis) is an endangered bird of the family Rhinocryptidae. It is endemic to Brazil and is restricted to the wet flood plains of rivers and streams. Due to its cryptic habits and environments of occurrence, information available on its biology, natural history and distribution is scarce. We compiled occurrence records (99 records), delimited the extent of occurrences (296,584 km2), calculated the area of occupancy (84 km2), estimated territory size (5,313 ± 1,201 m2 per pair), population density (3.76 ± 0.85 individuals per hectare), and population size (31,584 ± 7,140 mature individuals) of marsh tapaculo. The species was recorded in marshes associated to four types of vegetation and in four ecological zones. This new information is extremely important to support revaluation of the species’ threat category and to enhance knowledge about this endemic and little known bird from Brazil.
Drusia (Escutiella) alexantoni n. sp. (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Parmacellidae), a new terrestrial slug from the Atlantic coast of Morocco
Authors:   Museu Valencià d’Història Natural, Spain, Martínez-Ortí A. , Borredà V. ,   Museu Valencià d’Història Natural, Spain
Published: December 2020

We describe a new parmacellid, Drusia (Escutiella) alexantoni n. sp. from the Moroccan Atlantic coast. The species most closely related to the new taxon are D. (E.) deshayesii and D. (D.) valenciennii. The new parmacellid differs from D. (E) deshayesii mainly by the presence of external spots and bands on both the back and the shield, a reproductive system with uneven atrial appendices of the horn–shaped organ, and a different reticulated pattern of the inner epiphallus. It differs from D. (D.) valenciennii mainly for the appearance of the shell and the pattern and disposition of the bumps inside the penis, the presence of an elbow–shape in this organ, and the reticulated appearance of the inner wall of the epiphallus. An updated dichotomous key of the family Parmacellidae is provided.
Effects of migratory status and habitat on the prevalence and intensity of infection by haemoparasites in passerines in eastern Spain
Authors:   Univ. de  Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, Rivera J. , Barba E. ,   Inst. 'Cavanilles' of Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Univ. de Valencia, Spain, Mestre A. ,   Univ. de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain, Rueda J. ,   Univ. de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain, Sasa M. ,   Univ. de  Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, Vera P. ,   Inst. 'Cavanilles' of Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Univ. de Valencia, Spain, Monrós J. S. ,   Inst. 'Cavanilles' of Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Univ. de Valencia, Spain
Published: December 2020

The Iberian peninsula is a suitable place to study the effects of migratory condition on the prevalence of blood parasites in avian communities as resident, local populations cohabit with migratory species and with abundant vector populations. In this study we examined the incidence of avian blood parasites in three localities in the Mediterranean region (east Spain), in relation to the migratory status of the species. We analyzed 333 blood smears from 11 avian species, and obtained an overall prevalence of 9.6 %. The prevalence of parasites varied among the different species studied, although intensity of infection did not. Our results are discussed in terms of population dynamics and abundance of Diptera vectors able to transmit blood parasites to other birds.
Trophy hunting, size, rarity and willingness to pay: inter–specific analyses of trophy prices require reliable specific data
Authors:   Fédération Nationale des Chasseurs, Issy les Moulineaux Cede, France, Sarasa M.
Published: December 2020

Awareness of the importance of the wildlife trade and human perception in animal conservation is growing. Recent studies carried out on a continental and world scale have analysed the associations between trophy score, rarity and prices. As a large range of ungulates are legally hunted throughout the world and numerous ungulate taxa are threatened, the relationship between rarity and trophy prices has been studied in several species. This article briefly reviews verifiable data on species and trophy prices and compares findings with data used in recent articles. The findings show that several elements of intra–specific data were inadequately addressed and that the trophy prices considered were not necessarily representative of real trophy prices. Furthermore, the body mass used for numerous taxa did not fit current knowledge of species, and several subspecies and rarity indexes that were considered disagreed with recognized subspecies or with the real conservation status of taxa. Thus, caution should be taken when considering some reported results. To improve our understanding of the associations between wildlife trade and wildlife conservation, further studies should take into account reliable specific data, such as that from government agencies, rather than publicity data.
European rabbit restocking: a critical review in accordance with IUCN (1998) guidelines for re–introduction
Authors:   Univ. of Córdoba, Spain, Guerrero–Casado J. , Letty J. ,   Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Juvignac; France, Tortosa F. S. ,   Univ. of Córdoba, Spain
Published: December 2020

European rabbit restocking is one of the most frequent actions in hunting estates and conservation projects in Spain, France and Portugal where rabbit is a keystone species. The aim of this work was to review current knowledge regarding rabbit restocking in accordance with the IUCN (1998) guidelines for re–introduction in order to identify gaps in knowledge and highlight the techniques that improve the overall success rate. Eight of 17 items selected from these guidelines were identified as partly studied or unknown, including important items such as the management and release of captive–reared wild rabbits, the development of transport and monitoring programs, the application of vaccine programs, and post–release long–term studies. Researchers should therefore concentrate their efforts on bridging these knowledge gaps, and wildlife managers should consider all the factors reviewed herein so as to establish accurate management guidelines for subsequent rabbit restocking programs.
A Comparison Study of Goodness of Fit Tests of Logistic Regression in R: Simulation and Application to Breast Cancer Data
Authors: A. Rady El-Housainy , R. Abonazel Mohamed , H. Metawe’e Mariam
Published: December 2020

Goodness of fit (GOF) tests of logistic regression attempt to find out the suitability of the model to the data. The null hypothesis of all GOF tests is the model fit. R as a free software package has many GOF tests in different packages. A Monte Carlo simulation has been conducted to study two situations; the first, studying the ability of each test, under its default settings, to accept the null hypothesis when the model truly fitted. The second, studying the power of these tests when assumptions of sufficient linear combination of the explanatory variables are violated (by omitting linear covariate term, quadratic term, or interaction term). Moreover, checking whether the same test in different R packages had the same results or not. As the sample size supposed to affect simulation results, so the pattern of change of GOF tests results under different sample sizes as well as different model settings was estimated. All tests accept the null hypothesis (more than 95% of simulation trials) when the model truly fitted except modified Hosmer-Lemeshow test in "LogisticDx" package under all different model settings and Osius and Rojek’s (OsRo) test when the true model had an interaction term between binary and categorical covariates. In addition, le Cessie-van Houwelingen-Copas-Hosmer unweighted sum of squares (CHCH) test gave unexpected different results under different packages. Concerning the power study, all tests had a very low power when a departure of missing covariate existed. Generally, stukel’s test (package ’LogisticDX) and CHCH test (package "RMS") reached a power in detecting a missing quadratic term greater than 80% under lower sample size while OsRo test (package ’LogisticDX’) was better in detecting missing interaction term. Beside the simulation study, we evaluated the performance of GOF tests using the breast cancer dataset.
Exploring the factors influencing energy efficiency in the Greek hotel sector
Authors: Tourkolias Christos , Kontogianni Areti , Damigos Dimitris , Skourtos Michalis
Published: December 2020

The current paper aims at enhancing the existing literature of studies discussing the parameters, which formulate the phenomenon of the energy efficiency gap in hotels. Specifically, the obtained outcomes, as resulted by the conduction of a stated preference survey are presented and discussed. The survey was carried out on a representative sample of hotels in Greece in the context of the “Consumer Energy Efficiency Decision making (CONSEED)” project. Emphasis was given on various issues related to the energy efficiency gap, such as the impact of EU labelling scheme, the linkage of the pro-environmental behaviour with the willingness to invest in more energy-efficient technologies and equipment, the lack of information about electricity prices and the imperfect understanding of energy operating costs. The findings of the survey can be used to explain the role of the behaviour in the decision-making procedures for the further promotion of energy efficiency. Theoretical models can be developed with the collected data to examine the energy efficiency gap phenomenon and to quantify the contribution of different factors to its formulation including the calculation of the implicit discount rate. Finally, the design of more effective policies can be supported with the findings of the paper maximizing the private and social benefits, which are associated with the purchase of energy-efficient technologies and equipment in the hotel sector.
Potential contribution of nanotechnolgy to the circular economy of plastic materials
Authors: Distaso Monica
Published: December 2020

The problem of plastic accumulation in the environment requires the development of effective strategies to shift the paradigm of used plastics from wastes to resources. In the present contribution, after an overview of the current plastic management strategies, the possible role of nanotechnology to this emerging field is considered. In particular, the challenges related to the use of nano-additives to improve the properties of recycled plastics is discussed based on the fundamental aspects of colloid stabilisation. Finally, the contribution of nanotechnology to the fabrication of effective catalysts for the depolymerisation of plastics into the constituent monomers is outlined.
High School teachers' Experiences in classroom Ecology of Language Teaching: A Study from the Phenomenological Perspective
Authors: Sharma Mani Ram
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to look into ecological classroom practices adopted by teachers while teaching English language courses at colleges in Kathmandu, Nepal. The study specifically explains how three high school English teachers in the class felt about ecology of language teaching, how they experienced teaching, and how they provided meaning to it. Three high school English teachers’ experiences were recalled through an in-depth phenomenological interview. The results revealed that the need of classroom ecology was not emphasized. The teachers' experiences in the form of narratives, collected, transcribed, coded, thematic analyses and presented in the notion of  emerging themes that English language teaching helped to explore the effective classroom ecological practices in detail. The study is expected to contribute in making EFL teaching successful in linguistic landscapes of Nepal.
Gasztroenterológiai-reumatológiai konszenzus a hatékony gasztroprotekció szükségességéről nemszteroid gyulladás-csökkentők alkalmazásakor
Authors: Herszényi László , Szekanecz Zoltán , Altorjay István , Kovács László , Tamaskó Mónika
Published: December 2020

A nemszteroid gyulladáscsökkentő (NSAID) szerek nélkülözhetetlenek a mozgásszervi betegségek kezelésében. Az NSAID-szerek alkalmazása azonban a tápcsatorna nyálkahártyájának károsodásával, beleértve peptikusfekély-betegség képződésével és szövődményeinek kialakulásával járhat. A mellék-hatások és szövődmények megelőzése során a gasztrointesztinális kockázati tényezők mellett elsősor-ban a kardiovaszkuláris kockázatot is figyelembe kell venni. A hatékony gasztroprotekciót illetően jelen-leg nem áll rendelkezésre naprakész hazai útmutató vagy ajánlás. A közlemény a legújabb evidenciák tükrében, gasztroenterológus és reumatológus szakértők multidiszciplináris konszenzusa alapján össze-foglalja az NSAID-kezeléssel kapcsolatos legfontosabb útmutatásokat.
Encounters between Life and Language: Codes, Books, Machines and Cybernetics
Authors: Nerlich Brigitte
Published: December 2020

The histories of genetics and cybernetics overlapped in the mid-twentieth century. Both fields deal with dynamic systems, such as living organisms or machines that move, change and respond to the environment. It might therefore be expected that the metaphors used to research and communicate biological, genetic or genomic phenomena might take inspiration from cybernetics. Molecular biology was indeed inspired by cybernetics, but, surprisingly, the most popular metaphors used for research and communication were rooted in older fields of human endeavour, such as the Morse code, printing and machines. Such metaphors tended to foreground static and product aspects of biological phenomena, rather than dynamic and process ones. This made it difficult to talk widely about complexity, flexibility and dynamics, all aspects of biology (and cybernetics) that were well-known and well-studied. Modern-day biologists have noted this discrepancy between their research and the language used to talk about it, and are now calling for a new language, inspired amongst others by cybernetics, a language that, it is hoped, might capture the dynamic aspects of biology which some of the older metaphors tended to hide. In this article I survey (some of) the history of metaphors from the 1940s to 2019, focusing on the metaphors of the code (and information), the book and the machine. I attempt to show that cybernetics, although influencing the emergence of molecular biology, failed to inspire popular metaphors. Will modern biologists, taking inspiration from cybernetics to create not only a new science but also a new language, be more successful in this enterprise?
CALIDAD DE SERVICIO E IMAGEN INSTITUCIONAL: CASO DE ESTUDIO GAD SAN MIGUEL DE BOLÍVAR
Authors:   Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, León Monar Patricia de Lourdes
Published: December 2020

El problema que aborda la presente investigación es la deficiencia en la calidad del servicio al usuario en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado de San Miguel de Bolívar. El diseño de la investigación fue no experimental, de tipo trasversal, el nivel investigativo es correlacional, con análisis cuali–cuantitativa, los métodos utilizados son: Inductivo – Deductivo y Analítico – Sintético; la recolección de la información se realizó a través de entrevistas a los empleados y encuestas a los usuarios del servicio. Los hallazgos más importantes son: El 90% de los encuestados evalúa y contrasta la calidad del servicio que recibe con lo que esperaba; las expectativas son bajas respecto al servicio que prestan las Instituciones Públicas; se valora el tiempo y lugares para esperar mientras son atendidos; la apreciación en la dimensión experiencia del servicio es relativamente favorable, fenómeno que da lugar al análisis de expectativas vs. servicio recibido; y con relación a la imagen institucional no se ha percibido resultados positivos predominantes. El análisis estadístico determinó valores favorables para el Alfa de Cronbach, pruebas KMO y Esfericidad de Bartlett dando lugar a inferencias estadísticas, el coeficiente de correlación Spearman, demostró que existe una relación positiva entre las variables, garantizando la viabilidad y la importancia de la ejecución de estrategias para fortalecer la imagen institucional, finalmente las conclusiones más relevantes son: La inadecuada actitud y deficiente desempeño del personal influyen en la calidad del servicio brindado; la mayoría de usuarios tienen bajas expectativas de que los servicios públicos sean de calidad; los usuarios reciben insuficiente información de los servicios que presta la Institución; las acciones y resultados alrededor de la calidad del servicio al usuario tendrán influencia directa en la imagen institucional.
Judeus na literatura amazônica: sugestões metodológicas em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Benchimol-Barros Silvia Helena , Da Silva Alessandra Fabrícia Conde , Chaves Sérgio Wellington Freire
Published: December 2020

O presente estudo insere-se no domí­nio teórico do ensino-aprendizagem e pretende, por meio de um relato de experiência atrelado às ações do Projeto de Pesquisa Ecos Sefarditas: judeus na Amazônia, descrever experiências exitosas desenvolvidas remotamente sobre o ensino de literatura em perí­odo suigeneris de isolamento social. Ato contí­nuo, o estudo faz proposições ampliadas a partir das experiências realizadas que se adequam a outros segmentos e contextos educacionais. Recorre-se à tecnologia e seus recursos de considerável alcance e versatilidade para a execução dos objetivos propostos por uma metodologia qualitativa e descritiva, a qual promove reflexões sobre sistematização de práticas e propõe possibilidades viáveis de interação remota de finalidade educacional. Como referenciais teóricos basilares estão Candido (1972), Rezende (2013), Rocha (2020), Todorov (2019) entre outros.Palavras-chave: Ensino de Literatura, Mediação tecnológica; Projeto de pesquisa.
Kinetics of Phenotypic and Functional Changes in Mouse Models of Sponge Implants: Rational Selection to Optimize Protocols for Specific Biomolecules Screening Purposes
Authors: Lanna Mariana Ferreira , Resende Lucilene Aparecida , Aguiar-Soares Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira , de Miranda Marina Barcelos , de Mendonça Ludmila Zanandreis , Melo Júnior Otoni Alves de Oliveira , Mariano Reysla Maria da Silveira , Leite Jaqueline Costa , Silveira Patricia , Corrêa-Oliveira Rodrigo , Dutra Walderez Ornelas , Reis Alexandre Barbosa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , de Moura Sandra Aparecida Lima , Silveira-Lemos Denise , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro
Published: December 2020

The sponge implant has been applied as an important in vivo model for the study of inflammatory processes as it induces the migration, proliferation, and accumulation of inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix deposition in its trabeculae. The characterization of immune events in sponge implants would be useful in identifying the immunological events that could support the selection of an appropriate experimental model (mouse strain) and time post-implant analysis in optimized protocols for novel applications of this model such as in biomolecules screening. Here, the changes in histological/morphometric, immunophenotypic and functional features of infiltrating leukocytes (LEU) were assessed in sponge implants for Swiss, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mice. A gradual increase of fibrovascular stroma and a progressive decrease in LEU infiltration, mainly composed of polymorphonuclear cells with progressive shift toward mononuclear cells at late time-points were observed over time. Usually, Swiss mice presented a more prominent immune response with late mixed pattern (pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory: IL-2/IFN-γ/IL-4/IL-10/IL-17) of cytokine production. While BALB/c mice showed an early activation of the innate response with a controlled cytokine profile (low inflammatory potential), C57BL/6 mice presented a typical early pro-inflammatory (IL-6/TNF/IFN-γ) response with persistent neutrophilic involvement. A rational selection of the ideal time-point/mouse-lineage would avoid bias or tendentious results. Criteria such as low number of increased biomarkers, no recruitment of cytotoxic response, minor cytokine production, and lower biomarker connectivity (described as biomarker signature analysis and network analysis) guided the choice of the best time-point for each model (Day5/Swiss; Day7/BALB/c; Day6/C57BL/6) with wide application for screening purposes, such as identification of therapeutic biomolecules, selection of antigens/adjuvants, and follow-up of innate and adaptive immune response to vaccines candidates.
Hybrid Dynamic Pharmacophore Models as Effective Tools to Identify Novel Chemotypes for Anti-TB Inhibitor Design: A Case Study With Mtb-DapB
Authors: Choudhury Chinmayee , Bhardwaj Anshu
Published: December 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious global public health threats as it compromises the successful treatment of deadly infectious diseases like tuberculosis. New therapeutics are constantly needed but it takes a long time and is expensive to explore new biochemical space. One way to address this issue is to repurpose the validated targets and identify novel chemotypes that can simultaneously bind to multiple binding pockets of these targets as a new lead generation strategy. This study reports such a strategy, dynamic hybrid pharmacophore model (DHPM), which represents the combined interaction features of different binding pockets contrary to the conventional approaches, where pharmacophore models are generated from single binding sites. We have considered Mtb-DapB, a validated mycobacterial drug target, as our model system to explore the effectiveness of DHPMs to screen novel unexplored compounds. Mtb-DapB has a cofactor binding site (CBS) and an adjacent substrate binding site (SBS). Four different model systems of Mtb-DapB were designed where, either NADPH/NADH occupies CBS in presence/absence of an inhibitor 2, 6-PDC in the adjacent SBS. Two more model systems were designed, where 2, 6-PDC was linked to NADPH and NADH to form hybrid molecules. The six model systems were subjected to 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations and trajectories were analyzed to identify stable ligand-receptor interaction features. Based on these interactions, conventional pharmacophore models (CPM) were generated from the individual binding sites while DHPMs were created from hybrid-molecules occupying both binding sites. A huge library of 1,563,764 publicly available molecules were screened by CPMs and DHPMs. The screened hits obtained from both types of models were compared based on their Hashed binary molecular fingerprints and 4-point pharmacophore fingerprints using Tanimoto, Cosine, Dice and Tversky similarity matrices. Molecules screened by DHPM exhibited significant structural diversity, better binding strength and drug like properties as compared to the compounds screened by CPMs indicating the efficiency of DHPM to explore new chemical space for anti-TB drug discovery. The idea of DHPM can be applied for a wide range of mycobacterial or other pathogen targets to venture into unexplored chemical space.
MicroRNA-1291 Is Associated With Locoregional Metastases in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Escuin Daniel , López-Vilaró Laura , Bell Olga , Mora Josefina , Moral Antonio , Pérez José Ignacio , Arqueros Cristina , Ramón y Cajal Teresa , Lerma Enrique , Barnadas Agustí
Published: December 2020

Evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the various steps of metastasis is increasing. Several studies have looked at the miRNA expression profile in primary breast tumors but few have compared primary tumor and sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis. We correlated the expression of miRNAs with the SLN status and the outcome of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in 60 patients with early breast cancer. We profiled the expression of miRNAs in paired breast tumor samples and SLNs using the NextSeq500 Illumina platform and key findings were validated by qPCR. MultiMiR Bioconductor and Reactome pathways analysis were performed to identify target genes and signaling pathways affected by altered expressed miRNAs. Our results show that nine miRNAs were differentially expressed in tumor tissues (q≤ 0.05). In tumor samples, a 13.5-fold up-regulation of miR-7641-2 (q< 0.001) and a 2.9-fold down-regulation of miR-1291 (q< 0.001) were associated with tumors with positive SLNs. However, only down-regulation of miR-1291 (q= 0.048) remained significant in paired SLNs samples. Interestingly, a 10.5 up-regulation of miR-1291 in SLNs samples was associated with additional axillary lymph node involvement (q< 0.001). The enrichment analyses showed that canonical and non-canonical WNT pathways and negative regulation of various receptor tyrosine kinases signaling pathways were targets of miR-1291 and supports the role of miR-1291 as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Further studies are warranted to investigate the use of miR-1291 as a surrogate biomarker of SLN node metastasis in patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Single-Cell Genomic Sequencing of Three Peritrichs (Protista, Ciliophora) Reveals Less Biased Stop Codon Usage and More Prevalent Programmed Ribosomal Frameshifting Than in Other Ciliates
Authors: Chen Xiao , Wang Chundi , Pan Bo , Lu Borong , Li Chao , Shen Zhuo , Warren Alan , Li Lifang
Published: December 2020

Peritrichs are one of the largest groups of ciliates with over 1,000 species described so far. However, their genomic features are largely unknown. By single-cell genomic sequencing, we acquired the genomic data of three sessilid peritrichs (Cothurnia ceramicola, Vaginicola sp., and Zoothamnium sp. 2). Using genomic data from another 53 ciliates including 14 peritrichs, we reconstructed their evolutionary relationships and confirmed genome skimming as an efficient approach for expanding sampling. In addition, we profiled the stop codon usage and programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) events in peritrichs for the first time. Our analysis reveals no evidence of stop codon reassignment for peritrichs, but they have prevalent +1 or -1 PRF events. These genomic features are distinguishable from other ciliates, and our observations suggest a unique evolutionary strategy for peritrichs.
Cilioretinal Arteries in Highly Myopic Eyes: A Photographic Classification System and Its Association With Myopic Macular Degeneration
Authors: Meng Jiaqi , Wei Ling , Zhang Keke , He Wenwen , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To develop a photographic classification for cilioretinal arteries and to investigate its association with myopic macular degeneration (MMD).

Methods: One thousand six hundred ninety-two highly myopic eyes of 1,692 patients were included. The presence of a cilioretinal artery was determined by fundus photographs, and a photographic classification was proposed. MMD was classified according to the International META-PM Classification. Associations of the cilioretinal artery and its classifications with MMD and visual acuity were analyzed.

Results: Of the eyes tested, 245 (14.5%) had a cilioretinal artery. The cilioretinal arteries were classified into four categories (temporal “cake-fork,” 35.92%; temporal “ribbon,” 53.47%; “multiple,” 6.53%; “nasal,” 4.08%) and 3 distributions based on whether its visible branches reached the central foveal area. Eyes with cilioretinal arteries had significantly less MMD of grade ≥3 and better visual acuity than those without (P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that younger age, male sex, shorter axial length, and the presence of a cilioretinal artery were associated with better visual acuity in highly myopic eyes (all P < 0.05). The “nasal” category presented more MMD with grade ≥3 and worse visual acuity than the other categories (P < 0.05), whereas the “multiple” category contained no eyes with MMD grade ≥3. The cilioretinal arteries reaching the central foveal area showed less MMD of grade ≥3 and better visual acuity than those not (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: We propose a photographic classification for cilioretinal arteries that has good clinical relevance to visual functions. The cilioretinal artery may potentially afford protection against MMD.
The Q336H MAPT Mutation Linked to Pick’s Disease Leads to Increased Binding of Tau to the Microtubule Network via Altered Conformational and Phosphorylation Effects
Authors: Siano Giacomo , Micaelli Mariachiara , Scarlatti Arianna , Quercioli Valentina , Di Primio Cristina , Cattaneo Antonino
Published: December 2020

Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by Tau aggregation. Genetic studies on familial cases allowed for the discovery of mutations in the MAPT gene that increase Tau propensity to detach from microtubules and to form insoluble cytoplasmic Tau aggregates. Recently, the rare mutation Q336H has been identified to be associated with Pick’s disease (PiD) and biochemical analyses demonstrated its ability to increase the microtubules (MTs) polymerization, thus revealing an opposite character compared to other Tau mutations studied so far. Here we investigated the biophysical and molecular properties of TauQ336H in living cells by the employment of the conformational Tau biosensor CST. We found that this mutation alters Tau conformation on microtubules, stabilizes its binding to tubulin, and is associated with a paradoxical lower level of Tau phosphorylation. Moreover, we found that this mutation impacts the cytoskeletal complexity by increasing the tubulin filament length and the number of branches. However, despite these apparently non-pathological traits, we observed the formation of intracellular inclusions confirming that Q336H leads to aggregation. Our results suggest that the Tau aggregation process might be triggered by molecular mechanisms other than Tau destabilization or post-translational modifications which are likely to be detrimental to neuronal function in vivo.
Not Part of the Temporal Lobe, but Still of Importance? Substantia Nigra and Subthalamic Nucleus in Epilepsy
Authors: Bröer Sonja
Published: December 2020

The most researched brain region in epilepsy research is the temporal lobe, and more specifically, the hippocampus. However, numerous other brain regions play a pivotal role in seizure circuitry and secondary generalization of epileptic activity: The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and its direct input structure, the subthalamic nucleus (STN), are considered seizure gating nuclei. There is ample evidence that direct inhibition of the SNr is capable of suppressing various seizure types in experimental models. Similarly, inhibition via its monosynaptic glutamatergic input, the STN, can decrease seizure susceptibility as well. This review will focus on therapeutic interventions such as electrical stimulation and targeted drug delivery to SNr and STN in human patients and experimental animal models of epilepsy, highlighting the opportunities for overcoming pharmacoresistance in epilepsy by investigating these promising target structures.
Magnolol Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Development In Vivo and In Vitro via Negatively Regulating TGF-β/Smad Signaling
Authors: Chen Shuo , Shen Jiaqi , Zhao Jing , Wang Jiazhong , Shan Tao , Li Junhui , Xu Meng , Chen Xi , Liu Yang , Cao Gang
Published: December 2020

Magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl extracted from Magnolia officinalis, has recently drawn attention due to its anticancer potential. The present study was aimed to explore the effects of Magnolol on restraining the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro. Magnolol showed significant anti-growth effect in an orthotopic xenograft nude mouse model, and immunohistochemical staining of the xenografts revealed that Magnolol suppressed vimentin expression and facilitated E-cadherin expression. The cytoactive detection using CCK-8 assay showed Magnolol inhibited PANC-1 and AsPC-1 concentration-dependently. Scratch healing assay and the Transwell invasion assay proved the inhibiting effects of Magnolol on cellular migration and invasion at a non-cytotoxic concentration. Western blot and rt-PCR showed that Magnolol suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal-transition by increasing the expression level of E-cadherin and decreasing those of N-cadherin and vimentin. Magnolol suppressed the TGF-β/Smad pathway by negatively regulating phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Moreover, TGF-β1 impaired the antitumor effects of Magnolol in vivo. These results demonstrated that Magnolol can inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in vivo and in vitro by suppressing the TGF-β signal pathway and EMT. Magnolol could be a hopeful therapeutic drug for pancreatic malignancy.
Predictors of Change in Play-Based Communication and Behavior Intervention for High-Risk ASD: The Role of Mother-Child Dyadic Synchrony
Authors: Fu Linyan , Weng Jiao , Feng Min , Xiao Xiang , Xiao Ting , Fu Junli , Qiu Nana , Li Chunyan , Da Yun , Ke Xiaoyan
Published: December 2020

Background: Interindividual variability is important in the evolution of adaptative profiles of children with ASD having benefited from an early intervention make up for deficits in communication, language and social interactions. Therefore, this paper aimed to determine the nature of factors influencing the efficacy variability of a particular intervention technique i.e., “Play-based communication and behavior intervention” (PCBI).

Methods: The participants comprised 70 13–30-month-old toddlers with ASD enrolled in PCBI for 12 weeks. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of PCBI. Video recordings of 5 min of free-play before and after PCBI were used to examine behaviors of mothers and children and parent-child dyadic synchrony. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and machine learning algorithms were performed to explore the effect of these potential predictors (mothers' factors, children's factors and videotaped mother-child interaction) of intervention efficacy.

Results: The hierarchical regression analysis and the machine learning algorithms indicated that parenting stress, level of completion of training at home and mother-child dyadic synchrony were crucial factors in predicting and monitoring the efficacy of PCBI.

Conclusions: In summary, the findings suggest that PCBI could be particularly beneficial to children with ASD who show a good performance in the mother-child dyadic synchrony evaluation. A better dyadic mother-child synchrony could enhance the PCBI efficacy through adapted emotional and behavioral responses of the mother and the child and has a beneficial influence on the child's psychological development.
Physiological Profiling of Embryos and Dormant Seeds in Two Arabidopsis Accessions Reveals a Metabolic Switch in Carbon Reserve Accumulation
Authors: Moreno Curtidor Catalina , Annunziata Maria Grazia , Gupta Saurabh , Apelt Federico , Richard Sarah Isabel , Kragler Friedrich , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Olas Justyna Jadwiga
Published: December 2020

In flowering plants, sugars act as carbon sources providing energy for developing embryos and seeds. Although most studies focus on carbon metabolism in whole seeds, knowledge about how particular sugars contribute to the developmental transitions during embryogenesis is scarce. To develop a quantitative understanding of how carbon composition changes during embryo development, and to determine how sugar status contributes to final seed or embryo size, we performed metabolic profiling of hand-dissected embryos at late torpedo and mature stages, and dormant seeds, in two Arabidopsis thaliana accessions with medium [Columbia-0 (Col-0)] and large [Burren-0 (Bur-0)] seed sizes, respectively. Our results show that, in both accessions, metabolite profiles of embryos largely differ from those of dormant seeds. We found that developmental transitions from torpedo to mature embryos, and further to dormant seeds, are associated with major metabolic switches in carbon reserve accumulation. While glucose, sucrose, and starch predominantly accumulated during seed dormancy, fructose levels were strongly elevated in mature embryos. Interestingly, Bur-0 seeds contain larger mature embryos than Col-0 seeds. Fructose and starch were accumulated to significantly higher levels in mature Bur-0 than Col-0 embryos, suggesting that they contribute to the enlarged mature Bur-0 embryos. Furthermore, we found that Bur-0 embryos accumulated a higher level of sucrose compared to hexose sugars and that changes in sucrose metabolism are mediated by sucrose synthase (SUS), with SUS genes acting non-redundantly, and in a tissue-specific manner to utilize sucrose during late embryogenesis.
mdm-miR828 Participates in the Feedback Loop to Regulate Anthocyanin Accumulation in Apple Peel
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Hui-Juan , Yang Ya-Zhou , Zhu Zhen-Zhen , Li Ya-Nan , Qu Dong , Zhao Zheng-Yang
Published: December 2020

Anthocyanins are responsible for the red pigmentation in the peel of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit. Relatively few studies have investigated anthocyanins at the posttranscriptional level. MicroRNAs play an important role in plant growth and development by regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. In this study, mdm-miR828 showed a relatively low expression level during the rapid fruit coloration period. However, the mdm-miR828 expression level increased in the late fruit coloration stage. Overexpression of mdm-miR828 inhibited anthocyanin synthesis in apple and Arabidopsis. Dual-luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that MdMYB1 is capable of binding to the promoter of mdm-MIR828b to promote its expression. The results indicate that mdm-miR828 is involved in a feedback regulatory mechanism associated with anthocyanin accumulation in apple. In addition, mdm-miR828 is involved in the inhibition of anthocyanin accumulation in response to high temperature.
Using Employment Data From a Medical University to Examine the Current Occupation Situation of Master's Graduates in Public Health and Preventive Medicine in China
Authors: Li Huangyuan , Zheng Fuli , Zhang Jie , Guo Zhenkun , Yang Hua , Ren Caixia , Zhang Wenchang , Wu Siying
Published: December 2020

Aims: The purposes of this study are (1) to understand the current employment situation of master's graduates in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) and (2) to provide evidence for career guidance and training of competent PHPM personnel.

Methods: The master's graduates of the School of Public Health from the years 2014–2018 who majored in PHPM were chosen as research subjects. Questionnaires were distributed, and completed questionnaires were collected. The employment situation and characteristics of these graduates were analyzed based on the questionnaire data.

Results: The employment rate of these graduates was 95.45%. They were employed mainly in hospitals, followed by colleges and centers for disease control and prevention. The initial salaries were low. Graduates whose jobs barely or not at all matched their areas of specialization were 23.64 or 6.36%, respectively. Nevertheless, the percentage of students who had remained with their jobs since graduation was 82.73%. A total of 40% of the graduates were neutral about or dissatisfied with their jobs. Furthermore, 29% of them claimed that they were undervalued by their employers. Last, but not least, graduates were encouraged to gain experience in creativity, organizational or management skills, social networking experience, and interpersonal and professional skills.

Conclusion: Overall, the employment status of master's graduates in PHPM is good. Problems such as low initial salaries, jobs not matching graduates' areas of specialization, and feelings of being undervalued by employers were observed. It is necessary to improve employment outcomes by revising training models, formulating employment policies, and implementing training efforts.
Establishing Global School Feeding Program Targets: How Many Poor Children Globally Should Be Prioritized, and What Would Be the Cost of Implementation?
Authors: Drake Lesley J. , Lazrak Nail , Fernandes Meena , Chu Kim , Singh Samrat , Ryckembusch David , Nourozi Sara , Bundy Donald A. P. , Burbano Carmen
Published: December 2020

The creation of Human Capital is dependent upon good health and education throughout the first 8,000 days of life, but there is currently under-investment in health and nutrition after the first 1,000 days. Working with governments and partners, the UN World Food Program is leading a global scale up of investment in school health, and has undertaken a strategic analysis to explore the scale and cost of meeting the needs of the most disadvantaged school age children and adolescents in low and middle-income countries globally. Of the 663 million school children enrolled in school, 328 million live where the current coverage of school meals is inadequate (<80%), of these, 251 million live in countries where there are significant nutrition deficits (>20% anemia and stunting), and of these an estimated 73 million children in 60 countries are also living in extreme poverty (<USD 1.97 per day). 62.7 million of these children are in Africa, and more than 66% live in low income countries, with a substantial minority in pockets of poverty in middle-income countries. The estimated overall financial requirement for school feeding is USD 4.7 billion, increasing to USD 5.8 billion annually if other essential school health interventions are included in the package. The DCP3 (Vol 8) school feeding edition and the global coverage numbers were launched in Tunis, 2018 by the WFP Executive Director, David Beasley. These estimates continue to inform the development of WFP's global strategy for school feeding.